EP1234287B1 - Device and method for display of the state of em or am security stickers - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices are disclosed for the display of the "activated" or "deactivated" state of electromagnetic or acousto-magnetic security tags, whereby it is possible to recognize, at a glance, whether the goods, for example on a pallet, have activated or deactivated security tags.

Description

The invention relates to a device for displaying the Condition of EM or AM security tags and a procedure to determine the activation or deactivation state of EM or AM security labels.

Such security labels are increasingly becoming electronic article surveillance in department stores and warehouses used. They consist of a strip soft magnetic material, e.g. Permalloy or one magnetic glass, which is characterized by a high permeability and is characterized by a low coercive force. In parallel and in close proximity to the strip of soft magnetic Material becomes a strip of semi-hard or hard magnetic Material with a relatively high coercive force, e.g. SEMIVAVC from Vacuumschmelze.

For acousto-magnetic (AM) security labels, the Strips of semi-hard or hard magnetic material one-story, while in electro-magnetic (EM) - Security labels in several, spatially separated from each other Sections is divided.

In a surveillance zone, preferably in one or Exit area of the department store or warehouse to be secured is arranged, an alternating magnetic field is emitted. This alternating field excites the soft magnetic material of the activated security element to broadcast a characteristic signal. This signal is from an im Frequency range of the signal sensitive detector device recorded and used as an identification signal for an unauthorized Way evaluated the goods leaving the surveillance zone; on The alarm is triggered.

After proper payment of the goods, the Detector device no longer on the security label speak to. Therefore, after proper payment of the goods the security label deactivated. With EM security labels does this happen by the semi-hard or hard magnetic streak is driven into saturation, so that its magnetization is a reaction of the soft magnetic Material on the alternating magnetic field in the Monitoring zone prevented. With AM security labels the deactivation, for example, by demagnetizing the semi-hard or hard magnetic strip.

The security labels are usually already with the Manufacture of the goods on these or on their packaging in attached deactivated state. These goods are then placed in outer packaging or on pallets loaded and distributed. To simplify goods logistics in the future, the goods for activation should not be removed from the Outer packaging or pallets are removed, but that Activate in one process for everyone in one Outer packaging or on a pallet Security labels happen.

For the operator of the department store where the goods are sold it is of the utmost importance to be reliable know which state - activated or deactivated - the Have security labels. If goods with deactivated Security labels get into the sales area is that entire electronic article surveillance system useless. However, the condition of the security labels cannot can be read directly from these.

From US-A-5 975 581 it is known to use a material to provide invisible, magnetic patterns on goods. That serves however, for the purpose of detecting brand piracy. In addition, the magnetic pattern is only one Visible device recognizable.

The invention has for its object a device and to provide a method that enables the state of one or more security labels easily and reliably display.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device to display the status of EM security labels or AM security labels with a first semi-hard or hard magnetic layer and with one in the immediate vicinity arranged second layer, the second layer is sensitive to magnetic fields and is designed that they are a visual ascertainment of the magnetization state the first layer.

This device has the advantage that when it is on a Outer packaging or a pallet is attached to their first Layer the same magnetization state as the semi-hard or hard magnetic layer in the outer packaging or on the Pallet located security labels takes. As a result this can be from the magnetization state of the first layer the device to the activated or deactivated state the security labels in the outer packaging or on the pallet getting closed. Because the second, magnetically sensitive Layer of the device visually determining the Magnetization state of the first layer allows on Measuring devices for measuring the state of magnetization are dispensed with become.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is the second Layer of a ferrofluid so that it is magnetized State of the first layer in the liquid suspended magnetic particles in the range of large Enrich magnetic field strength. This will make one Discoloration achieved in these areas. Where that Magnetic field is weak, the number of magnetic increases Particles off, so that overall there is a clear contrast between the areas with a strong magnetic field and the Areas with a weak magnetic field. This Contrast allows a statement about the state of the Security tags.

