MX2008002266A - Method and device for protecting articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting articles (2), especially displayed goods, from theft. Said device comprises a sensor, connected to a control and alarm device (4) for triggering an alarm when the sensor (3) responds, and to be secured to the article (2) to be protected. The device (1) also comprises a device for detecting if a person gets closer to the displayed article (2) or when the article (2) is removed but not taken. For this purpose, a sensor (7) responds when a person gets closer or when the article (2) is removed and is control-connected to the control and alarm device (4). The control and alarm device (4) is connected to a product information device (13) for presenting the displayed article (2).

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROTECTING ITEMS This invention relates to a method for securing objects, in particular merchandise articles put on display, where an alarm is produced when the object is stolen. In addition, the present invention relates to an apparatus for implementing the method, wherein for the protection of objects against theft, including in particular items of merchandise put on display, the provision is made for a sensor that is adapted to be fixed to the object to be secured and connected to a verification and alarm device to activate an alarm in response of the sensor. The monitoring of freely presented objects to protect them against theft, by means of a sensor that is connected to a verification and alarm device by way of a current line is known in the art. When the line or the anti-theft installation is manipulated or the sensor is removed, the verification and alarm device activates an audible and visual alarm. On the other hand, sales promotion systems are known to use, for example, endless audiovisual advertising. They suffer, however, from the disadvantage of not allowing perfectly timed advertising in relation to a particular product and aimed at specific information needs, consequently resulting in high coverage losses. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus of the initially referred type, which allows related advertising of the product, specifies while at the same time providing reliable monitoring of the exhibited object and requiring a comparatively small expense particularly in equipment and installation. To achieve this objective, with respect to the method of the invention it is proposed that, apart from an alarm that is activated when the object is stolen, a connection function is performed when a person approaches the object or removes the object without taking it away, and at least one action starts with the connection, the action that includes at least one product information about the object being displayed. With respect to the apparatus it is proposed that this includes a connection device that performs a connection function when a person approaches the object on the display or removes the object without taking it, that for this purpose a sensor is provided that responds when a person is approximates or removes the object and is in control communication with the verification and alarm device, and that the verification and alarm device is connected to a product information device for present the exhibited object. Because of the connection using an additional connection sensor operable in approaching or removing the person from the object connected to the verification and alarm device already provided as an anti-theft device, it is possible to attract the interest of a prospective client / observer in a manner simple when presenting, for example, the function of the exhibition. Considering these essential components of the anti-theft device, which are generally already provided, can be shared, a simple and inexpensive system expansion is possible by adding the product information as a supplementary function. Preferably, the product information about the object on display is through audiovisual devices, since this allows for comprehensive information in a particularly intensive, quick and effective manner. The audiovisual product information can preferably be obtained by means of a product information device that includes a video database with a particular digital player and a visual display unit connected for visual display and, as the case may be, a speaker and / or a hearing aid. Typically, a free presentation includes a plurality of objects. When, as an additional action, the events are counted and / or the date and / or the time of the day are saved, the detections can be stored with date and time of day for later reference in statistical analysis in order to obtain information about the attractiveness of the object put on display. For this purpose, the verification and alarm device includes a storage memory to store the count of the event and / or date and / or time of the event. In the absence of a current event that is detected, no promotion related to the product will be shown, instead the general publicity may be shown in the average time. This may include the advertising of the manufacturer of the exhibited object or market advertising. These advertising periods and the statistical data mentioned in the above can be evaluated and / or sold to manufacturers, for example. Particularly electronic products in the fields of information technology and audio / video equipment are as a rule freely presented in substantial quantities. When an anti-theft alarm is triggered, it is therefore difficult to be able to locate the site of the theft promptly. Therefore, it can be useful when, in the case of a theft, an audible alarm is activated and at least one visual alarm related to the object to be insured is detected. produced by the device provided to the audiovisual product information. In the case of an anti-theft alarm, it is possible to display an alarm notification related to the product in the visual display unit associated with the stolen object, thus allowing the site of the theft to be located promptly. Using the same infrastructure, it is therefore possible to place the objects freely presented under surveillance, allowing a visualization related to the product, quick of the alarm on the one hand and on the promotion of the objects on the other hand, which results in cost reductions Significant in the investment and the collection / sale of statistical data. It is also worth mentioning that the connection sensor is also capable of triggering additional promotional actions that include, for example, actions that also direct the other sense organs, such as essences, wind and the like. The sensor of the connection device may be a sensor in motion. This operates to begin product information when a prospective buyer approaches or stands in front of the product on display. No additional action is required in this case. However, the possibility also exists for the sensor of the connection device to be a removal sensor. From this event the product information