Electronic surveillance articles are technological methods to prevent shoplifting from retail stores, stealing books from libraries or removing property from office buildings. Custom tags are set for merchandise or books. This tag is deleted or disabled by the clerks when the item is purchased or checked properly. At the shop exit, the detection system sounds an alarm or notifies the staff when it feels an active mark. Some stores also have a detection system at the entrance to the toilet that sounds an alarm if someone tries to bring unpaid items to the restroom. For high-value items to be manipulated by customers, cable alarm clips called spider wrappers can be used instead of tags.
Video Electronic article surveillance
Histori
The watchdog tags that can be attached to items in stores were first discovered by Arthur Minasy in 1966.
Maps Electronic article surveillance
Type
There are several main types of electronic article surveillance systems:
- Electro-Magnetic, also known as magneto-harmonic
- Acousto-magnetic, also known as magnetostrictive
- Radio Frequency (8.2 MHz)
- Microwave
- Video surveillance system (to some extent)
Electro-magnetic system
These tags are made of amorphous metal strips (metglas) that have very low magnetic saturation values. Except for permanent tags, this strip is also coated with strips of ferromagnetic material with moderate (magnetic "hardness") fields. Detection is achieved by sensing harmonics and the amount or difference of signals generated by non-linear magnetic responses from materials below the low frequency mixture (in the magnetic range 10 Hz to 1000 Hz).
When the ferromagnetic material is magnetized, it biases the amorphous metal strip into saturation, where it no longer produces harmonics. Disabling this tag is done by magnetization. Activation requires demagnetization.
This system is suitable for items in the library because tags can be disabled when items are borrowed and reactivated upon return. It's also suitable for merchandise at retail stores, because of its small size and extremely low tag cost (Tattle-Tape).
Electro-magnetic systems are no longer common in food or apparel retail environments, largely being replaced by radio frequencies, acousto-magnetic platforms or even RFID. This technology is still popular in library environments where the need to disable and re-enable tags is a must; But here too the RFID platform has gained ground in the last 10 years due to its greater usage range.
Acousto-magnetic System
These are similar to magnetic tags in which they are made of two strips: magnetostrictive strips, ferromagnetic amorphous metals and semi-hard magnetic strips of metal strips, used as magnetic biasing (to increase signal strength) and to enable deactivation. This strip is not bound together but freely oscillates mechanically.
Amorphous metals are used in such systems because of their excellent magnetoelastic coupling, which implies that they can efficiently convert magnetic energy into mechanical vibrations.
The detector for such tags emits periodic tonal bursts at about 58 kHz, equal to the resonant frequency of the amorphous strip. This causes the strip to vibrate longitudinally by magnetostriction, and continues to oscillate after the explosion ends. Vibration causes a magnetization change in the amorphous strip, which induces AC voltage across the receiving antenna. If this signal meets the required parameters (correct frequency, repetition, etc.), Alarm is enabled.
When the semi-hard magnet is magnetized, the tag is activated. The magnetic strips make the amorphous strips respond stronger to the detector, because the DC magnetic field released by the strip offs the magnetic anisotropy in the amorphous metal. This tag can also be disabled by demagnetizing the strip, making the response small enough that it will not be detected by the detector.
AM tags are three-dimensional plastic tags, much thicker than electro-magnetic strips and thus rarely used for books. However, they are relatively inexpensive and have better detection rates (less false positives and false negatives) than magnetic tags.
Called Emtag by B & amp; G International, this type of tag is often attached to the inside of the plastic surround permanently attached to the tool power cord and hand gear. [2]
Radio frequency system
This tag is basically an LC tank circuit that has a resonance peak anywhere from 1.75 MHz to 9.5 MHz. The standard frequency for retail use is 8.2 MHz. Sensing is achieved by sweeping the resonant frequency and detecting the slope.
