Abstract: A RFID linking device-based switchable sensor can be used to detect an unseated condition of one component with another component. The switchable sensor includes a RFID linking device, such as a RFID tag, with an electrical circuitry mountable on the one component and a switchable device incorporated with two portions of the electrical circuitry physically and electrically separated from one another such that the switchable device is exposed and normally in a first condition disabling the RFID linking device to a communicatively unavailable state. The switchable device is accessible from externally of the switchable sensor and thus switchable to a second condition, due to contact with an actuator element on the other component, enabling the RFID linking device to a communicatively available state in response to the one component being placed in the seated condition with the other component.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus and system are disclosed for activating, deactivating or reactivating an electronic article surveillance (EAS) label by way of a coil antenna in an H-bridge circuit which generates from the antenna: a positive increasing magnetic field; a positive decreasing magnetic field; a negative increasing magnetic field; and a negative decreasing magnetic field. The positive and negative magnetic fields are created by positive and negative currents directed through the antenna by four switches connected to the antenna in an H-bridge configuration. The method and apparatus enable low voltage activation, deactivation or reactivation of an EAS tag, e.g., at voltage levels of 12 to 24VDC, ensure uninterruptible power in case of loss of external power, and portability without a high voltage capacitor which is normally required in large deactivation designs. Activation and reactivation is by an increasing magnetic field followed by a decreasing magnetic field without altering polarity.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent an unauthorized read-out from both active tags and passive tags. Antenna emission is turned on and off by using a switch, or attenuated by using a resistor. A part of the antenna may be chipped. With these configurations, it is possible to lower the emission level of the antenna thus preventing an unauthorized read-out of important information from a remote reader.

Abstract: An electric motor, system and method for activating and deactivating an EAS article is disclosed. The electric motor has a stationary electromagnet having a center. The electric motor further has a platform located parallel to the electromagnet, wherein the platform rotates about a center concentric with the center of the electromagnet. The electric motor further has a first magnet with a first polarity located on the platform and a second magnet with a second polarity located on the platform radially opposite to the first magnet. The electric motor further has a commutator for periodically reversing current supplied to the electromagnet so as to produce a first magnetic field that interacts with the first and the second magnet and causes the platform to spin about its center. When the platform rotates, a second magnetic field for one of activation and deactivation of an EAS article is produced by the first and the second magnet.

Abstract: An anti-theft security system that utilizes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) beacon that emits an electromagnetic field that a corresponding security tag transponder detects in determining whether to set off onboard transponder alarms or to remain dormant. The EAS beacon is a self-contained beacon that can be easily installed at any desired location and can utilize local utility power or revert to battery power. Among other things, this avoids the large installation, calibration and maintenance costs and tasks of conventional EAS pedestals. The EAS beacon includes coil panels that are secured to an elongated housing that can be flexed to avoid or minimize damage should something or someone come into contact with the panels. An audible/visible alarm is activated when such flexing or tampering occurs. A passive infrared detector is provided to reduce power consumption when the EAS beacon is operating on battery power.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a wireless communication module to wirelessly connect with an external device, a sensor to detect movement of the information processing apparatus, and a disconnection control module to instruct the wireless communication module to terminate wireless connection with the external device when start of movement is detected based on information output from the sensor during wireless connection with the external device by the wireless communication module.

Abstract: In an information access system, an active-type contactless information storage device senses a carrier of an RF signal at a first frequency in time periods for carrier sensing occurring in a predetermined carrier sensing cycle period, and then in response to detection of a carrier of an RF signal at the first frequency, further receives the information request signal, while it also transmits the tag information signal at a second frequency carrying information in time periods for tag information transmission occurring in a predetermined tag information transmitting cycle period.

Abstract: A structure breach may be determined. A sensor, provided in the structure, may be driven with a constant frequency signal. The sensor may comprise a first conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive element may be substantially parallel with the second conductive element. A standing wave pattern may be induced on the sensor by the constant frequency signal reflecting off a termination point of the sensor. A least one characteristic of the sensor caused by the voltage standing wave pattern may be measured. A breach occurrence in the structure may be determined when the measured at least one characteristic varies from a previously determined value by a predetermined amount. The first conductive element and the second conductive element may be sandwiched between two layers comprising the structure. The structure may comprise a shipping container floor. The detected breach may comprise an opening greater than nine square inches.

Abstract: A security tag assembly and security system associated therewith to prevent the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area, such as a retail establishment. The security tag assembly comprises a base and at least one attachment member removably connected in an operative position on the merchandise being protected. A locking assembly including a locking member is structured to restrict detachment of the attachment member and is forcibly disposed out of movement restricting relation to said connector member when the base and the attachment member are separated. A detachment assembly and a data registering processor may include a two-way communication link which facilitates processing of the merchandise data disposed on the security tag assembly, such that the purchasing of the merchandise and the removal of the security tag assembly can be effectively accomplished without jeopardizing the security of the merchandise being sold.

