EP1792286B1 - Method for complicating the theft of shopping trolleys - Google Patents

Method for complicating the theft of shopping trolleys Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1792286B1
EP1792286B1 EP05768083A EP05768083A EP1792286B1 EP 1792286 B1 EP1792286 B1 EP 1792286B1 EP 05768083 A EP05768083 A EP 05768083A EP 05768083 A EP05768083 A EP 05768083A EP 1792286 B1 EP1792286 B1 EP 1792286B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shopping
identification key
self
shopping cart
monitoring device
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP05768083A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1792286A1 (en
Inventor
Herbert Eberlein
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Wanzl GmbH and Co Holding KG
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Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
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Publication of EP1792286A1 publication Critical patent/EP1792286A1/en
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0225—Monitoring making use of different thresholds, e.g. for different alarm levels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0618—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts
    • G07F7/0636—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts in which the trolleys or carts are kept in a restricted zone such as a coral-like enclosure, or are passing a gate before use is possible
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
    • G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
    • G08B13/1427—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
    • 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
    • G08B13/2451—Specific applications combined with EAS
    • G08B13/2457—Lending systems using EAS tags wherein the tags are reusable, e.g. they can be activated and deactivated more than once, e.g. for a library
    • 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
    • G08B13/2451—Specific applications combined with EAS
    • G08B13/246—Check out systems combined with EAS, e.g. price information stored on EAS tag
    • 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
    • G08B13/2451—Specific applications combined with EAS
    • G08B13/2462—Asset location systems combined with EAS