Deactivation for label labels 8.2 MHz is usually achieved using deactivation pad. In the absence of such a device, the label can be rendered inactive by punching a hole, or by closing the circuit with a metal label, a "detuner". The deactivation pad function destroys part of the capacitor. Although this sounds harsh, in reality, both the process and the results are not too conspicuous to the naked eye. Deactivator causes micro short circuits in the label. This is done by sending the tag to a strong electromagnetic field at resonance frequency, which induces a voltage exceeding the voltage breakdown of the capacitor.
In the case of Radio Frequency Disabling is the most efficient of the 3 technologies (RF, EM, AM - no microwave labels) given the reliable long distance "deactivation" range can reach up to 30 cm. It also benefits the user in terms of running costs because the RF de-activator is only active to send the pulses when the circuit is present. Both EM and AM disabling units are always on and consuming more electricity. Reliability of "remote" deactivation (ie non-contact or non-deactivation) capability makes for quick and efficient throughput at the checkout.
Efficiency is an important factor when choosing an EAS solution as a whole considering the time lost by trying to disable labels can be an important barrier to cashier productivity as well as customer satisfaction if unwanted alarms are caused by tags that have not been effectively disabled at the point of sale.
The disabling of the RF label also depends on the size of the label and the power of the deactivation pad (the larger the label, the larger the field it produces for deactivation.For this reason a very small label can cause problems for consistent deactivation). It is common to find RF deactivation built into flat scanners and vertical barcodes in POS in food retail especially in Europe and Asia where RF EAS technology has been the standard for nearly a decade. In clothing retail disabling is usually a flat bearing around. 30x30 cm.
Microwave System
This permanent tag is made up of non-linear elements (diodes) coupled to one microwave and one electrostatic antenna. At the exit, one antenna emits a low-frequency field (about 100 kHz), and another emits a microwave field. The tag serves as a mixer that retransmits a combination of signals from both fields. This modulated signal triggers an alarm. This tag is permanent and rather expensive. They are mostly used in clothing stores and have practically been withdrawn from use.
Source labeling
Source labeling is an application of the EAS security tag at the source, supplier or manufacturer, not on the retail side of the chain. For resellers, source tagging eliminates the labor costs required to apply the EAS tag itself, and reduces the time between merchandise acceptance and when the goods are ready for sale. For suppliers, the main benefit is the aesthetic preservation of retail packaging by reducing the application of security tags in product packaging. Source labeling allows EAS tags to be hidden and harder to delete.
Applications of high-speed EAS labels, suitable for commercial packaging processes, are refined through modifications to standard pressure label applicators developed and introduced by Craig Patterson, originally for Hewlett Packard print cartridges. Today, consumer goods are labeled at high speed with EAS labels embedded in the packaging or the product itself.
The most common source label is the AM strip and the 8.2 MHz radio frequency label. Most manufacturers use both when tagging sources in the US. In Europe there is little demand for AM tagging because the Food and Department Store environment is dominated by RF technology.
Pollution tag
One of the important issues of source tagging is something called "tag pollution" caused when non-disabled tags brought by customers cause unwanted alarms, reducing the effectiveness and integrity of the EAS system. The problem is that no store has more than one system. Therefore, if the store actually has an anti-shoplifting system to disable labels, they will only disable those that are part of their system. If the store does not use the EAS system, they will not disable the tags at all. This is often the reason why people trigger an alarm into the store, which can cause great frustration for customers and staff. The problem is most obvious in shopping centers where customers are wandering amongst stores.
Discussion
Shopgroups that are inactive and occasional
The EAS system can provide strong prevention against ordinary theft. Shoplifter occasionally, who is not familiar with this system and how their operation, whether it will be caught by them, or preferably, will be persuaded from attempting any theft in the first place.
Informed shoplifters are aware of how tags can be removed or disabled. A common method for defeating RF tags is the use of a booster bag. This is usually a large paper bag that has been coated with several layers of aluminum foil to effectively protect the RF label from detection, such as the faraday cage. The same situation is the loss of signal that cell phones suffer in the elevator, electro-magnetic, or radio, the waves are effectively blocked, reducing the ability to send or receive information.
