Theft prevention system

Abstract

The invention relates to a theft prevention system comprising a portable point of sale (3) having at least one camera (1) with artificial intelligence, located internally or externally relative to the point of sale (3), configured to detect movements or gestures indicative of theft, process the information in real time and send alerts via a wireless communication system (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Theft prevention system

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a theft prevention system. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the field of physics in the subclass of signaling, especially in signaling or calling systems, telegraphic transmitters of orders, alarm systems, specifically in alarms against thieves, robbers or any intruder, as well as in the classification that corresponds to those that use image scanning and comparison systems.

[0007] Similarly, it falls under the classification of predictive alarm systems, characterized by extrapolation or other types of calculation using updated historical data.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] The present invention arises from observing that supermarkets face an increase in losses due to theft by customers during their shopping trip.

[0010] Despite traditional security measures, such as fixed surveillance cameras and alarm systems at the exit of the establishment, these methods are not completely effective in detecting theft attempts in real time.

[0011] Often, thefts occur in hallways or poorly monitored areas, making it difficult for security personnel to intervene immediately.

[0012] On the other hand, there are purchasing systems that incorporate a portable point-of-sale terminal so the user can select products and prepare them for payment. An example of this can be seen in ES2279666. This point-of-sale terminal can be attached to the shopping cart for easier use.

[0013] Accordingly, this invention provides a theft prevention system, in a portable point of sale, and optionally in shopping carts, equipped with artificial intelligence, capable of identifying suspicious movements and gestures along the customer's route, sending real-time alerts to supermarket security personnel.

[0014] Currently, there is no known existence of any theft prevention system that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The object of the present invention is the creation of a theft prevention system that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0017] The present invention relates to a system for preventing theft in shopping carts, comprising a portable point-of-sale system, for example, incorporated into a shopping cart, with at least one camera equipped with artificial intelligence. This camera is configured to identify movements or gestures suspicious of theft, analyze the information in real time, and generate alerts that are transmitted via a wireless communication system connected to the store's security personnel.

[0018] This invention offers an efficient solution for reducing losses due to theft in supermarkets by continuously monitoring the customer's shopping journey. By detecting suspicious behavior in real time, it allows for timely intervention, improving store security.

[0019] Its implementation is especially beneficial in high-traffic customer environments where manual supervision is limited. In addition to preventing theft, this system optimizes security management and creates a more reliable shopping environment for both businesses and consumers. Each camera can have an internal camera module or an external, remote camera module connected wirelessly or via cable. This configuration allows for continuous and efficient monitoring throughout the customer's journey through the supermarket, helping to optimize security and reduce the risk of losses due to theft.

[0020] On the one hand, the internal camera module can be integrated into the structure of the point-of-sale device, similarly to the front cameras of mobile devices, making it easier to use without affecting the ergonomics of the system.

[0021] On the other hand, the external camera module can be placed on the shopping cart in an elevated position, such as overhead, and connected to the point-of-sale device via cable, for example through a USB port, or via a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which expands the system's implementation options.

[0022] Furthermore, to ensure its proper operation within the establishment, the external camera module can include a release locking mechanism for the shopping cart, such as a security lock with a key, which can only be released by authorized personnel. This measure prevents unauthorized removal of the component and reinforces the integrity of the system, while also facilitating maintenance.

[0023] The camera can also be equipped with analytics software based on machine learning and deep learning, enabling it to identify theft patterns and prevent attempted theft. This functionality allows for the detection of suspicious behavior in real time and the generation of timely alerts. This software can also be run at the point of sale.

[0024] As for the point-of-sale device, this can consist of a tablet attached to the shopping cart, equipped with a barcode scanner and an automatic anti-theft tag deactivation system. This setup allows customers to scan products, manage their purchase, and pay directly from the cart, without needing to place them at the checkout.

[0025] Furthermore, deactivating anti-theft tags prevents the risk of shoplifting, as it cancels the tag once the barcode is scanned, preventing the alarm from sounding when passing through security checkpoints in the store. Conveniently, the communication system can include a wireless module integrated into the camera, using technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or equivalent, to connect to the supermarket's internal network. This connection allows real-time alerts to be transmitted to security personnel, sending notifications to a mobile device or a central monitoring station in case of suspicious activity.

[0026] Furthermore, the internal camera module can be powered directly from the point-of-sale device's battery. This configuration allows for more efficient integration between the two components, utilizing available power without the need for additional sources, thus contributing to greater system simplicity and efficiency.

