Systems and methods for data reading and EAS tag sensing and deactivating at retail checkout
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of operation of a data reader and security tag deactivation system whereby a data reader such as a barcode scanner is equipped with EAS deactivation coils or modules disposed in the vicinity of the read volume or generally proximate thereto and the system is operable to permit reading of the ID tag (such as the barcode label) on an item, and upon a successful read, the deactivation unit is operable to (1) sense the presence of an EAS tag; (2) if presence of an EAS tag is sensed, energize the deactivation coil/module to deactivate the EAS tag; and (3) sense if the EAS tag is deactivated. If the EAS tag is sensed to have been deactivated, the system signals as such and a next item may be scanned. If the EAS tag is sensed to have not been deactivated, the system proceeds to alternate operational steps to handle the exception. In another function, the system is operable to urge the operator to return the item to the read volume to enhance EAS tag deactivation, one method being by delaying a good read acknowledgment until the system determines that the EAS tag which may have been previously detected has subsequently been deactivated.
101 Citations
77 Claims
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1-55. -55. (canceled)
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56. A combined security tag unit and data reader system comprising:
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a security tag deactivation unit arranged for deactivating an electronic security tag located proximate to the read volume of the data reader; and
a data reader for reading an ID tag, wherein the data reader is operative to undergo a change in operation in response to input from the security tag deactivation unit. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63)
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64. A method of operating a system for reading ID tags and deactivating electronic security tags, comprised of a security tag deactivation unit and a data reader, the method comprising the steps of:
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sensing to detect presence of an electronic security tag on an item proximate to a read volume of the data reader;
reading data from an ID tag on the item;
if an electronic security tag has been detected, attempting to deactivate the electronic security tag;
adjusting operation of the data reader in response to input from the security tag deactivation unit. - View Dependent Claims (65, 66, 67, 68)
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69. A method of operating and controlling a system having a data reader defining a read volume and an associated security tag deactivation unit, for reading an ID tag and deactivating an electronic security tag on an item, the method comprising the steps of:
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reading data from an ID tag located within the read volume of the data reader;
sensing for an electronic security tag;
if an electronic security tag is sensed, the security tag deactivation unit attempting to deactivate the electronic security tag, wherein operation of the data reader is adjusted based on input from the security tag deactivation unit. - View Dependent Claims (70, 71, 72, 73, 74)
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75. A method of operating a Point of Sale (POS) system having a data reader defining a read volume and an associated security tag deactivation unit, the method comprising the steps of:
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the data reader reading data from an ID tag on an item located within the read volume;
the security tag deactivation unit sensing for an electronic security tag;
notifying the POS system of sensing results from the security tag deactivation unit. - View Dependent Claims (76, 77)
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Specification