If the device according to the invention is used to the Displaying the condition of EM security labels means that Presence of a contrast in the second layer deactivated EM security labels. In the case of acousto-magnetic AM security labels mean the presence in a contrast in the second layer that the AM security tags are activated.

In a variant of the invention it is provided that the second layer between two plates and a surrounding one Edge is included, so the ferrofluid is not can escape and the device according to the invention works reliably regardless of location.

In addition to the invention, it is provided that at least one of the plates, especially the one on the first layer opposite side of the second layer Plate that is transparent so that the viewer of the Device can easily recognize whether a contrast is present or not.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the second layer made of a magneto-optically active material exists so that the optical properties, especially the refractive index of the second layer, when the first layer is magnetized. By illuminating the second layer, for example with polarized light the changes in optical properties due to the existing magnetic field can be made visible, so that too when using these materials, a clear statement about the condition of the security labels is possible.

In one embodiment of the invention is the second layer a film, so that the device according to the invention is flexible is and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Further embodiments provide that the first layer is composed of several sections and that the first layer or the sections the shape of letters or Have numbers. This allows plain text in the second layer be made visible if the securing elements or the device according to the invention is magnetized. This Plain text can be used, for example, to display the status of EM security labels from the word "deactivated" or at View the state of AM security tags from the word "activated" exist.

In addition to the invention it is provided that between the first Layer and second layer a carrier layer is arranged so that the mechanical strength of the invention Device is increased.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the first Layer and the second layer substantially parallel are arranged to each other so that the result of the Degree of magnetization of the first layer resulting optical Changes in the second layer over the entire extent of the second layer are the same.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the device means for fastening to an outer packaging or has a pallet so that it can be easily and securely attached to it Transport containers can be attached. This means can be an eyelet, a hook, glue or the like.

• eine Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen des Zustands von EM- oder AM-Sicherungsetiketten an einer Umverpackung oder einer Palette in der oder auf der mit EM- oder AM-Sicherungsetiketten versehene Waren vorhanden sind, angebracht wird,
• alle Sicherungsetiketten in der Umverpackung oder auf der Palette und der Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen des Zustands von EM- oder AM-Sicherungsetiketten gleichzeitig in einer Vorrichtung zum Aktivieren oder Deaktivieren von Sicherungsetiketten aktiviert oder deaktiviert werden und
• der Aktivierungs- oder Deaktivierungszustand der EM- oder AM-Sicherungsetiketten in der Umverpackung oder auf der Palette durch Ablesen der Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen des Zustands von EM- oder AM-Sicherungsetiketten, die eine visuelle Feststellung des Aktivierungs- oder Deaktivierungszustands der EM- oder AM-Sicherungsetiketten ermöglicht, festgestellt wird.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for determining the activation or deactivation state of EM or AM security tags, in which

• a device for displaying the status of EM or AM security labels is attached to an outer packaging or a pallet in or on which goods with EM or AM security labels are present,
• all security tags in the outer packaging or on the pallet and the device for displaying the status of EM or AM security tags are activated or deactivated simultaneously in a device for activating or deactivating security tags and
• the activation or deactivation status of the EM or AM security labels in the outer packaging or on the pallet by reading the device for displaying the status of EM or AM security labels, which provides a visual determination of the activation or deactivation status of the EM or AM Security labels allows to be determined.

This method has the advantage that by reading a Device for indicating the status of EM or AM security tags the condition of everyone in immediate spatial proximity to the device Security labels can be determined. This results in a Increase security against the electronic Article surveillance system. Simultaneous activation or Deactivation of security tags and the device for Displaying requires activators / deactivators whose magnetic fields are strong enough to hold all the security tags and the Activate device for displaying at the same time or deactivate.

In a variant of this method it is provided that the Device for indicating the status of EM or AM security tags a device according to one of the claims 1 to 12 is, so its benefits even when performing of the method according to the invention can be used.

