FR2588090A1 - ELECTRONIC MONITORING BY SELF-POWERED MARKERS ATTACHED TO ARTICLES - Google Patents

Abstract

ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM BY SELF-FEEDING MARKERS FIXED TO ITEMS ALLOWING AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE PROBABILITY OF DETECTION OF THEFT OF GOODS. IT INCLUDES A TRANSMITTER ASSEMBLY 36, 66, 72 WHICH RADIATES SIGNALS CONTAINING DIFFERENT MESSAGES, MARKERS 80 EACH INCLUDING A FIXING DEVICE 84, A RECEIVER / DECODER ASSEMBLY 104, 120 OF MESSAGES, AN ALARM DEVICE AND A SIGNAL PROCESSOR 90.

Description

The present invention relates to a

  in general, protection against pilfering and,

  it relates more particularly to the supervision of

  electronic launch of articles of the type calling on

  communication between receiving devices

  articles and equipment for the management of

  veillance. The invention also relates to electronic article surveillance systems (AES) associated with systems and methods for managing prices and

stocks.

  The methods and systems for the purpose in question that were first marketed are

  of the type implementing the devices set out in Articles

  which are of the passive type, that is to say do not

  so no power source. In French patents

  In addition, such devices have been referred to as receivers

  They are adapted to re-transmit or retransmit energy that occurs to them in a preselected relation to it. For example, labels or markers of articles have provided transceivers

  of an antenna, for the reception of energy in miro-on-

  and low-energy modulated energy transmitted in and out of a monitoring or control area, and a non-linear element, such as a diode, directly connected to the antenna. The energy emitted by the transceiver is therefore a retransmission

  incident microwave and low frequency energy

this modulated.

  It is well known that mastery of

  Radiation gram is difficult to poroportion the elevation of the frequency domain. The diagram

  radiation of microwave energy is passable-

  difficult to master. Thus, the industry

  turned towards the use of the microwave as a

  and a lower frequency transmitted and di-

  better controllable radiation range, also radiated into the monitored area with a modulation characteristic, and the establishment of

  alarm conditions regarding the reception and re-

  joint emission of the two incidental energies of

  different frequencies. The alarm condition is

  detected by detection of the modulation characteristic

  of the signal reissued at low frequency.

  Despite the detection possibilities

  multi-frequency systems, and the control aspect of the low frequency emission diagram in the systems described, a certain degree of ambiguity can remain there as a result of differences in low frequency emission relatively controllable by relative to the desired radiation pattern. The desired clear line of demarcation between the surveillance zone and adjacent display areas is sometimes

  not obtained, and this gives rise on occasion to an in-

  wrong alarm in the display areas

  readings and a corresponding reduction in the area of

usable trimming.

  Multiple low frequency signals

  were considered, and a very recent development

  concerned the selective desensitisation of a receptor

  with respect to signals retransmitted from the staging area.

  of articles using low-frequency emissions.

  unmodulated auxiliary, in order to define the

  demarcation and to improve the exploitation of

display area.

  In view of the possible ambiguities in

  techniques and systems, industry continues to

  nude to consider other approaches than those noted above, including the use of devices attached to self-powered items and similar safety pins or mechanical response warning devices, as in US Patent No. 3,713 133 in the name of Nathans issued January 23, 1973 and in the French patent application N 84 03 937, filed March 14, 1983. In the system of the above application, the marking unit attachable to an article (device d alarm) has a switch, which is activated when attempts are made to remove the

  marking of the article, and an audible sound generator

  is activated during this activation of the com-

  mutator. In addition, the marking unit comprises a receiving antenna and a received frequency detector

  partner, who can also operate the alarm device.

  me. A transmitter radiates energy C the frequency de-

  tectable by the receiver towards the inside of an area

control for its surveillance.

  Although the system and device of the

  aforementioned patent application are considered to be

  replace the previous systems above

  considered, with regard to the provision of

  cooked at the level of the marker itself which

  both to detect a specific frequency and to

  removal of the marker to emit a local alarm

  in the immediate location of the marker, this system

  and this device is rudimentary in nature, for example

  the alarm device can only be disarmed by

  put in mechanical conjugation of this one with a "dis-

  neutralization ", usually located at

  fixed, for example in a case emrtilacement. In-

  such a system provides only for a single transmission

  directional, that is to say to the

  alarm tif of the marker. In short, the possibilities of ex-

  of the above-mentioned demand system are limited

  because of the simplicity of the device

that she describes.

  The present invention has the fundamental purpose of

  to provide a system, process and apparatus for

  electronic monitoring of articles.

  A more particular object of the invention is to provide extended functional capabilities to electronic article surveillance systems of the type using self-powered markers.

alarm capability.

