Systems and methods for providing tags adapted to be incorporated with or in items

Abstract

Systems and methods for integrating tags with items. The methods comprise: dynamically determining a length of each metal thread to be incorporated into or trace to be disposed on a item to optimize tag performance in view of dielectric and tuning properties of the item. In the metal thread scenarios, the methods also involve: creating a metal thread having the length that was dynamically determined; and sewing the metal thread into the item being produced to form an antenna for a first tag. In the trace scenarios, the methods also involve forming the trace on the item being produced to form an antenna for a first tag. Next, at least a communications enabled device is attached to the item so as to form an electrical coupling or connection between the communications enabled device and the at least one antenna.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present document claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 902,355 which was filed on Sep. 18, 2019. The contents of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application are incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUNDStatement of the Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to tags (e.g., Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) / Car tags). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to implementing systems and methods for providing tags adapted to be incorporated with or in items (e.g., textile products).DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]There are many RFID tags known in the art. Once such RFID tag comprises a Visual Source Tag (“VST”) Item Level Intelligence (“ILI”) hard tag made by Sensormatic Electronics, LLC of Florida. The VST ILI hard tag consist of an RFID tag attached to Polyethylene Terephthalate (“PET”) substrate and encased in an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (“ABS”) plastic hous...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes methods to attach a communication-enabled device to an item, such as a metal thread. These methods include adding alignment marks on the item to guide proper placement of the device, coating the metal thread with a substance to reduce irritation, and using a flexible material to encase the device before attaching it to a substrate. The technical effect of these methods is to make it easier and more comfortable to wear items that have a communication-enabled device attached to them.

Problems solved by technology

The VST ILI hard tag is hard to defeat by malicious individuals (e.g., thieves).

However, the VST ILI hard tag is difficult to remove at Point Of Sale (“POS”) systems.

The problem with the swing ticket configuration is that the swing ticket be easily removed from the retail item without damaging the same, which results in less security from theft.

However, the standard sewing techniques tend to damage the RFID tag causing failure rates of 1-20% that are not acceptable.

In addition, this solution is relatively expensive.

Also, care / brand labels are usually small so the RFID tags antennas need to be meandered which reduces the RFID tag performance.

If the care / brand label material has thickness or stiffness, then the care / brand labels will cause irritation to the individuals wearing the item.

Finally, if the retail item is a garment for the upper body, then an individual might try to steal the garment by putting it on in a fitting room and wearing it out of the retail store without paying for the same.

The back of a person's neck is a difficult location to try and read an RFID tag from an exit gate.

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