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for mitigating the theft of shopping trolleys that are provided to customers in self-service shops, each shopping trolley being equipped with a transponder having the same identifier and at least one suitable location of an outside area belonging to the self-service business, for example a customer parking space provided with the transponders of the shopping cart corresponding monitoring device.
  • document GB 2 377 802 A discloses a method for complicating the theft of shopping carts, each shopping cart being equipped with a transponder, and wherein at least one suitable location of a self-service store outside area, at least one corresponding to the transponders of the shopping cart monitoring device is provided, wherein when passing the monitoring device with a Shopping Cart the identifier of the transponder of this shopping cart is changed by the monitoring device in a new identifier and that triggers an alarm when passing a predetermined location within the self-service shop with a shopping cart changed identifier.
  • WO 03/042814 discloses a system for detecting and rewarding the return of shopping carts.
  • Each shopping cart has a contactless electronic tag which can be switched between two possible values. Switching of the marking takes place either when removing from or when the shopping cart is returned to the collection point.
  • the collection means arranged collecting means are equipped so that when recognizing a deferred shopping cart, a signal for issuing a bonus is generated.
  • the object of the invention is to develop a method of the present type so that the disadvantages or inconveniences described above are avoided.
  • the solution of the problem is that when passing the monitoring device with a shopping cart, the identifier of the transponder of this shopping cart is changed by the monitoring device in a new identifier and that when passing a predetermined point within the self-service shop with a shopping cart changed identifier whose changed identifier a test device, which is assigned to the predetermined location, is returned to the original identifier, wherein the feedback process effected by the test device triggers a signal.
  • the proposed method advantageously avoids the attachment or installation of locking and / or braking devices on the rollers of the shopping cart. It avoids all the necessary facilities that would have to cause a locking or braking of the rollers. It also avoids a costly change the shopping cart.
  • the new process requires no obstructions in the floor or magnetically-acting components that must be placed on the floor. Rather, it is sufficient according to the method of the invention that only a transponder smallest design must be attached to each shopping cart, these transponders are for example in an already existing on the shopping cart plastic part insert or inject what manufacturing technology is simple and therefore inexpensive to perform. The latter is of enormous importance, since shopping carts are used in large numbers.
  • each of the relatively small-sized monitoring devices is in each case located on an outlet located on the property of the self-service store and each equally small-scale examination facility, for example in one at a checkout of the self-service shop Installable passageway installable, each tester, as will be explained later, can be electrically connected to a cash register.
  • the at least one monitoring device and the at least one test device can even be configured identically and programmed only differently, so that this circumstance contributes to a cost-effective installation of the devices just described.
  • the sketch shows a top view of a self-service shop 1 with an adjoining outside area 2, which in the example is designed as a customer parking space 4.
  • the shopping carts 11 are there usually coupled together with the aid of coin locks and are usually taken from the removal point 5 by paying a deposit and brought back to the removal point 5 after a successful purchase.
  • the sketch shows such a shopping cart 11, which is equipped with a radio addressable electrical storage medium, ie with a so-called transponder 12.
  • the self-service shop 1 has an entrance area 6, to which the sales room 7 is connected.
  • the sales room 7 ends at the so-called checkout zone 8.
  • the checkout zone 8 has at least one for customers and their entrained cart 1 specific passage 9, which are each occupied by an electronic cash register 15. In the example, two passes 9 are provided.
  • a test device 13 in the form of a radio wave transmitting electronic read / write unit is provided in each case.
  • a basically same radio waves emitting electronic read / write unit is provided in the form of a monitoring device 14 also located on an outdoor area 2 output 3, which continues, for example, to a street. There may well be several outputs 3, which then in each case a monitoring device 14 is assigned.
  • Each transponder 12 of the shopping cart 11 is provided with an identifier (as example A) that can be pronounced and influenced by each test device 13 and by each monitoring device 14 by radio.
  • the monitoring device 14 located at the output 3 is now programmed so that it detects the identification of the transponder 12 of the passing shopping cart 11 by radio and then this example of A in B changes. From this point on, this "stolen" shopping cart 11 differs due to its other or new identifier of the other used in the self-service shop 1 shopping cart 11. If the customer with his "stolen” shopping cart 11 sometime back to the next purchase in the self-service shop 1 back, he has again after successful shopping through one of the passages 9 to pay for his goods.
  • the test facility 14 assigned to this passage 9 is now programmed so that it recognizes the changed identifier of the shopping cart 11 identified as being stolen when it passes by and enters the original identifier, eg back in A, leads back.
  • each test device 13 is electrically connected or connected to the cash register 15 assigned to it via the corresponding passage 9.
  • each cash register 15 assumes the function of a signal generator, for example, in such a way that as a signal on the printed receipt, the note is "please turn off the shopping cart at the sampling point".
  • This type of reference is discreet and does not expose the customer in the self-service business 1.
  • the so selected "signal" can also be used to ensure that selected staff of the self-service shop 1 either asks the customer on the spot personally, not to take the cart 11 or that this customer at the latest when re-passing the exit 3 with the cart 11 stopped by the staff and informed about his behavior accordingly.
  • test device 13 it is conceivable also to attach a test device 13 to the removal point 5 for shopping carts 11. Should someone have left the outside area 2 with the shopping cart 11 through the exit 3 and would immediately return to deliver the shopping cart 11 at the removal point 5, the changed identifier of the shopping cart 11 would then again be present through the testing device 13 located at the removal point 5 be returned to the original identifier.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Library & Information Science (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A method for complicating the theft of shopping trolleys ( 11 ) which are made available to customers in self-service stores ( 1 ). Every shopping trolley ( 11 ) is provided with a transponder ( 12 ) having the same identification key. At least one monitoring device ( 14 ) corresponding with the transponders ( 120 of the shopping trolleys ( 11 ) is provided in at least one suitable position of an exterior area ( 2 ) pertaining to the self-service store ( 1 ), for example a customer car park ( 4 ). When the shopping trolley ( 11 ) passes the monitoring device ( 14 ), the monitoring device ( 14 ) changes the identification key of the transponder ( 12 ) of said shopping trolley ( 11 ) to a new identification key. When a shopping trolley ( 11 ) having a changed identification key passes a predetermined position ( 10 ) inside the self-service store ( 1 ), a check device ( 13 ) associated with the predetermined position ( 10 ) changes the changed identification key back to its original identification key, and the change-back process effected by the check device ( 13 ) triggers a signal.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Erschweren des Diebstahls von Einkaufswagen, die Kunden in Selbstbedienungsgeschäften zur Verfügung gestellt werden, wobei jeder Einkaufswagen mit einem Transponder gleicher Kennung ausgestattet ist und wobei an wenigstens einer geeigneten Stelle eines zum Selbstbedienungsgeschäft gehörender Außenbereiches, beispielsweise eines Kundenparkplatzes, mindestens eine mit den Transpondern der Einkaufswagen korrespondierende Überwachungseinrichtung vorgesehen ist.The invention relates to a method for mitigating the theft of shopping trolleys that are provided to customers in self-service shops, each shopping trolley being equipped with a transponder having the same identifier and at least one suitable location of an outside area belonging to the self-service business, for example a customer parking space provided with the transponders of the shopping cart corresponding monitoring device.

