Abstract: A method for detecting metal using an electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system. The EAS system includes a transmitter and a receiver. An EAS interrogation signal is transmitted to establish the interrogation zone. The EAS interrogation signal is used to detect EAS markers and metal objects within the interrogation zone. The EAS signal is received and a metal object present in the interrogation zone is detected during a metal detection cycle. The metal object is detected based upon perturbations in the received EAS interrogation signal. The metal detection cycle is periodically interspersed with at least one EAS detection cycle.

Abstract: A method, system and mobile sensor node for monitoring a supply chain. A communication network is established which includes a plurality of mobile sensor nodes. Status information for each mobile sensor node is periodically transmitted. Each mobile sensor node receives status information for at least one other mobile sensor node in the communication network. A log file which includes the received status information is compiled and stored in the mobile sensor node that received the corresponding status information.

Abstract: A method, system and mobile sensor node monitor a supply chain monitoring. A communication network is established which includes a plurality of mobile sensor nodes. Status information for each mobile sensor node is periodically transmitted. Each mobile sensor node receives status information for at least one other mobile sensor node in the communication network. A log file which includes the received status information is compiled and stored in the mobile sensor node that received the corresponding status information.

Abstract: A method for detecting metal using an electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system. The EAS system includes a transmitter and a receiver. An EAS interrogation signal is transmitted to establish the interrogation zone. The EAS interrogation signal is used to detect EAS markers and metal objects within the interrogation zone. The EAS signal is received and a metal object present in the interrogation zone is detected during a metal detection cycle. The metal object is detected based upon perturbations in the received EAS interrogation signal. The metal detection cycle is periodically interspersed with at least one EAS detection cycle.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method to combine radio frequency identification and electronic article surveillance receivers into a single device are described wherein a first selection signal is sent to switch a first switch to a first state to connect a receiver to a first antenna in order to detect a first type of security tag in a first operating mode and a second selection signal is sent to switch the first switch to a second state to connect the receiver to a second antenna to detect a second type of security tag in a second operating mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A reusable EAS tag that is detachable from an article by placing the EAS tag in proximity to a detaching device is provided. The tag includes an energy coupler, a micro-actuator, and a clamping mechanism. The detaching device transmits a signal to the EAS tag to signal detachment, which is received by the energy coupler. The energy coupler converts the energy from the transmitted signal to electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy to actuate the clamping mechanism and release the tag's locking or clamping mechanism for removal of the tag from the article to which it is attached.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method to combine radio frequency identification and electronic article surveillance receivers into a single device are described. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A deactivation apparatus for an electronic article surveillance tag having a plurality of layers and an equivalent resonant circuit containing an inductor and a capacitor is provided. The apparatus includes: a capacitor formed by a pair of conductive capacitor plates separated apart by a dielectric layer; an inductor connected to each of the pair of capacitor plates where an electromagnetic field of a preselected frequency at a first magnitude impinging upon the tag causes the equivalent resonant circuit to resonate and produce a detectable response from the tag; and, an electrically weakened area in the dielectric layer between the pair of conductive capacitor plates where the electromagnetic field at a second magnitude higher than the first magnitude impinging upon the tag causes a conductive path through the weakened area electrically connecting the pair of capacitor plates together and deactivating the tag.

Abstract: A security system including a camera configured to generate a video signal, an object recognition system coupled to the camera and configured to receive and monitor the video signal and a portable personal digital assistant (PDA) wirelessly coupled to the object recognition system and the camera. The PDA may display video from the camera and/or data or alarms in response to output from the object recognition system. Methods of providing security information including displaying live video on a PDA and providing a signal on the PDA in response to an output of an object recognition system are also provided.

Abstract: An object recognition system including a light source controller configured to control an illumination level of a light source in response to an ambient light level. A camera is configured to capture an image of an object illuminated by the light source. A computer compares data representative of the image to stored image data. A method of illuminating an object in an object recognition system and a method of controlling access of an object to a secure area are also provided.

