EP1193659A1 - Etiquette RF de surveillance d'articles avec syntonisation de la fréquence de résonance - Google Patents

Etiquette RF de surveillance d'articles avec syntonisation de la fréquence de résonance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1193659A1
EP1193659A1 EP00120238A EP00120238A EP1193659A1 EP 1193659 A1 EP1193659 A1 EP 1193659A1 EP 00120238 A EP00120238 A EP 00120238A EP 00120238 A EP00120238 A EP 00120238A EP 1193659 A1 EP1193659 A1 EP 1193659A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging material
packaging
tag
capacitor plate
inductor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00120238A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Paul B. Rasband
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Westvaco Corp
Original Assignee
Westvaco Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Westvaco Corp filed Critical Westvaco Corp
Priority to EP00120238A priority Critical patent/EP1193659A1/fr
Publication of EP1193659A1 publication Critical patent/EP1193659A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2405—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used
    • G08B13/2414—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used using inductive tags
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2428—Tag details
    • G08B13/2431—Tag circuit details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2428—Tag details
    • G08B13/2437—Tag layered structure, processes for making layered tags
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2428—Tag details
    • G08B13/2437—Tag layered structure, processes for making layered tags
    • G08B13/244—Tag manufacturing, e.g. continuous manufacturing processes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2428—Tag details
    • G08B13/2437—Tag layered structure, processes for making layered tags
    • G08B13/2445—Tag integrated into item to be protected, e.g. source tagging

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method for producing packages with integral security tags of the RF-EAS type. More particularly, the invention relates to such a method whereby the security tags are applied to a web of packaging material that is converted into packaging blanks (e.g., trays, lids, cartons, containers or the like) on a printing press in a single pass operation, at substantially the same time that sales graphics are printed on the blanks.
  • packaging blanks e.g., trays, lids, cartons, containers or the like
  • the present invention includes a procedure for precisely tuning the resonance frequency of the tags by adjusting print register of upper and lower capacitor plates for optimum performance in the field.
  • RF-EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) tags are passive circuits with a resonance frequency tuned to the frequency of tag detectors located at the entrances and exits of retail establishments. When an active tag passes through a detector, an alarm sounds, alerting store employees to the potential theft of the tagged merchandise.
  • State of the art RF-EAS tags are generally produced by a number of steps which include stamping, masking, photochemical treatments, chemical etching and printing.
  • the tags currently available are too expensive to be economically used on items retailing for about $5.00 or less.
  • the use of currently available tags entails not only the cost of the tag itself, but the cost of application of the tag to the product or its package, either on a packaging line, in a warehouse, or in the retailer's stock-room.
  • tags are disclosed for example in United States Patents Nos. 4,583,099; 4,835,524; 5,442,334; and, 5,574,431.
  • tags are generally prepared by applying patterned paths of conductive material on both face surfaces of a substrate, e.g., an inductor element (L) and capacitor element (C) on opposite sides of a suitable dielectric substrate.
  • the present invention relates generally to the production of RF-EAS security tags. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for applying such tags directly to the packaging material used to make packages for products to be protected by the tags.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention combines a die-stamped metal foil or hot-stamped metallized film inductor which includes a lower capacitor plate applied to one surface of a paperboard substrate.
  • a dielectric layer and upper capacitor plate are printed over the inductor component.
  • the process of applying the inductor and printing the dielectric layer and upper capacitor plate is carried out at high speed, preferably on a web of paperboard at substantially the same time that sales graphics are printed on the paperboard to identify the product to be packaged.
  • the tag may be located on the exterior surface of the paperboard or on the interior surface of the paperboard.
  • Another unique feature of the present invention is the circuit tuning made possible by the design of the top capacitor plate and its application method. Since this step is preferably carried out on a printing press, changing the print register during printing of the top capacitor plate permits changes in the capacitance of the circuit to adjust and fine tune its frequency for the various detectors involved.
  • the present invention can be implemented in the production of RF-EAS security tagged packages in a wide variety of forms (e.g. on packaging such as trays, lids, cartons, containers or the like) for a wide variety of goods. Meanwhile, the frequency tuning approach described herein can also be used in the production of individual RF-EAS security tags, e.g., tags which are subsequently attached to products or packaging via adhesive labels or the like.
  • Packages including security tags according to the present invention are employed in connection with an electronic article security system (not shown), particularly an electronic article security system of the radio frequency or RF type.
  • an electronic article security system (not shown), particularly an electronic article security system of the radio frequency or RF type.
  • Such security systems are well known in the art and, therefore, a complete description of the structure and operation of such a security system is not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. Suffice it to say that such electronic article security systems establish a surveillance area or zone, generally proximate to an entrance or exit of a facility, such as a retail establishment. The function of the security system is to detect the presence within the surveillance zone of an article having an active security tag attached thereto or attached to the corresponding packaging.
  • the security tag includes components, hereinafter described in greater detail, which establish a resonant circuit that resonates when exposed to electromagnetic energy at or near a predetermined detection resonant frequency.
  • a typical electronic article security system employing the tags of the present invention includes means for transmitting into or through the surveillance zone electromagnetic energy at or near the resonant frequency of the security tag, and means for detecting a field disturbance that the presence of an active security tag resonating circuit causes to establish the presence of a security tag, and thus a protected article, within the surveillance zone.
  • the security tag is applied directly to packaging for the protected article at the same time that sales graphics or the like are applied to the packaging on a printing press.
  • the different components of the tag may be applied to the packaging material in separate steps using readily available conventional equipment.
  • a preferred packaging material is coated one side (C1S) or coated two sides (C2S) paperboard.
  • substrates having a suitable dielectric nature may be employed, for example plastics such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide or the like, and cloth, textiles or the like, including laminates of such materials with paper or paperboard.
  • the RF-EAS tag of the present invention is applied directly to the paper, paperboard or plastic substrate by a process which involves first applying an inductor element (11) onto the surface of the substrate 12, and then printing a capacitor element (15) over the inductor.
  • the preferred inductor 11 is a metal foil element which is die-stamped or hot-stamped on the upper face of the substrate 12, although other methods capable of being applied at high speed in a continuous manner could be used such as laminating and etching or printing.
  • Inductor element 11 includes a lower capacitor plate 13.
  • a low-loss polymer coating 14 prepared from polystyrene, polyethylene or the like is applied over the inductor 11 as an emulsion dispersed in a suitable binder.
  • the application of the polymer coating 14 is made by printing or coating using conventional equipment. Subsequently, a top capacitor plate 15 is applied over the polymer coating preferably by printing with a conductive ink. Means is provided in the form of an opening 16 in polymer coating 14 to permit contact between the lower capacitor plate 13 of inductor 11 and top capacitor plate 15 to form a resonant circuit.
  • each of the above-identified steps are preferably carried out in a single pass on suitable printing/coating equipment at the same time that sales graphics are printed on the substrate.
  • the result is packaging blanks that can be converted into trays, lids, cartons, containers or the like which include integral RF-EAS tag components for security protection.
  • the tag may be applied to the exterior of the packaging material. Where a more covert application of the tag is desired, the tags may be applied to the interior of the packaging material.
  • Figure 5 shows schematically an example of the steps that may be taken to carry out the present invention.
  • a web of packaging material W is first printed on one side at printing station 110 with graphics suitable for the intended packaging application.
  • integral RF-EAS security tags are applied directly to the web W in locations that coincide with the separate packaging blanks in accordance with the following steps.
  • an inductor element including a lower capacitor plate is applied to the web W at station 111.
  • a dielectric polymer layer is applied to the web at station 112 over the inductor element.
  • an upper capacitor plate is applied to the web W at station 113 on the surface of the polymer layer so as to lie directly over the inductor element.
  • An opening means is provided in the polymer layer at station 114 to permit an electrical connection between the two capacitor plates, and the web W is cut into separate packaging blanks at station 115. Thereafter the blanks are stacked, packaged and shipped to a user who converts the blanks into packages, an example of which is shown in Figure 4.
  • the tag resonance frequency can be tuned on press by varying the overlap of the top capacitor plate 15 with respect to the lower capacitor plate 13.
  • the top capacitor plate 15 has a minimum overlap of the lower capacitor plate 13 at the extreme top end. In this configuration, the total area of the capacitor is at a minimum which gives a relatively high resonance frequency to the tag.
  • the printing register is shifted to yield maximum overlap of the top and bottom capacitor plates 15, 13.
  • the capacitance is increased and the frequency is reduced.
  • the extreme end of the top capacitor plate 15 is made long and thin so that only small changes in the capacitance are produced with significant changes in the print registry. This provides high sensitivity to the tuning of the tag.
  • the present invention comprises an economical and expeditious method for applying RF-EAS security tags to packaging material. It will also be seen that the present invention provides a novel and unique procedure for tuning the resonant frequency of such tags. Nevertheless, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the invention as described without departing from the broad concepts thereof. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover any modifications which fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
EP00120238A 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Etiquette RF de surveillance d'articles avec syntonisation de la fréquence de résonance Withdrawn EP1193659A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00120238A EP1193659A1 (fr) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Etiquette RF de surveillance d'articles avec syntonisation de la fréquence de résonance

