Abstract:
A surveillance system for preventing the theft of clothing. In particular, a clothing rack includes a surveillance system and an indicator to warn customers that they are under surveillance. In one embodiment, the clothing rack includes an elongated hollow body adapted to support at least one hanger by its hook, at least one bore extending through a wall of the elongated hollow body to provide a filed of vision and an indicator. A camera is enclosed within the elongated hollow body of the clothing rack and positioned such that the camera lens is substantially aligned with the bore in the hollow rigid body. A surveillance monitor displays the views from the cameras and, in one embodiment, records such views.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a surveillance system. More specifically, the present invention comprises a clothing rack surveillance camera and system for preventing the theft of clothes from retail stores. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shoplifting is a major problem for operators in all segments of the retail industry. Shoplifting alone costs retailers over $18 billion annually in terms of loss of gross sales and the cost of prosecuting apprehended thieves. The number of incidents that go unreported, or even undocumented, by retail stores far surpasses the number of reported or documented cases. 
     In 2004, a survey indicated that more than 750,000 shoplifting apprehensions took place in just twenty-seven large retail companies. These companies have more than 12.000 stores and a combined 2004 annual sales in excess of $400 billion. Some shoplifter-related facts from this survey are (i) in 2004, survey participants apprehended 689,000 shoplifters, reflecting an increase of 5% over the number of shoplifter apprehensions in 2003, (ii) dollars recovered from shoplifting apprehensions totaled over $70.0 million in 2004, a 1.50% increase over 2003 recoveries ($70 million), and (iii) the dollars recovered from shoplifters where no apprehension was made increased for the eighth consecutive year. 
     To combat these losses, merchants have sometimes had to take extreme measures to control shoplifting. Most large retailers employ plain-clothes floor detectives to observe customers as they shop. Plain clothes floor detectives alone are not enough of a deterrent because they are seemingly invisible to the customer. Many stores use video surveillance cameras and electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices attached to their products that cause alarms to go off if not deactivated by the cashier. Others retailers physically secure expensive and high theft items, like small leather items, perfume, and cosmetics in locked enclosures. Other retailers use cables or hanger locks that require the assistance of a sales associate to unlock the expensive item of clothing before you can inspect it. 
     There have been, over the years, many technological advances in the prevention of shoplifting. EAS, closed circuit television cameras and exception monitoring has been employed in some retailers but can be expensive. In many cases due to the cost, technology such as EAS is implemented to protect only high-end merchandise. 
     For example, to prevent theft, retail stores often contain multiple ceiling-mounted surveillance cameras. The surveillance camera may be stationary (e.g., mounted on a pole or extension device) or mounted to a servomotor device and is often hidden within a colored dome to hide the camera. To cover as much of the store as possible with one camera, the surveillance camera is often mounted to a servomotor that rotates the camera. The servomotor rotates the camera through a predetermined range of motion (e.g. 30°) at a specific rate of motion. 
