Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ARTICLE REMOVAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a system for
controlling removal of a specifically identified article
from a facility by a specifically authorized user.
Background
Article inventory control (AIC) systems, in
general, authorize, track, and control movement of a given
article within a facility by a given user. An example is a
library circulation control system. In this case, a user
could identify himself or herself with an identification
card containing magnetically or optically detectable data
(e.g., a barcode). The articles, books in the collection of
the library, typically have a similar identifying label.
Usually a computerized user database contains identification
data on all registered patrons of the library, and a similar
article database contains identification data on all books
in the library. When someone desires to remove a book from
the library, the library circulation control system will
first verify that the person is an authorized patron of the
library, i.e., that the person is authorized to check out
any book, or any of a particular class of books. The system
will then verify that the particular book may be removed
from the library, e.g., that is not "on reserve". If both
the user and the book are authorized by the system, the book
may be removed, ("checked out") by that user. This
authorization is often a visual or audible signal to library
personnel. Additionally, but not required, the system can
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maintain data which correlates the specific user with the
specific books checked out, and may issue fine notices,
usage reports, and the like.
2~'~~%~2~
_ 2
To prevent unauthorized removal of articles by users
of facilities, electronic article surveillance (EAS)
systems may also be employed. An electronic article
surveillance system is defined as a system which
comprises:
(1) a remotely interrogatable marker attached to
a given article;
(2) means for interrogating and sensing the marker
within an interrogation zone, thereby determining
ZO presence of the article; and
(3) means for preventing removal of the article by
a user of the facility.
Fox the purposes of this invention, the term
"removal" is understood to include the ability of the
user to gain access to an article, to move an article
from one point to another within a facility, to bring an
article into a facility, or to remove an article from a
facility. The last of these is a common use of EAS
systems. However, an EAS system as defined above can
control, for example, the routing of articles from one
portion of a factory assembly line to another.
Many EAS systems employ a magnetically activateable
"marker" attached to an article, with appropriate marker
interrogation and sensing apparatus located at one or
more locations in the facility. Typically, removal of an
article is prevented by restricting movement of the
article within or from the facility, as with a lockable
exit gate. The gate is locked in response to an alarm
signal when a marker is detected within an interrogation
zone located immediately before the exit. In the library
example used above, the marker may comprise a piece of
magnetic material adapted to be inserted in the book
spine or attached inside the book cover.
Typically, EAS systems employ permanently or
reversibly deactivatable markers and the apparatus
associated with them. Such markers are also known as
"dual status" markers. Permanently deactivatable markers
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are preferred where it is appropriate in certain
circumstances for an article to pass through the
interrogation zone without preventing removal. For example,
in a retail store, if an article of merchandise has been
purchased in a particular department, the marker may be
deactivated at that point so that an interrogation zone in
another department will not activate the marker.
Reactivatable markers are appropriate, for example, in
libraries where patrons who check out a book for an extended
period of time may subsequently visit the library with that
book during that period. In this case, the system should
not prevent subsequent removal of the book until the book
has been returned, the marker reactivated, and the book
returned to circulation.
The deactivate/reactivate devices are designed for
operation on a single sensitized article of typically
maximum dimensions. However, they will function also on a
plurality of sensitized articles whose combined dimensions
equal the maximum. The deactivate/reactivate device cannot
distinguish between a single large or multiple small
sensitized articles.
Integration of the functions of the two systems
described above into a single system is known in the art.
For example, U.S. Patent 3,665,449 (Elder et al.) at column
15, lines 62-67 generally suggests that automated library
checkout systems may be combined with EAS systems. More
specifically related to the present invention, U.S. Patent
4,141,078 (Bridges, Jr. et al.) discloses an automated
library circulation control system which provides for patron
identification via card reader, book identification via an
optical reader, modification and interrogation of computer
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data files, an electromagnetic device for magnetizing and
demagnetizing a magnetic strip in each book, detection of
unauthorized removal of books from the library, and other
functions.
- 4 -
Application of this type of integrated system may be
difficult, especially in libraries in which one or both
of the individual systems are in current operation. Far
example, some existing EAS systems cannot distinguish
individual markers, only whether a sensitized marker is
present. Thus a single library might employ markers
which are identical, even on different types of books in
the collection. The marker therefore may not already
contain coded inventory data which could identify the
type of article to which it is attached. A library with
such an EAS system in place, but no computerized
inventory control system, would have to add a unique
inventory control marker to each book.
Many libraries may already use a system of coded
inventory marking, but as no industry standard exists as
to the type, coding, construction or placement of these
markers, they can be expected in any size, or coding
scheme and positioned in any orientation on either front,
back or inside cover.
Each book generally must be uniquely identified,
including the identification of multiple copies of a
single title, some of which may be in general circulation
and one being on reserve.