Fig. 1:

ein deaktiviertes EM-Sicherungsetikett (Fig. 1a) sowie eine erste Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht (Fig. 1b) und in der Draufsicht (Fig. 1c);

Fig. 2:

die gleiche Anordnung in aktiviertem Zustand;

Fig. 3 :

ein aktiviertes AM-Sicherungsetikett (Fig. 3a) und eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in der Seitenansicht Fig. 3b) und in der Draufsicht (Fig. 3c); und

Fig. 4:

das Sicherungsetikett und die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3 in deaktiviertem Zustand.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments can be found in the drawing, the description below and the patent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention are shown in the drawing and described in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1:

a deactivated EM security label (Fig. 1a) and a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in side view (Fig. 1b) and in plan view (Fig. 1c);

Fig. 2:

the same arrangement in the activated state;

Fig. 3:

an activated AM security label (Fig. 3a) and a device according to the invention in side view Fig. 3b) and in plan view (Fig. 3c); and

Fig. 4:

the security label and the device according to FIG. 3 in the deactivated state.

1a is a deactivated EM security label 1 shown. The EM security label 1 consists of a Strip 3 made of soft magnetic material. In the immediate There are three sections 5 near the strip 3 semi-hard or hard magnetic material. Sections 5 are magnetized, which is illustrated by the field lines 7 becomes. Since the field lines 7 also penetrate the strip 3, the EM security label 1 does not send any characteristic Signal off when placed in an alternating magnetic field becomes. This means that security label 1 is deactivated.

1b is a side view of an inventive Device 9 for displaying the status of EM security tags shown. The device 9 consists of Sections 11 made of semi-hard or hard magnetic material. The sections 11 have similar magnetic properties as Section 5 of the EM security label 1. This can be done by the use of the same, in particular the above. material be guaranteed. Above sections 11 is a Ferrofluid 13 arranged. So that the ferrofluid 13 does not runs out, it is between two plates 15 and 17 and one encircling frame 19 included.

The ferrofluid 13 consists, for example, of a transparent liquid in which magnetic particles are suspended. Which penetrate the ferrofluid 13 Field lines 21 act on the magnetic particles of the Ferrofluids 13 in that the magnetic Particles to places with high magnetic field strength move. The locally different enrichment with the magnetic particles in the ferrofluid 13 leads to formation of dark sections 23 in the ferrofluid 13.

1c is a top view of an inventive one Device 9 shown. In this view, the dark ones are Sections 23 clearly visible. The presence of the dark Portions in the ferrofluid 13 can be used as information about the State of the device 9 or in the immediate vicinity the device 9 EM security tags 1 be used. when the sections 11 of the device 9 can be shaped accordingly, instead of beam-shaped darker sections 23 also letters, numbers or characters being represented. For example, the word "deactivated" or a comparable statement in the Ferrofluid 13 arise.

A statement about the condition of neighboring EM security labels 1 is of course only possible if the device 9 and the EM security labels 1 the have the same history. So for example it is possible, a device 9 for displaying the status of EM security labels or the like on a pallet. to attach on of a variety of goods, each with an EM security label are stacked. In this case the device 9 provides reliable information as to whether the EM security labels on the pallet in activated or deactivated state.

In Fig. 2a is the same arrangement as in Fig. 1a shown. The difference is that the Sections 5 are demagnetized and therefore no magnetic field around the sections 5 is present around. As a result, the Strip 3 send out a characteristic signal when it is in a suitable alternating magnetic field is brought. The Security label 1 is thus activated.

In the demagnetized state is also around the sections 11 Device 9 has no magnetic field, so that the Magnetic particles indicated in the ferrofluid 13 spread evenly. As a result, the device is 9 in the plan view shown in Fig. 2b as uniform colored area shown. This look signals the viewer that the EM security tag 1 is activated are. Reading the condition of EM security tags from the device 9 is facilitated if the plate 15, which the upper limit of ferrofluid 13 is transparent.

It is also possible to use a layer instead of the ferrofluid 13 to be made of magneto-optically active material, the optical properties under the influence of a Change magnetic field. By visualizing the change in optical properties, e.g. B. by irradiation with polarized light, can make the same statement about the state the security labels are made as in use a ferrofluid 13.