  By attaining, among other things, the aims

  above, the invention provides an electronic article surveillance system of the type using alarm markers removably attachable to items to be monitored in a shop of

  retail sale or similar installation, in the-

  which markers have functional abilities

  increased, leading to an improvement in the probability

  detection of thefts of merchandise. For this purpose, the system includes an emitter assembly that radiates signals containing various messages. The markers each comprise a fixing device

  to removably fix the marker to an armature

  a receiver assembly for the reception of the radiated signals and the decoding of the messages they contain, an alarm device and a processor

  signals, the latter being sensitive to the state of the dis-

  fixation and decoded messages for ac-

  select the alarm device in order to

  provide an alarm indication at perceptual emission

  corn. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a transmitter in an exit area of the retail facility that radiates a signal containing an exit interrogation that is

  destined to be received only by the markers are

  in this area and includes a transmitter in a cash box which radiates signals containing various selectable polling messages for item control purposes. Other transmitters may be provided, such as portable units for the use of security guards to terminate indications

alarm.

  Markers take on several states

  the messages received and decoded and the status of

  fixing devices. Thus, a marker may be in the disarmed state, the waking state, the armed state, the flight state and the sleep state, as it is

  will see in detail later. In addition, each

  is able to communicate messages to a central monitoring station and to

  local monitoring, for example

  in fitting rooms, receive

  markers and communicate these situations to the central station. Detection units may be provided to respond to the alarm indication issued by the marker by generating an additional local alarm indication. In another aspect, the markers are

  able to deliver different types of alarm indication

  emitted to mean different states of the

  ners. In addition, the system may have a secondary transmitter at the exit and cash outlets to establish highly localized and

  defined in which the signals of the primary issuer

  will be decodable to provide information

ments.

  The invention also provides, for use

  in an establishment selling articles to the de-

  tail, in combination, a marker of SEA (monitoring

  electronic device) of the energy-sensitive type.

  incident, including messages from SEA and from

  messages relating to pricing and

  identification of articles and including cir-

  prepared to respond to such SEA messages and to receive, store and deliver these pricing and item identification data, a message generating apparatus for transmitting such SEA messages and the like. energy

  arriving at the markers, and a device suitable for inter-

  roger the markers to give rise to the issuance by the markers of these pricing data

and identification stored.

  The invention furthermore aims at the use of a stock memory responsive to the delivery of identification data stored by markers to decrement the stock memory and the use

  of a totalizer of price of articles reacts

  on the issue by markers of this kind of memorized data. In addition, the marker includes a display apparatus for the presentation

  visual of this kind of price data.

  In a preferred form, the marker

  carries circuits partially handling in common the messages of SEA et al., including a message decoder capable of providing an indication of the nature of the message received. When the message received relates exclusively to the SEA, the invention contemplates the corresponding SEA response and activity of the

  markers, such as an alarm indication issued. Lors-

  that the message received is of a nature other than SEA,

  the invention contemplates the response and the activity of

  above-mentioned price and / or stock prices of the markers Advantageously, the response of the markers can be

  in both respects, that is to say that

  SEA-selective messages, the response of the markers is both a response from

  SEA and price and / or identification.

  The above characteristics are

  of the invention will emerge more fully from

  the following detailed description of forms of

  implementation and implementation of the invention

  and the drawings appended hereto, where the elements and similar members are everywhere designated by the same numerical references, and where: FIG. 1 is a representation of an example

  type of installation of a surveillance system se-

  the invention; Figs. 2 and 3 are functional diagrams

  different transmitters that can be implemented

  in the installation of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a shape

  Preferred embodiment of a marker system des-

  designed to be used in the installation of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a separate representation of the

  controller of the marker system of FIG. 4 with

  dication of its various input and output signals; Figs. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show the flowchart of the main program implemented by the controller of FIG. 5;

  Figs. 7 (a), 7 (b) and 7 (c) represent the

  flow chart of the main program cash subprogram implemented by the controller of FIG. ;

  FIG. 8 represents the organigram of the sub-

  program of fitting of the main program implemented by the controller of FIG. 5;

  FIG. 9 is the organigram of the sub-

  sleep program of the main program cash register subprogram implemented by the controller of FIG. 5; FIG. 10 shows in its subsections the

  various forms of signals involved in trans-

  missions of the system of the installation of FIG. 1;

  Figs. 11, 12 and 13 represent various

  alarm control devices used in the practice of the invention;

  FIG. 14 shows an antenna assembly of transmitters

  primary and secondary voltage according to the invention; FIG. 15 shows various signal forms for mounting antennas of FIG. 14;

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a system

  me of SEA and of management of prices and stocks according to the invention; and FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a form

  preferred embodiment of a receiver system of

according to the invention.

  According to the arrangements shown in FIG. 1, facility 10 is an establishment of

  retail trade with a display area 12 flanked by

  fitting rooms 14 equipped with test units.

  sayage 14a, a checkout counter 16 provided with counters

  box and packaging and associated emission units

  16a and 16b and an output zone 18 provided with transmitting and receiving units 18a and 18b. Markers are indicated by triangles at 20 and acoustic detection devices are designated in various locations by the circles 22. When the markers are able to emit, this case being preferred,

  the different transmitters will be configured to transmit

  receivers, having both a function

  transmission and a reception function.

