Electronic article security system with digital signal processing and increased detection range

• US 5,353,011 A
• Filed: 01/04/1993
• Issued: 10/04/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC. (CCL Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC. (CCL Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Cannon, Joseph M., Casey, Stephen J., Chang, Luke C., Mastrocola, Louis A., Ertwine, Von C., Waples, Calvin R. Jr., Abrams, Burton S., Makofka, Douglas S., Wheeler, Richard G.
• Primary Examiner(s): SWANN III, GLEN R
• Application Number:
  US08/000,481
• Time in Patent Office: 638 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572, 340/552, 340/556, 340/566
• US Class Current: 340/572.4
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2414 using inductive tags
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2471 Antenna signal processing by receiver or emitter
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2474 Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout loop antennae H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2482 EAS methods, e.g. description of flow chart of the detection procedure

Abstract

An improved electronic article security system is employed for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone. The system includes a transmitter for generating electromagnetic energy and, in the disclosed embodiment, a single antenna for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone. A receiver is provided for processing signals from the antenna relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals. A data processing and control section analyzes the output signals from the receiver and determines whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone. The output signals from the receiver are analyzed in accordance with predetermined criteria and pattern recognition techniques based upon receiver output signals which would be expected if a security tag were present in the detection zone to establish a security tag probability percentage.

Claims

1. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, wherein the transmitter means comprises:

a controlled oscillator for receiving control signals from the data processing and control means and for generating electromagnetic output signals which vary in frequency over a predetermined frequency range at a predetermined rate as established by the control signals;

driver means for receiving the oscillator output signals and for sending the oscillator output signals along a predetermined transmission path;

transmission path receiver means connectable to the transmission path for receiving the oscillator output signals; and

amplifier means connected to the transmission path receiver means for receiving and amplifying the oscillator output signals to provide the electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna means.

2. The EAS system as recited in claim 1, wherein the driver means comprises a fiber optic driver, the transmission path comprises a fiber optic cable, and the transmission path receiver means comprises a fiber optic receiver.

3. The EAS system as recited in claim 2, wherein the fiber optic driver includes two outputs, each of which is connected to a fiber optic cable.

4. The EAS system as recited in claim 3, wherein both of the fiber optic cables are precisely the same length so that oscillator output signals at the distal ends of each of the fiber optic cables are at precisely the same phase.

5. The EAS system as recited in claim 4, wherein the distal end of one of the fiber optic cables is connected to the fiber optic receiver and the distal end of the other fiber optic cable is connected to a fiber optic receiver of a second EAS system so that the same oscillator output signal is provided to both fiber optic receivers to permit both EAS systems to operate in a master/slave relationship.

6. The EAS system as recited in claim 1, wherein the driver means comprises a wire driver, the transmission path comprises a wire, and the transmission path receiver means comprises a wire receiver.

7. The EAS system as recited in claim 1, wherein the driver means comprises a fiber optic driver and a wire driver, each of which receives the oscillator output signals.

8. The EAS system as recited in claim 7, wherein the transmission path receiver means comprises a fiber optic receiver and a wire receiver, the system further comprising selector means for selectively connecting the amplifier means to either the fiber optic receiver or the wire receiver.

9. The EAS system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a master fiber driver including a controlled oscillator for generating electromagnetic output signals which vary in frequency over a predetermined frequency range at a predetermined controlled rate, the master fiber driver including a plurality of outputs, each output being connected to one of a plurality of fiber optic cables, the distal ends of each of the fiber optic cables being connectable to fiber optic receiver means of the EAS system and of other EAS systems to provide the same oscillator output signal to all of the EAS systems to permit the EAS systems to operate in the same general area without unduly interfering with each other.

10. The EAS system as recited in claim 9, wherein all of the fiber optic cables are precisely the same length so that the oscillator output signals at the distal ends of each of the fiber optic cables are at precisely the same phase.

11. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, wherein the receiver means comprises:

a first balanced mixer for receiving and mixing together signals from the antenna means and signals from the transmitter means to establish first detected signals;

a second balanced mixer for receiving and mixing together signals from the antenna means and phase shifted signals from the transmitter means to establish second detected signals which are out of phase with respect to the first detected signals; and

a sum/difference circuit for receiving the first and second detected signals from the mixers and, in a controlled manner, obtaining either the sum of or the difference between the detected signals.

12. The EAS system as recited in claim 11, wherein the signals from the transmitter means to the second mixer are phase shifted by 90°

.

13. The EAS system as recited in claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic energy output from the transmitter means varies in frequency over a predetermined frequency range at a predetermined rate and wherein the operation of the sum/difference circuit is controlled by the variations in the frequency of the transmitter means.

14. The EAS system as recited in claim 13, wherein the sum/difference circuit obtains the sum of the detected signals from the two mixers when the output from the transmitter means is increasing in frequency.

15. The EAS system as recited in claim 14, wherein each of the detected signals from the mixers are low pass and high pass filtered prior to being received by the sum/difference circuit.

16. The EAS system as recited in claim 11, further including:

a bandpass filter for filtering the first detected signals to eliminate portions of the first detected signals which are outside of the band of the filter; and

a level detector for receiving the portions of the first detected signals passed by the bandpass filter and for determining the average amplitude level of the received signal portions.

17. The EAS system as recited in claim 16, wherein the bandpass filter passes frequencies between 10.5 KHz and 13.5 KHz.

18. The EAS system as recited in claim 16, wherein the bandpass filter passes frequencies between 19 KHz and 22 KHz.

19. The EAS system as recited in claim 16, further comprising a multiplexer for receiving the output from the sum/difference circuit and the output from the level detector and multiplexing the received signals.

20. The EAS system as recited in claim 19, wherein the output from the multiplexer is fed to an analog to digital converter.

21. The EAS system as recited in claim 11, wherein the output from the sum/difference circuit is fed to an analog to digital converter.

22. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone. receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising:

a first filter for performing shorter term filter averaging of output signals from the receiver means;

a second filter for performing longer term filter averaging of output signals from the receiver; and

subtraction means for subtracting the results of the second filter from the results of the first filter to provide resultant signals with reduced random or transient noise, reduced correlated or environmental noise and enhanced signal to noise ratios.

23. The EAS system as recited in claim 22, further comprising analog to digital converter means for converting the output from the receiver means into digital form.

24. The EAS system as recited in claim 23, wherein the output signals from the receiver are grouped into a series of frames, each frame being of a predetermined length and containing a predetermined number of digital samples.

25. The EAS system as recited in claim 24, wherein the transmitter means generates electromagnetic energy which varies in frequency over a predetermined frequency range at a predetermined sweep rate and wherein the length of each frame generally corresponds to the period of each transmitter means frequency sweep.

26. The EAS system as recited in claim 25, wherein the beginning of each frame coincides in time with the beginning of each sweep cycle of the transmitter means.

27. The EAS system as recited in claim 24, wherein the first filter is a finite response filter which continuously filters on a one-to-one basis samples of each frame with corresponding samples of a predetermined number of immediately preceding frames to provide a constant multi-frame moving multi-sample filtered response.

28. The EAS system as recited in claim 27, wherein the predetermined number of immediately preceding frames is 31.

29. The EAS system as recited in claim 27, wherein the number of samples averaged is 128 per frame.

30. The EAS system as recited in claim 24, wherein the second filter is an infinite response filter which continuously filters on a one-to-one basis samples of each frame with corresponding samples of preceding frames to provide a multi-frame, multi-sample filtered response.

31. The EAS system as recited in claim 30, wherein the number of preceding frames is infinite and the weight of each preceding frame is continuously lowered such that the contribution of a particular frame is negligible over time.

32. The EAS system as recited in claim 30, wherein the number of samples filtered is 128 per frame.

33. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising:

means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver in accordance with predetermined criteria and pattern recognition techniques based upon receiver output signals which would be expected if a security tag were present in the detection zone and for establishing for the receiver output signals a security tag probability percentage.

34. The EAS system as recited in claim 33, further comprising analog to digital converter means for converting the output signals from the receiver into digital form.

35. The EAS system as recited in claim 34, wherein the transmitter means generates electromagnetic energy which varies in frequency over a predetermined frequency range, the frequency being swept upwardly and downwardly within the frequency range at a predetermined sweep rate and wherein the analog to digital converter means is synchronized with the frequency sweep of the transmitter means to group the digitized receiver output signals into a series of frames, each frame containing a predetermined number of digital samples and each frame having a length corresponding to the period of the frequency sweep of the transmitter means so that one-half of the samples of each frame correspond to the upward sweep of the transmitter means frequency and the other half of the samples of each frame correspond to the downward sweep of the transmitter means frequency.

36. The EAS system as recited in claim 35, wherein the digitized output signals from the receiver are analyzed on a frame by frame basis to provide a security tag probability percentage for each frame.

37. The EAS system as recited in claim 36, wherein the upsweep portion of each frame is analyzed to determine whether a three lobe signal having a duration which exceeds a predetermined minimum number of samples but does not exceed a predetermined maximum number of samples is present to indicate the possible presence of a security tag in the detection zone.

38. The EAS system as recited in claim 37, wherein, if a three lobe signal having a duration which exceeds the predetermined minimum number of samples but does not exceed the predetermined maximum number of samples is present within the upsweep portion of a frame, the downsweep portion of the frame is analyzed to determine whether a three lobe signal having generally the same duration as the three lobe upsweep signal is present to indicate the possible presence of a security tag in the detection zone.

39. The EAS system as recited in claim 38, wherein, if a three lobe signal having a duration which exceeds the predetermined number of samples but does not exceed the predetermined maximum number of samples is present in both the upsweep and the downsweep portions of the frame, the rectified average of the three lobe signal is determined and is compared to the rectified noise level of the frame to establish a rectified signal to noise ratio for the frame which must exceed a predetermined minimum threshold level to indicate the possible presence of a security tag in the detection zone.

40. The EAS system as recited in claim 36, wherein each frame of digitized receiver output signals is analyzed utilizing at least one of the following:

(a) comparing the duration of a three lobe signal in the upsweep portion of the frame to predetermined minimum and maximum criteria;

(b) comparing the duration of a three lobe signal in the downsweep portion of the frame to predetermined minimum and maximum criteria;

(c) determining a rectified signal to noise ratio in a three lobe signal within a frame and comparing the rectified signal to noise ratio to a predetermined threshold level;

(d) determining peak amplitude ratios of the lobes of a three lobe signal within the frame and comparing the peak amplitude ratios to predetermined criteria;

(e) determining the sum of the squared amplitude levels of three lobe signals within the upsweep portion of the frame and within the downsweep portion to establish a ratio which is compared to one; and

(f) determining the number of samples of a three lobe signal within the upsweep portion of the frame and within the downsweep portion of the frame and determining the difference between the number of samples.

41. The EAS system as recited in claim 40, wherein all of the criteria are utilized.

42. The EAS system as recited in claim 40, wherein criteria (a), (b), and (c) must all be met or the system determines that no security tag is present in the detection zone for the frame being analyzed.

43. The EAS system as recited in claim 42, wherein a first security tag probability percentage factor is assigned to a frame depending upon the number of peak amplitude ratios which fall within the expected range of the peak amplitude ratios obtained from an actual security tag.

44. The EAS system as recited in claim 43, wherein a second security tag probability percentage factor is assigned to a frame depending upon how closely the squared amplitude level ratio corresponds to one.

45. The EAS system as recited in claim 44, wherein a third security tag probability percentage factor is assigned to a frame depending upon the magnitude of the difference between the number of samples of the three lobe signal within the upsweep portion of the frame and the number of samples of the three lobe signal within the downsweep portion of the frame.