     If the camera is located within a colored dome, consumers within the retail store cannot tell which part of the store the camera is currently surveying. However, the servomotor often makes a noise as it is rotating the camera. Experienced shoplifters listen for the sound of the servomotor operating and determine the position of the camera based on the motor noise. If the servomotor takes 3-5 seconds to rotate the camera through the entire range of motion, the shoplifter can time the noise of the servomotor to coordinate his or her shoplifting white the camera is not surveying that specific section of the store. Thus, retail stores lose merchandise to shoplifters. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an improved surveillance system and/or deterrent to prevent or reduce shoplifting. The present invention provides such a system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is to provide a surveillance system for minimizing shoplifting within a retail store. In one embodiment, the clothing rack body includes at least one bore so that a camera, hidden within the body of the clothing rack, may have a field of view. The camera transmits its image (analog or digital) to a surveillance monitor. A retail store employee or security guard may then observe all camera images on a surveillance monitor. In one embodiment, all camera images are displayed simultaneously on the monitor. In another embodiment, the store employee or security guard must select which images to display on the monitor. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to make consumers aware that the retail store has a surveillance system. In one embodiment, the clothing rack body includes an indicator that is visible to the consumer. In one embodiment, the indicator comprises an LED. The LED may remain lit or may, for example, intermittently turn on and off. In another embodiment, the indicator may comprise a fluorescent or incandescent light source. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a surveillance system on the floor level of the retail store. In one embodiment, a floor-supported clothing rack includes one or more surveillance cameras concealed within the clothing rack body. If more than one clothing rack includes such a camera, a network of concealed surveillance cameras monitors the retail store. The network of surveillance cameras reduces or eliminates the “blind-spots” that cannot be avoided with conventional ceiling-based surveillance cameras. In one embodiment the cameras transmit their image wirelessly to a monitor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  provides an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  provides an isometric view of another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  provides a schematic view of an embodiment of a security system, according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally comprises a shoplifting deterrence system for retail stores.  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a clothing rack  100 . The clothing rack  100  is shown as a clothing rack body  102  supported by two brackets extending from a wall of a retail store. The clothing rack  100  is shown in this configuration for explanatory purposes only and may be include other configurations. 
     In this embodiment, the clothing rack  100  comprises an elongated, cylindrical body  102  having a first end  105  and a second end  107 . The body  102  may, of course, comprise other shapes such as, but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, etc.—as long as the clothing rack body  102  may support one or more clothing hangers  10 . The clothing rack body  102  may comprise any length and does not have to be linear. In a preferred embodiment, the clothing rack body  102  comprises a hollow structure (for reasons described hereinafter), but the body may also comprise a solid cross section. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates that the clothing rack body  102  includes an indicator  106  and two bores or camera windows  108 . Of course, the clothing rack body  102  may include any number of indicators  106  and camera windows  108 . The indicator  106  is intended to provide a visible display or warning light to a consumer that the clothing rack  100  includes a surveillance system (or at least provides the impression that it does). The indicator  106  is preferably illuminated and may comprise any color. For example, the indicator  106  may comprise a red light emitting diode that blinks at predetermined intervals. Or the indicator  106  may comprise a red light source that remains illuminated at all times (not blinking). Regardless, the indicator  106  should be noticeable to the consumer. As will be described in more detail later, the indicator  106  may be hard-wired to an electrical source or may be powered by a battery. 
     In the embodiment whereby the clothing rack body  102  is hollow, each camera window  108  extends through the wall of the hollow body  104 . The camera window may comprise any size or shape, and if the clothing rack body  102  includes more than one window  108 , the camera windows do not all have to be the same size and shape. The camera window  108  provides a port to view through from the inside of the clothing rack body  102 . Thus, each camera window  108  may be located at any elevation along the wall. For example, the camera windows  108  shown in  FIG. 1  exist at the mid-level elevation of the clothing rack body wall. These two camera windows  108  provide a point of view from inside the body  102  that is looking substantially horizontal out of the clothing rack body  102 . A camera window  108  may also exist at a lower elevation in the clothing rack body  102  such that the point of view form the inside of the clothing rack body  102  is slightly angled towards the floor of the retail store. For a clothing rack body  102  with multiple cameras, it might also be preferable for the camera windows  108  to each provide a different point of view. For example, the clothing rack body  102  may include one camera window  108  providing a horizontal point of view, a second camera window  108  providing a point of view that is angled upward, while a third camera window  108  provides a point of view that is angled slightly downward. As will be discussed in more detail later, the shape and size of the camera window  108  is dependant, in part, on the type of surveillance camera located inside the clothing rack body  102 . 