  The omitting unit of the cash desk 16a is shown in particular in FIG. 2 as having a packaging message generator 24

  and a packaging message selector 26. The system

  According to the invention, there are three different modes of cash, Active Packaging, Audio Packaging and Passive Debating, which will include the following discussion of the cash flow chart of the cash register.

  Figs. 7 (a) to 7 (c). When Active Packaging is se-

  selected, the generator 28 can be actuated by means of

  switch 30 of the selector 26.

  generator 28 is routed on lines 32

  and 34 to the station transmitter

36.

  When the Audio Package is selected, the generator 38 is operable by closing the switch 40 of the selector 26 and an output is provided on the lines 42 and 34 to the transmitter 36.

  similar way, when Passive Packaging is selected

  tioned, the generator 44 is actuatable by closing the switch 46 of the selector 26 and the output to

  destination of the issuer 36 is effected on the

48 and 34.

  The cash station further comprises a storage generator 50 operable by closing the switch 52 to apply a signal on the

  line 54 to the transmitter 36, such a

  containing the Storage message to put a mark in reserve. The cessation generator 56 can be actuated by closing the switch 58

  to apply a signal containing the message of these

  on line 60 to the transmitter

  36, such a signal having the effect of reducing the

lence a marker in alarm.

  The output generator 62 of the output transmission unit 18a is constantly operable to send to the output transmitter 66 via the line 64 a signal containing the interrogation message of

  exit. The fitting unit 68 of the test unit

  14a is operable upon receipt of a broadcast

  marker to energize the fitting unit transmitter 72 through line 70, which allows a central or control station to be notified of a

  Alarm situation in this kind of isolated place.

  Fig. 3 shows the portable unit 74.

  The closing of its switch 74a causes the application

  cation by the generator 18 to the portable transmitter 78

  a signal containing the message Cessation.

  The marker system 80 of FIG. 4 com

  carries the contact controller 82 which examines the state of a marker attachment device, generally formed by a fastening pin, represented by

  switch 84, as well as the status of another

  switch 86 which changes state when one reaches reaches

  to the marker, for example by applying to it a crushing force. During a change of state of one or the other of the switches 84 or 86, the scanner indiates this one on the corresponding one

  lines 88a and 88b to the controller 90.

  The marker may comprise another switch 87 which is sensitive to the displacement of the marker and can

  inspector 82.

  that the traveling contact is inactive, the

  of the marker stack can be preserved by

  interruption of the energy supply of the marker.

  When the switch 84 is closed, the

  controller 82 applies a signal on line 92 to

  timing of the clock pulse generator 94, thereby indicating the activation of the marker. A

  such a commissioning signal is intended to

  to the battery that feeds the marker system. On receipt, the generator 94 delivers clock pulses on the line 96 and provides an alert indication on the lines 98, 100 and 102 to the receiver 104 and the retransmission sequencer 106. The receiver 104 is coupled by line 108 and

  by the capacitor 110 to the marker antenna 112.

  The output of the receiver 104 is connected by a line 114 to the message decoder 116, which receives clock pulses through the lines 118 and 120. The receiver also delivers an indication of

  interrogation messages received and decoded on the

  122 to the retransmission sequencer

  106. Exit lines 124a through 124f extend

  receiver 104 tooth to 90 controller allowing

  the latter to be informed of the messages received and

coded.

  The controller 90 applies

  output control on the lines 126a to 126c to

  the audio frequency sequencer 128, which receives clock pulses on the line 127 and informs the controller 90 of its activity on the lines 130a and 130b. The audiofrequency attack circuit 132, which

  has a piezo acoustic emission component

  electrical system, receives on line 134 signals from

  quote provided by the sequencer audiofracuence 128.

  The controller 90 provides control signals on line 136 to the sequencer

  retransmission 106 and the latter informs the

  their 90 of its activities on line 138.

  The sequencer 106 provides a signal of

  line 140 to the power generator.

  clock pulses 94 and it applies to the circuit of

  antenna plate 144 by the lines 146a and 146b of the

  output signals governing the retransmission of the

queur. *

  The input and output signals of the con-

  Troller 90 are grouped in FIG. 5 with literal indication of the type of signal and its original line

  in FIG. 4. The decoded messages indicated in the

  left-hand side of controller 90, include

  Active Packaging, Audio Packaging, Passive Packaging, Output, Storage and Cessation. At the entrance of

  above the controller are indicated the Epin-

  Open / Closed and Injured. On the right of the

* trôleur are three different signals for the

  acoustic mission, namely the signals Alarm Acti-

  ve / Inactive, Flight Warning and Aver-

  invest-. Below these signals are the

  Acoustic emission circuits, Delay 415 ms and Control Warning Completed. Below the controller 90 are indicated its output signals to

  destination of the retransmission sequencer, the

  Retrans. Active / Inactive, and the input signal provided by the sequencer to the controller, the signal

Delail, 7 sec.

  The implementation of the controller 90 will be explained in connection with the flow charts of FIGS. 6 to 9, which will also show what happens to the markers

and to the system.

