WIRED SYNCHRONIZED OPERATION OF EAS PULSED SYSTEMS
Field of the Invention The present invention generally describes electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems and, more particularly, a system and method for providing a synchronized operation in EAS systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In monitoring of an acoustomagnetic or magnetomechanical electronic article, or "EAS", a detection system can cause an EAS tag by transmitting an electromagnetic pulse at a resonance frequency of the tag. When the tag is present within the electromagnetic field created by the transmission pulse, the tag begins to resonate with an acoustomagnetic or magnetomechanical response frequency, which can be detected by a receiver in the detection system. The detection unit may then provide some type of signal, for example, an alarm signal indicating the detection of a response from an EAS tag. In EAS systems, the transmitter's pulse signal commonly does not end abruptly but, instead, decays exponentially due to the transmitter's circuit resonance. If the transmissions of nearby units do not
are synchronized, false detections can occur because the units can transmit and receive on the same frequency. These false detections can result in false alarms. It is known to use a plurality of detection units, for example, a plurality of detection pedestals to monitor a larger area, such as the output of a retail store. Each of these pedestals commonly includes multiple antennas that can be controlled from a single multi-channel control. This control coordinates and synchronizes the operation of the antenna of each of the detection pedestals. It is also known to use separate controllers such as detection units. In this configuration, the communication between the controllers is provided to coordinate the operation of each of the units, including the synchronized antenna operation. In these multiple control systems it is also known to use a wired synchronization, where a communication signal is transmitted between the controllers through one or more connections. The installation and connection of the wiring between the detection units can be complicated and time consuming. For example, if it were necessary to ditch an existing floor to install the wiring, this process involves more time and cost to the installation. Additionally, the similarity
Installation problems increase, for example, due to the complexity of the installation or the use of special tools. It is also known to provide wireless synchronization to communicate with other controls associated with the detection units. In these systems, synchronization communications are transmitted outside the normal transmission window. In particular, synchronization signals are transmitted during the reception window, which can corrupt signals over long distances. In addition, high sensitivity receivers are used to detect synchronization signals. This high sensitivity can result in controls in different locations, for example, different outputs, intended detection timing signals for controls in another location. In addition, this isolation is a problem that can result in false communication and control problems. Brief Description of the Invention In one embodiment, a method of communicating information between a plurality of detectors in a plurality of electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is provided. The method can include communication wirelessly between each of the plurality of controls connected to a plurality of detectors of the plurality of EAS system, and receive with a receiver of
communication of each of the wireless communication controls, of at least one other plurality of controls. The communications receiver may be separated from a label of the detection receiver. In another embodiment, an APRA method is provided to control transmissions between a plurality of electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems. The method may include transmitting a stimulation signal within an interrogation zone during a transmission phase, receiving signals from the EAS tags in the interrogation zone during the transmission phase, and determining an average noise during a phase. of average noise, where transmissions do not occur. The method may further include processing the signals received during a detection processing phase, where no transmissions or receptions occur, and wirelessly communicating information among a plurality of detectors of the plurality of EAS systems, during a communication phase. In yet another embodiment, a system having a plurality of electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems is provided. The system may include a plurality of detectors, and a plurality of controls, each connected to, at least one of the plurality of detectors, and define the plurality of EAA systems. The control can have a communication receiver. The system can also include an antenna
of communication connected to the communications receiver, and configured to receive wireless communication signals from other controls. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the following figures, where similar numbers represent similar parts. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a part of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, in connection with various embodiments of the present invention that can be implemented. Figure 2 is a diagram of a detector array of the EAS system of Figure 1, having the controls contracted according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a time diagram illustrating a multi-phase processing cycle, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram of a phase modulation scheme for encoded message information, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling the transmissions of a plurality of detectors of an EAS system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a block diagram of a plurality of detectors illustrating the division frequency with multiple rooms, and a reuse frequency, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for synchronized operation, and more particularly an operation in synchronization, eg, communication and / or transmissions between various electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, with each EAS system generally having a control on at least one spring. A common EAS system will first be described followed by several embodiments of the present invention for controlling and configuring the EAS systems, and more particularly operations in synchronization in the EAS systems. One embodiment of a system having one or more EAS systems 20 is shown in Figure 1. The EAS system 20 may include a plurality of detection units 22. Each of the detection units 22 may be configured to monitor an area 24. (for example, within a certain range of detector units 22) how it is known to detect
EAS tags 26 having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., resonance frequency). The cover for each area 24 can overlap with other adjacent areas 24. In addition, the detector units 22 can be configured to communicate information in between, by using any suitable communication link. In one embodiment, the communication between the detector units 22 is provided through a wireless communication link 28. It should be noted that any of the detector units 22 can communicate with any or all of the other detector units 22. The detector units 22 may be of any type such and as desired or needed, for example, a Sensomatic® detector unit available from Tyco Fire & Security of Boca Raton, Florida. As an example, Figure 2 is an illustration of detector units 22 of the EAS system 20 that can be controlled and synchronized by various embodiments of the present invention described herein. Specifically, each of the detector units 22 may include a detector part 30 that defines a detection area 32, for example, between different detector part to detect an EAS tag 34 within the detection area 32. The detector part 20 of each of the detector units 22 in one embodiment may include a plurality of antenna pedestals, for example, an antenna pedestal 36 and a pedestal of
antenna 38. The antenna pedestals 36 and 38 may each be connected to a control 40 to control the transmissions of the pedestals 36 and 38. Each control 40 is also configured to communicate with the other controls 40 of other antenna pedestals. In other embodiments, a single control 40 may be connected to a plurality of pedestals 36 or 38, to define an EAS system 20 (shown in Figure 1). In particular, the controls 40 can be configured to control (e.g., synchronize) the transmissions of, and receptions received on the antenna pedestals 36 and 38, such as the transmission of stimulation signals to the EAS 34 tag, and the reception of signals generated by the EAS tag 34. In operation, and for example, before receiving a signal from an EAS tag 34 within the detection area 32 that has not been deactivated by the deactivation unit (not shown), an alarm visual and / or audible can be provided. It should be noted that when the reference is made here to an EAS system 20, this generally means a system having a control 40 and at least one spring, for example, inside an antenna pedestal 36 or 38. However, the multiple modalities can be implemented in connection with the EAS systems 20 having different configurations. For example, multiple modalities can
providing communication or transmissions between the EAS systems 20, each having a single control 40 that can be comprised within an energy package or a single electronic unit. In addition, detector units 22 are representative of many detector systems and are provided by way of example only. For example, the controls 40 may be located within or adjacent to the antenna pedestals. The additional antennas may also be provided, so that they only receive signals from certain EAS tags 34. A block diagram of a control representative of, and which may be comprised in, control 40, is shown in FIG. 3. Control 40 generally it may include an energy amplifier / transmitter unit 42 and a detection receiver label, for example, a front analog detecting end unit 44 which together define an EAS tag that monitors the control part that controls the transmission of, and the reception of signals in the antenna, which in one embodiment is an interrogation antenna 46. The power amplification / transmission unit 42, and the analogue front end unit 44 can be provided in any known manner to control the transmissions and receptions on the interrogation antenna 46 to monitor the EAS tags within the EAS 20 system
(shown in figure 1). It should be noted that the interrogation antenna 46 can be provided as part of the pedestals 36 and 38 (shown in Figure 2). The control 40 may also include a wireless communications receiver, for example, a front end unit of analog communication 47 connected to the communication antenna 48 to provide communication between different controls 40 in one or more EAS systems 20 (shown in the figure). 1), for example, between the controls 40 connected to different pedestals as will be described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the communications antenna 48 may be a small single-ring antenna configured to receive communications from other controls 40, and which may be used to synchronize the operation of the plurality of detector units 22 (shown in Figure 1). ) and / or the plurality of EAS system 20. The analog front end communication unit 47 can be configured to provide a low operating gain (e.g., to communicate within a range of approximately 25 feet (7.62 m). at about 35 feet (10.66 meters) and a "bandpass" filtering based on the communication frequencies of the controls 40, as desired or needed.The gain of the analog communication front end unit 47 is configured so that the Communications antenna 48 has a near field sensitivity.
