EP1034520A1 - Anti-theft system - Google Patents

Anti-theft system

Info

Publication number
EP1034520A1
EP1034520A1 EP98962321A EP98962321A EP1034520A1 EP 1034520 A1 EP1034520 A1 EP 1034520A1 EP 98962321 A EP98962321 A EP 98962321A EP 98962321 A EP98962321 A EP 98962321A EP 1034520 A1 EP1034520 A1 EP 1034520A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transmitting
coils
transmission
transmitter
interrogation zone
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP98962321A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1034520B1 (en
Inventor
Peter Bremer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meto International GmbH
Original Assignee
Meto International GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meto International GmbH filed Critical Meto International GmbH
Publication of EP1034520A1 publication Critical patent/EP1034520A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1034520B1 publication Critical patent/EP1034520B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G08B13/2474—Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for securing articles against theft, which are equipped with an electronic security element, with at least one first transmitting device which emits an alternating magnetic field in an interrogation zone, which excites the electronic security element to emit a characteristic signal, and with at least one receiving device which triggers an alarm as soon as it receives a characteristic signal.
  • the anisotropic structure is noticeable in that the characteristic signal remitted by the thin-film label in response to a query field is at a maximum if the query field and the preferred axis are aligned parallel to one another; the signal disappears, however, if the preferred axis and the query field are perpendicular to each other.
  • the strip securing elements which consist of a strip-shaped, soft magnetic material, also show an analogous behavior.
  • the characteristic signal is at a maximum when the query field and stripes are aligned parallel to one another and disappears when the alignment is vertical.
  • Such a strip securing element can also consist of a drawn wire.
  • EP 123 586 B proposes, in addition to two query fields with the frequencies f1 and f2 in the kHz range, to send a field with a frequency in the Hz range to the query zone.
  • the low-frequency interrogation field causes the securing element to be driven from saturation in one direction to saturation in the other direction in time with this field.
  • the characteristic signal therefore occurs periodically with the frequency of the low-frequency field.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a device with an improved detection rate in the bottom area.
  • a second transmission device which emits an alternating magnetic field in the interrogation zone, the second transmission device being oriented essentially perpendicular to the first transmission device.
  • the second transmitter device is arranged in the bottom area of the interrogation zone.
  • the system will mainly be used in the exit / entrance area of shoe stores.
  • the second transmitting device can also be arranged in the ceiling area.
  • the second transmission device is composed of at least two transmission coils which are arranged next to one another at a predetermined distance.
  • the first transmission device consists of two transmission antennas arranged at a predetermined distance from one another and that the transmission coils of the second transmission device are each connected in series with the transmission antenna of the first transmission device, which has the greater distance from it .
  • the transmitting devices advantageously emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies in the interrogation zone, the frequency of one of the alternating fields being located in the low-frequency range.
  • This arrangement thus corresponds to the monitoring device described in EP 0 123 586.
  • the low frequency e.g. 16 Hz to the corresponding alternating field of the transmitting antenna (s) of the first transmitting device in opposite phase.
  • the resulting field-free areas which result from this arrangement in the bottom area are shown in FIG. 1.
  • a cheaper alternative which displaces the field-free areas from the central area of the interrogation zone and localizes them in the side areas (see also FIG. 2), proposes that the transmitting devices emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies in the interrogation zone, one of the alternating fields again being located in the low-frequency range is; however, the low-frequency field is now in phase with the corresponding field of the transmission antenna (s) of the first transmission device.
  • the second transmitting device consists of four transmitting coils or two pairs of coils, the two coils of a pair of coils each being offset from one another are arranged in two successive levels (checkerboard). With this configuration, the detection rate in the floor area or in the ceiling area can again be increased considerably.
  • a pair of coils is connected in series with the transmitting antenna which is at a greater distance from it.
  • the coil pairs are preferably connected to the transmit antennas via a control / evaluation unit.
  • the second transmission device is designed as a compact unit; In order to facilitate the assembly of the transmitter coils, they are inserted into corresponding recesses in an exception plate.
  • a shielding plate is provided on the underside of the second transmitter device in order to exclude the interference radiation coming from the floor below the interrogation zone from the interrogation zone and to prevent the high-frequency fields of the second transmitter device from being emitted into the floor area.
  • This shielding plate is preferably made of aluminum.
  • the second transmitter device is arranged in the bottom area, it is provided in the upper area with a coating made of a resistant material.
  • 3a a plan view of the coil arrangement of the second transmission device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 5 a plan view of a receiving plate for the transmission coils for the embodiment of the second transmission device shown in FIG. 3 and
  • a first embodiment of the system according to the invention can be seen in perspective view in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the two transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another.
  • two adjacent transmission coils 7, 8 are provided in the floor area between the two transmission / reception devices 3, 4.
  • These transmission coils 7, 8, like the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the transmission devices 3, emit alternating magnetic fields with preferably three different frequencies: a low frequency of e.g. 16 Hz and two radio frequencies in the kilo-Hertz range.