Der Wunsch, den Diebstahl von Einkaufswagen in Selbstbedienungsgeschäften zu verhindern oder wenigstens einzuschränken ist nicht neu. Bereits im Jahres 1960 wurde in der US-Patentschrift 2,964,140 ein entsprechender Lösungsvorschlag beschrieben. Inzwischen kennt die Patentliteratur mindestens fünfzig weitere Anmeldungen, die sich mit der eben genannten Problematik befassen. Der jüngste Lösungsvorschlag ist in der EP 1 101 685 A1 dokumentiert. Alle in diesem Zeitabschnitt vorgeschlagenen Lösungsansätze benützen wenigstens eines der folgenden technischen Merkmale:

  • magnetische Verriegelung der Rollen der Einkaufswagen beim Verlassen einer vorbestimmten Zone;
  • Verriegelung der Rollen per Funk bei Verlassen dieser Zone;
  • Lageveränderung von wenigstens einer Rolle durch ein hindernisbedingtes Anheben der Einkaufswagen;
  • Hindernisse im Fahrbereich, die ein Weiterfahren der Einkaufswagen erschweren;
  • Wirksamwerden von Sperrarmen, welche die Rollen am Fahren hindern;
  • Erzeugung von Rollwiderständen beim Verlassen eines vorbestimmten Areals.
The desire to prevent or at least limit the theft of shopping carts in self-service stores is not new. Already in the year 1960 was in the U.S. Patent 2,964,140 a corresponding proposed solution described. Meanwhile, the patent literature knows at least fifty more applications dealing with the problem just mentioned. The most recent solution is in the EP 1 101 685 A1 documented. All proposed solutions in this period of time use at least one of the following technical features:
  • magnetic locking of the rollers of the shopping carts when leaving a predetermined zone;
  • Locking the wheels by radio when leaving this zone;
  • Change in position of at least one roller due to obstacle-induced lifting of the shopping cart;
  • Obstacles in the driving area, which make it difficult to continue the shopping cart;
  • Taking effect of locking arms which prevent the wheels from driving;
  • Generation of rolling resistance when leaving a predetermined area.

Alle eben beschriebenen Vorschläge bewirken mehr oder weniger aufwendige Veränderungen an den Einkaufswagen und in etlichen Fällen auch noch zusätzlich im Bereich des Fußbodens. Manche Lösungen sind schlichtweg praxisfremd. Andere wiederum bewirken eine erhebliche Steigerung der Herstellkosten der Einkaufswagen, so dass die Nachfrage nach solchen Einkaufswagen zwangsläufig gering ist.All the proposals just described cause more or less complex changes to the shopping cart and in some cases even in addition to the floor. Some solutions are simply out of practice. Others in turn bring about a significant increase in the production costs of the shopping carts, so that the demand for such shopping carts is inevitably low.

Ausgehend von diesen Nachteilen wurde inzwischen vorgeschlagen, Einkaufswagen mit einem Transponder auszustatten und an den Ausgängen, die vom Grundstück eines Selbstbedienungsgeschäftes in die angrenzenden Straßen führen, Überwachungseinrichtungen zu installieren, die dann einen lauten Signalton erzeugen, wenn jemand versucht, mit einem Einkaufswagen an einer Überwachungseinrichtung vorbeizufahren. Ergänzend wurde auch vorgeschlagen, anstelle der Überwachungseinrichtung jeden Einkaufswagen mit einem Signalgeber auszustatten. Auch diese Lösung überzeugt nicht, da sich diese Einkaufswagen erst dann bemerkbar machen, wenn sie sich schon relativ weit entfernt vom Selbstbedienungsgeschäft befinden. Man müsste demnach in diesen Außenzonen permanent Personen abstellen, die immer dann einzuschreiten hätten, wenn jemand versucht, einen Einkaufswagen mitzunehmen oder zu entwenden. Dies ist unrealistisch.Based on these disadvantages, it has now been proposed to equip shopping carts with a transponder and to install monitoring devices at the exits leading from the premises of a self-service store to the adjoining streets, which then generate a loud beep when someone tries to use a shopping cart on a monitoring device drive past. In addition, it has also been proposed to equip each shopping cart with a signal generator instead of the monitoring device. This solution is also not convincing, since these shopping carts only become noticeable when they are already relatively far away from the self-service business. One would therefore permanently park in these outer zones people who would have to intervene whenever someone tries to take a shopping cart or to steal. This is unrealistic.