is not started until the prospective buyer takes the product in his hand, which shows an obvious interest in it. False activations as they may be caused when a customer is passing by are thus avoided. In any event, the product information is activated when the prospective buyer is within a predetermined range in the region of the product displayed. The sensor can also be used as. a special proximity sensor for distance measurement. This distance sensor is arranged in the proximity of the displayed object to be secured and detects the distance between it and an object to be insured or a person approaching it. Among other things, the measured distance can be evaluated for a signaling function, where appropriate, with the activation of information related to the product and / or an early warning and a notice of theft. When the product is removed and maintained within a distance of, for example, 2 m, a connection signal may be emitted, for example, by the activation of an orange LED light in order to indicate to the user that its action is taxed. He must move away from the distance sensor together with the product by a distance of more than two meters, by example, this was interpreted as theft, and an alarm would be triggered. When a person approaches the exhibited object, the product information is initiated, where appropriate in conjunction with the early warning. The proximity sensor can also be configured such as to respond when the displayed object is touched. Therefore, an action can be released on the approach, removal or touch of the displayed object. The sensor of the connection device can also be a switch, in particular a mechanical or capacitive or inductive or optoelectronic or magnetic switch. Particularly advantageous, the sensor of the connection device is part of the arrangement of the anti-theft sensor, because this allows multiplexes to be made of the existing equipment. In a preferred embodiment, e41 anti-theft sensor arrangement can include a fixed sensor to the object to be secured, the sensor that is connected to the verification device and, alarm through a cable wound on a cable retractor, with the device sensor connection that is configured to detect when the coiled cable is being pulled from the cable retractor. The cable refractor provides an "orderly" presentation. The sensor can be configured as a switch magnetic comprising a relay contact mounted on the enclosure of the cable retractor and a magnet fitted to the sliding type cable. In this arrangement it is suitable for the magnet fitted to the cable when being constructed as a 'cable stop' which rests against a projection against the cable in approximately coiled condition. Such a sensor arrangement allows, inter alia, the advantage of being retroactive with ease. While the apparatus of the invention and related method relate primarily to securing merchandise items, they may also find utility in displays, galleries, for example, to provide the observer with explanations / information, and, on the other hand, in the securing exhibitions, such as paintings, against theft. The theft detection sensor may preferably be fixed to the structure or the like, while the connection sensor is preferably a motion sensor which, in the recording of an observer's presence, initiates the output of information. The present invention with its essential details will be described in more detail in the following with reference to two modalities. In the drawings that show in a schematic list in some way, FIG. 1 is an apparatus for protection against theft as well as for automatic output of product information; and FIG. 2 is · an apparatus similar to that of FIG. 1 but that includes a distance sensor. An apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 serves the dual purpose of protecting articles of merchandise placed on display or objects 2 against theft and performs a connection function when a person approaches object 2 or removes the object without taking it away. When a connection function is performed, at least one action, desirably a product information has close to the object on display, is initiated. Objects 2, which include cell phones, for example, are freely accessible to the prospective buyer on one or several display shelves. Depending on the configuration of the device 1, up to 250 items can be monitored and presented by audiovisual devices. The apparatus 1 includes a theft detection sensor 3 which is secured to the object 2 and secured to a verification and alarm device 4 by means of a cable 5. When the detector 3 responds when it is removed from the object 2 or when cable 5 is cut / manipulated, an alarm against theft will be produced.

When a person approaches or removes the object 2 on display, it will be registered by a connection device, the resulting action is then an audiovisual product information. In the embodiment shown, the connection device includes a removal sensor 7 that is in control communication with the verification and alarm device 4 provided as an anti-theft device or via a cable 8, so that both functions require only one device verification and shared alarm. The cable 5 connected to the anti-theft detection sensor 3 is wound on a cable retractor 9. The removal sensor 7 is configured to detect when the coiled cable 5 is being unwound from the cable retractor 9. In the embodiment shown the sensor 7 is It is constructed as a magnetic switch having a relay contact 11 fitted to the enclosure of the cable retractor 10 as well as a magnet 12 fitted to the sliding type cable 5. The relay contact is preferably embedded in plastic and can be mounted on or in the enclosure of the cable retractor 10. In addition to its function as a permanent magnet to interrupt the relay contact as soon as the magnet leaves its rest position when the cable is pulled, tiring the magnetic field in the relay contact to be interrupted, the magnet 12 has the added function of a cable detection for mitigation of draft of the cable 5 and the connected sensor 3 in the rest position. In this arrangement, the magnet 12 fixed to the cable 5 functions as a cable detection, which rests in the approximately coiled condition of the cable 5 against a projection defined by the enclosure in this mode. It is particularly advantageous in this arrangement for the sensor 7 (event sensor) to be easily retrievable, to be a low cost and solid article and to require little space. To present the objects 2 put on display, the product information devices 13 are in control communication with the verification and alarm device. The product information device 13 contains a function block .14 with a video database and a digital player as well as a visual display unit 15. The dashed line indicates that, for example, 10 plural information devices of product 13. can be connected to the verification and alarm device 4. Depending on the removal sensor 7 is activated, the associated product information is retrieved from the video database and displayed on the visual display unit 15.

A product information device 13 can be assigned to individual objects 2 or a plurality, particularly a group, of similar objects on display. How many objects 2 are assigned to a product information device 13 depends, inter alia, on the size of the object. For example, 25 displays 2 can share a product information device 13 with a video database and a digital player as well as a visual display unit 15. The modular design allows the apparatus 1 to be individually configured in accordance with the given conditions. Thus, an existing device for the detection of theft is easily extensible and relatively little effort to include one or plural product information device 13 and one or plural removal sensors 7, providing a system that allows the output of product information. specific. On the other hand, the product information device 13 or several such devices can also be used as independent with one or more removal sensors 7. FIG. 2 shows in an additional embodiment an apparatus in which a proximity sensor is constructed as a distance sensor 7a. In a mode shown, the distance sensor •3. 7a includes an antenna 17 or similar sensing element that is connected to a received 16 preferably integrated into the verification and alarm device 4a. the antenna 17 is arranged behind the object 2 to be secured and / or also behind the display shelf 6. The distance sensor 7a serves to detect the relative distance of a person and / or the object 2 to be insured and / or a sensor 3a fixed to the object 2 to be secured to the antenna 17 of the distance sensor 7a. In combination with the distance sensor 7a, the verification and alarm device 4a can be configured and / or adjusted to produce a signal when the object 2 to be secured is approximated, touched or moved within a predeterminable removal distance, and for activate a burglary alarm when this clearance distance is exceeded. In the embodiment, a sensor 3a is fixed to the object 2 to be secured, the sensor that includes a transmitter and at least digital / analog inputs in particular for microswitches or for a security film for the surveillance of the article as well as for monitoring by battery from a supply battery. The distance sensor 7a also responds when a person approaches the antenna 17, whose operating range can be two meters, for example. He is able to detect if a person approaches this antenna 17, which is assigned to an object exhibited 2, and at what distance. In addition, this distance sensor 7a also detects through the antenna 17 the distance between the product 12 equipped with the sensor 3a and the antenna 17. Therefore it can be established whether the product was removed from the shelf 6 and how far from the product. its original location. For example, this allows a connection signal to be issued to inform the user that this action is recorded. In particular when the proximity sensor or distance sensor 7a responds to, a promotion related to the product and information function is initiated for the consumer. When object 2 is taken away from its original location, then a burglary alarm can be activated. Where appropriate, the added provision may be to track the removed object 2 within the facilities, with corresponding indication. During scanning the sensor 3a has a function comparable to a transponder microplate (RFID) otherwise fixed to the product. In addition, the distance sensor 7a can detect through the antenna 17 and an approaching person is authorized to manipulate the apparatus. Such a person carries an electronic key 18 which transmits corresponding ID data to the antenna 17 and consequently to the receiver 16 or to the verification device '4a. so a wireless authorization check with particular capacitive transmission takes place. The possibility also exists for the distance detector 7a that includes several antennas 17 in a site subject to surveillance, the antennas that are arranged such that, inter alia, also in the direction in which the object 2 to be secured is removed is detectable. It is also possible to fix several antennas at predetermined distances, spacing them, for example, at distances of 5 meters inside the market or similar facilities, in this way allowing the product to be tracked in the facilities. Several distance sensors 7a can be connected to the verification and alarm device 4a, by means of which a receiver 16 can be connected to several antennas 17, each assigned to a monitoring site. It is noted that for the use of proximity detection and / or contact can also be made of the conductivity of the skin and an electrostatic near field where the transfer possible reinformations through the skin path and, on the other hand, the variation of a electric field by a human that is detectable. In this arrangement, for example, a transmitter integrated in the electronic key 18 (FIG.2) can be used to produce the electrostatic field and to couple its signal on a person's skin, which also works without direct skin contact. By modulating the data on the signal voltage that extends over the surface of the entire skin, the information items can be transmitted as, for example, for identification purposes. In practice, the following -construction is possible: On a data transmission is activated through the skin, small transmitters carried close to the human body produce an electric field through which information items encoded, coupled directly or capacitively, they can be transmitted to one or more receivers. In this way, the transmitted information can identify an object or a person. However, such signals can only be received if the objects equipped with the transmitters are in close proximity to the human body. The interruption operations can then be released promptly. . However, this process can also be reversed. When these objects are removed causing the transmission to be aborted, a point interruption operation can also take place. It is also possible to detect the variation of an electric field by an approaching person or a person who is within the range of the electrostatic field, since it passively detects the presence of a body as it gets closer and using this condition to trigger an action, for example, a product information. In contrast to the active transmission of signals, the passive detection of a body approach does not involve an identification function. When, for example, a sensor 3a with a transmitter is attached to the object 2 to be secured, it is possible to detect a theft of the object 2 taken by the thief, because the transmitter attached to the object 2 engages signal on the surface of the skin of the person, producing an electrostatic field in the process. Through receivers that can be distributed in various locations in a market, this field can be received and evaluated, thereby enabling the stolen object to be tracked. Therefore, when the proximity sensor 7 the stolen object to be tracked. Accordingly, when the proximity sensor 7 and / or the sensor 3 fixed the object 2 to be secured is equipped with a transmitter, an electrostatic field can be generated which can be put to various uses. As described above, the electrostatic field can be coupled to the surface of a person's skin and used, for example, parea the data transmission. On the other hand, an evaluation of the electrostatic field variation by an approaching person can also be used to activate an action.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for securing objects, in particular items of merchandise put on display, where an alarm occurs when the item is stolen, characterized in that, apart from an alarm that is triggered when the item is stolen, a connection function is performed when a person approaches the object or removes the object without taking it away, and 'at least one action starts with the connection, the action that includes at least one product information about the object being displayed .