Abstract: A device for nullifying an exception RFID tag associated with a product or package includes a label with a replacement RFID tag configured thereon. The label is configured for placement on a package or product adjacent to the exception RFID tag. An electromagnetic shield is configured on the label and has a size and configuration so as to extend over the exception RFID tag when the label is placed adjacent thereto so as to disable subsequent reading of the exception RFID tag.

Abstract: A tag (1) can be split into a tag (A(1-a)), a tag (B(1-b)), and a tag (C(1-c)). In the tag (A), a memory portion (A31) is included. In the tag (B), a memory portion (B32) is included. In the tag (C), a memory portion (C33), an input/output interface portion (34), and a control portion (35) are provided. The input/output interface portion (34) forms an interface for exchanging data with an external reader/writer device (not shown). The control portion (35) receives a request inputted thereto from the input/output interface portion (34) and controls the function of the tag. A split line 36 is provided between the tags (A) and (B) to allow detachment between the two tags therealong. A split line 37 is provided between the tags (B) and (C) to allow detachment between the two tags therealong. The arrangement makes it difficult to falsify data in the tag and enables an easier operation.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device and method are disclosed. In one aspect, an RFID tag includes an adjustable antenna having a main segment and one or more additional segments that are short relative to the main segment; and the antenna is adjustable to electrically isolate one or more of the additional segments from the main segment. In another aspect, an RFID tag includes an antenna having a first section and a second section short relative to the first section; and the antenna is adjustable to disconnect the first and second sections from each other at a predetermined location. In a further aspect, an RFID tag includes an antenna having a first section and a second section; and the first section is adjustable to decrease the first length of the first section and the second section adjustable to increase the second length of the second section.

Abstract: A disposable and tamper-resistant RFID lock that employs an RFID tag. Use of tamper evident housing. Disabling an RFID tag contained in the housing cutting, crushing, or puncturing the RFID tag.

Abstract: A process is provided for deterring the theft of notes equipped with a radio-tag type authenticity check element, capable of returning an item of authenticity information, in response to an authentication request emitted by a check device. Such a process includes the following steps: transmission to the check element of at least one inactivation code, rendering the note invalid; storage and/or transport of the invalid note; and reactivation of the check element, using at least one activation code, depending on the inactivation code, rendering the note valid.

Abstract: A data carrier (2) comprises a data circuit (4) arranged on a substrate (3) and data transmission means (10) being connected to the data circuit (4). The data carrier (2) further comprises at least one strain gauge means (7) being adapted to measure strains exerted on the substrate (3) and to transmit a deactivating signal (DE) to the data circuit (4) if the measured strains exceed a defined deactivating strain threshold. If the data circuit (4) receives the deactivating signal (DE), the data circuit (4) interrupts a data exchange with an external data reader/writer (1) via the data transmission means (10).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to electronic tag decommissioning and provide a method, system and computer program product for electronic tag decommissioning. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic tag decommissioning system can be provided. The system can include a database housing link data associating a plurality of electronic tags with respective objects, and a decommissioning bin. The decommissioning bin can include an electronic tag reader coupled to decommissioning logic programmed to decommission the electronic tag in the database.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a magnetic detacher with open access are described. In one embodiment, the magnetic detacher may include magnet assembly to provide open access to a hard tag and a magnetic field sufficient to disengage a clamping mechanism of the hard tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A material is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags at a known concentration of RFID tags per unit of material. Subsequently, if an interrogation of the RFID tags reveals a reduced concentration of RFID tags in the material, then a conclusion is drawn that the material has been diluted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for tamper detection. A tamper detection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a passive electronic sensor including a circuit having first, second, and third nodes; a load connected between the first and second nodes of the circuit; a friable electrical connection element connected between the second and third nodes of the circuit; and a storage unit, connected to the second node of the circuit, for storing an identification code of the sensor; wherein in use a voltage is applied across the first and third nodes of the circuit, and when the friable electrical connection element is intact, the second node of the circuit is at a first voltage, and when the friable electrical connection element is broken, the second node of the circuit is at a second voltage.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an antenna for close proximity wireless transfer, a fixing module which is provided near the antenna and fixes an other apparatus to the own apparatus, a data communication module which executes data communication with the other apparatus by close proximity wireless transfer via the antenna, a communication state detection module which detects a communication state of communication with the other apparatus by the data communication module, and a fixation control module which controls fixation of the other apparatus by the fixing module in accordance with the communication state which is detected by the communication state detection module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disabling transponders used in electronic toll collection or other RFID systems, wherein the transponders include an antenna and RFID circuitry. The transponders can be selectively disabled by releasably securing a disabling device having a metallic portion at an operative position over the antenna of the RFID system, whereupon the metallic portion is coupled to the antenna in such a manner as to disable the RFID circuitry so long as the disabling device is at the operative position. The RFID circuitry is arranged to be automatically enabled upon removal of the disabling device from the operative position.