  • the left transmitter coil 7 is connected in series with the right transmitter antenna 12, and the right transmitter coil 8 is connected in series with the left transmitter antenna 11.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 The distribution of the field-free regions 18 near the ground of the query zone 5 is also visualized in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the differences in the field distribution stem from the fact that, in the case of FIG. 1, the current which generates the low-frequency fields in the transmitter coils 7, 8 and in the transmitter antennas 11, 12 is out of phase, whereas in the case of FIG Transmitting coils 7, 8 and the transmitting antennas 11, 12 is in phase.
  • the query zone 5 is also defined here by the two transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 arranged at a predetermined distance.
  • the floor area In addition to the two laterally arranged transmission antennas 11, 12, four transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 are now provided, which are arranged in a checkerboard fashion.
  • the arrangement of the transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second transmission device 6 is shown in detail in the top view of FIG. 4.
  • the two left transmitter coils 7, 9 are connected in series with the right transmitter antenna 12; the two right transmission coils 8, 10 are connected in series to the left transmission antenna 11. This arrangement provides an excellent detection rate in the bottom area.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the system according to the invention, consisting of the transmission antennas 11, 12 arranged on both sides of the interrogation zone 5 and the second transmission device 6 in the floor area.
  • the two transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second transmission device 6 are in turn arranged like a checkerboard.
  • the transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 and transmission antennas 11, 12 are switched as well as the evaluation of the received signals via an electronic control / evaluation unit 13.
  • This control / evaluation unit is, for example, an EM3 + electronics unit, which is provided by is sold to the applicant.
  • the second transmission device 6 is thus designed as a compact unit which is fixed in the floor or on the floor of the interrogation zone 5.
  • the second transmitter device 6 is arranged in the passage area of a department store or warehouse - it is coated with a coating 17 made of resistant material.
  • the structure of an embodiment of the second transmission device 6 is shown in the cross section shown in FIG. 6 (marking VI-VI in FIG. 5).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for protecting items (1) against theft whereby said items are fitted with an electronic security element (2). The inventive system consists of at least one transmitter (3) emitting a magnetic alternating field into an interrogation area, causing the security element (2) to transmit a characteristic signal. The inventive system also comprises at least one receiver (4) which triggers an alarm as it identifies the characteristic signal. The aim of the invention is to provide a device with an improved detection rate with respect to the floor area. This is achieved by providing a second transmitter (6) emitting a magnetic alternating field into the interrogation area (5), whereby the second transmitter (6) is oriented in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the first transmitter (3).

Description

System zur Sicherung von Artikeln gegen Diebstahl System for securing articles against theft
Die Erfindung betrifft ein System zur Sicherung von Artikeln gegen Diebstahl, die mit einem elektronischen Sicherungselement ausgestattet sind, mit mindestens einer ersten Sendevorrichtung, die in eine Abfragezone ein magnetisches Wechselfeld emittiert, welches das elektronische Sicherungs-element zur Aussendung eines charakteristischen Signals anregt, und mit mindestens einer Empfangsvorrichtung, die einen Alarm auslöst, sobald sie ein charakteristisches Signal empfängt.The invention relates to a system for securing articles against theft, which are equipped with an electronic security element, with at least one first transmitting device which emits an alternating magnetic field in an interrogation zone, which excites the electronic security element to emit a characteristic signal, and with at least one receiving device which triggers an alarm as soon as it receives a characteristic signal.
Die elektronische Artikelsicherung zur Verhinderung von Inventurverlusten in Kaufhäusern und Lagern erfreut sich zunehmender Beliebtheit. Es sind bereits eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Sicherungselemente bekannt geworden. Eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung eines Sicherungselements ist aus der EP 0 295 028 B1 bekannt geworden. In dieser Patentschrift sind die sog. Dünnschicht-Etiketten beschrieben, welche aus einer dünnen, vorzugsweise im μm-Bereich liegenden Schicht aus weichmagnetischem Material bestehen. Die Schicht wird z.B. mittels eines physikalischen Abscheideverfahrens unter Vakuumbedingungen auf ein Trägersubstrat aufgebracht. Dünnschicht-Etiketten zeigen einen anisotropen Aufbau. Anisotrop bedeutet, daß die weichmagnetische Schicht, aus der die Dünnschicht-Etiketten gebildet sind, eine Vorzugsachse besitzt. Der anisotrope Aufbau macht sich in der Praxis dadurch bemerkbar, daß das von dem Dünnschicht-Etikett als Antwort auf ein Abfragefeld remittierte charakteristische Signal maximal ist, wenn Abfragefeld und Vorzugsachse parallel zueinander ausgerichtet sind; das Signal verschwindet hingegen, wenn Vorzugsachse und Abfragefeld senkrecht zueinander stehen.Electronic article surveillance to prevent inventory losses in department stores and warehouses is becoming increasingly popular. A large number of different securing elements have already become known. A particularly advantageous embodiment of a securing element has become known from EP 0 295 028 B1. This patent describes the so-called thin-film labels, which consist of a thin layer of soft magnetic material, preferably in the μm range. The layer is e.g. applied to a carrier substrate by means of a physical deposition process under vacuum conditions. Thin-film labels show an anisotropic structure. Anisotropic means that the soft magnetic layer from which the thin-film labels are formed has a preferred axis. In practice, the anisotropic structure is noticeable in that the characteristic signal remitted by the thin-film label in response to a query field is at a maximum if the query field and the preferred axis are aligned parallel to one another; the signal disappears, however, if the preferred axis and the query field are perpendicular to each other.
