System for providing self-service access to locked goods

Abstract

A system for providing self-service access to a locked item, comprising: (a) a fixture providing restricting access to the locked item, where the fixture can be automatically locked or unlocked, allowing or restricting access to the locked item; (b) providing a means to uniquely identify an individual attempting to access the item; (c) measuring a set of behaviors of the individual during any time when the fixture is in the open mode; (d) evaluating whether a set of behaviors of the individual is suspicious with respect to a set of suspicious event thresholds; (e) storing the individual and its set of behaviors as accessible records in at least one database; and (f) providing an algorithm that determines future access privileges of the individual to the enclosure based on the set of variables.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application 202080058410.5, whose filing date is July 27, 2020 and whose name is “System for Providing Self-Service Access to Locked Goods”. Background Art

[0002] A common paradox in retail stores is that the better you protect your merchandise from theft, the greater the impact of that protection on product sales. In their efforts to reduce merchandise theft, retailers have placed restrictions on access to merchandise that affect the vast majority of legitimate shoppers. The typical result is that retailers inconvenience the 99% of legitimate shoppers to deter theft by the 1% of shoplifters. For example, a common approach to reducing theft in a retail environment is to protect high-value merchandise by locking it in cabinets or other limited-access merchandise fixtures that make it difficult for legitimate shoppers to access the product. In order to complete a purchase, the shopper must find a store employee to unlock the fixture, gain access to the merchandise, and ultimately purchase the desired item(s). This process is not only costly and labor-intensive for the retailer, but it is also time-consuming, frustrating, and inconvenient for the shopper, which almost always results in a poor customer experience. This method of locking fixtures has been in place for several years with little change and remains a significant problem for retailers. The primary goal of the present invention is to modernize this outdated method and provide retailers with a means to protect merchandise from theft while creating virtual open access to such high value merchandise for legitimate shoppers, arguably giving retailers the best of both worlds.

[0003] The recent trend of people being willing to sacrifice privacy for convenience is beneficial to the present invention. More and more people are willing to hand over personal information in order to more easily access their phones, ATMs, check-in, and other services. The present invention takes advantage of this trend by requiring shoppers to provide personal identification information in exchange for the convenience of unrestricted access to merchandise. A typical example would be a shopper looking to purchase a high-value item secured within a locked liquor cabinet. Without the present invention, the shopper would have to find a store employee who would have to locate the key to open the cabinet and access the goods. This cumbersome, time-consuming, and inconvenient process typically results in a 25% to 50% loss in sales; all in order to deter the 1% of shoppers who steal. Using the present invention, a shopper approaching the same locked liquor cabinet is identified by means such as facial recognition, using a retailer's app, or some form of customer loyalty information, and the cabinet automatically unlocks. As long as that same shopper does not exhibit suspicious behavior, as described in the present disclosure, the cabinet automatically opens each time that shopper returns.

[0004] While locking or otherwise protecting merchandise reduces or even eliminates theft, it also suppresses legitimate sales because shoppers are inconvenienced or even unable to get the help they need when and where they need it. This inconvenience causes a large percentage of shoppers to abandon their purchases. The value of these lost sales often exceeds the savings realized by preventing theft. Worse, significantly inconveniencing shoppers in a store often has a detrimental effect on loyalty (i.e., the average shopper may choose to switch to a competing store for future shopping trips), which is much greater than the lost sales of the protected items.

[0005] Given this tension between theft and lost sales, retailers often choose sales security over loss prevention. It is more economically advantageous to incur a loss from theft than to lose sales from protecting vulnerable merchandise. The present invention fundamentally eliminates this tension. It allows products to be protected from theft while allowing trusted customers free access to merchandise. In short, retailers no longer have to choose between protecting products from theft and reducing sales. Instead, legitimate shoppers can access protected merchandise at any time, while individuals deemed "untrustworthy" by the retailer are denied this automatic access. The self-service system described in the present invention enables retailers to implement effective loss prevention measures that no longer adversely affect merchandise sales or the shopping experience. In addition, the present invention supports loss prevention measures that mitigate opportunistic shoplifting (typically theft of items by individuals) and multi-item sweeps (theft of many items at the same time) that are often carried out by auxiliary teams as part of large-scale organized retail crime operations.

[0006] While the above-described theft prevention scenario inspired the present invention, it may also be advantageously used in other situations where an identified individual who exhibits desired behavior is rewarded with unrestricted access to merchandise or other privileges.

[0007] In addition to the sales recovery and customer experience advantages provided by the present invention, significant labor savings are achieved by allowing customers to self-service lock merchandise. A typical transaction that requires a store employee to respond to a customer request to unlock a case may require up to 10 minutes of "task interruption" time for the store employee. It usually takes 10 minutes from responding to the customer, locating the key, unlocking the cabinet, allowing the customer to purchase the case, and returning to the task. 10 minutes of store employee time is equivalent to approximately $2.50. This cost, as well as productivity loss, can easily eliminate any profit on merchandise sold in a locked fixture.

[0008] Finally, lost keys and rekeying of locked boxes is a real problem in the retail industry. Employees misplace keys, they take them home after their shift, and the mechanism eventually wears out. Not only does this result in lost sales due to inability to access merchandise, but rekeying the fixtures is also costly. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention provides a system for providing self-service access to locked merchandise, comprising: (a) providing a fixture that restricts access to locked merchandise, wherein the fixture can be automatically locked or unlocked to allow or restrict access to the locked merchandise from an individual; (b) providing a means of uniquely identifying an individual attempting to access the merchandise; (c) measuring a set of behaviors of the individual during any time the fixture is in an open mode; (d) evaluating whether the set of behaviors of the individual is suspicious relative to a set of suspicious event thresholds; (e) storing the individual and his set of behaviors as an accessible record in at least one database; and (f) providing an algorithm that determines the individual's future access privileges to the housing based on a set of variables. Preferably, the fixture grants or restricts access based on a trusted shopper score assigned to the individual when compared to a trusted shopper score threshold. Most preferably, the trusted shopper score increases when the individual exhibits normal behavior, and decreases when the individual exhibits suspicious behavior. Optionally, at least one database is selected from the group consisting of: customers, VIP customers, known violators, banned customers, store employees, merchandise suppliers, security personnel, etc. Preferably, the system assigns an individual's behavior as normal or suspicious by comparing a set of the individual's behaviors with respect to interactions with merchandise contained in the fixture or their interactions with the fixture itself to a set of suspicious event thresholds. Most preferably, once a suspicious behavior threshold is crossed, the system is able to deploy a set of real-time deterrents.

