Integrated product monitoring system using EAS antenna

Abstract

An EAS monitoring system is shown and described herein. The EAS monitoring system includes a ferrite EAS antenna disposed adjacent a support surface of an area for monitoring. The EAS antenna is disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the ground. The EAS antenna may be surrounded or covered by a shield to hide the EAS antenna.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 348,048, filed on June 2, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a product monitoring system using an electronic article surveillance (EAS) antenna integrated into the physical structure of the monitoring area. In particular, the present invention provides a system utilizing an EAS antenna that allows the antenna to have a reduced footprint and / or be unnoticeable or substantially invisible to customers. Background Art

[0004] EAS antennas are known and used in a variety of applications for electronically monitoring items within a given environment. For example, EAS antennas are sometimes placed at or near locations where they provide the greatest deterrent to theft, such as at a checkout counter (e.g., a point of sale location) or near an exit of a facility. Examples of such EAS antennas include EAS pedestal antennas that are placed near an exit of a facility (such as a retail establishment).

[0005] Retailers are also interested in utilizing EAS antennas at or near the checkout counter. One option is to utilize EAS pedestals in the checkout lane or against the checkout counter. These would be located downstream of the checkout counter, typically near the end of the checkout station (see, for example, Figure 1 ). EAS pedestals are typically large structures, and their placement at the end of a checkout station - or even near a checkout station - can interfere with customers during the checkout process, reducing the convenience of customers entering a collection area to bag or collect their items after purchase. EAS pedestals cannot be placed against metal counters, which can interfere with the field generated by the EAS pedestal and reduce the ability of the EAS pedestal to accurately detect active tags. In addition, checkout stations cannot be moved or repositioned within a facility unless the EAS pedestal has to be moved.

[0006] Other attempts have been made to integrate smaller EAS antennas at checkout stations. For example, flat plate EAS antennas have been incorporated into checkout systems. Although smaller than EAS pedestals, flat EAS antennas still have a relatively large surface area and can take up significant space within a checkout station. This can make it more difficult to hide flat EAS antennas. Using these flat EAS antennas may also require that the checkout station be customized to allow for the flat plate to be accommodated. In addition, these types of antennas cannot be used with metal checkout stations. Although the antenna does allow for hiding within the checkout station, the detection of flat EAS antennas is generally limited by the height of the antenna. Many checkout stations have a height of approximately 80 cm to 110 cm, and flat EAS antennas are typically positioned below the checkout counter. Therefore, when using a flat plate in this manner, the detection area is limited to approximately waist level and below, so that products with active tags positioned above this height will not be detected.

[0007] Another existing solution is to utilize tall vertical EAS antennas at the end of the checkout station. These vertical EAS antennas have a slimmer profile than the pedestal antennas. Although they take up less space in the checkout station than the EAS pedestals, they can still cause some disruption to customers in the bagging or pickup areas of the checkout station. Additionally, the use of these vertical EAS antennas requires drilling holes in the checkout station to accommodate the EAS antennas. Metal checkout stations also limit detection sensitivity when using these vertical antennas. Summary of the invention

[0008] The following presents the invention summary of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. The present invention summary is intended to neither indicate key elements or important elements nor to limit any limitation to the embodiments or claims. In addition, the present invention summary can provide a brief summary of some aspects described in more detail in other parts of the present disclosure.

[0009] A system for providing monitoring of items within a given area is provided. The system utilizes an EAS antenna selected from a ferrite antenna, the EAS antenna being disposed adjacent to a surface of a monitored area, wherein the EAS antenna is positioned substantially horizontal to the ground. In one embodiment, the surface of the monitored area includes a shield disposed on the surface of the monitored area, and the EAS antenna is disposed within the shield.

[0010] It has been found that the use of ferrite antennas arranged horizontally relative to the ground on the surface of the monitoring area provides excellent detection capabilities. It has been found that the use of ferrite antennas arranged in this manner can provide a detection field that extends vertically so that the field can detect from near the ground to near the shoulder height of a customer (e.g., a detection area of ​​about 140 cm to about 180 cm from the lower end of the detection area to the upper end of the detection area).

[0011] Additionally, the system provides good detection even when the surface of the monitored area is formed of or includes metallic material.

[0012] The present system allows the EAS antenna to be concealed by a shield, such as, for example, a bumper, a plastic cover, a hollow molding, etc. Thus, the detection system can be used in a variety of locations where monitoring may be desired, including but not limited to checkout stations, exit areas, walls in aisles (areas such as restrooms, restrooms, etc.).

