EP0526038B1 - Artikelentnahmeüberwachungssystem - Google Patents
Artikelentnahmeüberwachungssystem Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0526038B1 EP0526038B1 EP92306468A EP92306468A EP0526038B1 EP 0526038 B1 EP0526038 B1 EP 0526038B1 EP 92306468 A EP92306468 A EP 92306468A EP 92306468 A EP92306468 A EP 92306468A EP 0526038 B1 EP0526038 B1 EP 0526038B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- article
- sensors
- zones
- detector assembly
- marker
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
- G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
- G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
- G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
- G08B13/2405—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used
- G08B13/2408—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used using ferromagnetic tags
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
- G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
- G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
- G08B13/2465—Aspects related to the EAS system, e.g. system components other than tags
- G08B13/2468—Antenna in system and the related signal processing
- G08B13/2471—Antenna signal processing by receiver or emitter
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system for controlling removal of a specifically identified article from a facility by a specifically authorized user and, in particular, discloses variations to the arrangement disclosed in Australian Patent No. 607,642.
- Article inventory control (AIC) systems in general, authorize, track, and control movement of a given article within a facility by a given user.
- An example is a library circulation control system.
- a user could identify himself or herself with an identification card containing magnetically or optically detectable data (e.g., a barcode).
- the articles, books in the collection of the library typically have a similar identifying label.
- a computerized user database contains identification data on all registered patrons of the library, and a similar article database contains identification data on all books in the library.
- the library circulation control system When someone desires to remove a book from the library, the library circulation control system will first verify that the person is an authorized patron of the library, i.e., that the person is authorized to check out any book, or any of a particular class of books. The system will then verify that the particular book may be removed from the library, e.g., that is not "on reserve”. If both the user and the book are authorized by the system, the book may be removed, ("checked out") by that user. This authorization is often a visual or audible signal to library personnel. Additionally, but not required, the system can maintain data which correlates the specific user with the specific books checked out, and may issue fine notices, usage reports, and the like.
- An electronic article surveillance system is defined as a system which comprises:
- the term "removal” is understood to include the ability of the user to gain access to an article, to move an article from one point to another within a facility, to bring an article into a facility, or to remove an article from a facility.
- the last of these is a common use of EAS systems.
- an EAS system as defined above can control, for example, the routing of articles from one portion of a factory assembly line to another.
- EAS systems employ a magnetically activateable "marker" attached to an article, with appropriate marker interrogation and sensing apparatus located at one or more locations in the facility.
- appropriate marker interrogation and sensing apparatus located at one or more locations in the facility.
- removal of an article is prevented by restricting movement of the article within or from the facility, as with a lockable exit gate.
- the gate is locked in response to an alarm signal when a marker is detected within an interrogation zone located immediately before the exit.
- the marker may comprise a piece of magnetic material adapted to be inserted in the book spine or attached inside the book cover.
- EAS systems employ permanently or reversibly deactivatable markers and the apparatus associated with them. Such markers are also known as "dual status" markers. Permanently deactivatable markers are preferred where it is appropriate in certain circumstances for an article to pass through the interrogation zone without preventing removal. For example, in a retail store, if an article of merchandise has been purchased in a particular department, the marker may be deactivated at that point so that an interrogation zone in another department will not activate the marker. Reactivatable markers are appropriate, for example, in libraries where patrons who check out a book for an extended period of time may subsequently visit the library with that book during that period. In this case, the system should not prevent subsequent removal of the book until the book has been returned, the marker reactivated, and the book returned to circulation.
- the deactivate/reactivate devices are designed for operation on a single marker containing article of typically maximum dimensions. However, they will function also on a plurality of marker containing articles whose combined dimensions equal the maximum. The deactivate/reactivate device cannot distinguish between a single large or multiple small marker containing articles.
- U.S. Patent 3,665,449 (Elder et al.) at column 15, lines 62-67 generally suggests that automated library checkout systems may be, combined with EAS systems.
- U.S. Patent 4,141,078 (Bridges, Jr. et al.) discloses an automated library circulation Control system which provides for patron identification via card reader, book identification via an optical reader, modification and interrogation of computer data files, an electromagnetic device for magnetizing and demagnetizing a magnetic strip in each book, detection of unauthorized removal of books from the library, and other functions.
- Each book generally must be uniquely identified, including the identification of multiple copies of a single title, some of which may be in general circulation and one being on reserve.
- present EAS systems generally are not designed to receive removal authorization signals from AIC systems added later.
- AIC systems for complete article removal control in such a facility, it is necessary to have separate article inventory control and article surveillance systems, and usually a manual, labor intensive, connection between the two.
- a connection might be a circulation clerk who, seeing a flashing light on the AIC system indicating book removal authorization, physically passes a book through a marker deactivation device of the EAS system.
- Another possibility is for the circulation clerk to manually bypass the removal prevention means, e.g., physically passing the book around the interrogation device and handing the book to the patron on the other side of the lockable gate. Since the patron would pass through the interrogation zone without any marked books, the gate would remain unlocked and thus allow the patron to exit the library.
- a responder assembly comprising:
- Figs. 1-3 show the major components of the preferred embodiment of a Patron Self Check (PSC) system located within a portion of a facility generally indicated as 100.
