WO2022029774A1

WO2022029774A1 - Systems and methods of preventing shoplifting

Info

Publication number: WO2022029774A1
Application number: PCT/IL2021/050944
Authority: WO
Inventors: Avraham BOUBLI
Original assignee: AMSELLEM, Yoni Yehia; MAMAN, Moche; ZIKRI, Ouri; GABAY, Lior; MIMOUNI, David Lucien Roger; DADOUN, Moche Yoni; BENCHETRIT, Simon; Reinstein, Michael
Priority date: 2020-08-04
Filing date: 2021-08-04
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: IL276495A

Abstract

A method of preventing shoplifting of an item in a store including a plurality of sensors, which includes detecting opening of a housing of a security device secured to the item by a sensor of the security device; upon the detecting of opening of the housing, transmitting, by an emitter of the security device, an electromagnetic signal in the store, sensing, by a subset of sensors of the plurality of sensors of the store, the electromagnetic signal, thereby obtaining data D_sense, transmitting D_sense sensed by the subset of sensors, or data informative thereof, to a processing unit configured to determine whether opening of the housing is authorized or corresponds to shoplifting.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PREVENTING SHOPLIFTING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the field of preventing shoplifting.

BACKGROUND

In the prior art, it is known to secure a security device to an item in order to prevent shoplifting in a store.

However, shoplifters develop various methods to disable these security devices.

There is thus a need to propose new systems and methods of preventing shoplifting.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method of preventing shoplifting of an item in a store including a plurality of sensors, the method including detecting opening of a housing of a security device secured to the item by a sensor of the security device, upon the detecting of opening of the housing, transmitting, by an emitter of the security device, an electromagnetic signal in the store, sensing, by a subset of sensors of the plurality of sensors of the store, the electromagnetic signal, thereby obtaining data D_sense, transmitting D_sense sensed by the subset of sensors, or data informative thereof, to a processing unit configured to determine whether opening of the housing is authorized or corresponds to shoplifting.

In addition to the above features, the method according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can optionally comprise one or more of features (i) to (xiii) below, in any technically possible combination or permutation: i. the method comprises, by the processing unit, determining data D_pos informative of a position of the security device, and determining whether opening of the housing is authorized, or corresponds to shoplifting based on Dpos, ii. the method comprises determining that the opening of the housing is authorized when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area meets a proximity criterion; iii. the method comprises determining that the opening of the housing corresponds to shoplifting when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area does not meet a proximity criterion; iv. the method comprises transmitting, in the electromagnetic signal, data Ditem informative of the item, thereby allowing identification of the item; v. detecting opening of the housing comprises detecting, by a magnetic sensor of the security device, displacement of a magnetic element of the housing of the security device upon opening of the housing of the security device; vi. opening of the housing is detected by an optical sensor of the security device; vii. the sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor; viii. the method comprises sensing the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device by at least one sensor of the store, thereby obtaining data D_sense and transmitting data informative of D_sense as sensed by the sensor to another sensor of the store, wherein communication of data informative of D_sense between sensors of the plurality of sensors is repeated until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the plurality of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of D_sense; ix. Dsense sensed by the sensor comprises data informative of an alert transmitted by the security device, wherein the method comprises, by the sensor which has sensed D_sense, modifying the data informative of an alert before retransmission to another sensor of the store; x. modifying the data informative of an alert enables to differentiate between data informative of an alert transmitted by the security device, and data informative of an alert received by a sensor and retransmitted by the sensor; xi. the method comprises, by a processing unit of a given sensor of the plurality of sensors, controlling a receiver of the given sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device in a first period of time and transmitting data informative of D_sense as sensed by the given sensor to another sensor in a second period of time, wherein at least part of the first and second periods of time are not overlapping; xii. the method comprises, by the processing unit of the given sensor, preventing the receiver of the sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal during at least part of the second period of time; and xiii. before detection of an opening of the housing by the sensor, one or more electronic components of the security device are in a sleeping mode.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a security device to secure an item against shoplifting in a store, including a processing unit, an emitter, a sensor configured to detect opening of a housing of the security device, wherein the processing unit is configured to, upon detection by the sensor of opening of the housing, trigger the emitter to transmit an electromagnetic signal detectable by sensors of the store, wherein the electromagnetic signal is usable to determine data informative of a position of the security device, thereby facilitating differentiating between an authorized opening of the housing and shoplifting.

In addition to the above features, the device according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can optionally comprise one or more of features (xiv) to (xxi) below, in any technically possible combination or permutation: xiv. the security device is operable in a store including a plurality of sensors, wherein, for a given location of the security device in the store, a subset of the plurality of the sensors is configured to detect the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter, wherein communication between sensors of the plurality of sensors of the store enables communication of data informative of the electromagnetic signal sensed by the subset of sensors to a processing unit configured to determine, based on the data informative of the electromagnetic signal sensed by the subset of sensors, whether opening of the housing is authorized or corresponds to shoplifting; xv. the security device comprises a memory storing data Di_tem informative of the item, wherein the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter includes Ditem, or data representative thereof; xvi. the security device comprises a receiver operable to receive data Ditem informative of the item through wireless communication; xvii. the sensor includes a magnetic sensor, wherein the security device further comprises a magnetic element, wherein a position of the magnetic element varies upon opening of the housing, thereby allowing detection of opening of the housing by the magnetic sensor; xviii. the sensor comprises an optical sensor; xix. the sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor; xx. before detection of an opening of the housing by the sensor, one or more electronic components of the security device are in a sleeping mode; and xxi. the processing unit is configured to be in a sleeping mode and to be switched to an active mode at least upon detection of an opening of the housing by the sensor.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a system including the security device as described above and a plurality of sensors located in a store, wherein, for a given position of the security device, sensors of the plurality of sensors are operative to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device.