[0010] In another aspect, the means of uniquely identifying the individual is at least one selected from the group consisting of: a biometric method, RFID, NFC, a barcode, a QR code, a user ID and password, a credit or bank card, a driver's license, a smartphone app, and a mobile phone. Alternatively, the fixture restricts access to merchandise in the fixture by restricting access to the merchandise relative to the individual until access is granted. Preferably, the system further comprises at least one sensor for tracking and monitoring a set of behaviors from the individual.

[0011] In yet another aspect, an individual may be associated with at least one category selected from the group consisting of: customer, VIP customer, known offender, prohibited customer, store employee, merchandise supplier, security personnel, etc. Preferably, the suspicious event threshold may be determined based on the category of the individual. Alternatively, an individual classified as an authorized store employee sets a suspicious event and trusted shopper score threshold to allow the storage of fixtures without classifying such behavior as suspicious behavior. Preferably, if the request to open the fixture is made by a certain class of high-risk individuals, the system will transmit a class-specific response, which includes sending a unique identifier (UID) to the store employee. Optionally, a class of individuals may be denied access for a specified period of time. Preferably, the suspicious behavior threshold may be automatically set based on a statistical analysis of past behavior from multiple individuals. Alternatively, when the suspicious event threshold is crossed, a local real-time deterrent is deployed in real time. More preferably, if the request to open the fixture is made by a certain class of high-risk individuals, the system will transmit a class-specific response, which includes sending a unique identifier (UID) to the store employee. Optionally, users of the system can register known violators, store employees, vendor personnel, and security personnel into their personal category database.

[0012] The primary purpose of the present invention is to maximize sales while minimizing theft. It also maximizes convenience and improves the shopping experience for the vast majority of legitimate shoppers while selectively denying unsupervised access to merchandise to would-be shoplifters. The present invention intelligently enables and disables real-time deterrence based on past behavior and other variables for a given shopper. By uniquely identifying each shopper at the merchandise display fixture and simultaneously observing and recording their behavior, the present invention can determine whether future product access is granted to that shopper. Once a shopper exhibits suspicious behavior, anti-theft real-time deterrence is deployed during the event and during subsequent visits. For example, legitimate shoppers will be granted free access to locked merchandise cabinets, while "untrustworthy" individuals are denied unsupervised access. This is accomplished by uniquely identifying the person (although not necessarily "by name") and determining whether past behavior or other factors warrant granting that person access to merchandise. Once access is granted, the present invention can trigger a local alarm or real-time store personnel notification if the shopper exhibits suspicious behavior similar to an ongoing theft incident. The present invention utilizes several methods to uniquely identify shoppers requesting access to protected merchandise, as well as several other methods to identify behavior that is considered normal, unwelcome, or suspicious. Access to protected merchandise can be optimally managed by combining elements of personal identification, product movement sensing technology, database correlation and algorithms.

[0013] In certain configurations, the restricted access fixture may include multiple locking fixtures that are coupled to a single customer facing user interface and / or local controller. The centralized controller provides a single point of personal authentication and facilitates access to all associated locking fixtures. Using one method of accessing a large number of locked boxes, a central authentication controller will authenticate the individual requesting access to the locked fixture as a trusted shopper, and once authenticated, all locked fixtures coupled to the controller will open. Once the shopper opens one of the coupled fixtures, the other locked fixtures will relock. In another embodiment, a user can select a specific locked fixture among the multiple locked fixtures to access, and only that specific fixture will be opened. For all of these multi-locked fixture use cases, the normal authentication process, suspicious event detection process, deterrent activation, employee notification, etc. used in a single locked fixture configuration will be used for this multi-case configuration.

[0014] It should be noted that the self-service authentication methods for accessing locked merchandise practiced by the present invention are optional and are accessed on an “opt-in basis.” Any customer who is uncomfortable with using these identification and authentication methods or is uncomfortable with trading personal identification information in exchange for self-service access to locked merchandise can simply summon a store associate through the system and the store associate can provide access to the locked merchandise.

[0015] The invention has other applications where past behavior can be monitored to grant or deny privileges in the future. Because the invention associates uniquely identified individuals with merchandise interaction behavior, it can also be used at fixed self-checkout stations as well as self-checkout via mobile devices to identify "trusted shoppers" who exhibit repeated good behavior and "untrusted shoppers" who have exhibited suspicious behavior in the past.

[0016] Although reasonable variations in the sequence of operations may be implemented according to the detailed description, the following represents a typical sequence of operations for the present invention.

[0017] First, a person desiring to access a locked merchandise fixture encounters a visual display near the locked fixture that provides the customer with two options, either calling an employee to unlock the fixture in the traditional manner or using personal identification to enable self-service access to the locked fixture. The customer indicates their selection by pressing a soft button on the touch screen display.

[0018] If the customer selects the self-service option, they are presented with a disclosure statement that provides "informed consent" to the system's use of personal information to unlock the fixture. If the system is using a biometric feature such as facial recognition to uniquely identify the shopper, a visual and / or audible message directs the user to look directly at a camera typically located above the display. The display presents the customer with an image of the shopper from the embedded camera. The customer aligns their face with the box on the screen, therefore providing a perfect personal "mug shot." The system then compares the biometric information to a database to determine if the individual is a "trusted shopper" and is allowed access to the locked box.

[0019] Once the customer is determined to be a trusted shopper, the lock is released and the display indicates that the fixture is opened. The customer opens the box and removes the desired merchandise. The system counts the units removed from the fixture while it is open, and the box automatically locks once the fixture is closed. The customer's biometric information and merchandise removal behavior are data recorded in the system database.

[0020] If a shopper exhibits a set of behaviors that exceed a predetermined threshold of suspicious events, the system can deploy local real-time deterrents and / or notify store employees.

[0021] If the shopper is a known offender or one who has repeatedly exhibited suspicious behavior in the past, they will be denied self-service access to locked merchandise and the system notifies a store associate to open the locking fixture and provide “supervised access” to the locked merchandise.

[0022] In the event that self-service access is denied, the store associate is notified and once registered in the system, the store associate can use their own personal identification information to unlock the box without the need for a key.

[0023] There are a variety of methods for implementing the above-described sequence of operations, and the following detailed description describes various methods and sensors that may be used to implement the sequence of operations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention is best understood by first gaining insight into the types of sensors and devices that are coupled together to achieve its operation. Keep in mind that one particular attribute of the present invention is that its operation is not dependent on any one particular sensing or commodity access restriction technology. Three categories of sensors and devices are typically integrated to operate the present invention:

[0025] Personnel identification sensors that can uniquely identify individuals;

[0026] Product interaction (customer behavior) sensors.

