EP1034520B1 - Anti-theft system - Google Patents

Anti-theft system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1034520B1
EP1034520B1 EP98962321A EP98962321A EP1034520B1 EP 1034520 B1 EP1034520 B1 EP 1034520B1 EP 98962321 A EP98962321 A EP 98962321A EP 98962321 A EP98962321 A EP 98962321A EP 1034520 B1 EP1034520 B1 EP 1034520B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transmission device
transmitter
transmission
alternating
transmitting
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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.)
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EP98962321A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1034520A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Bremer
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Meto International GmbH
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Meto International GmbH
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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
    • G08B13/2474—Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for securing articles against theft, the are equipped with an electronic security element, with at least a first transmission device, the first magnetic in an interrogation zone Alternating field emitted, which the electronic fuse element for Emits a characteristic signal, and with at least one Receiving device that triggers an alarm as soon as it has a characteristic Signal received.
  • Thin-film labels consist of a thin layer of soft magnetic material, preferably in the ⁇ m range. The layer is applied to a carrier substrate, for example by means of a physical deposition process under vacuum conditions. Thin-film labels have an anisotropic structure. Anisotropic means that the soft magnetic layer from which the thin-film labels are formed has a preferred axis.
  • 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.
  • strip security elements which are made of, also show an analogous behavior a strip-shaped, soft magnetic material. This is also here characteristic signal maximum when the query field and stripes are parallel are aligned with each other and it disappears when aligned vertically.
  • a strip securing element can also be made from a drawn wire consist.
  • a large number of different methods have become known for detecting security elements in an interrogation zone.
  • These devices include transmitter and receiver devices that are arranged to generate a horizontal magnetic field (parallel to the ground).
  • the transmission devices in particular often consist of different transmission coils, the transmission coils of a transmission device normally being connected in parallel or in series.
  • the customers cross the magnetic field of the transmitting device, moving orthogonally to it.
  • Various devices and methods have been described to improve the detection rates achieved by the described transmission and reception devices.
  • US-A-3 838 409 which, however, relates exclusively to the detection of fuse elements with electrical resonant circuits, proposes a further transmitting coil in addition to the aforementioned transmitting and receiving devices, which generates a further horizontal magnetic field.
  • This second magnetic field is orthogonal to the first and thus parallel to the direction of travel of the customers who cross the magnetic field of the second transmitter coil when they leave the department store.
  • the current that generates the first magnetic field has a phase difference of 90 ° compared to the current that causes the second magnetic field.
  • EP 123 586 B proposes sending, in addition to two query fields with the frequencies f1 and f2 in the kHz range, a field with a frequency in the Hz range into 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.
  • EP 0 611 164 A2 describes a method and a corresponding one Device described, which are based on a 2-frequency detection.
  • the invention has for its object a device with an improved To create detection rate in the floor area.
  • the object is achieved in that a second transmitter in Floor area of the query zone a second magnetic alternating field is provided to approximate the detection rate in the near ground area emitted into the interrogation zone, the second transmitter essentially is aligned perpendicular to the first transmission device.
  • the system Since the detection rate of the second transmitting device in the near the floor, the system is mainly used in Exit / entrance area of shoe stores are used. In however, the second transmitter can be used in corresponding applications 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 different frequencies in the interrogation zone, the frequency being one of the
  • Alternating fields is located in the low frequency range. This arrangement thus corresponds to the monitoring device described in EP 0 123 586 is described. According to an alternative, this is with a low frequency of e.g. 16 Hz in the surveillance zone emitted alternating magnetic field to the corresponding alternating field the transmitting antenna (s) of the first transmitting device in phase opposition.
  • a low frequency e.g. 16 Hz
  • the surveillance zone emitted alternating magnetic field to the corresponding alternating field the transmitting antenna (s) of the first transmitting device in phase opposition.
  • the resulting field-free areas which are in this arrangement in the floor area are shown in Fig. 1.