In addition to the above features, the system according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter can optionally comprise one or more of features (xxii) to (xxix) below, in any technically possible combination or permutation: xxii. the system comprises a processing unit and associated memory configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of an amplitude of the electromagnetic signal as sensed by at least two sensors of the plurality of sensors; xxiii. the system comprises a processing unit and associated memory configured to differentiate between an authorized opening of the housing of the security device and shoplifting based on data sensed by the sensors of the store; xxiv. the system comprises a processing unit and associated memory configured to determine an authorized opening of the housing when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area meets a proximity criterion; xxv. the system comprises a processing unit and associated memory configured to determine that the opening of the housing corresponds to shoplifting when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area does not meet a proximity criterion; xxvi. for a given position of the security device, at least one given sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device, thereby obtaining data Dsense, wherein the at least one given sensor is configured to transmit data informative of D_senseto another sensor; xxvii . the system is configured to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device by at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, thereby obtaining D_sense, and to transmit data informative of D_sense as sensed by the sensor to another sensor of the store, wherein communication of data informative of D_sense between sensors of the plurality of sensors is repeated until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the plurality of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of D_sense; xxviii. at least one given sensor of the plurality of sensors includes a receiver, a transmitter and a processing unit configured to control the receiver of the given sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device in a first period of time, and control the transmitter of the given sensor to transmit data informative of D_sense as sensed by the given sensor to another sensor of the plurality of sensors in a second period of time, wherein at least part of the first and second periods of time are not overlapping; and xxix. the processing unit of the given sensor is configured to prevent the receiver of the given sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device during at least part of the second period of time.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a system for preventing shoplifting of an item in a store including a plurality of sensors, the system including a processing unit and a memory configured to obtain data informative of an amplitude of an electromagnetic signal sensed by a subset of sensors of the plurality of sensors, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted by an emitter of a security device secured to the item upon detection of an opening of an housing of the security device, determine, based on the data, data D_pos informative of a position of the security device, differentiate, based on D_pos, between shoplifting and an authorized opening of the housing, and trigger an alert upon detection of shoplifting, thereby facilitating prevention of shoplifting in the store.

This system can be coupled to the security device as described above.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a network of sensors fitted in a store, wherein the sensors are operatively coupled to at least one security device secured to an item in the store, wherein each sensor includes a receiver configured to sense an electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device upon detection of an opening of a housing of the security device, thereby obtaining data Dsense, a transmitter configured to transmit data informative of D_sense, a processing unit configured to control operation of the receiver and of the transmitter of the sensor over time, wherein, upon detection of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device by a receiver of a given sensor of the network of sensors, the processing unit of the given sensor is configured to control the transmitter of the given sensor to transmit data informative of D_sense as sensed by the given sensor to another sensor of the network of sensors, wherein communication of data informative of D_sense between sensors of the network sensors is repeated until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the network of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative D_sense, thereby allowing differentiating between shoplifting and an authorized opening of the housing.

This network of sensors can be coupled to the security device as described above, and to the system comprising the security device as described above.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor and associated memory, cause the processing unit and associated memory to perform operations comprising obtaining data informative of an amplitude of an electromagnetic signal sensed by a subset of sensors of a plurality of sensors fitted in a store, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted by an emitter of a security device secured to the item upon detection of an opening of an housing of the security device, determining, based on the data, data D_pos informative of a position of the security device, differentiating, based on D_pos, between shoplifting and an authorized opening of the housing, and triggering an alert upon detection of shoplifting, thereby facilitating prevention of shoplifting in the store.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides an efficient way to prevent shoplifting. According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides a security device with a long lifetime. In some embodiments, the lifetime of the security device is up to five, six, seven, or eight years.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides a cost- effective and flexible solution to prevent shoplifting.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution enables efficient differentiation between an authorized deactivation of the security device and shoplifting.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution provides, upon detection of shoplifting of an item, data informative of the item, such as location and identification of the item, thereby improving the prevention of shoplifting.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution allows detection of shoplifting even in large stores.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution allows detection of shoplifting in large stores while complying with limitations imposed by the regulation on exposure to electromagnetic waves.

According to some embodiments, the proposed solution allows combatting shoplifting in real time or quasi real time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, embodiments will be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Fig- 1 illustrates an embodiment of an architecture of a security device secured to an item in a store, for preventing shoplifting;

Fig. 1A illustrates a flow chart of a method of transmitting data informative of the item to the security device;

Figs. IB and 1C illustrate an embodiment of the security device of Fig. 1;

Fig. ID illustrates another embodiment of the security device of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 2 illustrates an architecture of a store fitted with sensors operatively coupled to a security device, and a central station configured to process data sensed by the sensors; Fig. 2A illustrates an embodiment of an architecture of a sensor fitted in the store;

Fig. 3 depicts a method of preventing shoplifting in a store, using the security device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3A depicts an example of data informative of an amplitude sensed by sensors of the store when the security device is opened by at the cashier;

Fig. 3B depicts an example of data informative of an amplitude sensed by sensors of the store when the security device is opened by a shoplifter;

- Fig- 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method of transmitting data between sensors of a network of sensors fitted in a store, in order to transmit the data to a central station of the store;

Fig. 4A illustrates an example of the method of Fig. 4; and

- Fig. 5 illustrates of a control of time periods of transmission and reception by the sensor of the network of sensors of the store.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification, discussions utilizing terms such as "detecting", "triggering", "determining", "sensing", "transmitting" or the like, refer to the action(s) and/or process(es) of a processing unit that manipulate and/or transform data into other data, said data represented as physical data, such as electronic, quantities and/or said data representing the physical objects.

The term "processing unit" covers any computing unit or electronic unit with data processing circuitry that may perform tasks based on instructions stored in a memory, such as a computer, a server, a chip, a processor, etc. It encompasses a single processor or multiple processors which may be able to communicate together.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages can be used to implement the teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter as described herein.

Fig. l is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a security device 100. Security device 100 can be e.g. secured to an item (e.g. clothes, electronic devices, these examples being not limitative etc.) located in a store. Generally, the item is located in the store in order to be purchased by a customer, and the security device is operable to assist in preventing shoplifting of the item.

In some embodiments, the store includes detectors located e.g. at its exit (or at another location). If a person exits the store with an item to which the security device is secured, the detectors detect presence of the security device, thereby triggering an alarm and preventing shoplifting. Generally, the security device includes an element which is detected by the detectors of the store, which are generally located at the exit of the store. Various types of detection can be performed, as explained hereinafter (these examples are not limitative).

In some embodiments, the element includes an electro-magnetic element, which includes e.g. a strip of ferromagnetic material with a moderate coercive field. Detection is achieved by sensing harmonics and sum or difference signals generated by the nonlinear magnetic response of the material under a mixture of low-frequency (e.g. in the 10 Hz to 1000 Hz range) magnetic fields.

In some embodiments, the element includes an acousto-magnetic element, which includes e.g. a strip of magnetostrictive, ferromagnetic amorphous metal and a magnetically semi-hard metallic strip, which is used as a biasing magnet (to increase signal strength) and to allow deactivation. The detectors of the store for such elements emit periodic tonal bursts at about 58 kHz, the same as the resonance frequency of the amorphous strips. This causes the strip to vibrate longitudinally by magnetostriction, and it continues to oscillate after the burst is over. The vibration causes a change in magnetization in the amorphous strip, which induces an AC voltage in the receiver antenna. If this signal meets the required parameters (correct frequency, repetition, etc.), the alarm is activated.

In some embodiments, the element includes a radiofrequency system, which includes an LC tank circuit (L for inductor, C for capacitator) that has a resonance peak anywhere from 1.75 MHz to 9.5 MHz. Detection of the element is achieved by sweeping around the resonant frequency and detecting the dip. In some embodiments, the element includes a microwave system, which includes e.g. a non-linear element (e.g. a diode) coupled to a microwave and an electrostatic antenna. At the exit, one antenna emits a low-frequency (about 100 kHz) field, and another one emits a microwave field. The element acts as a mixer re-emitting a combination of signals from both fields. This modulated signal triggers the alarm.

As mentioned above, shoplifters attempt to unsecure the security device from the item before they exit the store. Fig. 1 describes a security device 100 allowing prevention of shoplifting.

As shown in Fig. 1, security device 100 includes a housing 110, configured to accommodate several components.

According to some embodiments, in order to unsecure security device 100 from the item, it is necessary to open a housing 110 of the security device 110.

Security device 100 includes a processing unit 120 (e.g. a hardware controller printed on an electronic card), and associated memory 125 (which can be located on an electronic card). According to some embodiments, the memory 125 includes a non- transitory memory.

Security device 100 includes an emitter 130. Emitter 130 can include e.g. an antenna, such as, but not limited, an antenna operating in the radio-frequency range.

Security device 100 includes at least one sensor 140 (in some embodiments, security device 100 can include a plurality of sensors 140). Sensor 140 is configured to detect opening of the housing 110 of the security device 100. Various embodiments for sensor 140 are provided hereinafter.

According to some embodiments, security device 100 includes a memory 150 (such as, but not limited to, a read-only memory). In some embodiments, memory 150 and memory 125 are part of a single memory (this is not mandatory). Memory 150 can store in particular data Di_tem informative of the item. In some embodiments, Di_tem can include e.g. type of the item, identification data of the item, price of the item, name of the store, etc. This information can be encoded as digital data.

In some embodiments, security device 100 includes a receiver 160 operable to sense electromagnetic signals. Receiver 160 can include e.g. an antenna (such as, but not limited to, an RFID antenna). In some embodiments, Ditem is transmitted through wireless communication to the receiver 160 which therefore enables storing of Ditem in memory 150. In some embodiments, Ditem includes an identification number, representative of the item to which the security device 100 is secured. A method of transmitting Di_tCm to the security device 100 will be described hereinafter with reference to Fig. 1A.

Security device 100 can further include an energy source 170, such as one or more batteries.

In some embodiments, at least some of the components of the security device 100 are located on an electronic card (in some embodiments, emitter 130, sensor 140, receiver 160, memory 150, processing unit 120 and memory 125 are located on the same electronic card).

According to some embodiments, security device 100 includes a magnetic element, and sensor 140 includes a magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, the magnetic element is located in the housing 110. In particular, in some embodiments, a position of the magnetic element varies upon opening of the housing 110. As a consequence, sensor 140 is operative to detect opening of the housing 110.

In some embodiments, sensor 140 is a Hall effect sensor. Use of a magnetic sensor, and in particular, of a Hall effect sensor, is beneficial to reduce energy consumption, which in turn, increases lifetime of the security device 100.

The security device 100 can further include an element (various examples have been provided above, such as electro-magnetic elements, acousto-magnetic elements, radio-frequency elements, microwave elements, etc.) which can be detected by detectors located e.g. at the exit of the store.

According to some embodiments, at least some of the components of the security device 100 are, before detection of one or more events (e.g. opening of the housing 110 of the security device 100), in a sleeping mode (or even turned off), which thereby reduces energy consumption. This can include in particular the processing unit 120 (microcontroller), which can be, as explained hereinafter, activated upon detection of one or more events.

The emitter 130 can be e.g. a passive component, which emits data only when it is activated e.g. by the processing unit 120.

To the contrary, sensor 140 is maintained in an active mode, even before detection of an opening of the housing 110. When sensor 140 detects opening of the housing 110, this causes activation of the processing unit 120. This can include sending a flag from sensor 140 to the processing unit 120 which induces activation of the processing unit 120 (which moves e.g. from a sleeping mode to an active mode). As a consequence, the processing unit 120 triggers activation of the emitter 130. This can include sending a command from the processing unit 120 to the emitter 130, the command instructing the emitter 130 to transmit data. This allows in particular reducing energy consumption, which in turn, increases lifetime of the security device 100.

Attention is drawn to Fig. 1A.

According to some embodiments, a method includes transmitting (operation 180) Ditem (using e.g. a RFID emitter) to the security device 100. Receiver 160, which is sensitive to RFID data, can sense Ditem transmitted by the RFID emitter. When receiver 160 senses RFID data, it triggers (operation 185) activation of the processing unit 120 (which can be, as mentioned, in a sleeping mode). In some embodiments, receiver 160 can send a flag to the processing unit 120 causing activation of the processing unit 120.

As a consequence, processing unit 120 can generate a command to store Ditem in a memory (e.g. 150) of the security device 100.

According to some embodiments, processing unit 120 is in a sleeping mode until it is activated due to either detection of sensor 140 of the opening of the security device 100 and/or detection of RFID data by receiver 160. In some embodiments, processing unit 120 can have at least three states: sleeping mode, intermediate power mode, full power mode.

Attention is drawn to Figs. IB and 1C, which depict an embodiment of the security device 100.

As shown in Figs. IB and 1C, in this embodiment, the housing 110 includes an upper part 108 (which includes a first part 101 and a second part 102) and a lower part 104. The upper part 108 and the lower part 104 cooperate in order to form the housing 110

As shown in Fig. 1C, a rod 106 is affixed to the first part 101 of the upper part 108 of the housing 101. As shown in Fig. IB, element 103 secures the rod 106 to the upper part 108 of the housing 101. Element 103 is inserted in an opening 115 of the lower part 104. In some embodiments, element 103 can be secured to the lower part 104 using springs which can be released upon application of a magnetic field. The springs are blocked in a compressed state using e.g. magnetic balls. When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetic balls are released from the springs, thereby inducing relaxation of the springs, which in turn induce the upper part 108 to be moved away from the lower part 104. This allows opening of the housing 101, thereby allowing removal of the security device 100 from the item. As shown in Fig. 1C, a magnetic element 111 is affixed to the first part 101 of the upper part 108 of the housing 110. In this example, magnetic element 111 includes a disk including a hole through which rod 106 is inserted.

The housing 110 also includes an electronic card 105, on which various components (as described e.g. in Fig. 1) can be located.

When the housing 110 is opened, the upper part of the housing 110 is moved away from the lower part 104 of the housing 110. Therefore, the magnetic element 111 is moved away from the sensor 140 located on the electronic card 105. As a consequence, sensor 140 detects a variation in the detected magnetic field which is indicative of the opening of the housing 110.

The embodiment described in Figs. IB and 1C is not limitative. Other types of sensors other than a magnetic sensor can be used to detect opening of the housing 110 (e.g. an electronic sensor which detects opening of a circuit when the housing 110 is opened, a position sensor which detects that the upper part of the housing is moved away from the lower part of the housing, etc.).

In some embodiments, sensor 140 can include an optical sensor (see e.g. Fig. ID). The optical sensor can include an emitter 191 of an optical signal (e.g. infrared signal) and an associated receiver 192. When the security device 100 is closed (see left part of Fig. ID), a tongue 193 is present on an optical path between the emitter 191 and the receiver 192, preventing the receiver 192 from detecting the optical signal transmitted by the emitter 191. When the security device 100 is opened (see right part of Fig. ID), the tongue 193 is removed from the optical path (e.g. using a mechanism relying on a spring which is relaxed upon opening of the security device 100, and causes the tongue 193 to be moved away from the optical path), thereby causing detection of the optical signal by the receiver 192, which is indicative of an opening of the security device.

Attention is now drawn to Fig. 2.

Assume that a security device 200 (similar to security device 100) is secured to an item located in a store 205. As mentioned above, upon detection of an opening of a housing of the security device 220, an emitter of the security device 220 transmits an electromagnetic signal.

A plurality of sensors 260 is fitted in the store 205 (for example, in the ceiling of the store, this is however not limitative). The sensors 260 are spatially distributed throughout the store. The sensors 260 are generally static sensors relative to the store 205.

The security device 220 and the plurality of sensors 260 are operatively coupled, in order to ensure that the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device 220, upon detection of opening of the housing, is detected by at least some of the sensors 260.

Amplitude (or data informative thereof, such as power, etc.) of the electromagnetic signal sensed by each sensor 260 depends on the relative distance between the sensor 260 and the security device 220, and, therefore, on the location of the security device 220 in the store 205.

As shown in Fig. 2, a central station 280 can be provided, which can be located e.g. in the store 205 (in some embodiments, central station 280 is located in a cashier area of the store 205). Central station 280 includes a processing unit 265 and a memory 270. As explained hereinafter, the central station 280 is operable to use data sensed by the sensors 260 in order to determine whether opening of the housing of the security device 220 corresponds to an authorized opening or to shoplifting, and to trigger an alert. In some embodiments, central station 280 includes, or is operatively coupled to a receiver (such as an antenna) configured to receive data from the sensor(s) 260.

According to some embodiments, at least some of the sensors 260 of the store 205 are configured to both sense electromagnetic signal(s) transmitted by the security device 220 (sensed data is noted D_sense), and to retransmit (see reference 265) D_sense (or data informative thereof). As explained hereinafter, intercommunication between sensors 260 in the store 205 enables to progressively transmit data informative of D_sense along the store 205, until data informative of D_sense is finally transmitted to the central station 280, for further processing.

Attention is drawn to Fig. 2A, which depicts an embodiment of a sensor 260 suitable to be fitted in a store in order to cooperate with a security device 220. In some embodiments, all sensors 260 have the same configuration.

Sensor 260 includes a receiver 261 (such as an antenna).

Receiver 261 is configured to detect electromagnetic signals in a bandwidth which complies with the bandwidth of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device 220 (for example, if the security device 200 transmits radiofrequency signals, then receiver 261 is operable to detect radiofrequency signals). Sensor 260 further includes a transmitter 262. The transmitter 262 includes e.g. an antenna. In some embodiments, transmitter 262 is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals in a bandwidth which is the same as, or which at least overlaps with the bandwidth of the electromagnetic signals received by receiver 261.

Sensor 260 includes a processing unit 263 (which can include and/or communicates with a memory). The processing unit 263 includes for example a controller, such as a hardware micro-controller. As explained hereinafter, processing unit 263 is configured to control operation of the receiver 261 and of the transmitter 262 over time, in order to reduce overlap between reception and transmission of the electromagnetic signals.

In some embodiments, receiver 261, transmitter 262 and processing unit 263 are located on the same electronic card.

Attention is now drawn to Fig- 3, which depicts a method of preventing shoplifting in a store.

Assume that a security device (see e.g. security device 100, 200) is secured to an item in a store including a plurality of sensors (see e.g. sensors 260).

The method includes (operation 300) detecting opening of the housing of the security device. As mentioned above, sensor 140 is configured to detect opening of the housing of the security device.

The method includes (operation 310), once opening of the housing has been detected, transmitting, by an emitter 130 of the security device, an electromagnetic signal in the store. The processing unit 120 of the security device can, in particular, trigger transmission of the electromagnetic signal by the emitter, once it receives, from sensor 140, data indicative of the opening of the housing.

According to some embodiments, the electromagnetic signal encodes a predefined sequence of bytes which is indicative of an alert. This predefined sequence of bytes (or data informative thereof, as explained hereinafter) can be used by the central station in order to differentiate between an alert triggered by opening of the security device and other electromagnetic signals present in the store and corresponding to noise (e.g. cellular communication, radio communication, etc.)

As mentioned above, the electromagnetic signal can, in some embodiments, include data Di_tem informative of the item itself.

For example, the electromagnetic signal encodes a 16 bytes signal, in which the first 4 bytes are indicative of an alert (these 4 bytes can be common for all security devices of the store), and the last 8 bytes correspond to Di_tem (these 8 bytes therefore depend on the item itself). This is however not limitative.

The electromagnetic signal is transmitted by the emitter of the security device only if sensor 140 detects opening of the housing of the security device. If sensor 140 does not detect this opening, the electromagnetic signal is not transmitted.

The method further includes (operation 320), sensing, by a subset of sensors of the plurality of sensors (see sensors 260) of the store, the electromagnetic signal. Data sensed by the sensors of the store is noted D_sense. Depending on the location of the security device in the store, some sensors will sense the electromagnetic signal (since they are located in the vicinity of the security device), and some sensors will not detect the electromagnetic signal. In some embodiments, some sensors detect the electromagnetic signal with an amplitude (or power) below a predefined threshold, for which it is considered as if these sensors have not detected the electromagnetic signal.

The method further includes (operation 330) transmitting data D_sense, or data informative thereof, to a processing unit (e.g. processing unit 265 of central station 280, see Fig. 2) configured to determine, based on D_sense, or data informative thereof, whether opening of the housing is authorized, or corresponds to shoplifting.

According to some embodiments, operation 330 includes determining data D_pos informative of a position of the security device. Assume that at least two sensors have detected the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device (detection by these sensors is such that the power or amplitude of the electromagnetic signal is above a detection threshold).

Since these (at least) two sensors have different locations in the store, each of these (at least) two sensors sense the electromagnetic signal with a different amplitude (or data informative thereof, such as power, expressed e.g. in dB). Since position of these (at least) two sensors is known, and data informative of the amplitude sensed by each of these (at least) two sensors is obtained, it is possible to determine data informative of a position of the security device (at the time it was opened), such as by using a triangulation/trilateration method.

Indeed, it is possible to convert data informative of the amplitude sensed by each sensor into a distance. The sensor can be e.g. calibrated with respect to the security device, so as to provide, based on the measured amplitude (or relative amplitude), an estimated distance at which the security device is located from the sensor. With at least two sensors each providing an estimated distance to the security device, it is therefore possible to get information on the position of the security device in the store (based e.g. on an intersection of the estimated distance from each sensor). With only two sensors which detect the electromagnetic signal, an uncertainty remains on the exact position of the security device.

In some embodiments, if three sensors (having different locations) sense the electromagnetic signal (or data informative thereof, such as power, expressed e.g. in dB), then it is possible to have a better knowledge of the position of the security device, such as by using a triangulation/trilateration method (based e.g. on an intersection of the estimated distance from each sensor).

Based on the determined position of the security position, it is possible to determine whether opening of the housing is authorized, or corresponds to shoplifting.

Fig. 3A illustrates a configuration corresponding to an authorized opening by the clerk at the cashier. Power 360 (e.g. in dB) of the signal sensed by the sensor which is the closest to the cashier area, is the highest among all other sensors (the power sensed by other sensors which also sensed the electromagnetic signal is depicted by references 361 and 362). In some embodiments, the relative power sensed by each sensor with respect to the other sensors can be determined.

If the position of the security device is similar to the position of the cashier, or at least meets a proximity criterion with respect to the cashier, this corresponds to an authorized opening.

In this example, it is determined that the security device has a position which is located at a distance to the cashier which is less than a threshold (e.g. 0.5 meters, this value being not limitative). Therefore, this is indicative of the fact that an authorized opening of the security device has been performed at the cashier.

If the proximity criterion is not met, this corresponds to shoplifting, and an alert can be triggered. In some embodiments, a visual and/or audio alert can be raised, thereby allowing preventing shoplifting in real time. Since position of the security device in the store has been determined, this information can be communicated to security guards of the store in order to facilitate identification of the shoplifter in the store.

An example is illustrated in Fig. 3B.

In this example, power 360i (e.g. in dB) of the signal sensed by the sensor which is the closest to the cashier area is lower than power 3602 and power 3603 sensed by two other sensors of the store. Based on the measured power of each of these sensors, a position of the security device can be determined (as explained above). It is determined that the position of the security device does not meet the proximity criterion with respect to the cashier, and therefore, an alert can be raised. In addition, information on the estimated position of the security device can be output, e.g. to the security guards of the store, thereby facilitating preventing shoplifting.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device includes data Di_tem informative of the item.

In some embodiments, Ditem includes an identification number, and the central station (see e.g. reference 280) stores, e.g. in a memory 270, a table including a correspondence between each identification number and a list of features describing the item (e.g. name, type of item, price, etc.).

If shoplifting has been detected, this information, together with the position of the security device, can be transmitted to security guards of the store, thereby facilitating identification of the item which has been stolen. In particular, real time (or quasi real time) identification and localization of the security device associated with an item for which shoplifting has been detected, is provided.

According to some embodiments, since the store includes a plurality of items, a plurality of security devices is present in the store. If a plurality of security devices is opened in the store at overlapping time periods, the central station (see 280) can differentiate between the different electromagnetic signals sent by each of the plurality of security devices based e.g. on Ditem transmitted with the electromagnetic signals (since Ditem is generally specific to each item). Therefore, central station 280 can determine separately for each security device whether opening of the housing corresponds to shoplifting or to an authorized opening, as explained with reference to Fig. 3

Attention is now drawn to Fig. 4.

Generally, in public areas such as stores, state regulations impose a maximal power on electromagnetic signals. As a consequence, power of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device is limited. Similarly, when a sensor senses the electromagnetic signal and attempts to transmit it, power of the transmission is limited, and therefore, depending on the position of the sensor, it cannot transmit sensed data to the central station (see central station 280).

The method of Fig. 4 describes a solution to transmit data sensed by the sensors to the central station 280 while meeting regulations on power limitations. Assume that a given sensor of the store has sensed (operation 400) the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device (sensed data is noted D_sense).

The method includes transmitting (operation 410) data informative of D_sense sensed by the given sensor to another sensor.

According to some embodiments, a given sensor which has sensed data D_sense transmitted by the security device modifies content of D_sense before retransmission to another sensor.

In particular, this can include modifying the bytes indicative of an alert in D_sense. This enables differentiating between data transmitted by a security device (upon opening of the security device) and data retransmitted by a sensor of the store.

For example, bytes indicative of an alert (an alert corresponds to an opening of the security device) as transmitted by a security device are encoded as a predefined value “4206”, and bytes indicative of an alert as retransmitted by a sensor are encoded as a predefined value “5206” (these values are not limitative). When a sensor (e.g. of the central station 280) receives an electromagnetic signal with the value “4206”, this indicates that a security device has been opened in the vicinity of the sensor. When a sensor receives an electromagnetic signal with the value “5206”, this indicates that an alert has been detected by another sensor which now retransmits this alert.

According to some embodiments, at operation 410, the given sensor (which has sensed the alert transmitted by the security device) can also transmit data informative of an amplitude of the electromagnetic signal that it has sensed, and data Dsensor ID informative of the given sensor (which indicates which sensor has detected the alert from the security device). Dsensor, ID can include e.g. an identification number of the sensor, which can be interpreted by the central station which stores a table including identification number of each sensor, and corresponding information relative to each sensor (e.g. position in the store, etc.).

In summary, according to some embodiments, for a given sensor which has detected an alert from a security device, the given sensor can retransmit data informative of Dsense, which includes data sensed by the given sensor (after modification of the code of the alert), data informative of an amplitude of the electromagnetic signal sensed by the given sensor, and data Dsensor, ID informative of the given sensor which has sensed the electromagnetic signal.

However, according to some embodiments, when a sensor receives data informative of D_sense transmitted by another sensor (as mentioned above, this can be detected by e.g. a predefined code stored in the data informative of the alert), it can simply retransmit the data to another sensor without modifying the data.

Once the given sensor (which has detected the electromagnetic signal informative of an opening of the security device) has transmitted the required information (data informative of D_sense), another sensor located in the vicinity of the given sensor is able to detect data informative of D_sense. In some embodiments, transmission of data informative of Dsense by a sensor is omnidirectional. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors which senses data informative of D_sense is configured to retransmit data informative of D_sense.

Transmission of data informative of D_sense from a sensor to another sensor is repeated within the plurality of sensors, until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the plurality of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit (e.g. processing unit 265) configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of D_sense.

In other words, data informative of D_sense is progressively transmitted from one sensor to another sensor throughout the store, towards the central station 280. The central station 280 can then process data informative of D_sense as explained in the various embodiments above.

In particular, the central station 280 receives data Di_tem informative of the item for which an alert has been identified, identification of the sensor(s) which have detected the alert and data informative of the amplitude of the signal sensed by each of the sensor(s). The central station 280 can use this data to determine data informative of a position of the security device, and to identify the item for which an alert has been raised.

A non-limitative example of the method of Fig. 4 is illustrated in Fig. 4A. As shown, a given sensor 430 has sensed an electromagnetic signal transmitted by security device 400 associated with a given item. However, in view of power limitation in the store, the given sensor 430 cannot transmit directly sensed data D_sense to the central station 480. The given sensor 430 transmits data informative of the sensed data towards space (including e.g. a code informative of an alert, data informative of the given item, data informative of an amplitude of the signal sensed by the given sensor 430 and identification of the given sensor 430), which is sensed by adjacent sensors (in this example, sensors 440 and 445). Theses sensors transmit again to adjacent sensors, until data informative of sensed data D_sense reaches sensor 485 which is located in the vicinity of the central station 480 (located e.g. at the cashier). Dotted lines 486 represent a possible path of sensed data within the network of sensors. Lastly, central station 480 receives data informative of sensed data D_sense from sensor 485 which has sufficient power to communicate with central station 480.

In a non-limitative example, if the transmitter of a sensor operates at a frequency of around 433 MHz, in view of power limitations, sensed data can be transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor over a distance up to 10 meters. Therefore, it is necessary to fit a sensor every 10 meters (or less) to cover the whole store.

Attention is now drawn to Fig. 5.

Graph 500 depicts first time periods in which receiver 261 of a given sensor 260 operates, in order to receive electromagnetic signals transmitted by the security device.

Graph 510 depicts second time periods in which transmitter 262 of a given sensor 260 operates, in order to retransmit data informative of D_sense sensed by the given sensor 260.

The time periods can be controlled by the processing unit 263 of the sensor 260, which sends commands to the receiver 261 and to the transmitter 262 in order to manage their operation over time.

At least part of the first time periods do not overlap with the second time periods. In some embodiments, they do not overlap at all.

In some embodiments, size of the time periods is predefined, e.g. according to a predefined frequency.

As a consequence, possible perturbation between reception and transmission of electromagnetic signals is prevented, or at least reduced. This is particularly beneficial, since, in some embodiments, bandwidth of electromagnetic signals sensed by the receiver 261 of the sensor and bandwidth of electromagnetic signals transmitted by the transmitter 262 of the sensor are the same, or at least overlap.

The invention contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing at least part of one or more methods of the invention. The invention further contemplates a machine-readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing at least part of one or more methods of the invention.

It is to be noted that the various features described in the various embodiments can be combined according to all possible technical combinations.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based can readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore described without departing from its scope, defined in and by the appended claims.

Claims

23

1. A method of preventing shoplifting of an item in a store including a plurality of sensors, the method comprising:

- detecting opening of a housing of a security device secured to the item by a sensor of the security device;

- upon the detecting of opening of the housing, transmitting, by an emitter of the security device, an electromagnetic signal in the store,

- sensing, by a subset of sensors of the plurality of sensors of the store, the electromagnetic signal, thereby obtaining data D_sense,

- transmitting D_sense sensed by the subset of sensors, or data informative thereof, to a processing unit configured to determine whether opening of the housing is authorized or corresponds to shoplifting.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising, by the processing unit, determining data Dpos informative of a position of the security device, and determining whether opening of the housing is authorized, or corresponds to shoplifting based on D_pos.

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising at least one of:

- determining that the opening of the housing is authorized when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area meets a proximity criterion; and

- determining that the opening of the housing corresponds to shoplifting when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area does not meet a proximity criterion.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising transmitting, in the electromagnetic signal, data Di_tem informative of the item, thereby allowing identification of the item.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein: detecting opening of the housing comprises detecting, by a magnetic sensor of the security device, displacement of a magnetic element of the housing of the security device upon opening of the housing of the security device, or opening of the housing is detected by an optical sensor of the security device. he method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor. he method according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

- sensing the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device by at least one sensor of the store, thereby obtaining data D_sense;

- transmitting data informative of D_sense as sensed by the sensor to another sensor of the store, wherein communication of data informative of D_sense between sensors of the plurality of sensors is repeated until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the plurality of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of D_sense. he method according to claim 7, wherein D_sense sensed by the sensor includes data informative of an alert transmitted by the security device, wherein the method comprises, by the sensor which has sensed D_sense, modifying the data informative of an alert before retransmission to another sensor of the store. he method of claim 8, wherein modifying the data informative of an alert enables to differentiate between data informative of an alert transmitted by the security device, and data informative of an alert received by a sensor and retransmitted by the sensor The method according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising, by a processing unit of a given sensor of the plurality of sensors:

- controlling a receiver of the given sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device in a first period of time; - transmitting data informative of D_sense as sensed by the given sensor to another sensor in a second period of time, wherein at least part of the first and second periods of time are not overlapping.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising, by the processing unit of the given sensor, preventing the receiver of the sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal during at least part of the second period of time.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein, before detection of an opening of the housing by the sensor, one or more electronic components of the security device are in a sleeping mode.

13. A security device to secure an item against shoplifting in a store, including: a processing unit, an emitter, a sensor configured to detect opening of a housing of the security device, wherein the processing unit is configured to, upon detection by the sensor of opening of the housing, trigger the emitter to transmit an electromagnetic signal detectable by sensors of the store, wherein the electromagnetic signal is usable to determine data informative of a position of the security device, thereby facilitating differentiating between an authorized opening of the housing and shoplifting.

14. The security device according to claim 13, operable in a store comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein, for a given location of the security device in the store, a subset of the plurality of the sensors is configured to detect the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter, wherein communication between sensors of the plurality of sensors of the store enables communication of data informative of the electromagnetic signal sensed by the subset of sensors to a processing unit configured to determine, based on the data informative of the electromagnetic signal sensed by the subset of sensors, whether opening of the housing is authorized or corresponds to shoplifting.

15. The security device according to claim 13 or to claim 14, comprising a memory storing data Ditem informative of the item, wherein the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter includes Ditem, or data representative thereof. 26

16. The security device according to any of claims 13 to 15, comprising a receiver operable to receive data Di_tem informative of the item through wireless communication.

17. The security device according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor, wherein the security device further comprises a magnetic element, wherein a position of the magnetic element varies upon opening of the housing, thereby allowing detection of opening of the housing by the magnetic sensor, or the sensor comprises an optical sensor.

18. The security device according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

19. The security device according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein, before detection of an opening of the housing by the sensor, one or more electronic components of the security device are in a sleeping mode. 0. The security device according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the processing unit is configured to be in a sleeping mode and to be switched to an active mode at least upon detection of an opening of the housing by the sensor. 1. A system including:

- the security device according to any of claims 13 to 20,

- a plurality of sensors located in a store, wherein, for a given position of the security device, sensors of the plurality of sensors are operative to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device. 2. The system of claim 21, comprising a processing unit and associated memory configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of an amplitude of the electromagnetic signal as sensed by at least two sensors of the plurality of sensors. 27 The system according to claim 21 or claim 22, comprising a processing unit and associated memory configured to differentiate between an authorized opening of the housing of the security device and shoplifting based on data sensed by the sensors of the store. The system according to any of claims 21 to 23, comprising a processing unit and associated memory configured to perform at least one of: determining an authorized opening of the housing when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area meets a proximity criterion; and determining that the opening of the housing corresponds to shoplifting when a distance between a determined position of the security device and a cashier area does not meet a proximity criterion. The system according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein, for a given position of the security device:

- at least one given sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device, thereby obtaining data D sensed

- wherein the at least one given sensor is configured to transmit data informative of Dsenseto another sensor. The system of any of claims 21 to 25, configured to:

- sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device by at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, thereby obtaining D_sense;

- transmit data informative of D_sense as sensed by the sensor to another sensor of the store, wherein communication of data informative of D_sense between sensors of the plurality of sensors is repeated until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the plurality of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative of D_sense. 28

27. The system of any of claims 21 to 26, wherein at least one given sensor of the plurality of sensors includes a receiver, a transmitter and a processing unit configured to:

- control the receiver of the given sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the emitter of the security device in a first period of time, and

- control the transmitter of the given sensor to transmit data informative of D_sense as sensed by the given sensor to another sensor of the plurality of sensors in a second period of time, wherein at least part of the first and second periods of time are not overlapping.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the processing unit of the given sensor is configured to prevent the receiver of the given sensor to sense the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device during at least part of the second period of time.

29. A system for preventing shoplifting of an item in a store including a plurality of sensors, the system including a processing unit and a memory configured to:

- obtain data informative of an amplitude of an electromagnetic signal sensed by a subset of sensors of the plurality of sensors, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted by an emitter of a security device secured to the item upon detection of an opening of an housing of the security device,

- determine, based on the data, data D_pos informative of a position of the security device,

- differentiate, based on D_pos, between shoplifting and an authorized opening of the housing, and

- trigger an alert upon detection of shoplifting, thereby facilitating prevention of shoplifting in the store.

30. A network of sensors fitted in a store, wherein the sensors are operatively coupled to at least one security device secured to an item in the store, wherein each sensor includes:

- a receiver configured to sense an electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device upon detection of an opening of a housing of the security device, thereby obtaining data D sensed a transmitter configured to transmit data informative of D_sense; 29

- a processing unit configured to control operation of the receiver and of the transmitter of the sensor over time, wherein, upon detection of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the security device by a receiver of a given sensor of the network of sensors, the processing unit of the given sensor is configured to control the transmitter of the given sensor to transmit data informative of D_sense as sensed by the given sensor to another sensor of the network of sensors, wherein communication of data informative of D_sense between sensors of the network sensors is repeated until data informative of D_sense reaches a sensor of the network of sensors operatively coupled with a processing unit configured to determine data informative of a position of the security device based on data informative D_sense, thereby allowing differentiating between shoplifting and an authorized opening of the housing. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor and associated memory, cause the processing unit and associated memory to perform operations comprising:

- obtaining data informative of an amplitude of an electromagnetic signal sensed by a subset of sensors of a plurality of sensors fitted in a store, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted by an emitter of a security device secured to the item upon detection of an opening of an housing of the security device,

- determining, based on the data, data D_pos informative of a position of the security device,

- differentiating, based on D_pos, between shoplifting and an authorized opening of the housing, and

- triggering an alert upon detection of shoplifting, thereby facilitating prevention of shoplifting in the store.