Jene Motive, die in der Vergangenheit zu den eben beschriebenen Lösungsvorschlägen geführt haben, mögen durchaus unterschiedlich gewesen sein. Fest steht zwischenzeitlich, dass die meisten Einkaufswagendiebstähle von Personen begangen werden, die in der näheren Umgebung von Selbstbedienungsgeschäften wohnen und in Ermangelung eines Autos zu Fuss zum Einkaufen gehen müssen. Diese Personen schieben den mit Ware beladenen Einkaufswagen einfach nach Hause und kommen mit dem Einkaufswagen erst dann wieder zum Selbstbedienungsgeschäft zurück, wenn ein neuer Einkauf ansteht.Those motives that in the past led to the proposed solutions just described may have been quite different. In the meantime, it is clear that most shopping cart thieves are committed by people who live in the vicinity of self-service shops and, in the absence of a car, have to go shopping on foot. These persons simply push the shopping cart laden with goods home and only return to the self-service shop with the shopping cart when a new purchase is pending.

Dokument GB 2 377 802 A offenbart ein Verfahren zum Erschweren des Diebstahls von Einkaufswagen, wobei jeder Einkaufswagen mit einem Transponder ausgestattet ist und wobei an wenigstens einer geeigneten Stelle eines zum Selbstbedienungsgeschäft gehörenden Außenbereiches, mindestens eine mit den Transpondern der Einkaufswagen korrespondierende Überwachungseinrichtung vorgesehen ist, wobei beim Passieren der Überwachungseinrichtung mit einem Einkaufswagen die Kennung des Transponders dieses Einkaufswagens durch die Überwachungseinrichtung in eine neue Kennung geändert wird und dass beim Passieren einer vorbestimmten Stelle innerhalb des Selbstbedienungsgeschäftes mit einem Einkaufswagen geänderter Kennung, ein Alarm auslöst.document GB 2 377 802 A discloses a method for complicating the theft of shopping carts, each shopping cart being equipped with a transponder, and wherein at least one suitable location of a self-service store outside area, at least one corresponding to the transponders of the shopping cart monitoring device is provided, wherein when passing the monitoring device with a Shopping Cart the identifier of the transponder of this shopping cart is changed by the monitoring device in a new identifier and that triggers an alarm when passing a predetermined location within the self-service shop with a shopping cart changed identifier.

Dokument WO 03/042814 offenbart ein System zum Erfassen und Belohnen der Rückführung von Einkaufswagen. Jeder Einkaufswagen verfügt über eine kontaktlose elektronische Kennzeichnung, die zwischen zwei möglichen Werte umgeschaltet werden kann. Das Umschalten der Kennzeichnung findet entweder beim Entnehmen von der- oder bei der Zurückstellung des Einkaufswagens in die Sammelstelle statt. Die der Sammelstelle angeordneten Erfassungsmittel sind so ausgestattet, dass beim Erkennen eines zurückgestellten Einkaufswagens, ein Signal zur Ausgabe eines Bonus generiert wird.document WO 03/042814 discloses a system for detecting and rewarding the return of shopping carts. Each shopping cart has a contactless electronic tag which can be switched between two possible values. Switching of the marking takes place either when removing from or when the shopping cart is returned to the collection point. The collection means arranged collecting means are equipped so that when recognizing a deferred shopping cart, a signal for issuing a bonus is generated.

Ausgehend von dieser Erkenntnis besteht die Aufgabe der Erfindung darin, ein Verfahren der hier vorliegenden Art so weiterzuentwickeln, dass die eingangs beschriebenen Nachteile oder Umständlichkeiten vermieden werden.Based on this finding, the object of the invention is to develop a method of the present type so that the disadvantages or inconveniences described above are avoided.

Die Lösung der Aufgabe besteht darin, dass beim Passieren der Überwachungseinrichtung mit einem Einkaufswagen die Kennung des Transponders dieses Einkaufswagens durch die Überwachungseinrichtung in eine neue Kennung geändert wird und dass beim Passieren einer vorbestimmten Stelle innerhalb des Selbstbedienungsgeschäftes mit einem Einkaufswagen geänderter Kennung, dessen geänderte Kennung durch eine Prüfeinrichtung, die der vorbestimmten Stelle zugeordnet ist, in die ursprüngliche Kennung zurückgeführt wird, wobei der durch die Prüfungseinrichtung bewirkte Rückführungsvorgang ein Signal auslöst.The solution of the problem is that when passing the monitoring device with a shopping cart, the identifier of the transponder of this shopping cart is changed by the monitoring device in a new identifier and that when passing a predetermined point within the self-service shop with a shopping cart changed identifier whose changed identifier a test device, which is assigned to the predetermined location, is returned to the original identifier, wherein the feedback process effected by the test device triggers a signal.