Furthermore, present EAS systems generally are not
designed to receive removal authorization signals from
AIC systems added later. Thus, for complete article
removal control in such a facility, it is necessary to
have separate article inventory control and article
surveillance systems, and usually a manual, labor
intensive, connection between the two. In a library,
such a connection might be a circulation clerk who,
seeing a flashing light on the AIC system indicating book
removal authorization, physically passes a book through
a marker deactivation device of the EAS system. Another
possibility is for the circulation clerk to manually
bypass the removal prevention means, e.g., physically
passing the book around the interrogation device and
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- 5 -
handing the book to the patron on the other side of the
lockable gate. Since the patron would pass through the
interrogation zone without any marked books, the gate
would remain unlocked and thus allow the patron to exit
the library.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with one aspect of the present
invention there is disclosed a responder assembly
~.0 comprising:
a plurality of sensors,
means for creating an electromagnetic field within
a zone of sensitivity associated with each said sensor,
said field being adapted to energize one or more
sensitized markers located within said zones which
thereby transpond energy for detection by one or more of
said sensors, and processing means connected to each said
sensor for providing a detection pattern corresponding to
detection of responded energy from one or more of said
2o sensors, said pattern being processed to determine
whether none, one or more than one said markers is
present within said zones.
Brief Description of the Drawinas
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will
now be described with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the preferred
embodiment and associated components;
Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a prior art
article inventory control system;
Fig. 3 shows schematic block diagrams of components
of Fig. 1;
Fig. ~ is a schematic block diagram of a typical
prior art AIC system controller;
Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the PSC
Server of Fig. 1;
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Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the PSC
Controller of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the PSC Server of
Fig. 5 combined with the responder assembly of Fig. 8;
Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of the responder
assembly;
Fig. 9 is a side cut-away view of a preferred
activation unit for the desensitizer of Fig. 3;
Figs. l0A-D illustrate how various marker
arrangements are detected;
Figs. 11A and 11B are front and longitudinal
sectional views respectively of part of the waveguide of
Fig. 8; and
Figs. 12A to 12C show cross-sectional views of
various waveguide embodiments for various other sensor
configurations.
Detailed Description
Figs. 1-3 show the major components of the
preferred embodiment of a Patron Self Check (PSC) system
located within a portion of a facility generally indicated
as 100.
Within the facility is at least one article 110
attached to which are Article Tdentification Code 220 and an
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Marker 310. The Code
220 could be a label, similar to a Universal Product Code
(UPC) label.
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A PSC Controller 200, Electronic Article
Surveillance 300 and Book Check Unit 500 can exist within
the facility 100 prior to the installation, or may be
installed with at least one PSC Server Terminal 400.
Associated with the PSC Server 400 is one of more
User Identification Cards 210. In general, each user (not
shown) of the facility 100 is identifiable through the User
Identification Card, and each Article 110 through the
corresponding Article Identification Code 220. The Article
Identification Code 220 generally is permanently affixed to
the article itself, embedded or
- 7 ~ ~~~~~~/~.~
inscribed on the article, or affixed to a tag adapted to
be attached to the article.
The PSC Server 400 sends an Activation Signal 710 to
the Book Check Unit 500 when an Article Authorization 270
is received from the PSC Controller 200 in the usual
manner.
The PSC Server 400 also contains a Pattern Generator
253 which senses a pattern of the Sensitized Markers 310.
The Server 400 also senses the presence of an Article 110
within a desensitizing area provided therein. It also
contains user activated indication that the user is
requesting service from the PSC Server 40o by a User
Activating Device 263.
A PSC Controller 200 is provided including a PSC
Link 201 whereby information, from the PSC Server 400, as
to User I.D. and Article I.D., is received on Lines 232
and 242 respectively. This information is then sent to
the customer°s data base (not illustrated) on Line 233
for confirmation that the transaction can proceed.
The PSC Controller 200 also receives information
from the PSC Server 400 regarding a pattern of sensitized
markers that have been detected by the Pattern Generator
253. This pattern is received on Line 252 and from the
pattern received, the PSC Controller 200 through the PSC
Link 201, determines as to whether there is more than one
sensitized marker present within the desensitizing area.
The PSC Controller 200, through PSC Link 201, also
receives information from the PSC Server 400 that an
Article 110 has been detected as being present in the
desensitizing area of the Book Check Unit 500 and that
the user has requested action by 'the activation of User
Action Device 263, on Lines 272 and 292 respectively.
The PSC Controller 200, through PSC Link 201,
receives confirmation from the customers data base on
Line 233 that the check-out action can proceed and then
determines from the Pattern Generator 253 that only one
Article 110 is present in the desensitizing area of
8 - ~'~'~~'-'wi
Pattern Generator 253. This determination results in the
PSC Controller 200, through PSC Link 201, enabling Line
270 to the PSC Server 400 to activate the Article Removal
Auithorization Function 710.
The EAS System 300 interrogates the EAS Marker 310
with an Interrogation Signal 322 and upon receipt of a
Verified Removal Response 324 allows the user to remove
the article 110 from the facility 100.