[0027] Real-time deterrent product protection and suspicious behavior notification equipment;

[0028] Using the information and controlled access provided by these device categories, the present invention determines whether a given person is considered "trusted" and will be granted access to merchandise. A more detailed description of each category follows.

[0029] Person recognition sensor

[0030] The present invention requires a method of uniquely and repeatedly identifying each person for whom the present invention is considering granting access to merchandise. Since these sessions may occur on different days, at different locations within a store, and even at different stores, the identification method must remain accurate even if the individual wears different clothing, hairstyles, etc. The present invention also identifies store employees and allows them to access merchandise for stocking purposes once registered. The core functionality of the present invention does not require identifying people "by name," although some of the ancillary benefits described later may be achieved with this functionality.

[0031] Any identification method that meets the above requirements is acceptable. These include, but are not limited to:

[0032] Facial recognition using the camera;

[0033] Other biometric methods, such as iris recognition, fingerprint detection or any other biometric detection that can uniquely identify an individual;

[0034] RFID, barcodes, QR codes, and other methods integral to store-issued cards or other devices (such as loyalty cards that stores selectively give to customers, or even driver’s licenses);

[0035] A mobile phone carried by the shopper that can use a local connection (such as WiFi, Bluetooth and / or NFC) as a means of identification;

[0036] A smartphone carried by the shopper logged into the retailer’s app (this is considered sufficient proof of identity);

[0037] Using the onboard biometric recognition capabilities on a smartphone carried by the shopper, and then forwarding this confirmation to the invention via the retailer’s app by presenting the shopper’s phone screen (displaying a QR code or similar code) to the invention’s camera, or via text message; the transaction can be initiated on the shopper’s phone, thereby confirming the invention’s identification, or the shopper can scan a QR code or similar code displayed by the invention to automatically initiate the identification process and the retailer’s app installed on the shopper’s phone;

[0038] The shopper’s smartphone accesses a website that performs biometric recognition; this method does not require the retailer’s app to be installed on the shopper’s phone and can be automatically initiated by scanning a QR code or similar at a fixture.

[0039] Any other device or method issued by a retailer that uniquely identifies an individual.

[0040] Location confirmation of identified persons

[0041] Some methods of person identification inherently confirm the physical presence of a person at a locked fixture. For example, facial recognition via a camera at the fixture. However, some of the identification methods described above that use a shopper's smartphone do not provide such assurances, thereby potentially allowing the fixture to be unlocked from a remote location, either intentionally or unintentionally, which is undesirable. Methods of confirming physical location in this context include, but are not limited to:

[0042] A short-range wireless connection to the shopper’s smartphone: typically using near-field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth, both of which have limited range, but NFC is the most suitable;

[0043] Location-based services that detect shoppers’ smartphones: WiFi services that provide a “triangulation” approach;

[0044] Dynamic QR Code: While a shopper's phone can scan a QR code label affixed to a fixed device location, a photo of the QR code could be used to inappropriately trigger an unlock command at any time and anywhere. To avoid this, the present invention displays a dynamic QR code or a nearby discrete device that changes periodically, or even changes with each transaction.

[0045] Product protection and suspicious activity notification devices

[0046] The present invention is typically used with one or more devices that provide a means of protecting and / or limiting access to merchandise. A requirement for these devices is a means by which control signals from the present invention can allow or deny full and / or limited access to the protected merchandise. The possible types of devices that can meet this requirement are nearly endless; some examples:

[0047] Locking cabinets / doors: Typically, electronically activated locking devices grant or deny access to protected merchandise behind doors. These range from fully enclosed cabinets to flip-up doors in front of merchandise shelves to refrigerated doors that open to access beer or other high-theft merchandise;

[0048] Dispensing display fixtures: A wide variety of devices fit into this category, including: hooks with a knob helical coil that must be turned to allow removal of one item at a time; push-button devices that dispense an item when pressed (much like a vending machine); merchandise "pushers" that press the front of the merchandise firmly against the front of the shelf; and specialized fixtures (such as cans of infant formula) that rely on a specific form factor to limit the number of units dispensed. Whether the operating mechanism is primarily mechanical or electronic, all compatible devices can be controlled by the present invention to allow (or not allow) dispensing of one or more protected products, or in the case of a pusher, disable the push function to restrict access to the merchandise.

[0049] • Removable fence: Any type of sliding fence that can be moved to gain access to the product.

[0050] Fixture Status Sensors

[0051] All fixtures compatible with the present invention will have a sensor on the door / fence / dispensing mechanism that can detect the state of the fixture, i.e., whether the fixture is "open" meaning that the merchandise can be accessed, or "closed" meaning that access to the merchandise is limited or impossible in the closed state.

[0052] Real-time deterrence

[0053] The present invention can control anti-theft deterrent devices, including various communication, notification and alarm devices. Using product removal information from internal sensors such as merchandise movement sensors, fixture status sensors, camera tampering sensors, etc. to detect suspicious events, the present invention can trigger local deterrents (such as notifying store personnel and / or activating local deterrent devices, which can be local alarms, flashing lights, audio (such as PA announcements)), turn on cameras or any other traditional anti-theft deterrent devices, which will deter the offender from continuing to steal.

[0054] In one possible configuration, merchandise may not be physically protected from access, but rather the present invention notifies store personnel and / or activates the local deterrent devices described above when an "untrusted" person is detected interacting with or removing merchandise.

[0055] Customer behavior sensor Product interaction sensor

[0056] Although not always required, it is desirable that the sensor inform the invention of a set of behavioral characteristics of the customer, including merchandise interactions by identified individuals accessing merchandise. This may include the following detections (and possible inventive characteristics):

[0057] No items were removed (generally considered a non-event);

[0058] Removed an item, which may include identification of a specific merchandise item (purchased by a normal shopper);

[0059] Removing multiple items within normal shopper mode (may not be considered suspicious)

[0060] Rapid or otherwise unusual removal of multiple items (suspicious events).

[0061] Multiple listings for the same product are removed, which is outside of normal shopper patterns (may be a suspicious event)

[0062] Product changes, such as restocking or stocking actions by store staff, or simply customers changing their minds about what they want to buy.

