FR3095877A1 - Electronic tag attached to an item - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic tag attached to an item. An electronic tag for displaying item data, said electronic tag comprising: a fastener which is configured to be attached to an item, a first radio frequency antenna which is configured to receive an information signal from article in a frequency range of 700 megahertz to 1.0 gigahertz, a display screen, a screen control unit which is configured to change a display of the article information on the display screen according to item data encoded in the item information signal.In one embodiment, the tag includes a second radio frequency antenna which has a predetermined resonant frequency, the second radio frequency antenna being configured to emit a resonant signal in responding to a magnetic signal, said magnetic signal having the predetermined resonant frequency. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Electronic label attached to an article

The invention pertains to the field of electronic labeling and radiofrequency systems for store management.

PRIOR ART

Three of the main priorities of store managers are price management, stock management and protection against theft.

Electronic labels are widely used in sales areas comprising gondolas, such as supermarkets. Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are affixed to shelves of the gondolas and comprise a display for showing article information, such as an LCD display or an e-paper display. The displayed information is updated in real-time for each article on sale, in compliance with a central file in a central server database. Each item in the gondolas is associated with a unique article identifier.

However, in clothing stores, the use of electronic labels is less common. The prevailing labeling solution in this field is to manually affix a paper label to each item of clothing, the paper label comprising price information, information of use of the article, promotion information, barcode, size information, etc.

The paper label can easily be taken off the clothing item and it is subject to deterioration over time. Besides, any price changes have to be manually reported on each paper label. This solution is not satisfactory, as the life cycles of products in the retail industry become shorter.

Regarding protection against theft, a common anti-theft system is the EAS system (for “Electronic Article Surveillance”). This system prevents displacement of an item outside of a controlled zone of the sales area without authorization. A radiofrequency tag comprising an EAS antenna is affixed to each item. When the tag is moved close enough to radiofrequency transmitters disposed at the entrance, the tag emits a signal and the personnel of the sales area recognizes an attempt to steal the item.

The radiofrequency anti-theft tag is usually separate from the paper tag comprising article information.

Several solutions were proposed to ensure that the prices provided on the labels affixed to the products are accurate and to diminish time spent by the personnel on article labeling. Some stores use electronic labels attached to items on sale, comprising a radiofrequency anti-theft antenna (or, alternatively, an acousto-magnetic anti-theft system) and a second antenna for providing price updates.

However, the existing electronic labeling solutions for clothing items have several drawbacks.

The existing systems are not satisfactory in terms of energy consumption. An antenna operating in a Wi-Fi frequency range (for instance 2.4 GHz) is often used for price updates, which increases battery consumption and decreases the lifetime of the battery.

This is especially true if the price updates antenna is in an active mode, and sends signals at regular intervals to terminals disposed in the sales area.

Besides, while an electronic label with an embedded Wi-Fi antenna is very reactive and allows fast price updates, the depth of penetration of Wi-Fi frequencies is not sufficient in many cases. Some stores contain concrete blocks, metals or lighting elements which disrupt the propagation of the Wi-Fi signals.

Another drawback of the Wi-Fi signals is an insufficient coverage in many cases. Especially, many fashion retail stores extend over a large area and one sole Wi-Fi transmitter does not have a sufficient range to cover the whole sales area.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There exists a need for an electronic label attached to items, for example an item of clothing on sale in a store, which has sufficient reactivity in terms of regularity of price updates. Care must also be taken to have a sufficient coverage and penetration depth for the price updates signal received by the electronic label.

Another objective is to limit battery consumption of the sought electronic label, in order to increase the lifetime of the battery.

An electronic label is also needed which brings together an anti-theft function and an automated price updates function, while keeping the infrastructure of the sales area as simple as possible.