In this way communication between the separate
systems 200, 300 and 500 is established. The result is
that the EAS System 300 permits a given article to be
removed from the facility only by a given authorized
user, having ensured that only one article per
transaction has been authorized for removal.
The preferred embodiment utilizes existing PSC
Controller signals in the integration of PSC and EAS
functions without requiring any modifications to the EAS
System or any hard-wiring between the two systems. In
order to disclose this, additional information
description of the PSC and EAS systems is useful.
Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a typical
prior art Article Inventory Control System 2000 which can
be replaced by the PSC Controller 200 of Fig. 1. As
stated above, inputs to this system are the transmitted
User Identification Signal 232, and the transmitted
Article Identification Signal 242., The output from the
system is the Article Removal Authorization Signal 270.
The transmitted User Identification Signal 232 is
evaluated by a User Identifier 2300 (e.g. a data base is
searched), and a determination is made whether the user
is known to the system. If so, a verified User
Identification Signal 2340 is issued to an Article
Removal Authorizer 2500. Similarly, the transmitted
Article Identification Signal 242 is evaluated by an
Article Identifier 2400 (e.g. another data base is
searched), and a determination is made whether the
article is known to the system. If so, an Article
2Q'"l~ ~2~
- 9 -
Identification Signal 2440 is issued to the Article
Removal Authorizer 2500. The Article Removal Authorizer
2500 uses both verified Identification Signals 2340 and
2440 to decide if the user is authorized to remove the
article from the facility. (Additional consideration, not
shoran, may include the time of day, number of previous
removal requests by a given user in a day, and the like).
Tf so, an Article Removal Authorization Signal 270 is
produced. If any of the evaluations, determinations,
etc., above indicate an unauthorized user and/or
unauthorized article the Article Removal Authorization
Signal 270 is not produced.
Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a typical
Electronic Article Surveillance System 300, and a Book
Check Unit 500. The EAS system, generally arranged at an
exit of a library or retail store for example, sends an
Interrogation Signal 322 to the EAS Marker 310 and
receives the sensed Signal 324 from the EAS Marker 310.
Typically, the Interrogation Signal 322 results in an
alternating magnetic field of known intensity and
frequency in an interrogation zone. The sensed Signal
324 is induced as a result of the alternating
magnetization in the marker 310 in response to the
Interrogation Signal 322, and comprises multiple
harmonics of the interrogation signal. When an activated
EAS Marker 310 is interrogated, and sensed by an
Interrogator/Sensor 320, an Activation Status Signal 330
is created. This signal is used by a Removal Preventer
350, such as a lockable gate for example, to decide if
the article to which the activated marker is attached may
be removed from the facility.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is suitable for use
with permanently deactivatable markers. Accordingly, the
EAS System 300, further comprises a Deactivator 540 which
forms part of the Book Check Unit 500 and, which receives
the verified Article Removal Authorization Signal 710
from the Terminal 400. Additionally the receipt of
1Q - ~' ~ r~ J ~.~ i~ 1
Signal 710 energizes the deactivator 540, which in turn
emits Deactivation Signal 542 to the marker 310.
Typically, Deactivation Signal 542 is a high intensity
non-alternating magnetic field. Once the Marker 310 is
permanently deactivated, the sensed Signal 324 is not
produced upon subsequent interrogation, and thus the
Activation Status Signal 330 is as if no marker were
sensed at all. Therefore, the Removal Preventer 350 does
not prevent the user to remove the article.
Generally, when the Deactivator 540 is not provided
with the Authorization Signal 710, it outputs a low
energy alternating magnetic field.
An alternative embodiment similar to the above is
suitable for EAS Systems employing reactivatable markers.
In this case, there is at least two signals received by
the FAS System from the terminal. One signal is the
verified Article Removal Authorization Signal 710, which
is used, for example, to allow a library user to remove
a book from the library upon "check out". Upon receipt
of this signal, the system operates as described above,
except the marker is only temporarily deactivated. A
second signal (not shown ) energizes a reactivator (also
not shown), which emits a suitable signal to restore a
temporarily deactivated marker to active status. This is
used, for example, to allow a library user to return a
book to the library upon "check in",.
Regardless of the type of marker chosen, removal of
articles by users determined to be authorized by the
Article Inventory Control System is accomplished by
requiring an appropriate Activation Status Signal 330 as
described above.
Fig. 4 is a schematic of a typical prior art of an
Article Inventory Control (AIC) System Controller 4000
which contains a device far the ultra-sonic width
measurement of an Article 432. This width measurement is
then compared against a record of the article's width
which can either be contained in an extended Article
- 11 - ~~~ ):y(~,~
Characteristic Coded Label 442 attached to the article or
can be a record maintained on a data base which is
searched as a part of the Authorized Article Removal
operation.
Integral to the successful operation of this art is
the' required labelling of each article contained in a
facility. This action may be in addition to a labelling
function that has already occurred wherein the customer
has an existing quantity of articles that have already
been labelled with the Article Identifier 442.