[0063] The present invention is not dependent on any particular method of detecting these interactions, and it should be understood that not all acceptable detection methods are capable of providing all of the interaction characteristics listed above. The type of merchandise interaction sensor is typically determined and / or limited by the merchandise protection method used (e.g., locking boxes, hooks, etc.). In general, the present invention can use any sensor that can provide at least some insight into the nature of the merchandise interaction. These sensors have the general ability to measure product interactions, and some have the additional ability to measure inventory and specific product SKU level information. These sensing technologies include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0064] Cameras (including 3D cameras) with integrated or post-processing capabilities that can detect merchandise interactions, which can include detecting the number of items held by a hand during insertion into an open fixture and removal; these cameras can also count the number of units before and after a transaction, thereby “netting out” the number of items removed minus the number replaced. These cameras can also be equipped with artificial intelligence that can detect the type of merchandise contained in a fixture, down to the SKU level. This SKU data is a useful input to TSS algorithms and for putaway and replenishment purposes.

[0065] Vibration sensors that detect the movement of merchandise on and off shelves, hooks, and other displays;

[0066] • Switches (including magnetic switches and the like) that detect the removal of merchandise from a dispensing display fixture.

[0067] ·Weight measuring mats, which can determine the number of items on a shelf.

[0068] Light detection devices that can determine the location and quantity of items on a shelf.

[0069] RFID tags, which can be detected by a receiver and count units that are removed or replaced from a fixture. This technology can also uniquely identify products, down to the SKU level. This SKU data is a useful input for TSS algorithms and for putaway and replenishment purposes.

[0070] Smart Fixtures: Any fixture with sensing technology that can determine units removed from the fixture and the inventory location of each product contained in the fixture. This inventory data is a useful input for stocking inventory and replenishment purposes.

[0071] Sound Detection: Fixtures that detect audible sounds associated with product removal.

[0072] As mentioned above, not all of these methods can reliably provide all possible product interaction features. However, the present invention can be configured to optimize the best use of those features that can be provided. Development of Trusted Shopper Algorithms and "Trusted Shopper Scores"

[0073] An individual's privileged access to protected merchandise is determined by an algorithm that takes as its primary input the individual's shopping behavior during each fixture access event. Based on the individual identification method used by the present invention, the algorithm has access to a database containing a number of additional attributes (i.e., metadata) associated with the individual, which enables the algorithm to consider these additional attributes to make more informed merchandise access decisions. These additional individual attributes are summarized below in the section entitled Shopper Metadata. This metadata is used to place individuals into "categories."

[0074] Past shopping behavior combined with these metadata attributes that result in an individual category are inputs to the algorithm and used to develop a Trusted Shopper Score, or TSS. This TSS is a numeric score that can be compared to a programmable Trusted Shopper Score threshold set by the retailer as the basis for continued access to locked merchandise. In fact, since different merchandise carries different theft risks, retailers can program each individual locked fixture with its own unique TSS threshold based on the merchandise contained in that fixture.

[0075] Past shopping behavior and trusted shopper score

[0076] Each time an individual exhibits trustworthy behavior during a fixture access event, the algorithm increases that person’s TSS. Likewise, detected bad behavior, such as unusual merchandise interaction activity and allowing “tailgating” or allowing other shoppers to access open fixtures, causes that individual’s Trusted Shopper Score to decrease. Once established, the Trusted Shopper Score is compared to the TSS threshold established by the retailer, and the individual is allowed to maintain future access privileges as long as he or she remains above the threshold. If the individual’s TSS drops below the threshold, the system denies unsupervised access to merchandise and a store associate is summoned. For example, an aggressive TSS threshold could deny unsupervised access based on a single suspicious merchandise interaction. In this aggressive example, a single unacceptable behavior effectively revokes that shopper’s privileged access.

[0077] There are many reasons why retailers might not choose such aggressive thresholds. After all, retailers do not want to alienate loyal shoppers and are often more concerned with lost sales than lost theft. Since acceptable behavior may occasionally be mistakenly perceived as unacceptable, a more lenient threshold may be warranted so that a complete loss of unsupervised access occurs only if a very severe and unambiguous violation of behavior is detected and / or if multiple suspicious events are detected or a pattern of unacceptable behavior has emerged.

[0078] Another input to the algorithm is simply the passage of time. For example, when a shopper removes a large number of units from a fixture, this behavior is often viewed as suspicious and would negatively impact their TSS. This could result in the denial of unsupervised access. However, this behavior could be triggered by an in-store promotion, or it could simply be proactive buying behavior based on discounted prices or promotions. For example, if a shopper proactively purchases several packs of razor blades, the algorithm may reduce their TSS sufficiently to restrict access to any locked items. After a specified period of time, the algorithm would increase their TTS to an acceptable level to allow self-service access again. The algorithm could also allow the same person to be granted access to other items while being restricted from accessing razor blades for a specified period of time.

[0079] Therefore, a set of shopping behavior factors that the algorithm can consider include, but are not limited to:

[0080] · Immediate past behavioral events

[0081] Multiple past behavioral events

[0082] Behavioral patterns (such as attempts to “game the system”, e.g. alternating acceptable behavior and theft to obtain tokens)

[0083] Accuracy of sensing technology: The ability to detect suspicious behavior is based on the type of behavior detection sensor; for example, dispensing devices typically have very high accuracy for the amount and specific item removed, while vibration detection devices have lower accuracy; video sensing accuracy typically depends on camera location and item type.

[0084] The value of the merchandise that was subject to unacceptable removal.

[0085] Removed specific SKUs.

[0086] The time between past and current attempts to access the item.

[0087] Shopper history; purchase history; registered membership in store programs; high store app utilization; and / or long-term and frequent loyalty will be considered more credible;

[0088] The inclusion and / or weighting of the above factors are used alone or in combination with the shopper metadata and the algorithm's classification of the individual and generate a "Trusted Shopper Score" for that individual. The retailer then sets a TSS threshold, which the present invention uses when evaluating merchandise access requests to locked fixtures. Other store systems can use the same TSS to grant shopper permission levels, such as unsupervised self-checkout, use of store portable scanning devices and other privileged services, or virtually any service that would otherwise require store personnel supervision.

[0089] First lock fixture interaction

[0090] Configuration variables of the present invention enable retailers to determine how new shoppers are introduced to the system. For example, the algorithm can be configured so that all first-time users (except those in a pre-existing "known offenders" database, described later) are considered trusted and provided privileged access. As long as acceptable behavior is observed in initial and subsequent interactions, access privileges are granted.

[0091] Alternative embodiments may require shoppers to register or "opt-in" to the system (e.g., through a loyalty shopper program or other identification means described above) as a prerequisite to granting privileged access. By opting-in to the system, shoppers will be granted greater shopping conveniences. In this case, the individual's identity may be linked to a database of known "by name" loyalty shoppers.