Das vorgeschlagene Verfahren vermeidet in vorteilhafter Weise das Anbringen oder Einbauen von Verriegelungs- und/oder Bremseinrichtungen an den Rollen der Einkaufswagen. Es vermeidet alle notwendigen Einrichtungen, die ein Verriegeln oder Bremsen der Rollen bewirken müssten. Es vermeidet ferner ein aufwendiges Verändern der Einkaufswagen. Das neue Verfahren benötigt keine Hindernisse im Fußboden oder magnetisch wirkende Bauteile, die am Fußboden untergebracht werden müssen.
Vielmehr genügt es entsprechend dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren, dass an jedem Einkaufswagen lediglich ein Transponder kleinster Bauweise angebracht werden muss, wobei diese Transponder beispielsweise in ein ohnehin an den Einkaufswagen befindliches Kunststoffteil einzufügen oder einzuspritzen sind, was herstellungstechnisch einfach und damit kostengünstig durchzuführen ist. Letzteres ist von enormer Bedeutung, da Einkaufswagen in großer Zahl Verwendung finden. Natürlich muss wenigstens eine elektronisch wirkende und mittels Funk arbeitende Überwachungseinrichtung und mindestens eine ebenso elektronisch wirkende und mittels Funk arbeitende Prüfungseinrichtung vorgesehen werden, was baulicherseits jedoch einfach durchzuführen ist. So ist jede der relativ klein gestalteten Überwachungseinrichtungen jeweils an einem am Grundstück des Selbstbedienungsgeschäftes befindlichen Ausgang und jede ebenfalls klein gestaltbare Prüfungseinrichtung beispielsweise in je einem an einer Kasse des Selbstbedienungsgeschäftes vorbeiführenden Durchgang installierbar, wobei jede Prüfungseinrichtung, wie später noch erläutert werden wird, mit einer Kasse elektrisch geschaltet sein kann. Die wenigstens eine Überwachungseinrichtung und die mindestens eine Prüfungseinrichtung können sogar gleich gestaltet und nur unterschiedlich programmiert sein, so dass dieser Umstand zu einer kostengünstigen Installation der eben beschriebenen Einrichtungen beiträgt.The proposed method advantageously avoids the attachment or installation of locking and / or braking devices on the rollers of the shopping cart. It avoids all the necessary facilities that would have to cause a locking or braking of the rollers. It also avoids a costly change the shopping cart. The new process requires no obstructions in the floor or magnetically-acting components that must be placed on the floor.
Rather, it is sufficient according to the method of the invention that only a transponder smallest design must be attached to each shopping cart, these transponders are for example in an already existing on the shopping cart plastic part insert or inject what manufacturing technology is simple and therefore inexpensive to perform. The latter is of enormous importance, since shopping carts are used in large numbers. Of course, at least one electronically acting and functioning by means of radio monitoring device and at least one equally electronically acting and working by radio tester must be provided, which is structurally easy to perform. Thus, each of the relatively small-sized monitoring devices is in each case located on an outlet located on the property of the self-service store and each equally small-scale examination facility, for example in one at a checkout of the self-service shop Installable passageway installable, each tester, as will be explained later, can be electrically connected to a cash register. The at least one monitoring device and the at least one test device can even be configured identically and programmed only differently, so that this circumstance contributes to a cost-effective installation of the devices just described.

Die Erfindung wird anhand einer Prinzipskizze und eines Verfahrensablaufes näher beschrieben.The invention will be described in detail with reference to a schematic diagram and a method sequence.