  • a preferred development of the system according to the invention provides that the second transmitter device consisting of four transmitter coils or two pairs of transmitter coils exists, the two transmitter coils of a pair each offset from one another are arranged like a checkerboard in two successive levels. By this configuration allows the detection rate in the floor area or in Considerably increase the ceiling area again.
  • pairs of transmitter coils each have the transmitting antenna of the first transmitting device is connected in series, which has the greater distance from it.
  • the pairs of transmission coils of the second transmission device are preferably switched to the transmission antennas of the first transmission device a control / evaluation unit.
  • the second is to make installation in the floor or ceiling easier Transmitting device designed as a compact unit.
  • the transmitter coils of the second transmitter are installed in corresponding recesses in one Mounting plate inserted.
  • Interference radiation entering the interrogation zone from outside has a negative effect the detection rate.
  • a shielding plate is preferably made of aluminum.
  • the second transmission device is arranged in the floor area them in the upper area with a coating of a resistant Provide material.
  • Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is a first embodiment of the System according to the invention can be seen in a perspective view.
  • the two Transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 are at a predetermined distance arranged from each other.
  • In the floor area between the two transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 are in addition to the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the first Transmitting devices 3 two adjacent transmission coils 7, 8 of a second transmitting device 6 intended.
  • These transmission coils 7, 8 emit like the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the first transmission devices 3 magnetic alternating 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 on the right Transmitting antenna 12 connected in series, and the right transmitting coil 8 is in series switched with the left transmitting antenna 11.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 18 The distribution of the field-free areas is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 18 visualized near the floor of query zone 5.
  • the differences in the Field distribution stems from the fact that in the case of FIG. 1 the current that the low-frequency fields in the transmission coils 7, 8 of the second transmission device 6 and in the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the first transmission device 3 is generated, is in phase opposition, whereas in the case of FIG. 2 it is in the transmission coils 7, 8 and the transmitting antennas 11, 12, is in phase.
  • FIG. 3 shows a third preferred embodiment of the invention Systems in perspective view.
  • the query zone 5 by the two at a predetermined distance arranged transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 defined.
  • the floor area are in addition to the two laterally arranged transmission antennas 11, 12 now four transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 are provided, which are checkerboard-like are arranged.
  • the arrangement of the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second Transmitting device 6 is shown in detail in the top view of FIG. 3a.
  • the two left transmission coils 7, 9 are in with the right transmission antenna 12 of the first transmission device 3 Series connected; the two right transmitter coils 8, 10 are serial with the left Transmitting antenna 11 of the first transmitting device 3 connected. This arrangement provides an excellent one Detection rate in the floor area.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the system according to the invention, consisting of the arranged on both sides of the query zone 5 Transmitting antennas 11, 12 of the first transmitting device 3 and the second transmitting device 6 in the floor area.
  • the Transmitting coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second transmitting device 6 are again arranged like a checkerboard.
  • the circuit of the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 and Transmitting antennas 11, 12 are carried out just like the evaluation of the received signals via an electronic control / evaluation unit 13. With this control / evaluation unit for example, it is an EM3 + electronics that is distributed by the applicant.
  • the second transmission device 6 is, as in FIG. 5 shown, a receiving plate 15 with recesses 14 for the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 provided.
  • the second transmission device 6 is thus a compact unit designed, which is fixed in the floor or on the bottom of the query zone 5.
  • the radiation of the high-frequency fields from the interrogation zone 5 in the To prevent floor area and on the other hand to avoid the from the floor area radiated radio frequency fields (e.g. from electrical cables) keep away from the interrogation zone is on the underside of the transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 receiving receiving plate 15, a shielding plate 16 is arranged. According to a preferred embodiment, this is made of aluminum.
  • the second transmission device 6 is in the passage area Department store or warehouse arranged - it is made with a coating 17 resistant material.
  • the construction of an embodiment of the Incidentally, the second transmission device 6 is in the cross section shown in FIG. 6 (along the line 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