     A retail store often has several clothing racks. Some of the clothing racks are mounted on the walls of the retail store. And free-standing clothing racks are often spread throughout the floor of the retail store.  FIG. 1  illustrates clothes  2  for sale in the retail store displayed on a clothing rack  100  that is supported by a pair of brackets mounted to the retail store wall. The clothing  2  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is shirts. Of course, any type of clothing could be placed in the hanger (e.g., pants dresses, coats, etc.).  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment where the clothing  2  is placed on a hanger  10  that hangs by a hook  12  from the clothing rack body  102 . The clothing rack body  102  may comprise any material (e.g., plastic, aluminum, etc.) as long as the material is rigid enough so that the clothing rack body  102  may support the hangers  10 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates that the clothing rack body  102 , in this embodiment, includes a pair of end caps  110  and  112 . The end caps are not necessary, but make the installation and replacement of the cameras and indicators easier. The end caps  110  and  112  are preferably secured to the clothing rack body  102  so that a customer could not tamper with the surveillance system installed in the clothing rack body  102 . For example, the end caps  110  and  112  may be press fit onto the rack body  104 . The end caps  110  and  112  may be secured to the body by other fasteners (e.g. bolts, screws, etc.). The ends  105  and  107  of the clothing rack body  102  may also be secured to the clothing rack body  102 , eliminating the end caps. For example, the interior wall of the ends  105  and  107  may include a female thread that allows the ends to screw on/off of the male thread of the exterior wall of the clothing rack body  102 . Again, it is preferable that the clothing rack body  102  provide an enclosed, secure environment for the cameras to prevent unwanted tampering with the surveillance system. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a moveable clothing rack  200 . The clothing rack  200  includes a floor-standing frame  222  to support the clothing rack body  202  so that the clothes may be displayed out on the retail floor. The frame  222  may have many different configurations. For discussion purposes only.  FIG. 2  illustrates that the frame  222  includes a central member  224 , connected to two end members  226   a  and  226   b  and two posts  228   a ,  228   b  extending upward from each end member  226   a ,  226   b . The frame  222  is supported by four rollers  230 . The clothing rack  200  includes two vertical members  220   a ,  220   b , each member  220  inserted into a post  228 . 
     The clothing rack body  202  is supported by the two vertical members  220   a ,  220   b . In this embodiment, the clothing rack body  202  includes one indicator  206  and three camera windows  208 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a first camera window  208   a  and a second camera window  208   b  on the same side of the clothing rack body  202 . The third camera window is not visible in  FIG. 2 , but its located on the opposite of the clothing rack body  202  as the camera windows  208   a  and  208   b . The field of vision through the first camera window  208   a  is shown as θ 1 . The field of vision through the second camera window  208   b  is shown as θ 2 . The field of vision through the third camera window  208  is shown in  FIG. 2  as θ 3 . The view angle θ out of each camera window  208  may vary. 
     The positioning of the camera windows  208  shown in  FIG. 2  is for illustration purposes only. All the camera windows  208  may be located on one side of the clothing rack body  202 . A configuration with all camera windows  208  along one side of the clothing rack body  202  may be preferred if the clothing rack  200  is going to be placed against a wall or in a corner of the retail store. Placing a camera window  208  on both sides of the clothing rack body  202  may be preferable if the clothing rack  200  will be placed in the middle of the retail store floor. Camera windows  208  on both sides of the clothing rack body  202  provides the ability to monitor more than one side of the clothing rack  200 . The ability to see in two directions would make it more difficult for a shoplifter to take a piece of clothing from the clothing rack  200  without being noticed. 
     Like the indicator  106  shown in  FIG. 1 , the indicator  206  comprises a light emitting diode, of any color, that remains lit or that flashes intermittently. The indicator  206  is not required as part of the clothing rack  200 . The indicator  206  provides a visible deterrent to the customers within the retail store that a surveillance system may be operable within the store. Such an indicator  206  may provide enough of a deterrent to shoplifters that cameras within the clothing rack body  202  may not be necessary. For example, the clothing rack body  202  may include an indicator  206  and a dummy camera positioned behind each camera window  208  so that it appears as if there are cameras within the clothing rack  200 . Or, to hide the camera from the customer&#39;s view each camera window  208  may be covered by material (e.g., one-way vision plastic) modeled to look like a fastener (e.g., bolt screw, pin, etc.). The material preferably masks the camera window so that customers cannot detect if there is a camera window  208  and/or camera within the clothing rack body  202 . 