  If we consider now the program

2588090 '

  principal, it is launched at operation 148 (En-

  trea) of FIG. 6 (a), it starts with the marker

  in the Disarmed state (operation 150 - Placing the

  in the disarmed state). In this state, the alarm

  the marker is inactive, as is its

  transmitter (retrans). Various measurements will put the marker in the Disarmed state, for example the message

  Storage. The interrogation of the operation 152 -

  Has the pin been closed? - is reiterated in

  case of negative answer (N) and, in the

  re (yes - O), it leads to operation 154 -

  mark the marker in the Sleep state. The state of

  watch is a temporary or transitional

  who begins to question Operation 156 - Has the pin been opened? A delay for this interrogation is set by operation 158 - Is the delay of 13.2 seconds elapsed? If the pin is open before expiry of this time, we return

  from operation 156 to operation 150. Otherwise, to the ex-

  delay, the program proceeds to the operation

  - Place the marker in the Armed state.

  In the Armed state, the alarm and retransmission

  Marker mission are both inactive. QUA

  interrogation branches, indicated by the

  162, 164, 168 and 170, are covered in this

  irconnstance._ whose first is specified in. the opera-

  ration 172 - The int. of exit was received? If the exit query (message) is received by

  the marker, the program goes to operation 174 -

  Go to Exit - to run the subprogram of

  output of FIG. 8, which is discussed later.

  At the second Armed state interrogation is executed the operation 176 Was the pin opened? .If the answer to this question is yes, a warning is given to the consumer to the operator 178 - Emit signal d warning of Vol. A short time is measured at step 180 - Does the 415 m duration have elapsed? Outer tenths

  second are therefore planned to allow

  Summoner to stop his maneuvers to open the pin and remove the marker from the item. If the consumer ends his attempt to open,

  an affirmative answer will follow in the

  Operation 182 - Is the pin closed ?, and line 184 will return the program to

  operation 160 considered above.

  If the consumer persists in

  the pin, there is a transition to operation 186 - Place the marker in the state of Flight. Here, the alarm of the marker goes into activity, as well as the retransmission of the marker. This state will persist until supervisory personnel take the measurement of the operation 188 Has the alarm call been received ?, at which time the program uses the branch 190

  2C to return to the previous operation 160.

  The third question mark is

  that leading to operation 196 - The interrogation

  Was the packaging received? In the case of

  answer to this question, the program

  I will run his cash routine from Fig. 7, which will be considered further, passing nar

Operation 198 - Go to Cashier.

  The fourth query branch

  leads to the operation 200 - Int. Storage a-

  Has it been received? In case of a positive response to this

  If you query, the program goes back through line 202 to step 150, and the marker is therefore

placed in the Disarmed state.

  If we now consider the sub-pro-

  If this is the case, it goes into FIG. 7 (a) to the Checkout 204 operation, where the marker alarm is inactive and its retransmission active. As has been seen above, the invention provides the user with the choice between three different cash modes. The request is made as to the first mode of operation

  206 - The int. Is Packing Active Packing?

  Assuming that the answer to this question is affirmative, proceed to operation 208 - The period 1.7 sec. is it over? This provides a time window of almost two seconds during which an employee occupying the checkout counter

  must open the pin and remove the marker from the

  ticle to tidy up. If the employee does so, a

  positive response is then provided to the

  Operation 210 - Was the Pin Open ?, and Proceed to Operation 212 - Place the

marker in the Disarmed state.

  If the interrogation of operation 210

  receives a negative answer following the delay of 208,

  the journey goes through operation 213, Emitting

  General Warning Control, to complete Operation 214 - Go to Operation 160, which

  means that the marker is returned to the Ar-

  me. On the subsequent receipt of an instruction from

  the mariner will be in alarm and retransmitted

  if we. Thus, this cash method adopts the premise that no marker will leave the installation of

retail.

  If the answer to the interrogation of the

  ration 206 was negative, that is, if the cash-in-use mode was not Active Packaging,

  Transition to Operation 216 - The Packaging Query

  Is it Audio or Passive Packing? If for any reason, the answer to this query is negative, the marker is directed to the armed state operation at operation 214. Otherwise, you go to

  Operation 218 - Has the pingle been opened?

  If the pin has been opened by the employee, the procedure arrives at step 220 - Go to Operation

  and the marker is placed in the Disarmed state.

  If the interrogation of operation 218

  receives a negative answer, the process continues

  by line 222 arriving in FIG. 7 (b) and at the

  ration 224 - Has the 1.7 second delay elapsed? At the end of this period, the operation

  226 - Emit the Warning Control signal.

  Operations 216 to 226 are common to both the Audio Packaging crate modes

  and Passive Packaging. In operation 228 - The int, from

  Is Packing Passive Packaging ?, the request is

  distinguish these cash modes and the treatment of

  subsequent markers. A negative answer to operation 228, which indicates that the current mode is

  Audio Packaging, moves to the execution of the

  230 - Place the marker in the Armed state. As a result, the previous common premise of Active Packing is also adopted in the Audio Packaging mode, the Audio Packaging mode comprising

  also the Warning Control signal.

  If the interrogation of the operation 228 re-

  receives an affirmative answer, we move on to the operation

  232 - Passive state, retransmission and inactive alarm

  ves. The continuation of the packaging mode of Emballaqe

  Passive leads to the interrogation of the operation 234 -

  The int. has been received, to which a positive answer is given to the execution of

  Operation 236 - Place the marker in the Dis-

  sarmë. In case of a negative answer to the query

  from operation 234, we go to operation 238 -

  Has the pin been opened ?, to which a

  affirmative answer leads to operation 240 - Go

  operation 178 and issue the warning signal

  flight. If the answer to the question is negative,

  operation 238, we proceed to the examination of

  Operation 242 - The int. of Packaging

  the summer received? A positive response to the operation

  242 advances the debt execution of the

  Fig. 246 ending in Fig. 7 (c) and the operation

  248 - Go to Cashier. A negative answer to the

  Terrogation of the operation 242 led by the line 244 to the interrogation of the operation 250 - L'int. was it received? An affirmative answer

  this interrogation leads to the operation 252 -

Go to sleep.

  One enters the output routine of FIG. 8 to the operation 254 Activate

  Alarm and Retrans. This state of the marker persists until

  that at the satisfaction of the request of the operation 262 -

  The int. was the Alarm Cessation received? If the answer to this question is positive, go to step 260 - Place the marker in

the Armed state.

  If we now consider FIG. 9

  entry into the marker routine in som-

  meil, which starts from the cash subprogram in the

  Passive Packaging mode, is carried out at

  ration 272 - Sleep. Operation 274 takes place

  terrogation - The int. of Storage has it been

  and a positive response to it leads to

  operation 276 - Place the marker in the state De-

  sarmë. Also carried out in operation 278 interrogation - Int. is it received ?, to which an affirmative answer leads

  to Operation 280 - Go to Cashier.

  Fig. 10 (a) represents a scale of

  twelve time slots, TI to T12, in which each

  one of the twelve slots occupies 4.05 milliseconds,

  the total time of the scale being 48.6 milliseconds

  onds. Fig. 10 (b) shows the transmission of

  system messages containing the message for Active Pack case mode, formed by the numeric combination 101011001101. In each time slot

  designation "1" are transmitted sixteen cycles of

  each cycle being, for example, 39.5 kilo-

  hertz, and in each time slot of designa-

  "0", the carrier is not transmitted. The battlements

  timeframes T1 to T7 are allocated to the preamble of the

  transmitted signals, ie a combination (101011OO) that all marker receptors must recognize before taking into consideration

  the message of the transmitted signals. Time slots

  T8 to T12 constitute five slots in which are defined by permutation of slots the various

  messages or words of instruction to be addressed to the

  ners. Thus, the message combination for the

  General or interrogation Active Packaging is 01101, com

  can be seen in FIG. 10 (b). The combination of

  wise for the signal Audio Packing is 01011, as shown in FIG. 10 (c). The message combination

  for Passive Packing signal is 10100, as

  ble in FIG. 10 (d). The message combination for the output signal is 01010, as shown in FIG. 10 (e). The message combination for the signal of

  Storage is 10010, as shown in FIG. 10 (f).

  The message combination for the Cessation signal

  alarm is 10011000, as shown in FIG. 10 (g).

  The message combination for the try signal is 10101, as seen in FIG. 10 (h). Fig. (i) indicates the separation between the preamble PR and the instruction word IW of system transmissions

markers.

  As indicated above, the invention

  various different acoustic emission signals

  by his markers. Fig. 11 shows the emitted alarm indication chosen for the flight warning, which is a periodic acoustic excitation signal which may have active periods, indicated by positive pulses, of 104 milliseconds each

  e, and inactive periods, located between

  successive active periods of 104 milliseconds

  LEMENT. The acoustic emission takes place for example at 3291 hertz, during the active periods. The impetus

  located rightmost in FIG. 11 is represented

  shortened, as it can be under the effect

  the appearance of an Alarm Cessation signal.

  Fig. 12 (a) represents a second variation

  noise excitation signal in which

  both "beeps" will be provided to indicate the previously considered Flight Warning status. The active periods are indicated here again by positive pulses, of 104 milliseconds each, during which an acoustic emission takes place.

  3291 hertz, and the inactive periods are here again

  re indicated by the baseline. Fig. 12 (b)

  be the completed Flight Warning signal, which occurs some 415 milliseconds after the two pulses

of acoustic excitation.

  Fig. 13 (a) represents the signal of

  Pre-warning Warning Acoustic Quote

  cited, consisting of a periodic train of four

  active period indicated by positive pulses, 104 milliseconds each, during which

  an acoustic emission at 3291 hertz, and

  inactive 726 millisecond periods separating the

  successive active periods. Fig. 13 (b) represent

  the completed Warning Control signal, which

  takes place at the end of the fourth active period.

  Before considering the mounting of antennas

  from Fig. 14, it may be useful to reconsider

  the introductory remarks from the beginning concerning the difficulties in the monitoring systems of

  the prior art of the type using transmitters

  radiant energy to markers

  alarm. As we have seen, it is obviously desirable

  table to define clear demarcation lines between article display areas, exit zones and

  cashier positions. Thus, emissions from

  and checkout have sometimes given rise to an indica-

  alarm issued by markers arranged in

the display areas of articles.

