WO2025151692A1

WO2025151692A1 - System and method for securing a security tag into an article

Info

Publication number: WO2025151692A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/011033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gilbert Fernandez; Jose Luis Fernandez COUCE; Lauri Johannes Huhtasalo
Original assignee: Sensormatic Electronics LLC
Current assignee: Sensormatic Electronics LLC
Priority date: 2024-01-10
Filing date: 2025-01-10
Publication date: 2025-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-10

Abstract

A method and system for securing a security tag into an article of clothing includes positioning the security tag into an opening to a gap or interface space between two layers of the article of clothing, and sewing together the two layers to contain the security tag in the interface space. Also described herein is a security tag configured for placement into the gap or interface space and affixing between the two layers of the article of clothing.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING A SECURITY TAG INTO AN ARTICEE

FIEED

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/619,671, filed January 10, 2024, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING A SECURITY TAG INTO AN ARTICLE,” the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to security tags, such as an electronic article surveillance tag, which may be attached to or incorporated into an article, such as a textile, garment, or other items. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for securing a security tag into an article, and a security tag for use in such a system and method.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used in retail stores and other settings to prevent the unauthorized removal of goods from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is configured at an exit from the protected area, which comprises one or more transmitters and antennas (“pedestals”) capable of generating an electromagnetic field across the exit, known as the “interrogation zone.” Articles to be protected are tagged with a security tag (such as an RFID and/or an acousto- magnetic (AM) tag), also known as an EAS marker, that, when active, generates a response signal when passed through this interrogation zone. An antenna and receiver in the same or another “pedestal” detects this response signal and generates an alarm.

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

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

[0006] Thus, improvements in security tags and the systems and methods for affixing EAS markers to/in an article are needed.

SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing security tags that are inserted into apparel items.

[0009] In an aspect, a method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing includes positioning the security tag into an opening to a gap or interface space between two layers of the article of clothing, and sewing together the two layers to contain the security tag in the interface space. A related aspect described herein is a security tag configured for placement into the gap or interface space and affixing between the two layers of the article of clothing.

[0010] In another aspect, a method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing includes positioning an end of the security tag into a first opening to an interface space between two layers of the article of clothing, wherein the two layers are fixedly connected by one or more opposing connectors that are spaced apart in a manner to form the gap space sized to receive the security tag; and moving the security tag fully into the gap space.

[0011] In another aspect, a security tag includes an elongated substrate; an antenna formed on the elongated substrate; and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) circuit mounted to the antenna. An end of the security tag is configured to be positioned into a first opening to an interface space between two layers of the article of clothing, wherein the two layers are fixedly connected by one or more opposing connectors that are spaced apart in a manner to form the interface space sized to receive the security tag. [0012] Another aspect relates to an article of clothing, comprising at least two overlapping layers of material, wherein the two layers are fixedly connected by one or more opposing connectors that are spaced apart in a manner to form the gap space sized to receive the security tag, and a security tag having an end configured to be positioned into a first opening to the gap space between the two layers.

[0013] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an architecture for an example of a system according to some present aspects;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an architecture for an example of a security tag according to some present aspects;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an architecture for an example of a tag reader according to some present aspects;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an architecture of an example tag according to some present aspects;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view of an architecture of another example of a tag according to some present aspects.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of the article surveillance tag of FIG. 5 with the top layer of the fabric material removed to provide a view of an RFID chip coupled with an induction loop, which is coupled with an antenna integrated within the bottom layer of the fabric material, according to some present aspects.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the article surveillance tag along line 7- 7 of Figure 5, according to some present aspects. [0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the article surveillance tag along line 8- 8 of Figure 5, according to some present aspects.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of a portion of a sewing machine including an example of a presser foot of the sewing machine in conjunction with a presser foot attachment according to some present aspects.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a front right perspective view of the example of the presser foot and presser foot attachment of FIG. 9.

[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the presser foot and presser foot attachment of FIG. 9 according to some present aspects.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an action in the operation of the sewing machine of FIG. 9 attaching a tag to an article, such as a garment.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further action in the operation of the sewing machine of FIG. 9 attaching the tag to the article.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a further action in the operation of the sewing machine of FIG. 9 attaching the tag to the article.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further action in the operation of the sewing machine of FIG. 9 attaching the tag to the article.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further action in the operation of the sewing machine of FIG. 9 attaching the tag to the article.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a front view of a portion of the article including the tag that is output from the sewing machine based on the method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing using a tool according to some present aspects.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along line 18-18 of FIG. 17 of the tag positioned between adjacent layers of the article of FIGS. 9 and 16.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an example of a manufacturing process for making a fabric integrated tag according to some present aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a security tag, such as a passive RFID tag, which is designed to be physically capable of withstanding a variety of the tensile and abrasive forces which occur while positioning the security tag into a sewn item. The security tag, which optionally may be flexible and, optionally, water-resistant, is configured to be incorporated into an interface between different layers of an item, such as a garment or article of clothing formed from a fabric. Moreover, the security tag can be discreetly disposed within the item so as to be concealed from view. In some aspects, the security tag is designed to be attached and/or affixed to an item via a sewing machine with a separation presser foot. The presser foot, as described below, is configured to separate two portions of the item to be sewn, allowing for placement and concealment of the RFID tag between the two portions during the sewing process.

[0036] Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is provided a block diagram of an example system 100 that is useful for understanding the present solution. The present solution is described herein in relation to a retail store environment. The present solution is not limited in this regard and can be used in other environments. For example, the present solution can be used in distribution centers, factories and other commercial environments. Notably, the present solution can be employed in any environment in which objects and/or items need to be located and/or tracked.

[0038] The system 100 is generally configured to allow (a) improved inventory counts and surveillance of objects and/or items located within a facility, and (b) improved customer experiences. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 comprises a Retail Store Facility (“RSF”) 128 in which display equipment 102i-102Mis disposed. The display equipment is provided for displaying objects (or items) 110I-110N, 116i-116xto customers of the retail store. The display equipment can include, but is not limited to, shelves, article display cabinets, promotional displays, fixtures, and/or equipment securing areas of the RSF 128. The RSF 128 can also include emergency equipment (not shown), checkout counters, video cameras, people counters, and conventional EAS systems well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. [0039] At least one tag reader 120 is provided to assist in counting and tracking locations of the objects 110I-110N, 116I-116X within the RSF 128. The tag reader 120 comprises an RFID reader configured to read RFID tags.

[0040] RFID tags 1121-112N, 118i-118x are respectively inserted into the objects HOi- 110N, 116I-116X as described below. This insertion is achieved via an insertion tool, and/or special cuts or notches designed into the garment to improve the ease of inserting, and/or a structural configuration of the RFID tag to enable the insertion. The RFID tags 112i- 112N, 118i- 118x can alternatively or additionally comprise dualtechnology tags that have both EAS and RFID capabilities as described herein. In examples of the technology disclosed herein, the elements of an RFID tag are inserted into an article, for example into an interface between layers of the fabric/cloth of the article, which may be clothing or which may be another retail item, such as a handbag, a backpack, and the like.

[0041] Notably, the tag reader 120 is strategically placed at a known location within the RSF 128, for example, at an exit/entrance. By correlating the tag reader's RFID tag reads and the tag reader's known location within the RSF 128, it is possible to determine the general location of objects 1101, . . ., 11 ON, 116i, . . ., 116x within the RSF 128. The tag reader's known coverage area also facilitates object location determinations. Accordingly, RFID tag read information and tag reader location information is stored in a datastore 126. This information can be stored in the datastore 126 using a server 124 and network 144 (e.g., an Intranet and/or Internet).