[0092] Self-calibration of suspicious event declarations

[0093] As previously mentioned, if the number of items removed from a monitored fixture exceeds the Suspicious Event Threshold, the transaction is considered a “Suspicious Event” and the TSS of the shopper associated with the behavior will be negatively impacted (depending on the event and other factors, including their Trusted Shopper Score). However, the removal of a large number of items in a single transaction will exceed the higher Suspicious Event Threshold that defines a “Sweep Event.” Even individuals with high Trusted Shopper Scores will potentially be subject to significant penalties if associated with a sweep event.

[0094] The acceptable number of product removals will vary depending on the type of merchandise contained in the locking fixture. As the number of locking fixtures utilizing the present invention grows, a single retailer may have thousands of cases utilizing this self-service invention. Manually determining, configuring, and maintaining appropriate event thresholds, especially suspicious event thresholds for thousands of locking fixtures across hundreds of stores, can become extremely time consuming and potentially difficult to manage. The line between a reasonable normal shopping quantity and a slightly excessive quantity can vary depending on the type of merchandise, store location, and even the season of year. The threshold self-calibration feature of the present invention automates this task by periodically adjusting the suspicious event thresholds based on a statistical analysis of customer behavior over a period of time.

[0095] Self-calibration requires the retailer to establish an initial suspicious event rate by estimating the percentage of transactions that represent suspicious events. For example, the retailer may estimate that (typically) 98 of its shoppers are trustworthy and legitimate, and therefore 2% of shoppers are potential offenders. This estimate represents the percentage of fixture opening events that may be associated with theft events. This percentage determines the suspicious event rate. After an initial statistically relevant number of fixture opening events, the system will automatically adjust the suspicious event threshold (defined as the number of unit removals determined to be suspicious) based on the actual measured product removal behavior observed by previous shoppers according to the percentage threshold set by the retailer. The self-calibration algorithm of the present invention retains the product removal data from each opening event and uses this data to calculate the suspicious event threshold based on the suspicious event rate indicated by the retailer. In this example, the number of units removed by the top 2% of shoppers will be considered suspicious events. The present invention then adjusts the threshold periodically on a rolling basis to take into account possible merchandise changes, sales events, and other external factors that can affect the number of products removed from the locking fixture.

[0096] This self-calibration algorithm uses statistical methods to remove “outliers” that represent non-standard behavior that would otherwise typically distort the suspicious event threshold or other system data. For example, if the top 2% of shopper item interactions contain non-standard behavior, the self-calibration algorithm will determine if those interactions are non-standard outliers and remove those outliers from the calculation of the suspicious event threshold. To illustrate this scenario, if one or more of the 2% of shoppers used to establish the suspicious event threshold were 500% more promiscuous than the rest of the top 2% of shoppers, this could skew the average for that group and potentially affect one of the methods for calculating the suspicious event threshold. Removing these outliers will create a more accurate suspicious event threshold based on more standard behavior.

[0097] This self-calibration algorithm can accept external metadata and individual categories as input to more specifically calibrate each individual fixture and dynamically change suspicious event thresholds based on changes in merchandise, pricing, or other external factors that can influence product removal behavior. This metadata can include, but is not limited to, the following; SKU-level information about which items are contained in the locked case (regardless of how this data is collected), RFID information, planogram information, pricing data, as well as promotional information, weather events, any natural disaster events, civil unrest, or any other metadata that can influence product removal behavior.

[0098] It is advantageous to eliminate known item inventory data from the self-calibration algorithm. If the system has access to metadata and knows individual categories, such as store employees, vendors, or other non-customers accessing locked fixtures and associated restocking events, the self-calibration algorithm will ignore product interaction data associated with non-customer initiated restocking events (or customer assistance requests for rejected or opted-out customers). In this way, the algorithm can more accurately determine normal product removal thresholds without additional outliers generated by inventory events or other non-customer generated product removal events.

[0099] The role of the metadata database and integration with other store systems

[0100] The benefits of the present invention may be enhanced by access to various metadata, such as the following metadata which may be used to develop personal categories and for other purposes:

[0101] Registering a loyal shopper database – As mentioned earlier, this can be useful as a means of rewarding loyal customers by initiating privileged access. Trusted shopper algorithms can take into account a shopper’s habits and loyalty to deem certain behaviors acceptable.

[0102] Shopper’s purchase history – By accessing a shopper’s personal shopping history, the TSS algorithm can provide more lenient treatment for suspicious incidents committed by shoppers who spend above a threshold at a retailer. This can avoid denying self-service access to a retailer’s highest spending customers.

[0103] Known violators database – includes known bad actors such as convicted shoplifters, suspected enabler gang members, and other individuals who are prohibited from privileged access. This database can be an integration of data provided by local law enforcement through the retailer’s own case management system or other known violator databases. Known violators are denied self-service access but can still access merchandise by notifying a store associate through the system to unlock the fixture. The system can notify store associates and communicate that a known violator is requesting access to locked merchandise, allowing associates to follow alternative product protection protocols such as bringing merchandise to a cashier rather than handing it over to the violator. Additionally, in the case of unsecured but monitored merchandise, merchandise interactions by those shoppers identified as known violators will result in immediate store associate notification actions as well as deployment of local deterrents as previously discussed. It is especially noteworthy that the known violator database is not unique to a specific store location, but rather a combination of multiple stores in that retailer’s chain, or even shared information from other retailers.

[0104] Store Associate Database - includes the identities of all store employees and is used to provide associates with ready access to secure merchandise in the process of assisting shoppers who are not granted self-service privileged access; furthermore, since the act of restocking merchandise can be interpreted by some sensors as a theft event, authorized store associates will avoid this determination (thus, the system may also reference the clock system database to verify store associate presence as a condition to ignore what would otherwise be considered a suspicious event). This database may be coupled with a retailer HRIS system that can automatically register and remove store associates as they are hired and fired from the company. Additionally, a self-calibration algorithm will use this data to ensure that only customer product removal data is used when determining suspicious event thresholds.

[0105] · Vendor Employee Database - In some cases, retailers will require merchandise vendors to restock their products on the shelves. In these cases, non-retailer employees may be granted access to locked bins, just as store employees are granted access. Much like a store employee database, it provides identity and authorization information about vendors who can restock certain items (e.g., which merchandise locations).

[0106] Video Management Systems: If video is used as a sensing technology, or if merchandise is monitored by in-store video surveillance, that video stream can be “bookmarked” by the system to enable auditing of system performance and identification and possible arrest of violators who exhibit suspicious behavior.

[0107] Self-checkout auditing: More and more retailers are adopting self-checkout. These self-checkouts have auditing procedures that can identify individuals who fail to scan all items or otherwise deceive the system. If individuals are uniquely identified using this process, this database can be integrated into the TSS algorithm to make better access decisions. Alternatively, once a shopper exhibits suspicious behavior in a locked box, if that customer is also identified at the self-checkout, an attendant can be notified to assist that shopper and ensure that the items removed are properly checked out.

[0108] SKU-level product data: Knowing the products contained in a box helps the TSS algorithm set suspicious event thresholds more accurately. It is also used for inventory and replenishment, as well as to adhere to retailer policies for placing products in fixtures.

[0109] Gender, age and mood data: When using biometrics or other methods of person identification, these systems are able to determine age, gender and even mood. These inputs help the system identify customers who may need assistance. This information is also useful for retailers for marketing and promotion by identifying the demographics of customers who visit certain SKUs. This information can be used to display more targeted advertising on the display of the present invention or other specific local advertising carriers.

[0110] When product access is denied or delayed

[0111] If the shopper's trusted shopper score is below the TSS threshold and the requested access is denied, the present invention seeks assistance to satisfy the customer's needs; the method includes:

[0112] Customer Assistance Request: An audio or text message is sent via a communication device carried by a store associate or even over a PA system. The reason for the denial (e.g., unknown shopper vs. known offender) can result in different messaging and corresponding actions. In this example, depending on store policy, the associate may simply unlock the fixture and hand the requested merchandise to the unknown shopper, while the associate may need to accompany a known offender to checkout or leave merchandise at the checkout for the known offender to purchase on their way out.

[0113] Video Streaming: Utilizing the optional camera, video display, microphone and speakers of the present invention, an automated live streaming connection can be established between a shopper at the fixture and a store associate (who may or may not be physically present in the store); depending on the circumstances, the associate can remotely command the fixture to unlock, or may choose to physically go to the fixture or instruct another associate to do so to assist the customer.

[0114] In some cases, there can be a delay before access to merchandise is granted. For example, a retailer may choose to prevent losses by configuring the system to delay unlocking fixtures between requests from the same shopper or perhaps even from different shoppers; the call delay and its duration may be influenced by recent opening patterns as well as the requester's trusted shopper score. In this case, the display would provide a countdown or other delay indication to encourage shoppers to wait.

[0115] Applying Trusted Shopper Scores to Self-Checkout and Exit Audits

[0116] Retailers are increasingly installing self-checkout stations in their stores where shoppers can scan and pay for their purchases. Not surprisingly, this process is vulnerable to theft (e.g. not scanning all items that the shopper takes). Another self-checkout method enables shoppers to use a store-provided mobile scanning device, or even their own smartphone with a store app, to perform checkout as items are selected on the sales floor and placed directly into a bag or cart. This is more vulnerable to theft as an individual can easily place a few items in a bag without scanning, or even leave the store without scanning anything at all.

[0117] This invention can help reduce this theft in three ways:

[0118] Self-checkout behavior as an input to the TSS score: Most self-checkout systems contain various devices, such as analytical video surveillance or product weight measurement devices, to detect possible theft activity. Such detections can serve as inputs to the trusted shopper score algorithm and can result in triggering a mandatory exit audit of the shopper’s receipt for items in the cart, requiring a store associate to perform a “supervised checkout” on future visits, or completely suspending self-checkout privileges if the pattern occurs.

[0119] Unscanned protected merchandise: As previously mentioned, the present invention uses various sensors to detect the removal of high-value merchandise from secure locations and in some cases unsecure locations. This merchandise removal can be associated with a specific individual. If the removed merchandise is not subsequently scanned by the same individual through the checkout process, the algorithm can characterize this action as unacceptable behavior that can trigger a receipt audit or result in the revocation of merchandise access and / or self-checkout privileges.

[0120] · Opt-out audit: As a further action associated with either self-checkout method, detection of unscanned removed items can cause a trust algorithm to trigger a notification or other signaling method so that when an individual approaches a store exit, their purchase can be subject to an exit audit to verify scan accuracy. Advertising, Marketing and Couponing Capabilities of the Invention

[0121] The present invention essentially has a "captive audience" in terms of a shopper standing in front of a fixture containing specific merchandise. Furthermore, utilizing metadata and personal category data, advertising can be customized. This is an ideal environment to deliver targeted advertising to this person in an attempt to influence their purchasing behavior. This advertising capability is an integral part of the present invention and is "high value real estate" for any potential advertiser.

[0122] The means of advertising are common and not critical to the invention. It may be audio or audio / visual. This may be accomplished through the built-in audio capabilities of the invention, external speakers, a built-in display of the invention, an auxiliary display located at or near the fixture. Virtually any means of providing promotional information may be used.

[0123] Selecting the right type of advertisement is central to the invention. The type of advertisement can be selected based on a range of inputs. From very simple (e.g., the items contained in a box) to complex, utilizing personal information, metadata, and individual categories associated with the individual requesting access to the locked items. Using this information, the system can provide significantly more targeted advertisements, thereby more effectively delivering advertisements. These advertisements can be brand advertisements, promotions (e.g., sales or special promotions). They can also be general store advertisements, such as credit card promotions or loyalty membership benefits.

[0124] The following represent some use cases for the advertising and marketing capabilities of the present invention.

[0125] Items contained in the box: In cases where the system knows what items are contained in the box, either manually entered by the retailer or detected by a sensor that moves the item, the system can provide intelligent ads that are relevant and specific to the items contained in the box. This can be either a product category ad or a brand specific ad. If the system can detect when a SKU is sold out, it can recommend similar products.

[0126] Personally Identified Shoppers: In some configurations of the invention, the system knows the shopper “by name.” This is the case, for example, when the identification method is the shopper’s loyalty card number or the retailer’s app. Once the shopper exchanges personally identifying information for convenient self-service access, the system knows who is accessing the merchandise. The system can use this information to provide more targeted advertising, especially when leveraging the shopper’s metadata. For example, VIP customers can be identified and provided a “thank you” message to increase brand loyalty.

[0127] Anonymously Identifying Shoppers: In some configurations, shoppers are uniquely identified but given an anonymous user ID. In this case, the system can track a shopper over time but does not know the shopper's identity. In this case, the system learns about products located within multiple fixtures and the cumulative shopper's purchase behavior based on which locked boxes they have visited, and the system can play targeted ads when it detects that the shopper resides in front of a fixture, or when the shopper visits a product.

[0128] Age, gender and emotion identification of shoppers: In some configurations, age, gender and emotion data are added to shopper identification. This information can be used as input to select appropriate advertising messages.

[0129] Shopper dwell: The system is able to detect shopper dwelling in proximity to a fixture using an integrated dwell sensor. In some cases, the sensor is not able to uniquely identify the shopper, in other cases, such as using beacons or geo-fencing through the retailer’s app, the system can personally identify the shopper. In such cases, an advertisement can be played to entice shoppers in the vicinity of the fixture to purchase the merchandise contained in the fixture.