In order to address said needs, a first object of the invention is an electronic label for displaying article data, said electronic label comprising:

a fastening element which is configured to be affixed to an item;

a first radiofrequency antenna which is configured to receive an article information signal in a frequency range comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz;

a screen display;

a screen control unit which is configured to modify a display of article information on the screen display as a function of article data encoded in the article information signal.

According to the invention, an electronic label is therefore provided which comprises a RF (radiofrequency) antenna receiving a signal encoding updates of article data (typically including price information). The screen control unit receives the article data and controls the screen display as a function of the article data. The RF antenna operates at a frequency which is understood in a frequency range between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz, which can be referred to as a “Sub-Giga” frequency range.

The electronic label of the invention does not necessarily include an antenna operating at a frequency higher than 1.0 GHz, such as a Wi-Fi antenna. Thus, the high battery consumption and limited autonomy of a Wi-Fi antenna are avoided.

The antenna operating on the Sub-Giga range has several advantages. A Sub-Giga RF signal has a better depth of penetration than a Wi-Fi signal. A Sub-Giga RF signal is less likely to be blocked by obstacles such as concrete.

Besides, a radiofrequency transmitter emitting the article information signal at a Sub-Giga frequency has a wider range than a transmitter emitting at a Wi-Fi frequency.

The Sub-Giga antenna therefore constitutes a good tradeoff between reactivity, signal coverage and energy consumption.

The electronic label as defined above is advantageously, but not restrictively, completed by the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

- The electronic label includes a second radiofrequency antenna having a predetermined resonant frequency, the second radiofrequency antenna being configured to emit a resonant signal in response to a magnetic signal at the predetermined resonant frequency.

In this embodiment, the second radiofrequency antenna can serve as an anti-theft antenna. The electronic label therefore has an anti-theft feature. In a further embodiment, the second radiofrequency antenna can also serve for an inventory feature. There is no need to attach a chip with an anti-theft antenna to the item, in addition to the electronic label attached to the item.

This facilitates the process of preparing the items on sale before providing the items in the aisles, as the sales personnel do not need to attach an electronic label and an anti-theft chip separately.

- The resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna is comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz, and preferably equal to 779 Megahertz or 868 Megahertz.

An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that both the first RF antenna and the second RF antenna of the electronic label operate at a frequency between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz. In this variant, the first RF antenna can therefore be mutualized with the second RF antenna.

- The resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna is comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz, and preferably equal to 779 Megahertz or 868 Megahertz.

- The resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna is comprised between 1.0 Megahertz and 20 Megahertz, and preferably equal to 8.2 Megahertz or 13.56 Megahertz.

- The second radiofrequency antenna is configured to receive the magnetic signal from a magnetic signal source at a distance between 50 centimeters and 5 meters.

- The second radiofrequency antenna is configured to switch from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode after receiving the magnetic signal.

- The first radiofrequency antenna is configured to switch from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode after receiving the article information signal.

- The first radiofrequency antenna is configured to receive the article information signal from a radiofrequency transmitter, the radiofrequency transmitter being controlled by a central server.

- The electronic label comprised a RFID circuit, the RFID circuit being configured to register a unique label identification code in a memory and to emit an identification signal containing the unique label identification code.

- In this latter variant, the second radiofrequency antenna is configured to emit the resonant signal, the resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna being comprised between 1.0 Megahertz and 20 Megahertz, and is further configured to emit the identification signal.

The latter feature is especially advantageous, as the second RF antenna of the electronic label has an anti-theft functionality and also a function of identification of the label. For instance, the identification signal is emitted in response to a request from a RFID reader.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the annexed drawings, which are provided in an illustrative and non-limiting purpose:

This Figure 1 represents a system for anti-theft detection and for updates of article information, in an exemplary embodiment;

This Figure 2a is a front view of an electronic label according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

This Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of the electronic label of Figure 2a according to the plane AA of Figure 2a;

This Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the label of Figures 2a and 2b;

This Figure 4 represents steps of an embodiment of a method for detecting a displacement of an item beyond a limit of a controlled zone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, an exemplary system for anti-theft and management of price display is provided. The system includes electronic labels. Examples of use of such labels are also provided. The description below relates to the example of a clothing store comprising a plurality of items corresponding to different article references. Electronic labels display a selling price of the items the labels are attached to.