[0042] System 100 also comprises a Mobile Communication Device (“MCD”) 130. MCD 130 includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a smart phone, atable computer, a personal digital assistant, and/or a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch). In accordance with some examples, the MCD 130 has a software application installed thereon that is operative to: facilitate the provision of various information 134-142 to the individual 152 and/or to facilitate a purchase transaction.

[0043] The MCD 130 is generally configured to provide a visual and/or auditory output of item level information 134, accessory information 136, related product information 138, discount information 140, and/or customer related information 142.

[0044] The MCD 130 can also be configured to read barcodes and/or RFID tags. Information obtained from the barcode and/or RFID tag reads may be communicated from the MCD 130 to the server 124 via network 144. Similarly, the stored information 134- 142 is provided from the server 124 to the MCD 130 via network 144. The network 144 includes an Intranet and/or the Internet.

[0045] Server 124 can be local to the facility 128 as shown in FIG. 1 or remote from the facility 128. It should be understood that server 124 is configured to: write data to and read data from datastore 126, RFID tags 1121-112N, 118i-l 18x, and/or MCD 130; perform language and currency conversion operations using item level information 134 and/or accessory information 136 obtained from the datastore 126, RFID tagsl 12i-l 12N, 118I-118X, and/or MCD 130 perform data analytics based on inventory information 134, tag read information, MCD tacking information, and/or information 134-142; perform image processing using images captured by camera(s) 148; and/or determine locations of RFID tags 112i- 112N, 118i- 118x and/or MCDs 130 in the RSF 128 using beacon(s) 146, tag reader 120 or other devices having known locations and/or antenna patterns.

[0046] In some examples, one or more beacons 146 transmitting an RF signal (e.g., a second RF signal that is non-RFID) other than the RFID interrogation signal are placed to cover a zone of interest also covered by a tag reader 120 placed to cover an RFID interrogation zone, e.g., at a portal of the retail facility 128. The system 100 can detect and derive any number of relevant indicators based on second RF signal. The tag 112/118 response to the second RF signal is analyzed and compared to data collected by the RFID signal response that occurred concurrently with the tag's passage through the portal.

[0047] The server 124 facilitates, updates the information 134-142 output from the MCD 130. Such information updating can be performed periodically, in response to instructions received from an associate (e.g., a retail store employee 132), in response to a detected change in the item level 134, accessory 136 and/or related product information 138, in response to a detection that an individual is in proximity to an RFID tag, and/or in response to any motion or movement of the RFID tag. For example, if a certain product is placed on sale, then the sale price for that product is transmitted to MCD 130 via network 144 and/or RFID tag 112/118. The sale price is then output from the MCD 130. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

[0048] Although a single MCD 130 and/or a single server 124 is (are) shown in FIG. 1, the present solution is not limited in this regard. It is contemplated that more than one computing device can be implemented. In addition, the present solution is not limited to the illustrative system architecture described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0049] During operation of system 100, the content displayed on the display screen of the MCD 130 is dynamically controlled based upon various tag or item related information and/or customer related information (e.g., mobile device identifier, mobile device location in RSF 128, and/or customer loyalty level). Tag or item level information 134 includes, but is not limited to, first information indicating that an RFID tag 112/118 is in motion or that an object is being handled by an individual 152, second information indicating a current location of the RFID tag 112/118 and/or the MCD 130, third information indicating an accessory or related product of the object to which the moving RFID tag is coupled, and/or fourth information indicating the relative locations of the accessory and the moving RFID tag 112/118 and/or the relative locations of the related product and the moving RFID tag 112/118. The first, second and fourth information can be derived based on sensor data generated by sensors local to the RFID tag. Accordingly, the RFID tags 1121-112N, 118I- 118x include one or more sensors to detect their current locations, detect any individual in proximity thereto, and/or detect any motion or movement thereof. The sensors include, but are not limited to, an Inertial Measurement Unit (“IMU”), a vibration sensor, a light sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a microphone, and/or a beacon communication device. The third information can be stored local to the RFID tag(s) or in a remote datastore 126 as information 136, 138.

[0050] In some scenarios, the MCD 130 facilitates the server's 124 (a) detection of when the individual 152 enters the RSF 128, (b) tracking of the individual's movement through the RSF 128, (c) detection of when the individual 152 is in proximity to an object to which an RFID tag 112/118 is coupled, (d) determination that an RFID tag 112/118 is being handled or moved by the individual 152 based on a time stamped pattern of MCD 130 movement and a timestamped pattern of RFID tag 112/118 movement, and/or (e) determination of an association of moving RFID tags 112/118 and the individual 152.

[0051] When a detection is made that an RFID tag 112/118 is being moved, the server 124 can, in some scenarios, obtain customer related information (such as a loyalty level) 142 associated with the individual 152. This information can be obtained from the individual's MCD 130 and/or the datastore 126. The customer related information 142 is then used to retrieve discount information 140 for the object to which the RFID tag 112/118 is coupled. The retrieved discount information is then communicated from the server 124 to the individual's MCD 130. The individual's MCD 130 can output the discount information in a visual format and/or an auditory format. Other information may also be communicated from the server 124 to the individual's MCD 130. The other information includes, but is not limited to, item level information 134, accessory information 136, and/or related product information 138.

[0052] In those or other scenarios, a sensor embedded in the RFID tag 112/118 detects when an individual 152 is handling the object in which the RFID tag 112/118 is inserted. When such a detection is made, the RFID tag 112/118 retrieves the object's unique identifier from its local memory, and wirelessly communicates the same to the tag reader 120. The tag reader 120 then passes the information to the server 124. The server 124 uses the object's unique identifier and the item/accessory relationship information (e.g., table) 136 to determine if there are any accessories associated therewith. If no accessories exist for the object, the server 124 uses the item level information 134 to determine one or more characteristics of the object. For example, the object includes a product of a specific brand. The server 124 then uses the item/related product information (e.g., table) 138 to identify: other products of the same type with the same characteristics; and/or other products that are typically used in conjunction with the object. Related product information for the identified related products is then retrieved and provided to the MCD 130. The MCD 130 can output the related product information in a visual format and/or an auditory format. The individual 152 can perform user-software interactions with the MCD 130 to obtain further information related to the product of interest. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this scenario.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a security tag 200. RFID tags 1121-112N, 118i-118x are the same as or similar to security tag 200. As such, the discussion of security tag 200 is sufficient for understanding the RFID tags 112I-112N, 118i-118xof FIG. 1. In some implementations, security tag 200 may be configured to perform operations such as but not limited to (a) minimize power usage so as to extend a power source's life (e.g., a battery or a capacitor), (b) minimize collisions with other tags so that the tag of interest can be seen at given times, (c) optimize useful information within an inventory system (e.g., communicate useful change information to a tag reader), and/or (d) optimize local feature functions.

[0054] The security tag 200 can include more or less components than that shown in FIG. 2. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative aspect implementing the present solution. Some or all of the components of the security tag 200 can be implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuit(s) may comprise passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and/or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein.

[0055] The hardware architecture of FIG. 2 is representative of a security tag 200 configured to facilitate improved inventory management/surveillance and customer experience. In this regard, the security tag 200 is configured for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., tag reader 120 of FIG. 1, a beacon 146 of FIG. 1, a Mobile Communication Device (“MCD”) 130 of FIG. 1, and/or server 124 of FIG. 1) via wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology can include, but is not limited to, a RFID technology, a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology, and/or a Short Range Communication (“SRC”) technology. For example, one or more of the following wireless communication technologies (is) are employed: Radio Frequency (“RF”) communication technology; Bluetooth technology (including Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)); WiFi technology; beacon technology; and/or LiFi technology. Each of the listed wireless communication technologies is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Any known or to be known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology can be used herein without limitation.