  Fig. 14 shows a mounting of antennas

  which could be centrally located in the exit area of the installation of FIG. 1, as opposed to the output output units 18a and 18b, and could be configured to avoid spurious transmission of the interrogation

  exit in the cash box. The main antenna

  Blade 282 emits the output signal of FIG. 10 (e), 101011001010, which is rehearsed on the Eig. 15 (a). The radiation pattern of the antern 282, which may be called the main antenna, is schematized

  overall by the line of separation 284, which

  tends in the area adjacent to the output which is preferably intended to be used in the function

  checkout. According to the present invention, it is

  produces a second antenna 286 which is powered by the transmission signal of FIG. 15 (b), the numerical form of which is 010100110101, complement axact

of the signal of FIG. I5 (a).

  Given the respective emissions

  complementary to the main and second antennas

  282 and 286, a line of demarcation 288 very

  Finished is defined, which allows items displayed in the display area between lines 288 and 284 to be protected from unwanted alarm indications. Thus, marked articles

  in this area will receive the signal re-

  shown in FIG. 15 (c), which lacks so many

  preamble than instruction word information.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (d), the

  secondary antenna 286 does not need to supplement the preamble, but only the word

  instructions for transmitting the main antenna.

  Here, the transmission of the secondary antenna is suspended.

  during the preamble part of the issue of the

  principal, and it simply provides the

  part of its instruction word program. It

  As shown in FIG. 15 (e), the

  ception and decoding by the markers of the preamble part of the system broadcast but a word

  instruction (11111) inoperative (unused).

  Another variant of message transmission according to the invention could use antennas

  transmitters facing each other and transmitting

  both in the space between them and in the space behind the antennas. Each antenna transmits one half of the message and is inactive while transmitting the other. The markers located between the antennas receive the entire message transmitted, while the markers not located between the antennas will receive only half of the message sent and therefore will not react.

  As can be seen from what precedes

  gives, the invention provides according to one of its aspects

  an electronic surveillance system of the type

  using markers removably attachable to items to be monitored in an installation, the system comprising:

  radiate signals containing messages

  different marks for markers, a series of

  alarm markers, each having securing means for releasably attaching the marker to an article and providing an indication emitted of its attachment state, receiving means adapted to receive these radiated signals, and decoding the message that they contain, and a marker controller means connected to the attachment means and the receiving means for selectively generating an alarm indication issued in response to the indicated state of a means

  fixing and such decoded messages.

  The installation may include an article withdrawal area or body area and an exit area, and the transmitting means comprises respective box area and exit area antennas for radiating signals containing certain

different from the various messages.

  The marker controller means may

  unconditionally register the alarm indication transmitted on reception of the signal radiated by the output zone antenna. In a similar way, the means

  marker controller can generate unconditional-

  the alarm indication issued in the event of the opening state of the fixing means and the concomitant non-reception of the signal radiated by the zone antenna.

checkout.

  However, the means of controlling

  is likely to be moreover suitable for

  the expiration of a predetermined period of time

  to the reception of the signal radiated by the antenna

  no cash box before generating the indication

  alarm in response to the state of the means of

  tion. One of the signals radiated by the medium

  may contain a message indicating the

the indication of the alarm issued from the markers, the marker controller means being adapted, on receipt of such a message of cessation message,

  to stop the alarm indication issued.

  Another of the radiated signals

  by the sending means may contain a message

  marking the marker in a state of inactivity.

  alarm means, the marker controller means being operable upon receipt of such a storage message signal to set the marker off.

  to provide the alarm indication issued.

  The installation may include a zone

  isolated (fitting room) where consumers can

  items and a receiver to receive

  see the emissions of the markers. At the reception

  such a re-transmission, the fitting receiver

  this indication, by transmission or

  to a central station of con-

trol.

  The system may further comprise detector means capable of providing an indication emitted of the detection by them of the indication of tearing of the markers. This indication is preferably an electrical signal which can be

  routed to a central monitoring station.

  The alarm indication issued from the markers is preferably an audible indication and the

  detector means may then include a trans-

  that is sensitive to the receipt of such a

  audible output and providing an electrical output signal

  in response to it. As indicated, the

  average marker controller provides several different

  these alarm indications issued, and those

  ci are provided selectively in response to the opening state of the fastening means and to the different

radiated signals.

  In the preferred embodiments,

  the marker controller means may comprise in

  it is a marker transmission means capable of selectively radiating signals upon reception of interrogation messages.

  Finally, it may be necessary to

  primary and secondary schools which issue

  Complementary complementary attitudes,

  partially opposing complementary messages or respective fractions of messages to define "watertight" demarcation lines between different

  interesting areas of the installation.

  According to the provisions represented by

  FIG. 16, the composite assistance system 300 se-

  the invention includes an SEA marker system 302 having a receiving / transmitting (RX / TX) unit 304, SEA circuits 306, article identification and price (ID) circuits 308, and visualization 310, interconnected by

  lines 312, 314, 316, 317 and 318, as shown.

  SEA markers 302 are provided selectively and removably attachable to items to be monitored, and may include fasteners, such as safety pin-like structures known in the art.

  themselves, the opening of which gives rise to a change

  discernable electrical circuit.

  The system of FIG. 16 comprises as other components: the message generator of SEA 320, connected by line 322 to the transmitter 324; the cash register unit 326, connected by line 334 to the receiver 330; and the inventory management unit 332, connected by the line 334 to the receiver 330. Overall, a series of markers of SEA 302 are in supporting relationship with the rest of the system 300, receiving broadcasts.

  of incident energy from the 324 transmitter and supplying

  output at the 330 receiver.

  The marker system 302 will further include a system

  SEA message reception and processing system, described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to i5.

  An embodiment of a pre-existing system

  The SEA marker 302 is shown in FIG. 17. The RX / TX 304 provides its signaling

  exit (receipts) on lines 312 and 314 at the deco-

  344, yes provides output signals to the remainder of the SEA circuits 306 of FIG. 16 and, through line 317a, to the PACKAGING message detector 348 and, through line 317b, to the marker storage / update entry detector 350, which are constituents of the price circuits.

  and identifying items 308 of FIG. 16.

  The message detector EMBALLAGE 348

  provides an input signal on line 352 to the

  coincidence detector 354, another input signal of which is provided on the line 356, the latter being a signal indicating the state of the

SEA marker fixation.

  The RAM interface 358 of the system

  the marker is served on line 360 by the output of the coincidence detector 354, and on

  line 362 through the output of the memory detector

  entry / update marker 350.

  Each marker system includes an item identification ID (ID) 364 and a price RAM 366. The RAM 364 communicates with the interface 358 via lines 368 and the random access memory 366 communicates with the interface. 358 by lines 370. The interface 358 is connected

  to the RX / TX 304 unit by lines 312 and 316. The

  The visualization function 310 has the function of

  to read the price contained in the price RAM 366 when an input signal is applied via line 318a from the price RAM 366 and a concomitant input signal on

  the line 318b coming from the interface 358.

  In the system of FIG. 16 and in part

  particularly in the marker system of FIG. 17

  in such a preferred embodiment indi-

  one of the modes of exploitation is that of

  the item price reading system to marker.

  The generator 320 applies on line 322 a signal provided with a preamble for this mode, followed by an identification and an item price,

  and the transmitter 324 applies the signal to one or more

  SEA markers to be assigned to a

such article.

  The received signal is applied by the re-

  transmitter-transmitter RX / TX 304 from the marker to the message detector 344, which applies all the messages received on the line 317a to the detector

packing message 348.

  As shown above in FIG. , messages from SEA have preambles, followed

  by a combination of five bits indicating the nature of

  the message, this combination identifying more

  PACKAGING messages (cash register). The indication of the receipt of such a message is provided on line 352. During the passage of the item at the checkout, the employee will open the marker attachment pin to remove the marker from the item. At this time, the coincidence detector 354 will provide

  on line 360 an exit signal to which the inter-

  RAM face 358 is responsive to recovering the identification code signal of the article in the RAM 354 and the price signal of the item in the RAM 366, and it applies these

  on lines 312 and 316 for transmission of the

  transmitter-transmitter RX / TX 304 to the receiver 330, which is arranged to discern the preambles

  are affected and I detect the Drix and the identifica-

  of the item in the received signals, from where these data are provided to units 326 and 332 of the

Fig. 16.

  In another mode of operation, the system

  marker of FIG. 17 remunerates the function of

  produce information in the marker memories 364 and 366. In this mode, the generator 320 of FIG. 16 is active, ensuring the transmission by the unit 324 of a preamble assigned to the memorization

  and updating the price of an article or a group

  pe of articles gives in association with data

  identifying and fixing the price (s) of the

  cles. The markers receiving this broadcast are shown on the line 317b from the decoder

  message 344 to the memory input detector 350

  marker update / update. Thus, the detector

  350 warns the live memory interface 358, which

  then provides the item identification and pricing data reviews to RAMs

  364 and 366 for subsequent storage and delivery

  re in the system article price reading mode.

  previously considered marker.

  The display unit 310, which may be a liquid crystal display, receives the

  price data in memory by line 318a in

  of memory 366 and it displays them

  in response to a signal on line 318b from

  RAM interface 358, which is provided continuously, except during the update or prior to the initial storage of the memory.

price data.

  A system-based SEA system and marker system that supports systems

  composites of Figs. 16 and 17 is preferably

  he Figs. 1 to 15 extended to reception and detection and issuance of samples to support pricing and identification messages

previous articles.

  The provisions described and represented have been given only as non-limiting examples, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variants

  can be made without leaving the

  of the invention, as defined by the claims

attached.