[0013] The following description and the accompanying drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be clearly identified, while other aspects may be obvious from the description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate various systems, devices, apparatus, and related methods, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a prior art system showing a pedestal mounted EAS antenna;

[0016] Figure 2 is an embodiment of a monitoring area including the present EAS system;

[0017] Figure 3 is an embodiment of a monitoring area including the present EAS system;

[0018] Figure 4 is a side view of a checkout station utilizing an EAS detection system;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the checkout station;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An end view of a checkout station;

[0021] Figures 7a to 7d A method of inserting an EAS antenna into a bumper strip at a checkout station is provided;

[0022] Figure 8a It is for Figure 8b Plot of EAS tag pick-up rates for EAS antenna configurations;

[0023] Figure 9a It is for Figure 9b Plot of EAS tag pick-up rates for EAS antenna configurations;

[0024] Fig.10a It is for Fig.10bPlot of EAS tag pickup rates for EAS antenna configurations;

[0025] Fig.11a It is for Fig.11b Plot of EAS tag pickup rates for EAS antenna configurations;

[0026] Fig.12a It is for Figure 12b a plot of EAS tag pick-up rates for the EAS antenna configurations; and

[0027] Fig.13a It is for Fig.13b Plot of EAS tag pick-up rates for different EAS antenna configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural and functional changes may be made. In addition, the features of the various embodiments may be combined or replaced. Therefore, the following description is presented only by way of illustration and should not in any way limit the various replacements and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments. In the present disclosure, many specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that various aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments that do not necessarily include all aspects described herein, etc.

[0029] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an instance or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a critical or preferred aspect or embodiment. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the word "or" is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive. For example, the phrase "A utilizes B or C" includes any inclusive arrangement (e.g., A utilizes B; A utilizes C; or A utilizes B and C). On the other hand, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0030] A monitoring system for detecting active EAS tags and passive tags that have not been deactivated or removed within a given area is provided. The system utilizes an EAS antenna selected from a ferrite antenna, the EAS antenna being disposed adjacent to a surface of a monitoring area, wherein the EAS antenna is positioned substantially horizontal to the ground. In one embodiment, the surface of the monitoring area includes a shield disposed on the surface of the monitoring area, and the EAS antenna is disposed within the shield.

[0031] Figure 2A surveillance area 100 is shown in a corridor or hallway location that includes a wall 110 defining a surface 112 that is substantially vertical relative to the ground. The EAS system includes an EAS antenna 120, selected from a ferrite antenna, that is disposed adjacent to the surface 112 of the wall 110. The EAS antenna 120 is oriented parallel to the ground. The EAS antenna 120 is surrounded by a shield 130 that is disposed on the surface 112 of the wall 110. The shield defines a space in which the EAS antenna 120 can be disposed. The space can simply be a void in which the EAS antenna is simply placed and rests against a portion of the shield and / or surface. The space within the shield can contain a designated cavity that is sized and shaped for receiving the EAS antenna. For example, as Figure 7b and Figure 7c As shown, the space within the shield includes a molded cavity for receiving the shield.

[0032] The shield can be configured to allow access to the EAS antenna as desired. The shield can be a multi-piece structure with one section mounted to the surface of interest and one piece clipped to the mounting piece to define the interior space and surround the EAS antenna. In another embodiment, the shield can be a formed structure with a removable section to expose the interior space of the shield. The removable section can be positioned anywhere on the shield as desired for a particular purpose or intended application. The removable section will be sized to allow the EAS antenna to be inserted into or removed from the interior space depending on its location. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7b and Figure 7c As shown, the removable piece is provided as a removable cap at the end of the shield.

[0033] Figure 3 An embodiment of a surveillance area 200 provided by a door 210 defining a surface 212 is shown. An EAS antenna is disposed adjacent to the surface of the door 210. The EAS antenna is oriented to be level with the ground. The EAS antenna is surrounded by a shroud 230. In this embodiment, the shroud may be disposed directly adjacent to the surface of the door, or it may be slightly offset relative to the surface of the door and disposed in a shroud that forms a handle or push bar on the door.

[0034] Figures 4 to 6An embodiment of a monitoring area 300 including a checkout station is shown. The checkout station includes a checkout counter 310, which includes a product loading area 312 where products are loaded for scanning at checkout, a product receiving area 314 to which products are moved after scanning, and a scanning area 350 where products are scanned into the system for checkout. The scanning area includes a reader for reading product coding information identifying the product and recording the item for sale. The scanning area also typically includes a device to remove and deactivate security tags associated with the scanned product.

[0035] The checkout counter 310 includes a surface 316 adjacent to the upper end of the checkout counter and oriented toward the customer side of the checkout counter. The checkout counter includes a shield 330 adjacent to the top end of the checkout counter that provides a cavity in which an EAS antenna 320 is disposed. The system includes electronics and a power supply 360 to power the EAS antenna and connect the antenna to an alarm system (not shown). When a customer carrying a product whose tag has not been removed or deactivated, or a product whose tag has not been removed or deactivated, moves toward the EAS antenna, the EAS antenna 320 will detect the security tag that has not been deactivated (and / or removed from the product).

