EP2678837A1

EP2678837A1 - Protection device

Info

Publication number: EP2678837A1
Application number: EP12708670.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rainer Brenner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-23
Filing date: 2012-02-21
Publication date: 2014-01-01
Also published as: US20130321163A1; CN103503040A; US9495856B2; DE102011012163A1; WO2012113536A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for securing objects against unauthorized removal. To this aim, the device (26) comprises an alarm electronics unit (1) having a motion sensor (3), an environmental brightness sensor (4), and an alarm signal transmitter (5). The alarm electronics unit (1) is designed so that the ambient brightness sensor (4) is activated by the detection of a movement. However, alarm release occurs only if the ambient brightness measured at the ambient brightness sensor (4) exceeds a predetermined brightness threshold, and the movement last continuously for a predetermined time span. The alarm activation occurs only if the ambient brightness falls below a predetermined darkness threshold and the movement continues to persist.

Description

guard

The invention relates to a device for securing goods and objects and a method for operating such a device. In the retail trade, theft causes annual losses in the billions of euros, with about 40% of the loss being accounted for by customer theft and about 30% by employee theft. There is therefore an increasing demand on the part of the retail trade for technical goods security systems that can purposefully hinder or prevent the theft of goods by customers and also by employees. In particular, high-quality or expensive goods, such as perfume, cosmetics and toiletries, electronic devices, software, CDs and DVDs, etc. are potentially at risk of theft, since they are often small and lightweight and therefore can be easily plugged.

As the theft protection, the so-called Electronic Article Assurance (EAS) has been established in retail, which can be realized by several different technologies. In use are acoustomagnetic (AM), electromagnetic (EM) and radiofrequency (RF) systems, which are well known and will not be discussed in detail. Relatively new in this area is the RFID technology, which is still too expensive to use.

In addition, there are a number of other commodity protection systems in use, all of which aim to prevent thieves from

CONFIRMATION COPY to prevent steel from goods. In particular, there are systems that are equipped with alarm electronics that have an alarm signal generator and multiple sensors to detect alarm conditions. Although such a system is universally adaptable to various applications, but the alarm activation is sometimes already when there is no theft attempt actually. This means that the false alarm rate can be quite high, which weakens the alarm as it is not taken seriously anymore.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device for the protection of goods and objects, which has the lowest possible false alarm rate. This object is achieved by an alarm device with the features of the main claim.

The alarm electronics according to the invention has a timing device with which the course of a predetermined time span can be monitored. Furthermore, the alarm electronics on at least one other sensor, which is not designed primarily for detecting a movement. The alarm electronics is now designed so that the further sensor is activated by detecting a movement, that an alarm release takes place when the sensor value of the further sensor exceeds or falls below a predetermined limit and there is a continuous movement over a predetermined period of time.

If the alarm electronics has several other sensors, all other sensors are only activated by a movement. Likewise, for alarm release and alarm activation, the limits of all sensors must be exceeded and / or undershot. The invention is based on the recognition that most thefts in shops and department stores take place in such a way that the goods are removed from a light environment, for example a shelf, and then hidden in a pocket or under a jacket.

Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the invention as an additional sensor on an ambient brightness sensor. Accordingly, there is first a movement of the goods, which is why the motion sensor activates the brightness sensor when a movement is detected. If it is not bright enough during the movement, for example, it is night and the store is closed. Therefore, it is most likely a random movement that was not caused by a person. There is then no theft attempt and there is no alarm release.

It is also important that the movement is continuous for a given period of time. Thus it can be prevented that, even in light surroundings, a random movement, for example a drop of the goods on the shelf, leads to the triggering of an alarm. For this purpose, the device according to the invention has the time measuring device, which is embodied, for example, as a timer, which is started at a predetermined time. This timer can be realized both discretely analog or digital and as a program of a microprocessor.

These measures significantly reduce the false alarm rate, so that an alarm raises the desired attention.

Preferably, an alarm activation takes place when, with continuous movement, the ambient brightness reaches a predetermined dark level. border falls below. This is like hiding in a bag or under a jacket.

For alarm activation, however, another or several different conditions may have to be met. It would thus be conceivable, for example, for the alarm electronics to have a pressure sensor or another environment sensor.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the further sensor is a proximity sensor.