Alternatively, the successful operation of this art
requires creation of a data base which contains a
measurement of the width of an article and the linking of
this measurement to that article. This may be in
addition to a data base which has already been created by
the customer to contain other details of the article.
The Terminal Controller 4000 receives the User
Identification Data 412, the Article Identification Data
422, the Article Characteristic Measurement 432, the
Coded Article Characteristic Measurement 442, and the
Article Removal Authorization Signal 270. The terminal
4000 sends the User Identification Signal 232, the
Article Identification Signal 242, and the verified
Article Removal Authorization Signal 710. A user of the
facility who desires to remove an article from the
facility enters his or her user identification data into
the terminal. This can be done by typing an
identification number on an alpha--numeric keypad.
similarly, the article identification data is
entered into the terminal 4000, for example by using an
optical scanner to read a barcode an the article. A User
Identification Receiver 4100 receives the User
Identification Data 412 and sends an Internal User
Identification Signal 4140 to the User Identification
Transmitter 5100. Similarly, an Article Identification
Receiver 4200 receives the Article Identification Data
422 and sends an Internal Article Identification Signal
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4240 to the Article Identification Transmitter 5200.
Either or both of these processes can involve a
translation of the input Signals 412 and 422 into a
different encoding format, such as from ASCII to BCD.
The User Identification Transmitter 5100 receives
the Internal User Identification Signal 4140 and sends
the transmitted User Identification Signal 232 to the
User Identifier 320 of the AIC System 2000, described
above (Fig. 2). Similarly, the Article Identification
Transmitter 5200 receives the Internal Article
Identification Signal 4240 and sends the transmitted
Article Identification Signal 242 to the Article
Identifier 2400, also in Fig. 2. Either or both of these
processes can involve a translation of the Internal
Signals 4140 and 4240 into a different encoding format,
such as ASCII to BCD. It is mandatory that the User and
Article Identification Signals 232 and 242 be compatible
~in coding (e. g. ASCII) and form (e. g. audible tone,
varying voltage level, etc.) to the signals which the AIC
System is designed to accept.
The article characteristic measurement is made by an
Article Characteristic Measurer 4300, which also produces
a measured Article Characteristic Signal 4340. The coded
Article Characteristic Receiver 4400 receives the coded
Article Characteristic Measurement 442 representing the
same characteristic, but the latter is coded in a form
that is not necessarily understandable to the user. For
example, with a keypad as described above, the user may
enter an alpha-numeric or other code printed on a
label.attached to the article. Alternatively, if the
code is in the form of a barcode, or the like, it may
also be automatically entered. The code gives the Value
of the characteristic as measured before the article was
made available for removal from the facility. In
response, the terminal 4000 produces a coded Article
Characteristic Signal 4440, and the measured
Characteristic Verifier 4500 compares the measured and
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coded Signals 4-340 and 4440 to verify that only the
actual article 110, and not just a tag containing the
Article Identification Code 220 for example, is in fact
present at the terminal. This comparison produces a
Characteristic Verification Signal 4520, which is one
input to an Article Removal Enabler 7000. The use of a
verified measured characteristic of the article 110 is
preferred for its accuracy over non-measurement based
systems such as that taught in U.S. Patent 4,141,078
to (Bridges, et al.), e.g. at column 6, lines 6-14.
Another input to the Article Removal Enabler 7000 is
an Internal Article Removal Authorization Signal 6140.
This signal is produced by an Article Removal
Authorization Receiver 6100, which receives the Article
Removal Authorization Signal 270 from the Article Removal
Authorizer 2500 of the AIC System 2000, of Fig. 2. As
with the User and Article Identification Transmitters
5100 and 5200, the Article Removal Authorization Receiver
' 6100 can translate the Article Removal Authorization
Signal 270 into a different encoding format, such as from
ASCII to BCD. It is likewise mandatory that the Article
Removal Authorization Receiver 6100 be capable of
receiving and understanding the Article Removal
Authorization Signal 270 which the AIC System 2000 is
designed to emit, including encoding (e.g. ASCII) and
form (flashing light, RS-232C, 20mA current loop, etc.).
The Article Removal Enabler 7000 performs a logical
"AND" function, requiring both Signals 4520 and 6140 to
be present before issuing the Article Removal
Authorization Signal 710 to Deactivator 540 of the EAS
System 500 (Fig. 3) . Thus, the issuance of the Signal
710 identifies to the EAS System 500 that (1) the user is
authorized to remove the article 110 according to the
Article Removal Authorization Signal 270, and (2) the
article is in fact present at the terminal according to
the measured Characteristic Verification Signal 4520.
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In certain app:Lications, it may be convenient to
remove the User Identificat=ion Transmitter 5100 ar,.d/or the
Article Identification T:e~,~nsmitter 5200 from the terminal
4000 and physically locate either or both near the AIC
System 2000. Similarly, the Article Authorization Receiver
6100 ma:y be removed from the terminal 4000 and located near
the EAS System 500. However, it: is prE~ferred to incorporate
or duplicate the deactivation and/or reactivation functions
directly into the terminal 4000. In this case, the Article
Authori:aation Receiver 6100 is riot removed from the Terminal
4000, and Artic:Le Remova~i Authorizat:i.on ;signal 710 is wholly
interna:L to the Terminal ~~000. However, the Removal
Preventer 350 would still. stand alone and include a
Duplicai=a Interrogator/Sensor 320 operating as described
above.
Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the PSC
Server ~Cerminal 400 used :Ln the preferred embodiment . The
terminal 400 receives User Identification Data 412, and
,article Identification Data. 422, Book Fresent Status 245,
~Jser Ac t: ion Requests 243, s ensitized Article Responses 233
and Article Removal Author..i_zation Signal 270. The PSC
Server 'Terminal 400 sends the decoded User Identification
Signal 232, the decoded Article Identification Signal 242,
l~he recognition pattern of:: the sensitized Article Detection
252, the' Book Pz°esent Stat:.us 272, t=he User Action Request
Status 292 via a status transmitter 267 and the verified
Article Removal Authorization Signal 710 via an Article
Removal Authorization Signal Recei,:rer 490.
Items 412 and 422 may, in some cases, be combined
and usecl to capture both the User L.v. and Article I.D.
details. Consequently, in such cases a User Ident_Lfication
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14a
Receiver 410, connected to Line 412, and an Article
Identification Receiver 420 connected to Line 422, can have
their functions combined into a single device. Similarly,
transmitted data 232 and 242 can also be combined.
2~3'~3-~~i
- 15 -
An optional keyboard 296 or touch screen monitor and
receipt printer 298 may also be present for the keying of
user passwords and the receipting of Article
Aui;.horization details.
A user of the facility 100 who desires to use the
facility enters his or her User I.D. Card 210 into the
defined reading area. The User Activated Device 243
senses the presence of the User T.D. and signals to the
PSC Controller 200 (Fig. 6) on Line 292.
The PSC Controller 200 responds on Line 270 with an
instruction to turn on the Optical Scanner 299. The
scanned User I.D. 412 is received and decoded at 410.
The data is transmitted to the PSC Controller 200 on Line
232.
The PSC Controller 200 may now ask for a password to
be entered on the keyboard 296 or touch screen monitor.
Keyboard data is transmitted to the PSC Controller 200 on
Line 232.
The article 110 to be authorized for removal is now
placed in the desensitizing area 850, shown in Fig. 7.
Book Present Detectors 807 and 808 (Fig. 7) provide
signal 245 which is detected by a Book Present Detector
265. This action is signalled to the PSC Controller 200
on Line 272.
The PSC Controller 200 now signals to the Optical
Scanner 299 via Line 270 to activate, and scanned data is
received on Line 412 or 422 and decoded in devices 410 or
420 respectively. The decoded data is sent to the PSC
Controller 200 on Lines 232 or 242 respectively.
Internal processing within the PSC Controller 200,
interacting with the data base via Line 233 determines
the further validity of authorizing the issue of this
article 110 to this user.
If the determination is that issue is approved, the
PSC Server Terminal 400 is instructed to place the
contents of a Pattern Generator 253 onto Transmission
Lines 252. The Pattern Generator 253 is connected to a
2~'~3~~~.
- 16 -
Mu7.ti-Strip Responder Assembly 803 (seen in Figs. 7 and
8) which, together with other devices (e. g. 410, 420,
25~t) within the PSC Terminal 400, interconnect with a
connmon bus 405. The PSC Controller 200 then makes a
further determination as to how many sensitized articles
are present in the desensitizing area 850. If the
determination is that either one or none are present, the
PSC Controller 200 issues the Article Removal
Authorization Signal on Line 270. This action is
directed to the Book Check Unit via Line 710. Same books
may not contain an EAS Security Marker 310 and therefore
would register as no marker present.
If the determination is that there is more than one
article present, an instruction is displayed on the PSC
Controller 200 directing the user to obtain assistance
from facility staff, and removal authorization is
inhibited. Accordingly, the user is prevented from
removing a plurality of articles where only one is
recorded as removed, as in the prior art arrangement.
Referring to Fig. 6, the functioning and timing of
the PSC Server 400 is controlled by a processor and
programs called PSC Link 201 which resides in the PSC
Controller 200.
The PSC Controller 200 receives data from the PSC
Server 400 such as the decoded User I.D. 232, the decoded
Article I.n. 242, the contents ,252 of the Pattern
Generator 253, the status 272 of the Book Present
petector 265, the status 292 of the User Activate pevice
263 and information from the data base via Line 233. The
PSC Controller 200 sends information to activate the
Article Removal Authorization Signal Receiver 490 via
Line 270 and to the data base via Line 233.
PSC Link 201 is a combination of hardware and
software which interfaces Receivers and Transmitters 602
to the Communications Port 603. The receivers and
transmitters accept and hold data conditions as
determined by the PSC Link 201.
