U.S. patent application number 09/778415 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for rfid reader with integrated display for use in a product tag system.
Invention is credited to Alicot, Jorge, Glatt, Terry L..
Application Number | 20020105424 09/778415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25113271 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020105424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alicot, Jorge ; et
al. |
August 8, 2002 |
RFID READER WITH INTEGRATED DISPLAY FOR USE IN A PRODUCT TAG
SYSTEM
Abstract
A product tag system comprises: an RFID tag adapted for
attachment to a product; a data store in the tag for bar code
information relating to the product; a tag detacher for removing
the tag from the product at a point of sale; an RFID tag reader for
retrieving the bar code information from the tag when the tag is
placed in the tag detacher; and, an display for presenting the bar
code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional
bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form. A method for
monitoring products comprise the steps of: attaching an RFID tag to
a product; writing bar code information onto the tag; retrieving
the bar code information from the tag at a point of sale;
displaying the bar code information in a form which can be scanned
by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form;
and, detaching the tag from the product.
Inventors: |
Alicot, Jorge; (Davie,
FL) ; Glatt, Terry L.; (Pompano Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
6600 CONGRESS AVENUE
BOCA RATON
FL
33487
US
|
Family ID: |
25113271 |
Appl. No.: |
09/778415 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/572.1 ;
340/571 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/1095 20130101;
G06K 7/10861 20130101; G06K 1/18 20130101; Y10S 235/901 20130101;
G07G 1/0045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/572.1 ;
340/571 |
International
Class: |
G08B 013/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A product tag system, comprising: an RFID tag adapted for
attachment to a product; at least one data store in said tag for
bar code information relating to said product; a tag detacher for
removing said tag from said product at a point of sale; an RFID tag
reader for retrieving said bar code information from said tag when
said tag is placed in said tag detacher; and, a display for
presenting said bar code information in a form which can be scanned
by a conventional bar code scanner.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag further comprises a
detectable EAS element.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag detacher is inoperable
for detaching said tag until said bar code information has been
read.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag further comprises a
further data store for further product information.
5. The system of claim 1, further including a display for
displaying human readable information related to said product.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag detacher is inoperable
for detaching said tag until said tag detacher receives a
confirmation signal that said bar code information has been
successfully read by said bar code scanner.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag detacher comprises means
for receiving a confirmation signal that said bar code information
has been successfully read by said bar code scanner, said tag being
detached responsive to said confirmation signal.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag detacher and said RFID
tag reader are integrated in a single housing.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag detacher and said
display are integrated in a single housing.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said single housing is adapted
for mounting in a fixed position with respect to said conventional
bar code scanner.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said display and said RFID tag
reader are integrated in a single housing.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said single housing is adapted
for mounting in a fixed position with respect to said conventional
bar code scanner.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said tag detacher, said RFID tag
reader and said display are integrated in a single housing.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein said single housing is adapted
for mounting in a fixed position with respect to said conventional
bar code scanner.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said display is adapted for
mounting in a fixed position with respect to said conventional bar
code scanner.
16. The system of claim 1, further comprising an RFID writer.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said tag comprises a further
data store for receiving from said RFID writer information
regarding said sale of said product, whereby said product sale
information is available for subsequent use.
18. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a hand-held RFID
reader adapted for attachment to a hand-held bar code scanner; a
display on said hand-held RFID reader, said display being in an
aligned position when said reader and said scanner are attached for
presenting said bar code information in a form which can be scanned
by said hand-held bar code scanner; and, a tag detacher remote from
said reader for detaching said tag after said displayed bar code is
scanned.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said tag detacher automatically
detaches said tag responsive to a signal transmitted by said
reader.
20. A method for monitoring products, comprising the steps of:
attaching an RFID tag to a product; writing bar code information
onto said tag; retrieving said bar code information from said tag
at a point of sale; and, displaying said bar code information in a
form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner at
said point of sale.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
activating a detectable EAS element in said tag prior to said
retrieving step.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
detaching said tag from said product.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein said attaching and writing
steps can occur in any order.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein said attaching, writing and
activating steps can occur in any order.
25. The method of claim 22, comprising the step of performing said
retrieving, displaying and detaching steps with components disposed
in a single housing.
26. The method of claim 25, comprising the step of disposing said
housing in a fixed position relative to said conventional bar code
scanner.
27. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
displaying said bar code information from a position fixed relative
to said conventional bar code scanner.