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 erstes magnetisches Wechselfeld emittiert, welches das elektronische Sicherungselement 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, the are equipped with an electronic security element, with at least a first transmission device, the first magnetic in an interrogation zone Alternating field emitted, which the electronic fuse element for Emits a characteristic signal, and with at least one Receiving device that triggers an alarm as soon as it has a characteristic Signal received.

Die elektronische Artikelsicherung zur Verhinderung von Inventurverjusten in Kaufhäusern und Lagern erfreut sich zunehmender Beliebtheit. Es ist 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 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 soiling 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. In this patent, so-called.
Thin-film labels are described which consist of a thin layer of soft magnetic material, preferably in the μm range. The layer is applied to a carrier substrate, for example by means of a physical deposition process under vacuum conditions.
Thin-film labels have 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 sog 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 es verschwindet bei senkrechter Ausrichtung. Ein derartiges Streifen-Sicherungselement kann auch aus einem gezogenen Draht bestehen. So-called strip security elements, which are made of, also show an analogous behavior a strip-shaped, soft magnetic material. This is also here characteristic signal maximum when the query field and stripes are parallel are aligned with each other and it disappears when aligned vertically. On Such a strip securing element can also be made from a drawn wire consist.

Zur Detektierung von Sicherungselementen in einer Abfragezone sind eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Verfahren bekannt geworden. In der Regel befinden sich am Ausgang diebstahlgeschützter Kaufhäuser sogenannte Gates. Diese Vorrichtungen enthalten Sende- und Empfangsvorrichtungen, die so angeordnet sind, daß sie ein horizontales Magnetfeld (parallel zum Boden) erzeugen. Insbesondere die Sendevorrichtungen bestehen oft aus verschiedenen Sendespulen, wobei die sendespulen einer Sendevorrichtung normalerweise parallel oder in Reihe geschaltet sind. Beim Verlassen des Kaufhauses durchqueren die Kunden das Magnetfeld der Sendevorrichtung, wobei sie sich orthogonal zu demselben fortbewegen.
Zur Verbesserung der Detektionsquoten, die von den beschriebenen Sende- und Empfangsvorrichtungen erreicht werden, sind verschiedene Vorrichtungen und Verfahren beschrieben worden.
So schlägt die US-A-3 838 409, die sich allerdings ausschließlich auf die Detektion von Sicherungselementen mit elektrischen Schwingkreisen bezieht, neben den vorgenannten Sende- und Empfangesvorrichtungen eine weitere Sendespule vor, die ein weiteres horizontales Magnetfeld erzeugt. Dieses zweite Magnetfeld verläuft orthogonal zu dem ersten und damit parallel zur Fortbewegungsrichtung der Kunden, die beim Verlassen des Kaufhauses das Magnetfeld der zweiten Sendespule durchqueren. Um die feldfreien Flächen im geometrischen Zentrum der Überwachungszone, die ein Kunde beim Durchqueren der Magnetfelder durchläuft, zu reduzieren, besitzt der Strom, der das erste Magnetfeld erzeugt, eine Phasendifferenz von 90° gegenüber dem Strom, der das zweite Magnetfeld hervorruft.
In der EP 123 586 B wird vorgeschlagen, zusätzlich zu zwei Abfragefeldern 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
Intermodulationsfrequenzen n×f1 ± m×f2 (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.A large number of different methods have become known for detecting security elements in an interrogation zone. As a rule, there are so-called gates at the exit of theft-protected department stores. These devices include transmitter and receiver devices that are arranged to generate a horizontal magnetic field (parallel to the ground). The transmission devices in particular often consist of different transmission coils, the transmission coils of a transmission device normally being connected in parallel or in series. When leaving the department store, the customers cross the magnetic field of the transmitting device, moving orthogonally to it.
Various devices and methods have been described to improve the detection rates achieved by the described transmission and reception devices.
For example, US-A-3 838 409, which, however, relates exclusively to the detection of fuse elements with electrical resonant circuits, proposes a further transmitting coil in addition to the aforementioned transmitting and receiving devices, which generates a further horizontal magnetic field. This second magnetic field is orthogonal to the first and thus parallel to the direction of travel of the customers who cross the magnetic field of the second transmitter coil when they leave the department store. In order to reduce the field-free areas in the geometric center of the surveillance zone that a customer traverses when crossing the magnetic fields, the current that generates the first magnetic field has a phase difference of 90 ° compared to the current that causes the second magnetic field.
EP 123 586 B proposes sending, in addition to two query fields with the frequencies f1 and f2 in the kHz range, a field with a frequency in the Hz range into the query zone. The two query fields with the frequencies f1 and f2 excite a security element located in the monitoring zone for transmitting a characteristic signal with the
Intermodulation frequencies n × f1 ± m × f2 (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.EP 0 611 164 A2 describes a method and a corresponding one Device described, which are based on a 2-frequency detection. In the Interrogation zone, two interrogation fields with the frequencies f1, f2 are sent out; then the characteristic signal of the fuse element in the Range of a harmonic, e.g. at n × f1 (n = 1, 2, ...), digitally evaluated.