However, they may lose some tags or can not remove or disable all of them, especially if hidden or integrated tags are used. As a service for retailers, many manufacturers integrate security tags in their product packaging, or even within the product itself, although this is rarely and less desirable for both retailers and manufacturers. The practical totality of EAS labels is removed with product packaging. This is a specialized app in everyday items that consumers may bring in their people to avoid the inconvenience of a live EAS tag reactivated when walking in and out of a retail store.
Hard tags, typically used for clothing or ink tags, known as benefit rejection tags, can reduce the rate of tag manipulation. Also, disabling or separating tags can be seen by store staff.
Illegal shoplifiers in many jurisdictions, and can, in any case, serve as evidence against the perpetrators. Therefore, shoplifter information, even though they reduce the risk of being caught by EAS, expose themselves to much greater judicial risks if they are caught with tools, booster bags, or when trying to remove tags, as this characterizes the intention to steal.
Owners of a shoplifter (such as a lined bag or wire cutter to cut the bottle label) may cause a suspect to be arrested on suspicion of being stolen or "Equipped with equipment to steal, etc." in the UK justice system.
In short, while the most inexpensive EAS systems will pick up shoplowers that are sometimes the most frequent, wider acts are still needed for effective responses that can protect earnings without impeding sales.
Tag contains alarm
Tags can be equipped with built-in alarms that read when a tag detects a disruption or unauthorized deletion from the store. These tags not only trigger an electronic shop article surveillance system, but also sound an alarm attached to the merchandise. Local alarms continue to ring for a few minutes after leaving the store, attracting attention to shoppers carrying merchandise.
Installation costs
A single EAS detector, suitable for small stores, is accessible to all retail stores, and should form part of a coherent loss or loss loss system.
Disposable tags cost a penny and may have been embedded during creation. More sophisticated systems are available, which are harder to avoid. These solutions tend to be specific to product categories such as in the case of high value-added electronics and consumables, as they are more expensive. Examples are "Safers", a transparent safe box that actually attaches articles to be protected, Packaging Spiders and Electronic Product Safety Systems that allow mobile phones and tablets to be used safely in the store before they are purchased. All of these require special detachers or electronic keys at Point Of Sale. They have the advantage of being reusable and being a powerful diversionary tool against potential theft.
Tag Orientation
Except for microwaves, the detection rates for all these tags depend on their orientation relative to loop detection. For a pair of planar loops forming Helmholtz coils, the magnetic field lines will be aligned at the center. Orienting the tag so that no magnetic flux from the coil that cuts it will prevent detection, because the tag will not be coupled to the coil. This deficiency, documented in the first EAS patent, can be solved by using multiple scrolls or by placing it in other settings such as the number eight. Sensitivity will remain dependent on orientation but detection will be possible on all orientations.
Releasing
A detacher is used to remove a reusable hard tag. The type of detacher used will depend on the tag type. There are various detachers available, with the majority using powerful magnets. Any shop that uses an anti-shoplifting system and has a detacher must be careful to keep it safe so it can not be deleted. Some detachers actually have security tags in it, to warn their store personnel removed from (or taken to) stores. With a larger frequency store having a metal detector at the entrance can warn against the presence of booster bags or illegal detachers.
Activation and disabling of electro-magnetic
Magnetic tag deactivation is achieved by direct magnetization using strong magnets. The magneto-acoustic tag requires demagnetization. However, gluing a strong magnet on them will bias a disposable magnetic tag and prevent resonance in the magneto-acoustic tag. Similarly, sticking a piece of metal, like a large coin on a disposable radio frequency tag will protect it. Non-discardable tags require stronger magnets or scrap metal to be disabled or protected because the strips are inside the casing and thus further away. Disabling some EAS tags can trigger signals sent to the cashier who warned them.