[0130] Coupons: As part of the marketing capabilities of the present invention, it is able to issue coupons generally to everyone, or selectively based on available customer data. With customer data, the system can choose when to issue coupons. VIP customers or loyalty members of a retailer may receive coupons, while non-VIP or non-loyal customers may not.

[0131] Dynamic Coupons: If the system is able to detect which products are selected from the fixtures, real-time coupons can be presented to the shopper in an attempt to influence their product selection. In the case of competition, coupons can be distributed dynamically based on the initial brand selection in the case. For example, if a product from brand A is selected, a coupon for brand B can be offered. If the shopper initially selects brand B, no coupon is offered.

[0132] In general, the system can accept input from any and all customer-specific information, metadata sources, and its own sensor data to make intelligent decisions about advertising and coupons.

[0133] Non-biometric face detection

[0134] Due to privacy concerns associated with facial recognition and other forms of biometric data collection, some retailers may be reluctant to adopt certain embodiments of the above system. The alternative approach described below avoids these issues while still providing many of the benefits of the system.

[0135] Notably, one of the few theft deterrent technologies that retailers report as effective, even when in prolonged use, is the Public View Monitor (PVM). This ubiquitous device, seemingly installed in every retail store, is simply a video display with an embedded camera so that the viewer can see him or herself in the display. These are typically located at store entrances or at certain high-risk merchandise locations. Some models provide visual and / or audio indications when motion is detected to facilitate the inference of active detection. This implies that the video stream is being monitored and / or recorded. However, most PVMs don’t even have external connections, let alone monitoring or recording. Still, the perpetrator is left wondering…are they watching? Often, the choice is to take no chances, thereby acting as a theft deterrent.

[0136] The alternative embodiment described herein combines the uncertainty instilled by PVM with the deterrence of locked merchandise. Much like the previously described invention that uses biometric means of uniquely identifying a shopper, a shopper wishing to purchase protected merchandise can do so by simply providing an acceptable image of their face (or other biometric information). This means of accessing locked merchandise is much more convenient than calling a store associate. In addition to deterring theft, this approach avoids the loss of sales typical of secure merchandise and increases productivity because store personnel do not have to make repeated trips to merchandise to assist shoppers.

[0137] Detailed description of non-biometric methods

[0138] The following elements typically comprise the implementation of this method:

[0139] Video Module: includes a video display, audio speakers, at least one (hard or soft) button, and optional wired / wireless external connectivity. Connectivity enables the video module to accept information from local sensors (if used) and communicate with other devices and systems on the store network, including communications equipment, monitoring stations, and servers. The video module is physically small enough to minimize merchandise obstruction and is adjustable to allow aiming of the camera to capture the faces of users of different heights, including those in wheelchairs.

[0140] Electronically controlled lock: Because the present invention can be equipped with a variety of anti-theft merchandise securing devices, the actual locking mechanism will vary. The main embodiments use solenoid or magnetic locking control. Depending on the configuration, a switch or other sensor (which can be a separate device or integrated with the locking mechanism) can monitor the securing device to confirm the return to its secure state (such as a door in the closed position). Note that some configurations may not use a lock, as described below.

[0141] While reasonable variations in the sequence of operations may be implemented, the following are typical.

[0142] First, a person who wants to access locked merchandise indicates this by pressing a hard or soft button on the touch screen display.

[0143] A visual and / or audible message then instructs the user to look directly at the camera, which is typically located above the display. The display presents the customer with an image of the shopper from the embedded camera. The customer aligns their face with the on-screen box, providing a perfect "headshot" of the individual. Once a face is detected, a tracking box optionally appears around the face and / or displays the captured face image. No facial recognition occurs; just the detection that a person's face has been presented to the camera.

[0144] After the presence of a face is detected, a short delay (typically 3 seconds) occurs to infer processing of the image. Some may assume that facial recognition or even an identity database lookup is taking place during this time, but this is not the case. Various visual and / or audio cues may be presented during this time. For example, a yellow frame may appear around the perimeter of the display, and the words "Processing" may be displayed and spoken.

[0145] At the end of the delay, the lock is released, allowing the shopper to select the desired items within.

[0146] During merchandise provisioning, merchandise removal detection sensors as described above (e.g., fixture vibration monitoring devices, video, pressure pads, hook and pusher dispensing counters, and other technologies) detect the number of items removed. If that number exceeds the suspicious event thresholds described above, the event is deemed "suspicious" and, depending on system configuration, the system may deploy local deterrents such as notifications above the system display, audible alarms, flashing lights, or turning on external theft deterrents and / or immediately create an alert notification to store personnel, local loss prevention personnel, or remote monitoring stations. Such notifications are typically accompanied by images or videos captured when access to the merchandise was granted.

[0147] The image of the person granted access remains on the screen until the transaction is terminated, which depends on the fixture type and system configuration. Termination is defined in three ways:

[0148] Return to secure state (door) – This is typically the detection of a door on a locked cabinet or flip door on a merchandise pod returning to its closed state. It is adapted from other security methods where releasing the lock allows a person to open a door or other device, and then after obtaining the desired merchandise, the door or other device returns to the closed position, which is detected by the system using a switch or other sensor.

[0149] Controlled dispensing ("vending" fixtures) - Some secure merchandise fixtures operate like vending machines, where once access is granted, a person takes action to dispense one (or possibly more) items. For example, baby formula is an item that is often stolen, and so is sometimes displayed in fixtures where only one item can be removed at a time. Another example is the many ways to restrict access to merchandise that is often displayed on hooks - from electronically locking hooks to "bottle opener" manual twisting devices that do not prohibit access but slow it down. In these and many similar applications, the electronic locking mechanism can be molded and controlled by the present invention.

[0150] Timed Access (Open Fixtures) - In some cases, merchandise may not have a physical barrier. For example, a large assortment of cosmetics would be difficult or undesirable to block with a physical barrier. In this case, video monitors can be used in conjunction with methods of sensing people interacting with merchandise. There are a variety of sensing methods for this, including cameras, vibration sensors, infrared virtual fences, pressure mats, etc.). Once a face is detected, the video monitor allows access to the merchandise for a defined time period and / or a certain number of accesses (hands reaching into the merchandise area) before a warning interval is about to expire. Access to the merchandise outside of this time interval can trigger a low-level alarm, such as the video monitor providing an audio message that access needs to be granted, or if access persists, a higher-level alarm can be triggered, such as notifying loss prevention personnel.