For example, the analog front end unit 47 can be configured so that communication is only provided between the controls 40 within a part of the EAS system 20, between adjacent EAS systems 20, within a predetermined area (e.g. , between the pedestal controls in an exit from a retail store), etc. It should be noted that transmissions from one control 40 to another control 40 may be provided using the interrogation antenna 46 with the transmitted signals received using the separate communication antenna 48. The control 40 may also include a processor 50 connected to each of the power amplifiers / transmitters 42, the analogue front end unit 44 and the analogue front end unit 47. The processor 50 can be configured to control the configuration between the controls 40. In particular, as is shown in the time diagram of Figure 4, the control 40 is configured to provide a multi-phase communication cycle and / or a processing cycle, for example, a four-phase communication / processing cycle 60, which allows communication between the different controls 40. It should be noted that the length or duration of each of the phases and / or of the transmission windows may be different. More particularly, a first phase 62 is a
transmission phase where a high energy, an unmodulated transmission signal is transmitted within an interrogation zone, for example, the detection area 32 (shown in figure 2) during a transmitting 63. For example, it is transmitted a signal configured in a frequency or frequency range to stimulate any of the EAS tags within the interrogation zone. The transmission may include transmitting, as is known, an electromagnetic pulse at a resonance frequency of the EAS tags to be detected, using the power amplifier / transmitter 42 and the interrogation antenna 46 (both shown in Figure 3). ). In this first phase 62, the signals of a stimulated EAS tag can also be received. A second phase 64 is a noise average phase, where no transmission occurs. This phase is used to provide a noise level for comparing any of the received signals, for example of stimulated EAS tags. A third phase 66 is a detection processing phase, where no transmission or reception occurs. The third phase 66 is used for a detection processing that can be carried out by the processor 50 (shown in Figure 3), the results that determine the messages that will be transmitted from the control 40 to other controls 40, for example, in connection with other pedestals in
an exit from a retail store, which can be found in different EAS system 20. The result of this third phase 66 can also be the detection of an EAS label, in which case a suitable alarm (for example, an audible alarm or visual) will be generated. A fourth phase 69 is a communication phase, where a low energy modulated transmission signal (e.g., communication pulse) is transmitted from a control 40 to other controls 40, e.g., adjacent or near controls 40 during a control window. transmission 69. Adjacent or near controls 40 can be found in different EAS systems 20. The low energy modulated transmit signal can be transmitted using interrogation antenna 46 (shown in Figure 3). While the communication signal is transmitted, the control 40 simultaneously monitors a dedicated low sensitivity receiving channel for the communication signals of other controls 40. The analogue front end unit 47 (shown in FIG. 3) may be configured to provide the reception channel. After the communications signal has been communicated and received by other controls 40, the processor 50 can demodulate the message signals of the other controls 40 to determine the additional operations that will be carried out. For example, based on a local status and the status of
one more of the adjacent controls 40, as determined by the communication signal, the control 40 can determine the next operation that will be carried out in the next first phase 62, which is the next transmission phase. It should be noted that different communication phases and synchronization can be provided as desired or needed, for example, based on the type of EAS system or detector. The different messages can be communicated between the controls 40 by the communication signal during the communication phase 68, using a phase modulation scheme 70, as shown in Figure 5. The phase modulation scheme 70 can be varied or modified based on, for example, the type of EAS system or type of detectors. The phase modulation scheme 70 can be used, for example, in connection with an EAS detector unit of TYCO FIRE & Security of Boca Raton, Florida. In particular, assuming that N number of bits are ready to be transmitted in each communication pulse, a communication pulse of 1.6 milliseconds can be divided into N + 1 segments 72, where a first segment is configured to capacitate the receiver, for example , the analog front end communication unit 47 in the signal phase. Subsequent segments 72 may revert the phase to indicate a ("1") bit or may not reveal the phase to indicate zero ("0")
bits. By using phase modulation and / or amplitude and frequency modulation, different signals that communicate different information can be provided. For example, a phase modulation scheme can be used, where about 8 bits can be transmitted per pulse. By using the modulation scheme 70 or other modulation schemes, different messages can be communicated between the controls 40 (shown in Figure 3), including, for example, the following: 1. A message "Without Text revision" (" Tx Off Check) to request adjacent detectors to inhibit the interrogation pulses in the next transmission phase 2. A "Validation" message to indicate that the transmission sequence should be in the same state as the transmission sequence. previous transmission phase, while a signal label is valid.This message can be used to repeat a signal on the same frequency and on the antenna phase to determine if an adjacent detector should be turned off because the detector is stimulating a tag in a different interrogation zone 3. A "Zone Detect" message to determine which antenna "sees" a stronger EAS signal tag. "Synchronization" message ("Synchronization")
to determine the transmission time of the transmission phase for use in synchronization transmissions.
It should be noted that other messages may be provided to control the operation, for example, control of the transmission of the plurality of detectors 22 (shown in Figure 1). It should also be noted that other modulation schemes for communicating message information may be provided. A method 80 for controlling the operation of a plurality of EAS systems, for example, the transmission of a plurality of detector of the EAS systems in Figure 6. Specifically, the communication messages 82 are communicated (e.g., transmitted and received) between the controls associated with detectors of one or more EAS systems. This may include transmitting, through a transmission pulse in a transmission window of a communication phase (shown in Figure 4), a lower power, a modulated message signal (allowing a higher data communications rate) . The signal messages, which are close, completely double signals, are communicated to local controls, for example, controls within a predetermined or predefined region of one or more EAS systems. During this communication phase, the controls also receive message signals from other controls, for example, on the dedicated low sensitivity receiving channel, such and
as will be described in more detail below. The message signals are then processed at 84, which may include demodulation of the signal. In one embodiment, the phases of the signals between the time periods (as shown in Figure 5) are compared, for example, to determine if the phase is reversed or if a phase reversion pattern is identified. The control of information or messages (described above) can be encoded within phase changes, which are determined during this phase processing. Additionally, the present status of the detector can also be determined. Based on the processed received signal signal and / or the status of the detector, a determination is made at 86 if an operation is needed. If no operation is needed, for example, if the detector is paused, then method 80 returns to transmit and receive messages at 82, which may include transmitting a message that includes the current status of the detector. If an operation is needed, for example, if a message received indicating that the next transmission signal should be inhibited, then at 88, the detector is consequently controlled (for example, by inhibiting the transmission pulse). Then, method 80 returns to transmit and receive the messages at 82, which may include transmitting a message that includes the current status of the detector, or the
most recent operation (for example, by inhibiting a transmission pulse). It should be noted that when a plurality of detectors 23 is provided in an area or location (eg, the outlet of a wholesale store) that defines one or more EAS 20 systems, the frequency of division of multiple screens may be used to separate the signals from the controls, as shown in figure 7. Additionally, the reuse frequency can be provided through the controls in different locations (eg different outputs) of the EAS systems. A plurality of pedestals 90 and 92 may be provided at the first location 94 (eg, a first exit = and a second location 96 (eg, a second exit), respectively, eg, a plurality of TYCO EAS pedestals. FIRE &Security of Boca Raton, Florida, can be provided by having five frequency channels available (eg 48 kHz, 54 kHz, 58 kHz, 63 kHz and 68 kHz) Each pedestal 90 and 92, within the first and second locations 94 and 96 can be configured to transmit on a different available frequency, with frequencies reused in each of the first and second locations 94 and 96. In addition, the multiple embodiments of the present invention are provided to control, and more
particularly, synchronizing the operation of the detection units in a plurality of EAS systems. For example, the synchronized operation can be used to determine if an EAS tag is being detected between two detectors, or if the signals from one detector are interfering with another detector. A separate communication antenna is provided, so that it has a dedicated low sensitivity reception channel. Low energy, the modulated communication transmissions provide a higher data communication rate, and therefore provided between the controls connected to a plurality of detectors of the EAS systems. The communication of the messages is carried out during a communication impulse window of a communication phase. The near sensitivity field and the division frequency with multiple displays allows full duplex communications. Multiple modalities or components, for example, control 40 or other components, may be implemented as part of a computer system, which may be separate from or integrated with EAS systems. The computer system can include a computer, an input device, a display unit and an interface, for example, access the Internet. The computer can include a microprocessor. The microprocessor can be connected to a communication bus. The computer can also include
a memory Memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). The computer system may also include a storage device, which may be a hard disk or a storage disk that can be removed such as a floppy disk drive, an optical disk drive and the like. The storage apparatus may also be other similar means for charging computer programs or other instructions within the computer system. As used here, the term
"computer" may also include a processor system or a microprocessor-based system, which includes systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, digital signal processors and any other processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of the term "computer". The computer system executes a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements, with the purpose of processor input data. The storage elements can also store data or other information, as desired or needed. The storage element can be presented in the form
from an information source or from a physical memory element inside the processing machine. The set of instructions may include several commands that instruct the computer as a processing machine, to carry out specific operations such as the methods and processes of the different embodiments of the present invention. The set of instructions can be presented in the form of program software. The software can be presented in various forms, such as software system application software. In addition, the software can be presented in the form of a collection of separate programs, or a program module within a larger program or a part of a program module. The software can also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of data entry by the processing machine can be a response to a request made by another processing machine. As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a computer, which includes RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory and memory. Non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The types of memory mentioned above are only examples and, besides, they are not
Limitations of the type of memory that can be used for the storage of a computer program. It should be understood that variations and modifications of several of the embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It should also be understood that the scope of several of the embodiments of the present invention are not to be construed as limiting the specific embodiments described herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in the light of the foregoing description.