[0056] The components 206-214 shown in FIG. 2 may be collectively referred to herein as a communication enabled device 204 and include a memory 208 and aclock/timer 214. Memory 208 may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 208 can include, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (“RAM”), Dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), Static RAM (“SRAM”), Read Only Memory (“ROM”), and flash memory. The memory 208 may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory.

[0057] In some scenarios, the communication enabled device 204 comprises a Software Defined Radio (“SDR”). SDRs are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. However, it should be noted that the SDR can be programmatically assigned any communication protocol that is chosen by a user (e.g., RFID, WiFi, LiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, Nest, ZWave, Zigbee, etc.). The communication protocols are part of the device's firmware and reside in memory 208. Notably, the communication protocols can be downloaded to the device at any given time. The initial/default role (being an RFID, WiFi, LiFi, etc. tag) can be assigned at the deployment thereof. If the user desires to use another protocol later, the user can remotely change the communication protocol of the deployed security tag 200. The update of the firmware, in case of issues, can also be performed remotely.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication enabled device 204 comprises at least one antenna 202, 216 for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via a wireless communication technology (e.g., an RFID technology, an NFC technology, a SRC technology, and/or a beacon technology). The antenna 202, 216 is configured to receive signals from the external device and/or transmit signals generated by the communication enabled device 204. The antenna 202, 216 can comprise a near-field or far-field antenna. The antennas include, but are not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna.

[0059] The communication enabled device 204 also comprises a communication device (e.g., a transceiver or transmitter) 206. Communication devices (e.g., transceivers or transmitters) are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the communication device 206 generates and transmits signals (e.g., RF carrier signals) to external devices, as well as receives signals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices. In this way, the communication enabled device 204 facilitates the registration, identification, location and/or tracking of an item (e.g., object 110 or 116 of FIG. 1) in which the security tag 200 is inserted.

[0060] The communication enabled device 204 is configured so that it: communicates (transmits and receives) in accordance with a time slot communication scheme; and selectively enables/disables/bypasses the communication device (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communications operation based on output of a motion sensor 250. In some scenarios, the communication enabled device 204 selects: one or more time slots from a plurality of time slots based on the tag's unique identifier 224 (e.g., an Electronic Product Code (“EPC”)); and/or determines a Window Of Time (“WOT”) during which the communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 is to be turned on or at least one communications operation is be enabled subsequent to when motion is detected by the motion sensor 250. The WOT can be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, time of day, relative distance to a location device (e.g., beacon or location tag), etc.) and/or system conditions (e.g., amount of traffic, interference occurrences, etc.). In this regard, the security tag 200 can include additional sensors not shown in FIG. 2.

[0061] The communication enabled device 204 also facilitates the automatic and dynamic modification of item level information 226 that is being or is to be output from the security tag 200 in response to certain trigger events. The trigger events can include, but are not limited to, the tag's arrival at a particular facility (e.g., RSF 128 of FIG. 1), the tag's arrival in a particular country or geographic region, a date occurrence, a time occurrence, a price change, and/or the reception of user instructions.

[0062] Item level information 226 and a unique identifier (“ID”) 224 for the security tag 200 can be stored in memory 208 of the communication enabled device 204 and/or communicated to other external devices (e.g., tag reader 120 of FIG. 1, beacon 146 of FIG. 1, MCD 130 of FIG. 1, and/or server 124 of FIG. 1) via communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 and/or interface 240 (e.g., an Internet Protocol or cellular network interface). For example, the communication enabled device 204 can communicate information specifying a timestamp, a unique identifier for an item, item description, item price, a currency symbol and/or location information to an external device. The external device (e.g., server 124 or MCD 130) can then store the information in a database (e.g., datastore 126 of FIG. 1) and/or use the information for various purposes.

[0063] The communication enabled device 204 also comprises a controller 210 (e.g., a CPU) and input/output devices 212. The controller 210 can execute instructions 222 implementing methods for facilitating inventory counts and management. In this regard, the controller 210 includes a processor (or logic circuitry that responds to instructions) and the memory 208 includes a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one ormore sets of instructions 222 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions 222 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the controller 210 during execution thereof by the security tag 200. The memory 208 and the controller 210 also can constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine -readable media,” as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions 222. The term “machine- readable media,” as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions 222 for execution by the security tag 200 and that cause the security tag 200 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

[0064] The input/output devices can include, but are not limited to, a display (e.g., an LCD display and/or an active matrix display), a speaker, a keypad, and/or light emitting diodes. The display is used to present item level information 226 in a textual format and/or graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output item level information 226 in an auditory format. The speaker and/or light emitting diodes may be used to output alerts for drawing a person's attention to the security tag 200 (e.g., when motion thereof has been detected) and/or for notifying the person of a particular pricing status (e.g., on sale status) of the item in which the tag is inserted.

[0065] The clock/timer 214 is configured to determine a date, a time, and/or an expiration of a predefined period of time. Techniques for determining these listed items are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known technique for determining these listed items can be used herein without limitation.

[0066] The security tag 200 also comprises an optional location module 230. The location module 230 is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the tag at any given time. For example, in some scenarios, the location module 230 employs Global Positioning System (“GPS”) technology and/or Internet based local time acquisition technology. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. Any known or to be known technique for determining a geographic location can be used herein without limitation including relative positioning within a facility or structure.

[0067] The security tag 200 can also include a power source 236, an optional Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) component 244, and/or a passive/active/semi-passive RFID component 246. Each of the listed components 236, 244, 246 is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known battery, EAS component and/or RFID component can be used herein without limitation. The power source 236 can include, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery and/or a capacitor. [0068] As described herein, in some aspects, the EAS component 244 disposed in the security tag 200 may be any type of article surveillance mechanism, or combinations thereof. For example, in an aspect, the EAS component 244 may be an EAS sensor and/or an RFID sensor. In some further aspects, the EAS component 244 may include more than one sensor of the same type or of different types. For example, in one nonlimiting aspect, the security tag 200 may have dual technology functionality (both RFID and EAS).

[0069] In an aspect, the EAS sensor may be a sensor of the type used in Acousto Magnetic (AM) systems. In one non-limiting aspect, for example, the detectors in an AM system emit periodic bursts at 58 KHz, which causes a detectable resonant response in an AM tag. A security tag in a 58 KHz system may also be implemented as an electric circuit resonant at 58 kHz. In an aspect, the EAS sensor to be incorporated into the security tag 200 may have a small and substantially flat form factor, and may have a degree of flexibility.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, the security tag 200 further comprises an energy harvesting circuit 232 and a power management circuit 234 for ensuring continuous operation of the security tag 200 without the need to change the rechargeable power source (e.g., a battery). In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit 232 is configured to harvest energy from one or more sources (e.g., heat, light, vibration, magnetic field, and/or RF energy) and to generate a relatively low amount of output power from the harvested energy. By employing multiple sources for harvesting, the device can continue to charge despite the depletion of a source of energy. Energy harvesting circuits are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known energy harvesting circuit can be used herein without limitation.

[0071] As noted above, the security tag 200 may also include a motion sensor 250. Motion sensors are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known motion sensor can be used herein without limitation. For example, the motion sensor 250 includes, but is not limited to, a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a linear motion sensor, a Passive Infrared (“PIR”) sensor, a tilt sensor, and/or a rotation sensor.