Die Skizze zeigt in einer Draufsicht ein Selbstbedienungsgeschäft 1 mit angrenzendem Außenbereich 2, der im Beispiel als Kundenparkplatz 4 gestaltet ist. Auf dem Kundenparkplatz 4 befindet sich eine Entnahmestelle 5 für Einkaufswagen 11. Die Einkaufswagen 11 sind dort gewöhnlich mit Hilfe von Münzschlössern aneinandergekoppelt und werden üblicherweise der Entnahmestelle 5 durch Entrichtung eines Pfandes entnommen und nach erfolgtem Einkauf wieder zurück zur Entnahmestelle 5 gebracht. Die Skizze zeigt einen derartigen Einkaufswagen 11, der mit einem per Funk ansprechbaren elektrischen Speichermedium, also mit einem sogenannten Transponder 12 ausgestattet ist. Das Selbstbedienungsgeschäft 1 weist einen Eingangsbereich 6 auf, an den sich der Verkaufsraum 7 anschließt. Der Verkaufsraum 7 endet an der sogenannten Kassenzone 8. Die Kassenzone 8 weist wenigstens einen für Kunden und deren mitgeführte Einkaufswagen 1 bestimmten Durchgang 9 auf, die mit je einer elektronischen Kasse 15 besetzt sind. Im Beispiel sind zwei Durchgänge 9 vorgesehen. An zwei vorbestimmten Stellen 10, vorzugsweise an jedem Durchgang 9, ist jeweils eine Prüfeinrichtung 13 in Form einer Funkwellen aussendenden elektronischen Lese-/Schreibeinheit vorgesehen. Eine im Grunde gleiche Funkwellen aussendende elektronische Lese-/Schreibeinheit ist in Form einer Überwachungseinrichtung 14 auch an einem am Außenbereich 2 befindlichen Ausgang 3 vorgesehen, der beispielsweise zu einer Straße weiterführt. Es können durchaus mehrere Ausgänge 3 vorhanden sein, denen dann jeweils eine Überwachungseinrichtung 14 zugeordnet ist. Jeder Transponder 12 der Einkaufswagen 11 ist mit einer Kennung (als Beispiel A) versehen, die von jeder Prüfeinrichtung 13 und von jeder Überwachungseinrichtung 14 per Funk ausgesprochen und beeinflusst werden kann.The sketch shows a top view of a self-service shop 1 with an adjoining outside area 2, which in the example is designed as a customer parking space 4. The shopping carts 11 are there usually coupled together with the aid of coin locks and are usually taken from the removal point 5 by paying a deposit and brought back to the removal point 5 after a successful purchase. The sketch shows such a shopping cart 11, which is equipped with a radio addressable electrical storage medium, ie with a so-called transponder 12. The self-service shop 1 has an entrance area 6, to which the sales room 7 is connected. The sales room 7 ends at the so-called checkout zone 8. The checkout zone 8 has at least one for customers and their entrained cart 1 specific passage 9, which are each occupied by an electronic cash register 15. In the example, two passes 9 are provided. At two predetermined locations 10, preferably at each passage 9, a test device 13 in the form of a radio wave transmitting electronic read / write unit is provided in each case. A basically same radio waves emitting electronic read / write unit is provided in the form of a monitoring device 14 also located on an outdoor area 2 output 3, which continues, for example, to a street. There may well be several outputs 3, which then in each case a monitoring device 14 is assigned. Each transponder 12 of the shopping cart 11 is provided with an identifier (as example A) that can be pronounced and influenced by each test device 13 and by each monitoring device 14 by radio.