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 Takt eines niederfrequenten Feldes, das das weichmagnetische Material zwischen den beiden Sättigungen hin- und hertreibt, auftritt.An alternative solution has also become known, only one in the kHz range to use the horizontal query field to excite the fuse element, the characteristic signal of the fuse element in turn in time of a low frequency field, which the soft magnetic material between the both saturations back and forth occurs.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung mit einer verbesserten Detektionsrate im Bodenbereich zu schaffen.The invention has for its object a device with an improved To create detection rate in the floor area.

Die Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, daß eine zweite Sendevorrichtung im Bodenbereich der Abfragezone zur Enhähung der Detektionsrate in nahen Bodenbereich vorgesehen ist, die ein zweites 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 transmitter in Floor area of the query zone a second magnetic alternating field is provided to approximate the detection rate in the near ground area emitted into the interrogation zone, the second transmitter essentially is aligned perpendicular to the first transmission device.

Da durch diese Anordnung die Detektionsrate der zweiten Sendevorrichtung im nahen Bodenbereich beachtlich erhöht wird, wird das System vorwiegend im Ausgangs-/Eingangsbereich von Schuhgeschäften zum Einsatz kommen. In entsprechenden Anwendungsfällen kann die zweite Sendevorrichtung jedoch auch im Deckenbereich angeordnet sein.Since the detection rate of the second transmitting device in the near the floor, the system is mainly used in Exit / entrance area of shoe stores are used. In however, the second transmitter can be used in corresponding applications also be arranged in the ceiling area.

Die zweite Sendevorrichtung setzt sich gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen 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. Es ist hierzu anzumerken, dass die Begriffe "Sendespule" und "Sendeantenne" grundsätzlich synonym verwendet werden können, da auch eine "Sendeantenne" aus "Sendespulen" besteht. Die unterschiedlichen Begriffe werden hier verwendet, um die "Sendespulen" der zweiten Sendevorrichtung besser von den Sendespulen (= "Sendeantennen") der ersten Sendevorrichtung unterscheiden in können.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 , It should be noted here that the terms "transmitter coil" and "transmitter antenna" can in principle be used interchangeably, since a "transmitter antenna" also consists of "transmitter coils". The different terms are used here in order to better distinguish the "transmission coils" of the second transmission device from the transmission coils (= "transmission antennas") of the first transmission device.

Vorteilhafterweise emittieren die Sendevorrichtungen magnetische Wechselfelder unterschiedlicher Frequenzen in die Abfragezone, wobei die Frequenz eines der The transmitting devices advantageously emit alternating magnetic fields different frequencies in the interrogation zone, the frequency being one of the

Wechselfelder im Niederfrequenzbereich angesiedelt ist. Diese Anordnung entspricht somit der Überwachungsvorrichtung, die in der EP 0 123 586 beschrieben ist. Gemäß einer Alternative ist das mit Niederfrequenz von z.B. 16 Hz in die Uberwachungszone ausgesandte, magnetische wechselfeld 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.Alternating fields is located in the low frequency range. This arrangement thus corresponds to the monitoring device described in EP 0 123 586 is described. According to an alternative, this is with a low frequency of e.g. 16 Hz in the surveillance zone emitted alternating magnetic field to the corresponding alternating field the transmitting antenna (s) of the first transmitting device in phase opposition. The resulting field-free areas, which are in this arrangement in the floor area are shown in Fig. 1.

Eine günstigere Alternative, welche 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 mit dem entsprechenden Feld der Sendeantenne(n) der ersten Sendevorrichtung in Phase.A cheaper alternative, which is the field-free areas from the middle area the query zone and localized in the side areas (see also Fig. 2), suggests that the sending devices alternating magnetic fields emit different frequencies into the interrogation zone, again one of the alternating fields is located in the low frequency range; is now however the low-frequency field with the corresponding field of the transmitting antenna (s) first transmission device in phase.