[0036] When the monitoring system is used with a checkout system, the EAS antenna is located downstream of the scanning / reader station to avoid or reduce the occurrence of active tags from the product loading area being detected before being scanned or deactivated. In one embodiment, the EAS antenna is placed at least 50 cm from the scanner to avoid false detection of live tags in the loading area or in the process of being scanned. Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the system includes a suppressor antenna 370 disposed between the scanning area and the EAS antenna 320, which will block signals from the EAS antenna 320 and / or any tags facing the scanning area forward field to avoid incorrect detection of live tags.

[0037] The EAS antenna utilized in the present system is a ferrite or magnetic material core, wherein the winding is arranged to surround the ferrite core. The winding may include a winding that forms a resonant circuit and a winding that allows an electrically isolated output that can be connected to an electronic article monitoring receiver. The shape of the ferrite core is not specifically limited. In an embodiment, the periphery of the ferrite core may be rectangular, circular, elliptical, etc. The ferrite may be covered with a housing, such as a plastic cover, that surrounds and protects the ferrite core.

[0038] The length of the EAS antenna can be selected as desired for a specific purpose or intended application. A longer antenna can provide a larger coverage area along the length of the antenna. The size of the antenna can be based on the location where the antenna is used. For example, the antenna size can be limited based on the available area of ​​the location where the antenna is used. If placed on a wall, the antenna size may not be so limited compared to being utilized at a checkout station or in a door area. In one embodiment, the EAS antenna has a length of 30 cm or more. In one embodiment, the EAS antenna has a length of 30 cm to 100 cm, 40 m to 90 cm, 50 cm to 80 cm, or 60 cm to 70 cm.

[0039] It has been found that the use of ferrite antennas provides excellent detection when placed adjacent to a vertical surface of the surveillance area. Without being bound by any particular theory, the antenna field is believed to rotate around the ferrite core. In this way, the field can "wrap around" the core. Therefore, even if the surface adjacent to the EAS antenna is a metallic surface, the EAS antenna field is not blocked in the desired detection direction.

[0040] Figures 7a to 7d An embodiment of providing an EAS antenna to a monitoring system is shown. Figures 7a-7d In the embodiment of the present invention, an EAS antenna is provided to a checkout station system 300, which includes a shield 330 in the form of a bumper bar covering the EAS antenna. The bumper bar includes a cover 332 that is removed from one end of the bumper bar 330 to expose a cavity 334 for receiving the EAS antenna. The EAS antenna is inserted into the cavity 334, and then the cover 332 is restored to its position on the bumper bar 330 to cover the cavity so that the EAS antenna is hidden within the bumper bar 330.

[0041] A shield or cover with removable ends may be desirable to allow for easier removal and replacement of the EAS antenna (if the EAS antenna fails and needs to be replaced with a new antenna). Alternatively, the EAS antenna may be part of a preformed cover that is placed prior to placing the cover on the surface of interest (checkout station, wall, etc.). The shield may be formed of any material as desired for the intended use or application, except that the shield is typically not a metallic material. The shield may be formed of a polymeric material, wood, etc. In one embodiment, the shield is formed of a plastic material. In one embodiment, the shield is formed of a rubber material. The hardness or impact resistance of the shield may be selected as desired for the particular purpose or intended application.

[0042] Example

[0043] The ability of the EAS antenna to detect EAS tags was tested when the EAS antenna was placed at different locations on the checkout counter station. For each arrangement, the detection field of the EAS antenna relative to three different types of monitoring tags is shown. Three different tags were evaluated. The tags used for testing were adjustable bottle collars (Adjustable Bottle Collars, Super, RF) available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc., pin lock hard tags (Bottle Label Round LG SPL 8.2MHZ) available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc., and 410EP soft tags (Tags) available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Figures 8-13 show the mixed results of the position of the antenna on the checkout counter and the pick-up rate of the three tags. The pick-up rate represents the system performance and the ability of the system to detect EAS tags in the detection area. The checkout station utilized is a station with an upper shelf area made of metal, and includes a bumper strip along the length of the station (extending along the checkout channel) and a bumper strip at the end of the station (along the width of the station). For each reading, the detection area was measured to be 180 cm in height and 110 cm in length.

[0044] In FIG. 8 , the checkout system utilized is in accordance with the present invention, wherein the EAS antenna is disposed within the bumper strip, such as Figure 4 As depicted in FIG7 . The EAS antenna is a circular ferrite with a length of 35 cm. Drawing 400 ( Figure 8a ) shows the detection field with an EAS antenna disposed in a bumper bar. Region 410 indicates a pick rate of approximately 75% or higher.

