GB2590669A

GB2590669A - Security tag

Info

Publication number: GB2590669A
Application number: GB1919181.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Napthine Russell
Original assignee: Sekura Global LLP
Current assignee: Sekura Global IP LLP
Priority date: 2019-12-23
Filing date: 2019-12-23
Publication date: 2021-07-07
Also published as: GB201919181D0; WO2021130491A1

Abstract

A security tag 100 for use with an electronic article surveillance system. The security tag 100 is attachable to an article 16 and comprises a detector module (102 fig. 2), a wireless transmitter (106 fig. 2), and a locator module (104 fig. 2) switchable from an inactive state to an active state. The locator module may be configured to receive a wireless location signal, such as a GPS signal, when the locator module is in the active state. The locator module is triggered to switch from the inactive state to the active state when the detector module detects a wireless activation signal from a fixed antenna 20, 21 of the electronic article surveillance system, and the locator module 104 is configured to cause the wireless transmitter to transmit a wireless position signal when the locator module 104 is in the active state. The detector module may be a radio-frequency (RF) detector. The tag may comprise an audible alarm (110 fig. 2) and a tamper module (108 fig. 2) configured to activate the alarm if the tag is removed. The tamper module may also activate the locator module if removal is detected.

Description

SECURITY TAG

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to security tags and to electronic article surveillance systems that are used to deter theft of items in a retail environment. In particular, this disclosure relates to security tags including location tracking features.

BACKGROUND

Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used to discourage and detect theft of articles from retail environments.

Typically, an EAS system consists of one or more pedestal units positioned at the exit locations of a retail premises, and a plurality of security tags that can be permanently or temporarily attached to the articles on display in the premises. If an article is purchased, the attached tag is removed and/or deactivated so that the customer can leave the premises with the article.

However, if an armed security tag comes into proximity with a pedestal unit, it responds to an activation signal transmitted by the pedestal unit. For example, the tag may respond by generating a response signal that is detectable by the same or another pedestal unit. When the pedestal unit detects the response signal, an alarm system on the pedestal unit is activated to provide an audible and visual indication of a potential theft in progress.

Some tags are "active", and include a power supply and additional circuitry to provide additional functionality. For example, the tag itself may include an alarm, and in such cases the tag may respond to the activation signal by sounding the alarm in the tag itself. The tag may also include a tamper detection circuit that responds to an unauthorised attempt to remove the tag by sounding the alarm in the tag. -2 -

Such systems can provide an effective deterrent to theft. However, such systems do not typically assist in the recovery of stolen articles or the identification of perpetrators unless staff are available to take immediate action upon the activation of an alarm.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a security tag and electronic article surveillance system that offers improvements in the location of articles after unauthorised removal from a retail premises.

SUMMARY

Against that background, and from a first aspect, the invention provides a security tag for use with an electronic article surveillance system, the system comprising a fixed antenna emitting a localised wireless activation signal, and the security tag being attachable to an article and comprising a detector module configured to detect the wireless activation signal from the fixed antenna of the electronic article surveillance system, a wireless transmitter, and a locator module switchable from an inactive state to an active state. The locator module is triggered to switch from the inactive state to the active state when the detector module detects the wireless activation signal, and the locator module is configured to cause the wireless transmitter to transmit a wireless position signal when the locator module is in the active state.

With this arrangement, the transmitted position signal can be used to assist in location and recovery of an article after its unauthorised removal from a premises, past the fixed antenna located at an exit of the premises. Because the locator module is switched into its active state upon detection of the activation signal, the tag does not consume power in receiving a location signal or transmitting a position signal during normal handling, inspection and movement of the article within the premises. In this way, available power in the tag is conserved to maximise the time over which the position signal is transmitted. -3 -

The tag may include an alarm configured to emit an audible alarm signal upon activation of the alarm, and a tamper module configured to detect removal of the security tag from the article and to activate the alarm in response to said removal.

In some embodiments, the alarm is not activated in response to detection of the wireless activation signal by the detector module. In this way, the presence and location of the tag is not revealed to the perpetrator, improving the possibility of recovery and detection. Alternatively, the detector module may be configured to activate the alarm when the detector module detects the wireless activation signal.