Protect
Most systems can be circumvented by placing marked items in pockets lined with aluminum foil. The booster bag will act as a Faraday cage, protecting the label from the antenna. Although some vendors claim that their akousto-magnetic system can not be defeated by bags protected with aluminum foil, an adequate number of shields (in the order of 30 standard 20 μm foil layers) will beat all standard systems.
Although the number of shields required depends on the system, its sensitivity, and the distance and orientation of the label relative to the antenna, the total tag enclosure is not absolutely necessary. Indeed, some shoplifiers use clothing lined with aluminum foil. Low frequency magnetic systems will require more shielding than radio frequency systems because of their use near the magnetic coupling field. Magnetic shields, with steel or mu-metal, will be more effective, but also inconvenient and expensive.
A well known shield technique among shoplifters and shopkeepers. Some countries have certain laws against it. In any case, the ownership of such a bag indicates an earlier intention to commit a crime, which in many jurisdictions leads to the commission of a minor crime to a criminal status, since it is considered a "robbery tool".
To prevent the use of booster bags, some stores have additional metal detector systems that feel the metal surface.
Jamming
Like most systems that rely on the transmission of electromagnetic signals through unfriendly media, EAS sensors can be made non-operative by jamming. Since the signal from the tag has very low power (small cross-section, and wide out door), clock disturbance requires less power. Evidently, shoplifter will not feel the need to follow the rules of radio transmission; then a rugged and easy-to-build transmitter will be sufficient for them. However, due to high operating frequency, building a jammer can be difficult for microwave circuits; this system is therefore not likely to jam. Although clock interference is easy to do, it's also easy to detect. Simple firmware upgrades should be adequate for modern DSP-based EAS systems to detect interference. However, most EAS systems do not currently detect interference.
Health problems and problems
All electronic article surveillance systems emit electromagnetic energy and thus can disrupt electronics.
Magneto-harmonic systems need to carry tags to magnetic saturation and thereby create a magnetic field strong enough to be felt through a small magnet. They routinely interfere with CRT screens. The demagnetization-remagnetization unit also creates an intense field.
The magnetic acousto system uses less power but their signal pulses in the range of 100 Hz.
Radio frequency systems tend to be least disruptive due to lower power and operating frequency in the MHz range, which makes it easy to protect.
A March 2007 study by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota reported an incident where an acousto-magnetic EAS system located in front of a retail store caused a pacemaker to fail and a defibrillator to trigger, surprising the people they planted in.
There is also concern that some installations are deliberately reconfigured to exceed the manufacturer's rated specifications, thus exceeding the tested and certified magnetic field level.
Patent
Radio frequency systems have the most manufacturers because they are not protected by patents, using well-known technology derived from radio communications, use less power, and can be produced without expensive metal alloys. But there are exceptions, for example; the process of manufacturing patented die-cut circuits held by Miyake Inc. Japan. Also, recent patents have emerged for various combinations of tag design for RF and RFID integration. The last known patent is "Global Guard" by Argos Global, an EAS system that integrates video surveillance hidden inside a pole, obtaining a close up of potential thieves.
Retailer Profits have become more prominent with the release of 'a3tag' and 'STPLUS' tags. They remain the latest developers to have patents on hard EAS and RFID tags.
To date, the acousto-magnetic system is covered by an expired patent owned by Sensormatic. WG Security Products, Inc. won a court battle against Sensormatic clarifying that WG Security's acousto-magnetic system did not infringe on Sensormatic patents. Disposable acousto-magnetic labels require special metal alloys; which can not be disposed of need a more expensive ferrite core.
Effects on theft
A 2017 review study found that "based on available evidence it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of the tag as a measure of theft reduction, although there is evidence to suggest that more visible labels are associated with a larger theft reduction than a less visible tag."
See also
- Active packaging
- Radio frequency identification
- The Barkhausen Effect
- Tattle-Tape
References
External links
- HowStuffWorks: How the Working Anti-Shutting Tool Works
- Back to Basic Security
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments