Authors:
Tong Yu
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes a hardware/software solution that consists of an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system (Reader/Antenna, EAS hard tag) integrated into a Self-checkout (SCO) system. This solution dynamically detects the EAS hard tag weight installed on the merchandise, in order for software to validate their item securities. The EAS hard tags must respond to the transmitter with the valid frequencies that are relevant to it's weight.
Background:
Retailers use EAS hard tags on expensive items to reduce theft. Different EAS hard tag products can have different weights, for example, from 0.03 lb (button type) to 0.25 lb (box type, see attached picture), depending on the protected merchandise.
The various weights create challenges for the SCO software's item security weight verification system. The normal solution is for SCO software to display a message telling customers not to place the hard-tagged items on the security scale (bagging area). If the customers put hard tagged items on the security scale anyway, stores would not call Shopper Assistance intervention, would only relax the item security policy. This then leaves security hole for thieves to put stolen items into the bagging area.
It is desired to dynamically detect the hard tag weights installed on the merchandises to better validate item weight securities
Description:
One embodiment can be like this:
(1) A shopper touches screen to start a transaction
(2) SCO software enables EAS system for it to start to broadcast signal via antenna
(3) Shopper scans an item w/ a hard tag (e.g. box type w/ weight = 0.25b), and places it in the bagging area
(4)The hard tag receives the signal and sends the transmitter with a valid frequency Y, which represents 0.25b based on a predefined protocol
(5) RF reader sends the Data to SCO software, the software examines the payload based on the predefined protocol, and understands the Data representing 0.25 lb.
(6) SCO software queries the item's POS record (e.g. 1 lb), combines the POS weight record with the Hard tag weight to generate the item's gross weight
(7) SCO item security weight verification engine runs this item's weight against the security scale reading, accept the item if the weight is correct, reject if it is not correct
(8) Shopper scans another item w/ a hard tag (e.g. button type w/ weight = 0.03 lb)
(9) The hard tag receives the signal and sends the transmitter with a valid frequency X representing 0.03 lb based on a predefined protocol
(10) RF reader sends the Data to SCO software, the software examines the payload based on the predefined protocol, and understands the Data representing 0.03 lb.
(11) repeat step (6) to (7) for this item
TGCS Reference 2174