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 security tag assembly structured to discourage unauthorized removal of merchandise comprising a base including at least one magnetomechanical member normally operatively oriented in an armed mode. The armed mode is at least partially defined by the magnetomechanical member demonstrating a vibration or mechanical resonance when exposed to a predetermined resonant frequency, such as when passing through or otherwise disposed in proximity to a monitoring alarm assembly. A stabilizing assembly comprising at least one stabilizing magnet is disposed and structured to expose said magnetomechanical member to a stabilizing magnet field sufficient operative characteristics to facilitate restoration or maintenance of the armed mode of the magnetomechanical member even when exposed to a disruptive magnetic field, such as when the magnetomechanical member is attempting to be disarmed by an unauthorized source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in an RFID system comprising a plurality of RFID devices and at least one reader which communicates with one or more of the devices. In one aspect of the invention, an identifier transmitted by a given one of the RFID devices is received by a reader or by an associated verifier via the reader. At least first and second codes are determined, by the reader or verifier, with the first code being a valid code for the identifier, and the second code being an invalid code for the identifier. The reader, or verifier via the reader, communicates with the given device to determine if the device is able to confirm that the first code is a valid code and the second code is an invalid code.

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 radio frequency identification tag is provided. The radio frequency identification tag includes a body and a cutting indication formed on the body. The body includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate and an integrated circuit disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the antenna for performing a radio frequency communication. An extension of the cutting indication intersects with the antenna to separate the body into two parts after breaking.

Abstract: The invention provides protection to wireless portable transponders from unauthorized interrogation by employing a mechanical means for disabling reception by or from the antenna of the transponder. Transponders include RFID tags that are attached to items that a persons may purchase or carry. Such transponders generally have means for receiving and storing electronic and other information, commonly in binary form using memories as in electronic circuits, etc. The invention is designed to provide privacy of electronic information. The tags can be protected from receiving or providing unauthorized or unwanted information. The invention provides the mechanical means that permit the owner to decide when reception/interrogation of personal or other information is not desired by employing the provided mechanical disable control means.

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.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) tag and method and system for deactivating EAS tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor (“MOS”) capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the MOS capacitor results in destruction of the MOS capacitor rendering the EAS tag undetectable in the EAS interrogation system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a reader signal strength in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is described. A tag is configured to monitor an attribute of a reader transmitted signal, such as the signal strength. The tag generates an indication of the signal attribute, and transmits the indication of the signal attribute to the reader.

Abstract: The antenna of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may be detuned by applying a conductive material in radio frequency (RF) contact with the antenna, such that the RFID tag is not operable. This material may later be removed, or the conductive effect of the material eliminated, thus re-tuning the antenna to its design specifications and restoring the RFID tag to an operable condition. In this manner, RFID tags may be manufactured in an inoperable state, to be subsequently made operable through the occurrence of an event, such as scraping off the conductive material.

Abstract: A universal tracking assembly that is capable of supporting more than one protocol used in electronic article surveillance (EAS) labels. The universal tracking assembly includes an acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS portion with a Radio Frequency (RF) EAS portion. The intrinsic characteristics and properties of the components of these individual labels are utilized to enhance the overall performance and utility of the combined EAS universal tracking assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) security in an RFID-enabled medium, the RFID-enabled medium including an RFID tag coupled to an antenna, and a touch sensing switch, the touch sensing switch coupled to an electrode and a power source, the touch sensing switch adapting the RFID tag to the power source, the RFID security including: sensing, by the touch sensing switch, human contact with the electrode; and providing, by the touch sensing switch only during human contact with the electrode, operating power from the power source to the RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surveillance and/or identification devices having capacitors connected in parallel or in series, and methods of making and using such devices. Devices with capacitors connected in parallel, where one capacitor is fabricated with a relatively thick capacitor dielectric and another is fabricated with a relatively thin capacitor dielectric achieve both a high-precision capacitance and a low breakdown voltage for relatively easy surveillance tag deactivation. Devices with capacitors connected in series result in increased lateral dimensions of a small capacitor. This makes the capacitor easier to fabricate using techniques that may have relatively limited resolution capabilities.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a main apparatus portion, a unique identification device for attachment in close proximity to the main apparatus portion and an interrogation system provided as part of the main apparatus portion for wirelessly interrogating the identification device such that the main apparatus portion function is enabled only when in close proximity to the identification device. The identification device is adapted to be made disfunctional by detachment or attempted detachment. In this arrangement, the main apparatus portion is the normal electronic apparatus to be protected from theft. It is provided with an interrogation system so that it can be made to cease functioning if not in close proximity to the identification device.