46. The EAS system as recited in claim 45, wherein each of the security tag probability percentage factors are added together to provide an overall frame probability percentage which is compared to a predetermined threshold and, if below the threshold, the system determines that no security tag is present in the detection zone for the frame being analyzed.

47. The EAS system as recited in claim 46, further including:

a bandpass filter within the receiver means for filtering detected receiver means signals above the frequency of the security tag signals to eliminate signals outside of the band of the filter and a level detector for receiving the signals passed by the filter and determining the average amplitude level of the received signals over a predetermined time period to establish a high frequency threshold level wherein the signals from the bandpass filter for each frame are compared to the high frequency threshold and, if the high frequency threshold is exceeded, the overall frame probability percentage for the frame is reduced.

48. The EAS system as recited in claim 47, wherein the sample number of the zero crossover point between the first and second lobes of a three lobe signal is determined.

49. The EAS system as recited in claim 48, wherein the overall frame probability percentages for a plurality of frames are averaged together to provide a multi-frame moving probability percentage average which is compared to a threshold number and if the moving probability percentage average is less than the threshold number, the system decides that no security tag is present for the frame being analyzed.

50. The EAS system as recited in claim 47, wherein the overall frame probability percentages for a plurality of frames are averaged together to provide a multi-frame moving probability percentage average which is compared to a threshold number and if the moving probability percentage average is less than the threshold number, the system decides that no security tag is present for the frame being analyzed.

51. The EAS system as recited in claim 46, wherein the overall frame probability percentages for a plurality of frames are averaged together to provide a multi-frame moving probability percentage average which is compared to a threshold number and if the moving probability percentage average is less than the threshold number, the system decides that no security tag is present for the frame being analyzed.

52. The EAS system as recited in claim 40, further including:

a bandpass filter within the receiver means for filtering detected receiver means signals above the frequency of security tag signals to eliminate signals outside of the band of the filter and a level detector for receiving the signals passed by the bandpass filter and determining the average amplitude level of the received signals over a predetermined time period to establish a high frequency threshold for the system;

comparing means for comparing the signals from the bandpass filter during each frame with the high frequency threshold;

means for assigning a security tag probability percentage factor to a frame based upon the result of the analysis of the frame; and

means for reducing the assigned probability percentage factor if the high frequency signals for the frame exceed the high frequency threshold.

53. The EAS system as recited in claim 40, wherein the sample number of the zero crossover point between the first and second lobes of a three lobe signal is determined.

54. The EAS system as recited in claim 53, wherein the sample number of the zero crossover point between the first and second lobes of a three lobe signal for the frame being analyzed is compared to the sample number of the corresponding zero crossover point for a predetermined number of prior frames and the most common and second most common zero crossover point sample numbers among the compared frames are established, the most common zero crossover point sample number being compared to a first threshold count and the sum of the most common and second most common zero crossover point samples being compared to a second threshold count such that if the result of each comparison is less than the respective threshold count, the system determines that no security tag is present in the detection zone.

55. The EAS system as recited in claim 33, further including means for verifying the physical presence of an object within the detection zone and wherein the data processing and control means is precluded from generating an alarm unless the system determines that a sensed disturbance within the detection zone is caused by the presence of a security tag and the verifying means verifies the physical presence of an object within the detection zone.

56. The EAS system as recited in claim 55, wherein the system is precluded from generating an alarm unless the presence of a security tag is determined and the physical presence of an object within the detection zone is verified at substantially the same time.

57. The EAS system as recited in claim 55, wherein the verifying means comprises infrared transmitter means for transmitting an infrared beam into the detection zone;

and

infrared receiver means for receiving the infrared beam and for generating a verification signal when the infrared beam is not received as a result of an object within the detection zone blocking the infrared beam from being received.

58. The EAS system as recited in claim 57, wherein the infrared transmitter means is located on a first side of the detection zone and the infrared receiver is located on a second side of the detection zone so that the infrared beam passes through the detection zone.