However, the invention can be applied to any sales area, or to any other context where it is useful to display information on items and/or monitor displacements of items, with the same advantages. The man skilled in the art will know how to adapt the features of the electronic label, in accordance with the kind of item the label will be attached to.

Similar elements in the description and in the appended drawings are associated with the same numerical references.

System for electronic labeling of items on sale

Figure 1 schematically represents a system 1 located in a sales area for management of price display of items on sale, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

System 1 comprises a majority of electronic labels for attachment to items, including an electronic label 2 attached to an item 10. Item 10 is typically available for sale in an aisle of the sales area.

System 1 also comprises a central server 8. A function of central server 8 is to manage article information updates for the electronic labels, including electronic label 2.

Electronic label 2 comprised a screen display 5, preferably on a front side, for displaying information relating to item 10. Said information typically includes a price of sale, a name of the item, a brand of the item, a size of the item, etc For instance, screen display 5 is an updateable e-paper display.

Figure 1 shows an example article information display of screen 5.

Electronic label 2 comprised a first RF (radiofrequency) antenna 3, which is configured to receive radiofrequency signals - preferably article information signals, in which article information is encoded - at a frequency range included in a Sub-Giga range from 700 Megahertz to 1, 0 gigahertz.

For instance, first RF antenna 3 is configured to receive signals at a frequency of 868 Megahertz.

In a preferred embodiment, electronic label 2 further comprised a second RF antenna 4, referred to below as an anti-theft antenna. The anti-theft antenna 4 is embedded in the electronics of the label.

Anti-theft antenna 4 is configured to receive magnetic signals at a predetermined resonant frequency and to emit resonant magnetic signals at the same frequency in response to the received signals. The resonant magnetic signals are meant to trigger an alarm (for example an alarm sound) which warns the personnel that item 10 was moved close to an anti-theft terminal.

An advantage of anti-theft antenna 4 is to provide the electronic label 2 with an anti-theft feature, in addition to the price updates feature. There is no need to attach a separate chip with an anti-theft antenna to item 10 to have an electronic label with anti-theft functionality. Thus, the sales personnel do not need to attach an electronic label and an anti-theft chip to item 10 separately.

In a first variant, anti-theft antenna 4 has a resonant frequency comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz, and preferably 779 Megahertz or 868 Megahertz. In this first variant, it is very advantageous to mutualize RF antenna 3 with the anti-theft antenna. In other words, first RF antenna can be configured to receive both an article information signal (such as a price updates signal) and a magnetic signal. The latter signal corresponds to the anti-theft functionality.

An advantage is that two separate antennas are not needed in the label to provide article information updates functionality and anti-theft functionality. This limits complexity and manufacturing costs of the label.

In a second variant, anti-theft antenna 4 has a resonant frequency comprised between 1.0 Megahertz and 20 Megahertz, and preferably 8.2 Megahertz or 13.56 Megahertz.

Optionally, electronic label 2 also comprises a RFID circuit which is configured to register a label identification code of label 2 in a memory and further configured to emit an identification signal containing the unique label identification code.

Since 8.2 Megahertz and 13.56 Megahertz are standard frequencies for RF communication, it will be appreciated that, in this second variant, anti-theft antenna 4 can comprehend the RFID circuit and serve to emit both the resonant signal (in response to the magnetic signal for anti-theft) and the identification signal.

An advantage is that the anti-theft antenna can be mutualized with the RFID components. This limits complexity and manufacturing costs of the label.

Anti-theft antenna 4 is preferably configured to switch from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode after it receives magnetic signals, in order to limit battery consumption of antenna 4.

Electronic label 2 further comprises a microcontroller unit 7 which is embedded inside the electronics of electronic label 2.

