Abstract: Methods of determining whether a digital trigger-labeled article is leaving or returning to a merchandising location are described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes detecting one or more articles having attached or affixed thereto one or more tags or labels comprising one or more digital triggers using a plurality of readers, wherein each reader includes multiple read zones. In some embodiments, each reader contains phased array antenna beam steering. In some embodiments, the readers are arranged at set intervals from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting activity of variable weight-price items in detector-based inventory management and shopping systems in merchandising and/or storage areas are described herein. The methods described herein involve the use of multi-detector systems containing one or more digital triggers which can be read/detected in order to obtain a unique digital identity for the items. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is an RFID inlay and the detector-based system is a vision- or camera-based walk out shopping systems in order to detect variable weight-price items. In some embodiments, the vision- or camera-based walk out shopping system is deployed in a grocery store and the variable-weight items are selected from meats, cheeses, seafood, fruits and vegetables, deli items, salad bars, bulk items (e.g., nuts, coffee beans, grains, etc.) and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using multiple read area zones to generate more accurate item-level data are described herein. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve a local read area in combination with a wide read area. In some embodiments, a local area read device alone, or in combination with a wide area read device, is used to detect the removal or return of a product from a merchandising location or area in retail establishment. In some embodiments, a local area read alone, or in combination with a wide area read device, is used to detect the removal or return of a product from a merchandising location or area in retail establishment by detecting/reading a digital trigger on the product.

Abstract: Methods for identifying one or more items in close proximity to a mobile device and/or are within a digital image. The location of the mobile device can be determined using outdoor positioning systems (“OPS”), indoor positioning systems (“IPS”), or combinations thereof. The identity of the item or items can be determine using planograms; visual inventory; RFID handheld inventory; RFID overhead inventory; vision system inventory; UR; barcode; NEC; or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the methods described herein include or involve identifying one or more items within a digital image, such as a photograph or video. The image has an identification (ID)/time stamp that is used to associate the items in the image that have been read in the same area as the image so that the items can be actively searched as a digital image to highlight or list items that are in the image.

Abstract: A data collection, data packaging, and data delivery system that includes methods that provide for accurate digital identity data, inventory data, and associated information from multiple sources to be repackaged and delivered to various destinations are disclosed. A source, such as an edge device, is used to monitor an RFID tagged product and is configured to send data about the RFID tagged product to a designated cloud application. The received data is combined with other product specific data and is sent either directly, or via an intermediate software, to a destination cloud application. The destination cloud application is configured to manipulate the data, adjust pricing for the products, and publish the information in a searchable format for consumers in a local area to determine, for example, if the products are locally available.

Abstract: An interactive marketing system includes devices and methods that provide customers with real-time product information and supplemental specification materials, usage information, comparison information, and other product and service resources related to a product. A potential customer accesses an RFID-tagged item, and a reader detects the item and triggers video and audio displays with information regarding the identified product. Customers interact with the product and service materials to review product information, evaluate product reviews, and view and listen to lifestyle and demonstration videos. Customers can also access product information to configure the product in a variety of sizes, colors, styles, and the like. Brand owners can communicate product information, product reviews, and additional information regarding the product, its features, and its use directly to the customers in real-time. The system facilitates purchasing metrics, tracks and controls inventory, and provides product logistics.

Abstract: An interactive marketing system includes devices and methods that provide customers with real-time product information and supplemental specification materials, usage information, comparison information, and other product and service resources related to a product. A potential customer accesses an RFID-tagged item, and a reader detects the item and triggers video and audio displays with information regarding the identified product. Customers interact with the product and service materials to review product information, evaluate product reviews, and view and listen to lifestyle and demonstration videos. Customers can also access product information to configure the product in a variety of sizes, colors, styles, and the like. Brand owners can communicate product information, product reviews, and additional information regarding the product, its features, and its use directly to the customers in real-time. The system facilitates purchasing metrics, tracks and controls inventory, and provides product logistics.

Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is coupled to the item or items it is protecting by either a lanyard or by passing a portion of the unfinished garment through aperture(s) in the pliable material. The lanyard can take on various compositions and can couple to the pliable material using different latching mechanisms. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.

Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is looped around the item or items it is protecting and then is closed on itself or on an extension of the pliable material. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.

Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is coupled to the item or items it is protecting by either a lanyard or by passing a portion of the unfinished garment through aperture(s) in the pliable material. The lanyard can take on various compositions and can couple to the pliable material using different latching mechanisms. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.

Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is looped around the item or items it is protecting and then is closed on itself or on an extension of the pliable material. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for inserting a radio frequency device into a label. A ribbon of labels has a plurality of labels and a cavity formed in each of the labels. A mechanism linearly advances the ribbon of labels. A device inserts at least one radio frequency device into the cavity of a respective label. An upper layer of the ribbon of labels is slit along the channel to form an opening along a top of each of the cavities and at least one RFID device, such as a tag or coin is inserted within at least one of the plurality of cavities. A label for removably holding the RFID device includes an upper and lower layer of material. The cavity is formed between the upper and lower layers. An area of interference is located at a top of the cavity for holding the RFID device within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels from a ribbon of labels designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs. The label is formed by first providing a ribbon of labels with at least one folded over portion and then subjecting the folded ribbon to heat and pressure to set the fold. The folded pressed ribbon is then subdividing into individual labels. In an alternative embodiment, the folded and pressed ribbon can be rerolled and shipped to an end user for use in an auto-sewing device. The present invention further includes an apparatus for carrying out this method and a finished label.

Abstract: A device and method for producing individual folded labels having miter folded tabs includes a first cutting station for partially cutting the ribbon of labels to form a tab at each edge of the ribbon of labels and an interior base cut. The ribbon of label remains intact at a pair of connection points separating the tabs. The tabs are folded at an angle to produce a miter fold at a folding station. A second cutting station ultrasonically cuts the miter folded ribbon of labels along the connection points to subdivide the ribbon of labels into separate, individual folded labels.

Abstract: A RFID device includes a silicon micro processing chip having an IC antenna disposed on a substrate or other surface, such as a label, tag or coin. At least one secondary antenna is also positioned on the substrate. The IC antenna of the chip is positioned within a coupling distance of the at least one secondary antenna in an insulated manner to form a RF inlet. When the RF inlet is placed in proximity to a transmitting and receiving antenna of a RFID system, the transmitting and receiving antenna transmits an output signal to the secondary antenna, and the secondary antenna in turn transmits the output signal to the IC antenna to provide an electromagnetic connection therebetween. The signals of IC antenna and secondary antenna are tuned to emit a uniform return signal that is received by the antenna of the RFID system to transfer data from the chip hereto.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing individual folded labels incorporating a radio frequency device, the method comprising the steps of providing a ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. A carrier strip with a plurality of radio frequency devices spaced thereon is provided and the plurality of radio frequency devices are joined to the ribbon of labels. The ribbon of labels is then folded so as to form at least one folded portion. The folded ribbon is subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion. The ribbon of labels is subdivided into individual folded labels. The present invention also relates to a label-making apparatus including a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality of radio frequency devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals. A mechanism linearly advances a ribbon of labels, the ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. Means join the plurality of radio frequency devices with the ribbon of labels.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for producing individual folded labels. The method includes the steps of providing a ribbon of labels and folding the ribbon of labels so as to form at least one folded portion. The folded ribbon is subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion. The ribbon of labels is advanced to a cutting device and subdivided into individual folded labels with an ultrasonic cutting device. Immediately prior to cutting, the advance of the ribbon of labels is paused to allow the material to partially melt and flow prior to being subdivided. The corners of the label can also be rounded to provide improved comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: A device and method for producing individual folded labels having miter folded tabs includes a first cutting station for partially cutting the ribbon of labels to form a tab at each edge of the ribbon of labels and an interior base cut. The ribbon of label remains intact at a pair of connection points separating the tabs. The tabs are folded at an angle to produce a miter fold at a folding station. A second cutting station ultrasonically cuts the miter folded ribbon of labels along the connection points to subdivide the ribbon of labels into separate, individual folded labels.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing individual folded labels incorporating a radio frequency device, the method comprising the steps of providing a ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. A carrier strip with a plurality of radio frequency devices spaced thereon is provided and the plurality of radio frequency devices are joined to the ribbon of labels. The ribbon of labels is then folded so as to form at least one folded portion. The folded ribbon is subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion. The ribbon of labels is subdivided into individual folded labels. The present invention also relates to a label-making apparatus including a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality of radio frequency devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals. A mechanism linearly advances a ribbon of labels, the ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. Means join the plurality of radio frequency devices with the ribbon of labels.

Abstract: A method of authenticating and or identifying goods comprises the steps of providing a master repeat of a recognizable design and providing a length of a ribbon of material having the recognizable design repeated along the length thereof. The ribbon of material is subdivided into a plurality of individual labels, each of the plurality of labels having at least a portion of the recognizable design. The labels having at least a portion of the recognizable design are then compared with the master repeat to determine the authenticity of the labels.