Abstract: An apparatus and method for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article. The apparatus includes an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to a security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article. The apparatus further includes an outer housing having an unlocking surface at least partially disposed above the unlocking device, wherein the unlocking surface includes a continuous surface area defined by a first surface area connected to a second surface area. In one aspect, the second surface area is tactily distinct from the first surface area and the second surface area includes an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force.

Abstract: Examples described herein generally relate to a system and method for projecting content in a retail environment. The system and method may include an image projector for projecting content on a surface of the retail environment. The system and method may also include a security pedestal comprising the image projector. The system and method may also include receiving at the image projector a first signal indicating a first content to be projected. The system and method may also include receiving at the image projector a second signal indicating a second content to be projected after the first content.

Abstract: The present aspects include a magnetic detacher including a housing having a wall that defines a nest configured to receive a security tag; a gate member and an actuator configured to move the gate member between a closed position and an open position, wherein the gate member in the closed position blocks the nest, and in the open position allows access to the nest; a magnet positioned on an opposite side of the housing relative to the nest and adjacent to the nest, the magnet having a field in an area of the nest sufficient to unlock a magnetic lock of the security tag; and a processor in communication with the actuator and with a transaction system, wherein the processor is configured to control the actuator to move the gate member from the closed position to the open position based on receipt of an unlock signal from the transaction system.

Abstract: The present aspects include a method of detaching a security tag from an article, including receiving, at a detacher device, an unlock signal from a transaction system. The detacher device includes a housing having a nest configured to receive a security tag, a gate assembly including a gate member movable between a closed position that blocks the nest and an open position, and a magnet positioned on an opposite the nest and having a magnetic flux sufficient to unlock a magnetic lock of the security tag. The method further includes moving the gate member from the closed position to the open position based on receipt of the unlock signal, receiving the security tag in the nest, and unlocking the magnetic lock of the security tag to allow the security tag to be detached from the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a tag. The methods comprise: actuating a telescoping actuator of the tag to transition a pin from an unengaged position in which the pin is retracted into a first portion of the tag's housing to an engaged position in which the pin extends through an insert space and into a second portion of the tag's housing; and mechanically securing the pin in the engaged position using a securement mechanism disposed in the second portion of the tag's housing. The pin is securely coupled to a movable component of the telescoping actuator so as to be integrated into the tag's body, and the first and second portions of the tag's housing are coupled to each other so as to form a unitary piece.

Abstract: An electrical switch with a conductive bridge, a first wire configured to provide continuity with the conductive bridge, and a biasing member connected to the first wire. The biasing member provides a threshold reaction force to maintain continuity between the first wire and the conductive bridge. The switch further includes a housing that directs tensile forces acting upon the first wire to oppose a reaction force of the biasing member. When a tensile force acting on the first wire exceeds a threshold reaction force of the biasing member continuity between the first wire and the conductive bridge is broken.

Abstract: A security tag assembly for placing around a boot, including a circuit board having a processor, and one or more wires electrically connected to the circuit board that form a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are respectively configured to receive first and second components of the boot. The assembly further includes a tension switch connected to the one or more wires and having a closed position corresponding to a first tension level on the one or more wires and an open position corresponding to a second tension level on the one or more wires, wherein the second tension level is greater than the first tension level. Further, the processor is configured to monitor whether the tension switch is in at least the open position, wherein the processor is configured to trigger an alarm in response to the switch being in the open position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a tag detacher. The methods comprise: receiving a tag body of a security device in a nest of the tag detacher; actuating a detachment mechanism of the tag detacher so as to cause a release of a tack assembly from a securement mechanism located within the tag body of the security device; allowing the tag body to travel out of a nest by at least rotating a portion of the nest so that the nest transitions between a home position and a pivoted position; and returning the nest to the home position when the tag body no longer resides in the nest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article. The apparatus includes an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to a security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article. The apparatus further includes an outer housing having an unlocking surface at least partially disposed above the unlocking device, wherein the unlocking surface includes a continuous surface area defined by a first surface area connected to a second surface area. In one aspect, the second surface area is tactically distinct from the first surface area and the second surface area includes an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force.