17
The Communications Port 603 allows for connection to
a customers mainframe. This port can be one of several
types of Communication Port such as RS-232, Current Loop,
3270 Emulation but is not limited to this group.
When the PSC Link 201 senses that Line 292 (User
Activate Device 263) has changed status, it causes Line
270 to transmit an instruction to the PSC Server 400 to
activate a barcode reader 802, seen in Fig. 7.
Information returned from the PSC Server 400 on Line
232 is verified by PSC Link 201 to conform to the format
of a User I.D. known to the facility 100.
The PSC Link 201 then causes this information to be
transmitted to the user data base on Line 233 where it is
verified that the user is known to the facility and that
the user is in good stead with the facility and is
authorized to obtain articles from the facility.
Alternatively, the data base determines that the user has
had his/her borrowing rights withdrawn.
The PSC Link 201 receives pre-authorization
instructions from the data base and visually indicates a
course of action to the user. If authorization is likely
to be granted, a visual indication is displayed
instructing the user to place an article for authorized
removal into the desensitizing area 850. If
authorization has been withdrawn, the PSC Controller 200
instructs the user to seek assistance from facility
staff .
The PSC Link 201 then monitors Line 272 for a change
in state and upon detecting this action signals to the
PSC Server 400 via Line 270 to activate a barcode reader
802. Information returned from the PSC Server 400 on
Line 232 or 242 is verified by PSC Link 201 to conform to
the format of article I.D.'s known to his facility.
The PSC Link 201 then causes this information to be
transmitted to the customers data base an Line 233 where
it is verified that this article I.D. is known to the
- 18 - ~~r~~!~.1~,
data base and that this article 110 does not have any
prohibitions on its issue status.
Alternatively, a determination is made that this
article 110 cannot be issued at this time.
If the article has been released for authorized
issue the PSC Link 201 receives the contents of the
Pattern Generator 253 from Line 252 and makes a
determination as to the number of sensitized articles
that are present in the desensitizing area 850. If this
l0 number is zero or one it issues the Artiele Removal
Authorization Signal on Line 270, communicates with the
data base on Line 233 to indicate the Removal
Authorization on the current transaction has occurred and
indicates by visual display to the user the options of
his/her next action.
Alternatively, if the determination is that more
than one sensitized article resides in the desensitizing
area of the PSC Server 400, the Article Removal
Authorization is not sent, the PSC Controller 200
communicates with the data base on Line 233 to cancel the
current transaction and indicates by visual display to
the user to seek assistance from facility staff.
The PSC Link 201 then monitors Line 272 and 292 for
a change in state from which a determination is made that
the user has removed his/her I.D. Card 210 in which case
the session is terminated, or that an article has been
removed and replaced with another'indicating that there
is a further Article Removal Authorization issue to
. ' occur .
Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the PSC
Server Terminal chassis 800, which incorporates the PSC
Server 400, on top of which is mounted a Visual Display
Unit 801 portion of a Personal Computer 604 included in
the PSC Controller 200. The remaining functions of the
PSC Controller 200 can also be incorporated within the
chassis 800. The embodiment of Fig. 7 includes the
preferred configuration discussed above in which certain
- 19 -
deactivation and multi-article pattern recognition are
incorporated into the terminal. The Book Check Unit 500
is totally enclosed by the PSC Server Terminal chassis
800 case and the desensitizing area 850 of the Book Check
Unit 500 is overlaid by a similar shape on the PSC Server
Terminal chassis 800.
The bar code Optical Scanner 802 is shown on the
left hand side but could also operate from the right hand
side. It is dependent on the positioning of the Article
I.D. Tag 220, which could be on either the front, rear or
inside cover.
The sensitized Article Responder 803 is integrated
into a formed non-ferrous shield structure 823 which
overlays the case of the PSC Server 800. This same
non-ferrous shield structure also contains detectors 805
and 804, for left and right hand operation respectively,
which provide signals on Line 245 for the User Activated
Device 263. This same formed non-ferrous structure 823
also contains the Book Present Detectors 808 and 807
which connect to Line 245 for left and right handed
operation respectively.
The Article Removal Authorization Device is 806.
The terminal 800 shown in Fig. 7 is suitable for use
in a library. The embodiment of Fig. 7 includes the
preferred configuration discussed above, in which certain
interrogation, sensing, and deactivation functions of the
EAS system are additionally incorporated into the
terminal. In this embodiment, the article 110 is a book,
map, or other member of the collection of the library; a
user of the facility is typically referred to as a
"patron" of the library; and the EAS System 300 typically
includes as the Removal Preventer 350 a gate which is
normally locked. Typically, the patron, carrying the
book, passes through an interrogation zone immediately
before exiting from the library or an individual
department of the library; if the electronic article
surveillance system interrogates and senses an activated
- 2~ -
marker attached to the book (i.e. the marker was not
temporarily deactivated as part of the book check out
procedure), the gate is held shut, thereby preventing
egress, and perhaps also activating a visible or audible
alarm.
