METHOD OF MONITORING PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND APPARATUS THEREFOR

• US 20110149073A1
• Filed: 08/13/2008
• Published: 06/23/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Zenith Asset Management Limited
• Original Assignee: Zenith Asset Management Limited
• Inventors: Stothers, Peter allan
• Application Number:
  US12/741,806
• Publication Number:
  US 20110149073A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19697 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/246 Check out systems combined with EAS, e.g. price information stored on EAS tag anti-theft systems in point of sale systems G07G3/003
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system

Abstract

A method of monitoring product identification at a transaction terminal by sending either visible light signals, near infra-red light signals or wireless signals to a recording device that records video footage of a transaction terminal in conjunction received product identification information. A system for effecting the method along with light based and wireless transmitting units are disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring product identification at a transaction terminal comprising:

a. identifying a product using a reader at a transaction terminal;

b. recording video footage of the reading of the product at the transaction terminal;

c. covertly sending information indicating product identification to a remote recording device; and

d. recording the video footage at the remote recording device in combination with information indicating product identification.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reader is a bar code reader.

50. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein information indicating product identification is sent to the remote recording device when a signal indicating positive identification is detected at an EAS port of the reader.

51. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a radio signal is sent when a product is identified at a terminal and when received at the remote recording device information indicating product identification is recorded in combination with video footage of the transaction terminal.

52. A method as claimed in claim 51 wherein text is overwritten on the video footage indicating product identification.

53. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of transaction terminals are monitored and the remote recording device includes a multiplexer which receives information indicating product identification relating to the transaction terminals and superimposes it on the video footage.

54. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the information indicating product identification is sent as a non-visible light signal.

55. A method as claimed in claim 54 wherein the light signal is a near infra-red light signal.

56. A method as claimed in claim 54 wherein a light sending unit is located in close proximity with each transaction terminal so that light signals may be easily associated with a transaction terminal.

3-49. -49. (canceled)

57. A transaction terminal monitoring system comprising:

e. a video recording device for recording video footage of a transaction terminal;

f. a wireless transmitter configured to send a wireless signal indicating product identification upon receipt of product identification information from a reader; and

g. a wireless receiver configured to receive product identification information signals from the wireless transmitter, wherein the system is configured to superimpose product identification information on recorded video footage.

58. A system as claimed in claim 57 wherein the wireless transmitter is configured to send a wireless signal indicating product identification upon receipt of an EAS signal from a port of a transaction terminal.

59. A transaction terminal monitoring system comprising:

h. a video recording device for recording video footage of a transaction terminal; and

i. a light transmitter configured to send a light signal indicating product identification upon receipt of product identification information from a reader, wherein the system is configured to superimpose product identification information on recorded video footage.

60. A system as claimed in claim 59 wherein the light transmitter is configured to send a light signal indicating product identification upon receipt of an EAS signal from a port of a transaction terminal.

61. A system as claimed in claim 60 wherein the light transmitter includes a pass-through plug connecting to the EAS terminal of a transaction terminal.

62. A system as claimed in claim 59 wherein the light transmitter includes a cable to connect to a port of a transaction terminal to power the light transmitter.

63. A system as claimed in claim 59 wherein the light transmitter emits visible light.

64. A system as claimed in claim 59 wherein the light transmitter emits near infra-red light.

65. A product identification verification device including an input for receiving a signal from a reading device and a radio transmitter which transmits RF signals based on signals received from the reading device.

66. A product identification verification device as claimed in claim 65 wherein the RF signal includes an identification code for a terminal associated with the device.

67. A product identification verification device including a body, an input for receiving a signal from a reading device and a lamp which transmits light signals based on signals received from the reading device, wherein the lamp may be articulated about two orthogonal axes with respect to the body.