-=> ROSS CASSELL wrote to WAYNE CHIRNSIDE <=-

 RC> Hello WAYNE!

 RC> 22 Apr 10 07:19, you wrote to BOB ACKLEY:

 BA>> An early version of the technology is represented by the sensors
 BA>> at some stores' entrances/exits that set off an alarm if somebody
 BA>> is walking out with something that hasn't had its implant
 BA>> neutralized (IOW, shoplifting).

 WC> They operate like a grid dip meter detecting a tuned resonant
 WC> circuit.

 WC> Cleared at checkout by blowing a _fuse_ in the form of a particularly
 WC> thin trace that's part of the inductor half of the tuned circuit the
 WC> other half being a capacitor both being conductive traces printed on
 WC> the backing of the security tag.

 RC> Except that RFID actually transmit information back, the only thing

Correct.

 RC> that is holding RFID back from full blown deployment in lets say,
 RC> retail is the chips cost, and they have to be able to transmit the same
 RC> data as a UPC and more. A sensormatic or checkpoint tags either
 RC> transmit, lets say one bit of info (live tag) or they dont (dead or
 RC> deactivated). The range is far less than what RFID is capable of.

 RC> Retailers however are wanting the tags to be able to transmit more than
 RC> the UPC data, which only identify the manufacturer/distributor and the
 RC> item. They want data they can use to identify the origin of the items,
 RC> chain of custody, lot numbers and be able to tell when the items came
 RC> in the door (receiving), and left (sold). In between they will be able
 RC> to identify the oldest stock for FIFO as well as id product that is or
 RC> is not subject to a manufacuturer recall.

 RC> What I like for these tags potential is it could be used to thwart
 RC> fraudulent returns of stolen merchandise and better enforce return
 RC> policies.

Yup, never sold, call the law while making the excuse you need to get
your supervisors approval for the return.

 RC> The shoplifting sensors you all talk about, most retailers utilize
 RC> source tagging, whereas the tag is applied at the factory or packager,
 RC> in the early days we had to apply the tags ourselves, which not only
 RC> was time intensive but we usually found the package destroyed and empty
 RC> in the restrooms or shoved in behind displays.. Home Depot for instance
 RC> has the maker of their Dewalt power tools, place a tag inside the tools
 RC> handle. Some of Walmarts high end work boots, have the tag sewn inside
 RC> the tongue. Shoplifter wants those, they have to destroy more than just
 RC> the package or be brave enough to run like hell for the doors.

Wasn't aware of those placement points however generally all the more
inexpensive
stuff.
But then it matters not as I'm not a thief.

I just took one apart one day to find out how they worked and on first sight
understood how simple and elegant they were.

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