Ein analoges Verhalten zeigen auch die Streifen-Sicherungselemente, die aus einem streifenförmigen, weichmagnetischen Material bestehen. Auch hier ist das charakteristische Signal maximal, wenn Abfragefeld und Streifen parallel zueinander ausgerichtet sind, und verschwindet bei senkrechter Ausrichtung. Ein derartiges Streifen-Sicherungselement kann auch aus einem gezogenen Draht bestehen. Zur Detektierung von Sicherungselementen in einer Abfragezone sind eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Verfahren bekannt geworden. So wird in der EP 123 586 B vorgeschlagen, zusätzlich zu zwei Abfragefelder mit den Frequenzen f1 und f2 im kHz-Bereich ein Feld mit einer im Hz-Bereich liegenden Frequenz in die Abfragezone zu senden. Die beiden Abfragefelder mit den Frequenzen f1 und f2 regen ein in der Überwachungszone befindliches Sicherungselement zur Aussendung eines charakteristischen Signals mit den Intermodulations- frequenzen n»f1 ± nvf2 (n, m = 0, 1, 2,...) an. Das niederfrequente Abfragefeld bewirkt, daß das Sicherungselement im Takt dieses Feldes von der Sättigung in eine Richtung zur Sättigung in die andere Richtung getrieben wird. Das charakteristische Signal tritt daher periodisch mit der Frequenz des niederfrequenten Feldes auf.The strip securing elements, which consist of a strip-shaped, soft magnetic material, also show an analogous behavior. Here, too, the characteristic signal is at a maximum when the query field and stripes are aligned parallel to one another and disappears when the alignment is vertical. Such a strip securing element can also consist of a drawn wire. A large number of different methods have become known for detecting security elements in an interrogation zone. EP 123 586 B proposes, in addition to two query fields with the frequencies f1 and f2 in the kHz range, to send a field with a frequency in the Hz range to the query zone. The two query fields with the frequencies f1 and f2 stimulate a security element located in the monitoring zone to transmit a characteristic signal with the intermodulation frequencies n »f1 ± nvf2 (n, m = 0, 1, 2, ...). The low-frequency interrogation field causes the securing element to be driven from saturation in one direction to saturation in the other direction in time with this field. The characteristic signal therefore occurs periodically with the frequency of the low-frequency field.
In der EP 0 611 164 A2 werden ein Verfahren und eine entsprechende Vorrichtung beschrieben, die auf einer 2-Frequenz-Detektion basieren. In die Abfragezone werden zwei Abfragefelder mit den Frequenzen f1 , f2 ausgesendet; anschließend wird das charakteristische Signal des Sicherungselements im Bereich einer Harmonischen, z.B. bei n»f1 (n = 1, 2, ...), digital ausgewertet wird.EP 0 611 164 A2 describes a method and a corresponding device which are based on 2-frequency detection. Two query fields with the frequencies f1, f2 are emitted into the query zone; then the characteristic signal of the fuse element is in the range of a harmonic, e.g. at n »f1 (n = 1, 2, ...), is evaluated digitally.
Als alternative Lösung ist auch bekannt geworden, lediglich ein im kHz-Bereich liegendes Abfragefeld zur Erregung des Sicherungselementes zu verwenden, wobei das charakteristische Signal des Sicherungselementes wiederum im Takte eines niederfrequenten Feldes, das das weichmagnetische Material zwischen den beiden Sättigungen hin- und hertreibt, auftritt.As an alternative solution, it has also become known to use only a query field in the kHz range to excite the fuse element, the characteristic signal of the fuse element again occurring in the cycle of a low-frequency field that drives the soft magnetic material back and forth between the two saturations .
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung mit einer verbesserten Detektionsrate im Bodenbereich zu schaffen.The invention has for its object to provide a device with an improved detection rate in the bottom area.