In the embodiment of Fig. 7, ttie Terminal 800
detects the request of a user by the action of that user
placing hisJher User I.D. 210 into a profile in the
vicinity of the Detectors 805 or 804 for left or right
handed operation. The identification card 210 in this
embodiment has a user identification data encoded on it
in the form of a bar code or by other means which can be
optically detected. Bar Code Reader 802 scans the area
in the vicinity of Detector 805 and transmits the
detected data on Line 243.
Visual instructions are displayed on the Visual
Display Unit 801 as to the courses of action now open to
the user. Articles for authorized removal are placed
into desensitizing area 850, being placed on top of the
Users I.D. 210. The presence of an article in this
position is sensed by Book Present Detectors 808 or 807,
for left or right handed operation. Bar Code Reader 802
scans the article I.D. 220 and transmits this data to the
PSC Server Terminal 400.
The sensitized Article Responder 803 determines the
presence of a sensitized Marker 310 in any of several
detection zones and transmits this pattern to the Pattern
Generator 253 in the PSC Server Terminal 400.
If authorization to issue is determined, the Article
Removal Authorization Device 806, an infrared LED, turns
off, causing the Book Check Unit 500 to perform a
desensitizing operation, desensitizing the sensitized
Marker 310, thereby allowing the Article 110 to be moved
through the EAS System 300 without activating the Removal
Preventer 350.
Fig. 8 is a side cut-away view of a preferred
embodiment of the Multi-Strip Responder Assembly 803
2t~~~ ~ ~i
- z1 -
which incorporates an array of Sensors 820 #1-8 which
cover six horizontal zones and two vertical zones.
Any number of sensors 820 can be provided in any
configuration dependent on the type and style of the
Aa-ticle 110 having a marker strip 310. Figs. 12A to 12C
show various arrangements of arrays that can be used
depending on particular circumstances. Figs. 12A and 12B
show respectively square and circular arrays that may be
useful in a stores environments in which a conveyor
l0 passes through the centre of the array. Fig. 12C shows
a semi-elliptical array.
Referring again to Fig. 8, a waveguide 821, arranged
adjacent the sensors 820 is provided to focus areas of
sensitivity of the sensors 820 into detection zones 822
which are substantially conical in shape. The waveguide
821 acts in a manner similar to the dish of a radar
antenna to focus electromagnetic energy onto the sensors
820 for detection. The detection zones 822 may be
broadened or narrowed by the placement of the waveguide
821 fore or aft of the sensors 820. The detection zones
822 associated with each sensor 820 can therefore have a
beam width of between about 20° to 70° and preferably
approximately 45°. The detection zone 822 coverage is
set according to the characteristics of the items to be
detected.
In Figs. 11A and 11B, the waveguide 821 is shown
formed of a metal block 832 in which a number of holes
832 are formed, by drilling for example. The sensors
820, in the preferred embodiment arc formed as an
air-cored coil of wire, as seen in Fig. 11B, which are
locateable near or within the holes 832. The holes 832
act as a simple and inexpensive tunnel which focus
received energy into a narrow beam.
Returning to Fig. 8, the marker 310 is energized by
an alternating electromagnetic field 830 generally
derived from an A.C. mains supply. The field 830 can be
provided in any known manner but in the preferred
~~'~3~~~
- z2 -
embodiment is provided as the deactivator 540 of the Book
Check Unit 500 in the manner earlier described, and acts
to energize a sensitized marker 310 which thereby
responds by emitting (transponding) multiple frequencies
from a fundamental frequency of the field 830 (e.g. 50 or
60 Hz) to the 200th harmonic and higher. Due to the
nature of the metal typically used in the marker 310, the
harmonics decrease in amplitude substantially linearly,
and hence can be detected relatively easily.
l0 The sensors 820 act to receive radio frequency
energy transponded from the or each marker 310 that is
active within its respective zones 822. The sensors 820
output via lines 233 to the Pattern Generator 253.
The manner in which the sensors 820 discriminate
multiple markers 310 is determined by the physical
relationship of the detection zones 822 and the worst
case arrangement of articles 110.
Referring to Fig. 10A, each of the sensors 820 are
generally displaced from it's neighbor by 5-20 mm and
preferably about 12 mm (measured from the centre of each
sensor 820) as illustrated. Where the detection zones
822 have a beam width of at least 45°, a dead zone as
depicted in Fig. 10A exists between adjacent sensors
820. A sensitized strip lying wholly within any one of
these dead zones will not be detected. The markers 310
are generally larger than 4 mm in their smallest
dimension with the above preferred configuration, the
dead zones are no wider or deeper than 4 mm.
The size of the dead zones is adjusted by altering
the beamwidth of the detection zones 822 by moving the
waveguide 821 fore and aft of the sensors 820 to narrow
or broaden the zones 822 respectively.
Correct adjustment is achieved when the mid-point of
a marker 310 is seen by two sensors 820. Thereafter,
following displacement of the marker 310 by about 1 mm,
one of the sensors 820 no longer sees the marker 820.