Microcontroller unit 7 is configured to modify a display of screen display 5 as a function of article data present in a memory of electronic label 2. Microcontroller 7 therefore serves as a screen control unit.

Microcontroller unit 7 included an interface of communication with RF antenna 3, in order to register article data encoded in an article information signal in the memory.

Electronic label 2 is identified by a unique label identification code, which is exclusive to label 2. For instance, the label identification code is an alphanumerical string represented by a barcode and/or a QR Code. The label identification code allows to unambiguously identify the label, in spite of other labels being associated with the same article.

For instance, the label identification code is associated, in a central file accessed by central server 8, with an article identification code of item 10. The article identification code is preferably common to all items corresponding to the same article reference. The article identification code advantageously takes into account a clothing size of the item, if the item is a piece of clothing.

The label identification code of electronic label 2 is preferably visible on the casing of electronic label 2, in order to be scannable by a barcode reader or a QR Code reader.

Alternatively, electronic label 2 comprised an NFC chip in which the label identification code can be embedded.

Central server 8 further included processing means including at least one processor unit and a memory.

The memory of central server 8 is configured to store a central file comprising associations between label identification codes and article identification codes. The memory of central server 8 is also configured to store an article information file comprising, for each article code, article information to be displayed on screen displays of labels. The article information file is typically the same file which is used at the cash desk to automatically retrieve price information relating to items on sale.

The radiofrequency transmitter 80 is controlled by instructions sent by central server 8. It is configured to emit radiofrequency signals at a Sub-Giga frequency range (between 700 MHz and 1.0 GHz). Article data, comprising price information or other information to be displayed on screen display 5, are encoded in said radiofrequency signals.

Central server 8 preferably instructs RF transmitter 80 to send a new article information signal automatically at every article information update, in order to change the display of the corresponding labels.

An advantage of using a signal in the 700 MHz to 1.0 GHz frequency range is the depth of penetration of the signal. This radiofrequency signal is less likely to be blocked by obstacles of the sales area, such as concrete walls, pillars, metallic elements, etc. Besides, the covered area of a transmitter operating at a frequency of the Sub-Giga range is wider, compared to a Wi-Fi transmitter. For instance, the area covered by the RF transmitter corresponds to a disc having a radius comprised between 10 and 100 meters. In the present example, the covered area has a radius of 50 meters if the RF transmitter is indoors, and 100 meters outdoors.

Besides, the display of electronic labels can be changed very quickly, thanks to the high reactivity of antenna 3. Indeed, the frequency of promotions and price changes is higher and higher, resulting in high costs for maintaining accurate article information.

In a preferred embodiment, only one radiofrequency transmitter 80 is necessary to cover the whole area of the store.

Radiofrequency transmitter 80 is typically located on the ground or in the ceiling of the sales area. A hardwired or wireless connection links RF transmitter 80 and central server 8. Server 8 is preferably connected to a remote communications network, preferably the Internet, and receives article information updates over the communications network.

In the event the sales area further comprises electronic shelf labels (ESLs) attached to gondolas for displaying article information of products disposed in shelves of the gondolas, the central server 8 is also advantageously configured to manage updates for said shelf labels.

In the above-described preferred case of electronic label 2 comprising an anti-theft antenna, the system for electronic labeling also comprises an anti-theft radiofrequency terminal 9 which is configured to communicate with the anti-theft antenna.

The terminal 9 includes a radiofrequency transmitter 90 which is configured to emit a magnetic signal at the resonant frequency of the anti-theft antenna 4 of electronic label 2.

As the magnetic signal is precisely adjusted to the resonant frequency of antenna 4, electronic label 2 immediately emits a resonant signal when it receives the magnetic signal.