- PSC Patron Self Check
- the Code 220 could be a label, similar to a Universal Product Code (UPC) label.
- UPC Universal Product Code
- a PSC Controller 200, Electronic Article Surveillance 300 and Book Check Unit 500 can exist within the facility 100 prior to the installation, or may be installed with at least one PSC Server Terminal 400.
- Associated with the PSC Server 400 is one of more User Identification Cards 210.
- each user (not shown) of the facility 100 is identifiable through the User Identification Card, and each Article 110 through the corresponding Article Identification Code 220.
- the Article Identification Code 220 generally is permanently affixed to the article itself, embedded or inscribed on the article, or affixed to a tag adapted to be attached to the article.
- the PSC Server 400 sends an Activation Signal 710 to the Book Check Unit 500 when an Article Authorization 270 is received from the PSC Controller 200 in the usual manner.
- the PSC Server 400 also contains a Pattern Generator 253 which senses a pattern of the Sensitized Markers 310.
- the Server 400 also senses the presence of an Article 110 within a desensitizing area provided therein. It also contains user activated indication that the user is requesting service from the PSC Server 400 by a User Activating Device 263.
- a PSC Controller 200 is provided including a PSC Link 201 whereby information, from the PSC Server 400, as to User I.D. and Article I.D., is received on Lines 232 and 242 respectively. This information is then sent to the customer's data base (not illustrated) on Line 233 for confirmation that the transaction can proceed.
- the PSC Controller 200 also receives information from the PSC Server 400 regarding a pattern of sensitized markers that have been detected by the Pattern Generator 253. This pattern is received on Line 252 and from the pattern received, the PSC Controller 200 through the PSC Link 201, determines as to whether there is more than one sensitized marker present within the desensitizing area.
- the PSC Controller 200 through PSC Link 201, also receives information from the PSC Server 400 that an Article 110 has been detected as being present in the desensitizing area of the Book Check Unit 500 and that the user has requested action by the activation of User Action Device 263, on Lines 272 and 292 respectively.
- the PSC Controller 200 receives confirmation from the customers data base on Line 233 that the check-out action can proceed and then determines from the Pattern Generator 253 that only one Article 110 is present in the desensitizing area of Pattern Generator 253. This determination results in the PSC Controller 200, through PSC Link 201, enabling Line 270 to the PSC Server 400 to activate the Article Removal Authorization Function 710.
- the EAS System 300 interrogates the EAS Marker 310 with an Interrogation Signal 322 and upon receipt of a Verified Removal Response 324 allows the user to remove the article 110 from the facility 100.
- the EAS System 300 permits a given article to be removed from the facility only by a given authorized user, having ensured that only one article per transaction has been authorized for removal.
- the preferred embodiment utilizes existing PSC Controller signals in the integration of PSC and EAS functions without requiring any modifications to the EAS System or any hard-wiring between the two systems. In order to disclose this, additional information description of the PSC and EAS systems is useful.
- Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a typical prior art Article Inventory Control System 2000 which can be replaced by the PSC Controller 200 of Fig. 1.
- inputs to this system are the transmitted User Identification Signal 232, and the transmitted Article Identification Signal 242.
- the output from the system is the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270.
- the transmitted User Identification Signal 232 is evaluated by a User Identifier 2300 (e.g. a data base is searched), and a determination is made whether the user is known to the system. If so, a verified User Identification Signal 2340 is issued to an Article Removal Authorizer 2500.
- the transmitted Article Identification Signal 242 is evaluated by an Article Identifier 2400 (e.g. another data base is searched), and a determination is made whether the article is known to the system.
- an Article Identification Signal 2440 is issued to the Article Removal Authorizer 2500.
- the Article Removal Authorizer 2500 uses both verified Identification Signals 2340 and 2440 to decide if the user is authorized to remove the article from the facility. (Additional consideration, not shown, may include the time of day, number of previous removal requests by a given user in a day, and the like). If so, an Article Removal Authorization Signal 270 is produced. If any of the evaluations, determinations, etc., above indicate an unauthorized user and/or unauthorized article the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270 is not produced.
- Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a typical Electronic Article Surveillance System 300, and a Book Check Unit 500.
- the EAS system generally arranged at an exit of a library or retail store for example, sends an Interrogation Signal 322 to the EAS Marker 310 and receives the sensed Signal 324 from the EAS Marker 310.
- the Interrogation Signal 322 results in an alternating magnetic field of known intensity and frequency in an interrogation zone.
- the sensed Signal 324 is induced as a result of the alternating magnetization in the marker 310 in response to the Interrogation Signal 322, and comprises multiple harmonics of the interrogation signal.
- an Activation Status Signal 330 is created. This signal is used by a Removal Preventer 350, such as a lockable gate for example, to decide if the article to which the activated marker is attached may be removed from the facility.
- the EAS System 300 further comprises a Deactivator 540 which forms part of the Book Check Unit 500 and, which receives the verified Article Removal Authorization Signal 710 from the Terminal 400. Additionally the receipt of Signal 710 energizes the deactivator 540, which in turn emits Deactivation Signal 542 to the marker 310.
- Deactivation Signal 542 is a high intensity non-alternating magnetic field.
