Register System with Security Tag Signal Reception and Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems generate false alarms when security tags are not properly deactivated, leading to unnecessary staff intervention and shopper inconvenience, as they fail to accurately determine if a security tag is deactivated during the checkout process.
Innovation Solution
A register system with a handheld unit equipped with a code scanner and security tag signal reception unit, which determines if a security tag is deactivated by scanning the product code and includes a deactivation unit to deactivate the tag if necessary, and a fixed code scanner to associate product codes with security tags, preventing registration until deactivation is confirmed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the security tag deactivation is performed by placing the security tag near a deactivator, then the security tag can be deactivated, but false alarms occur when the security tag is not properly deactivated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a security tag signal reception unit to detect whether a security tag is present and active during the checkout process. The processor receives feedback from this detection and automatically controls the deactivation unit to deactivate the tag if needed, eliminating reliance on manual operation and preventing false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The register system automatically detects the presence of security tags and performs deactivation without requiring manual intervention from store staff. The system serves itself by integrating the detection and deactivation functions into the checkout process, ensuring tags are always properly deactivated.
2Ease of operation
If the security tag deactivation is manually performed, then store staff can control the process, but operator workload increases and shopper inconvenience occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The register system automatically detects security tags and performs deactivation without requiring manual intervention from store staff. The system integrates the detection and deactivation functions into the checkout process, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle security tag deactivation and reducing shopper inconvenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the security tag detection and deactivation functions with the existing checkout process. The security tag signal reception unit, processor, and deactivation unit are integrated into the register system, allowing automatic tag deactivation to occur as part of the normal transaction flow without adding separate manual steps.
3Measurement precision
If the code scanner is moved to determine security tag deactivation status, then accurate detection is achieved, but the scanning process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the security tag detection function with the existing code scanning process. The security tag signal reception unit operates simultaneously with the code scanner, and the processor integrates both detection results to determine whether to register the product code. This allows accurate security tag detection without interrupting the scanning flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The security tag detection and code scanning operations continue simultaneously without interruption. The system maintains continuous monitoring of security tag status while scanning product codes, ensuring that both functions operate continuously and efficiently to prevent false alarms while maintaining checkout speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes false alarms by ensuring accurate detection and deactivation of security tags, reducing operator workload and shopper inconvenience by preventing sales registration until the tag is properly deactivated.
Implementation Method 1
the security tag signal reception unit is configured to detect at least one of a radio frequency (RF) signal, an acoustic magnetic (AM) signal, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the security tag
Implementation Method 2
the security tag signal reception unit is configured to detect at least one of a radio frequency (RF) signal, an acoustic magnetic (AM) signal, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the security tag
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A register system includes a handheld unit including a code scanner and a security tag signal reception unit and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether or not a security tag on a product is deactivated based on whether or not the security tag signal reception unit receives a security tag signal from the product during scanning of a product code on the product, and register the product code for a transaction when the security tag is determined to be deactivated.