Abstract: A combination EAS/RFID antenna for use in an EAS/RFID surveillance system. The antenna includes an EAS antenna element and an RFID antenna element. The EAS antenna element includes an EAS loop antenna defining an interior portion. The RFID antenna element includes an RFID patch antenna having a hatched conductor pattern. The RFID antenna element is situated proximate the EAS loop antenna in such a fashion that the overall size of the antenna is reduced.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic article surveillance marker shielding includes electronic article surveillance (“EAS”), metal detection and video analysis subsystems communicatively coupled to a system controller. The EAS subsystem detects EAS markers within a detection zone. The metal detection subsystem detects metallic objects within the detection zone. The video analysis subsystem captures a video image of the metallic object. The system controller determines a probable classification for the metallic object and calculates a confidence weight for the probable classification. If the metallic object is identified as EAS marker shielding according to the probable classification and the corresponding confidence weight, an alert is generated.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) marker shielding includes an EAS subsystem a metal detector, a cart detection subsystem and a processor. The EAS subsystem is operable to detect an EAS marker in an interrogation zone. The metal detector is operable to detect a metal object in the interrogation zone. The cart detection subsystem includes a sensor array. The cart detection subsystem is operable to differentiate between a wheeled device and a human passing through the interrogation zone based on the sensor array. The processor is electrically coupled to the EAS subsystem, the metal detector and the cart detection subsystem. The processor is programmed to receive information outputted from the cart detection system and information outputted from the metal detector to determine whether to generate an alarm signal based on the presence of EAS marker shielding.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method discourage theft of a media disc. The media disc has a central aperture and is retained within a media disc case by an inner spindle that extends through the central aperture. A pin is insertable through the inner spindle. A locking clutch is operable to engage the pin. When engaged, the locking clutch secures the media disc upon the inner spindle and prevents the media disc from being removed from the inner spindle. A liquid-dispensing container is positioned between the pin and the media disc such that when a force is exerted upon the media disc to attempt to remove the disc from the inner spindle when the locking clutch is engaged, the liquid-dispensing container releases a liquid which renders the media disc unreadable.

Abstract: An alarming electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tag for securing an item of merchandise includes an EAS sensor, a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) logic block, an alarm transducer, and an alarming tag processor. The RFID logic block includes a transceiver, a memory and a processor. The transceiver operates to receive a first interrogation signal. The memory includes a first identifier associated with the alarming EAS tag and a second identifier associated with the item of merchandise. The processor is operable to send a first trigger signal responsive to the transceiver receiving the first interrogation signal. The alarming tag processor is electrically coupled to the RFID logic block and the EAS sensor. The alarm transducer is operable to produce at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator based on the EAS sensor and the alarming tag processor.

Abstract: A system and method selectively reads radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags within an RFID interrogation zone. A portion of the RFID tags have a first operating range and a portion of the RFID tags have a second operating range that is different from the first operating range. Each RFID tag is programmed with an identifier associated with the operating range of the RFID tag. A first interrogation signal is transmitted which has sufficient power to activate RFID tags that are located within the RFID interrogation zone and have the first operating range. A response signal is received from each RFID tag capable of receiving the first interrogation signal. Each response signal indicates the identifier of the associated RFID tag. Each RFID tag that has an identifier associated with the first operating range is selected.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for adjusting a threshold value of an alarm for a metal detecting system, based on a detected interference with other systems that operate at adjacent frequencies. The method and system include receiving a plurality of sample values and calculating a discrepancy value based on a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the plurality of sample values, wherein the discrepancy value corresponds to detected interference. The discrepancy value is compared to a predefined interference threshold value and an activation signal is generated. A fast threshold adjustor receives the activation signal when the discrepancy value is greater than or equal to the predefined interference threshold value and a slow threshold adjustor receives the activation signal when the discrepancy value is less than the predefined interference threshold value.

Abstract: A wireless access point communicates messages in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) network. The EAS network includes at least one EAS sensor hard-wired to at least one wireless device node. The wireless access point includes a wired communication interface, a wireless communication interface and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to the wired communication interface and to the wireless communication interface. The wired communication interface operates to receive a message. The message includes a sub-layer address corresponding to an EAS sensor. The wireless communication interface operates to broadcast the message and to receive an acknowledgement of the broadcast message. The acknowledgment originates from the EAS sensor corresponding to the sub-layer address. The controller operates to transfer the message between the wired communication interface and the wireless communication interface.

