Controlled doorway system

Abstract

The invention utilizes an existing cash register that, in processing the purchases, establishes a unique identifier (i.e. date stamp, barcode, QR code) on the receipt and updates a database of identifiers. This identifier is used at an exit door to trigger the opening of the door/portal allowing the purchaser to leave the building. Ideally the identifier is unique and includes a date of issuance to prevent fraudulent use.

Claims

1. A doorway control system comprising: a) a register configured to process a purchase, said register providing a receipt with an identifier for a customer; b) a doorway for exiting the store, said doorway having a preferred locked condition in a first state and an unlocked condition in a second state; and, c) a scanner located proximate to the doorway, said scanner being responsive to the customer presentation of the identifier and upon sensing a valid identifier, said scanner causing the doorway to move to a second state for a selected period of time.

2. The doorway control system according to claim 1, further including an override switch located proximate to the register, said override switch adapted to open the primary barrier of the doorway.

3. The doorway control system according to claim 2, wherein the identifier is invisible to the human eye.

4. The doorway control system according to claim 3, wherein the identifier is unique to the receipt.

5. The doorway control system according to claim 4: a) further including a data base of identifiers; and, b) wherein the scanner communicates with the data base to authenticate a submitted identifier.

6. An exit control system comprising: a) a register configured to process a purchase, said register providing a receipt with an identifier; b) an exit doorway for exiting the store, said doorway having a preferred locked condition in a first state and an unlocked condition in a second state; c) a scanner located proximate to the doorway, said scanner being responsive to the identifier and upon sensing a valid identifier, said scanner causing the doorway to open for a period of time; and, d) an override switch located proximate to the register, said override switch adapted to open the primary barrier of the exit doorway.

7. The exit control system according to claim 6, wherein the identifier is invisible to the human eye.

8. The exit control system according to claim 7, wherein the identifier is unique to the receipt and includes a date of issuance.

9. The exit control system according to claim 8: a) further including a data base of identifiers; and, b) wherein the scanner communicates with the data base to authenticate a submitted identifier.

10. A security system comprising: a) a register configured to process a purchase, said register providing a receipt with a unique identifier; b) a data base of identifiers established by the register at the time of providing the receipt; and, c) an exit doorway for exiting the store, said doorway having a preferred locked condition; d) a scanner located proximate to the doorway, said scanner being responsive to a proffered identifier, said scanner communicating the proffered identifier to the data base and receiving a validity indicia therefrom, based upon the validity indicia, said scanner causing the doorway to an unlocked state for a period of time.

11. The security system according to claim 10, further including an override switch located proximate to the register, said override switch adapted to open the primary barrier of the exit doorway.

12. The security system according to claim 11, wherein the identifier is invisible to the human eye.

Description

DRAWINGS IN BRIEF

[0028] FIG. 1 is an overhead view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B are horizontal views of the entry and exit portals.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an informational flow diagram of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the movement of the entry/exit in an embodiment of the invention.

DRAWINGS IN DETAIL

[0032] FIG. 1 is an overhead view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0033] An opening between exterior walls 12A and 12B is used for ingress and egress from the store. Positioned in this opening, are panels 10A, 10B, and 10C which form two channels, one for ingress and one for egress from the store.

[0034] For egress, the customer (not shown) has obtained receipt 19 from the cash register 18. Barrier 13B has been moved to block egress as the customer passes as indicated by arrow 14E. Using receipt 19, the customer presents receipt 19 to reader 15 (positioned near a window on panel 10C). Reader 15, communicates with controller 16 which identifies the proper code (or lack thereof) and selectively move barrier 13B as indicated by arrow 14B. In this manner, a valid customer is given free access to leave the store while a shoplifter (without a receipt) is thwarted in their endeavors.

[0035] Camera 11B captures an image of the customer and communicates this image to the controller which may use facial recognition to identify the customer.

[0036] Emergency switch 17, ideally positioned near register 18, permits a store employee to cause all barriers to open in case of an emergency so that egress from the store is not hindered.

[0037] For ingress into the store, the customer enters between panels 10A and 10B as indicated by arrow 14D. As with egress, a camera 11A is used to capture an image of the entering customer for storage by controller 16 (possibly with facial recognition). Barrier 13A is typically left open but in some necessary situations, such as when the facial recognition identifies a previous thief, moves barrier 13A as indicated by arrow 14A to prevent entry.

[0038] Barriers 13A and 13B in this illustration are full or substantially full doors that slide (as indicated by arrows 14A, 14B, and 14C) to either open or close.

[0039] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of the entry and exit portals.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2A, the egress portion of the invention, looking as the customer would see the egress portion as they approach, are panels 10B and 10C forming a channel therebetween. Barrier 21B (an arm in this illustration) moves downward to block egress. The customer's image is captured by camera 11B. To move arm 21B, the customer presents his receipt to reader 15 which, if the proper code exists on the receipt, lifts arm 21B as indicated by arrow 22B.

[0041] The ode is ideally unique at least to the date and preferably to the individual purchase receipt.

[0042] The store's worker may also raise arm 21B should the need arise such as when the customer has not bought anything and then does not have a receipt, although in this situation, a “blank” receipt may be printed for the purpose of allowing egress.

[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates the ingress portion as seen by the customer seeking to enter the store between panels 10A and 10B. Camera 11A captures an image of the customer and, in one embodiment, performs facial recognition on the image to identify if the customer is someone that the store does not want to grant entry such as a former shoplifter, a writer of bad checks, has previously caused a disturbance in the store, or has used a fraudulent credit card in the past.

[0044] If the customer is a non-desirable, then arm 21A moves as indicated by arrow 22A to block entry and ideally a notice is displayed on screen 23. Screen 23 is also used to promote different sales items or for informational purposes such as hours of operation.

[0045] FIG. 3 is an informational flow diagram of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Controller 16 receives the images from cameras 11A and 11B, performs facial recognition, and communicates the facial recognition data to data storage 30. Data storage 30 is used to identify customers who are undesirable as well as valued customers.

[0047] Controller 16 also communicates with the customer via screen 23 and opens/closes entry door 14A and exit door 14B.

[0048] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the movement of the entry/exit in an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] When the store is open for business, ingress/egress mechanism 41, as outlined above, is positioned between walls 40A and 40B. In this embodiment, ingress/egress mechanism 41 is a unified body. Latching bolts 42A and 42B are used to secure ingress/egress mechanism 41 in the position shown in FIG. 4A.

[0050] At store closing, FIG. 4B, the latching bolts 42A and 42B are released and the ingress/egress mechanism 41B, supported by wheels not shown, is pulled or rolled into the store and a rolling or security shutter/door 44 is used to securely cover the opening between wall 40A and 40B.

[0051] It is clear that the present invention provides for additional security from shoplifting.