[0027] Powering the internal camera module in this way ensures that its operation continues uninterrupted during use, resulting in greater system autonomy in commercial environments.

[0028] The external camera module also has its own power source, such as at least one battery, or it can be powered by the point-of-sale device's battery if both are attached to the cart. This option ensures that the external module continues to operate uninterrupted without power outages, thus allowing for extended operation.

[0029] This provides flexibility and reliability to the system, as both power options allow the modules to remain operational for long periods, optimizing the overall performance of the system.

[0030] To implement the system, the store must integrate the camera into the shopping carts and connect it to the point-of-sale device. If suspicious movements are detected, alerts will be sent to security personnel via the communication system.

[0031] Furthermore, the point-of-sale device streamlines the purchasing process by allowing customers to scan products and pay without cumbersome procedures, while the battery and wireless connection ensure efficient and continuous operation.

[0032] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a figure in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates the theft prevention system for shopping carts.

[0034] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0035] The theft prevention system depicted comprises at least one camera (1) with Artificial Intelligence, which is attached to a shopping cart (2) and associated with a point-of-sale device (3). This camera (1) is configured to detect movements or gestures suspicious of theft, process the information in real time, and send alerts via a communication system (4) connected to the establishment's security personnel.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the camera (1) comprises either an internal camera module at the point of sale (3) or an external, remote camera module, enabling continuous and efficient monitoring throughout the customer's journey through the supermarket, optimizing security and reducing the risk of losses due to theft.

[0037] In this preferred embodiment, the internal camera module is integrated into the structure of the point-of-sale device (3), analogous to the front cameras of mobile devices.

[0038] In the other preferred embodiment, the external camera module is located in a high position relative to the shopping cart (2), such as a top-down view, and is connected to the point-of-sale device (3) by means of a cable or a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0039] Generally, the external camera module has an anchoring and unanchoring mechanism to the shopping cart (2), which may consist of a security key lock that can only be released by authorized personnel, ensuring its secure attachment and preventing its removal without authorization.

[0040] Alternatively, the camera (1) is equipped with analytics software based on Machine Learning and / or Deep Learning, configured to identify theft patterns and prevent attempted theft by analyzing user behavior. Typically, the point-of-sale device (3) consists of a tablet attached to the shopping cart, equipped with a barcode reader and an automatic anti-theft tag deactivation device. This arrangement allows customers to scan products, manage their purchase, and pay directly from the cart, without having to remove the items and place them on the checkout conveyor belt. This provides greater convenience for the supermarket customer while preventing theft by deactivating the anti-theft tags.

[0041] Typically, the point-of-sale device (3) is equipped with at least one high-capacity battery, designed to ensure prolonged operation without the need for frequent recharging, allowing for continuous operation for long periods of time.

[0042] Generally, the communication system (4) comprises a wireless module integrated into the camera (1), which uses technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or equivalent to connect to the supermarket's internal network. This system is configured to transmit real-time alerts to security personnel, sending notifications to a mobile device or a central monitoring station in the event of suspicious activity.

[0043] Preferably, the internal camera module is powered directly from the point-of-sale device's battery (3), enabling efficient system integration and eliminating the need for additional power supplies. This configuration optimizes resource utilization and reduces system complexity, ensuring uninterrupted continuous operation.

[0044] Typically, the external camera module has its own power source, such as at least one battery, or it is powered by the battery of the point-of-sale device (3). This arrangement ensures continuous operation of the camera system, maintaining operability for long periods without the need for frequent battery recharging, thus offering a practical and efficient solution in the commercial environment.

[0045] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Theft prevention system, characterized by comprising a portable point of sale (3) with at least one camera (1) with Artificial Intelligence, configured to detect movements or gestures suspicious of theft, process the information in real time and send alerts through a wireless communication system (4).

2. Theft prevention system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera (1) comprises an internal camera module.

3. Theft prevention system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera (1) comprises an external, remote camera module, fixed to a shopping cart (2).

4. Theft prevention system, according to claim 3, characterized in that the external camera module has a releaseable anchoring mechanism to the shopping cart (2).

5. Theft prevention system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera (1) is equipped with analytics software based on Machine Learning and Deep Learning.

6. Theft prevention system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the point-of-sale device (3) is a tablet anchored to the shopping cart (2).

7. Theft prevention system, according to claim 6, characterized in that the point of sale is equipped with a barcode reader and an automatic deactivation device for anti-theft tags.

8. Theft prevention system, according to claim 3, characterized in that the external camera module has its own power supply.

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