[0072] The motion sensor 250 is communicatively coupled to the controller 210 such that it can notify the controller 210 when tag motion is detected. The motion sensor 250 also communicates sensor data to the controller 210. The sensor data is processed by the controller 210 to determine whether or not the motion is of a type for triggering enablement of the communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 or at least one communications operation. For example, the sensor data can be compared to stored motion/gesture data 228 to determine if a match exists therebetween. More specifically, a motion/gesture pattern specified by the sensor data can be compared to a plurality of motion/gesture patterns specified by the stored motion/gesture data 228. The plurality of motion/gesture patterns can include, but are not limited to, a motion pattern for walking, a motion pattern for running, a motion pattern for vehicle transport, a motion pattern for vibration caused by equipment or machinery in proximity to the tag (e.g., an air conditioner or fan), a gesture for requesting assistance, a gesture for obtaining additional product information, and/or a gesture for product purchase. The type of movement (e.g., vibration or being carried) is then determined based on which stored motion/gesture data matches the sensor data. This feature of the present solution allows the security tag 200 to selectively enable the communication device 206 (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communications operation only when the tag's location within a facility is actually being changed (e.g., and not when a fan is causing the tag to simply vibrate).

[0073] In some scenarios, the security tag 200 can be also configured to enter a sleep state in which at least the motion sensor triggering of communication operations is disabled. This is desirable, for example, in scenarios when the security tag 200 is being shipped or transported from a distributor to a customer. In those or other scenarios, the security tag 200 can be further configured to enter the sleep state in response to its continuous detection of motion for a given period of time. The tag can be transitioned from its sleep state in response to expiration of a defined time period, the tag's reception of a control signal from an external device, and/or the tag's detection of no motion for a period of time.

[0074] The power management circuit 234 is generally configured to control the supply of power to components of the security tag 200. In the event all of the storage and harvesting resources deplete to a point where the security tag 200 is about to enter a shutdown/brownout state, the power management circuit 234 can cause an alert to be sent from the security tag 200 to a remote device (e.g., tag reader 120 or server 124 of FIG. 1). In response to the alert, the remote device can inform an associate (e.g., a store employee 132 of FIG. 1) so that (s) he can investigate why the security tag 200 is not recharging and/or holding charge. [0075] The power management circuit 234 is also capable of redirecting an energy source to the security tag's 200 electronics based on the energy source's status. For example, if harvested energy is sufficient to run the security tag's 200 function, the power management circuit 234 confirms that all of the security tag's 200 storage sources are fully charged such that the security tag's 200 electronic components can be run directly from the harvested energy. This ensures that the security tag 200 always has stored energy in case harvesting source(s) disappear or lesser energy is harvested for reasons such as drop in RF, light or vibration power levels. If a sudden drop in any of the energy sources is detected, the power management circuit 234 can cause an alert condition to be sent from the security tag 200 to the remote device (e.g., tag reader 120 or server 124 of FIG. 1). At this point, an investigation may be required as to what caused this alarm. Accordingly, the remote device can inform the associate (e.g., a store employee 132 of FIG. 1) so that he/she can investigate the issue. It may be that other merchandise are obscuring the harvesting source or the item is being stolen.

[0076] The present solution is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. The security tag 200 can have any architecture provided that it can perform the functions and operations described herein. For example, all of the components shown in FIG. 2 can comprise a single device (e.g., an Integrated Circuit (“IC”)). Alternatively, some of the components can comprise a first tag element (e.g., a Commercial Off The Shelf (“COTS”) tag) while the remaining components comprise a second tag element communicatively coupled to the first tag element. The second tag element can provide auxiliary functions (e.g., motion sensing, etc.) to the first tag element. The second tag element may also control operational states of the first tag element. For example, the second tag element can selectively (a) enable and disable one or more features/operations of the first tag element (e.g., transceiver operations), (b) couple or decouple an antenna to and from the first tag element, (c) bypass at least one communications device or operation, and/or (d) cause an operational state of the first tag element to be changed (e.g., cause transitioning the first tag element between a power save mode and non-power save mode). In some scenarios, the operational state change can be achieved by changing the binary value of at least one state bit (e.g., from 0 to 1, or vice versa) for causing certain communication control operations to be performed by the security tag 200. Additionally or alternatively, a switch can be actuated for creating a closed or open circuit. The present solution is not limited in this regard.

[0077] In some examples, security tag 200 includes an RFID subsystem, such as communication-enabled device 204 described above, operative to receive an RFID interrogation signal and respond with an RFID response. Such security tags 200 include a non-RFID RF subsystem, also incorporated into communication enabled device 204, operative to receive a non-RFID RF signal and respond by wirelessly indicating that the non-RFID subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal. In some such examples, the non-RFID subsystem responds that the non-RFID RF subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal by one of: allowing the RFID subsystem to respond to the RFID interrogation signal with an RFID response only upon the non- RFID RF subsystem having received a non-RFID RF signal concurrently; supplementing the RFID response with at least one information element indicating that the non-RFID RF subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal; and separately transmitting a non-RFID response. In some such examples, the non-RFID RF subsystem is a personal area network (PAN) signal. In some such examples, the PAN is a Bluetooth PAN.

[0078] The hardware architecture of FIG. 3 represents an illustration of a representative tag reader 300 configured to facilitate improved inventory counts and management within an RSF (e.g., RSF 128 of FIG. 1). In this regard, the tag reader 300 comprises an RF enabled device 350 for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., RFID tags 1121-112N, 118i-118x of FIG. 1) via RF technology. The components 304-316 shown in FIG. 3 may be collectively referred to herein as the RF enabled device 350, and may include a power source 312 (e.g., a battery) or be connected to an external power source (e.g., an AC mains).

[0079] The RF enabled device 350 comprises an antenna 302 for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via RF technology (e.g., RFID technology or other RF based technology). The external device may comprise RFID tags 112i- 112N, 11 Sil l 8x of FIG. 1. In this case, the antenna 302 is configured to transmit RF carrier signals (e.g., interrogation signals) to the listed external devices, and/or transmit data response signals (e.g., authentication reply signals or an RFID response signal) generated by the RF enabled device 350. In this regard, the RF enabled device 350 comprises an RF transceiver 308. In an aspect, the RF transceiver 308 receives RF signals including information from the transmitting device, and forwards the same to a logic controller 310 for extracting the information therefrom.

[0080] The extracted information can be used to determine the presence, location, and/or type of movement of an RFID tag within a facility (e.g., RSF 128 of FIG. 1). Accordingly, the logic controller 310 can store the extracted information in memory 304, and execute algorithms using the extracted information. For example, the logic controller 310 can correlate tag reads with beacon reads to determine the location of the RFID tags within the facility. The logic controller 310 can also perform pattern recognition operations using sensor data received from RFID tags and comparison operations between recognized patterns and pre-stored patterns. The logic controller 310 can further select a time slot from a plurality of time slots based on a tag's unique identifier (e.g., an EPC), and communicate information specifying the selected time slot to the respective RFID tag. The logic controller 310 may additionally determine a WOT during which a given RFID tag's communication device (e.g., transceiver) or operation(s) is (are) to be turned on when motion is detected thereby, and communicate the same to the given RFID tag. The WOT can be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day, etc.) and/or system conditions (e.g., amount of traffic, interference occurrences, etc.). Other operations performed by the logic controller 310 will be apparent from the following discussion.

