WO2025034779A1 - Hologram generated based on tag detection - Google Patents

Abstract

Examples described herein generally relate to a system and. method for dynamically displaying a holographic image based on a tag detection. The system includes a sensing device configured to detect an identifier from a tag associated with an article. The system includes a computer system including one or more memories storing computer-executable instructions and one or more processors coupled, to the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to: store a. status of articles, each article associated with a tag and an identifier; and select an image based on a location of tire sensing device and the status of the article. The system includes a holographic display configured to project the image.

Description

HOLOGRAM GENERATED BASED ON TAG DETECTION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The current application claims priority to, and the benefit of. United States Provisional Application No. 63/518,259, filed on August 8, 2023 and entitled “HOLOGRAM GENERATED BASED ON TAG DETECTION,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems for communicating with customers in a retail environment, and more particularly to dynamic and adaptive systems for communicating with customers.

[0003] Retailers detect movement of goods using a security tag attached to the goods and sensors that detect the location of the security tag. For example, Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems use various types of EAS tags to determine when products are being removed from a retail environment without authorization. Inventory control systems monitor product inventory available for sale and are often integrated with point-of-sale (POS) systems so that inventory can be monitored in real time. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems allow stores to track the identity and buying patterns of customers. Video cameras capture images showing in-store activity . A security system may include an exit system (e.g., a pedestal including a reader) that detects the presence of a tag.

[0004] While such security systems are useful in detecting a surreptitious theft of an item, such technology lacks effective communication with customers. For example, an EAS system may trigger an audible alarm, but a generic alarm may’ not convey enough information. For instance, audible alarms are often ignored by customers that believe the alarm is intended for someone else. Often, personnel are deployed in response to an alarm . The ability of the personnel to correctly identify and respond to an event, however, may be limited due to lack of information as well as law's, policies, or potential violence. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for technological improvements to technology in retail environments.

[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for improvements in communications from security systems. SUMMARY

[0006] The following presents a simplified summan’ of one or more implementations of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such implementations. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated implementations, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all implementations nor delineate the scope of any or all implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more implementations of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. [0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, including: a sensing device configured to detect an identifier from a tag associated with an article; a computer system including one or more memories storing computer-executable instructions and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to: store a status of articles, each article associated with a tag and tin identifier; and select an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and a holographic display configured to project the image,

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

] 00091 In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the image is a series of images.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the image includes an image of the article.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein to select the image, the one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to: determine a value of the article; and select the image based on the value of the article.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, further including a video screen configured to display additional information associated with the article,

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, including: detecting, by a sensing device, an identifier from a tag associated with an article; determining a status of the article based on the tag; selecting an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and displaying the image on a holographic display.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the image is a series of images.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the image includes an image of the article.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein selecting the image includes: determining a value of the article; and selecting the image based on the value of the article.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including displaying additional information associated with the article on a video screen.

[0019] Additional advantages and novel features relating to implementations of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] In the drawings:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example retail location including a dynamic display system for displaying holographic images.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of example holographic display device.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example database of item information.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example computer system implementing a security system including a dynamic display application, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method of dynamically displaying holographic images, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an example computer device, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for tracking an anti- theft tag beyond a retail environment. The disclosure provides for configuration of active radio tags and a system for activating or deactivating such tags to track items that have left a retail location.

[0028] Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used in retail stores and other settings to prevent the unauth orized removal of goods from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is configured at an exit from the protected area, which comprises one or more transmitters and antennas (“pedestals’¹) capable of generating an electromagnetic field across the exit, known as the “interrogation zone.” Articles to be protected are tagged with a security tag (such as an RFID and/or an acousto-magnetic (AM) tag), also known as an EAS marker, that, when active, generates a response signal when passed through this interrogation zone. An antenna and receiver in the same or another “pedestal” detects this response signal and generates an alarm .

[0029] In the case of organized retail crime (ORC), an alarm may be insufficient to stop theft of an item. For example, a thief may simply ignore an alarm and proceed out of the retail location . A thief may evade security personnel or law enforcement officers. Further, confronting a thief at the retail location may escalate the situation and possibly put customers at risk. Further, an audible alarm may be confusing to other customers, who may believe they triggered the alarm.