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the action is an audiovisual product information about the object on display.
3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that as an additional action, the events are counted and / or date and / or time of the day are saved.
4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the case of a theft an audible alarm is activated, and at least one visual alarm that is related to the object to be insured is produced by the device provided for the audiovisual product information.
5. 5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the steps of measure the distance between a distance sensor arranged in the vicinity of the object to be insured or an approaching person, and evaluate the measurement result at least for an activation of information related to the product and / or an early warning and a notice of theft.
6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the step of performing a wireless authorization check on the persons approaching the object.
7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the step of detecting and tracking the respective location of the object within predeterminable spaces in the event of the object being stolen.
8. 8. An apparatus for the protection of objects, in particular items of merchandise put on display, against theft, including a sensor adapted to be fixed to the object to be secured, the sensor that is connected to a verification and alarm device for activating an alarm when the sensor responds, in particular to implement the method according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it includes a connection device that performs a connection function when a person approaches the object on display or removes the object without taking it, for this effect a sensor is provided that responds when a person approaches or removes the object and is in control communication with the verification and alarm device, and that the verification and alarm device is connected to a product information device to present the displayed object.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the product information device includes a video database with a particular digital player and a visual display unit connected for visual display and, as the case may be, , a speaker and / or a hearing aid.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the product information device is assigned to a plurality, particularly a group, of similar objects on display.
11. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the verification and alarm device includes a storage memory for storing an event count and / or the date and / or time of the day of the event .
12. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the connection device sensor is a motion sensor.
13. 13. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the sensor of connecting device is a removal sensor.
14. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the connection device sensor is part of the antitheft sensor arrangement.
15. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the anti-theft sensor arrangement includes a sensor fixed to the object to be secured, the sensor that is connected to the verification and alarm device through a cable coiled over a cable retractor, and that the sensor of the connection device is configured to detect when the coiled cable is being pulled from the cable retractor.
16. 16. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the sensor of the connection device is a switch, in particular a capacitive or inductive or optoelectronic or magnetic mechanical switch.
17. 17. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 16, characterized in that the magnetic switch comprises a relay contact mounted on the enclosure of the cable retractor and a magnet adjusted to the sliding type cable.
18. 18. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 17, characterized in that the magnet adjusted to the cable It works as a cable stop resting against a projection with the cable in approximately coiled condition.
19. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that the proximity sensor is a distance sensor configured to detect the relative distance of a person and / or a sensor fixed to the object to be secured and / or the object to be secured to the distance sensor.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the distance sensor includes at least one antenna or similar detection element that is connected to a receiver preferably integrated in the verification and alarm device.
21. 21. The apparatus according to any of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that the distance sensor is arranged behind the object to be secured.
22. The apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, in combination with the distance sensor, the verification and alarm device is configured and / or adjustable to produce a signal when the object to be secured it moves within a predeterminable removal distance, and to produce an anti-theft alarm when the removal distance is exceeded.
23. 23. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 22, characterized in that a sensor fixed to the object to be secured includes at least one transmitter and, where appropriate, digital / analog inputs in particular for microswitches or for a film of security for surveillance of the article as well as for monitoring by battery of a supply battery.
24. 24. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 23, characterized in that the proximity sensor and / or the distance sensor are constructed to receive authorization data of an electronic key available to the operating personnel.
25. 25. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 24, characterized in that the proximity sensor and / or the sensor fixed to the object to be secured includes a transmitter, either to produce an electrostatic field and, where appropriate , coupling the electrostatic field on the surface of a person's skin, or to evaluate the variation of the electrostatic field by an approaching person.