[0045] FIG9-13 evaluates monitoring area 300', which is similar in all respects to checkout station 310, except that the EAS antenna is not disposed within bumper bars 330' or 340'. In FIG9, a circular EAS antenna 500 having a length of 60 cm is disposed under the shelf and below the bumper bar at the end of the station along the width of the checkout station. As shown in detection field 550, a detection level of 75% or more is achieved in area 555. This area is significantly reduced compared to the area of ​​FIG8, and the detection level is poor, especially above the waist level of the customer. This may be due to interference from metal of the shelf.

[0046] In FIG. 10 , an EAS antenna 600 having a length of 30 cm is utilized and is positioned below the shelf at the end of the shelf and along the length of the shelf in the checkout lane ( Fig.10b ). Detection field plot 650 ( Fig.10a) shows an area 655 where the pick rate is 75% or higher. Although slightly better than the configuration in FIG9 , the arrangement in FIG10 still shows a reduced pick rate compared to FIG8 . Without being bound by any particular theory, this may be due to interference from the metal shelf.

[0047] FIG. 11 utilizes an EAS antenna 700 having an angular configuration including arms 710 and 720. Arms 710 and 720 are both 30 cm in length. The EAS antenna 700 is positioned underneath the shelf such that arm 710 is positioned at the end of the station and extends along the width of the station, and arm 720 extends along the length of the station ( Fig.11b ). Detection field plot 750 ( Fig.11a ) shows a region 755 where the pick rate is greater than 75%. Region 755 is similar to region 655. Again, the reduced detection area may be due to interference with the field from the metal shelf.

[0048] In FIG. 12 , EAS antenna 700 is oriented such that arm 720 is disposed along the length of the checkout station (as shown in FIG. 11 ), and arm 710 is oriented vertically downward from the shelf ( Figure 12b ). Detection field plot 850 ( Fig.12a ) shows an area 855 where the pick-up rate is 75% or higher. As with the configurations of Figures 10 and 11, the metal of the shelf may interfere with the field of the EAS antenna above the shelf.

[0049] In FIG. 13 , the EAS antenna 700 is disposed on the side of the bumper strip 330 with the arm 710 oriented vertically upward from the counter and the arm 720 disposed along the length of the bumper strip 330 ( Fig.13b ). Test field drawing 900( Fig.13a ) shows an area 955 where the pick-up rate is 75% or higher. Area 955 extends substantially from the floor to the upper end of the detection area (180 cm). In this example, the wider vertical detection range may indicate that the EAS antenna field is not obstructed by the metal of the shelf.

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of this specification. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for the purpose of describing this specification, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of this specification are possible. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, for scopes where the term "comprising" is used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising", as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0051] The foregoing description identifies various non-limiting embodiments of the EAS monitoring system. Modifications may occur to those skilled in the art and those who can make and use the invention. The disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the subject matter set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An EAS monitoring system, comprising: an EAS antenna disposed adjacent to a surface oriented vertically relative to the ground; The EAS antenna is selected from a ferrite antenna, and the EAS antenna is arranged to be substantially horizontal relative to the ground.

2. The EAS monitoring system according to claim 1, comprising: A shield is disposed on the surface, the shield defining an interior space surrounding the EAS antenna.

3. The EAS monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein: The shield includes a cavity defined in the interior space for receiving the EAS antenna.

4. The EAS monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein: The shroud includes a removable section for providing access to an interior space of the shroud.

5. The EAS monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein: The removable section is a removable cap positioned at an end of the shroud.

6. The EAS monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The vertically oriented surface is a wall.

7. The EAS monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The vertically oriented surface is a door.

8. The EAS monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The vertically oriented surface is part of a checkout station.

9. A checkout station, comprising: an upper shelf area having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first customer side and a second salesperson side, and an EAS tag deactivator disposed between the first end and the second end; The customer side defines a surface oriented vertically relative to the ground; and An EAS antenna is disposed adjacent to the customer-side surface, the EAS antenna being selected from a ferrite antenna and disposed horizontally relative to the ground between the EAS tag deactivator and the second end.

10. The checkout station according to claim 9, comprising: A shield surrounds the EAS antenna.

11. The checkout station of claim 9, wherein: The shroud defines an interior space in which the EAS antenna is disposed.

12. The checkout station according to claim 11, wherein: The shroud includes a removable section for providing access to an interior space of the shroud.

13. The checkout station of claim 12, wherein: The removable section is a removable cap positioned at an end of the shroud.

14. The checkout station of claim 11, wherein: The shield includes a cavity defined in the interior space for receiving the EAS antenna.

15. The checkout station of claim 14, wherein: The shield includes a removable cap covering the cavity.

16. The checkout station of claim 10, wherein: The guard is a crash barrier disposed adjacent the upper end of the rack area.

17. The checkout system according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein: The EAS antenna is at least 50 cm away from the tag deactivator.

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