The locator module may be triggered to switch from the inactive state to the active state when the tamper module detects removal of the security tag from the article. In this case, the position signal is transmitted to assist with locating a tag that is being tampered with or which has been discarded within the retail premises.

The tag may also comprise an alarm configured to emit an audible alarm signal upon activation of the alarm in embodiments in which a tamper module is not present. The detector module is preferably configured to activate the alarm when the detector module detects the wireless activation signal.

Preferably, the locator module is configured to receive a wireless location signal when the locator module is in the active state. For example, the locator module may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and the wireless location signal may comprise a GPS signal. The wireless position signal may comprise location data, such as GPS coordinates. Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless position signal may comprise a radio-frequency or other signal for detection by a real-time locating system receiver, such as a handheld or vehicle-mounted receiver.

So that the tag can be disarmed, the detector module may be switchable from an active state, in which detection of the wireless activation signal is possible, to an inactive state in which the detector module does not detect the wireless activation signal. For example, the detector module may be configured to detect a deactivation -4 -signal and to switch from the active state to the inactive state in response to detection of the deactivation signal. Alternatively, or in addition, the tag may comprise a deactivation switch operable to switch the detector module from the active state to the inactive state.

The tag may comprise a locator power supply for powering the wireless transmitter and the locator module. The locator power supply may be operational to supply power only when the locator module is in the active state. In this way, the locator power supply may be reserved for use by the locator module and/or the wireless transmitter, so as to maximise the transmission time of the position signal.

Any suitable wireless electronic article surveillance technology may be used for activating the tag. For example, the detector module may comprise a radio-frequency detector for detecting a radio-frequency activation signal.

The tag may include a fastener, lanyard, pin, adhesive element, clip, clamp or any other suitable coupling for attaching the device to the article.

In a second aspect, the invention provides an electronic surveillance system for the detection of unauthorised removal of an article from an area and subsequent tracking of said article, comprising a fixed antenna configured to emit a localised wireless activation signal at a predetermined frequency, the fixed antenna being installable at an exit of the area, and a security tag according to the first aspect of the invention, the security tag being attachable to the article. Upon unauthorised removal of the article from the area, the detector module may detect the wireless activation signal from the fixed antenna to switch the locator module from the inactive state to the active state, thereby to cause the wireless transmitter to transmit a wireless position signal.

The fixed antenna may be part of a pedestal unit, which may include a pedestal alarm system and may be configured to detect the presence of the security tag in the location of the pedestal unit and to cause the pedestal alarm system to provide -5 -an alarm indication upon such detection.

In a third aspect, the invention extends to a method for tracking an article after unauthorised removal of the article from a premises, the method comprising attaching to the article a security tag having a locator module, the locator module being switchable from an inactive state to an active state in which the locator module is configured to transmit a position signal from the security tag, transmitting an activation signal to the security tag to switch the locator module from the inactive state to the active state when the article is removed from the premises, and receiving the position signal from the security tag at a receiver remote from the security tag.

The method may comprise transmitting the activation signal at an exit from the premises. In some cases, unauthorised removal of the article from the premises does not result in the emission of an alarm signal from the tag.

Preferably, the tag comprises a tamper module for detecting unauthorised removal of the tag from the article, and the method comprises emitting an alarm signal from the tag upon detection of said unauthorised removal.

The method may comprise, when the locator module is in the active state, receiving a wireless location signal by the locator module.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment of the invention may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and 25 embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which: -6 -Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a retail environment in which an electronic article surveillance system according to the invention is in use; and Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a security tag according to the invention for use in the electronic article surveillance system of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 is a plan view of a retail unit or similar retail premises in which an electronic article surveillance system according to the invention may be used. The retail unit defines an enclosed interior 12 which, in this example, is accessible by way of a single doorway 14.

A plurality of merchandise articles 16 are on display in the unit 10. In this illustrative example, the articles 16 are displayed on shelving 18, but the articles could be displayed on any appropriate fitting, such as on hanging rails when the articles are garments.

