Patent US5495229A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5495229A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pulsed electronic article surveillance device employing expert system techniques for dynamic optimization
Assignee: Tyco Fire and Security GmbH
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Filing: 1994-09-28
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Granted: 1996-02-27
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Expires: 2014-09-28
Abstract
Abstract An electronic article surveillance system has a receiver with a plurality of receiving coils. Each coil in the system is treated as a separate detection unit with its own noise environment which is distinct from the noise environments of the other coils in the system. This allows the system to optimize its performance by maximizing the sensitivity of each coil according to its own local noise environment. In EAS systems in accordance with the invention, the priority of the detection routines is to keep an accurate and up-to-date picture of the noise environment for each coil in "noise phases" and to look for tags during "transmit phases". Upon tag detection, a controller establishes a validation sequence comprising a number of cycles and can change the number of cycles adaptively to the noise environment.
Inventors
- 👤 Brent F. Balch
- 👤 William R. Accolla
- 👤 Scott A. Tribbey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:47
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/22; G08B13/24; G08B13/2402; G08B13/2465; G08B13/2482; G08B13/2468; G08B13/2471
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
32 words
In combination, in an electrical article surveillance system: (a) a plurality of receiving coils; and (b) noise environment analysis means for determining the noise environment individual to each of said receiving coils.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
32 words
In combination, in an electrical article surveillance system: (a) a plurality of receiving coils; and (b) noise environment analysis means for determining the noise environment individual to each of said receiving coils.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention claimed in claim 1, wherein said noise environment analysis means includes scanning means for individually connecting said receiving coils thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention claimed in claim 2, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes separate noise analysis channels respectively for each said receiving coil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The invention claimed in claim 3 further including transmitting means for transmitting energy to said receiving coils and multi-phase power source means for excitation of said transmitting means, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes separate noise analysis channels respectively for each said receiving coil and for each phase of said multi-phase power source means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention claimed in claim 4, wherein said noise analysis channels are arranged in groups corresponding in number to the number of receiving coils and wherein each noise analysis channel group comprises channels in number corresponding to the number of phases of said multi-phase power source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention claimed in claim 5, wherein each said noise analysis channel includes first means for storing of signals received by a distinct one of said receiving coils for a distinct phase of said multi-phase power source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention claimed in claim 6, wherein each said noise analysis channel further includes second means for cumulative storage of signals stored by said first means thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention claimed in claim 7, wherein each said noise analysis channel further includes third means for averaging the signals stored by said second means thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention claimed in claim 8, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes multiplexer means for receiving said output signals of said third means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention claimed in claim 2, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes first means for individual storing of signals received by said receiving coils.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention claimed in claim 10, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes second means for cumulative storage of signals stored by said first means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention claimed in claim 11, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes third means for averaging the signals stored by said second means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention claimed in claim 12, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes multiplexer means for receiving said output signals of said third means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; and (b) a receiver having a plurality of receiving coils and noise environment analysis means operable for determining the noise environment individual to each of said receiving coils.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; and (b) a receiver having a plurality of receiving coils and noise environment analysis means operable for determining the noise environment individual to each of said receiving coils.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system claimed in claim 14 further including control means for establishing a succession of a transmit and non-transmit phases, each transmit phases having a transmit window and a receive window, for operating said transmitter means during said transmit phases and for operating noise environment analysis means during said non-transmit phases.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system claimed in claim 15, wherein said control means operates said receiver, upon receiver detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received by the receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system claimed in claim 16, wherein said control means operates said transmitter means in one cycle of said validation sequence to transmit energy at a frequency at which a deactivated electronic article surveillance tag is resonant.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system claimed in claim 17, wherein said control means establishes the number of cycles in said validation sequence adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system claimed in claim 18, wherein said control means sets a datum number of cycles in said validation sequence and increases the number of cycles above said datum number adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system claimed in claim 19, wherein said control means establishes a predetermined signal-to-noise ratio for a tag detection warranting initiation of said validation sequence and increases the number of cycles above said datum number upon actual received signal-to-noise ratio having a preselected relation to said predetermined signal-to-noise ratio.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system claimed in claim 14, wherein said noise environment analysis means includes scanning means for individually connecting said receiving coils thereto.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system claimed in claim 21, wherein said noise environment analysis means includes separate noise analysis channels respectively for each said receiving coil.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system claimed in claim 22, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes in each said channel first means for individual storing of signals received by said receiving coils.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system claimed in claim 23, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes in each said channel second means for cumulative storage of signals stored by said first means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system claimed in claim 24, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes in each said channel third means for averaging the signals stored by said second means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system claimed in claim 25, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes multiplexer means for receiving said output signals of said third means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system claimed in claim 14, wherein said transmitting means is powered by a multi-phase power source means and wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes separate noise analysis channels respectively for each said receiving coil and for each phase of said multi-phase power source means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system claimed in claim 27, wherein said noise analysis channels are arranged in groups corresponding in number to the number of receiving coils and wherein each noise analysis channel group comprises channels in number corresponding to the number of phases of said multi-phase power source.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system claimed in claim 28, wherein each said noise analysis channel includes first means for storing of signals received by a distinct one of said receiving coils for a distinct phase of said multi-phase power source.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system claimed in claim 29, wherein each said noise analysis channel further includes second means for cumulative storage of signals stored by said first means thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system claimed in claim 30, wherein each said noise analysis channel further includes third means for averaging the signals stored by said second means thereof.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system claimed in claim 31, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes multiplexer means for receiving said output signals of said third means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