Die Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, daß eine zweite Sendevorrichtung vorgesehen ist, die ein magnetisches Wechselfeld in die Abfragezone emittiert, wobei die zweite Sendevorrichtung im wesentlichen senkrecht zu der ersten Sendevorrichtung ausgerichtet ist.The object is achieved in that a second transmission device is provided which emits an alternating magnetic field in the interrogation zone, the second transmission device being oriented essentially perpendicular to the first transmission device.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems ist die zweite Sendevorrichtung im Bodenbereich der Abfragezone angeordnet. Da durch diese Anordnung der zweiten Sendevorrichtung insbesondere die Detektionsrate WO 99/28878 _ ?_ PCT/EP98/07043According to an advantageous development of the system according to the invention, the second transmitter device is arranged in the bottom area of the interrogation zone. As a result of this arrangement of the second transmitting device in particular the detection rate WO 99/28878 _? _ PCT / EP98 / 07043
im nahen Bodenbereich beachtlich erhöht wird, wird das System vorwiegend im Ausgangs-/Eingangsbereich von Schuhgeschäften zum Einsatz kommen. In entsprechenden Anwendungsfällen kann die zweite Sendevor-richtung jedoch auch im Deckenbereich angeordnet sein.the system will mainly be used in the exit / entrance area of shoe stores. In corresponding applications, however, the second transmitting device can also be arranged in the ceiling area.
Die zweite Sendevorrichtung setzt sich gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausge-staltung des erfϊndungsgemäßen Systems aus zumindest zwei Sendespulen zusammen, die in einem vorgegebenen Abstand nebeneinander angeordnet sind. In diesem Zusammenhang wird gemäß einer günstigen Ausführungsform vorgeschlagen, daß die erste Sendevorrichtung aus zwei in einem vorgegebenen Abstand zueinander angeordneten Sendeantennen besteht und daß die Sendespulen der zweiten Sendevorrichtung jeweils in Reihe mit der Sendeantenne der ersten Sendevorrichtung geschaltet ist, die von ihr den größeren Abstand hat.According to an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the second transmission device is composed of at least two transmission coils which are arranged next to one another at a predetermined distance. In this context, it is proposed according to a favorable embodiment that the first transmission device consists of two transmission antennas arranged at a predetermined distance from one another and that the transmission coils of the second transmission device are each connected in series with the transmission antenna of the first transmission device, which has the greater distance from it .
Vorteilhafterweise emittieren die Sendevorrichtungen magnetische Wechsel-felder unterschiedlicher Frequenzen in die Abfragezone, wobei die Frequenz eines der Wechselfelder im Niederfrequenzbereich angesiedelt ist. Diese Anordnung entspricht somit der Überwachungsvorrichtung, die in der EP 0 123 586 beschrieben ist. Gemäß einer Alternative ist die in die Überwachungszone ausgesandte Niederfrequenz von z.B. 16 Hz zu dem entsprechenden Wechselfeld der Sendeantenne(n) der ersten Sendevorrichtung gegenphasig. Die resultierenden feldfreien Bereiche, die sich bei dieser Anordnung im Bodenbereich ergeben, sind in Fig. 1 dargestellt.The transmitting devices advantageously emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies in the interrogation zone, the frequency of one of the alternating fields being located in the low-frequency range. This arrangement thus corresponds to the monitoring device described in EP 0 123 586. According to an alternative, the low frequency of e.g. 16 Hz to the corresponding alternating field of the transmitting antenna (s) of the first transmitting device in opposite phase. The resulting field-free areas which result from this arrangement in the bottom area are shown in FIG. 1.
Eine günstigere Alternative, die die feldfreien Bereiche aus dem Mittelbereich der Abfragezone verdrängt und in den Seitenbereichen lokalisiert (siehe auch Fig. 2), schlägt vor, daß die Sendevorrichtungen magnetische Wechselfelder unterschiedlicher Frequenzen in die Abfragezone emittieren, wobei wiederum eines der Wechselfelder im Niederfrequenzbereich angesiedelt ist; jetzt ist jedoch das niederfrequente Feld zu dem entsprechenden Feld der Sendeantenne(n) der ersten Sendevorrichtung in Phase.A cheaper alternative, which displaces the field-free areas from the central area of the interrogation zone and localizes them in the side areas (see also FIG. 2), proposes that the transmitting devices emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies in the interrogation zone, one of the alternating fields again being located in the low-frequency range is; however, the low-frequency field is now in phase with the corresponding field of the transmission antenna (s) of the first transmission device.
Eine bevorzugte Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems sieht vor, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung aus vier Sendespulen bzw. zwei Spulenpaaren besteht, wobei die beiden Spulen eines Spulenpaares jeweils versetzt zueinander in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Ebenen (schachbrettartig) angeordnet sind. Durch diese Ausgestaltung läßt sich die Detektionsrate im Bodenbereich bzw. im Deckenbereich noch einmal beträchtlich erhöhen.A preferred development of the system according to the invention provides that the second transmitting device consists of four transmitting coils or two pairs of coils, the two coils of a pair of coils each being offset from one another are arranged in two successive levels (checkerboard). With this configuration, the detection rate in the floor area or in the ceiling area can again be increased considerably.