[0030] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a dynamic display system and methods for generating a holographic display based on tag detection. Articles may be tagged with a security tag that is configured to transmit an article identifier. "Die security’ tag may be scanned at one or more locations to dete imine a status of the article. A point of sale (POS) system may provide further information regarding the status of the article. For example, an article may have a status of unpurchased, at checkout, or purchased. A holographic display device is configured to display an image based on a status of a scanned tag.

[0031] In an example use case, a tag may be scanned near an exit of a retail location. "Die status of the tag may be used to dynamically select an image to display on the holographic di splay. For example, if the tag has a status unpurchased and is detected by a sensor located between a checkout and the exit, an image of an article associated with the tag may be selected for display on the holographic display. The holographic display may atract the atention of customers and/or personnel in the vicinity of the exit. Hie holographic display may provide information that is more useful and less confusing than an audible alarm. For example, if a customer inadvertently forgot to pay for the article, the display of the article may remind the customer to return to the checkout. In the case of a theft, the holographic display of the article may inform the thief that the security system has detected the theft and is aw are of what article is being stolen. In cases where personnel are involved, the holographic display may provide information as to the specific article to look for. Additionally, customers who are not involved with the article may be less likely to be concerned because they can identify that the holographic image is not related to them.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1 , an example retail location 100 includes multiple regions where tagged products may be located. For example, the retail location 100 may include an open display area 110, a front end 112, aisles 114, an entrance/exit area 116, and a security room 118. Customers 130 may be located within the different regions. Workers 132 may be stationed at locations such as check out registers and the security room 118. The workers 132 may operate a point of sale (POS) system 134. In some implementations, the POS system 134 may include self-service kiosks or a mobile application. A person of skill in the art would understand that the disclosed systems and methods are applicable to a variety of retail locations and the present disclosure is not limited to the example retail location or areas.

[0033] As discussed above, retailers (e.g., consumer products and apparel retailers) have deployed security tags such as radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in stores to track product movements as they arrive at stores, are placed on display on the sales floor, and are sold. By adopting RFID, retailers are able to reduce tire amount of time that the store employees spend counting the inventor}' (e.g., manually counting inventor that is on the floor and in stock room), as well as increase merchandise visibility within each store, thereby enabling shoppers in the store and online to find what they seek. RFID uses radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object such as a good, product, or merchandise. Additionally, RFID tags may be used with a security system to detect inventoiy changes and possible loss events. For example, RFID tags may be read by an exit system to determine whether a tagged article 122 is leaving the retail location,

[0034] In an aspect, a. tag (e.g., tag 124) may be configured to transmit an article identifier 128 to a sensor device. The article identifier 128 may be a unique code such as a serial number that identifies the tag 124. The article identifier 128 may be associated with an article, for example, when the article is tagged. In some implementations, the article 122 may be tagged with the tag 124 during manufacture or packaging in a process known as source labeling or source tagging. Accordingly, the article identifier 128 and/or tag 124 may be used to track the article throughout a distribution chain. For example, the active radio tag may be configured to transmit the article identifier prior to any unauthorized removal and until deactivated at a point of sale. In some implementations, the tag 124 may include an RFID tag 126 (e.g., an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag). The RFID tag 154 may be read from up to several feet away by a reader and does not need to be within direct line-of-sight of the reader to be tracked .

[0035) An RFID system may be made up of two parts: a tag or label (e.g., EPC tag 126) and a reader (e.g., exit system 140). RFID tags (which may also be referred to as labels) are embedded with an RFID transmitter and a receiver. The RFID component on the tags may include a microchip that stores and processes information, and an antenna to receive and transmit signals. The EPC tag may further contain the specific serial number for each specific object (e.g., an electronic product code (EPC)), lire EPC may also be embedded in the tag 124. For example, in one implementation, the tag 124 may include multiple memory banks such as a reserved memory, EPC memory, tag identification (T1D) memory, and user memory. The reserved memory bank may include an access password and a kill password. The EPC memory/ may include the EPC, a protocol control, and a cyclic redundancy check value. The TID memory' may include a tag identification. The user memory may store custom data.