90 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver having a plurality of receiving coils and operable, upon detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received by the receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection; and (c) control means for operating said transmitter means and said receiver means, said control means having facility for varying the number of cycles in said validation sequence.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
90 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver having a plurality of receiving coils and operable, upon detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received by the receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection; and (c) control means for operating said transmitter means and said receiver means, said control means having facility for varying the number of cycles in said validation sequence.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system claimed in claim 33, wherein said control means establishes the number of cycles in said validation sequence adaptively to the noise environment of said receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system claimed in claim 34, wherein said control means sets a datum number of cycles in said validation sequence and increases the number of cycles above said datum number adaptively to the noise environment of said receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system claimed in claim 35, wherein said control means establishes a predetermined signal-to-noise ratio for a tag detection warranting initiation of said validation sequence and increases the number of cycles above said datum number upon actual received signal-to-noise ratio of said receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection having a preselected relation to said predetermined signal-to-noise ratio.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system claimed in claim 33, wherein said receiver further includes noise environment analysis means operable for determining the noise environment individual to each of said receiving coils.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system claimed in claim 37 wherein said control means establishes a succession of a transmit phase having a transmit window and a receive window, and a noise phase, and operates said transmitter means during said transmit phases and operates said noise environment analysis means during said noise phases.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system claimed in claim 38, wherein said control means operates said receiver, upon receiver detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received by the receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system claimed in claim 39, wherein said control means operates said transmitter means in one cycle of said validation sequence to transmit energy at a frequency at which a deactivated electronic article surveillance tag is resonant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system claimed in claim 37, wherein said noise environment analysis means includes scanning means for individually connecting said receiving coils thereto.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system claimed in claim 41, wherein said noise environment analysis means includes separate noise analysis channels respectively for each said receiving coil.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system claimed in claim 42, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes in each said channel first means for individual shoring of signals received by said receiving coils.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system claimed in claim 43, wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes in each said channel second means for cumulative storage of signals stored by said first means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system claimed in claim 44, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes in each said channel third means for averaging the signals stored by said second means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system claimed in claim 45, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes multiplexer means for receiving said output signals of said third means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system claimed in claim 33, wherein said transmitting means is powered by a multi-phase power source means and wherein said noise environment analysis means further includes separate noise analysis channels respectively for each said receiving coil and for each phase of said multi-phase power source means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system claimed in claim 47, wherein said noise analysis channels are arranged in groups corresponding in number to the number of receiving coils and wherein each noise analysis channel group comprises channels in number corresponding to the number of phases of said multi-phase power source.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system claimed in claim 48, wherein each said noise analysis channel includes first means for storing of signals received by a distinct one of said receiving coils for a distinct phase of said multi-phase power source.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system claimed in claim 49, wherein each said noise analysis channel further includes second means for cumulative storage of signals stored by said first means thereof.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system claimed in claim 50, wherein each said noise analysis channel further includes third means for averaging the signals stored by said second means thereof.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system claimed in claim 51, wherein said noise environmental analysis means further includes multiplexer means for receiving said output signals of said third means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
55 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable at a fundamental frequency for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver for detection of electronic article surveillance tags; and (c) control means for operating said transmitter means with a frequency hopping between frequencies respective above and below said fundamental frequency.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
55 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable at a fundamental frequency for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver for detection of electronic article surveillance tags; and (c) control means for operating said transmitter means with a frequency hopping between frequencies respective above and below said fundamental frequency.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system claimed in claim 53 wherein said transmitter means is powered from a multi-phase supply and wherein said control means effects said frequency hopping at every occurrence of an exclusive one of the phases of said multi-phase supply.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
94 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver having a plurality of receiving coils and operable, upon detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received by the receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection; and (c) control means for operating said transmitter means in one cycle of said validation sequence to transmit energy at a frequency at which a deactivated electronic article surveillance tag is resonant.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
94 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver having a plurality of receiving coils and operable, upon detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received by the receiving coil which provided the signal giving rise to said detection; and (c) control means for operating said transmitter means in one cycle of said validation sequence to transmit energy at a frequency at which a deactivated electronic article surveillance tag is resonant.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
75 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver having noise environment analysis means and operable, upon detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received thereby; and (c) control means for establishing the number of cycles in said validation sequence adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
75 words
An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: (a) transmitter means operable for generating a magnetic field in a surveillance area; (b) a receiver having noise environment analysis means and operable, upon detection of an electronic article surveillance tag, to implement a validation sequence on a succession of signals received thereby; and (c) control means for establishing the number of cycles in said validation sequence adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system claimed in claim 56, wherein said control means sets a datum number of cycles in said validation sequence and increases the number of cycles above said datum number adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system claimed in claim 57, wherein said control means establishes a predetermined signal-to-noise ratio for a tag detection warranting initiation of said validation sequence and increases the number of cycles above said datum number upon actual received signal-to-noise ratio having a preselected relation to said predetermined signal-to-noise ratio.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system claimed in claim 56, wherein said control means establishes the number of cycles in said validation sequence adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means for a single cycle of said validation sequence.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system claimed in claim 56, wherein said control means establishes the number of cycles in said validation sequence adaptively to the noise environment determined by said noise environment analysis means for each cycle of said validation sequence.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-02-26 | 1999-08-28 | 2000-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-02-26 | 2003-08-28 | 2004-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-02-26 | 2007-08-28 | 2008-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |