GB2553003A

GB2553003A - A tag for an item of apparel

Info

Publication number: GB2553003A
Application number: GB1614219.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cupi Rigers; Dhimitri Orest
Original assignee: Jook Ltd
Current assignee: Jook Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-19
Filing date: 2016-08-19
Publication date: 2018-02-21
Also published as: GB201614219D0; WO2018033720A1

Abstract

A tag 12 for an item of apparel, the tag 12 comprising; a chipset (IC) 4, an antenna, a power source 10 and a polymer case 14. A dual layer PCB may be used for the electronic components wherein the power source is on the opposite side to the IC. When inserted into the case the PCB may rest on shoulders (support pins) to hold the PCB away from the case. The case may be made of two separable portions and sealed by a providing a sealing material: around the perimeter of the case; over the IC; or by encasing the IC entirely. The case may be made from an elastomer, plastic, composite thermoplastic elastomer, silicone or expoxy resin. The tag may be attached to a garment by placing it in a pouch which is sewn into the garment. The tag is not removed at the POS and may have a range of at least 3m. A system and method using such a tag is also described. The tag may be scanned by a smart device Fig 14. The smart device may then retrieve information about the garment via a URL and give the viewer options to purchase the garment. Upon purchase the tag may be configured to reflect that the attached garment has been purchased. Thus the tag may also be used to aid inventory auditing or to detect the position of a shoplifter/thief.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Jook Ltd

The Innovation Centre, Carpenter House, Broad Quay, Bath, BA1 1UD, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Rigers Cupi Orest Dhimitri (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Jook Ltd

The Innovation Centre, Carpenter House, Broad Quay, Bath, BA1 1UD, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

EP 1023708 A1 US 20140097944 A1 US 20050183990 A1 KR 1020160052011

US 20160071397 A1 US 20100019035 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL D06F, G06K, G08B Other: WPI, EPODOC, TXTE (54) Title of the Invention: A tag for an item of apparel

Abstract Title: A wirelessly enabled device for identifying garments (57) A tag 12 for an item of apparel, the tag 12 comprising; a chipset (IC) 4, an antenna, a power source 10 and a polymer case 14. A dual layer PCB may be used for the electronic components wherein the power source is on the opposite side to the IC. When inserted into the case the PCB may rest on shoulders (support pins) to hold the PCB away from the case. The case may be made of two separable portions and sealed by a providing a sealing material: around the perimeter of the case; over the IC; or by encasing the IC entirely. The case may be made from an elastomer, plastic, composite thermoplastic elastomer, silicone or expoxy resin. The tag may be attached to a garment by placing it in a pouch which is sewn into the garment. The tag is not removed at the POS and may have a range of at least 3m. A system and method using such a tag is also described. The tag may be scanned by a smart device - Fig 14. The smart device may then retrieve information about the garment via a URL and give the viewer options to purchase the garment. Upon purchase the tag may be configured to reflect that the attached garment has been purchased. Thus the tag may also be used to aid inventory auditing or to detect the position of a shoplifter/thief.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No. GB1614219.2

RTM

Date :16 February 2017

The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Bluetooth

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

A TAG FOR AN ITEM OF APPAREL

The invention relates to a tag for an item of apparel and particularly, but not exclusively, to a tag which allows the discovery of and access to information regarding the item of apparel by a smart device such as a smartphone or smartwatch.

In recent years, online shopping has become increasing popular. In particular, users enjoy the convenience of online shopping, as well as the additional information which can be provided through online stores. The fashion industry has seen a particularly strong growth in online shopping. However, some consumers still prefer to shop in conventional stores so that they can see and try on items of clothing or other apparel. There has therefore been an increase in business models which use both conventional stores and online retail platforms (so-called “bricks and clicks” models).

The fashion industry is a fast-moving industry where trends last only a short time. Consumers therefore seek information from various sources in order to stay on-trend. This may involve perusing websites, stores, magazines, social media, being inspired by acquaintances, etc.

It is therefore desirable to provide a system by which consumers can easily obtain information regarding items of clothing and other apparel which can influence their purchasing decisions both online and instore.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a tag for an item of apparel, the tag comprising: a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device comprising: a chipset, an antenna operatively connected to the chipset and a power source connected to the chipset; and a case formed of a layer of material comprising an engineering or high-performance polymer which encapsulates the BLE device such that the tag can be ironed and laundered.

The chipset may be disposed on one side of a substrate and the power source is disposed on an opposite side of the substrate.

The case may comprise a first portion and a second portion which are joined to one another and are separable to provide access to the power source.

The BLE device may be connected to the first portion and arranged such that the power source faces the second portion.

A sealing material may be provided between the BLE device and the first portion.

The sealing material may be provided around the perimeter of the BLE device.

The sealing material may cover the chipset of the BLE device.

A sealing material may cover the entire BLE device providing an internal layer between the BLE device and the case.

The case may be a unitary sealed unit.

The case may comprise a plurality of shoulders which support the BLE device within the case.

The shoulders may support the BLE device such that it does not contact the case at any other point.

The polymer may be an elastomer, such as silicone rubber.

The polymer may be plastic, such as epoxy resin.

The polymer may be a composite, such as a thermoplastic elastomer.

The beacon module may be enclosed within a fabric pouch.

The BLE device may have a range of at least 3 metres and preferably at least 6 metres.

In accordance with another aspect there is provided an item of apparel comprising a tag as described above.

The tag may be permanently attached to the item of apparel and may not be removed from the item at the point of sale

The fabric pouch may be sewn to the item of apparel.

In accordance with another aspect there is provided a system comprising: an item of apparel having a tag attached thereto, the tag comprising a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device configured to broadcast a identifier to a smart device; wherein, upon receipt of the identifier, information regarding the item of apparel is displayed by the smart device.

In accordance with another aspect there is provided a method comprising: providing an item of apparel having a tag attached thereto, the tag comprising a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device; broadcasting an identifier from the BLE device which corresponds to the item of apparel; receiving the identifier on a smart device; and displaying information regarding the item of apparel on the smart device.

The method may comprise some or all of the following steps:

Initiating, a scan for items of apparel having a BLE device on the smart device; in response to the scan, items of apparel within range of the smart device may broadcast their identifiers to the smart device;

receiving, the identifiers at the smart device;

displaying, a text and/or media message on the smart device which is associated with the item of apparel;

sending, by the smart device, a request to a computing system in order to access real time information about the item of apparel; and receiving, by the smart device, access to the requested information.

The smart device may scan for items of apparel having a tag attached thereto, the tag comprising a BLE device.

The items of apparel may be owned and worn by others.

The items of apparel may be in a store.

The items of apparel may be outside shopping premises.

The information regarding the item may allow a user to purchase the item of apparel using a smart device, such as a smartphone.

The item of apparel may be delivered to them by post after it is purchased.

The identifier or information regarding the item provided by the BLE device may be modified to reflect that the item has been purchased. For example, an ownership status may be changed from the store to the user.

The identifier or information regarding the item may be modified so as to prevent the store’s security system from being activated when the user leaves the store with the item.

The identifier or information regarding the item may be modified so as to update the store’s inventory system.

The BLE device of each item of apparel communicates with the BLE device of other items of apparel and at least one of the BLE devices may communicate with an inventory system to confirm the stock held in the store.

The BLE device of the item of apparel may communicate with the store’s security system if it is removed from the store without purchase and may trigger an alert in the security system.

The BLE device may provide a location of the item to the store’s security system.

The location of the item may be used to capture an image of the thief using a security camera.

The BLE device may be used to confirm that the item of apparel is a genuine and not counterfeit product.

The information may include one or more of: UUID number, an HTTP address of a server to redirect or provide access to the user to a specific computer application about the item of apparel, the item’s brand, size, price, and availability in different sizes or the user’s particular size.

The smart device may receive the identifier of a plurality of BLE devices of nearby items of apparel and the information provided to the smart device allows the items to be filtered. For example, the items may be filtered by one or more of: proximity to the smart device, location, distance, type, price, brand and colour.

The information may include images showing outfits containing the item of apparel.

The outfits may be determined based on the combinations of items worn by others which are sensed automatically using the tags of the items of apparel which are held closest to their own smart device.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a plan view of a first example of a beacon module;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a second example of a beacon module;

Figure 3 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a first example of a tag comprising the first example beacon module of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a second example of a tag comprising the second example beacon module of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a third example of a tag comprising the first example beacon module of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a fourth example of a tag comprising the second example beacon module of Figure 2;

Figure 7 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a fifth example of a tag comprising the first example beacon module of Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a sixth example of a tag comprising the first example beacon module of Figure 1;

Figure 9 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a seventh example of a tag comprising the first example beacon module of Figure 1;

Figure 10 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of an eighth example of a tag comprising the first example beacon module of Figure 1;

Figure 11 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of a ninth example of a tag comprising the second example beacon module of Figure 2;

Figure 12 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of the tag of Figure 5 enclosed in a fabric pouch;

Figure 13 shows horizontal and vertical cross-sectional views of the tag of Figure 6 enclosed in a fabric pouch; and

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an example tag attached to an item of apparel and communicating with a mobile device.

Figure 1 shows a first example of a beacon module 2. The beacon module 2 comprises a chipset 4 formed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 6 (or other substrate). The PCB 6 may be rigid or flexible. The chipset 4 is connected to a meandering trace antenna 8. The chipset 4 is also connected to a power source 10 in the form of a battery, such as a coin cell. The power source 10 is disposed on the opposite side of the PCB 6 to the chipset 4. The power source 10 is therefore able to overlap with the chipset 4.

The beacon module 2 is a Bluetooth low energy (BLE - or Bluetooth Smart) device. The chipset 4 is thus configured to broadcast a unique identifier via the antenna 8 which can be received by nearby smart devices, such as smartphones or smartwatches.

Figure 2 shows a second example of a beacon module 102. Like the beacon module 2, the beacon module 102 comprises a chipset 104 formed on a PCB 106. The chipset 104 is again connected to a meandering trace antenna 108 and a power source 110 in the form of a battery, such as a coin cell. However, unlike the beacon module 2 where the power source 10 is disposed on the opposite side of the PCB 6 to the chipset 4, in the beacon module 102 the power source 110 is provided on the same side of the PCB 106. The power source 110 and the chipset 104 are therefore arranged side by side. Consequently, while the beacon module 2 is narrower than the beacon module 102, it is thicker (having a final thickness of 6mm versus 5mm).

Figure 3 shows a tag 12 comprising the beacon module 2 described previously. The beacon module 2 is encapsulated in a protective case 14 formed by an upper half 14a and a lower half 14b (although they need not be identical halves and can instead form different portions). The upper and lower halves 14a, 14b are contoured so that they contact one another only along a peripheral edge with the remainder of the upper and lower halves 14a, 14b being spaced from one another to form a cavity 16 which receives the beacon module 2. The case 14 therefore has an upper surface, a lower surface and a convex side surface (having a semi-circular cross-section) joining the upper and lower surfaces. The beacon module 2 is arranged such that the chipset 4 sits in the upper half 14a and the power source 10 sits in the lower half 14b.

The peripheral edges of the upper and lower halves 14a, 14b comprise complementary abutting surfaces which form a half lap joint. Specifically, the upper half 14a comprises a perimeter groove formed in a radially outer portion of the peripheral edge and which thus defines a perimeter shoulder formed in a radially inner portion of the peripheral edge. The lower half comprises a perimeter groove formed in a radially inner portion of the peripheral edge and which thus defines a perimeter shoulder formed in a radially outer portion of the peripheral edge. The shoulder of one half 14a, 14b is received by the complementary groove of the other half 14a, 14b to form the half lap joint. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements may be used to join the upper and lower halves 14a, 14b.

The beacon module 2 is supported within the case 14 by a plurality of (in this instance, four) shoulders 18 which project inwards into the cavity 16 from the upper half 14a. The shoulders 18 support the beacon module 2 in the cavity 16 such that it does not contact the remainder of the case 14. The beacon module 2 is therefore partially isolated from the case 14 in order to provide the beacon module 2 with insulation from shocks and high temperatures. The shoulders 18 occupy only a small proportion of the perimeter of the case 14 which may be less than 5% or less than 1%.

The upper and lower halves 14a, 14b are connected to one another to seal the module 2 within the case 14 by applying an adhesive to the peripheral edge of the upper and lower halves 14a, 14b. The adhesive may, for example, be a thermoset plastic (resin) or an elastomer. The sealing of the upper and lower halves 14a, 14b is sufficient to prevent water and dust ingress. However, the upper and lower halves 14a, 14b can be separated in order to provide access to the power source 10 such that it can be replaced. As described above, the beacon module 2 is held in the upper half 14a of the case 14 with the power source 10 below the PCB 6 such that removal of the lower half 14b provides access to the power source 10. The chipset 4 is not, however, exposed when the lower half 14b is removed.

The case 14 is formed from a material comprising an engineering or high-performance polymer (also referred to as a high temperature plastics polymer — including also ultra or extreme temperature polymers). Such polymers include thermoset plastics, thermoplastics (amorphous polymers and semi-crystalline polymers) , elastomers and composites. They are categorized by various characteristics, but importantly are able to withstand high operating temperatures. In particular, engineering polymers are capable of withstanding operating temperatures of 100°C to 150°C and highperformance polymers are capable of withstanding operating temperatures of more than 150°C. In particular, the case 14 may be formed from an elastomer, such as a natural or synthetic rubber or a composite such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The case 14 may be particularly formed from silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is soft to touch and non-allergenic and so can be placed directly against the skin without causing discomfort.

Figure 4 shows a tag 112 comprising the beacon module 102 described previously. The tag 112 is very similar to the tag 12 in that the beacon module 102 is encapsulated in a protective case 114 formed by an upper half 114a and a lower half 114b. As described previously, with the beacon module 102 the power source 110 and chipset 104 are arranged side by side. The beacon module 102 is arranged such that the chipset 104 and the power source 110 sit in the upper half 114a. As a result, removal of the upper half 114a provides access to both the chipset 104 and power source 110.

Figures 5 and 6 show tags 212, 312 comprising the beacon modules 2 and 102 respectively. The tags 212, 312 are similar to the tags 12, 112 described previously. However, the case 214, 314 of each tag 212, 312 is a sealed one-piece arrangement which does not permit access to the power source 10, 110 therewithin. Consequently, the power source 10, 110 cannot be replaced and the tag 212, 312 is disposed of when the power source 10, 110 has been expended.

Figures 7 shows a tag 412 comprising the beacon module 2 described previously. The tags 412 is similar to the tag 12 described previously and has a two-part case 414 formed of upper and lower halves 414a, 414b. However, the tag 412 differs from the tag 12 in that a sealing material 420 is adhered to the perimeter of the PCB 6. The sealing material 420 seals the printed circuit board against the upper half 414a of the case 414 around its entire perimeter. Therefore, the sealing material 420 prevents water and dust from entering the upper half 414a, particularly when the lower half 414b is removed to replace the power source 10, and thus protects the chipset 4. The sealing material 420 may also provide insulation from the case 414 to isolate the beacon module 2 from impacts and high temperatures. The sealing material 420 may be an adhesive such as a thermoset plastic (resin, such as epoxy resin) or an elastomer.

Figure 8 shows a tag 512 comprising the beacon module 2 described previously. The tag is similar to the tag 412 described previously and utilises a sealing material 520 to protect the upper side of the beacon module 2. However, in this instance, the sealing material 520 not only extends around the perimeter of the PCB 6, but also over the upper surface of the beacon module 2 covering the chipset 4 and other elements. The sealing material 520 therefore provides further protection to the beacon module 2. The sealing material 520 may cover the entire upper surface of the beacon module 2 or only part of the surface. The sealing material 520 provides an additional layer of material between the beacon module 2 and the upper half 514a of the case 514. The sealing material 520 may contact the upper surface or may be spaced therefrom.

Figure 9 shows a tag 612 comprising the beacon module 2 described previously. The tag is similar to the tag 512 described previously and utilises a sealing material 620 which covers the upper surface of the beacon module 2. However, in this example, the sealing material is also provided in the lower half 614b of the case 614. The sealing material 620 therefore provides an internal layer which entirely surrounds the beacon module 2 within the external layer formed by the case 14.

Figure 10 shows a tag 712 comprising the beacon module 2 described previously. The tag 712 is similar to the tag 612 described previously and has an internal layer which entirely surrounds the beacon module 2 within the case 714. However, as with the tag 212, the case 714 is a sealed one-piece arrangement which does not permit access to the power source 10 therewithin. Consequently, the power source 10 cannot be replaced and the tag 712 is disposed of when the power source 10 has been expended.

Figure 11 shows a tag 812 which corresponds to the tag 712 described previously, but utilising the beacon module 102 rather than the beacon module 2.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the tag (Figure 12 shows the tag 212 and Figure 13 shows the tag 312, but any of the tags described previously may be used) may be located in a fabric pouch or pocket 22 which is soft to touch. The fabric pouch 22 may be sealed (for example, the tag may be sewn into the pouch 22) or may provide access to the tag to allow it to be removed (e.g. to replace the power source, where possible). The fabric pouch 22 may be sewn into or otherwise attached to an item of apparel. The fabric pouch 22 containing the tag therefore resembles a conventional care label provided in items of apparel. The term “apparel” encompasses at least clothing, accessories and footwear.

For example, as shown in Figure 14, the fabric pouch 22 containing the tag may be attached to a t-shirt or other item of clothing, such as a pair of trousers or accessories, such as bags, or footwear. Alternatively, the tag may be connected directly to the item of apparel without the use of a fabric pouch.

As described previously, the beacon module is encapsulated within a case formed from an engineering polymer or a high-performance polymer which are able to withstand temperatures of over 100°C or 150°C. The case also prevents water and dust ingress and protects the beacon module from thermal and mechanical shock, as well as being resistant to chemicals. As a result, the tag can be laundered (including washing, drying and other laundry processes) and ironed without damaging the beacon module.

As described previously, the beacon module of the tag is a Bluetooth low energy device which is configured to broadcast an identifier which can be received by nearby smart devices, such as smartphone 24 shown in Figure 14. On receiving the identifier, the smartphone 24 may be directed to information concerning the item of apparel through an app, website or computer database. In particular, the tag may transmit information comprising a redirection identifier embodying an identifier of the item of apparel and an HTTP address of a server to redirect or provide access to the user to a specific computer application about the item of apparel. The tags may be permanently attached to the item of apparel and not removed at the point of sale. This information therefore can be accessed both within a store and also after the item has been sold. In particular, the user may be provided with information such as the brand, size, price etc. The user may be able to sort and filter items within their vicinity by price, brand, colour, etc. and can check the availability of items in their size. The app may also display images showing outfits containing the item. These outfits can be determined based on the combinations of items worn by others which can be sensed automatically using the tags of the items (i.e. those closest to their own smart device, such as a smartphone). The app may provide an opportunity for the user to purchase the item . This can be done when a user is in store browsing through items or when the user sees another person wearing an item of apparel which they like.

When browsing in store, the item may be purchased directly from the store or subsequently delivered to the user. Where the item is purchased directly from the store, payment can be made through the app and the ownership status of the item is updated so that ownership changes from the store to the user. As a result, the store’s security systems are not triggered by the user leaving the store with the item. Purchases can therefore be made from the store without any input from an employee of the store. The tags may also be used to provide live inventory information to the store. In particular, the tags may communicate with one another and the app to provide this information. By allowing a user to try an item in store and then delivering it to them at a later date, the store is able to significantly reduce its inventory. In particular, the store may only need to stock one or two items in each available size such that they can be tried on.

The tag may also be used to provide instore security. In particular, the tag may communicate with a beacon in the store and when a user leaves without paying for an item, the store is alerted to this. The tag may provide information to the store which allows the item to be located. A security camera system may use this information to obtain an image ofthe thief which can be automatically provided to security personnel.

The tag may also be used to identify whether a product is genuine or counterfeit by scanning the item of apparel using the app. In particular, the tag may be scanned from distances of over 3 metres to allow the counterfeit item to be identified from distance.

Although the tags described previously have been described as having a particular form, it will be appreciated that other shapes of tag may be used. The tag may be provided in different colours and may have text or images printed on its surface. In particular, the tag may include a brand logo or the like.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tag for an item of apparel, the tag comprising:

a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device comprising: a chipset, an antenna operatively connected to the chipset and a power source connected to the chipset; and a case formed of a layer of material comprising an engineering or highperformance polymer which encapsulates the BLE device such that the tag can be ironed and laundered.

2. A tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chipset is disposed on one side of a substrate and the power source is disposed on an opposite side of the substrate.

3. A tag as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the case comprises a first portion and a second portion which are joined to one another and are separable to provide access to the power source.

4. A tag as claimed in claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the BLE device is connected to the first portion and is arranged such that the power source faces the second portion.

5. A tag as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein a sealing material is provided between the BLE device and the first portion.

6. A tag as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sealing material is provided around the perimeter of the BLE device.

7. A tag as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the sealing material covers the chipset of the BLE device.

8. A tag as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a sealing material covers the entire BLE device and is provided as an internal layer between the BLE device and the case.

9. A tag as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the case is a unitary sealed unit.

10. A tag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case comprises a plurality of shoulders which support the BLE device within the case.

11. A tag as claimed in claim 10, wherein the shoulders support the BLE device such that it does not contact the case at any other point.

12. A tag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the polymer is an elastomer.

13. A tag as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.

14. A tag as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the polymer is plastic.

15. A tag as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plastic is epoxy resin.

16. A tag as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the polymer is a composite.

17. A tag as claimed in claim 16, wherein the composite is a thermoplastic elastomer.

18. A tag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the BLE device is enclosed within a fabric pouch.

19. A tag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the BLE device has a range of at least 3 metres.

20. A tag for an item of apparel substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

21. An item of apparel comprising a tag as claimed in any preceding claim.

22. An item of apparel as claimed in claim 21, wherein the tag is permanently attached to the item of apparel and is not removed from the item at the point of sale.

23. An item of apparel as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 18, wherein the fabric pouch is sewn to the item of apparel.

24. A system comprising:

an item of apparel having a tag attached thereto, the tag comprising a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device configured to broadcast an identifier to a smart device;

wherein, upon receipt of the identifier, information regarding the item of apparel is displayed by the smart device.

25. A method comprising:

providing an item of apparel having a tag attached thereto, the tag comprising a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device;

broadcasting an identifier from the BLE device which corresponds to the item of apparel;

receiving the identifier at a smart device; and displaying information regarding the item of apparel on the smart device.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the smart device scans for items of apparel having a tag attached thereto, the tag comprising BLE devices.

27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein the items of apparel are owned and worn by others.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the items of apparel are outside shopping premises.

29. A method as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein the items of apparel are in a store.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the information regarding the item allows a user to purchase the item of apparel using a smart device.

31. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the item of apparel is delivered to them by post after it is purchased.

32. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the identifier or information regarding the item provided by the BLE device is modified to reflect that the item has been purchased.

33. A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the identifier or information regarding the item is modified so as to prevent the store’s security system from being activated when the user leaves the store with the item.

34. A method as claimed in claim 32 or 33, wherein the identifier or information regarding the item is modified so as to update the store’s inventory system.

35. A method as claimed in any of claims 29 to 34, wherein the BLE device of each item of apparel communicates with the BLE device of other items of apparel and at least one of the BLE devices communicates with an inventory system to confirm the stock held in the store.

36. A method as claimed in any of claims 29 to 35, wherein the BLE device of the item of apparel communicates with the store’s security system if it is removed from the store without purchase and triggers an alert in the security system.

37. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the BLE device provides a location of the item to the store’s security system.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the location of the item is used to capture an image of the thief using a security camera.

39. A method as claimed in any of claims 25 to 38, wherein the BLE device is used to confirm that the item of apparel is a genuine and not counterfeit product.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39, wherein the tag is scanned from distances of over 3 metres to allow the counterfeit item to be identified from distance.

41. A method as claimed in any of claims 25 to 40, wherein the information includes one or more of: UUID number, an HTTP address of a server to redirect or provide access to the user to a specific computer application about the item of apparel, the item’s brand, size, price, availability in different sizes or the users particular size.

42. A method as claimed in any of claims 25 to 41, wherein the smart device receives the identifier of a plurality of BLE devices of nearby items of apparel and the information provided to the smart device allows the items to be filtered.

43. A method as claimed in any of claims 25 to 42, wherein the information includes images showing outfits containing the item of apparel.

5

44. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the outfits are determined based on the combinations of items worn by others which are sensed automatically using the tags of the items of apparel which are held closest to their own smart device.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614219.2 Examiner: Mr Chris Davidson