The terminal 9 further comprises a radiofrequency receiver 91 which is configured to pick up the resonant signal. The reception of the resonant signal by receiver 91 means that electronic label 2 was moved at a distance below a predetermined limit with respect to terminal 9, preferably a distance between 50 centimeters and 5 meters. Receiver 91 is preferably positioned on the second terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, transmitter 90 is configured to emit the magnetic signal at regular times of emission. Two consecutive times of emission are preferably spaced less than one second from each other. An advantage of this preferred embodiment is that the magnetic signal is emitted frequently enough to guarantee that electronic label 2 can pick up the magnetic signal.

In the example of Figure 1, terminal 9 is positioned at a limit of a controlled zone of the sales area, typically at a segment of the entrance of the sales area. A first terminal element of the terminal, comprising transmitter 90, is positioned at a first extremity of the segment. A second terminal element is positioned at a second extremity of the segment.

System 1 advantageously comprises a de-activation system 41 which is configured to cause a switch of anti-theft antenna 4 from an activated mode to a de-activated mode. terminal

It is to be noted that label 2 does not necessarily include anti-theft antenna 4 and system 1 does not necessarily include terminal 9, without impeding the article information updates feature.

Structure of the electronic label

Figure 2a illustrates a front view of an electronic label 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of electronic label 2 according to plane AA.

Electronic label 2 has a fastening element 60 which is configured to be affixed to an item 10 via fixation means, typically with a thread. In this example, fastening element 60 is a handle, and it extends from an upper part of a casing 6 of electronic label 2. The electronic components of the label are disposed inside the casing 6, between a front element 6a and a back element 6b of casing 6. In this example, casing 6 is made of plastic.

In an upper part of casing 6, a battery space is provided between front element 6a and back element 6b. This space is adapted to receive a battery of the electronic label (not represented) for supply of current to the electronic components of label 2.

The front element 6a of casing 6 comprised an opening on a lower part of the front element 6a. A thin window 51 is inserted into said opening. A screen display 5 is inserted behind window 51. Customers can read the article information on the screen display. For instance, the article information shown in Figure 1 includes a QR Code encoding an article identification code of item 10. Screen display 5 optionally supports full color display, such as a red display (in addition to black and white).

A circuit board 50 is positioned in the lower part of electronic label 2. Circuit board 50 is interposed between screen display 5 and back element 5b of casing 5. The components of circuit board 50 are described below in relation to Figure 3.

The back element 6b of casing 6 is mostly flat, except on a rounded upper end and a rounded lower end.

Electronic label 2 preferably has a total length L lower than 100 millimeters, and more preferably lower than 80 millimeters, along the direction A-A shown in Figure 2a. Besides, electronic label 2 preferably has a total width LT lower than 50 millimeters, and more preferably lower than 40 millimeters. Electronic label 2 has a limited volume and is not too cumbersome. Thus, the aesthetic qualities of the item are preserved. In this example, the total length L of electronic label 2 is 76.9 millimeters and its total width LT is 35.6 millimeters.

Besides, the length occupied by screen display 5 along the direction A-A shown in Figure 2a is preferably more than one-third of the total length of electronic label 2. In this manner, the displayed article information can be shown with sufficiently large characters. The ergonomics of electronic label 2 for customers of the sales area is therefore improved. In this example, the screen display 5 has a square shape, the side of the square being 27.5 millimeters long.

Casing 6 is thin, so that electronic label 2 has limited weight and does not undermine the aesthetic qualities of the item. The total thickness of electronic label 2 according to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the screen display is preferably comprised between 1 and 10 millimeters. In this example, the total thickness E of the electronic label 2 is 5.2 millimeters.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of electronic label 2. In addition to screen display 5 and casing 6, the circuit board 50 is visible in Figure 3. Circuit board 50 including electrical contacts, on which microcontroller 7 is plugged.

Circuit board 50 includes a RF antenna 3 (the latter antenna is not illustrated in Figure 3). As stated above, RF antenna 3 is configured to receive signals in a frequency range comprised in a range between 700 MHz and 1.0 GHz. In particular, RF antenna 3 can receive article information signals from transmitter 80 controlled by central server 8, via radiofrequency. For example, RF antenna 3 is a dipole antenna.