[0081] Notably, memory 304 may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 304 can include, but is not limited to, a RAM, a DRAM, an SRAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The memory 304 may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory. The phrase “unsecure memory,” as used herein, refers to memory configured to store data in a plain text form. The phrase “secure memory,” as used herein, refers to memory configured to store data in an encrypted form and/or memory having or being disposed in a secure or tamper-proof enclosure. [0082] Instructions 322 are stored in memory for execution by the RF enabled device 350 and that cause the RF enabled device 350 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The instructions 322 are generally operative to facilitate determinations as to whether or not RFID tags are present within a facility, where the RFID tags are located within a facility, which RFID tags are in motion at any given time, and which RFID tags are also in zone of a second RF signal (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon or NFC or other SRC system). [0083] Referring now to FIG. 4, an illustrative architecture for a security tag 400 includes a configuration that enables insertion of the security tag 400 between layers of an article. Security tag 400 may be the same as or similar to tag 112i, . . . , 112N, 118i, . . . , 118xof FIG. 1 or security tag 200 of FIG. 2. As such, the discussion provided above in relation to tags 112, 118, 200 is sufficient for understanding the operations of security tag 400. Notably, the security tag 400 is designed to be relatively thin so that it is hard to feel when inserted into an item (e.g., item 1101, . . . , 11 ON, 116i, . . . , or 116x of FIG. 1), butthick enough to withstand a certain number (e.g., 2-5) of wash cycles. The item can include, but is not limited to, an article of clothing.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, security tag 400 comprises a substrate 402 on which electronic components 404 are mounted, attached or disposed. The electronic components 404 can be the same as or similar to electronic components of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the electronic components 404 can include antenna(s), a communication enabled device, and/or an EAS component.

[0085] In an example, the substrate 402 is a relatively thin, narrow, light-weight, recyclable and/or machine -washable substrate. In one aspect, the substrate 402 may be an elongated substrate 402. The substrate 402 can include, but is not limited to, any type of flexible material as described above, such as but not limited to a fabric, a silk, a cloth, a plastic, and/or a paper. In some aspects, the substrate 402 may comprise a polyester (e.g., PET) substrate. A thickness 408 of the substrate 402 is selected so that the substrate 402 has a physical strength that allows a threshold amount of tension to be maintained on the security tag 400 while inserting the tag into the item. For example, but not limited hereto, thickness 408 can have a value between 0.0004 inches and 0.008 inches. Further, for example but not limited hereto, a width of the substrate 402 can be between 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches, which is small enough so that the tag is not felt by humans when inserted into an item. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

[0086] In the present aspects, the security tag 400 may be flexible, bendable, stretchable, or otherwise configured and/or constructed to sustain deformations. Also, the flexibility of the security tag 400 allows for the security tag 400 to be constructed and arranged so that the aforementioned deformations do not negatively affect the functionality and operation of the electronic components 404 disposed within the security tag 400. In some aspects, the security tag 400 may be manufactured to satisfy standards of environmental sustainability. For example, in some aspects, a natural-fiber fabric may be used as the substrate layer 402 (or as a portion of the substrate layer 402) so that the security tag 400 incorporates less plastic material than conventional security tags. For example, the security tag 400 may be manufactured using natural -fiber fabric substrates that are sustainable in nature, particularly if the fabric is nonpolyester. In some alternative aspects, the flexible fabric substrate may be made of a textile manufactured from recycled plastics, thus allowing the security tag 400 to be manufactured to satisfy sustainability requirements.

[0087] In some scenarios, the substrate 402 and electronic components 404 are coated with a layer of a flexible, fluid resistive material 406 for protecting the same from damage due to fluid exposure. The fluid resistive material 406 can be a plastic material. The plastic material may include, but is not limited to, a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material, a Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, copolyamide, and/or copolyester. Generally, the fluid resistive material 406 may be any waterproof material to protect the electronic components (e.g., by sealing the electronic components hermetically), which can be laminated in industrial processes (such as heat lamination, adhesive lamination or extrusion lamination) and that is safe and acceptable in textile industry (for example Oeko-tex 100 certified materials). In addition, the selected fluid resistive material 406 should be able to withstand exposure to washing, bleaching and softening chemicals.

[0088] The fluid resistive material 406 can be applied to either or both sides of the substrate. The fluid resistive material 406 may be colored to match the color of the item (e.g., item HOi, . . ., 110N, 116I, . . ., or 116x of FIG. 1) in which the security tag 400 is inserted. The fluid resistive material 406 can be altered in appearance via a heat source. The appearance may be altered by changing from one color and/or pattern to another one of a variety of colors and/or patterns. For example, but not limited hereto, the fluid resistive material 406 can be altered from a clear color to a purple and yellow polka dots.

[0089] Still referring to FIG. 4, in yet another alternative aspect, the substrate layer 402 may be made of fabric, or any other type of flexible, sewable material, and the substrate layer 402 may have a thin film of a plastic material, such as but not limited to a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) 406, applied to at least one side such that the TPU film 406 provides a substrate for the application of the EAS and/or RFID sensor. After the electronic components 404 are applied to the TPU film 406, another layer of TPU may be applied to provide the coating layer 406 and thereby encapsulate the sensor between two TPU layers.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustrative architecture for another security tag 500 includes a configuration that enables insertion of the security tag 500 between layers of an article. Security tag 500 may be the same as or similar to tag 112i, . . . , 112N, 118I, . . . , 118X of FIG. 1 or security tag 200 of FIG. 2. As such, the discussion provided above in relation to tags 112, 118, 200 is sufficient for understanding the operations of security tag 500.

[0091] The RFID article surveillance tag 500 includes: a fabric material, an antenna formed from an electrically-conductive thread woven or sewn into the fabric material and coupled to an induction loop, and a radio frequency identification device (RFID) circuit, or microchip or chip, affixed to the induction loop. In an aspect, the fabric material includes a single fabric layer folded over and affixed at the edges to encapsulate the RFID chip and induction loop between the top and bottom layer of the fabric material. The fabric-based RFID article surveillance tag with the sewn-in antenna thereby forms a robust tag suitable for being attached to flexible articles of merchandise, such as apparel or garments. The RFID article surveillance tag is more flexible and softer or less rigid than prior solutions, thereby being less noticeable to a consumer wearing the article to which the tag is attached.

[0092] Referring specifically to FIGs. 5-8, in one example implementation that should not be construed as limiting, the electronic article surveillance tag 500 includes a fabric material 502 onto which an antenna 504, which is formed from an electrically conductive thread 506, is affixed. The antenna 504 couples with an induction loop 508 and to which an RFID chip 510 is attached. Thus, the described configuration results in a relatively flexible electronic article surveillance tag 500, as compared to prior solutions where the tag components include structures more rigid than the fabric material 502.