Accordingly, an exact switch from one sensor 820 to the
CA 02073421 2002-11-04
60557-4278
23
other is provided when the marker 310 is moved horizontally
in front of the sensor 820.
Fig. lOB illustrates the maximum density of
markers 310 envisaged when two books 110 having sensitized
marker strips 310 in the spines are laid upon each other.
Typically, the outer edges of the marker strips 310 are 12-
14 mm apart. It will be understood that the books 110 have
to be a certain minimum dimension in order that there is
sufficient space within which to locate the marker strip
310.
Fig. lOC shows a typical dense arrangement in
which the strips of two adjacent books 110a and 110b are
seen by three sensors 820. The strip of book 110a is seen
by sensors #1 and #2 and the strip of book 110b is seen by
sensor #2 and just encroaching the detection zone 822 of
sensor #3.
The presently disclosed arrangement has been
tested and consistently detects at least 80% of multiple
marker strips which represents a substantial improvement
over the detectability of prior art systems.
However, there is a minimum book size that cannot
be resolved, such as that represented in Fig. 10D where
periodicals 110d and 110e such as magazines and newspapers
each respectively having a marker strip 310d and 310e placed
"between the pages" and accordingly are longitudinally
aligned with the detection zones 822. A high probability of
detection is maintained because the strip edge seen in Fig.
lOD with respect to marker 310d extends out of the dead zone
between sensors #1 and #2 and is therefore detectable.
CA 02073421 2002-11-04
60557-4278
23a
The Pattern Generator 253 processes the outputs of
each sensor 820 in a like manner and outputs a digital
pattern on the 8-bit bus 405. In Fig. 8, the internal
schematic of the Pattern Generator 253 is shown only for
sensor #8 for clarity. Each sensor 820 connects firstly to
a band pass filter 841 which rejects the fundamental and the
lower 20 harmonics. The next 40 harmonics are
- 24 - ~~~~~~~~i
passed and the remainder rejected. The pass-band can be
varied to specific requirements. The pass-band is
amplified and rectified in device 842 which feeds a gain
adjustment circuit 843 which allows for the detection
range of the respective cone 822 to be adjusted to extend
between 15-40 mm out from the surface of the formed
non-ferrous cover plate 823. Signals detected by the
sensor 820 are then digitized in a Schmitt trigger 844
which outputs onto the corresponding line of the bus 405.
The bus 405 thereby has a pattern of digital signals
which is indicative of none, one, or more than one sensed
active markers 310 present in the field 830.
The pattern is transferred to the PSC Controller 200
where the PSC Link 201 processes the pattern to determine
whether none, one or more than one active markers 310 are
sensed. The PSC Link 201 contains a look-up table of
legitimate patterns that can be output from the pattern
generator 253. If only one sensor 820, or if two
adjacent sensors 820 detect a sensitized marker 310, then
the determination is made that only one marker 310 is
present. If two non-adjacent sensors or more than two
sensors in any configuration detect sensitized marker
strips 310, then the determination is made that more than
one sensitized strip is present. Once PSC Link 201
determines where none, one, or more than one active
markers 310 present, the Personal Computer 604 then
issues instructions earlier described either authorizing
removal or rejecting the transaction.
Table 1 below shows those valid patterns that permit
authorization for removal. Because each pattern
corresponds to a particular number, a single subtraction
process can be used to evaluate the patterns. If either
of sensors #? or #8 provide a signal output,
authorization is inhibited as this is indicative of the
Terminal 800 not being used correctly whereby the article
110 must be placed hard against both the horizontal and
CA 02073421 2002-11-04
25 -
vertical surfaces of the non-ferrous shield structure
823.
TABLE 1
Sensor #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8
Weight 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
Valid Patterns 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fig. 9 1s a siae cuz-away mew of an alzernazive
embodiment of an Article Removal Authorization Signal
Device 900 which is a non-intrusive attachment to the EAS
Book Check Unit 500.
The existing case 900 of the Book Check Unit 500
contains two apertures in which are located a Heam
Transmitter 902 and a Beam Detector 901.
A beam passes from one to the other, and when this
beam is interrupted, it is the indication to the Book
Check Unit 500 that an Article 110 is within the
desensitizing area 850 and that the Book Check Unit 500
should perform the desensitize operation.
In this preferred embodiment an Auxiliary Device 903
permanently interrupts this beam from the Transmitter 902
to the Detector 901 and replaces it with a secondary beam
made up from a Secondary Beam Transmitter 904 and the
existing Beam Detector 901.
20'~3~~~~
Secondary Beam Transmitter 904 is controlled by Line
77.0 from the Article Removal Authorization signal Circuit
490. Line 710 is switched to "interrupt" status when the
PSC Server 400 is instructed to authorize article
removal.
The foregoing describes only a number of embodiments
of the present invention and modifications, obvious to
those skilled in the art can be made thereto without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