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00120238A EP1193659A1 (fr) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Etiquette RF de surveillance d'articles avec syntonisation de la fréquence de résonance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1193659A1 true EP1193659A1 (fr) 2002-04-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00120238A Withdrawn EP1193659A1 (fr) 2000-09-27 2000-09-27 Etiquette RF de surveillance d'articles avec syntonisation de la fréquence de résonance

Country Status (1)

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EP (1) EP1193659A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105460616A (zh) * 2015-12-21 2016-04-06 中山市三礼电子有限公司 电感切断测试包装机

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0142380A2 (fr) * 1983-11-16 1985-05-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Système électronique de surveillance d'article utilisant une marque avec un circuit résonnant LC à capacitance distribuée
WO1999008245A1 (fr) * 1997-08-08 1999-02-18 Ird A/S Etiquettes polymeres resonnant sous l'effet de la frequence radioelectrique et procede de fabrication

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0142380A2 (fr) * 1983-11-16 1985-05-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Système électronique de surveillance d'article utilisant une marque avec un circuit résonnant LC à capacitance distribuée
WO1999008245A1 (fr) * 1997-08-08 1999-02-18 Ird A/S Etiquettes polymeres resonnant sous l'effet de la frequence radioelectrique et procede de fabrication

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105460616A (zh) * 2015-12-21 2016-04-06 中山市三礼电子有限公司 电感切断测试包装机
CN105460616B (zh) * 2015-12-21 2018-01-05 中山市三乐电子有限公司 电感切断测试包装机

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