[0093] The fabric material 502 includes a top layer 526 and a bottom layer 528, and the electrically conductive thread 506 of the antenna 504 may be affixed to either the top layer 526 or the bottom layer 528 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6). The induction loop 508, including the RFID chip 510, may then be affixed to the electrically conductive thread 506 and/or the fabric material 502 on the respective layer 526 or 528. In some aspects, the top layer 526 and the bottom layer 528 of the fabric material 502 may be separate layers formed from separate sheets of material, affixed together at each edge 532. In other aspects, the top layer 526 and the bottom layer 528 of the fabric material 502 may be separate layers formed from a single sheet of material, affixed together at three edges 532 (as illustrated in the figures), such that one of edges 532 is a folded edge 530 (see FIGs. 5, 7, and 8). For example, the top layer 526 of the fabric material 502 may be folded over the bottom layer 528 of the fabric material 502 to define a flexible, outer casing of the electronic article surveillance tag 500. The secured (or non-folded) edges 532 of the top layer 526 and the bottom layer 528 of the fabric material 502 respectively may be secured or affixed to one another through the use of ultrasonic welding or other attachment mechanisms such as adhesive or sewing. Further, the fabric material 502 may be any type of natural or man-made/synthetic fabric. Suitable examples of fabric material 502 include, but are not limited to, any one or any combination of cotton, wool, silk, linen, hemp, tree or plant pulp, rayon, viscose, polyester, acrylic, elastane, polypropylene, a thermoplastic material, and/or any type of plastic. Additionally, the fabric material 502 may have any type of weave, or may be knitted, or may be a nonwoven material (made by any manufacture process, such as but not limited to a spunbound material, or a web formed/bound process).

[0094] The antenna 504 at least partially defined by the electrically conductive thread 506 woven or sewn into the fabric material 502 may have one or more patterns based on one or more operational characteristics of the antenna 504. For example, the pattern may be configured to provide the antenna with signal transmission or signal reception capabilities, as well as the ability to inductively couple with the induction loop 508. Additionally, the antenna 504 may extend across the longitudinal length of the tag 500.

[0095] In one example that should not be construed as limiting, referring specifically to FIG. 6, the antenna 504 includes a central portion 516 and opposing distal portions 512, 514 extending from each end of the central portion 516. In an aspect, the central portion 516 may be relatively straight, while the opposing distal portions 512, 514 are each defined by a plurality of arcuate shapes in a wave or sinusoidal pattern. In an example implementation, which should not be construed as limiting, the antenna 504 has a width of less than 4mm and a length of greater than 50 mm. The specified dimensions allow for high signal strength of the antenna 504 and further allow the article surveillance tag 500 to be easily hidden when affixed to the article of merchandise. It should be understood that the length and width of the antenna 504 may be variable to fit a multitude of applications where the transmission and/or reception characteristics may correspond to different, e.g., larger or smaller, dimensions.

[0096] The electrically conductive thread 506 may be a single or mono fdament, or a plurality of filaments or multifilament. The electrically conductive thread 506 may be a solid electrically conductive material, or may have an electrically conductive material core surrounded by a fabric material, or an electrically conductive material outer layer around a fabric material. For instance, the electrically conductive thread 506 may be a metal-coated non-metallic filament or a metal-coated non-metallic multifilament. Suitable examples of an electrically conductive material include, but are not limited to, one or any combination of copper, gold, silver, aluminum, alloys of such metals, graphite, or any other material capable of carrying an electrical signal. Suitable examples of the fabric material may be the same as those mentioned above for the fabric material 502, although the fabric material of electrically conductive thread 506 may be the same as or different from the material of fabric material 502.

[0097] In one example that should not be construed as limiting, in the electrically conductive thread 506 may be a multifilament thread including one or more non-metallic filaments twisted or combined one or more metal -coated non-metallic filaments. In this example, the multifilament thread includes an electrically conductive wire component/filament 518 and one or more coated components/filaments 520, each defined by a non-metal or fabric filament 522 having an electrically conductive material coating 524. The multifilament thread of this configuration allows for increased conductivity as the conductivity of the electrically conductive wire component/filament 518 combines with the conductivity provided by the extra surface area of the coated component/filament 520. The multifilament thread of this configuration also has better resistance to failure, e.g., from bending or flexing, as the multifilament thread can continue to function even in the event that the metal wire component/filament 518 fractures or otherwise breaks, as the signal can be conducted by the coated component/filament 520. Similarly, but conversely, if the antenna 504 is exposed to excessive amounts of heat that damages the relatively thinner electrically conductive layer of the coated component/filament 520, then the relatively thicker electrically conductive wire component/filament 518 can continue to function. For instance, these features enable one of more edges 532 of the fabric material 502 to be ultrasonically welded. [0098] The induction loop 508 has a loop shape that extends longitudinally, along a longitudinal length of the tag 500, with two spaced apart ends that define a gap 509 in the loop shape. The gap 509 may be formed at either end (as illustrated in FIG. 6), or in a middle of a longitudinal side of the induction loop, e.g., the side away from overlapping with the antenna 504. In some implementations, it may be more efficient to manufacture and design the tag 500 with the RFID chip 510, and hence the gap 509, in the middle of the long side of the induction loop 508, such as on the side opposite from where the long edge of the tag 500 is affixed together, e.g., to avoid potential damage to the RFID chip 510. In other implementations, the tag 500 may have more sensitivity with the RFID chip 510, and hence the gap 509, in the middle or a comer end of the short side or end of the induction loop 508, which can enable shorter antenna and sensor lengths, e.g., where the sensor is defined at the combination of the antenna 504, induction loop 508, and RFID chip 510. The induction loop 508 is formed of an electrically conductive material (such as one of those materials mentioned above) and is configured to inductively couple with the antenna 504. For instance, one longitudinal side of the induction loop 508 may overlap with and be affixed adjacent to the central portion 516 of the of the antenna 504. The induction loop 508 is positioned as determined by performance of the tag 500, with the location of the electrically conductive thread 506 being positioned at the edge of the induction loop 508 or between the induction loop 508 being preferred positions for better performance. The induction loop 508 may further be affixed to the fabric material 502 through an attachment mechanism such as but not limited to a first substrate layer 511, which may be a similar size as the induction loop 508, or second substrate layer 513, which may be a similar size as the tag 500. The first or second substrate layer 511 or 513 can include an adhesive layer, and/or can be formed of a material that can be affixed to, such as via sewing ultrasonic welding, to the fabric material 502. The induction loop 508 will form a magnetic field with the antenna of the corresponding tag reader, creating an electrical charge in the tag 500 which enables the RFID chip 510 to transmit a signal via the antenna 504, and the signal can be read by the tag reader. The induction loop 508 may be variable in size to accommodate a variety of applications, and, in a case where a width of the tag 500 is 4mm or less may similarly have a maximum width of 4mm.

[0099] The RFID chip 510 includes any type of integrated circuit capable for radio frequency identification communications, e.g., in combination with antenna 504 and induction loop 508. The RFID chip 510 is connected across the gap 509 in the induction loop 508, such as at an end (as illustrated in the figures) or at a longitudinal side. The location of the RFID chip 510 on the induction loop 508 may alter the properties of the antenna such as frequency and signal strength to suit a number of different applications. Further, as noted above, in some implementations, the RFID chip 510 is located at a position that is spaced apart from the edge 532 where the top and bottom layers 526, 528 of the material 502 are affixed together, e.g., to avoid being damaged during the fixation process. Also, in some cases, the RFID chip 510 may be located in the middle of the tag 500, allowing for improved protection from water infiltration. Additional detail can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/614,021, filed December 22, 2023, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[00100] In some scenarios, the antenna(s) of the electronic components are formed as conductive trace(s) via ink printing and/or deposition (e.g., sputter deposition). The conductive trace/ink/layer, as used throughout may be, but are not limited to, silver, copper, gold, aluminum, nickel, or various forms of carbon, either suspended as particles or dissolved in a solution.

[00101] The antenna(s) can be linear or loop. In some scenarios, but not limited hereto, length of the security tag can be in the range of 60-150 mm when the antenna(s) is(are) loop antenna(s). A thickness of the antenna(s) should be as thin as possible provided that the security tag has enough physical strength to withstand a given pulling/pushing force and/or a given number of wash cycles.