The proximity sensor is designed for example as a capacitive proximity sensor. This sensor detects field-bound approach and the presence of a human body part or metallised surfaces, such as manipulated, metallized tote bags or clothing, during the day. This makes it possible to reliably detect any hiding or shielding regardless of the ambient brightness, since the tag is then always very close to the human body, e.g. comes underneath a jacket or in manipulated, metalized carrier bags or garments. The described manipulation of pockets or garments by means of e.g. Metal foils are often used to prevent detection by retail security antennas (EAS). As a proximity sensor, for example, a reflex sensor can be used with optical or acoustic mode of action. This sensor detects reflective material surfaces, such as garments, shopping bags or even skin, over a defined distance range (eg <50mm).

This makes it possible to safely detect any hiding or shielding, regardless of the ambient brightness, as the tag will always come very close to any materials. The tag is the safety device (mechanical grain component) for attachment to the goods in which the alarm electronics is arranged.

The proximity sensor may for example also be a body sound sensor. This sensor detects the adjacent structure-borne noise on the tag housing. Any hiding, or shielding by means of garments, tote bags, or hands always creates a specific signal spectrum as the tag then comes in contact with any materials.

This makes it possible to safely detect any hiding or shielding, regardless of the ambient brightness, since the tag then comes into contact with any materials. In addition, the alarm device may also have several of these or other sensors, which may be in any combination of effects.

In particular, it is expedient to combine an ambient brightness sensor and a proximity sensor, so that reliable alarm detection can be ensured in virtually all theft scenarios, while at the same time having a very low false alarm rate.

Important for the invention is that the alarm is basically controlled in two levels and first an alarm release must be present, so that in a second step, the alarm can be activated. Decisive for the prevention of false alarms is the fact that the conditions for the alarm release and the alarm activation are different and must last in time.

To signal an alarm, an optical and / or acoustic alarm signal transmitter may be present. Preferably the security device on an acoustic signal, such as a piezo speaker on.

The device expediently has an on / off switch with which the alarm electronics can be switched on or off. Preferably, the securing device is switched on as a whole only when it is attached to an object to be secured. This prevents the device from unnecessarily consuming energy and triggering no alarms when the device is in an unused storage box, for example. In order to prevent deactivation of the alarm device on the object by unauthorized persons, it is advantageous if the on / off switch requires additional legitimation. As such legitimacy serves, for example, a contactless or contact-bound transmitted information. This can be transmitted for example by a kind of key, which is held approximately to the device.

In summary, the method for operating an alarm electronics according to the invention, by way of example for a brightness sensor, can be described as follows.

The ambient brightness sensor is only activated when the motion sensor registers a movement and an alarm is released only when the brightness measured at the ambient brightness sensor exceeds or falls below a predefined light limit and the movement continues for a predetermined period of time. An alarm activation preferably takes place only when the alarm release is present and at least one additional alarm condition is fulfilled. It may be advantageous if the alarm activation first triggers a pre-alarm for a short period of time, during which a reset of the alarm release can take place and after the pre-alarm a permanent alarm is activated.

As an additional alarm condition is used, for example, when the brightness measured at the ambient brightness sensor falls below a predetermined dark threshold, while the movement continues continuously.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment of a securing device according to the invention with a proximity sensor, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a security device according to the invention with a brightness sensor.

FIG. 1 a flow chart of the alarm monitoring of a security device according to the invention with a brightness sensor, FIG.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the alarm monitoring of a security device according to the invention with a proximity sensor and

5 is a flow chart of the alarm monitoring of a security device according to the invention with a Brightness sensor and a proximity sensor,

1 shows a block diagram of a preferred security device 26 according to the invention. The embodiment shown has an alarm electronics 1 with a microcontroller 2, a motion sensor 3, a brightness sensor 4, an alarm signal generator 5 and an on / off switch 6.

The microcontroller 2 is formed in the example as a central Steuerbau- stone, which controls all other components by an operating program and receives signals. Of course, the alarm electronics 1 may also be constructed discretely digital or analog without central control module, or have other central control means. In particular, it is possible to integrate all the components on a component or on a chip.