28. The method of claim 20, further comprising displaying said bar
code information in human readable form.
29. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of writing
to said tag, at said point of sale, information regarding said sale
of said product, whereby said product sale information is available
for subsequent use.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to the fields of product scanning and
product tracking, and in particular, to a product tag system
integrating an enhanced wireless reader with a bar code
scanner.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] A wireless communication transponder, for example a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag, can provide the ability to
store and update information within an internal storage element and
can be associated with a product starting at its manufacturing
origins. This transponder can be used and reused throughout
manufacturing, distribution and the retail processing of the
product. These transponders are already provided with EAS elements,
and are further able to store encoded bar code information.
[0007] At a point of sale (POS), for example, the transponder can
be scanned to retrieve the stored information. However, a bar-code
scanner can be present, and indeed is likely to be present, which
interfaces to the cash register and the retail system. An item or
product needs to be scanned by the bar code reader as well, to
complete a transaction.
[0008] As an alternative, an RFID reader can be interfaced to the
cash register, eliminating the bar code scanner interface. This
approach lacks practicality because bar code scanning may be
necessary on many items that lack RFID tags. Another alternative is
to employ both a bar code scanner and an RFID reader. This approach
requires cabling software and other changes to accommodate both
systems, which makes the hardware more expensive to manufacture and
install. Moreover, two operations would then be necessary for each
sold product, namely bar code scanning and RFID reading, thus
slowing check-out. The detection of an electronic article
surveillance (EAS) element is usually implemented at an exit door,
and accordingly, this aspect of wireless communication has not
before interfered with bar code scanning.
[0009] Bar code readers are only capable of providing pre-defined
information according to their predetermined markings, namely bars.
EAS protection is provided by a separate tag. Further, an article
would need a third tag for RFID functionality. Such a combination
can be expected to hinder, rather than promote efficiency for point
of sale operations. Any solution must compliment the existing bar
code applications and not adversely affect the productivity of the
bar code application.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a long-felt need to merge the bar code
scanning, wireless communication and EAS technologies for the
purpose of providing a total solution that integrates bar code
scanners with wireless communication and EAS protection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The inventive arrangements satisfy the long-felt need for
integration by employing a wireless communication system and an EAS
device in conjunction with a bar-code scanner to provide complete
POS operation. These elements are advantageously integrated into an
apparatus that provides EAS protection and RFID functionality for a
system already having a bar code reader.
[0012] The inventive arrangements provide in a compact form a
facility for the interrogation of items employing bar codes,
wireless transponders and EAS protection. The design is
advantageously compact for applications with limited space and
where the bar code scanner is mobile.
[0013] The inventive arrangements advantageously facilitate
interfacing an RFID reader with a bar-code scanner by using a
display. The display conveys the bar code information residing in
the RFID component to the bar code reader. This approach minimizes
installation requirements and provides RFID functionality to bar
code systems. Compatibility between RFID and any bar-code scanner
and associated POS station is possible due to the optical bar-code
interface to the display, i.e., there are no wired connections.
[0014] A product tag system, in accordance with the inventive
arrangements, includes: an RFID tag adapted for attachment to a
product; at least one data store in the tag for bar code
information relating to the product, which is typically a UPC code,
but could be other bar coded data; a tag detacher for removing the
tag from the product at a point of sale; an RFID tag reader for
retrieving the bar code information from the tag when the tag is
placed in the tag detacher; and, a display for presenting the bar
code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional
bar code scanner. The tag can further include a detectable EAS
element.
[0015] The tag detacher is advantageously inoperable for detaching
the tag until the bar code information has been read, or
alternatively, until the tag detacher receives a confirmation
signal that the bar code information has been successfully read by
the bar code scanner. In this event, the tag detacher can receive a
confirmation signal that the bar code information has been
successfully read by the bar code scanner, the tag being detached,
for example automatically, in response to the confirmation
signal.
[0016] The tag can advantageously include a further data store for
further product information. The further information can be, for
example but not limited to, one or more of product price, product
size, SKU number, product identity such as model and serial number,
manufacture date and location, and the like.
[0017] The tag detacher and the RFID tag reader can be integrated
in a single housing, the tag detacher and the display can be
integrated in a single housing or the tag detacher, the RFID tag
reader and the display can be integrated in a single housing. The
single housing can be adapted for mounting in a fixed position with
respect to the conventional bar code scanner. Alternatively, the
display itself can be adapted for mounting in a fixed position with
respect to the conventional bar code scanner.