Abstract: A security tag assembly for placing around a boot, including a circuit board having a processor, and one or more wires electrically connected to the circuit board that form a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are respectively configured to receive first and second components of the boot. The assembly further includes a tension switch connected to the one or more wires and having a closed position corresponding to a first tension level on the one or more wires and an open position corresponding to a second tension level on the one or more wires, wherein the second tension level is greater than the first tension level. Further, the processor is configured to monitor whether the tension switch is in at least the open position, wherein the processor is configured to trigger an alarm in response to the switch being in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article. The apparatus includes an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to a security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article. The apparatus further includes an unlocking surface disposed between the unlocking device and the security tag and an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force, wherein placing the tag in the detachment allows for the unlocking device to provide an unlock signal or force to the security device to allow the security tag to be removed from the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for returning an item. The methods comprise: performing operations by a self-return station to capture an image of a first item that an individual is trying to return to an entity; performing machine learning operations by the self-return station using the image to determine whether the first item is damaged and to determine a degree of item damage; allowing, by the self-return station, a return of the first item to the entity when the first item is not damaged or when the degree of item damage does not exceed a threshold value; and preventing, by the self-return station, the return of the first item to the entity when the first item is damaged and the degree of item damage exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: Examples described herein generally relate to a system and method for projecting content in a retail environment. The system and method may include an image projector for projecting content on a surface of the retail environment. The system and method may also include a security pedestal comprising the image projector. The system and method may also include receiving at the image projector a first signal indicating a first content to be projected. The system and method may also include receiving at the image projector a second signal indicating a second content to be projected after the first content.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article. The apparatus includes an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to a security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article. The apparatus further includes an unlocking surface disposed between the unlocking device and the security tag and an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force, wherein placing the tag in the detachment allows for the unlocking device to provide an unlock signal or force to the security device to allow the security tag to be removed from the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a tag. The methods comprise: actuating a telescoping actuator of the tag to transition a pin from an unengaged position in which the pin is retracted into a first portion of the tag's housing to an engaged position in which the pin extends through an insert space and into a second portion of the tag's housing; and mechanically securing the pin in the engaged position using a securement mechanism disposed in the second portion of the tag's housing. The pin is securely coupled to a movable component of the telescoping actuator so as to be integrated into the tag's body, and the first and second portions of the tag's housing are coupled to each other so as to form a unitary piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a tag to an item. The methods comprise: dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of a tag applicator; performing first operations by the tag applicator to mechanically move the tag into a nest of the tag applicator; determining if a given criteria is met based on feedback information received from at least one of a user of the tag applicator and a sensor provided with the tag applicator; and performing second operations by the tag applicator to couple the tag to the item, when a determination is made that the given criteria is met.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a tag detacher. The methods comprise: receiving a tag body of a security device in a nest of the tag detacher; actuating a detachment mechanism of the tag detacher so as to cause a release of a tack assembly from a securement mechanism located within the tag body of the security device; allowing the tag body to travel out of a nest by at least rotating a portion of the nest so that the nest transitions between a home position and a pivoted position; and returning the nest to the home position when the tag body no longer resides in the nest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a tag. The methods comprise: actuating a telescoping actuator of the tag to transition a pin from an unengaged position in which the pin is retracted into a first portion of the tag's housing to an engaged position in which the pin extends through an insert space and into a second portion of the tag's housing; and mechanically securing the pin in the engaged position using a securement mechanism disposed in the second portion of the tag's housing. The pin is securely coupled to a movable component of the telescoping actuator so as to be integrated into the tag's body, and the first and second portions of the tag's housing are coupled to each other so as to form a unitary piece.

Abstract: Systems and methods for returning an item. The methods comprise: performing operations by a self-return station to capture an image of a first item that an individual is trying to return to an entity; performing machine learning operations by the self-return station using the image to determine whether the first item is damaged and to determine a degree of item damage; allowing, by the self-return station, a return of the first item to the entity when the first item is not damaged or when the degree of item damage does not exceed a threshold value; and preventing, by the self-return station, the return of the first item to the entity when the first item is damaged and the degree of item damage exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Security Tag (“ST”). The methods comprise: capturing a first Tack End (“TE”) of a Tack Assembly (“TA”) by a first Securement Mechanism (“SM”) disposed in the ST's body; removing a Tack Head (“TH”) from TA so as to expose a second TE that is opposed to the first TE; placing TH on the second TE; and capturing the second TE by a second SM disposed in TH. Alternatively/additionally, the methods comprise: retracting a tack into a TH of TA; depressing TH so as to cause telescoping concentric parts to slide into each other; causing a free end of the tack to travel out of TH while the telescoping concentric parts are being slid into each other; inserting the free end of the tack into ST's body; and capturing the free end of the tack by SM disposed in ST's body.