- the Deactivator 540 when the Deactivator 540 is not provided with the Authorization Signal 710, it outputs a low energy alternating magnetic field.
- An alternative embodiment similar to the above is suitable for EAS Systems employing reactivatable markers.
- One signal is the verified Article Removal Authorization Signal 710, which is used, for example, to allow a library user to remove a book from the library upon "check out”.
- the system operates as described above, except the marker is only temporarily deactivated.
- a second signal (not shown ) energizes a reactivator (also not shown), which emits a suitable signal to restore a temporarily deactivated marker to active status. This is used, for example, to allow a library user to return a book to the library upon "check in”.
- Fig. 4 is a schematic of a typical prior art of an Article Inventory Control (AIC) System Controller 4000 which contains a device for the ultra-sonic width measurement of an Article 432. This width measurement is then compared against a record of the article's width which can either be contained in an extended Article Characteristic Coded Label 442 attached to the article or can be a record maintained on a data base which is searched as a part of the Authorized Article Removal operation.
- AIC Article Inventory Control
- Integral to the successful operation of this art is the required labelling of each article contained in a facility. This action may be in addition to a labelling function that has already occurred wherein the customer has an existing quantity of articles that have already been labelled with the Article Identifier 442.
- the successful operation of this art requires creation of a data base which contains a measurement of the width of an article and the linking of this measurement to that article. This may be in addition to a data base which has already been created by the customer to contain other details of the article.
- the Terminal Controller 4000 receives the User Identification Data 412, the Article Identification Data 422, the Article Characteristic Measurement 432, the Coded Article Characteristic Measurement 442, and the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270.
- the terminal 4000 sends the User Identification Signal 232, the Article Identification Signal 242, and the verified Article Removal Authorization Signal 710.
- a user of the facility who desires to remove an article from the facility enters his or her user identification data into the terminal. This can be done by typing an identification number on an alpha-numeric keypad.
- the article identification data is entered into the terminal 4000, for example by using an optical scanner to read a barcode on the article.
- a User Identification Receiver 4100 receives the User Identification Data 412 and sends an Internal User Identification Signal 4140 to the User Identification Transmitter 5100.
- an Article Identification Receiver 4200 receives the Article Identification Data 422 and sends an Internal Article Identification Signal 4240 to the Article Identification Transmitter 5200. Either or both of these processes can involve a translation of the input Signals 412 and 422 into a different encoding format, such as from ASCII to BCD.
- the User Identification Transmitter 5100 receives the Internal User Identification Signal 4140 and sends the transmitted User Identification Signal 232 to the User Identifier 320 of the AIC System 2000, described above (Fig. 2).
- the Article Identification Transmitter 5200 receives the Internal Article Identification Signal 4240 and sends the transmitted Article Identification Signal 242 to the Article Identifier 2400, also in Fig. 2.
- Either or both of these processes can involve a translation of the Internal Signals 4140 and 4240 into a different encoding format, such as ASCII to BCD. It is mandatory that the User and Article Identification Signals 232 and 242 be compatible in coding (e.g. ASCII) and form (e.g. audible tone, varying voltage level, etc.) to the signals which the AIC System is designed to accept.
- coding e.g. ASCII
- form e.g. audible tone, varying voltage level, etc.
- the article characteristic measurement is made by an Article Characteristic Measurer 4300, which also produces a measured Article Characteristic Signal 434.
- the coded Article Characteristic Receiver 4400 receives the coded Article Characteristic Measurement 442 representing the same characteristic, but the latter is coded in a form that is not necessarily understandable to the user. For example, with a keypad as described above, the user may enter an alpha-numeric or other code printed on a label.attached to the article. Alternatively, if the code is in the form of a barcode, or the like, it may also be automatically entered. The code gives the Value of the characteristic as measured before the article was made available for removal from the facility.
- the terminal 4000 produces a coded Article Characteristic Signal 4440, and the measured Characteristic Verifier 4500 compares the measured and coded Signals 4340 and 4440 to verify that only the actual article 110, and not just a tag containing the Article Identification Code 220 for example, is in fact present at the terminal.
- This comparison produces a Characteristic Verification Signal 4520, which is one input to an Article Removal Enabler 7000.
- the use of a verified measured characteristic of the article 110 is preferred for its accuracy over non-measurement based systems such as that taught in U.S. Patent 4,141,078 (Bridges, et al.), e.g. at column 6, lines 6-14.
- an Internal Article Removal Authorization Signal 6140 is produced by an Article Removal Authorization Receiver 6100, which receives the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270 from the Article Removal Authorizer 2500 of the AIC System 2000, of Fig. 2.
- the Article Removal Authorization Receiver 6100 can translate the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270 into a different encoding format, such as from ASCII to BCD. It is likewise mandatory that the Article Removal Authorization Receiver 6100 be capable of receiving and understanding the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270 which the AIC System 2000 is designed to emit, including encoding (e.g. ASCII) and form (flashing light, RS-232C, 20mA current loop, etc.).
- encoding e.g. ASCII
- form flashing light, RS-232C, 20mA current loop, etc.
- the Article Removal Enabler 7000 performs a logical "AND" function, requiring both Signals 4520 and 6240 to be present before issuing the Article Removal Authorization Signal 710 to Deactivator 540 of the EAS System 500 (Fig. 3).
- the issuance of the Signal 710 identifies to the EAS System 500 that (1) the user is authorized to remove the article 110 according to the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270, and (2) the article is in fact present at the terminal according to the measured Characteristic Verification Signal 4520.
- the User Identification Transmitter 5100 and/or the Article Identification Transmitter 5200 may be removed from the terminal 4000 and physically locate either or both near the AIC System 2000.
- the Article Authorization Receiver 6100 may be removed from the terminal 4000 and located near the EAS System 500.
- the Article Authorization Receiver 6100 is not removed from the Terminal 4000, and Article Removal Authorization Signal 710 is wholly internal to the Terminal 4000.
- the Removal Preventer 350 would still stand alone and include a Duplicate Interrogator/Sensor 320 operating as described above.
- Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the PSC Server Terminal 400 used in the preferred embodiment.
- the terminal 400 receives User Identification Data 412, and Article Identification Data 422, Book Present Status 245, User Action Requests 243, sensitized Article Responses 233 and Article Removal Authorization Signal 270.
- the PSC Server Terminal 400 sends the decoded User Identification Signal 232, the decoded Article Identification Signal 242, the recognition pattern of the sensitized Article Detection 252, the Book Present Status 272, the User Action Request Status 292 and the verified Article Removal Authorization Signal 710.
- Items 412 and 422 may, in some cases, be combined and used to capture both the User I.D. and Article I.D. details. Consequently, in such cases a User Identification Receiver 410, connected to Line 412, and an Article Identification Receiver 420 connected to Line 422, can have their functions combined into a single device. Similarly, transmitted data 232 and 242 can also be combined.
- An optional keyboard 296 or touch screen monitor and receipt printer 298 may also be present for the keying of user passwords and the receipting of Article Authorization details.
- a user of the facility 100 who desires to use the facility enters his or her User I.D. Card 210 into the defined reading area.
- the User Activated Device 243 senses the presence of the User I.D. and signals to the PSC Controller 200 (Fig. 6) on Line 292.
- the PSC Controller 200 responds on Line 270 with an instruction to turn on the Optical Scanner 299.
- the scanned User I.D. 412 is received and decoded at 410.
- the data is transmitted to the PSC Controller 200 on Line 232.
- the PSC Controller 200 may now ask for a password to be entered on the keyboard 296 or touch screen monitor. Keyboard data is transmitted to the PSC Controller 200 on Line 232.
- the PSC Controller 200 now signals to the Optical Scanner 299 via Line 270 to activate, and scanned data is received on Line 412 or 422 and decoded in devices 410 or 420 respectively.
- the decoded data is sent to the PSC Controller 200 on Lines 232 or 242 respectively.
- the PSC Server Terminal 400 is instructed to place the contents of a Pattern Generator 253 onto Transmission Lines 252.
- the Pattern Generator 253 is connected to a Multi-Strip Responder Assembly 803 (seen in Figs. 7 and 8) which, together with other devices (e.g. 410, 420, 253) within the PSC Terminal 400, interconnect with a common bus 405.
- the PSC Controller 200 then makes a further determination as to how many sensitized articles are present in the desensitizing area 850. If the determination is that either one or none are present, the PSC Controller 200 issues the Article Removal Authorization Signal on Line 270. This action is directed to the Book Check Unit via Line 710. Some books may not contain an EAS Security Marker 310 and therefore would register as no marker present.
- an instruction is displayed on the PSC Controller 200 directing the user to obtain assistance from facility staff, and removal authorization is inhibited. Accordingly, the user is prevented from removing a plurality of articles where only one is recorded as removed, as in the prior art arrangement.
- the functioning and timing of the PSC Server 400 is controlled by a processor and programs called PSC Link 201 which resides in the PSC Controller 200.
- the PSC Controller 200 receives data from the PSC Server 400 such as the decoded User I.D. 232, the decoded Article I.D. 242, the contents 252 of the Pattern Generator 253, the status 272 of the Book Present Detector 265, the status 292 of the User Activate Device 263 and information from the data base via Line 233.
- the PSC Controller 200 sends information to activate the Article Removal Authorization Signal Receiver 490 via Line 270 and to the data base via Line 233.
- PSC Link 201 is a combination of hardware and software which interfaces Receivers and Transmitters 602 to the Communications Port 603. The receivers and transmitters accept and hold data conditions as determined by the PSC Link 201.
- the Communications Port 603 allows for connection to a customers mainframe.
- This port can be one of several types of Communication Port such as RS-232, Current Loop, 3270 Emulation but is not limited to this group.
- the PSC Link 201 When the PSC Link 201 senses that Line 292 (User Activate Device 263) has changed status, it causes Line 270 to transmit an instruction to the PSC Server 400 to activate a barcode reader 802, seen in Fig. 7.
- PSC Link 201 Information returned from the PSC Server 400 on Line 232 is verified by PSC Link 201 to conform to the format of a User I.D. known to the facility 100.
- the PSC Link 201 then causes this information to be transmitted to the user data base on Line 233 where it is verified that the user is known to the facility and that the user is in good stead with the facility and is authorized to obtain articles from the facility. Alternatively, the data base determines that the user has had his/her borrowing rights withdrawn.
- the PSC Link 201 receives pre-authorization instructions from the data base and visually indicates a course of action to the user. If authorization is likely to be granted, a visual indication is displayed instructing the user to place an article for authorized removal into the desensitizing area 850. If authorization has been withdrawn, the PSC Controller 200 instructs the user to seek assistance from facility staff.
- the PSC Link 201 then monitors Line 272 for a change in state and upon detecting this action signals to the PSC Server 400 via Line 270 to activate a barcode reader 802. Information returned from the PSC Server 400 on Line 232 or 242 is verified by PSC Link 201 to conform to the format of article I.D.'s known to his facility.
- the PSC Link 201 then causes this information to be transmitted to the customers data base on Line 233 where it is verified that this article I.D. is known to the data base and that this article 110 does not have any prohibitions on its issue status.
- the PSC Link 201 receives the contents of the Pattern Generator 253 from Line 252 and makes a determination as to the number of sensitized articles that are present in the desensitizing area 850. If this number is zero or one it issues the Article Removal Authorization Signal on Line 270, communicates with the data base on Line 233 to indicate the Removal Authorization on the current transaction has occurred and indicates by visual display to the user the options of his/her next action.
- the PSC Controller 200 communicates with the data base on Line 233 to cancel the current transaction and indicates by visual display to the user to seek assistance from facility staff.
- the PSC Link 201 then monitors Line 272 and 292 for a change in state from which a determination is made that the user has removed his/her I.D. Card 210 in which case the session is terminated, or that an article has been removed and replaced with another indicating that there is a further Article Removal Authorization issue to occur.
- Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the PSC Server Terminal chassis 800, which incorporates the PSC Server 400, on top of which is mounted a Visual Display Unit 801 portion of a Personal Computer 604 included in the PSC Controller 200.
- the remaining functions of the PSC Controller 200 can also be incorporated within the chassis 800.
- the embodiment of Fig. 7 includes the preferred configuration discussed above in which certain deactivation and multi-article pattern recognition are incorporated into the terminal.
- the Book Check Unit 500 is totally enclosed by the PSC Server Terminal chassis 800 case and the desensitizing area 850 of the Book Check Unit 500 is overlaid by a similar shape on the PSC Server Terminal chassis 800.
- the bar code Optical Scanner 802 is shown on the left hand side but could also operate from the right hand side. It is dependent on the positioning of the Article I.D. Tag 220, which could be on either the front, rear or inside cover.
- the sensitized Article Responder 803 is integrated into a formed non-ferrous shield structure 823 which overlays the case of the PSC Server 800.
- This same non-ferrous shield structure also contains detectors 805 and 804, for left and right hand operation respectively, which provide signals on Line 245 for the User Activated Device 263.
- This same formed non-ferrous structure 823 also contains the Book Present Detectors 808 and 807 which connect to Line 245 for left and right handed operation respectively.
- the Article Removal Authorization Device is 806.
- the terminal 800 shown in Fig. 7 is suitable for use in a library.
- the embodiment of Fig. 7 includes the preferred configuration discussed above, in which certain interrogation, sensing, and deactivation functions of the EAS system are additionally incorporated into the terminal.
- the article 110 is a book, map, or other member of the collection of the library; a user of the facility is typically referred to as a "patron" of the library; and the EAS System 300 typically includes as the Removal Preventer 350 a gate which is normally locked.
- the patron, carrying the book passes through an interrogation zone immediately before exiting from the library or an individual department of the library; if the electronic article surveillance system interrogates and senses an activated marker attached to the book (i.e. the marker was not temporarily deactivated as part of the book check out procedure), the gate is held shut, thereby preventing egress, and perhaps also activating a visible or audible alarm.
- the Terminal 800 detects the request of a user by the action of that user placing his/her User I.D. 210 into a profile in the vicinity of the Detectors 805 or 804 for left or right handed operation.
- the identification card 210 in this embodiment has a user identification data encoded on it in the form of a bar code or by other means which can be optically detected.
- Bar Code Reader 802 scans the area in the vicinity of Detector 805 and transmits the detected data on Line 243.
- Visual instructions are displayed on the Visual Display Unit 801 as to the courses of action now open to the user.
- Articles for authorized removal are placed into desensitizing area 850, being placed on top of the Users I.D. 210.
- the presence of an article in this position is sensed by Book Present Detectors 808 or 807, for left or right handed operation.
- Bar Code Reader 802 scans the article I.D. 220 and transmits this data to the PSC Server Terminal 400.
- the sensitized Article Responder 803 determines the presence of a sensitized Marker 310 in any of several detection zones and transmits this pattern to the Pattern Generator 253 in the PSC Server Terminal 400.
- the Article Removal Authorization Device 806 an infrared LED, turns off, causing the Book Check Unit 500 to perform a desensitizing operation, desensitizing the sensitized Marker 310, thereby allowing the Article 110 to be moved through the EAS System 300 without activating the Removal Preventer 350.
- Fig. 8 is a side cut-away view of a preferred embodiment of the Multi-Strip Responder Assembly 803 which incorporates an array of Sensors 820 #1-8 which cover six horizontal zones and two vertical zones.
- Figs. 12A to 12C show various arrangements of arrays that can be used depending on particular circumstances.
- Figs. 12A and 12B show respectively square and circular arrays that may be useful in a stores environments in which a conveyor passes through the centre of the array.
- Fig. 12C shows a semi-elliptical array.
- a waveguide 821 arranged adjacent the sensors 820 is provided to focus areas of sensitivity of the sensors 820 into detection zones 822 which are substantially conical in shape.
- the waveguide 821 acts in a manner similar to the dish of a radar antenna to focus electromagnetic energy onto the sensors 820 for detection.
- the detection zones 822 may be broadened or narrowed by the placement of the waveguide 821 fore or aft of the sensors 820.
- the detection zones 822 associated with each sensor 820 can therefore have a beam width of between about 20° to 70° and preferably approximately 45°.
- the detection zone 822 coverage is set according to the characteristics of the items to be detected.
- the waveguide 821 is shown formed of a metal block 832 in which a number of holes 832 are formed, by drilling for example.
- the sensors 820 in the preferred embodiment are formed as an air-cored coil of wire, as seen in Fig. 11B, which are locateable near or within the holes 832.
- the holes 832 act as a simple and inexpensive tunnel which focus received energy into a narrow beam.
- the marker 310 is energized by an alternating electromagnetic field 830 generally derived from an A.C. mains supply.
- the field 830 can be provided in any known manner but in the preferred embodiment is provided as the deactivator 540 of the Book Check Unit 500 in the manner earlier described, and acts to energize a sensitized marker 310 which thereby responds by emitting (transponding) multiple frequencies from a fundamental frequency of the field 830 (e.g. 50 or 60 Hz) to the 200th harmonic and higher. Due to the nature of the metal typically used in the marker 310, the harmonics decrease in amplitude substantially linearly, and hence can be detected relatively easily.
- a fundamental frequency of the field 830 e.g. 50 or 60 Hz
- the sensors 820 act to receive radio frequency energy transponded from the or each marker 310 that is active within its respective zones 822.
- the sensors 820 output via lines 233 to the Pattern Generator 253.
- the manner in which the sensors 820 discriminate multiple markers 310 is determined by the physical relationship of the detection zones 822 and the worst case arrangement of articles 110.
- each of the sensors 820 are generally displaced from it's neighbor by 5-20 mm and preferably about 12 mm (measured from the centre of each sensor 820) as illustrated.
- the detection zones 822 have a beam width of at least 45°
- a dead zone as depicted in Fig. 10A exists between adjacent sensors 820.
- a sensitized strip lying wholly within any one of these dead zones will not be detected.
- the markers 310 are generally larger than 4 mm in their smallest dimension with the above preferred configuration, the dead zones are no wider or deeper than 4 mm.
- the size of the dead zones is adjusted by altering the beamwidth of the detection zones 822 by moving the waveguide 821 fore and aft of the sensors 820 to narrow or broaden the zones 822 respectively.
- Fig. 10B illustrates the maximum density of markers 310 envisaged when two books 110 having sensitized marker strips 310 in the spines are laid upon each other. Typically, the outer edges of the marker strips 310 are 12-14 mm apart. It will be understand that the books 110 have to be a certain minimum dimension in order that there is sufficient space within which to locate the marker strip 310.
- Fig. 10C shows a typical dense arrangement in which the strips of two adjacent books 110a and 110b are seen by three sensors 820.
- the strip of book 110a is seen by sensors #1 and #2 and the strip of book 110b is seen by sensor #2 and just encroaching the detection zone 822 of sensor #3.
- the presently disclosed arrangement has been tested and consistently detects at least 80% of multiple marker strips which represents a substantial improvement over the detectability of prior art systems.
- the Pattern Generator 253 processes the outputs of each sensor 820 in a like manner and outputs a digital pattern on the 8-bit bus 405.
- the internal schematic of the Pattern Generator 253 is shown only for sensor #8 for clarity.
- Each sensor 820 connects firstly to a band pass filter 841 which rejects the fundamental and the lower 20 harmonics. The next 40 harmonics are passed and the remainder rejected.
- the pass-band can be varied to specific requirements.
- the pass-band is amplified and rectified in device 842 which feeds a gain adjustment circuit 843 which allows for the detection range of the respective cone 822 to be adjusted to extend between 15-40 mm out from the surface of the formed non-ferrous cover plate 823.
- Signals detected by the sensor 820 are then digitized in a Schmitt trigger 844 which outputs onto the corresponding line of the bus 405.
- the bus 405 thereby has a pattern of digital signals which is indicative of none, one, or more than one sensed active markers 310 present in the field 830.
- the pattern is transferred to the PSC Controller 200 where the PSC Link 201 processes the pattern to determine whether none, one or more than one active markers 310 are sensed.
- the PSC Link 201 contains a look-up table of legitimate patterns that can be output from the pattern generator 253. If only one sensor 820, or if two adjacent sensors 820 detect a sensitized marker 310, then the determination is made that only one marker 310 is present. If two non-adjacent sensors or more than two sensors in any configuration detect sensitized marker strips 310, then the determination is made that more than one sensitized strip is present. Once PSC Link 201 determines where none, one, or more than one active markers 310 present, the Personal Computer 604 then issues instructions earlier described either authorizing removal or rejecting the transaction.
- Table 1 below shows those valid patterns that permit authorization for removal. Because each pattern corresponds to a particular number, a single subtraction process can be used to evaluate the patterns. If either of sensors #7 or #8 provide a signal output, authorization is inhibited as this is indicative of the Terminal 800 not being used correctly whereby the article 110 must be placed hard against both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the non-ferrous shield structure 823.
- Fig. 9 is a side cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of an Article Removal Authorization Signal Device 910 which is a non-intrusive attachment to the EAS Book Check Unit 500.
- the existing case 900 of the Book Check Unit 500 contains two apertures in which are located a Beam Transmitter 902 and a Beam Detector 901.
- a beam passes from one to the other, and when this beam is interrupted, it is the indication to the Book Check Unit 500 that an Article 110 is within the desensitizing area 850 and that the Book Check Unit 500 should perform the desensitize operation.
- an Auxiliary Device 903 permanently interrupts this beam from the Transmitter 902 to the Detector 901 and replaces it with a secondary beam made up from a Secondary Beam Transmitter 904 and the existing Beam Detector 901.
- Line 710 is switched to "interrupt" status when the PSC Server 400 is instructed to authorize article removal.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
- Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Discharge Of Articles From Conveyors (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
- Control Of Conveyors (AREA)
- Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
Claims (12)
- Detektorzusammenbau zur Verwendung in einem elektronischen Artikelüberwachungssystem, wobei der genannte Detektorzusammenbau ein Magnetfeld (830) zur Erregung sensibilisierter Markierungen (310) vorsieht, die Energie zur Erfassung durch Sensoren (820) übertragen, wobei der genannte Detektorzusammenbau dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß er folgendes umfaßt:eine Mehrzahl von Sensoren (820), und wobei das genannte Magnetfeld (830) in verschiedenen Bereichen vorgesehen ist, wobei jeder Bereich jedem der genannten Sensoren zugeordnet ist, wobei die genannten Bereiche Empfindlichkeitszonen (822) für die genannten Sensoren bilden, wobei eine erregte sensibilisierte Markierung von dem zugeordneten Sensor erfaßt wird;eine Verarbeitungseinrichtung (200, 400), die mit den genannten Sensoren verbunden ist, um ein Erfassungsmuster vorzusehen, das der von einem oder mehreren der genannten Sensoren (820) übermittelten Energie entspricht, wobei das genannte Erfassungsmuster in einem Versuch verarbeitet wird, um zu bestimmen, ob keine, eine oder mehr als eine der genannten Markierungen (310) in den genannten Empfindlichkeitszonen (822) vcrhanden sind, und um anzuzeigen, welche dieser drei Alternativen bezüglich des Vorhandenseins der feststellbaren Markierungen festgestellt worden ist.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 1, wobei tote Zonen innerhalb des genannten Magnetfelds (830) und außerhalb der genannten Empfindlichkeitszonen (822) nicht größer sind als die kleinste Dimension der genannten Markierungen (310).
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 2, wobei die genannten Sensoren (820) von Mitte zu Mitte Zwischenabstände zwischen 5 und 20 mm aufweisen.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 3, wobei die genannten Sensoren (820) von Mitte zu Mitte Zwischenabstände von etwa 12 mm aufweisen.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 1, wobei die genannten Sensoren (820) derart angeordnet sind, daß sich die Empfindlichkeitszonen (822) benachbarter Sensoren (820) überlagern.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei der Zusammenbau ferner eine den genannten Sensoren (820) zugeordnete Fokussierungseinrichtung (821) zur Bestimmung einer Form der genannten Empfindlichkeitszonen (822) umfaßt.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 6, wobei die genannten Zonen (822) eine im wesentlichen konische Form aufweisen.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 6, wobei die genannte Fokussierungseinrichtung (821) eine Erfassungsstrahlbreite der genannten Zonen (822) verändern kann.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 6, wobei die genannte Fokussierungseinrichtung (821) einen Wellenleiter (821) umfaßt, der aus mindestens einem metallischen Abschnitt (831) gebildet wird, der eine Mehrzahl von Öffnungen (832) aufweist, die den genannten Sensoren (820) entsprechen, wobei sich einer der genannten Sensoren (820) in der Nähe oder in jeder der genannten Öffnungen (832) befindet.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 1, wobei die genannte Verarbeitungseinrichtung (200, 400) eine Recheneinrichtung (201) umfaßt, die dazu dient festzustellen, ob eine oder mehrere der genannten Markierungen (310) in mehr als einer der genannten Zonen (822) erfaßt werden, und zwar durch Analysieren des von benachbarten Sensoren (820) abgeleiteten Musters.
- Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 10, wobei die genannte Recheneinrichtung (201) eine Verweistabelle vorbestimmter Muster aufweist, die in Korrelation zu dem genannten Muster stehen, um keine, eine oder mehr als eine sensibilisierte Markierung innerhalb des genannten Feldes (830) und der genannten Zonen (822) anzuzeigen.