) 00361 The POS sy stem 134 may be configured to deactivate a tag 124 upon purchase of the tagged article 122, In some implementations, the POS system 134 may' deactivate the tag 124 itself, for example, using the kill password to prevent the tag 124 from transmitting. In some implementations, the POS system 134 may deactivate the tag 124 within the security system 102, for example, by setting a status of the tag 124 to deactivated.

[0037] To read the information encoded on the tag 124, a two-way radio transmitter- receiver called a sensing device, interrogator, or reader (e.g., exit system 140) emits a signal to the EPC tag using the antenna (e.g,, internal antennas). The exit system 140 may apply filtering to indicate what memory' bank the EPC tag 124 should use to respond to the emitted signal. The EPC tag 124 may respond with the information (e.g.. EPC value or serial number) written in the memory' bank. The EPC tag data set may include any information stored on the EPC tag 124 as well as information about reading the EPC tag 124. For example, the EPC tag data set may include: a timestamp, a location, a signal transmission power, a received signal strength indication (RSSI), and an identifier of the RFID reader (e.g., exit system 140). For purposes of this disclosure, the terms, the EPC tag and RFID tag may be used interchangeably. The EPC tag 124 may be a passive tag or a battery powered EPC tag. A passive RFID tag may use the radio wave energy of the RFID interrogator or receiver to relay the stored information back to the interrogator. In contrast, a battery powered EPC tag 124 may be embedded with a small batery that powers the relay of information.

[0038] In an aspect, a sensing device 148 may be located away from the exit system 140. For example, a sensing device 148 may be embedded in a floor or ceiling. In some implementations, a sensing device 148 may be located near the front end 112, for example in a queuing area to detect articles prior to purchase. In some implementations, a sensing device 148 may be located between the front end 112 and the exit system 140 to detect tags that were not deactivated by the POS system 134.

[0039] In some aspects, the security system 102 may include one or more cameras 120 configured to monitor the customers 130 and/or the workers 132. The one or more cameras 120 may be configured to determine whether an unauthorized removal of the article 122. In one aspect, the detection component 162 may analyze images captured by the one or more cameras 120 to determine a person having the article 122 is leaving the retail location 100 with an activated tag 124 as described.

[0040] In an aspect, the security system 102 includes a holographic display 150. The holographic display 150 may include any device configured to display a hologram. In some implementations, the holographic display 150 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on one or more arms. The arms are mounted to a motor that spins tire arms at a rate that makes the arms difficult to see with the human eye. A controller controls the LEDs according to a three dimensional image as the arms are rotating. Tire combination of the movement of the LEDs and the patern creates a holographic effect for viewers in a viewing area 152. In some implementations, the viewing area 152 may be located in the entrance/exit area 116.

[0041] The security' system 102 may include an exit system 140 and a dynamic display system 160. The exit system 140 may include multiple sensors 142 located near exits 144. For example, the example retail location 100 may include two exits 144 that are relatively narrow. The sensors 142 may be located on each side of the exits 144. For example, in an implementation, the sensors 142 may include at least one RFID reader including an antenna that generates a tag detection field 146. Generally, the sensors 142 may be configured (e.g., by setting a power level) such that the tag detection fields 146 cover the exits 144 to detect tags moving through the exits. Although the sensors 142 are illustrated as pedestals adjacent the exits 144, sensors 142 may be located on the floor and/or the ceiling. The sensors 142 may include additional sensors that may produce measurements other than RF measurements. For example, the sensors 142 may include infrared (IR) sensors, inertial sensors, magnetic sensors, or cameras. [0042] The dynamic display system 160 may be a computer device programmed to display images based on tag data according to signals received from the tags 124, the POS system 134, and the exit system 140. The dynamic display system 160 may be, for example, any mobile or fixed computer device including but not limited to a computer server, desktop or laptop or tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, any other computer device having wired and/or wireless connection capability with one or more other devices, or any other type of computerized device. In some implementations, the dynamic display system 160 may be located separately from the retail location 100. For example, the dynamic display system 160 or a component thereof may be hosted on a server or datacenter of a cloud network and communicate with components of the security system 102 at the retail location 100.