59. The EAS system as recited in claim 57, wherein the infrared transmitter means and the infrared receiver means are located on a first side of the detection zone and a reflector means is located on a second side of the detection zone so that the infrared beam from the transmitter means passes through the detection zone and is reflected by the reflector means to the infrared receiver means.

60. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection. Zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising verification means for verifying the physical presence of an object within the detection zone independently of the detection of a security tag.

61. The EAS system as recited in claim 60, wherein the data processing and control means generates an alarm only if a sensed disturbance within the detection zone is determined to have been caused by a security tag within the detection zone and the verification means verifies the physical presence of an object within the detection zone at substantially the same time.

62. The EAS system as recited in claim 61, wherein the verification means comprises:

infrared transmitter means for transmitting an infrared beam into the detection zone; and

infrared receiver means for receiving the infrared beam and for generating a verification signal when the infrared beam is not received as a result of an object within the detection zone blocking the infrared beam from being received.

63. The EAS system as recited in claim 62, wherein the infrared transmitter means is located on a first side of the detection zone and the infrared receiver means is located on a second side of the detection zone so that the infrared beam passes through the detection zone.

64. The EAS system as recited in claim 63, wherein the infrared transmitter means is part of a first EAS system and the infrared receiver means is part of a second EAS system, the detection zone located between the two EAS systems.

65. The EAS system as recited in claim 64, wherein the infrared beam is employed to pass control signals and data from the first EAS system to the second EAS system.

66. The EAS system as recited in claim 65, wherein the control signals and data are encoded for transmission along the infrared beam.

67. The EAS system as recited in claim 62, wherein the infrared transmitter means and the infrared receiver means are both located on a first side of the detection zone and a reflector means is located on a second side of the detection zone for reflecting the infrared beam from the infrared transmitter means to the infrared receiver means the infrared beam passing through the detection zone at least once.

68. The EAS system as recited in claim 60, wherein the data processing and control means generates an alarm only if the verification means verifies the physical presence of an object within the detection zone a first predetermined time period before or a second predetermined time period after the occurrence of a disturbance within the detection zone which is determined to have been caused by a security tag within the detection zone.

69. The EAS system as recited in claim 68, wherein the first and second predetermined time periods are equal to one-half of one second.

70. The EAS system as recited in claim 60, wherein the data processing and control means receives data from the verification means and stores count data of the number of objects physically present within the detection zone during a predetermined period of time.

71. The EAS system as recited in claim 70, wherein the data processing and control means includes output means for outputting the count data.

72. The EAS system as recited in claim 71, wherein the output means comprises a display screen for displaying the count data.

73. The EAS system as recited in claim 72, wherein the count data is stored on an hourly basis for each hour that the EAS system is operated.

74. The EAS system as recited in claim 72, wherein the count data is stored on a daily basis for each day the EAS system is operated.

75. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising input/output means for direct access to the data processing and control means to permit programming, reprogramming, monitoring, testing or adjusting of the data processing and control means.

76. The EAS system as recited in claim 75, wherein the input/output means comprises an RS 232 connector.

77. The EAS system as recited in claim 75, wherein the input/output means comprises an RS 485 connector.

78. The EAS system as recited in claim 75, wherein the input/output means comprises a display screen and at least one control switch.

79. The EAS system as recited in claim 78, wherein the input/output means further comprises a plurality of switches.

80. The EAS system as recited in claim 79, wherein the data processing and control system includes menu driven software such that using the display screen and the plurality of control switches a user may modify and control the operation of the EAS system.

81. The EAS system as recited in claim 75, wherein the input/output means comprises a digital to analog converter means and an analog test point adapter for connection with monitoring or testing equipment.

82. The EAS system as recited in claim 75, wherein the data processing and control means includes memory means for receiving and storing data relating to operational characteristics of the system and wherein the input/output means is employed for accessing the stored data for analysis and the generation of reports.

83. The EAS system as recited in claim 75, wherein the input/output means is connectable to a communication system to permit the data processing and control means to be programmed, reprogrammed, monitored, tested or adjusted from a remote location.

84. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising auto tune means for automatically adjusting data processing parameters to compensate for local environmental and system operational factors for enhancing the ability of the system to determine whether sensed disturbances are caused by a security tag.

85. The EAS system as recited in claim 84, wherein the auto tune means comprises a simulated security tag within the detection zone.

86. The EAS system as recited in claim 84, wherein the auto tune means is activated each time the EAS system is turned on.

87. The EAS system as recited in claim 84, wherein the auto tune means is activated at periodic intervals during operation of the EAS system.

88. The EAS system as recited in claim 84, wherein the auto tune means may be activated by service personnel to facilitate inspection and servicing of the system.

89. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising means for determining the direction of movement of a person who passes through the detection zone.

90. The EAS system as recited in claim 89, wherein the direction of movement determining means comprises:

infrared transmitter means for transmitting first and second, spaced infrared beams into the detection zone; and

infrared receiver means for receiving the first and second infrared beams, the system determining the direction of movement of a person by the order in which the infrared beams are broken by a person passing through the detection zone.

91. The EAS system as recited in claim 90, wherein the infrared transmitter means is located on a first and on a second side of the detection zone and wherein the infrared receiver means is located on the first and second sides of the detection zone so that the first infrared beam passes through the detection zone in a first direction and the second infrared beam passes through the detection zone in a second direction.

92. The EAS system as recited in claim 91, wherein the first and second infrared beams are generally parallel to each other and the first direction is generally opposite the second direction.

93. The EAS system as recited in claim 92, wherein the infrared beams are encoded, the first infrared beam being encoded in a manner which is distinguishable from the manner in which the second infrared beam is encoded so that the receiver means can determine which infrared beam is being received.

94. The EAS system as recited in claim 93, wherein the infrared beams are about five inches apart.

95. The EAS system as recited in claim 93, wherein the first infrared beam is encoded in a manner which is orthogonally unique from the manner in which the second infrared beam is encoded.

96. In an electronic article security (EAS) system for detecting the presence of a security tag within a detection zone, transmitter means for generating electromagnetic energy, antenna means for emitting electromagnetic energy received from the transmitter means to establish an electromagnetic field within the detection zone and for sensing disturbances within the electromagnetic field, including disturbances resulting from a security tag within the detection zone, receiver means for processing signals from the antenna means relating to sensed disturbances and for providing output signals, and data processing and control means for analyzing the output signals from the receiver means and for determining whether a sensed disturbance within the electromagnetic field is caused by the presence of a security tag within the detection zone, the data processing and control means comprising means for communicating with other EAS systems to establish a multiple system network wherein the first EAS system in the network to determine that a sensed disturbance is caused by a security tag generates a deactivating signal to the other EAS systems in the network.

97. The EAS system as recited in claim 96, wherein the second EAS system in the network to determine that a sensed disturbance is caused by a security tag generates a deactivating signal to the other EAS systems in the network, the order in which the deactivation signals are generated establishing the location of the security tag which causes the disturbance.

98. A hi-directional infrared communication system comprising:

a first infrared transmitter means located on a first side of an area for transmitting a first infrared beam through the area in a first direction;

a second infrared transmitter means located on a second side of the area for transmitting a second infrared beam through the area in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the first and second infrared beams being generally parallel and spaced apart a predetermined distance, the first and second infrared beams being separately distinguishable from each other;

a first infrared receiver means located on the second side of the area and generally aligned with the first infrared transmitter means for receiving the first infrared beam and for generating first output signals; and

a second infrared receiver means located on the first side of the area and generally aligned with the second infrared transmitter means for receiving the second infrared beam and for generating second output signals, the first and second receiver means including detection means for determining which infrared beam is being received.

99. The system as recited in claim 98, wherein the code used for the first infrared beam is orthagonally unique from the code used for the second infrared beam.

100. The system as recited in claim 99, wherein the infrared beams are encoded to pass data across the area.

101. The system as recited in claim 100, wherein the infrared beams are spaced by a distance of about five inches.