Als besonders günstig hat es sich herausgestellt, wenn ein Spulenpaar jeweils mit der Sendeantenne in Reihe geschaltet ist, die von ihm den größeren Abstand hat. Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Schaltung der Spulenpaare zu den Sendeantennen über eine Regel-/Auswerteeinheit.It has turned out to be particularly favorable if a pair of coils is connected in series with the transmitting antenna which is at a greater distance from it. The coil pairs are preferably connected to the transmit antennas via a control / evaluation unit.
Um den Einbau in den Boden oder die Decke einfacher zu gestalten, ist die zweite Sendevorrichtung als kompakte Einheit ausgebildet ist; zwecks Erleichterung der Montage der Sendespulen sind diese in entsprechende Ausnehmungen einer Ausnahmeplatte eingelegt.In order to make installation in the floor or ceiling easier, the second transmission device is designed as a compact unit; In order to facilitate the assembly of the transmitter coils, they are inserted into corresponding recesses in an exception plate.
Von außen in die Abfragezone eindringende Störstrahlung wirkt sich negativ auf die Detektionsrate aus. Um die aus dem Boden unterhalb der Abfragezone kommende Störstrahlung aus der Abfragezone auszugrenzen und um zu verhindern, daß die hochfrequenten Felder der zweiten Sendevorrichtung in den Bodenbereich abgestrahlt werden, ist an der Unterseite der zweiten Sendevorrichtung eine Abschirmplatte vorgesehen. Diese Abschirmplatte ist bevorzugt aus Aluminium gefertigt.Interference radiation entering the interrogation zone from outside has a negative effect on the detection rate. A shielding plate is provided on the underside of the second transmitter device in order to exclude the interference radiation coming from the floor below the interrogation zone from the interrogation zone and to prevent the high-frequency fields of the second transmitter device from being emitted into the floor area. This shielding plate is preferably made of aluminum.
Für den Fall, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung im Bodenbereich angeordnet ist, ist sie im oberen Bereich mit einer Beschichtung aus einem widerstands-fähigen Material versehen.In the event that the second transmitter device is arranged in the bottom area, it is provided in the upper area with a coating made of a resistant material.
Die Erfindung wird anhand der nachfolgenden Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigt:The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows:
Fig. 1: eine erste Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht,1: a first embodiment of the system according to the invention in perspective view,
Fig. 2: eine zweite Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht,2: a second embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective view,
Fig. 3: eine dritte, bevorzugte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht, WO 99/28878 -.5. PCT/EP98/070433: a third, preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective view, WO 99/28878 -.5. PCT / EP98 / 07043
Fig. 3a: eine Draufsicht auf die Spulenanordnung der zweiten Sendevorrichtung gemäß der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Ausführungsform,3a: a plan view of the coil arrangement of the second transmission device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
Fig. 4: eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems,4: a schematic representation of the system according to the invention,
Fig. 5: eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufnahmeplatte für die Sendespulen für die in Fig. 3 gezeigte Ausführungsform der zweiten Sendevorrichtung undFIG. 5: a plan view of a receiving plate for the transmission coils for the embodiment of the second transmission device shown in FIG. 3 and
Fig. 6: einen Querschnitt durch die Aufnahmeplatte gemäß der Kennzeichnung VI- VI in Fig. 5.6: a cross section through the mounting plate according to the marking VI-VI in FIG. 5.
In den Figuren Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 ist eine erste Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht zu sehen. Die beiden Sende-/Empfangsvorrichtungen 3, 4 sind in einem vorgegebenen Abstand voneinander angeordnet. Im Bodenbereich zwischen den beiden Sende- /Empfangsvorrichtungen 3, 4 sind zusätzlich zu den Sendeantennen 11, 12 der Sendevorrichtungen 3 zwei nebeneinander liegende Sendespulen 7, 8 vorgesehen. Diese Sendespulen 7, 8 emittieren wie die Sendeantennen 11 , 12 der Sendevorrichtungen 3 magnetische Wechselfelder mit vorzugsweise drei verschiedenen Frequenzen: einer Niederfrequenz von z.B. 16 Hz und zwei Hochfrequenzen im Kilo-Hertz-Bereich. Die linke Sendespule 7 ist mit der rechten Sendeantenne 12 in Reihe geschaltet, und die rechte Sendespule 8 ist in Reihe mit der linken Sendeantenne 11 geschaltet.A first embodiment of the system according to the invention can be seen in perspective view in FIGS. 1 and 2. The two transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. In addition to the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the transmission devices 3, two adjacent transmission coils 7, 8 are provided in the floor area between the two transmission / reception devices 3, 4. These transmission coils 7, 8, like the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the transmission devices 3, emit alternating magnetic fields with preferably three different frequencies: a low frequency of e.g. 16 Hz and two radio frequencies in the kilo-Hertz range. The left transmitter coil 7 is connected in series with the right transmitter antenna 12, and the right transmitter coil 8 is connected in series with the left transmitter antenna 11.
In den Figuren Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 ist weiterhin die Verteilung der feldfreien Bereiche 18 in Bodennähe der Abfragezone 5 visualisiert. Die Unterschiede in der Feldverteilung rühren daher, daß im Falle der Fig. 1 der Strom, der die niederfrequenten Felder in den Sendespulen 7, 8 und in den Sendeantennen 11 , 12 erzeugt, gegenphasig ist, während er im Falle der Fig. 2 in den Sendespulen 7, 8 und den Sendeantennen 11 , 12, in Phase ist.The distribution of the field-free regions 18 near the ground of the query zone 5 is also visualized in FIGS. 1 and 2. The differences in the field distribution stem from the fact that, in the case of FIG. 1, the current which generates the low-frequency fields in the transmitter coils 7, 8 and in the transmitter antennas 11, 12 is out of phase, whereas in the case of FIG Transmitting coils 7, 8 and the transmitting antennas 11, 12 is in phase.
Fig. 3 zeigt eine dritte bevorzugte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht. Wie in den Figuren Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 wird auch hier die Abfragezone 5 durch die beiden in einem vorgegebenen Abstand angeordneten Sende-/Empfangsvorrichtungen 3, 4 definiert. Im Bodenbereich sind zusätzlich zu den beiden seitlich angeordneten Sendeantennen 11 , 12 nunmehr vier Sendespulen 7, 8, 9, 10 vorgesehen, die schachbrettartig angeordnet sind. Die Anordnung der Sendespulen 7, 8, 9, 10 der zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 ist in der Draufsicht der Fig. 4 detailliert dargestellt. Die beiden linken Sendespulen 7, 9 sind mit der rechten Sendeantenne 12 in Reihe geschaltet; die beiden rechten Sendespulen 8, 10 sind seriell mit der linken Sendeantenne 11 verbunden. Diese Anordnung liefert eine ausgezeichnete Detektionsrate im Bodenbereich.3 shows a third preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective view. As in FIGS. 1 and 2, the query zone 5 is also defined here by the two transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 arranged at a predetermined distance. In the floor area In addition to the two laterally arranged transmission antennas 11, 12, four transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 are now provided, which are arranged in a checkerboard fashion. The arrangement of the transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second transmission device 6 is shown in detail in the top view of FIG. 4. The two left transmitter coils 7, 9 are connected in series with the right transmitter antenna 12; the two right transmission coils 8, 10 are connected in series to the left transmission antenna 11. This arrangement provides an excellent detection rate in the bottom area.
Fig. 4 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems, bestehend aus den zu beiden Seiten der Abfragezone 5 angeordneten Sendeantennen 11, 12 und der zweite Sendevorrichtung 6 im Bodenbereich. Die beiden Sendespulen 7, 8, 9, 10 der zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 sind wiederum schachbrettartig angeordnet. Die Schaltung der Sendespulen 7, 8, 9, 10 und Sendeantennen 11 , 12 erfolgt ebenso wie die Auswertung der Empfangssignale über eine elektronische Regel-/Auswerteeinheit 13. Bei dieser Regel- /Auswerteeinheit handelt es sich beispielsweise um eine EM3+ - Elektronik, die von der Anmelderin vertrieben wird.FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the system according to the invention, consisting of the transmission antennas 11, 12 arranged on both sides of the interrogation zone 5 and the second transmission device 6 in the floor area. The two transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second transmission device 6 are in turn arranged like a checkerboard. The transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 and transmission antennas 11, 12 are switched as well as the evaluation of the received signals via an electronic control / evaluation unit 13. This control / evaluation unit is, for example, an EM3 + electronics unit, which is provided by is sold to the applicant.