A pair of pedestal antenna units 20, 21 of the electronic article surveillance system 20 are disposed across the doorway 14 of the unit in such a way that, for a person to exit the interior 12, it is necessary to pass through a sensing zone 22 between the pedestal units 20, 21.

A point of sale station 24 is also provided in the interior 12 of the unit 10. The point of sale station 24 may include an electronic point of sale terminal (not shown). A tag removal tool 26 of the electronic article surveillance system is located at the point of sale station 24.

A security tag 100 is attached to each one of the articles 16. As will be described in 30 more detail below, the security tags 100 are switchable between an armed mode and a disarmed mode. When attached to an article 16 and placed on display in the retail unit 10, each tag 10 is in the armed mode. -7 -

As is known in the art, one of the pair of pedestal units 20 is configured to transmit an activation signal, which in this example is a radio-frequency (RF) signal at a predetermined frequency. The other pedestal unit 21 is configured as a receiver to detect a response signal from the tag 100 and/or a modification of the activation signal as a result of a tag 100 being present in the sensing zone 22.

The article 16, with the tag 100 attached and in the armed mode, can be picked up and moved around the interior 12 of the retail unit 10 with no response from the tag 100 or the pedestal units 20, 21. In normal circumstances, if the article 16 is to be purchased, a customer will take the article 16 to the point of sale station 24, whereupon the tag 100 is detached from the article using the tag removal tool 26. The tag 100 may also be switched into a disarmed mode by the tag removal tool 26 and stored for re-use. The customer is then able to carry the article 16, without the tag 100, out of the unit without triggering a response from the tag 100 or the pedestal units 20, 21.

In the armed mode, the tag 100 is responsive both to attempts to remove the tag 100 from the article 16 otherwise than by use of the tag removal tool 26 (i.e. tampering), and to passage of the tag 100 through the sensing zone 22 between the pedestal units 20, 21 (as would occur during theft of the article 16). As will be described in more detail below, tampering switches the tag 100 into an alarm mode to alert staff within the retail unit 10, while passage of the tag 100 through the sensing zone 22 switches the tag 100 into a tracking mode that allows remote tracking of the location of the tag 100 outside the retail unit 10.

Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment the tag 100 includes a detector module 102, a locator module 104, a wireless transmitter 106, a tamper module 108 and an alarm 110. The tag 100 also includes a main power supply 112 that supplies power to the detector module 102, the tamper module 108 and the alarm 110, and a locator power supply 114 that supplies power to the locator module 104 and the wireless transmitter 106. The main and locator power supplies may be single-use (primary) -8 -or rechargeable (secondary) batteries.

The detector module 102 is configured to detect the activation signal transmitted by the transmitter pedestal unit 20. To this end, the detector module includes an RE tank circuit (also known as an LC circuit) comprising an inductor coil and a capacitor (not shown). The RE tank circuit is tuned to resonate at the frequency of the activation signal. Resonance of the RE tank circuit is detected by the detector module 102, which responds by activating the locator module 104.

The locator module 104 switches from an inactive state to an active state when activated by the detector module 102 in response to detection of the activation signal. The locator module 104 includes a GPS (global positioning system) receiver that, in the active state, receives a GPS location signal and calculates a location of the tag 100 in GPS coordinates. The locator module 104 causes the transmitter 106 to transmit a tag position signal containing the GPS coordinates. For example, the transmitter 106 may include a cellular modem and a suitable antenna for the transmission of GPS coordinate data from the tag 100 to a remote server. The position signal may be transmitted continuously or, to preserve battery life, at suitable intervals.

In this way, if an article 16 and its attached tag 100 are removed from the retail unit 10 by passing through the sensing zone 22 between the pedestals 20, 21, the locator module 104 switches from the inactive state to the active state and starts to transmit location data to the remote server. The tag 100 is therefore set into a tracking mode. The location data can then be used to track the location of the article 16 after its unauthorised removal, potentially allowing recovery of the article and identification of those responsible.