[0018] The system can further comprise an RFID writer. In this
case, the tag includes a further data store for receiving from the
RFID writer information regarding the sale of the product, wherein
the product sale information is available for subsequent use.
[0019] The system can further include: a hand-held RFID reader
adapted for attachment to a hand-held bar code scanner; a display
on the hand-held RFID reader, the display being in an aligned
position when the reader and the scanner are attached for
presenting the bar code information in a form which can be scanned
by the hand-held bar code scanner; and, a tag detacher remote from
the reader for detaching the tag after the displayed bar code is
scanned. The tag detacher can automatically detach the tag
responsive to a signal transmitted by the reader.
[0020] A method for monitoring products, in accordance with the
inventive arrangements, includes the steps of: attaching an RFID
tag to a product; writing bar code information onto the tag;
retrieving the bar code information from the tag at a point of
sale; displaying the bar code information in a form which can be
scanned by a conventional bar code scanner at the point of sale;
and, detaching the tag from the product. The attaching and writing
steps can occur in any order. Moreover, the attaching, writing and
activating steps can occur in any order.
[0021] The method can further include the step of activating a
detectable EAS element in the tag prior to the retrieving step.
[0022] The method further includes the step of detaching the tag
only after the bar code information has been read by the
conventional bar code scanner.
[0023] The method can include the step of performing the
retrieving, displaying and detaching steps with components disposed
in a single housing. In this case, the method can further include
the step of disposing the housing in a fixed position relative to
the conventional bar code scanner.
[0024] The writing step can include also writing onto the tag at
least one of: price information, size information, SKU number,
manufacture date and location, and the like.
[0025] The method can further include the step of writing to the
tag, at the point of sale, information regarding the sale of the
product, whereby the product sale information is available for
subsequent use.
[0026] Objectives, advantages, and applications of the present
invention will be made apparent by the following detailed
description of embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixed location tag
detacher having a display in accordance with an inventive
arrangement.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tag detacher of FIG. 1
having the display in a different location.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tag detacher of FIGS. 1
and 2, having the display in another location.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tag detacher of FIGS.
1-3, having the display in yet another location.
[0031] FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) are useful for explaining the
interaction of the tag detacher of FIGS. 1-4 with a conventional
fixed location bar code scanner in a first orientation and a tag in
accordance with the inventive arrangements.
[0032] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are useful for explaining the
interaction of the tag detacher of FIGS. 1-4 with a conventional
fixed location bar code scanner in a second orientation.
[0033] FIGS. 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) are useful for explaining the
interaction of a mobile RFID reader, a mobile bar code scanner and
a tag detacher, in accordance with the inventive arrangements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] In accordance with the inventive arrangements, an RFID
element and an EAS element are combined in a hard tag, which is not
a permanent tag on an article, but rather, is removed from the
article at the point of sale. One embodiment incorporates but is
not limited to a hard tag detacher capable of reading the RFID
information. The RFID information can contain information about the
article normally contained in a bar code, such as, but not limited
to, UPC code, product price, product size, SKU number, product
identity such as model and serial number, manufacture date and
location, and the like. The apparatus that receives the RFID tag
information conveys the bar code information to the bar code reader
through a display, for example, but not limited to, a liquid
crystal display (LCD) or a programmable ink display. The RFID
reader can reside within the detacher or the RFID reader can reside
in whole or in part in a separate enclosure.
[0035] Security tag detachers are well known, being used to remove
tags with EAS elements, which cannot be deactivated. A tag detacher
10 in accordance with the inventive arrangements is shown in FIG.