Abstract: A reusable EAS tag that is detachable from an article by placing the EAS tag in proximity to a detaching device is provided. The tag includes an energy coupler, a micro-actuator, and a clamping mechanism. The detaching device transmits a signal to the EAS tag to signal detachment, which is received by the energy coupler. The energy coupler converts the energy from the transmitted signal to electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy to actuate the clamping mechanism and release the tag's locking or clamping mechanism for removal of the tag from the article to which it is attached.

Abstract: A deactivation apparatus for an electronic article surveillance tag having a plurality of layers and an equivalent resonant circuit containing an inductor and a capacitor is provided. The apparatus includes: a capacitor formed by a pair of conductive capacitor plates separated apart by a dielectric layer; an inductor connected to each of the pair of capacitor plates where an electromagnetic field of a preselected frequency at a first magnitude impinging upon the tag causes the equivalent resonant circuit to resonate and produce a detectable response from the tag; and, an electrically weakened area in the dielectric layer between the pair of conductive capacitor plates where the electromagnetic field at a second magnitude higher than the first magnitude impinging upon the tag causes a conductive path through the weakened area electrically connecting the pair of capacitor plates together and deactivating the tag.

Abstract: A device for deactivating a magnetomechanical EAS marker includes two coils and an energizing circuit for alternately driving the coils. One coil is driven for one cycle of an alternating power signal, and then the other coil is driven for one cycle, and this sequence is repeated. The driving signal is switched from one coil to the other at a point in time which corresponds to a zero crossing of the current level of the driving signal.

Abstract: A deactivatable EAS tag in which a circuit comprising a non-linear element causes the generation of a detectable signal in response to an interrogating signal and in which a first magnetic element is arranged to be brought from a first position where the magnetic element does not short the non-linear element to a second position where the magnetic element shorts the non-linear element.

Abstract: A video game cartridge includes a memory and a security device, which comprises a magnetically operated switch and a magnetic element positioned adjacent to the switch. The switch has first and second states with the first state for inhibiting the functioning of the memory of the cartridge and the second state for permitting the functioning of the memory of the cartridge. The magnetic element has a first magnetic state for placing the switch in the first state and a second magnetic state for placing the switch in the second state.

Abstract: A dual frequency microwave EAS tag includes a dual frequency antenna circuit formed on one side of a substrate. The antenna circuit includes a diode. A deactivation circuit is formed on the other side of the substrate. A conductive connection passes through a hole in the substrate and connects the deactivation circuit to the antenna circuit. The deactivation circuit responds to a low energy ac magnetic field by inducing a voltage in the diode of the antenna circuit so as to disable the diode, thereby deactivating the tag without requiring the tag to be placed in direct contact with a disabling device.

Abstract: A method for detection of EAS tags in a surveillance area into which an electrostatic field is propagated and in which an electronically conductive object is present, includes a step of providing a tag reradiator configuration which is unaffected by close proximity to the object. The step is practiced by configuring the tag reradiator as a first part of a monopole, the object being used as a further part of the monopole, and by disposing the first monopole part beyond the outside perimeter of the conductive environment. The tag reradiator is further configured to define a part of a dipole, the object being used as a further part of the dipole. In an alternative practice, the tag reradiator includes a ground plane member and itself defines such monopole and dipole. In the former practice, the tag reradiator is electrically connected with the object. In the latter practice, the tag reradiator is affixed to the object in electrical isolation therefrom.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for effecting electronic article surveillance with a first high frequency signal and a second lower frequency signal, the second signal having a modulation characteristic therewith. Generally rectangular tag devices are attached to said articles for receipt of such signals and for reradiation thereof.

Abstract: A pulse source powers a wand-like probe with spaced contacts that is arranged to be applied to and drawn along the surface of a surveillance tag that contains a diode semiconductor with exposed terminals. When the probe contacts engage the diode terminals, current is passed through the diode sufficient to destroy its unidirectional conducting characteristics and thereby deactivate the tag. A cut-out circuit is included to prevent the passage of excessive current through the diode or damaging short-circuiting of the power amplifier output.

Abstract: A floor mat consisting of a conductive grid laminated to a conductive sheet with a layer of dielectric material therebetween to form a capacitor is disposed between the pedestals that house means for radiating a microwave signal through a surveillance area. A low frequency signal is applied to the capacitor mat for direct capacitive coupling through the body of a pedestrian to any surveillance tag carried thereon.