In the inactive state, the locator module 104 and transmitter 106 draw minimal or zero current from the locator power supply 114. To this end, the locator module 104 may initially be energised by the detector module 102, which is powered by the main power supply 112, to switch it into the active state. Once in the active state, the -9 -locator module 104 and transmitter 106 draw current from the locator power supply 114 for the purposes of receiving the GPS signal and transmitting the tag position signal. In this way, operation of the locator module 104 and the transmitter 106 can be reliably maintained for a suitable period of time, irrespective of the state of charge of the main power supply 112. The locator power supply 114 is preferably selected to allow the tag 100 to transmit the position signal for approximately 48 hours after activation of the locator module 104.

Referring back to Figure 1, the pair of pedestals 20, 21 may detect the presence of the tag 100 as it passes through the sensing zone 22. For example, the detector module 102 may be configured to transmit a response signal when resonance of the RF tank circuit occurs, so that the response signal can be detected by the receiver pedestal 21.

When the receiver pedestal 21 detects the response signal, an audible and visual alarm signal is emitted from both pedestals 20, 21 to alert store staff to the unauthorised removal of the article 16.

Referring again to Figure 2, the tamper module 108 of the tag 100 is configured to detect unauthorised removal of the tag 100 from the article 16. In this example, the tamper module 108 monitors continuity between a pair of wires 116 that are normally electrically connected when the tag 100 is attached to the article 16. For instance, the wires 116 may form part of a cable arrangement that extends around the article 16 to attach the tag 100 to the article 16, for example as described in the applicant's granted UK Patent No. 2515036 B. Cutting of the cables in an attempt to remove the tag 100 from the article 16 will be detected by tamper module 108 as a loss of continuity between the wires 116. Upon such detection, the tamper module 108 causes the alarm 110 of the tag 100 to activate.

The alarm 110, when activated, emits an audible alarm signal to draw attention to -10 -the tag 100. In this way, staff in the retail unit 10 are alerted to an unauthorised attempt to remove the tag 100 from the article 16. The alarm 110 may also emit a visible alarm signal, such as a flashing light.

Optionally, detection of tampering by the tamper module 108 and/or activation of the alarm 110 also triggers the locator module 104 to switch into the active state. In this way, it may be possible to locate the tag 100 quickly using the position signal to disrupt the perpetrator's activities, and/or to identify particular locations within the retail unit where articles are being tampered with or removed tags discarded for the improvement of future monitoring and other loss-prevention activities.

Optionally, the detector module 102 may be configured to activate the alarm 110 when the detector module 102 detects the activation signal in the sensing zone 22. In this way, the alarm 110 would serve to draw attention to unauthorised removal of the article 16 from the retail unit 10 immediately at the time of removal. Alternatively, the detector module 102 may be configured not to activate the alarm 110 upon detection of the activation signal. This may be desirable so as not to draw the suspected thief's attention to the presence of the tag 100, thereby increasing the likelihood of subsequent recovery of the article 16 and identification of the perpetrator in a more controlled manner than may be possible at the moment of removal of the article 16 from the retail unit 10.

Similarly, in a variant of the system, the pedestal units 20, 21 may be configured not to emit an audible and/or visual alarm signal when an armed tag 100 passes through the sensing zone 22. Instead, a suitable audible and/or visual indication may be provided other than at the pedestal units 20, 21, for example at the point of sale station 24 or another location within the unit, or at a remote location. In this way, staff are alerted to the removal of an article 16 without drawing the perpetrator's attention to the presence of the tag 100. In a further variant, such an indication is provided in addition to the pedestal units 20, 21 emitting an audible and/or visual alarm signal.

In the illustrated example, the tag 100 is re-usable. Accordingly, if the article 16 is purchased in the retail unit 10, it is necessary to remove the tag 100 from the article 16 before the customer leaves the unit 10. To this end, the tag 100 is removable at the point of sale station 24, using the removal tool 26. The tag 100 can be attached to the article 16 by any suitable means, such as are known in the art, and the corresponding removal tool 26 can be provided. Examples include magnetic, mechanical and electromechanical mechanisms.

Depending on the attachment and removal mechanism, it may not be necessary to disarm the tag 100 before or during the removal process. In such cases, the tag 100 can be removed without triggering the tamper module 108, and can then be stored within the retail unit 10 and subsequently re-attached to another article 16.

In some cases, however, it may be necessary or desirable to disarm the tag 100 before or during its removal from the article 16 or at other times, for example to conserve battery life or to allow authorised movement of tags 100 into and out of the unit 10.

In one embodiment, the tag 100 includes a deactivation switch (not shown) that is operable to disarm the tag 100 by switching the detector module 102 into an inactive state in which it no longer detects the activation signal. The deactivation switch may also switch the tamper module 108 into an inactive state in which it no longer detects tampering. The deactivation switch may, for example, be a switch that disconnects the main power supply 112 from the detector module 102, tamper module 108 and/or alarm 110. The deactivation switch may be operable by the removal tool 24 so that the tag 100 is disarmed upon removal. The deactivation switch may be subsequently operable to re-arm the tag 100, switching the detector module 102 and the tamper module 108 back into their respective active states.

In another embodiment, the detector module 102 is configured to detect a deactivation signal that differs from the activation signal. For example, the deactivation signal may be at a different frequency to the activation signal. In -12 -response to detection of the deactivation signal, the detector module 102 switches into an inactive state in which it no longer reacts to the activation signal, and may also switch the tamper module 108 into the inactive state. The tag 100 may be rearmed by a re-activation signal that is also detectable by the detector module 102.

These and various other means for disarming and re-arming the tag 100 will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

The present invention also extends to non-removable (disposable) tags, which are not removed from the article 16 during a sale transaction. Instead, such tags remain attached to the article 16 (for example as part of the packaging, or being incorporated into the product) when the article 16 is removed from the store. In such cases, it is usually necessary to deactivate the tag in a permanent manner at the point of sale station 24 to avoid triggering an alarm upon exiting the unit 10 and to ensure that the locator module does not become active. Such deactivation can be achieved using suitable non-reversible switches, by removal of the main and/or locator power supplies, or by rendering the LC tank circuit inoperative by suitable magnetic, electromagnetic or physical means as is known in the art.

In the above-described examples, the wireless position signal transmitted by the tag includes location information, such as GPS coordinates. Alternatively, or in addition, the position signal transmitted by the locator module may be a radio-frequency or other signal that is locally detectable, such as is known in the art of real-time location systems. In such cases, a handheld or portable receiver can be used to guide personnel to the tag.

It will be appreciated that the tags and electronic article surveillance systems of the present invention may include features known from existing tags and systems in addition to or instead of those features described above.

For instance, in the above examples, the detector module and pedestal units are configured to use radio-frequency signals. However, alternatively or in addition, the -13 -detector module and pedestal units could be configured to use acousto-magnetic and/or electromagnetic technology as is known in the art of electronic article surveillance systems. A single pedestal unit, including an antenna for transmitting the activation signal and a receiver, may be used instead of a pair of pedestal units; similarly, more than two pedestal units may be provided. The antenna need not be provided in a pedestal unit, but could instead be provided in a unit for wall, floor or ceiling mounting or for mounting to a checkout aisle and so on.

Tags according to the invention may be of any suitable form. Examples include box grips with lanyards or cables for attachment to boxes, pin tags for attachment to garments, adhesive labels, bottle tags for attachment to bottles, and many other configurations.

Any suitable tamper-sensing arrangement may be used to detect attempted removal of the tag from the article or other forms of tampering (such as attempts to open the case of the tag). Examples include pressure-sensitive switches, microswitches, accelerometers, shock sensors, and so on.

In certain applications, it may be desirable to omit certain features from the tags and 20 systems described above. For example, in some cases it may not be necessary to include a tamper module or an alarm, or to provide the pedestal units with the ability to detect the passage of a tag through the sensing zone.

Further modifications and variations are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-14 -CLAIMS1. A security tag for use with an electronic article surveillance system, the system comprising a fixed antenna emitting a localised wireless activation signal; the security tag being attachable to an article and comprising: a detector module configured to detect the wireless activation signal from the fixed antenna of the electronic article surveillance system; a wireless transmitter; and a locator module switchable from an inactive state to an active state; wherein the locator module is triggered to switch from the inactive state to the active state when the detector module detects the wireless activation signal; and wherein the locator module is configured to cause the wireless transmitter to transmit a wireless position signal when the locator module is in the active state.
2. A security tag according to Claim 1, comprising: an alarm configured to emit an audible alarm signal upon activation of the alarm; and a tamper module configured to detect removal of the security tag from the article and to activate the alarm in response to said removal.
3. A security tag according to Claim 2, wherein the alarm is not activated in response to detection of the wireless activation signal by the detector module.
4. A security tag according to Claim 2, wherein the detector module is configured to activate the alarm when the detector module detects the wireless activation signal.
A security tag according to any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the locator module is triggered to switch from the inactive state to the active state when the -15 -6. 7. 10. 11. 12. 13.tamper module detects removal of the security tag from the article.
A security tag according to Claim 1, comprising an alarm configured to emit an audible alarm signal upon activation of the alarm, wherein the detector module is configured to activate the alarm when the detector module detects the wireless activation signal.
A security tag according to any preceding claim, wherein the locator module is configured to receive a wireless location signal when the locator module is in the active state.
A security tag according to Claim 7, wherein the locator module comprises a global positioning system receiver and the wireless location signal comprises a global positioning system signal.
A security tag according to any preceding claim, wherein the wireless position signal comprises location data.
A security tag according to any preceding claim, wherein the detector module is switchable from an active state in which detection of the wireless activation signal is possible to an inactive state in which the detector module does not detect the wireless activation signal.
A security tag according to Claim 10, wherein the detector module is configured to detect a deactivation signal and to switch from the active state to the inactive state in response to detection of the deactivation signal.
A security tag according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, comprising a deactivation switch operable to switch the detector module from the active state to the inactive state.
A security tag according to any preceding claim, comprising a locator power -16 -supply for powering the wireless transmitter and the locator module, the locator power supply being operational to supply power only when the locator module is in the active state.
14. A security tag according to any preceding claim, wherein the detector module comprises a radio-frequency detector for detecting a radio-frequency activation signal.
15. An electronic surveillance system for the detection of unauthorised removal of an article from an area and subsequent tracking of said article, comprising: a fixed antenna configured to emit a localised wireless activation signal at a predetermined frequency, the fixed antenna being installable at an exit of the area; and a security tag according to any preceding claim, the security tag being attachable to the article; wherein, upon unauthorised removal of the article from the area, the detector module detects the wireless activation signal from the fixed antenna to switch the locator module from the inactive state to the active state, thereby to cause the wireless transmitter to transmit a wireless position signal.
16. An electronic surveillance system according to Claim 15, comprising a pedestal unit including the fixed antenna and a pedestal alarm system and configured to detect the presence of the security tag in the location of the pedestal unit and to cause the pedestal alarm system to provide an alarm indication upon such detection.
17. A method for tracking an article after unauthorised removal of the article from a premises, the method comprising: attaching to the article a security tag having a locator module, the locator module being switchable from an inactive state to an active state in which the locator module is configured to transmit a position signal from the security tag; -17 -transmitting an activation signal to the security tag to switch the locator module from the inactive state to the active state when the article is removed from the premises; and receiving the position signal from the security tag at a receiver remote from the security tag.
18. A method according to Claim 17, comprising transmitting the activation signal at an exit from the premises.
19. A method according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein unauthorised removal of the article from the premises does not result in the emission of an alarm signal from the tag
20. A method according to any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the tag comprises a tamper module for detecting unauthorised removal of the tag from the article, and the method comprises emitting an alarm signal from the tag upon detection of said unauthorised removal.
21. A method according to any of Claims 17 to 20, comprising: when the locator module is in the active state, receiving a wireless location signal by the locator module.