RU2845612C1 - Hybrid anti-theft sensor and anti-theft system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to anti-theft systems. Hybrid anti-theft sensor has a housing which consists of two parts and has a lock mechanism, an EAS tag and a RFID tag. EAS tag is located inside the housing, one part of the housing comprises the RFID tag and the needle, the second part of the housing has a needle hole. Lock mechanism is configured to be opened when the needle exits the needle hole. In addition, the housing includes a membrane with a screening element. RFID tag is configured to be in passive mode when in contact with the screening element of the membrane. RFID tag is configured to be in active mode when there is no contact of the RFID tag with the screening element of the membrane. RFID tag is configured to switch from passive mode to active mode when lock mechanism opens.

EFFECT: high security from theft.

4 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The group of inventions relates to radio-electronic combined sensors based on EAS and RFID tags and anti-theft systems using the said sensors.

The following terms are used in the text.

RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is a method of automatic identification of objects in which data stored in so-called transponders or RFID tags is read or written using radio signals.

EAS (electronic article surveillance) system is an anti-theft system - a component of retail equipment in self-service stores, designed to protect against unauthorized removal of goods (shoplifting).

The closest analogue to the claimed sensor is the sensor known from the patent document US 7564360 B2. This sensor is a hard tag that works by collecting ambient radio frequency energy using a circuit that allows it to be removed only when an encoded radio frequency signal is applied at the appropriate frequency. Such a device does not allow thieves to remove hard tags, and when connected to a system that tracks the identification number of the goods for each case of using the radio frequency signal to release the hard tag, it can be used to track the removal of tags by store personnel. The sensor, attached to the product, contains a locking mechanism with a latch for attaching the tag to the product; a resonant circuit or an RFID circuit for responding to a wireless signal at a predetermined frequency corresponding to said resonant circuit or said RFID circuit; a circuit for collecting ambient radio frequency energy; a release signal detection circuit connected to and powered by said ambient radio frequency energy collection circuit, and an actuator electrically connected to said trigger signal detection circuit, wherein said actuator releases said locking mechanism whenever said trigger signal detection circuit receives a trigger signal.

The disadvantages of such a solution include the technical complexity of both the sensor itself and the special puller. In addition, thieves remove sensors from protected products not only with pullers, but also with simple mechanical action, for example, with a screwdriver. Thus, despite the complex technical solution and possible high cost, this principle is not able to protect against the most primitive methods of theft.

The closest analogue to the claimed system is the technical solution known from the patent document US 2004233042 A1, which is a two-zone detection system: the first detection zone forms an RFID detection zone, and the second detection zone forms an EAS detection zone. The RFID detection zone may include a plurality of readers distributed in this zone (for example, in the clothing department) and on the periphery of the RFID detection zone. Thus, when a person takes out a marked product A and moves along the RFID detection zone, product A can be tracked in this zone, and when product A leaves this zone and enters the EAS detection zone; the reader can then activate an alarm signal and/or transmit a status signal or data (for example, a signal or data including an identifier of the product, the location of the product, the sale status of the product, etc.) to the database. The EAS zone includes a transmitter/receiver pair at the exit(s) to the environment that can detect the presence of a tag on item A if a person attempts to leave without purchasing or otherwise lawfully possessing item A; receiver 9 can then activate an alarm.

However, this system performs a different function, namely tracking the movement of goods across zones, since the buyer can move with the goods throughout the entire territory of the store, and the fact of theft is only the removal of goods outside the territory of the store, i.e. removal through anti-theft frames.

The technical problem of the group of inventions is the possibility of using standard EAS and RFID elements.

The technical result of the group of inventions is the creation of a universal, easy-to-install and affordable sensor and anti-theft protection system.

Increasing theft protection in a particular case consists of the impossibility of attempting to steal in a fitting room using a detacher.

The essence of the claimed invention is that the hybrid anti-theft sensor contains:

- a body consisting of two parts and having a locking mechanism;

- EAS tag;

- RFID tag;

in this case:

- EAS tag is located inside the case;

- one part of the body contains an RFID tag and a needle;

- the second part of the body contains a hole for the needle;

- the lock mechanism is designed with the ability to open when the needle exits the needle hole;

- the housing additionally contains a membrane with a shielding element;

- The RFID tag is designed to be in passive mode when in contact with the membrane shielding element;

- the RFID tag is designed with the ability to be in active mode in the absence of contact between the RFID tag and the membrane shielding element;

- The RFID tag is designed with the ability to switch from passive mode to active mode when the lock mechanism is opened.