Claims (20)

  An electronic monitoring assembly of the type using markers releasably attachable to items to be monitored in an installation, said assembly being characterized in that it comprises:   (a) a transmitter means (112) specific to   signaling different respective messages for said markers; (b) a plurality of alarm markers (80), each comprising: (1) a fastener means (84) for removably attaching said marker to an article and providing an indication issued of its attachment state; (2) receiving means (82) adapted to receive such radiated signals and to decode the message they contain; and (3) marker controller means (90) connected to said attachment means and to said means for   reception to selectively generate an indica-   alarm issued in response to the indicated state of said means of attachment and such decoded messages.   2. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that said installation comprises an area (16) of withdrawal of article or box area and   an output area (18), said transmission means   carrying antennas (282, 286), respective body area and output area suitable for radiating   signals containing some different of the di- to messages.   3. An assembly according to claim 2,   characterized in that said marker controller means   (90 Fig. 5) unconditionally generates the said indi-   alarm citation issued upon receipt of said signal   radiated by said output area antenna.   4. The assembly of claim 1,   characterized in that said marker controller means   (90, Fig. 5) unconditionally generates said indi-   alarm citation issued in case of open state of said fixing means.   5. An assembly according to claim 3,   characterized in that said marker controller means   (90, Fig. 5) unconditionally generates said indi-   alarm citation issued in case of open state of said   concomitant fixation and non-reception   said signal radiated by said horn antenna is.   6EnsembIe according to claim 5,   characterized in that said marker control means.   (90, Fig. 5) is further adapted to wait for the expiry   predetermined period of time following reception of said signal radiated by said antenna of   zone (286) before refreshing the said indicator   alarm issued in response to the state of said means of fixation.   7. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that one of said signals radiated by said transmitting means contains a message indicating the termination of the transmitted marker alarm indication, said marker controller means (90, Fia.5) being adapted to stop the alarm indication: setting   reception of such a signal of cessation messaae.   8. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that one of said sianals radiated by said transmitting means contains a message indicating the storage of said marker in a state of alarm inactivity, said marker controller means (90) being adapted to set the marker off state of supply   the alarm indication issued upon receipt of such general message of rangemer.t.   9. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that said marker comprises a means   an audible signal generator (128, 132) for obtaining   said transmitted alarm indication and comprises an electrical signal transmission means 2 adapted to react to the marker alarm state by generating an output signal, said installation comprising an isolated area (14a) for enabling customer   the said articles, the said isolated area   carrying a receiver (68) for receiving said   output signal of means for sending electrical signals c.   10. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that it further comprises a means de-   to provide an indication emitted of its detection of such an alarm indication issued from marker pen.   11. An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that said alarm indication issued from a marker is an audible indication, said detector means comprising a transducer capable of reacting.   upon receipt of said audible and general   an electrical output signal in response to this the latter.   12. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that said controller means of   many different   alarms issued orecified.   13. The assembly of claim 12, characterized in that said alarm indications   different issues are provided selectively   response to the opening state of the fastening means and   to some different of said ray signals born.   14. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that said marker controller means further comprises a marker emitting means (306) adapted to selectively radiate dependent signals   selectively from the receipt of some of the said wise.   15. An assembly according to claim 1,   characterized in that it comprises an emission means   secondary signal (308) capable of radiating a signal of   complementary to that radiated by the means of mission mentioned first.   An assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that said signal radiated by said first mentioned transmission means comprises a preamble portion and a message portion, and that said signal radiated by said transmitting means   secondary school includes a preamble and a part message.   17. The assembly of claim 16,   characterized in that said preamble and la-   said message portion of said signal radiated by said   medium of secondary emission are.so   complementary to said oretambule portion and said message portion of said signal radiated by said means   mentioned in the first place.   18. The assembly of claim 15,   characterized in that it is disdosed in a   the first controlled area (16) and a second adjacent controlled area (18) and   what said message contained in said ray signal   born by said first transmitting means is a message intended to be exclusively received and decoded by means of marker receiving means (320) arranged in the first controlled zone, said first mentioned transmission means being placed in said first controlled zone and said secondary transmission means being located between said first mentioned transmission means and said second controlled zone. 19. The assembly of claim 18,   characterized in that said first control zone   is an exit zone (18) of said installation   said second controlled area is a withdrawal area or box area (16) of said installation.   20. The assembly of claim 1,   characterized in that the radiated signals comprise   messages relating to the pricing and identification of the articles and in that said markers comprise clean circuits (306, 308)   to respond to such messages of elec-   tronics of articles and to receive, memorize and   such pricing and identification data   tification of articles, said set comprising   besides means (304, 330) to interrogate   so-called markers to give rise to the issuance by   markers of pricing data and i-   which are stored there.   21. An assembly according to claim 20,   characterized in that it comprises memory means   inventory (332) to respond to such a situation.   delivery of a marker of said identification data   by selectively decreasing the stock content   stored in correspondence with said identification data   fication. 22. An assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a price totaling means (326) able to react to such a marker delivery of said fixing data of price to total them.   23. The assembly of claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a means of   memorization of stock to react to such a de-   delivering marker of said identification data   by selectively decrementing the content of   morated in correspondence with said identification data   cation and a total price   to such a marker delivery of said data   price fixing to total them.