Kauft ein Kunde im Selbstbedienungsgeschäft 1 ein, entnimmt er der Entnahmestelle 5 einen Einkaufswagen 11, passiert den Eingangsbereich 6 und bedient sich anschließend im Verkaufsraum 7 mit Ware. Zum Bezahlen der Ware 7 beschreitet der Kunde mit seinem Einkaufswagen 11 einen der Durchgänge 9, bezahlt seine Ware, geht mit dem Einkaufswagen 11 zu seinem Auto, entlädt dort den Einkaufswagen 11 und bringt diesen nun leeren Einkaufswagen 11 zurück zur Entnahmestelle 5. Beim Passieren des Durchganges 9 registriert die dort angeordnete Prüfeinrichtung 13 die Kennung des Transponders 12 des vorbeifahrenden Einkaufswagens 11. Der eben geschilderte Ablauf entspricht dem üblichen bekannten Einkaufsvorgang. Nicht üblich ist es, wenn sich ein Kunde, nach dem Bezahlen der Ware, mit dem mit Ware gefüllten Einkaufswagen 11 zu Fuß auf den Nachhauseweg macht. In diesem Falle durchschreitet dieser Kunde mit seinem Einkaufswagen 11 den Ausgang 3 des Außenbereiches 2. Die am Ausgang 3 befindliche Überwachungseinrichtung 14 ist nun so programmiert, dass sie per Funk die Kennung des Transponders 12 des vorbeifahrenden Einkaufswagens 11 erkennt und diese anschließend beispielsweise von A in B ändert. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt unterscheidet sich dieser "gestohlene" Einkaufswagen 11 aufgrund seiner anderen oder neuen Kennung von den übrigen im Selbstbedienungsgeschäft 1 eingesetzten Einkaufswagen 11. Kommt der Kunde mit seinem "entwendeten" Einkaufswagen 11 irgendwann wieder zum nächsten Einkauf in das Selbstbedienungsgeschäft 1 zurück, muss er wieder nach erfolgtem Einkauf durch einen der Durchgänge 9, um seine Ware bezahlen zu können. Die diesem Durchgang 9 zugeordnete Prüfeinrichtung 14 ist nun so programmiert, dass diese die geänderte Kennung des als entwendet gekennzeichneten Einkaufswagens 11 bei dessen Vorbeifahren erkennt und in die ursprüngliche Kennung, z.B. wieder in A, zurückführt. Diese Änderung der Kennung bewirkt die Auslösung eines wahrnehmbaren Signales, das von einem mit der Prüfeinrichtung 13 elektrisch geschalteten Signalgeber stammt. Idealerweise ist jede Prüfeinrichtung 13 mit der ihr über den entsprechenden Durchgang 9 zugeordneten Kasse 15 elektrisch geschaltet oder verbunden. Auf diese Weise übernimmt jede Kasse 15 die Funktion eines Signalgebers beispielsweise derart, dass als Signal auf dem ausgedruckten Kassenzettel der Hinweis steht, "bitte den Einkaufswagen an der Entnahmestelle abstellen". Diese Art des Hinweises ist diskret und stellt den Kunden im Selbstbedienungsgeschäft 1 nicht bloß. Unabhängig davon kann das so gewählte "Signal" auch dazu verwendet werden, dass ausgewähltes Personal des Selbstbedienungsgeschäftes 1 entweder den Kunden an Ort und Stelle persönlich bittet, den Einkaufswagen 11 nicht mitzunehmen oder aber dass dieser Kunde spätestens beim erneuten Passieren des Ausganges 3 mit dem Einkaufswagen 11 vom Personal aufgehalten und über sein Verhalten entsprechend aufgeklärt wird.When a customer buys a self-service shop 1, he removes a shopping cart 11 from the removal point 5, passes the entrance area 6 and then uses goods in the sales room 7. To pay for the goods 7, the customer takes his shopping cart 11 through one of the passages 9, pays for his goods, goes to the shopping cart 11 to his car, unloads there the shopping cart 11 and brings them now empty shopping cart 11 back to the removal point 5. When passing the Passage 9 registered there arranged test device 13, the identifier of the transponder 12 of the passing shopping cart 11. The process just described corresponds to the usual known shopping process. It is not customary if a customer, after paying for the goods, makes his way home on the shopping cart 11 filled with goods. In this case, this customer passes through his shopping cart 11 the output 3 of the outer area 2. The monitoring device 14 located at the output 3 is now programmed so that it detects the identification of the transponder 12 of the passing shopping cart 11 by radio and then this example of A in B changes. From this point on, this "stolen" shopping cart 11 differs due to its other or new identifier of the other used in the self-service shop 1 shopping cart 11. If the customer with his "stolen" shopping cart 11 sometime back to the next purchase in the self-service shop 1 back, he has again after successful shopping through one of the passages 9 to pay for his goods. The test facility 14 assigned to this passage 9 is now programmed so that it recognizes the changed identifier of the shopping cart 11 identified as being stolen when it passes by and enters the original identifier, eg back in A, leads back. This change of the identifier causes the triggering of a perceptible signal originating from a signal generator electrically connected to the test device 13. Ideally, each test device 13 is electrically connected or connected to the cash register 15 assigned to it via the corresponding passage 9. In this way, each cash register 15 assumes the function of a signal generator, for example, in such a way that as a signal on the printed receipt, the note is "please turn off the shopping cart at the sampling point". This type of reference is discreet and does not expose the customer in the self-service business 1. Regardless, the so selected "signal" can also be used to ensure that selected staff of the self-service shop 1 either asks the customer on the spot personally, not to take the cart 11 or that this customer at the latest when re-passing the exit 3 with the cart 11 stopped by the staff and informed about his behavior accordingly.

Gemäß einer Erweiterung der Erfindung ist es denkbar, auch an der Entnahmestelle 5 für Einkaufswagen 11 eine Prüfeinrichtung 13 anzubringen. Sollte jemand den Außenbereich 2 mit dem Einkaufswagen 11 durch den Ausgang 3 hindurch verlassen haben und würde sofort wieder zurückkehren, um den Einkaufswagen 11 an der Entnahmestelle 5 abzugeben, dann würde durch die an der Entnahmestelle 5 befindliche Prüfeinrichtung 13 die geänderte Kennung des Einkaufswagens 11 wieder in die ursprüngliche Kennung zurückgeführt werden.According to an extension of the invention, it is conceivable also to attach a test device 13 to the removal point 5 for shopping carts 11. Should someone have left the outside area 2 with the shopping cart 11 through the exit 3 and would immediately return to deliver the shopping cart 11 at the removal point 5, the changed identifier of the shopping cart 11 would then again be present through the testing device 13 located at the removal point 5 be returned to the original identifier.