The essence of the claimed invention also lies in the fact that the anti-theft protection system containing a hybrid anti-theft sensor contains: zone A, zone B and a device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode. In zone A, at least one RFID antenna and an RFID reader are located. In this case: zone A is made electromagnetically shielded. The reader for the RFID tag is made with the possibility of transmitting a signal to the device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode. Zone B is equipped with an EAS antenna for the EAS tag.

The essence is explained as follows.

The key feature of the hybrid anti-theft sensor (ExTag) is the active and passive operating mode.

In the passive mode of operation, the RFID tag placed inside the sensor is in a suppressed state by means of shielding or another deactivation principle; in the passive mode, the sensor only performs an anti-theft function. The sensor switches to the active mode in the event of the lock mechanism being opened, i.e. the sensor is removed from the item, and the needle or part of the sensor with the needle is not in the lock.

The declared technical result in the hybrid sensor is achieved by the complex use of the EAS tag and the RFID tag, which has active and passive modes. The EAS tag performs the standard anti-theft function of the EAS system, and the RFID tag allows you to notify about unauthorized removal of the sensor - opening the lock when switching from passive mode to active mode.

The ability to use standard EAS and RFID elements makes the system universal, easy to install and affordable.

The claimed invention is illustrated by figures 1-6, which show:

- Fig. 1 – cross-section of the sensor;

- Fig. 2 – view of the upper part of the sensor;

- Fig. 3 – view of the lower part of the sensor;

- Fig. 4 – layout of the premises;

- Fig. 5 – cross-section of the sensor with an additional RFID tag;

- Fig. 6 – diagram of the room with additional zone B.

In figures 1-6, positions 1-12 show:

1 – RFID tag;

2 – membrane with a metal element;

3 – needle;

4 – anti-theft element (EAS tag);

5 – lock;

6 – needle hole;

7 – RFID antenna;

8 – fitting room;

9 – RFID reader;

10 – EAS antenna;

11 – zone B – corridor;

12 – additional RFID tag.

The sensor contains a housing consisting of two parts: one part contains a needle 3, necessary for the lock 5, an RFID tag 1 and a shielding element located in a membrane-type mechanism (a membrane with a metal element 2, for example, a washer), the second part contains elements responsible for detecting the sensor by the anti-theft system (EAS antenna 10) - EAS tag 4, and lock 5 with a hole 6 for needle 3.

RFID tag 1 can be deactivated by contact of the RFID tag contour with a metal object. A 5 mm diameter washer can be used as a metal object. The washer is so small that it is not able to affect the operation of the anti-theft element and upon contact with RFID tag 1 it reduces its detection to zero. Deactivation is provided by a membrane-type mechanism: if the sensor is on the protected product – in the closed position (in the passive mode of the sensor), the membrane experiences pressure, thereby pushing the washer, and ensures its pressing with RFID tag 1. A similar principle is used in the keyboard.

RFID tag 1 together with the membrane-type mechanism can be located in the lower part of the sensor housing. During the process of closing the sensor housing, needle 3 will enter the channel of lock 5, and the lock will exert pressure on membrane 2. In this case, when RFID tag 1 is on the protected product - in the closed position (in the passive mode of the sensor), membrane 2 experiences pressure, thereby pushing the metal element, and ensures its pressing with RFID tag 1.

RFID tags can consist of several layers, to suppress the RFID tag it is necessary that one of the protective layers is missing. The washer must be in contact with the RFID tag.

It is clear to a specialist that there are other possible ways to convert an RFID tag from passive to active mode.

For the full functionality of the hybrid anti-theft sensor ExTag, it is necessary to equip the fitting rooms 8 with RFID antennas 7 connected to the RFID reader 9 (Fig. 4).