[0043] The dynamic display system 160 includes a detection component 162 configured to deactivate a tag 124 upon purchase of the tagged article 122. In some implementations, the detection component 162 may be configured to detect an unauthorized removal of an item tagged with a tag associated with an item identifier. For instance, the detection component 162 may receive a signal from the exit system 140 indicating movement of the tag 124 at an exit system. The detection component 162 may detect unauthorized removal of the article 122. when the tag is not deactivated and movement of the tag is detected. The dynamic display system 160 may include a status component 164 configured to determine a status of the article based on the tag. The dynamic display system 160 may include a selection component 166 configured to select an image based on a location of a sensing device and the status of the article. The dynamic display system 160 may include a holographic display controller 168 configured to display the image on a holographic display . For example, the holographic display controller 168 may output a three-dimensional image format for display on the holographic display 150.

[0044]During operation, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a person may attempt an unauthorized removal of the article 122. Prior to the unauthorized removal, the article 122 may be tagged with the tag 124 by the manufacturer and/or by the workers 132. The person may attempt to remove the article 122 (with the tag 124) from the retail location 100 without proper payment. Since the article 122 has not been paid, the tag 124 remains “activated” (e.g., has not been deactivated by the POS system 134) and subject to detection by one or more of the multiple sensors 142 and/or the sensing device 148. In one instance, the multiple sensors 142 may detect the tag 124 byreceiving a response from the tag 124. The multiple sensors 142 may transmit a signal to the dynamic display system 160. Since the tag 124 is still transmitting, the detection component 162 and/or the status component 164 may determine that the tag 124 is still activated (i.e., has not been deactivated by the kill password). In another instance, the detection component 162 and/or the status component 164 may determine that the article 122 associated with the tag 124 has not been properly purchased. As such, the detection component 162 may determine that the tag 124 is still activated.

[OfMSJIn some aspects of the present disclosure, the multiple sensors 142 and/or the sensing device 148 may detect the activated tag 124 at the two exits 144 and/or movements associated with the tag 124. In response to detecting the activated tag 124 at the two exits 144 and/or movements associated with the activated tag 124, the detection component 162 may determine an unauthorized removal of the article 122 associated with the activated tag 124. In response, the selection component 166 mayselect an image based on the location of the activated tag 124 and the status of the article 122. The selection component 166 an image of the article 122. Next, the holographic display controller 168 may output a three-dimensional image format for display on the holographic display 150. The holographic display 150 may display the three- dimensional image based on the three-dimensional image format.

[0046]In a first example according to aspects of the present disclosure, the customer 130 may have the article 122 that has not been purchased (e.g., forgot to remove after trying the article 122 on, etc.). The customer 130 may walk toward the exits 144 with the unpurchased article 122, Since the article 122 has not been purchased, the tag 124 associated with the article 122 is still activated. The multiple sensors 142 and/or the sensing device 148 may detect the tag 124 transmitting signal in response to an interrogation signal. Further, the multiple sensors 142 and/or the sensing device 148 may detect the tag 124 at the exits 144. As such, the detection component 162 may determine that the tag 124 is still activated and the article 122 is being removed without authorization. Based on the location of the tag 124 (at the exits 144), the selection component 166 may select one or more images of the article 122 for display. The holographic display controller 168 and/or the holographic display 150 may display the one or more image of the article 122 (selected by the selection component 166) to remind the customer 130 to pay for, or to remove, the unpurchased article 122.

[0047]In a second example a according to aspects of the present disclosure, the customer 130 may have the article 122 that is associated with an accessory for sale. The customer 130 may be at the location of the accessory' within the retail location 100. The multiple sensors 142 and/or the sensing device 148 may detect the tag 124. The detection component 162 may determine that the article 122 has not been purchased. Further, the multiple sensors 142 and/or the sensing device 148 may detect the tag 124 at the location of the accessory. As such, based on the location of the tag 124 (at the location of the accessory'), the selection component 166 may select one or more images of the accessory for display. The holographic display controller 168 and/or the holographic display' 150 may' display the one or more image of the accessory' to remind the customer 130 to purchase the accessory for their convenience. Other applications of the present disclosure may also be implemented.