Claims (4)

  1. A method of impeding the theft of shopping trolleys (11) which are made available to customers in self-service stores (1), wherein each shopping trolley (11) is provided with a transponder (12) having the same identification key and wherein at least one monitoring device (14) associated with the transponders (12) of the shopping trolleys (11) is provided in at least one suitable position in an exterior area (2) belonging to the self-service store (1), for example a customer car park (4), characterised in that, when a shopping trolley (11) passes the monitoring device (14), the monitoring device (14) changes the identification key of the transponder (12) of this shopping trolley (11) to a new identification key and in that, when a shopping trolley (11) having a changed identification key passes a predetermined point (10) inside the self-service store (1), a checking device (13) associated with the predetermined point (10) restores the changed identification key to its original identification key, wherein the restoration process effected by the checking device (13) triggers a signal.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal is triggered by a cash register which is electrically connected to a checking device (13).
  3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the signal appears as a written instruction on the till receipt.
  4. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that restoration of the identification key of a shopping trolley (11) can also be carried out by a checking device (13) provided at the collection point (5) for the shopping trolleys (11).
EP05768083A 2004-09-20 2005-07-13 Method for complicating the theft of shopping trolleys Not-in-force EP1792286B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102004045842A DE102004045842A1 (en) 2004-09-20 2004-09-20 Method for complicating theft of shopping carts
PCT/DE2005/001236 WO2006032224A1 (en) 2004-09-20 2005-07-13 Method for complicating the theft of shopping trolleys

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1792286A1 EP1792286A1 (en) 2007-06-06
EP1792286B1 true EP1792286B1 (en) 2008-05-28

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EP05768083A Not-in-force EP1792286B1 (en) 2004-09-20 2005-07-13 Method for complicating the theft of shopping trolleys

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US (1) US20080122619A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1792286B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101023454A (en)
AT (1) ATE397260T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005287764A1 (en)
DE (3) DE102004045842A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006032224A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3060167A1 (en) * 2016-12-09 2018-06-15 Mercalliance METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING A FREE-SERVICE TROLLEY
CN109958344A (en) * 2019-04-09 2019-07-02 谭毅 Lock, trolley and cart management method

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3600307A1 (en) * 1986-01-08 1987-07-09 Horst Merchel Trolley for transporting shopping or luggage
US5283550A (en) * 1992-06-04 1994-02-01 Wild's - Wild Things, Inc. Shopping cart receiver alarm system
JP3421455B2 (en) * 1994-11-16 2003-06-30 鐘淵化学工業株式会社 Hydrophilic membrane and method for producing the same
DE29616446U1 (en) * 1996-09-21 1996-11-14 Rappenhöner, Bruno, 51643 Gummersbach Anti-theft device with signaling for shopping trolleys
WO1998034819A1 (en) * 1997-02-07 1998-08-13 Lace Effect, Llc. Anti-theft vehicle system
NL1011572C2 (en) * 1999-03-16 2000-09-19 Fred Winkel Anti theft system for supermarket trolleys, in which each trolley has audible alarm unit which sounds if trolley is removed from vicinity of market and its car park
GB2377802A (en) * 2001-07-17 2003-01-22 Richard John Leeson Security system for a supermarket trolley
US7218225B2 (en) * 2001-11-16 2007-05-15 Systec Pos-Technology Gmbh System and method for detecting and rewarding the return of a supermarket trolley or a luggage trolley taken from a trolley park
WO2004104951A1 (en) * 2003-05-26 2004-12-02 Inperspective Research Consultancy (Proprietary) Limited Trolley tracker
US7242300B1 (en) * 2004-08-27 2007-07-10 Evolution Robotics Retail, Inc. Shopping cart
US20060103530A1 (en) * 2004-11-13 2006-05-18 Prather James G Shopping cart management system

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AU2005287764A1 (en) 2006-03-30
CN101023454A (en) 2007-08-22
ATE397260T1 (en) 2008-06-15
DE102004045842A1 (en) 2006-03-23
DE112005002935A5 (en) 2007-08-30
WO2006032224A1 (en) 2006-03-30
EP1792286A1 (en) 2007-06-06
DE502005004304D1 (en) 2008-07-10
US20080122619A1 (en) 2008-05-29

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