The EAS anti-theft protection system usually contains anti-theft EAS antennas 7, located at the entrance group of the store. The declared anti-theft protection system in fitting rooms (Ex FRP system) contains zone A, for example, fitting room 8, and zone B, for example, the entrance group of the store. In fact, zone A and zone B are separate zones. RFID antennas 7 and RFID reader 9 are located in zone A. EAS antenna 10 or several antennas are located in zone B (the operating zone of the EAS antenna is limited deep into the sales area). The anti-theft protection system also contains a device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode.

Zone A is electromagnetically shielded and is equipped with a reader 9 for RFID tag 1, RFID antennas 7. Reader 9 can be connected to RFID antennas 7 using a cable. Zone B is equipped with EAS antenna 11.

The reader 9 for the RFID tag 1 is configured to transmit a signal to the notification device about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode.

There are different models of readers and antennas. To implement the system in the store, a reader 9 is installed in the fitting room area 8. RFID antennas 7, located in the fitting rooms 8 themselves, are connected to it. Optionally, various variations can be used, for example, RFID readers with a built-in antenna or other options.

The number of RFID antennas 7 in zone A depends, in this example, on the number of separate fitting rooms 8. A specialist understands which and what number of RFID antennas need to be used depending on the size and geometry of zone A.

Fitting rooms 8 must be shielded. A specialist understands that various methods of shielding the room are possible - using shielding metal meshes, using foil or metal elements, using other shielding materials. For the purposes of the claimed group of inventions, it is possible to use any method of electromagnetic shielding of the room.

The specialist also understands that there are various systems for organizing the transmission of signals between the RFID antenna 7, the reader 9 and the device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode. Depending on the size and geometry of the room in which the anti-theft protection system is installed, the type of shielding, operating frequencies, power, and the software used, the specialist in this field of technology understands by what means the claimed group of inventions can be implemented. The specialist understands what materials, types of cables, operating frequencies, equipment can be used, for which cases wireless data transmission can be used, and for which cases wired data transmission can be used.

When the hybrid anti-theft sensor is removed from the goods without authorization, the membrane 2 stops experiencing pressure and does not ensure contact of the washer with the RFID tag 1. Thus, the ExTag sensor switches to the active operating mode. The reader 9 detects the RFID tag 1 and, using the device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode, informs the personnel about the unauthorized removal of the ExTag sensor. Since each fitting room 8 is separately shielded, the reader 9 will determine the removal in the fitting room 8 in which the RFID antennas 7 are located, assigned to it.

Each fitting room 8 is shielded and assigned a number. RFID antennas 7 are located in the fitting rooms under a serial number corresponding to the fitting room number 8.

It is clear to a specialist that another identification method can be used for RFID antennas and zone A and its parts.

The system works as follows.

An attempt to steal occurs in fitting room #1, the ExTag sensor is removed from the protected product, RFID tag 1 goes into active mode. RFID antenna #1 or antenna group #1 located in fitting room #1 detects the signal from RFID tag 1 and reports its detection to RFID reader 9, other RFID antennas 7 in other fitting rooms 8 are unable to detect the signal from RFID tag 1 in fitting room #1. Since fitting rooms 8 are shielded, reader 9 will receive a signal from one antenna #1 or antenna group #1 and transmits it to the device notifying about RFID tag 1 going into active mode. Thus, it is possible to understand in which fitting room the attempted theft occurs.

The RFID tag active mode notification device can signal responsible persons in various ways: a pager system used in anti-theft equipment, a beacon system, or by software notification. The notification can be sent locally directly to the administrator/security service computer or via a server that provides data upload to a phone, computer, or other equipment.

It is also clear to the specialist that the devices specified in the declared system: antenna, reader, device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode can have different configurations and, depending on the specific equipment and operating features, can be combined into single modules in various combinations.

RFID reader 9 can be equipped with wireless communication protocol, Ethernet ports, COM port and is capable of working with third-party software.

The operating principle of the sensor is universal: it can be used with all types of anti-theft sensor locks, for example, with a Super Tag type lock.

The group of inventions solves a very important problem, namely the unauthorized removal of anti-theft sensors from protected products. Since stores are usually equipped with a video surveillance system, the removal of sensors occurs mainly in fitting rooms, and not in the sales area, since the installation of video cameras in fitting rooms is prohibited.

The group of inventions provides a high level of protection: in comparison with a magnetic detector, the ExTag sensor is free from the disadvantage of false alarms and removal provided by force.