1. The tag removal aspect of the tag detacher is well known and
need not be described herein. The detacher 10 has an opening 12
into which the locking part of a security tag is inserted, being
removed therefrom by operation of the detacher. In accordance with
the inventive arrangements, the detacher 10 further comprises a
display 14, for example an LCD element or programmable ink display,
which is capable of displaying a bar code in such a manner that the
displayed bar code can be reliably scanned by a conventional bar
code scanner. In FIG. 1, the display 14 is on the top of the
detacher, with respect to the orientation of FIG. 1. Other
variations of the detacher 10 are shown in FIGS. 2-4. In FIG. 2,
the display 14 is on the right side. In FIG. 3, the display 14 is
on the bottom. In FIG. 4, the display 14 is on the rear side. Any
suitable location for display 14 is acceptable, including remote
from detacher 10, depending on the configuration of the bar code
reading apparatus and POS station. Display 15 can be included on
detacher 10 to include human readable indicia 17, which can include
article information such as item and price. Display 15 can be in
addition to, in place of, part of, or separate from, display 14,
depending upon the application, and can be positioned in any
suitable location.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows an enclosure 18 within detacher 10. In one
embodiment, the enclosure 18 houses an RFID reader or an RFID
reader/writer. Such circuits are known in and of themselves, and
need not be described in detail. Enclosure 18 has been omitted from
FIGS. 1-3 for purposes of clarity. Detacher 10 in FIG. 2 has an
sensor 16, for example a photo detector. In accordance with the
inventive arrangements, the sensor 16 can receive a signal, for
example from a bar code scanner, which confirms that the bar code
displayed by the display 14 has been successfully scanned, or
successfully scanned and decoded. The detacher can be programmed to
be inoperable for detaching a tag until such a signal has been
received. In a further aspect of the inventive arrangements, the
detacher can automatically detach a tag in response to such a
signal. Sensor 16 can be used in each of the detacher
configurations shown in FIGS. 1-4, and other configurations.
[0037] A complete system is shown in FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c). A
conventional bar code scanner 30, which can be a slot scanner or
handheld scanner, includes an area 32 within the boundaries of
which the scanner can detect a bar code. A detacher 10 comprises a
display 14 on a side thereof, facing and aligned with the area 32
of the bar code scanner 30, as indicated by arrow 34. The mounting
brackets are omitted for purposes of clarity, and in any event,
will be different for different point of sale cash register
stations and scanner types. The detacher 10 can include an RFID
reader or an RFID reader/writer disposed in enclosure 18. An RFID
tag 40 can include a bar code data store 42, and active EAS element
44 and a product data store 46. Bar code data store 42 and product
data store 46 can be a single data store or can be separate data
stores as illustrated. When the tag is placed in the opening 12 of
the detacher 10, represented by arrow 48, the RFID reader
automatically reads the bar code form the bar code data store 42
and displays the bar code on the display 14, where it is scanned by
the bar code scanner 30. The RFID reader can also retrieve product
information from the he data store 46 and transmit this information
to the cash register or other related device. Finally, the RFID
writer can transmit information regarding the sale of the product
to the data store 46. As the tag is eventually returned to the
manufacturer, the sales information can be read before the tag is
recycled.
[0038] A different orientation is shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the
tag and the enclosure 18 being omitted for purposes of clarity. The
detacher 10 has an display 14 on the bottom surface. The detacher
is fixed above the bar code scanner 30, with the display being
aligned with area 32, as represented by arrow 34.
[0039] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7(a), 7(b) and
7(c). A hand-held bar code scanner 60 has a housing 62 having a bar
code scanner unit 64 and an RFID docking unit 66. The scanner unit
64 has a bar code scanning area 70. The housing 62 is supported by
a handle 72 having a trigger 74 for activating the scanner. A
hand-held RFID reader/writer 80 has a housing 82 having a display
88, corresponding to display 14. The housing is supported by a
handle 84 having a trigger 86 for activating the RFID reader. The
RFID reader/writer is in wireless communication with a tag detacher
90, having a receiving circuit in enclosure 92. The RFID
reader/writer is also in wireless communication with an RFID tag,
such as tag 40 in FIG. 5(c). A detent structure having a first part
76 in docking unit 66 and a second part 78 on housing 82, for
example disposed in a pair on opposite sides, can be utilized for
attaching the RFID reader/writer to the bar code scanner. The
trigger 86 can be arranged to operate through handle 84 and engage
trigger 74, so that both are active at the same time for reading
and scanning the bar code.
[0040] Combining the RFID element and the EAS element into a single
tag advantageously alleviates point of sale burden due to multiple
tags on an article. If the RFID tag contains bar code information,
which can be displayed, a separate bar code label is not required.
Furthermore, manual retrieval of the bar code information by a bar
code scanner is not necessary if the POS system is otherwise
capable of communication with the RFID reader through displayed bar
code information.
[0041] The requirements for cabling and system installation are
also advantageously reduced by having an optical interface that
scans the displayed bar code information.
[0042] It is to be understood that variations and modifications of
the present invention can be made without departing from the scope
of the invention. It is also to be understood that the scope of the
invention is not to be interpreted as limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the
appended claims when read in light of the forgoing disclosure.
* * * * *