[0048] FIG, 2 illustrates an example holographic display 150. The holographic display 150 includes arms 210 having a plurality of LEDs 212. For example, the LEDs 212 may be multicolor LEDs that are each capable of illuminating in a configurable color. The holographic display' 150 includes a motor 220 that rotates a shaft 222 coupled to the arms 210. A driver 224 generates signals to control the LEDs 212 to illuminate at the correct time to display an image. Tire image may be defined by a three dimensional image file, which may be provided by the holographic display' controller 168,

[00491 In some implementations, the holographic display 150 includes a. case 230 to support the motor 220 and arms 210. For instance, the case 230 may include a shroud 232 that at least partially surrounds the arms 210 to prevent interference from external objects. In some implementations, the case 230 may' include a secondary display 234. For example, the secondary' display 234 may display additional images and/or text. [0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration 300 of the database 170. Tire configuration 300 may define a schema for storing information for tracking items and displaying images. For example, the configuration 300 may include an item table 310 that includes an entry for each tagged article 122. The item table 310 may include, for example, the tag identifier 128, an item description 312 (e.g., a stock keeping unit (SKU)), a status 314, a value 316, and an image file 318. The item table 310 may include any additional information related to an item from an EAS, POS, or CRM system. Tire tag identifier 128 may be the unique code stored in the tag 124 (e.g., an EPC code). The item description 312 may provide information about the item associated with the tag such as a product stock keeping unit (SKU), manufacturer, legal owner, etc. The status 314 may indicate whether an item has been purchased. The value 316 may indicate a value of the item such as a monetary value or a value category (e.g., high, medium, low).

[0051] The image file 318 may be a three dimensional image file in a format supported by the holographic display 150. In an aspect, the item table 310 includes an image of the item as the image file 318 such that the image of the item may be selected for holographic display. Hie database 170 may include other image files that may be displayed in response to various events. For example, the event image files 320 maybe images associated with events such as non-payment or theft. For instance, a theft event may result in selection of an image of a police officer and selection of an image of the item . The holographic display may sequentially display the selected images. In some implementations, a set of text image files 330 may include images of words that can be displayed holographically.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 4, an example dynamic display system 160 may be implemented as a computer device 440 configured to execute a dynamic displayapplication 460. Whether the computer device 440 is located at the retail location 100 or remotely, the computer device 440 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 442. that executes instructions stored in memory 444. For example, the CPU 442 may execute an operating system 452 and one or more applications 454, which may include the RFID reader configuration application. The computer device 440 may include a storage device 446 for storing data (e.g., POS system events and exit system measurements). The computer device 440 may also include a network interface 448 for communication with external devices via a network. For example, the computer device 440 may communicate with the POS system 134, the sensing devices 148, and/or the exit system 140.

[0053] The computer device 440 may optionally include a display 450. The display 450 may be, for example, a computer monitor and/or a touch-screen. The display 450 may provide information to an operator and allow the operator to configure the computer device 440. lire computer device 440 may include an antenna component 456 configured to communicate wireless with one or more external devices.

[0054] Memory 444 may be configured for storing data and/or computer-executable instructions defining and/or associated with an operating system 452 and/or application 454, and CPU 442 may execute operating system 452 and/or application 454. Memory 444 may represent one or more hardware memory devices accessible to computer device 440. An example of memory 444 can include, but is not limited to, a type of memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory' (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory', non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Memory' 444 may store local versions of applications being executed by CPU 442. In an implementation, the memory 444 may include a storage device, which may be a non-volatile memory.

[0055] The CPU 442 may include one or more processors for executing instructions. An example of CPU 442 can include, but is not limited to, any processor specially programmed as described herein, including a controller, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array' (FPGA), system on chip (SoC), or other programmable logic or state machine. Tire CPU 442 may include other processing components such as an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), registers, and a control unit. The CPU 442 may include multiple cores and may be able to process different sets of instructions and/or data concurrently' using the multiple cores to execute multiple threads.

[0056] The operating system 452 may include instructions (such as applications 454) stored in memory 444 and executable by the CPU 442. The applications 454 may' include the dynamic display application 460 configured to track items that have been removed from the retail location 100 without authorization.

[0057] The dynamic display application 460 may include the detection component 162, the status component 164, the selection component 166, and the holographic display controller 168. [0058] Turning to FIG. 5, an example method 500 dynamically displays a hologram based on a status of an item according to a tag event. For example, method 500 maybe performed by the dynamic display system 160 and/or the dynamic displayapplication 460 on the computer device 440. Optional blocks are shown with dashed lines.

[0059] At block 510, tire method 500 includes detecting, by a sensing device, an identifier from a tag associated with an article. For example, the dynamic displaysystem 160 and/or the detection component 162 may detect via the sensing device 148, an article identifier 128 from a tag 124 associated with an article 122. In some implementations, for example, the block 510 may optionally include detecting movement of the tag toward an exit.

[0060] At block 520, the method 500 includes determining a status of the article based on the tag. For example, the dynamic display system 160 and/or tlie status component 164 may determine the status of the article based on the tag. For instance, the status component 164 may look up the status 314 in the database 170. Hie status 314 may be updated based on, for example, action by the POS system 134. For instance, determining the status may indicate whether the article has been purchased.

[0061] At block 530, the method 500 includes selecting an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article. For example, the dynamic display system 160 and/or the selection component 166 may select an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article. For example, if the sensing device is located between the front end 1 12 and the exit, the selection component 166 may select one or more images indicating a failure to pay for the article. For instance, the selected image(s) may include the image file 318 and/or an event image file 320 associated with theft. In some implementations, the selection component 166 may also select text for display on the holographic display 150 and/or the secondary' display 234. In some implementations, the block 530 may include determining a value of the article; and selecting the image based on the value of the article. For instance, the selection component 166 may determine the value 316 of the article in the database 170. The selection component 166 may select the image based on the value according to a threshold. For example, if tire value is greater than the threshold, the selection component may select the theft image, whereas if the value is less than the threshold, the selection component 166 may display an image or text indicating to return to the checkout, or just the image of the item. [0062] At block 540, the method 500 includes displaying the image on a holographic display. For example, the dynamic display system 160 and/or the holographic display controller 168 may display the image on the holographic display 150. For example, the holographic display controller 168 may output the image file or an identifier of the image file to the holographic display 150. In some implementations, the image is a series of images. Accordingly, the holographic display 150 may present an animated image. In some implementations, the holographic display 150 is between the sensing device 148 and an exit. Accordingly, a customer and/or personnel may view the image before the article exits the location (e.g., a store).

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example computer device 440 in accordance with an implementation, including additional component details as compared to FIG. 4. In one example, computer device 440 may include one or more processors 48 for carrying out processing functions associated with one or more of components and functions described herein. The one or more processors 48 can include a single or multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, the one or more processors 48 can be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system. In an implementation, for example, the one or more processors 48 may include CPU 442.

[0064] In an example, computer device 440 may include one or more memories 50 for storing instructions executable by the one or more processors 48 for carrying out the functions described herein. In an implementation, for example, the one or more memories 50 may include memory 444. The one or more memories 50 may include instructions for executing the dynamic display application 460.

[00651 Further, computer device 440 may include a communications component 52 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware, software, and services as described herein. Communications component 52 may carry communications between components on computer device 440, as well as between computer device 440 and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to computer device 440. For example, communications component 52 may include one or more buses, and may further include transmit chain components and receive chain components associated with a transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices. [0066] Additionally, computer device 440 may include a data store 54, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in connection with implementations described herein. For example, data store 54 may be a data repository for operating system 452 and/or applications 454. The data store may include memory 444 and/or storage device 446.