Zwecks einfacher Montage der Sendespulen 7, 8, 9, 10 ist, wie in Fig. 5 dargestellt, eine Aufnahmeplatte 15 mit Ausnehmungen 14 für die Sendespulen 7,For the simple assembly of the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10, as shown in FIG. 5, a mounting plate 15 with recesses 14 for the transmitter coils 7,
8, 9, 10 vorgesehen. Die zweite Sendevorrichtung 6 ist somit als kompakte Einheit ausgestaltet, die in den Boden oder am Boden der Abfragezone 5 fixiert wird. Um einerseits die Abstrahlung der Hochfrequenzfelder aus der Abfragezone 5 in den Bodenbereich zu verhindern und um andererseits die aus dem Bodenbereich abgestrahlten Hochfrequenzfelder (die z.B. von elektrischen Leitungen herrühren) von der Abfragezone fernzuhalten, ist an der Unterseite der die Sendespulen 7, 8,8, 9, 10 provided. The second transmission device 6 is thus designed as a compact unit which is fixed in the floor or on the floor of the interrogation zone 5. In order on the one hand to prevent the radiation of the high-frequency fields from the interrogation zone 5 into the floor area and on the other hand to keep the high-frequency fields emitted from the floor area (which originate, for example, from electrical lines) away from the interrogation zone, the transmitter coils 7, 8,
9, 10 aufnehmenden Aufnahmeplatte 15 eine Abschirmplatte 16 angeordnet. Diese ist gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform aus Aluminium gefertigt. Um die Oberseite der Aufnahmeplatte 15 gegen Beschädigungen zu schützen - schließlich ist die zweite Sendevorrichtung 6 im Durchgangsbereich eines Kaufhauses oder Lagers angeordnet - ist sie mit einer Beschichtung 17 aus widerstandsfähigem Material belegt. Der Aufbau einer Ausführungsform der zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 ist übrigens in dem in Fig. 6 gezeigten Querschnitt (Kennzeichnung Vl-Vl in Fig. 5) dargestellt. Bezugszeichenliste9, 10 receiving receiving plate 15, a shielding plate 16 is arranged. According to a preferred embodiment, this is made of aluminum. In order to protect the top of the receiving plate 15 against damage - after all, the second transmitter device 6 is arranged in the passage area of a department store or warehouse - it is coated with a coating 17 made of resistant material. Incidentally, the structure of an embodiment of the second transmission device 6 is shown in the cross section shown in FIG. 6 (marking VI-VI in FIG. 5). Reference list
1 Artikel1 item
2 Sicherungselement2 securing element
3 Sendevorrichtung3 transmission device
4 Empfangsvorrichtung4 receiving device
5 Abfragezone5 query zone
6 zweite Sendevorrichtung6 second transmission device
7 Sendespule7 transmitter coil
8 Sendespule8 transmitter coil
9 Sendespule9 transmitter coil
10 Sendespule10 transmitter coil
11 Sendeantenne11 transmitting antenna
12 Sendeantenne12 transmitting antenna
13 Regel-/Auswerteeinheit13 control / evaluation unit
14 Ausnehmung14 recess
15 Aufnahmeplatte15 mounting plate
16 Abschirmplatte16 shielding plate
17 Beschichtung17 coating
18 Feldfreier Bereich 18 Field free area

Claims

WO 99/28878 _ δ_ PCT/EP98/07043Patentansprüche WO 99/28878 _ δ_ PCT / EP98 / 07043 patent claims
1. System zur Sicherung von Artikeln gegen Diebstahl, die mit einem elektronischen Sicherungselement ausgestattet sind, mit mindestens einer ersten Sendevorrichtung, die in eine Abfragezone ein magnetisches Wechselfeld emittiert, welches das elektronische Sicherungselement zur Aussendung eines charakteristischen Signals anregt, und mit mindestens einer Empfangsvorrichtung, die einen Alarm auslöst, sobald sie das charakteristische Signal identifiziert wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine zweite Sendevorrichtung (6) vorgesehen ist, die ein magnetisches Wechselfeld in die Abfragezone (5) emittiert, wobei die zweite Sendevor-richtung (6) im wesentlichen senkrecht zu der ersten Sendevorrichtung (3) ausgerichtet ist.1. System for securing articles against theft, which are equipped with an electronic security element, with at least one first transmission device which emits an alternating magnetic field in an interrogation zone, which excites the electronic security element to emit a characteristic signal, and with at least one receiving device, which triggers an alarm as soon as the characteristic signal is identified, characterized in that a second transmitter device (6) is provided which emits an alternating magnetic field into the interrogation zone (5), the second transmitter device (6) being substantially vertical is aligned with the first transmission device (3).
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung (6) im Bodenbereich der Abfragezone (5) angeordnet ist.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transmitting device (6) is arranged in the bottom region of the interrogation zone (5).
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung (6) aus zumindest zwei Sendespulen (7, 8) besteht, die in einem vorgegebenen Abstand nebeneinander angeordnet sind.3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second transmission device (6) consists of at least two transmission coils (7, 8) which are arranged next to one another at a predetermined distance.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste Sendevorrichtung (3) aus zwei in einem vorgegebenen Abstand zueinander angeordneten Sendeantennen (11, 12) besteht und daß die Sendespulen (7; 8) der zweiten Sendevorrichtung (6) jeweils in Reihe mit der Sendeantenne (12, 11) der ersten Sendevorrichtung (3) geschaltet ist, die von ihr den größeren Abstand hat.4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first transmission device (3) consists of two transmission antennas (11, 12) arranged at a predetermined distance from one another and that the transmission coils (7; 8) of the second transmission device (6) each is connected in series with the transmitting antenna (12, 11) of the first transmitting device (3), which has the greater distance from it.