Eine bevorzugte Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems sieht vor, daß die zweite Sendevorrichtung aus vier Sendespulen oder zwei Paar Sendespulen besteht, wobei die beiden Sendespulen eines Paares jeweils versetzt zueinander in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Ebenen schachbrettartig angeordnet sind. Durch diese Ausgestaltung läßt sich die Detektionsrate im Bodenbereich oder im Deckenbereich noch einmal beträchtlich erhöhen.A preferred development of the system according to the invention provides that the second transmitter device consisting of four transmitter coils or two pairs of transmitter coils exists, the two transmitter coils of a pair each offset from one another are arranged like a checkerboard in two successive levels. By this configuration allows the detection rate in the floor area or in Considerably increase the ceiling area again.

Als besonders günstig hat es sich herausgestellt, wenn ein Paar Sendespulen jeweils mit der Sendeantenne der ersten Sendevorrichtung in Reihe geschaltet ist, die von ihm den größeren Abstand hat. Vorzugsweise erfolgt dabei die Schaltung der Paare von Sendespulen der zweiten Sendevorrichtung zu den Sendeantennen der ersten Sendevorrichtung über eine Regel-/Auswerteeinheit.It has turned out to be particularly favorable if a pair of transmitter coils each have the transmitting antenna of the first transmitting device is connected in series, which has the greater distance from it. The pairs of transmission coils of the second transmission device are preferably switched to the transmission antennas of the first transmission device a control / evaluation unit.

Um den Einbau in den Boden oder die Decke einfacher zu gestalten, ist die zweite Sendevorrichtung als kompakte Einheit ausgebildet. Zwecks Erleichterung der Montage der Sendespulen der zweiten Sendevorrichtung sind diese in entsprechende Ausnehmungen einer Aufnahmeplatte eingelegt.The second is to make installation in the floor or ceiling easier Transmitting device designed as a compact unit. In order to facilitate the The transmitter coils of the second transmitter are installed in corresponding recesses in one Mounting plate inserted.

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 the detection rate. To get out of the ground below the query zone Exclude incoming interference radiation from the interrogation zone and to prevent the high-frequency fields of the second transmitter in the Floor area to be blasted is at the bottom of the second Transmitting device provided a shielding plate. 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 widerstandsfähigen Material versehen.In the event that the second transmission device is arranged in the floor area them in the upper area with a coating of a resistant Provide material.

Die Erfindung wird anhand der nachfolgenden Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigt:

  • Fig. 1: eine erste Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht,
  • Fig. 2: eine zweite Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht,
  • Fig. 3: eine dritte, bevorzugte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in perspektivischer Ansicht,
  • Fig. 3a: eine Draufsicht auf die Sendespulen-anordnung der zweiten Sendevorrichtung gemäß der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Ausführungsform,
  • Fig. 4: eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems,
  • Fig. 5: eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufnahmeplatte für die Sendespulen für die in Fig. 3 gezeigte Ausführungsform der zweiten Sendevorrichtung und
  • Fig. 6: einen Querschnitt durch die Aufnahmeplatte nach der Linie VI-VI in Fig. 5.
    • The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows:
  • 1: a first embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective view,
  • 2: a second embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective view,
  • 3: a third, preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention in a perspective view,
  • 3a: a plan view of the transmitter coil arrangement of the second transmitter device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
  • 4: a schematic representation of the system according to the invention,
  • 5 shows a plan view of a receiving plate for the transmission coils for the embodiment of the second transmission device shown in FIG. 3 and
  • 6 shows a cross section through the receiving plate along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5th