[00102] The antenna(s) may be designed so that the tag's operating frequency is in a range of 840-960 MHz (inclusive of 840 and 960), a range of 860-940 MHz (inclusive of 860 and 940), a range of 865-868 MHz (inclusive of 865 and 868), or a range of 902-928 MHz (inclusive of 902 and 928). The antenna(s) may additionally or alternatively comprise tuning area(s), not illustrated. Each tuning area comprises a portion of an antenna that can be modified for selectively and/or dynamically tuning an operating frequency of the tag.

[00103] In some scenarios, the antenna(s) are formed by coupling physical wire(s) or conductive fibers to the substrate . In some aspect, but not limited hereto, each wire may have a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and a length between 100 mm and 160 mm.

[00104] According to the present aspects, a security tag, such as any of the tags described above or any other type of security tag, may be attached to an item, such as a garment formed of fabric. As described herein, in an aspect, the security tag may be placed between two layers of the item, such as two fabric layers, and the two layers may be affixed to each other adjacent to the tag such that the tag is not visible between the two layers. Different processes may be implemented to affix the security tag between two layers of the item. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a sewing machine, as described below, may be employed to attach, insert, and/or affix the security tag.

[00105] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, for instance, an example sewing machine 900 is configured to attach, insert, and/or affix, via one or more stitches 914, a security tag 916 between two material layers 918, 920 of an item 922, such as a garment, wherein the security tag 916 may be any RFID tag described above, or any other type of electronic article surveillance tag or security tag. A platform 910 of the sewing machine 900 includes a presser foot attachment 901 having a separator 902 with a tag feeder slot 908 for separating the two layers 918, 920 of fabric and/or textile while allowing the tag 916 to be inserted between the layers 918, 920 before sewing, an attachment base 906 (see Figs. 10-11) to attach the separator 902 and tag feeder slot 908 to the sewing machine 900, and a positioning mechanism 904 for removably positioning the separator 902 and tag feeder slot 908 in front of a presser foot 912. Other elements of the presser foot attachment 901, such as screws and washers, may be present within the presser foot attachment 901, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 11.

[00106] The sewing machine presser foot 912 is configured to keep the fabric flat so that it does not rise and fall with the needle of the sewing machine 900 and pucker the sewn fabric as it is stitched. The base 906 provides for an extension support surface of the platform 910 of the sewing machine 900 in operation with the presser foot 912. The presser foot 912 further operates in cooperation with the presser foot attachment 901, which allows for two pieces of textile, e.g., two layers 918, 920 of fabric, to be separated by the separator 902 for insertion of the tag 916 prior to the sewing process . The separation by the separator 902 produces a gap between the two layers 918, 920 of fabric into which the security tag 916, fed from the tag feeder slot 908, is inserted or placed. The two layers 918, 920 of fabric/textile and internally-placed tag 916 are fed into the sewing machine 900, which continues the sewing process by securing together the two layers 918, 920 via the one or more stitches 914, and consequently securing the tag 916 in the two layers 918, 920 of the textile. For example, the tag 916 may be placed in the gap between the two layers 918, 920 of fabric at respective edges of the layers 918, 920, which may be stitched 914 together using an overlock stitch, and which may form a seam in the garment 922. In some cases, the stitching 914 does not intersect the tag 916, and thus the tag 916 may move within the gap between the stitched-together the layers 918, 920 of the fabric/textile. In other cases, one or more of the stitches 914 may intersect a portion of the tag 916, e.g., at a fabric layer that does not include the substrate, loop, antenna, and/or RFID chip of the tag 916, thereby fixing a position of the tag 916.

[00107] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the separator 902 may be moved into an operational or engaged position in front of the presser foot 912, and out of the operational or engaged position, via a positioning mechanism 904, such as but not limited to a hinge. During initial portions of the sewing procedure and initial operation of the presser foot attachment 901, the separator 902 is in a disengaged state, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 12, described below. The disengaged state allows for normal operation of the sewing machine 900 without interference with or operation of the presser foot attachment 901. The disengaged state, for example, may be when the separator 902 is in a vertical position or otherwise positioned away from and not engaged with the fabric or textile material being sewn. During an engaged state, the separator 902 may be in a horizontal position or otherwise positioned in front of the presser foot 912 and/or in a location where a first layer 918 of the fabric/textile is placed on the top side of the separator 902 and a second layer 920 of the fabric/textile is placed on or below the bottom side of the separator 902 and on or above atop side of the base 906.

[00108] A method securing a tag within an article, such as a garment, is described below with reference to FIGS. 12-16. Turning to FIG. 12, which illustrates an example operation of the sewing machine 900 with the presser foot 912 and the presser foot attachment 901. During the initial operation, the two pieces or layers 918, 920 of the fabric/textile are sewn together with a needle and thread via stitching. For example, some forms of stitching are: straight stitch; reverse straight stitch / anchor stitch; basting stitches/gathering stitches; zigzag stitch; satin stitch; stretch stitch; triple; straight stitch; rolled edge stitch; edge stitching; coverstitch; blind hem stitch; buttonhole stitch; scallop stitch; overcasting stitch; shell tuck stitch; insertion stitch/faggoting stitch; ladder stitch; multi step zig zag stitch; decorative stiches; and overlock stitch. The overlock stich will be referenced, but note any stitch may be implemented such that the tag is not destroyed or rendered inoperable by the stitching 914. [00109] As described above, FIG. 12 illustrates a first step in the operation of the sewing machine 900. During the first step, the separator 902 is in a disengaged state, and the first and second layers 918, 920 of the fabric/textile material are fed under the presser foot 912 and into the sewing machine 900, and an initial stitching is performed to fix together initial portions of the first and second layers 918, 920 of the fabric/textile material. Consequently, the first layer 918 of the fabric/textile includes a non-sewn portion 1102, and the output after the stitching operation is a sewn textile portion 1106 with the combination of the first layer 918 of the fabric/textile and the second layer 920 of the fabric/textile (not shown) stitched together with one or more stitches 914, such as but not limited to an overlock stitch.

[00110] FIG. 13 illustrates a second step in the operation of the sewing machine 900. The sewing machine 900 is stopped and the first layer 918 of the fabric/textile is moved out of sewing position. During the second step, the separator 902 is moved into an engaged state. The second layer 920 of the fabric/textile remains in position, located on the base 906 (not shown). For example, the separator 902 is moved in the engaged state by rotating the separator 902 about an axis of the positioning mechanism 904, e.g., a hinge, from a vertical position to a horizontal position, thereby defining an operational position in front of the presser foot 912. It should be understood that the movement into the engaged state may be in other directions, such as but not limited to movement in a horizontal plane from a non-operational position to the operational position. Additionally, it should be understood that, in some implementations, the separator 902 may be fixed in the operational position or engaged state.

[00111] FIG. 14 illustrates a third step in the operation of the sewing machine 900. During the third step, the sewing machine 900 is still in a stopped state. The separator 902 is in an engaged state. The first layer 918 of the fabric/textile is moved into sewing position onto the separator 902. During this step the separator 902 of the presser foot attachment 901 separates and creates a gap between the first layer 918 of the fabric/textile and the second layer 920 of the fabric/textile (not shown).

[00112] FIG. 15 illustrates a fourth step in the operation of the sewing machine 900. During the fourth step, the sewing machine 900 is still in a stopped state, and a tag 916 is fed into the feeder slot 908 of the separator 902. The tag 916 may be, for example, a tag as described above or any type of electronic article surveillance tag.