Abstract: An EAS tag is provided having improved anti-defeat devices and methods. A pin assembly is coupled to a lanyard and includes a reduced cross-sectional profile that may be passed through a monitored article to produce no damage or minimal damage to the monitored article. The pin assembly engages a spring clamp provided in the EAS tag and is electrically coupled to an intermediate spring contact that provides an electrical current to a PC board for arming the EAS tag. A force may be applied to the intermediate spring contact to generate a reset signal that disarms the EAS tag. An alarm signal is generated if current to the PC board is disrupted without a corresponding reset signal, such as if the pin assembly is removed without rotating the intermediate spring contact or if the lanyard is cut. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part.

Abstract: A security device is removably affixable to an article. The security device includes a housing having a securing pad, a locking element and a strap. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching region that is insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing region. The strap is slidingly movable between an open position and a locked position. The locking element engages with the latching region of the strap. When in the locked position, the strap secures the article between the securing pad and the securing region of the strap.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a hard tag, the hard tag including a programmable RFID element, the system comprising a platform defining at least one hard tag locating area; a feeder for feeding the hard tag into one of the at least one hard tag locating areas; an antenna positioned at a hard tag programming area, each of the at least one hard tag locating areas being positionable within the hard tag programming area; and a RFID processor causing the hard tag to be programmed by the antenna when the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area.

Abstract: In an image capture apparatus which captures an image, with respect to one or a plurality of types of parameters to be set at a photo opportunity, a desired set value of the parameter is registered beforehand, and it is possible to easily change to a setting for the photo opportunity at the photo opportunity. Therefore, a user can easily change to a desired set value at the photo opportunity.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic article surveillance marker shielding includes electronic article surveillance (“EAS”), metal detection and video analysis subsystems communicatively coupled to a system controller. The EAS subsystem detects EAS markers within a detection zone. The metal detection subsystem detects metallic objects within the detection zone. The video analysis subsystem captures a video image of the metallic object. The system controller determines a probable classification for the metallic object and calculates a confidence weight for the probable classification. If the metallic object is identified as EAS marker shielding according to the probable classification and the corresponding confidence weight, an alert is generated.

Abstract: A method, system and electronic article surveillance tag deactivator detect the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within a deactivation zone. Video of an item within the deactivation zone is captured. The video is evaluated using a pattern recognition technique to determine the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within the deactivation zone. The electronic article surveillance tag is deactivated.

Abstract: A magnetic detacher has a core magnet and a ring magnet. The core magnet has a body with a top and bottom surface, and produces a first magnetic field. The ring magnet defines a cavity. The ring magnet has a body with a top and bottom and produces a second magnetic field. The ring magnet is axially aligned with the core magnet such that the first magnetic field opposes the second magnetic field along the bodies and enhances it within the cavity. The top surface of the core magnet is separated from the bottom surface of the ring magnet by a predetermined distance thereby producing a resultant magnetic field having a first resultant field strength at a specific position greater than a second resultant field strength produced at the same position when the top surface of the core magnet abuts the bottom surface of the ring magnet.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for synchronizing a plurality of electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) units and providing wireless data transfer by the EAS units. The invention generates a master synchronization signal, transmits the master synchronization signal to the plurality of EAS units and applies the master synchronization signal to trigger a synchronization packet reception period. A beginning of a wireless data transfer period is calculated and initiated based on the triggering of the synchronization packet reception period.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the read range of a security tag by supplying an additional antenna system to the tag in order to provide power to a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) chip without the need to rely solely on power from the RFID reader. The security tag includes an RFID chip and a first antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip where the first antenna circuit is adapted to decode interrogation signals from an RFID reader. The security tag also includes a second antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip. The second antenna circuit is adapted to induce power from signals received from at least an alternate power source, such as an EAS transmitter, so that the RFID chip can be powered up and activated during an RFID interrogation round.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a thread pool of a plurality of first type threads and a plurality of second type threads in a computer system using a thread manager, specifically, a method for prioritizing, cancelling, balancing the work load between first type threads and second type threads, and avoiding deadlocks in the thread pool. A queue stores a first type task and a second type task, the second type task being executable by at least one of the plurality of second type threads. The availability of at least one of the plurality of first type threads is determined, and if none are available, the availability of at least one of the plurality of second type threads is determined. An available second type thread is selected to execute the first type task.

Abstract: A combination Electronic Article Surveillance/Radio Frequency Identification (“EAS/RFID”) tag and method and system for deactivating said combination EAS/RFID tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS/RFID tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the capacitor results in destruction of the capacitor rendering the EAS/RFID tag undetectable in the interrogation systems.