An advantage of using an antenna having a frequency range in the 700 MHz to 1.0 GHz range is reactivity. It only takes a few seconds, typically 1 to 6 seconds, for RF antenna 3 to receive an article information signal and for microcontroller unit 7 to retrieve article data encoded in the article information signal.

The screen display 5 can therefore be updated very quickly.

In order to further reduce energy consumption of RF antenna 3, said antenna is preferably configured to switch from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode upon receiving article information signals. In the sleep mode, RF antenna 3 is not provided with electrical energy and RF antenna 3 does not consume the battery of electronic label 2. An advantage is to limit battery consumption of antenna 3, especially between article information updates. Indeed, it is not necessary for RF antenna 3 to be active when central server 8 does not issue updates.

In the preferred embodiment, an anti-theft antenna 4 is also included in casing 6. Antenna 4 is configured to receive a magnetic signal at a predetermined resonant frequency. In this embodiment, anti-theft antenna 4 is provided on circuit board 50, similar to RF antenna 3.

For example, anti-theft antenna 4 is a coiled metal antenna. When a magnetic signal at the resonant frequency is received, an electrical current is generated in antenna 4, which in turn emits a resonant signal.

The resonant frequency of anti-theft antenna 4 is in a Sub-Giga frequency range (comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz). For example, the resonant frequency is equal to 779 Megahertz, or equal to 868 Megahertz.

Alternatively, the resonant frequency of anti-theft antenna 4 is comprised between 1.0 Megahertz and 20 Megahertz, and is preferably equal to 8.2 Megahertz.

Anti-theft antenna 4 is preferably configured to receive a magnetic signal from a magnetic signal source (for instance anti-theft terminal 9) at a distance between 50 centimeters and 5 meters.

Optionally, electronic label 2 also comprises a RFID circuit which is configured to register the label identification code of label 2 in a memory and to emit an identification signal containing the unique label identification code.

For instance, the RFID circuit includes a passive RFID transponder. The transponder is activated if it comes within reading range of a RFID reader. The RFID reader has an activating energy field. When the transponder of the RFID circuit of the label is energized by the field of the RFID reader, it emits back the identification signal containing the unique label identification code. For this purpose, RFID circuit can comprise a RFID antenna and a RFID chip.

In the example of Figure 3, screen display 5 and circuit board 50 are interposed between the front element 6a of casing 6 and the back element 6b of casing 6.

Back element 6b includes a circular aperture to allow positioning of a battery of electronic label 2 in the battery space. A plate 6c is releasably affixed to the circular aperture to allow access to the battery space.

In this example, a first holding pin 62a and a second holding pin 62b are positioned in the battery space. Pins 62a and 62b hold the battery of the label against the electronic components of the label.

Method for detecting theft

Figure 4 represents steps of an exemplary method 40 for detecting a theft attempt. Method 40 can be executed by system 1 and electronic label 2 comprising anti-theft antenna 4.

In this example, the resonant frequency of anti-theft antenna 4 is set to 868 MHz. At step 100, a magnetic signal at the 868 MHz frequency is emitted by terminal 9. As stated above, step 100 is preferably repeated at regular intervals. For example, two emissions of the magnetic anti-theft signal are spaced less than 1 second from each other.

At step 200, a person tries to exit the controlled area with item 10, which the electronic label 2 is attached to, without passing through the cash desk. The person moves close to terminal 9.

As the person did not go through the cash desk, antenna 4 has not been de-activated. Thus, anti-theft antenna 4 receives the magnetic signal.

At step 300, since the frequency of the magnetic signal is the same as the resonant frequency of anti-theft antenna 4, anti-theft antenna 4 emits, in response, a resonant signal, which is in turn picked up by receiver 91.