- Artikelentfernungs-Steuerungssystem, das die Entfernung eines oder mehrerer ausgewählter Artikel aus der Mehrzahl von Artikeln (110) aus einer Einrichtung (100) ermöglicht, wobei das genannte System folgendes umfaßt:ein Artikelbestands-Steuerungsteilsystem, wobei jeder der genannten Artikel und jeder Benutzer der genannten Einrichtung identifizierbar sind, um Informationen aufzuzeichnen und zu verarbeiten, welche die Authorisierung betreffen oder die Entfernung eines oder mehrerer der genannten Artikel (110) durch einen einzelnen der genannten Benutzer untersagen, wobei jeder der genannten Artikel (110) mit einer sensibilisierbaren. Markierung (310) vorgesehen ist, die desensibilisiert wird, um die Entfernung eines Artikels aus der genannten Einrichtung (100) sowie die Sensibilisierung bei der Rückführung zu der genannten Einrichtung (100) zu ermöglichen;eine Desensibilisierungseinrichtung (850), die mit dem genannten Artikelbestands-Steuerungsteilsystem zur Desensibilisierung einer Markierung (310) verbunden ist, um die Entfernung des entsprechenden Artikels (110) aus der genannten Einrichtung (100) nach der Authorisierung durch das genannte Artikelbestands-Steuerungsteilsystem zu ermöglichen; undeinen Detektorzusammenbau nach Anspruch 1, der mit dem genannten Artikelbestands-Steuerungsteilsystem verbunden ist, um die Authorisierung der genannten Desensibilisierungseinrichtung nur dann zu ermöglichen, wenn eine sensibilisierte Markierung (310) in den genannten Zonen (822) erfaßt wird.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU7425/91 | 1991-07-25 | ||
AUPK742591 | 1991-07-25 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0526038A1 EP0526038A1 (de) | 1993-02-03 |
EP0526038B1 true EP0526038B1 (de) | 1998-10-07 |
Family
ID=3775577
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92306468A Expired - Lifetime EP0526038B1 (de) | 1991-07-25 | 1992-07-15 | Artikelentnahmeüberwachungssystem |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0526038B1 (de) |
JP (1) | JP3269573B2 (de) |
KR (1) | KR100293835B1 (de) |
CA (1) | CA2073421C (de) |
DE (1) | DE69227224T2 (de) |
ES (1) | ES2121824T3 (de) |
HK (1) | HK1014285A1 (de) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6154137A (en) | 1998-06-08 | 2000-11-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Identification tag with enhanced security |
US6232870B1 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2001-05-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Applications for radio frequency identification systems |
US6335686B1 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-01-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Application for a radio frequency identification system |
US6424262B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-07-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Applications for radio frequency identification systems |
US8006902B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2011-08-30 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Radio frequency identification systems applications |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2728992B1 (fr) * | 1994-12-30 | 1997-03-28 | Int Du Libre Paiement Sa | Procede et dispositif pour determiner l'unicite ou la pluralite de cibles magnetiques antivol magnetiques dans un volume de detection predetermine |
US6369709B1 (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2002-04-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Terminal for libraries and the like |
CN106956908A (zh) * | 2017-03-30 | 2017-07-18 | 深圳华视电子读写设备有限公司 | 证件传输设备及证件传输设备的防重叠装置 |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3423674A (en) * | 1965-06-29 | 1969-01-21 | Nytronics Inc | Theft-detection system for library use including a plurality of hall cells |
US4881061A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1989-11-14 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Article removal control system |
-
1992
- 1992-07-09 CA CA002073421A patent/CA2073421C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-07-15 ES ES92306468T patent/ES2121824T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-07-15 EP EP92306468A patent/EP0526038B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-07-15 DE DE69227224T patent/DE69227224T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-07-22 JP JP19513492A patent/JP3269573B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-07-24 KR KR1019920013295A patent/KR100293835B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1998
- 1998-12-24 HK HK98115625A patent/HK1014285A1/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6154137A (en) | 1998-06-08 | 2000-11-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Identification tag with enhanced security |
US6646554B1 (en) | 1998-06-08 | 2003-11-11 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Identification tag with enhanced security |
US6232870B1 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2001-05-15 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Applications for radio frequency identification systems |
US6335686B1 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-01-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Application for a radio frequency identification system |
US6424262B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-07-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Applications for radio frequency identification systems |
US6448886B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-09-10 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Application for radio frequency identification systems |
US6486780B1 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2002-11-26 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Applications for radio frequency identification systems |
US6600420B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2003-07-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Application for a radio frequency identification system |
US6768419B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2004-07-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Applications for radio frequency identification systems |
US8006902B2 (en) | 1998-08-14 | 2011-08-30 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Radio frequency identification systems applications |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2073421C (en) | 2003-09-23 |
CA2073421A1 (en) | 1993-01-26 |
KR100293835B1 (ko) | 2001-09-17 |
KR930002931A (ko) | 1993-02-23 |
HK1014285A1 (en) | 1999-09-24 |
EP0526038A1 (de) | 1993-02-03 |
DE69227224D1 (de) | 1998-11-12 |
DE69227224T2 (de) | 1999-05-12 |
ES2121824T3 (es) | 1998-12-16 |
JPH05238517A (ja) | 1993-09-17 |
JP3269573B2 (ja) | 2002-03-25 |
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