    • 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 ersten Sendevorrichtungen 3 zwei nebeneinander liegende Sendespulen 7, 8 einer zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 vorgesehen. Diese Sendespulen 7, 8 emittieren wie die Sendeantennen 11, 12 der ersten 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.In the figures Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is a first embodiment of the System according to the invention can be seen in a perspective view. The two Transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 are at a predetermined distance arranged from each other. In the floor area between the two transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 are in addition to the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the first Transmitting devices 3 two adjacent transmission coils 7, 8 of a second transmitting device 6 intended. These transmission coils 7, 8 emit like the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the first transmission devices 3 magnetic alternating 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 on the right Transmitting antenna 12 connected in series, and the right transmitting coil 8 is in series switched with the left transmitting 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 der zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 und in den Sendeantennen 11, 12 der ersten Sendevorrichtung 3 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 areas is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 18 visualized near the floor of query zone 5. The differences in the Field distribution stems from the fact that in the case of FIG. 1 the current that the low-frequency fields in the transmission coils 7, 8 of the second transmission device 6 and in the transmission antennas 11, 12 of the first transmission device 3 is generated, is in phase opposition, whereas in the case of FIG. 2 it is in the transmission 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. 3a detailliert dargestellt. Die beiden linken Sendespulen 7, 9 sind mit der rechten Sendeantenne 12 der ersten Sendevorrichtung 3 in Reihe geschaltet; die beiden rechten Sendespulen 8, 10 sind seriell mit der linken Sendeantenne 11 der ersten Sendevorrichtung 3 verbunden. Diese Anordnung liefert eine ausgezeichnete Detektionsrate im Bodenbereich.3 shows a third preferred embodiment of the invention Systems in perspective view. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 here also the query zone 5 by the two at a predetermined distance arranged transmitting / receiving devices 3, 4 defined. In the floor area are in addition to the two laterally arranged transmission antennas 11, 12 now four transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 are provided, which are checkerboard-like are arranged. The arrangement of the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second Transmitting device 6 is shown in detail in the top view of FIG. 3a. The two left transmission coils 7, 9 are in with the right transmission antenna 12 of the first transmission device 3 Series connected; the two right transmitter coils 8, 10 are serial with the left Transmitting antenna 11 of the first transmitting device 3 connected. This arrangement provides an excellent one Detection rate in the floor area.

    Fig. 4 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Systems, bestehend aus den zu beiden Seiten der Abfragezone 5 angeordneten Sendeantennen 11, 12 der ersten Sendevorrichtung 3 und der zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 im Bodenbereich. Die 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.4 shows a schematic representation of the system according to the invention, consisting of the arranged on both sides of the query zone 5 Transmitting antennas 11, 12 of the first transmitting device 3 and the second transmitting device 6 in the floor area. The Transmitting coils 7, 8, 9, 10 of the second transmitting device 6 are again arranged like a checkerboard. The circuit of the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 and Transmitting antennas 11, 12 are carried out just like the evaluation of the received signals via an electronic control / evaluation unit 13. With this control / evaluation unit for example, it is an EM3 + electronics that is distributed by the applicant.

    Zwecks einfacher Montage der Sendespulen 7, 8, 9, 10 der zweiten Sendevorrichtung 6 ist, wie in Fig. 5 dargestellt, eine Aufnahmeplatte 15 mit Ausnehmungen 14 für die Sendespulen 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, 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 (nach der Linie VI-VI in Fig. 5) dargestellt. For the purpose of simple assembly of the transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10, the second transmission device 6 is, as in FIG. 5 shown, a receiving plate 15 with recesses 14 for the transmitter coils 7, 8, 9, 10 provided. The second transmission device 6 is thus a compact unit designed, which is fixed in the floor or on the bottom of the query zone 5. Around on the one hand, the radiation of the high-frequency fields from the interrogation zone 5 in the To prevent floor area and on the other hand to avoid the from the floor area radiated radio frequency fields (e.g. from electrical cables) keep away from the interrogation zone is on the underside of the transmission coils 7, 8, 9, 10 receiving receiving plate 15, a shielding plate 16 is arranged. According to a preferred embodiment, this is made of aluminum. Around to protect the top of the receiving plate 15 against damage - finally, the second transmission device 6 is in the passage area Department store or warehouse arranged - it is made with a coating 17 resistant material. The construction of an embodiment of the Incidentally, the second transmission device 6 is in the cross section shown in FIG. 6 (along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5).

    BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

    11
    Artikelitems
    22
    Sicherungselementfuse element
    33
    erste Sendevorrichtungfirst transmission device
    44
    Empfangsvorrichtungreceiving device
    55
    Abfragezoneinterrogation zone
    66
    zweite Sendevorrichtungsecond transmitter
    77
    Sendespuletransmitting coil
    88th
    Sendespuletransmitting coil
    99
    Sendespuletransmitting coil
    1010
    Sendespuletransmitting coil
    1111
    Sendeantennetransmitting antenna
    1212
    Sendeantennetransmitting antenna
    1313
    Regel-/AuswerteeinheitControl / evaluation unit
    1414
    Ausnehmungrecess
    1515
    Aufnahmeplattemounting plate
    1616
    Abschirmplatteshield
    1717
    Beschichtungcoating
    1818
    Feldfreier BereichField free area

    Claims (11)

    1. An anti-theft system for protecting articles (1) equipped with an electronic security element (2), the system comprising at least one first transmission device (3) emitting into a query zone a first alternating magnetic field that excites the electronic security element to transmit a characteristic signal, and further comprising at least one receiver device (4) that triggers an alarm as soon as it identifies the characteristic signal,
      characterized in that
      a second transmission device (6) is provided in the bottom region of the query zone (5) to increase the detection rate in the vicinity of the bottom region, the second transmission device emitting a second alternating magnetic field into the query zone (5), with the first transmission device (3) being oriented substantially perpendicular to the second transmission device (6).
    2. The system according to claim 1,
      characterized in that
      the second transmission device (6) comprises at least two transmitter coils (7, 8) arranged side by side and spaced at a predetermined distance.
    3. The system according to claim 1 or 2,
      characterized in that
      the first transmission device (3) comprises two transmitting antennae (11, 12) spaced apart at a predetermined distance, and that the transmitter coils (7; 8) of the second transmission device (6) are each connected in series to the respective more distant transmitting antenna (12, 11) of the first transmission device (3).
    4. The system according to claim 3,
      characterized in that
      the transmission devices (3, 6) emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies into the query zone (5), with the frequency of one of said alternating fields being located in the low-frequency range, and with this alternating field located in the low-frequency range being in phase with the corresponding alternating field of the transmitting antenna(e) (11, 12) of the first transmission device (3).
    5. The system according to claim 3,
      characterized in that
      the transmission devices (3, 6) emit alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies into the query zone (5), with one of the alternating fields being located in the low-frequency range and being phase-opposed to the corresponding alternating field of the transmitting antenna(e) (11, 12) of the first transmission device (3).
    6. The system according to claim 1,
      characterized in that
      the second transmission device (6) comprises four transmitter coils (7, 8, 9, 10) or two pairs of transmitter coils (7, 9; 8, 10), with the two transmitter coils of each pair (7, 9; 8, 10) of the second transmission device (6) being mutually offset in a checkerboard pattern in two successive planes.
    7. The system according to claim 6,
      characterized in that
      each transmitter coil pair (7, 9; 8, 10) of the second transmission device (6) is connected in series to the respective more distant transmitting antenna (12; 11) of the first transmission device (3).
    8. The system according to claim 7,
      characterized in that
      the transmitter coil pairs (7, 9; 8, 10) of the second transmission device (6) are connected to the transmitting antennae (12, 11) of the first transmission device (3) via a control/analysis unit (13).
    9. The system according to claim 2 or 6,
      characterized in that
      the second transmission device (6) is designed as a compact unit and that its transmitter coils (7, 8, 9, 10) are embedded in corresponding recesses (14) in a retainer plate (15).
    10. The system according to claim 9,
      characterized in that
      a shielding plate (16) is provided in the lower region of the second transmission device (6).
    11. The system according to claim 10,
      characterized in that the upper side of the second transmission device (6) is provided with a coating (17) of a durable 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 EP1034520A1 (en) 2000-09-13
    EP1034520B1 true 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)

    Family Cites Families (7)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    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
    EP0123586B1 (en) * 1983-03-25 1988-06-01 FAIRCHILD CAMERA & INSTRUMENT CORPORATION Tri-state 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

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    WO1999028878A1 (en) 1999-06-10
    AU1753799A (en) 1999-06-16
    DE19752506A1 (en) 1999-06-02
    EP1034520A1 (en) 2000-09-13
    DE59807033D1 (en) 2003-02-27

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