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , 2, 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sendevorrichtungen (3) magnetische Wechselfelder unterschiedlicher Frequenzen in die Abfragezone (5) emittieren, wobei die Frequenz eines der Wechselfelder im Niederfrequenzbereich angesiedelt ist, und daß diese Niederfrequenz zu dem entsprechenden Wechselfeld der5. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the transmitting devices (3) emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies in the interrogation zone (5), the frequency being one of the Alternating fields is located in the low frequency range, and that this low frequency to the corresponding alternating field
Sendeantenne(n) (11 , 12) der ersten Sendevorrichtung (3) in Phase ist.Transmitting antenna (s) (11, 12) of the first transmitting device (3) is in phase.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, 2, 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sendevorrichtungen (3) magnetische Wechselfelder unterschiedlicher Frequenzen in die Abfragezone (5) emittieren, wobei eines der Wechselfelder im Niederfrequenzbereich angesiedelt ist, und daß diese Niederfrequenz zu dem entsprechenden Wechselfeld der Sendeantenne(n) (11 , 12) der ersten Sendevorrichtung (3) gegenphasig ist.6. The device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the transmitting devices (3) emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies in the interrogation zone (5), wherein one of the alternating fields is located in the low frequency range, and that this low frequency to the corresponding Alternating field of the transmitting antenna (s) (11, 12) of the first transmitting device (3) is out of phase.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung (6) aus vier Sendespulen (7, 8, 9, 10) bzw. zwei Spulenpaaren (7, 9; 8, 10) besteht, wobei die beiden Spulen eines Spulenpaares (7, 9; 8, 10) jeweils versetzt zueinander in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Ebenen (schachbrettartig) angeordnet sind.7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second transmitting device (6) consists of four transmitting coils (7, 8, 9, 10) or two pairs of coils (7, 9; 8, 10), the two coils a pair of coils (7, 9; 8, 10) are each offset in two successive planes (checkerboard).
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Spulenpaar (7, 9; 8, 10) jeweils mit der Sendeantenne (12; 11) in Reihe geschaltet ist, die von ihm den größeren Abstand hat.8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that a pair of coils (7, 9; 8, 10) each with the transmitting antenna (12; 11) is connected in series, which has the greater distance from it.
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Schaltung der Spulenpaare (7, 9; 8, 10) zu den Sendeantennen (12, 11) über eine Regel-/Auswerteeinheit (13) erfolgt.9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the switching of the coil pairs (7, 9; 8, 10) to the transmitting antennas (12, 11) via a control / evaluation unit (13).
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , 2 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung (6) als kompakte Einheit ausgebildet ist und daß die Sendespulen (7, 8, 9, 10) in entsprechend vorgesehene Ausnehmungen10. The device according to claim 1, 2 or 7, characterized in that the second transmission device (6) is designed as a compact unit and that the transmission coils (7, 8, 9, 10) in correspondingly provided recesses
(14) einer Ausnahmeplatte (15) eingelegt sind. (14) an exception plate (15) are inserted.
11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß im unteren Bereich der zweiten Sendevorrichtung (6) eine Abschirmplatte (16) vorgesehen ist.11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that a shielding plate (16) is provided in the lower region of the second transmitting device (6).
12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 11 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oberseite der zweiten Sendevorrichtung (6) mit einer Beschichtung (17) aus einem widerstandsfähigen Material versehen ist. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the top of the second transmitter (6) is provided with a coating (17) made of a resistant material.
EP98962321A 1997-11-27 1998-11-04 Anti-theft system Expired - Lifetime EP1034520B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19752506A DE19752506A1 (en) 1997-11-27 1997-11-27 System for securing articles against theft
DE19752506 1997-11-27
PCT/EP1998/007043 WO1999028878A1 (en) 1997-11-27 1998-11-04 Anti-theft system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1034520A1 true EP1034520A1 (en) 2000-09-13
EP1034520B1 EP1034520B1 (en) 2003-01-22

Family

ID=7849938

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98962321A Expired - Lifetime EP1034520B1 (en) 1997-11-27 1998-11-04 Anti-theft system

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1034520B1 (en)
AU (1) AU1753799A (en)
DE (2) DE19752506A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999028878A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3838409A (en) * 1973-04-13 1974-09-24 Knogo Corp Field strength uniformity control system for article theft detection system
US3938125A (en) * 1974-02-20 1976-02-10 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Antipilferage system and marker therefor
GB1582616A (en) * 1977-04-29 1981-01-14 Lord Corp Liquid filled flexible conduit joint
CA1221417A (en) * 1983-03-25 1987-05-05 R. Warren Necoechea High speed pin electronics driver circuit for automatic test equipment
US5121103A (en) * 1988-07-29 1992-06-09 Knogo Corporation Load isolated article surveillance system and antenna assembly
GB9302757D0 (en) * 1993-02-11 1993-03-24 Esselte Meto Int Gmbh Method and system for detecting a marker
US5406262A (en) * 1993-06-16 1995-04-11 Security Tag Systems, Inc. Adjusting magnetic bias field intensity in EAS presence detection system to enhance detection

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO9928878A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU1753799A (en) 1999-06-16
EP1034520B1 (en) 2003-01-22
WO1999028878A1 (en) 1999-06-10
DE19752506A1 (en) 1999-06-02
DE59807033D1 (en) 2003-02-27

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