[00113] FIG. 16 illustrates a fifth step in the operation of the sewing machine 900. During the fifth step, the sewing machine 900 is in an operating state, and the tag 916 is pulled or fed into the feeder slot 908 of the separator 902. During the operation of the sewing machine 900, the combined textile 1106 is output with the stitch 914, such as an overlock stitch, securing together the first and second layers 918, 920 of the fabric/textile and also holding the tag 916 in the gap between the layers 918, 920. Consequently, the tag 916 is hidden between the layer 918, 920. Upon completion of the fifth step, the combined textile 1106 forms the garment 922, such as an article of clothing.

[00114] In accordance with method described above with reference to FIGS. 12-16, FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an output of the method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing using a tool according to some present aspects. For example, the tag 916 in located within a gap 1802 between the first and second layers 918, 920 of the fabric/textile, which are affixed together by one or more stitches 914. For example, the one or more stitches 914 may be an overlock stitch, such as at a seam 1804 of the garment 922. In other words, the tag 916 is concealed and secured between the first layer 918 of the fabric/textile and the second layer 920 of the fabric/textile to generate a combined sewn textile 1106 that forms the garment 922. The tag 916 is thus not easily found within the garment 922, and the tag 916 may move within the gap 1802, which can improve a durability of the tag 916.

[00115] Additionally, the method described above with reference to FIGS. 12-16, and the resulting garment 922 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, may be part of a manufacturing process 1900 as illustrated in FIG. 19 for making a fabric integrated tag. The manufacturing process 1900 may include an RFID loop production stage that operates in parallel with an antenna production stage, both of which feed into a converting process. During the RFID loop production states, an antenna may be etched during manufacturing. Next, the microchip, for example a UHF RFID, may be placed on the antenna. Finally, the combined etched antenna and microchip assembly may be converted into a label format.

[00116] As described above the antenna production stage, which may be operating in parallel with the RIFD loop production, may first manufacture yam, for example, polyester. Next, the yam in processed into a ribbon weaving, Moreover, a wire antenna embroidery may be conducted, for example, stitching. Finally, the ribbon may be dyed to a specific characteristic.

[00117] The output of the antenna production stage and the RFID loop production stage, are both used during the converting process. After the ribbon is dyed in the antenna production stage, the ribbon is unwound. Further, after the RFID loop production is converted into a label format, the RFID loop application is conducted. Next, the ribbon is folded and the ultrasonic welding may occur. After completion of the welding, the tag is tested and marked. Finally, the tag is rewound and/or singulated.

[00118] Thus, based on the foregoing, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented according to one or any combination of the following clauses.

[00119] Clause 1. A method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing, comprising: depositing a first layer of a textile on a base element; positioning a separator element to an engaged state over the deposited first layer of the textile; depositing a second layer of the textile on the separator element; positioning the security tag into an opening to an interface space between the first layer and the second layer of the textile via the separator element; and sewing together the first layer and the second layer of the textile to contain the security tag in the interface space.

[00120] Clause 2. The method according to clause 1, wherein the security tag is positioned via a tag feeder slot.

[00121] Clause 3. The method according any preceding clause, wherein the tag feeder slot, the separator element and the base element are arraigned on a steeper foot attachment.

[00122] Clause 4. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein the base element is configured as an extension support surface of a platform in operation with a presser foot of a sewing machine.

[00123] Clause 5. The method according to any preceding clause, further comprising positioning the separator element to a disengaged state away from the deposited first layer of the textile.

[00124] Clause 6. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein when the separator element in the engaged state the separator element is in a horizontal orientation with respect to the base element.

[00125] Clause 7. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein when the separator element in the disengaged state the separator element is in a vertical orientation with respect to the base element.

[00126] Clause 8. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein the sewing includes at least one of a straight stitch; reverse straight stitch / anchor stitch; basting stitches/gathering stitches; zigzag stitch; satin stitch; stretch stitch; triple; straight stitch; rolled edge stitch; edge stitching; coverstitch; blind hem stitch; buttonhole stitch; scallop stitch; overcasting stitch; shell tuck stitch; insertion stitch/faggoting stitch; ladder stitch; multi step zig zag stitch; decorative stiches; or overlock stitch.

[00127] Clause 9. The method according to clause 1, further comprising depositing the second layer of the textile on the first layer of the textile; feeding, under a presser foot of a sewing machine, the first layer and the second layer of the textile.

[00128] Clause 10. The method according to any preceding clause, further comprising prior to positioning the separator element to the engaged state, removing the second layer of the textile deposited on the first layer of the textile.

[00129] Clause 11. The method according to any preceding clause, further comprising placing the security tag into a feeder slot of the separator element.

[00130] Clause 12. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein the security tag is pulled or fed into the feeder slot of the separator element during operation of the sewing.

[00131] Clause 13. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein the security tag is an electronic article surveillance tag.

[00132] Clause 14. The method according to any preceding clause, wherein the security tag is configured to move within the interface space.

[00133] Clause 15. A system for securing a security tag into an article of clothing, comprising: a base element configured to receive a first layer of a textile; a separator element configured in an engaged state and positioned above the first layer of the textile and under a second layer of the textile; an opening to an interface space between the first layer and the second layer of the textile via the separator element and configured to position the security tag; and a stepper foot configured to sew together the first layer and the second layer of the textile to contain the security tag in the interface space.

[00134] Clause 16. The system of clause 15 configured to implement the method of any of clauses 2 to 14.

[00135] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof’ may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for securing a security tag into an article of clothing, comprising: depositing a first layer of a textile on a base element; positioning a separator element to an engaged state over the deposited first layer of the textile; depositing a second layer of the textile on the separator element; positioning the security tag into an opening to an interface space between the first layer and the second layer of the textile via the separator element; and sewing together the first layer and the second layer of the textile to contain the security tag in the interface space.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the security tag is positioned via a tag feeder slot.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the tag feeder slot, the separator element and the base element are arraigned on a steeper foot attachment.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base element is configured as an extension support surface of a platform in operation with a presser foot of a sewing machine.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising positioning the separator element to a disengaged state away from the deposited first layer of the textile.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein when the separator element in the engaged state the separator element is in a horizontal orientation with respect to the base element.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein when the separator element in the disengaged state the separator element is in a vertical orientation with respect to the base element.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sewing includes at least one of a straight stitch; reverse straight stitch / anchor stitch; basting stitches/gathering stitches; zigzag stitch; satin stitch; stretch stitch; triple; straight stitch; rolled edge stitch; edge stitching; coverstitch; blind hem stitch; buttonhole stitch; scallop stitch; overcasting stitch; shell tuck stitch; insertion stitch/faggoting stitch; ladder stitch; multi step zig zag stitch; decorative stiches; or overlock stitch.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising depositing the second layer of the textile on the first layer of the textile; feeding, under a presser foot of a sewing machine, the first layer and the second layer of the textile.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising prior to positioning the separator element to the engaged state, removing the second layer of the textile deposited on the first layer of the textile.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing the security tag into a feeder slot of the separator element.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the security tag is pulled or fed into the feeder slot of the separator element during operation of the sewing.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the security tag is an electronic article surveillance tag.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the security tag is configured to move within the interface space.

15. A system for securing a security tag into an article of clothing, comprising : a base element configured to receive a first layer of a textile; a separator element configured in an engaged state and positioned above the first layer of the textile and under a second layer of the textile; an opening to an interface space between the first layer and the second layer of the textile via the separator element and configured to position the security tag; and a stepper foot configured to sew together the first layer and the second layer of the textile to contain the security tag in the interface space.