The alarm electronics 1 is preferably arranged in a housing 26, which is preferably adapted to an object to be secured and is releasably attachable to this, so that the securing device 26 is repeatedly reusable. The housing shape and design is not relevant to the invention, which is why will not be discussed further here. The security device 26 is only intended to trigger an alarm when it is attached to an object to be secured. The alarm electronics 1 therefore has an on / off switch 5. This on / off switch 5 is preferably provided with an intelligent legitimacy, so that the alarm electronics 1 can be switched on or off only by authorized persons. For this purpose, the alarm electronics 1, for example, an interface on the legitimacy data can be received. This interface can be wired or wireless be educated.

The alarm electronics 1 is expediently switched on automatically after the mounting of the securing device on the object. When removing the security device 26 as at the checkout also legitimacy is necessary to turn off the alarm electronics again.

The microcontroller 2 also controls the alarm signal generator 5, which is provided for displaying an alarm. The signal generator 5 preferably has a loudspeaker, for example a piezo loudspeaker. However, it can also additionally or alternatively comprise an optical signal transmitter and / or other alarm signal means. For example, an alarm could also be sent by radio to a mobile or stationary alarm receiver.

The movement sensor 3 is configured to detect a movement of the securing device 26. The exact training of the motion sensor plays only a minor role, insofar as he must be sufficiently sensitive to the planned application. As motion sensors almost all known sensors can be used, for example, from motion sensors with a movably mounted metal ball to semiconductor acceleration sensors.

Likewise, the nature of the ambient light sensor 4 for the invention is incidental. It may, for example, comprise a simple photodiode, a phototransistor or another photosensitive component. It is crucial that he can distinguish between several ambient brightness values.

Furthermore, the securing device has its own energy supply, which is for example by a battery (not shown) is formed.

In the security device according to the invention it is assumed that in most cases a product is illegally hidden in a bag or under a jacket and carried out of the store. That is, there is first a movement of the goods and then a change in brightness from light to dark. Accordingly, the alarm electronics 1 is designed such that the alarm electronics 1 has a waiting state, in which essentially only the motion sensor 3 and the circuit parts required for evaluating the motion sensor are supplied with power. This allows a long battery life.

According to the invention, the alarm electronics 1 to a timing device 7, with the expiration of a predetermined period of time is monitored. The alarm electronics 1 is further configured so that the ambient brightness sensor 4 is activated by detecting a movement, that an alarm release occurs when the ambient brightness exceeds a predetermined light limit and there is a continuous movement over a predetermined period of time. An alarm activation then takes place, for example, if the ambient brightness falls below a predetermined dark limit during continuous movement.

2 shows a block diagram of an alternative alarm electronics, with a proximity sensor instead of the brightness sensor. The proximity sensor 27 is, for example, a capacitive proximity sensor, a reflex sensor or a structure-borne noise sensor. Of course, the alarm electronics can also have a brightness sensor 4 and a proximity sensor 27. The Alar ^¬ melektronik may also have other and / or additional sensors.

In Fig. 3 a flow chart is shown by way of example, after which the alarm electronics can be operated. This flowchart may be implemented discretely as analog or digital circuitry. Preferably, however, it is implemented as an operating program for a microprocessor or microcontroller, as in the example shown.

By default, the alarm electronics or control module is in sleep mode 8 (energy-saving mode), in which the electronics require very little energy.

Only when a motion is registered by the motion sensor, the remaining electronics and the other sensor are activated. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the further sensor is a brightness sensor. Subsequently, the ambient brightness is first measured 9 and compared with a predetermined threshold value 10. If the measured value is below the light limit, ie if the environment is darker 11, there is very probably no alarm situation and the electronics initially do not give any alarm release. This prevents the triggering of an alarm when, for example, at night (in the dark) a movement is registered, for example by passing trains or vehicles or other events. If the environment is dark there is no alarm release. However, if the environment is bright 12, that is, for example, the store has been opened and is lit, the alarm activation is enabled (alarm release). However, there is still no alarm. For the actual alarm activation must first yet other conditions are met, which will be checked in the further course.

Initially, the registered movement must continue continuously over a certain period of time. 13. In the example, a period of 600 ms is indicated 14, which is monitored by the time-measuring device. If there is no continuous movement during this time, then the initial movement was only accidental and the alarm electronics goes back into sleep mode 15 without an alarm being triggered.

If the movement lasts, then a count is used to count how often the time of the threshold expires, so that the total duration of the movement can be deduced. If the counter exceeds a set limit X 16, the alarm status check continues. This prevents, for example, an alarm activation, for example, if an item is taken off the shelf and immediately put back. In this case, the movement ends before the time expires.