[0151] After access is terminated (e.g., a shopper closes the door), no additional access requests will be processed for a configurable delay period (e.g., 30 or 60 seconds). The purpose of this delay period is to discourage a thief from repeatedly accessing locked merchandise and removing a number of items below the suspicious event threshold on each visit. The system can be further configured to detect suspicious patterns of repeated access, which itself can trigger a suspicious event and / or cause the system to enter a locked mode, disabling further self-service access for a period of time and / or until reset by local or remote personnel.

[0152] Another possible system action in this suspicious situation is that the video monitor immediately establishes a live video call with a store employee's communication device (e.g., a smartphone or similar device) or a staffed computer at a remote monitoring station. If the subsequent conversation requires, the store employee or monitoring station personnel can command unlocking via the communication device or computer.

[0153] Likewise, if a shopper requests access during a delay period, the system can be configured to immediately notify a store employee that assistance is needed at that location, or, as previously described, to immediately establish a video call with the appropriate personnel who can remotely unlock the merchandise if necessary. Alternatively, if access to store personnel is expected to be impeded, the video display can provide a message to encourage the shopper making the request to wait until the delay period expires.

[0154] Video monitors can provide other benefits when not performing their primary function. For example, promotional information about protected merchandise can be displayed, including video. Another available function is simply to act as a camera with a unique view that can be accessed by a local or remote video surveillance station in the store.

Claims

1. A system for maximizing sales and minimizing theft in a retail environment, the system comprising: (a) providing merchandise fixtures that restrict access to said merchandise; (b) receiving personally identifiable information of an individual seeking to access the merchandise; as well as (c) automatically enabling access to the merchandise, wherein the individual utilizes a mobile device as a user interface for entering information into or receiving information from the system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal identification information of the individual is in a form selected from the group consisting of: shopper loyalty card information, a government-issued ID, a financial institution card such as a debit or credit card, a cell phone number, a mobile device carried by the individual that can be identified, a retailer app that the individual has logged into, biometric information, and an employee ID card or employee number.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the process by which the system is able to verify that the individual is in the vicinity of the merchandise fixture is at least one selected from the group consisting of: entering a mobile phone number into the system and receiving a text message with a code, which is then entered into the system; scanning a QR code provided by the system, which links to a web page, where the individual enters a mobile phone number and receives a text message with a unique QR code, where the unique QR code is then scanned by the system; scanning a QR code provided by the system, which links to a web page, where the individual enters an email address and receives an email with a unique QR code, where the unique QR code is then scanned by the system; logging into an app from a mobile device p, wherein the mobile device is then used to scan a QR code provided by the system, wherein the app allows the individual to provide personal identification information to the system; provide at least one biometric sensor, the at least one biometric sensor enabling the system to identify the individual's biometric information from the individual's body, provide a barcode reader, the barcode reader enabling the system to read identification cards containing similar technology; provide near field communication technology, i.e., NFC technology, the NFC technology enabling the system to read identification cards containing similar technology; provide a radio frequency identification sensor, i.e., RFID sensor, the RFID sensor enabling the system to read identification cards, and provide a magnetic stripe reader, the magnetic stripe reader enabling the system to read identification cards containing similar technology.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system restricts or controls access to the merchandise fixture using at least one selected from the group consisting of: a magnetic door lock, a solenoid actuated door lock, an electronically controlled turnstile, an electronically controlled gate, and a software defined virtual fence utilizing a camera to identify entry through the virtual fence.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein a user interface in the form of a touch screen display is used to input information into or receive information from the system.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the individual utilizes an app on a mobile device as a user interface for inputting information into or receiving information from the system.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein multiple fixtures can be controlled from a single user interface.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the individual enters a merchandise fixture identifier to indicate which merchandise fixture to access.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein once the individual is authenticated, the system unlocks all merchandise fixtures in a local area.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the system automatically locks all merchandise fixtures once one fixture is opened or after a delay.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one camera captures an image or video of the individual during interaction with the fixture.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one camera captures images or video of the individual interacting with the merchandise contained within the fixture.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the image or video of the individual interacting with the merchandise contained in the fixture is played through a display so that the individual can see the image or video of the individual interacting with the merchandise contained in the fixture in real time.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the images or videos of the individual interacting with the fixture or the merchandise contained within the fixture are stored in at least one database.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the video of the individual interacting with the fixture or the merchandise contained within the fixture is integrated with a video management system.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for controlling access is computer controlled.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for controlling access is capable of limiting access following an access enabling event.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is capable of using biometrics to receive personal identification information at restricted points.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the system transmits the personal identification information and other data associated with the individual's interaction with the fixture to at least one database.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the personally identifiable information of the individual is associated with personally identifiable information contained in at least one external database.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the information from the at least one database and the at least one external database is used to determine whether the individual is to be granted access.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the information from the at least one database and the at least one other external database includes information regarding past incidences of suspicious behavior by the individual.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes at least one sensor that identifies when the individual accesses the fixture.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the system calculates the duration of the individual's visit to the fixture.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the system issues an alarm if the duration of the access exceeds a predetermined threshold.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the information from the at least one database comprises information about the individual, the information comprising at least one from the group consisting of personal identification information of the individual and shopping behavior factors.

27. A system according to claim 20, wherein the information from the at least one external database is at least one selected from the group consisting of: personal identification information, known violators, case management data, purchase history, loyalty card memberships, app login credentials, authorized vendor personnel, current employees, terminated employees, and VIP customers.

28. The system of claim 19, wherein the system includes sensors that identify behavior when the individual interacts with the system.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the system is capable of distinguishing normal fixture interaction behavior from suspicious behavior.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the system includes a threshold for each interaction behavior for distinguishing suspicious behavior from normal behavior.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the threshold is established using statistical methods applied to historical behavior.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the threshold is established manually.

33. The system of claim 30, wherein the system provides a local alert when a behavior threshold indicative of suspicious behavior is crossed.

34. The system of claim 30, wherein the system is capable of triggering an alarm or sounding an alarm through a PA system or other communication device when a behavioral threshold indicative of suspicious behavior is crossed.

35. The system of claim 30, wherein if the threshold of the suspicious behavior is crossed, the individual is denied subsequent access to the fixture for a certain period of time.

36. The system of claim 26, wherein the system denies access to an individual if the individual's personally identifiable information is associated with at least one suspicious event from the at least one database or the at least one external database.

37. The system of claim 27, wherein at least one algorithm determines whether the system grants or denies access to the individual.

38. The system of claim 26, wherein at least one algorithm determines whether the system grants or denies access to the individual.

39. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a feature allowing the individual to request assistance in accessing the fixture.