3a is an acousto-magnetic (AM) security tag 25 shown. It consists of a soft magnetic Stripe 27 and a semi-hard or hard magnetic Stripe 29. In Figure 3a is the semi-hard magnetic stripe 29 magnetized so that a field line 31 indicated magnetic field is present. These field lines 31 penetrate the soft magnetic strip 27 and activate the AM security label 25. Below the AM security label 25 is a second according to the invention Device 33 shown. In close proximity to one Strip 35 of semi-hard or hard magnetic material, the in its properties the strip 29 at least approximately corresponds, a ferrofluid 13 is arranged, that of plates 15 and 17 and a peripheral frame 19th is included. The outgoing from the strip 36 Magnetic field is indicated by the field lines 36 shown. In places of great magnetic field strength the magnetic particles of the ferrofluid 13 and lead to discoloration at these points in the ferrofluid 13. These discolorations are as dark sections 37 in the Ferrofluid 13 shown.

In Fig. 3c is a plan view of an inventive Device 33 shown. In this view, the dark ones are Sections 37 recognizable as black bars. Of course, it is also possible to use suitable ones Shape of the strip 35 not only dark sections 37 in Form of bars, but it can also Letters, numbers or other characters can be visualized.

The AM security tag is in the state shown in FIG. 3a activated so that at a corresponding Design of the device according to the invention the dark Sections 37 can be designed so that the word "activated" visible to the viewer of the device 33 becomes.

4a is an AM security tag 25 in the upper part with a soft magnetic strip 27 and a semi-hard or hard magnetic strips 29 shown. The strip 29 is not magnetized, so there are no field lines are. The semi-hard or hard magnetic strip 35 of the Device 33 for displaying the status of AM security tags, which is the same treatment as the AM security tag 25 has also passed demagnetized. Therefore the magnetic particles are in the Ferrofluid 13 evenly distributed. In the top view 4b turns the ferrofluid 13 as a uniformly colored surface represents and indicates deactivated AM security tags 25.

All in the description, the following claims and the Features shown can be drawn individually as well also in any combination with each other be essential to the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A device for indicating the state of EM security tags (1) or AM security tags (25), comprising a first magnetically semi-hard or hard layer (11) and a second layer (13) arranged in close vicinity thereto, wherein said second layer (13) is sensitive to magnetic fields and configured so as to enable the magnetization state of the first layer (11) to be determined visually.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second layer (13) is comprised of a ferrofluid.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the second layer (13) is enclosed between two plates (15, 17) and a circumferential frame (19).
4. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the plates (15, 17) is transparent.
5. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the plate (15) arranged on the side of the second layer (13) opposite the first layer (11) is transparent.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second layer (13) is comprised of a magneto-optically active material.
7. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second layer (13) is comprised of a film material.
8. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first layer (11) is composed of several sections.
9. The device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the first layer (11 ) or the sections are in the form of letters or figures.
10. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a carrier layer is arranged between the first layer (11 ) and the second layer (13).
11. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first layer (11 ) and the second layer (13) are in essentially parallel arrangement to each other.
12. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (9, 33) includes elements for fastening to a packaging or a pallet.
13. A method of determining the state of activation or deactivation of EM or AM security tags, characterized by the steps of

    attaching a device (9, 33) for indicating the state of EM or AM security tags (1, 25) to a packaging or a pallet containing merchandise equipped with EM or AM security tags (1, 25),

    simultaneously activating or deactivating all the security tags (1, 25) in the packaging or on the pallet and the device (9, 33) for indicating the state of EM or AM security tags (1, 25) in a device for activating or deactivating security tags (1, 25), and

    establishing the state of activation or deactivation of the EM or AM security tags (1, 25) in the packaging or on the pallet by reading the device (9, 33) for indicating the state of EM or AM security tags (1, 25), which enables the activation or deactivation state of the EM or AM security tags to be determined visually.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the device (9, 33) for indicating the state of EM or AM security tags (1, 25) is a device (9, 33) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12.

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