Abstract: An RFID device is capable of stopping and restarting a response via a response stop command. The device is capable of initializing a part of or the whole of internal data including a response restart set data storage portion. The device is capable of using command data from an external communication equipment to look up response restart data at the restart of a response, deciding a data storage area and content that may be initialized when the restart is possible, and rewriting a data storage portion.

Abstract: Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. Each of a plurality of data tags stores identification information. At least one of the data tags is removable and capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the data tag substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed data tag and permits communication of the identification information via another data tag at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field circular microstrip antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: A system for disabling a device. An embedded identifier contained within a cable security system is read in response to enabling a cable security mechanism within the device. The device is disabled if the embedded identifier is not found.

Abstract: Methods and systems of attaching a radio transceiver to an antenna. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to operate as a radio transceiver. The antenna comprises a ground plane having a first edge surface, and an active element having a second edge surface. The ground plane and the active element are retained together such that the first and second edge surfaces are substantially coplanar and form an antenna edge. The integrated circuit is configured to operate as a radio transceiver, and the integrated circuit is mechanically coupled to the edge of the antenna and electrically coupled to the active element.

Abstract: A document management apparatus and a document management system that selects the document which are best to digitize from among document being used in an office, and set the priority for digitization of each document are provided. The document management apparatus comprising: an accumulator apparatus that stores, the document ID, used place and used time for a document that is used; a computing part that analyzes information stored in accumulator apparatus, and for each document, computes the usability of the document data to be digitized; a specifying part that specifies document that correspond to document data for which the usability is relatively high by comparing it to the usability already computed for the data for each document; and output part that outputs the specified result to client.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.

Abstract: A reader device for locating and tracking multiple tags includes a plurality of closely packed antenna circuits and at least one controller configured to control the plurality of closely packed antenna circuits. The at least one controller is configured to activate one or more of the antenna circuits to generate at least one resonance signal field configured to interrogate at least one tag associated with the one or more active antenna circuits while substantially preventing or reducing cross-coupling of signals between the one or more active antenna circuits and at least one antenna circuit within the at least one resonance signal field to a sufficiently low level, wherein the sufficiently low level substantially prevents misreads from unwanted tags, to thereby track the multiple tags in a substantially controlled manner.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating point of sale (POS) data with electronic article surveillance (EAS) data, comprising a general-purpose computer for receiving and processing POS and EAS data is disclosed. The system and method preferable comprise reporting analyzed and collated data to a user.

Abstract: A method to secure RFID card information consisting of a piezo electric element coupled to a transistor which is coupled across the antenna leads of a RFID tag, the transistor provides a short circuit or and open circuit across the antenna leads or antenna input leads of a the RFID chip. The transistor when not energized provides a short circuit on the RFID antenna. When the transistor is energized by a piezo electric element the short circuit is removed and the RFID chip can transfer data normally. Furthermore, the present invention includes a single integrated circuit package, being a single integrated transistor RFID chip package based on the transistor circuit design to operate specifically with a piezo electric element when used with a RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in a passive mode where the tag responds to queries (412). While operating passively, an expiration event occurs (512, 514) which causes the tag to disable a battery (110), preventing subsequent operation in the passive mode, resulting in the tag disabling access to the tag data.

Abstract: An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and deactivating electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tags in which a housing is affixable to at least one of a bar code scanner and a RFID scanner. An electronic circuit located is within the housing. At least one user observable indicator is controlled by the electronic circuit in which the at least one user observable indicator is affixed to the housing and provides a tag deactivation status.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag includes an RFID device and an EAS device. The RFID device may operate in a plurality of states including an activated state in which communication with a reader is enabled and a deactivated state in which communication with a reader is disabled. The EAS device may operate in a plurality of states including an activated state in which activation of an alarm is enabled and a deactivated state in which activation of an alarm is disable. The RFID device may be deactivated when the EAS device is deactivated. For example, the same piece of equipment that deactivates the EAS device also deactivates the RFID device at the same time. The RFID device may include an antenna, an RFID chip connected to the antenna for communicating with a reader, and an active element operatively disposed with respect to the antenna.