According to the aforementioned thief steel scenario, the article would next be hidden in a bag or under a jacket. Accordingly, it is now determined via the brightness sensor 17, whether it is dark or dark in its environment 18. In this case, an absolute dark boundary can be specified or set a relative limit, which only considers the size of the light change. As long as no change in brightness to dark occurs, the motion sensor continues to be monitored in a loop 19. As soon as the movement ends at light 20, the object was probably still stored in the store and the alarm monitoring ends by putting the alarm electronics into sleep mode 15 , However, if the dark limit has been reached, alarm activation 21 occurs. In the example shown, a pre-alarm is then generated 24 which is intended to enable the customer to establish a condition in which no alarm is triggered. This may for example be when a protected object has been darkened by mistake, for example, by other goods in a shopping cart or basket. During the pre-alarm, the loop for measuring brightness and movement is continuously executed. If the pre-alarm is activated and / or if the dark limit is undershot, the pre-alarm continues to run until the pre-alarm time, in the example 6 seconds, has elapsed. 23. This pre-alarm time can also be monitored by the time-measuring device.

If, after this pre-alarm period, all the conditions for an alarm remain before 22, ie movement and darkness, then the correct alarm 25 occurs, which can no longer be remedied by restoring the ambient brightness. Preferably, to disable the alarm, a legitimation is necessary. This can be similar or identical to the on / off calibration.

Of course, the process of alarm monitoring in detail can also be different. In particular, a pre-alarm can be dispensed with. Or the light and dark boundaries may be different or adaptive. The invention is therefore not limited to the embodiment shown and the procedure shown. 4 shows a flowchart of an alarm electronics according to the invention, with a proximity sensor 27 instead of the brightness sensor. The sequence is practically identical to FIG. 3. Instead of the brightness value, a respective one now appears. corresponding approximation value, which is queried and evaluated accordingly in the modified process steps 9 ^V , 10 ', 17' and 18 ^x . In particular, it is advantageous if the alarm electronics according to the invention has a brightness sensor 4 and a proximity sensor 27. Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of such alarm electronics.

For alarm release and alarm activation, the sensor values of the brightness 4 and the proximity sensor 27 are respectively evaluated here in the method steps 10 ' ^v and 18 *'. Only if the sensor values of both sensors have exceeded or fallen below the respective activation threshold does an alarm release or an alarm activation take place.

The combination of brightness and proximity sensor covers the most common theft scenarios, at relatively low cost. It can thus be detected theft and the false alarm rate is very low. In addition to the sensors shown here, the device according to the invention may have other or additional sensors, so that the invention is by no means limited to the examples shown.

Claims

claims

1. A device for securing objects and / or goods, in particular against unauthorized takeaway, with an alarm electronics (1), the alarm signal transmitter (5), a

Motion sensor (3), characterized in that the alarm electronics (1) a time measuring device (7), with which the expiration of a predetermined period of time is monitored and at least one further sensor (4, 27), the primary not for detection one

Movement is formed and that the alarm electronics (1) is formed so that the further sensor (4; 27) is activated by detecting a movement that an alarm release occurs when the sensor value of the other sensor exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold and there is a continuous movement for a predetermined period of time.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a further sensor is an ambient brightness sensor (4) and that an alarm activation occurs when the ambient brightness falls below a predetermined dark limit during continuous movement.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a further sensor is a proximity sensor (27).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the proximity sensor (27) is a capacitive proximity sensor.

Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the proximity sensor (27) is a reflex sensor with optical or acoustic action.

Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the proximity sensor (27) is a structure-borne noise sensor.

A method for operating an alarm electronics with a motion sensor, another sensor and an alarm signal transmitter, characterized in that the further sensor is activated only when the motion sensor a

Motion registered and that an alarm release occurs only when the measured sensor sensor value exceeds a predetermined limit or falls below and the movement continues for a predetermined period of time continuously.

A method according to claim 7, characterized in that an alarm activation takes place only when the alarm release is present and at least one additional alarm condition is met.

A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the alarm activation first triggers a pre-alarm for a short period of time, during which a resetting of the alarm release can take place and that after the pre-alarm, a permanent alarm is activated.