[0067] Computer device 440 may also include a user interface component 56 operable to receive inpu ts from a user of computer device 440 and further operable to generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 56 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch -sensitive display, a digitizer, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, user interface component 56 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.

[00681 In an implementation, user interface component 56 may transmit and/or receive messages corresponding to the operation of operating system 452 and/or applications 454. In addition, the one or more processors 48 may execute operating system 452 and/or applications 454, and tire one or more memories 50 or data store 54 may store them.

[0069] As used in this application, the terms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computer device and the computer device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets, such as data from one component interacting with another component in a local system. distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems byway of the signal.

[0070] Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0071] Additional example implementations are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0072] Clause 1. A system, comprising: a sensing device configured to detect an identifier from a tag associated with an article; a computer system including one or more memories storing computer-executable instructions and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to: store a status of articles, each article associated with a tag and an identifier; and select an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and a holographic display configured to project the image.

[0073] Clause 2, The system of clause 1, wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

[0074]Clause 3. Tire system of clause 1 or 2, wherein the image is a series of images.

[0075]Clause 4. The system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the image includes an image of the article.

[0076]Clause 5. The system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein to select the image, the one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to: determine a value of the article; and select the image based on the value of the article.

[0077]Clause 6. The system of any of clauses 1-5, further comprising a video screen configured to display additional information associated with the article.

[0078]Clause 7. A method, comprising: detecting, by a sensing device, an identifier from a tag associated with an article; determining a status of the article based on the tag; selecting an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and displaying the image on a holographic display. [0079]Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

[0080]Clause 9. The method of clause 7 or 8, wherein the image is a senes of images.

[0081]Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 7-9, wherein the image includes an image of the article.

[0082]Clause 11. lire method of any of clauses 7-10, wherein selecting the image comprises: determining a value of the article; and selecting the image based on the value of the article.

[0083]Clause 12. The method of any of clauses 7-11, further comprising displaying additional information associated with the article on a video screen.

[0084] Various implementations or features may have been presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. A person skilled in the art should understand and appreciate that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

[0085] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, and actions of methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a specially-programmed one of a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computer devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one or more components operable to perform one or more of the steps and/or actions described above.

[0086] Further, the steps and/or actions of a method or procedure described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD- ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some implementations, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal , In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some implementations, the steps and/or actions of a method or procedure may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine readable medium and/or computer readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0087] In one or more implementations, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Non-transitory computer-readable media excludes transitory signals. A storage medium may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0088] While implementations of the present disclosure have been described in connection with examples thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the implementations described above may be made without departing from the scope hereof. Other implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or from a practice in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A system, comprising: a sensing device configured to detect an identifier from a tag associated with an articie; a computer system including one or more memories storing computerexecutable instructions and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and, individually or in combination, configured to: store a status of articles, each article associated with a tag and an identifier; and select an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and a holographic display configured to project the image.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification

(RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

3. Tire system of claim 1, wherein the image is a. series of images.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein tire image includes an image of the article.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein to select the image, the one or more processors, individually or in combination, are configured to: determine a value of the article; and select the image based on the value of the article.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a video screen configured to display additional information associated with the article.

7. A method, comprising: detecting, by a sensing device, an identifier from a tag associated with an article; determining a status of the article based on the tag; selecting an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and displaying the image on a holographic display.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification

(RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the image is a series of images.

10. lire method of claim 7, wherein the image includes an image of the article.

11 . The method of claim 7, wherein selecting the image comprises: determining a value of the article; and selecting the image based on the value of the article.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising displaying additional information associated with the article on a video screen.

13. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause a sensing device to detect an identifier from a tag associated with an article; determine a status of the article based on the tag; select an image based on a location of the sensing device and the status of the article; and cause a holographic display to display the image.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the tag is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag.

15. The non-transitory’ computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the image is a series of images.

16, The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the image includes an image of the article.

17. Tire non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the instructions for selecting the image comprises instructions for: determining a value of the article; and selecting the image based on the value of the article.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, further comprising instructions for displaying additional information associated with the article on a video screen.