Library Store Scanners: Info & How They Work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanisms and technologies behind library and store scanners that detect stolen items. Participants explore various types of security tags, their operation, and the challenges in understanding how these systems function in different environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that scanners use magnetic strips embedded in books or merchandise to trigger alarms.
  • Others describe the use of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, specifically noting acousto-magnetic types as common.
  • A participant points out that their school library does not seem to use a magnetic strip during checkout, leading to confusion about the system's operation.
  • There is mention of de-arming devices integrated into checkout counters that deactivate tags when items are placed on them.
  • One participant observes what appear to be flat, inductive coils on items and questions how these are disarmed, indicating a potential difference in technology used.
  • Questions are raised about the types of waves received by the scanners and how they can identify theft regardless of the orientation of the tags.
  • A later reply suggests that an electromagnetic signal can cause inductive coils to resonate, drawing a comparison to historical surveillance technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and knowledge about the technologies involved, with some agreeing on the use of magnetic strips and EAS tags, while others highlight discrepancies in their experiences, particularly regarding the operation of these systems in libraries versus stores. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the specifics of how these systems work.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific technologies used in different settings, and there are unresolved questions regarding the operational principles of the scanners and tags. Some assumptions about the systems may depend on specific implementations that are not universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals curious about security technologies in retail and library environments, as well as those seeking to understand the mechanics behind theft detection systems.

Moose352
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If anyone has been to a library or a store, they have scanners at the entrances that set off an alarm when someone goes by with a stolen product. Anyone have some more information about how these work or what they are called?
Thanks
 
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A strip of magnetic material is impeded in the books or tags on merchandise. The detectors sense the presence of this strip.
 
Its the same with DVDs and CD's at my workplace (target). We have to run them over this black magnetic strip thing when we check people out, so the detectors don't go off. Not to imply that we have some sort of security that would do anything about it. *chuckle*
 
The stores use little devices called EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) tags. You can learn a lot about them by searching on google. Here's a good site to get you started:

http://www.aimglobal.org/technologies/eas/easoverview.htm

The tags you'll encounter most frequently are the acousto-magnetic types.

- Warren
 
Thanks for the replies. I know most implementations use some type of magnetic sensors. But at my school library, I am quite sure that they do not run the magnetic strip (on the book) through anything, which perplexes me. I'll have to do some more investigation...
 
Often the de-arming device is built into the checkout counter. All the attendant has to do is lay the book on the counter to deactivate the tag.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
The stores use little devices called EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) tags. You can learn a lot about them by searching on google. Here's a good site to get you started:

http://www.aimglobal.org/technologies/eas/easoverview.htm

The tags you'll encounter most frequently are the acousto-magnetic types.

- Warren

thank you!
 
Recently I've noted what appear to be flat, inductive coils (as opposed to magnetic strips) on a patch attached to the item. How does the store disarm one of those? (I couldn't get through to the above suggested site.)
 
Loren Booda said:
(I couldn't get through to the above suggested site.)

Me too.

I've searched google and find it difficult to get answers to the following questions. Would anyone kindly answer them here?

1. What kind of waves (?) is received by the receiver?
2. How can the receiver identify the theft regardless of the orientation of the tape?

thank you very much
 
  • #10
An E-M signal at the door can make the inductive coil resonate, like one of the best bugs once created by the USSR.
 

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