A number of retail chains use RFID technology for various purposes, for example, for inventory or as a way to register goods. Goods are marked with RFID tags, which can be sewn or glued onto the goods, or placed on price tags, or have other placement methods.

RFID readers and RFID tags are programmable, so you can set a parameter at which the RFID reader in the fitting room will react and create an event only upon detection of the RFID tag of the ExTag sensor, detection of other RFID tags will be ignored.

The ExTag sensor can be optionally equipped with an additional RFID tag 12, placing it inside the sensor housing.

When the ExTag sensor is additionally equipped with an additional RFID tag 12, the anti-theft protection system containing a hybrid anti-theft sensor comprises: zone A - fitting rooms, zone B - entrance group, zone B - fitting room zone 11, for example, a corridor and a device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag 1 to the active mode. RFID antennas 7 and RFID reader 9 are located in zone A. RFID antennas 7 are located in zone B 11. In this case, zone A and zone B are made electromagnetically shielded. Reader 9 for the RFID tag is designed with the possibility of transmitting a signal to the notification system about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode. Zone B is equipped with antenna 10 for EAS tag 4.

It should be noted that the number of RFID antennas 7 in zone B 11 is determined by the geometry of zone B, and it is clear to a specialist what number of RFID antennas 7 to use and in what places of zone B 11 to place them to ensure better interaction with the RFID tag 12, which is determined by specific models of RFID antennas and RFID tags.

The system with an additional RFID tag works as follows.

The protected goods are transferred from the sales area to zone B. RFID antennas 7, located in corridor 11, detect the signal from the additional RFID tag 12. When the goods are transferred to the fitting room, RFID antennas 7, located in corridor 11, stop detecting the additional RFID tag 12, but at the same time, the RFID reader 9 receives a signal from RFID antenna 7 about the detection of the additional RFID tag 12 in fitting room 8. In this way, the system tracks the movement of the goods from corridor 11 of the fitting room to fitting room 8. Similarly, the system tracks the protected goods on the return route. The standard movement of the goods-visitor with the protected goods to fitting room 8 looks like this:

1. Detection of an additional RFID tag 12 by RFID antennas 7 in zone B – the buyer entered the fitting room corridor 11 with the goods.

2. Since corridor 11 and fitting rooms 8 are electromagnetically shielded, RFID reader 9 stops receiving data on the location of the goods – additional RFID tag 12 in zone B when the buyer moves to fitting room 8.

3. In fitting room 8, the RFID antenna or RFID antennas 7 pick up the signal of the additional RFID tag 12 – the product is in fitting room 8.

4. When goods are taken out of fitting room 8 into zone B – corridor 11, the RFID antenna or RFID antennas 7 of fitting room 8 stop receiving the signal from the additional RFID tag 12, but the signal is sent to the RFID antenna 7 assigned to zone B 11.

5. If the signal from the additional RFID tag 12 is no longer detected by the RFID antennas 7 assigned to zone B 11, and the RFID antenna or RFID antennas 7 located in the fitting room 8 do not detect the signal from the additional RFID tag 12, then the goods have been taken out into the sales area.

If an attempt to steal occurs in fitting room 8 using shielding materials, such as foil or foil bags, RFID antenna 7 located in fitting room 8 will stop picking up the signal from additional RFID tag 12. At the same time, when the protected goods are moved into the corridor, RFID antennas 7 located in corridor 11 will not be able to pick up the signal from additional RFID tag 12.

The operation of the system in this case looks like this.

1. Detection of an additional RFID tag 12 by RFID antennas 7 in zone B 11 – the buyer entered the fitting room corridor 11 with the goods.

2. Since corridor 11 and fitting rooms 8 are electromagnetically shielded, RFID reader 9 stops receiving data on the location of the goods, i.e. from the additional RFID tag 12 in corridor 11 when the buyer moves to fitting room 8.

3. In the fitting room 8, the RFID antenna or RFID antennas 7 pick up the signal of the additional RFID tag 12 – the product is in the fitting room.

4. An attempt is made to steal using shielding materials, such as foil or foil bags: in the fitting room, the RFID antenna or RFID antennas 7 stop receiving the signal from the additional RFID tag 12.

5. When taking out goods with a shielded sensor from fitting room 8 to zone B – corridor 11, RFID antennas 7 located in zone B will not be able to detect the signal from the additional RFID tag 12.

6. The logic of product movement is violated: detection of an additional RFID tag 12 in corridor 11, then detection of an additional RFID tag 12 in fitting room 8, then loss of signal from the additional RFID tag 12 in fitting room 8 and then absence of signal from the additional RFID tag 12 in corridor 11. Then the product theft protection system in fitting rooms creates an event about an attempted theft of product using shielding materials in a specific fitting room: the corresponding notification is transmitted to the staff via reader 9.

Tracking of the specified logic of movement of goods with an additional RFID tag 12 can be implemented using software installed, for example, on the reader 9, the device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode, or on other third-party equipment.

There are various models of equipment on the market for protecting goods from theft by detecting foil bags. Basically, the metal detection function can be performed by anti-theft antennas or remote metal detection stands located at the entrance. At the same time, all existing solutions have a number of critical drawbacks, namely, the sensitivity parity of metal detection is required to ensure correct response to a foil bag and the absence of false alarms. In practice, it looks like this: for metal detection to work, the foil bag must be of a certain size, as a rule, it must be no smaller than 300x300 mm. For metal detection to detect a foil bag when carried through a metal detector, it must be turned with its main area parallel to the metal detector; if the bag is turned with its main area perpendicular to the metal detector, the metal detection system will not work. In addition, the thief does not necessarily have to use foil bags to commit the theft, the thief only needs to take a small amount of shielding material, such as foil, and wrap it around the anti-theft sensor. In this scenario, all existing solutions will not be able to detect the shielding element, as a result, all existing anti-theft systems are vulnerable to this method of theft.

It is also worth noting that in addition to foil, specialized fabrics that have the ability to effectively shield radio frequency signals are often used as a shielding material. Common types of anti-theft antennas are acoustomagnetic systems, such as antennas manufactured by Sensormatic, and radio frequency systems, such as those manufactured by Nedap. Shielding material in the form of foil is effective against both acoustomagnetic systems and radio frequency systems, but under certain conditions can be detected by metal detection systems available on the market. At the same time, fabrics that have the ability to effectively shield radio frequency signals are effective only against radio frequency systems, but are practically not detectable by metal detectors configured for foil.

Due to the equipment of retail spaces with modern video surveillance systems that protect the sales floor and anti-theft systems that protect entrance areas, the main area for theft by removing the anti-theft sensor or shielding it remains the fitting room, since it cannot be equipped with video surveillance cameras.

Currently, fitting room thieves effectively use magnetic removers, removers for unlocking mechanical locks of anti-theft sensors, foil bags, foil and shielding fabric. The claimed group of inventions: a hybrid anti-theft sensor and a system for protecting against theft in fitting rooms allows you to ensure the safety of the protected goods like never before.

Claims (23)

1. A hybrid anti-theft sensor, characterized by the fact that it contains: a body consisting of two parts and having a locking mechanism; EAS tag; RFID tag; in this case: EAS tag is located inside the case; one part of the body contains an RFID tag and a needle; the second part of the body contains a hole for the needle; the lock mechanism is designed to be released when the needle exits the needle hole; the housing additionally contains a membrane with a shielding element; The RFID tag is designed to be in passive mode when in contact with the membrane shielding element; The RFID tag is designed with the ability to be in active mode in the absence of contact between the RFID tag and the membrane shielding element; The RFID tag is designed with the ability to switch from passive to active mode when the lock mechanism is opened. 2. A hybrid anti-theft sensor according to item 1, characterized in that contains an additional RFID tag. 3. An anti-theft system comprising a hybrid anti-theft sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that contains: zone A and zone B; device for notifying about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode; in this case: Zone A is electromagnetically shielded; zone A is equipped with at least one RFID antenna and a reader for an RFID tag; Zone B is equipped with an EAS antenna; the RFID tag reader is configured to transmit a signal to the notification device about the transition of the RFID tag to the active mode. 4. The system according to item 3, characterized in that additionally comprises an electromagnetically shielded zone B and a hybrid anti-theft sensor according to claim 2, wherein zone B is equipped with at least one RFID antenna.