An advantage of using a resonant frequency in a Sub-Giga frequency range (for instance between 700 MHz and 1.0 GHz) for anti-theft antenna 4 is that the control of anti-theft antenna 4 and RF antenna 3 can be mutualized. Besides, anti-theft antenna 4 is reactive and the resonant signal is emitted immediately after picking up the magnetic signal.

Optionally, if electronic label 2 comprehends a RFID circuit operating in conjunction with anti-theft antenna 4, the resonant signal emitted by anti-theft antenna 4 in response to the magnetic signal can comprehend a unique identification code of electronic label 2, the unique identification code having previously been registered in a memory. The magnetic signal can therefore include the unique identification code of the label. This can serve to add an inventory feature to anti-theft antenna 4.

In Figure 1, the two terminal elements of anti-theft terminal 9 are positioned next to each other and electronic label 2 is on the left of terminal 9, for clarity of the drawing; however, in practice, electronic label 2 preferably emits the resonant signal when item 10 passes through the segment between the two terminal elements of terminal 9.

At step 400, as a result of receiving the resonant signal of the label, terminal 9 emits an alarm sound which is characteristic of an attempt to move item 10 beyond the controlled area without authorization. The sales staff can quickly take action.

As an alternative or in addition to step 400, terminal 9 can send an alert signal to the central management system of the sales area. Said alert signal notified a theft attempt to the central management system.

Method 40 is advantageous, as it provides a simple solution to monitor movement of an item in and out of a controlled zone of a sales area, without the need for a specific anti-theft device added to the electronic label attached to the item.

Claims (12)

An electronic label (2) for displaying article data, said electronic label comprising:
- a fastening element (60) which is configured to be affixed to an item (10);
- a first radiofrequency antenna (3) which is configured to receive an article information signal in a frequency range comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz;
- a screen display (5);
- a screen control unit (7) which is configured to modify a display of article information on the screen display (5) as a function of article data encoded in the article information signal. The electronic label of claim 1, further comprising a second radiofrequency antenna (4) which has a predetermined resonant frequency, the second radiofrequency antenna being configured to emit a resonant signal in response to a magnetic signal, said magnetic signal having the predetermined resonant frequency. The electronic label of claim 2, wherein the resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna (4) is comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz, and preferably equal to 779 Megahertz or 868 Megahertz. The electronic label of claim 2, wherein the resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna (4) is comprised between 1.0 Megahertz and 20 Megahertz, and preferably equal to 8.2 Megahertz or 13.56 Megahertz. The electronic label of one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second radiofrequency antenna (4) is configured to receive the magnetic signal from a magnetic signal source at a distance between 50 centimeters and 5 meters. The electronic label of one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second radiofrequency antenna (4) is configured to switch from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode after receiving the magnetic signal. The electronic label of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first radiofrequency antenna (3) is configured to switch from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode after receiving the article information signal. The electronic label of one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an RFID circuit, the RFID circuit being configured to register a unique label identification code in a memory and to emit an identification signal containing the unique label identification code. The electronic label according to claims 2 and 8 in combination, wherein the second radiofrequency antenna is configured to emit the resonant signal and is further configured to emit the identification signal. A system (1) for updates of article information in a sales area, the system comprising:
- at least one electronic label (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 which is configured to be attached to an item (10) on sale;
- a central server (8) which is configured to control emission of an article information signal in a frequency range comprised between 700 Megahertz and 1.0 Gigahertz. The system of claim 10, further comprising a radiofrequency anti-theft terminal (9) which comprises a radiofrequency anti-theft antenna (90), said antenna (90) being configured to emit a magnetic signal at the resonant frequency of the second radiofrequency antenna (4) of the electronic label. The system of claim 11, wherein the radiofrequency anti-theft terminal (9) is configured to emit the magnetic signal at regular times of emission, wherein two consecutive regular times of emission are preferably spaced less than one second from each other.