     Each camera is positioned within the clothing rack body  202  such that the camera lens (not shown) is substantially aligned with the camera window  208 . To prevent the camera from moving within the clothing rack body  202 , the camera is secured to the interior wall of the clothing rack body  202 . The camera window  208  is preferably a small diameter hole in the clothing rack body wall. This way, the camera body is concealed within the clothing rack body  202 , yet the camera lens has a clear line-of-sight through the camera window  208 . The camera window  208  may also comprise a large diameter hole (e.g., larger than the diameter of the camera lens). In this embodiment, the camera window  208  is preferably concealed with the transparent material described above to conceal the camera body. 
     Many types of cameras may be installed within the clothing rack body  202 . By way of example only, the camera may comprise a mini spy pinhole camera manufactured by Weldex. As discussed above, the camera window  208  may be larger than the camera lens. In this case, after the camera is installed, a cover (e.g., colored glass, transparent material that looks like a bolt, etc.) may be placed over/within the camera window  208 . The cover must not, of course, degrade the camera image and may, for example, look like the top of the head of a screw. This way, a consumer in the retail store cannot detect that the clothing rack  200  includes a surveillance camera. 
     If the camera requires a power supply, the power supply may be contained within the clothing rack body  202  of the clothing rack  200 . In the  FIG. 1  embodiment, the power supply may be located on the other side of the wall (that the brackets are affixed to). Thus, the power cord may through the wall, along the bracket into the clothing rack body  202  and into the camera. The bracket may also comprise a hollow structure to function as a conduit for the power cord, which would conceal the power cord from the view of the retail customer. The camera&#39;s transmitter/transceiver may be located within the clothing rack body  202  or elsewhere. 
     The camera may also comprise a wireless device. By way of example only, the camera may comprise the CA12 camera manufactured by Cantek Technologies. The receiver for the camera may be located in the clothing rack body  202  or elsewhere within the retail store. For example, in  FIG. 1 , the receiver may be located behind the retail store wall or any other part of the store within the range of the camera&#39;s signal. 
     Non-operational or “dummy” cameras may also be installed within the body  204  of the clothing rack  200  to provide the effect that the clothing rack  200  includes a surveillance system. In this case, the non-operational camera(s) would be installed within the clothing rack body  202  such that the dummy camera lens is visible through the camera window  208 . A consumer browsing through the clothes  8  hanging on the clothing rack  200  will notice the dummy camera lens but not know whether the camera is operational. Thus, the non-operational camera also provides a deterrent to shoplifters. 
     The operation of the indicator  206  and/or the camera may be configured by the retail store. For example the retail store could set the indicator  206  to blink intermittently or remain lit at all times. Similarly, the retail store may set the camera to continuously capture video images (e.g., 7 days a week, 24 hours a day) or record video for certain intervals (e.g. only capture video during busy shopping hours). Multiple clothing racks within the retail store with blinking indicators  106 ,  206  may be distracting to the consumers. Thus, it may be preferable to set the indicator  106 ,  206  to operate only when activated by a motion sensor (not shown) contained within the clothing rack. In this embodiment, the indicator  106 ,  206  would remain non-operational (e.g., unlit) until a consumer triggered the motion sensor. When the sensor detects a person close to the clothing rack, the indicator  106 ,  206  will begin to function (e.g., illuminate or begin to blink for a predetermined amount of time). Motion sensors are conventional electronic devices known to one skilled in the art and therefore do not require further disclosure herein. Each motion sensor may be set to a different sensitivity level. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates that the cameras from multiple clothing racks may be viewed by a single surveillance monitor  300 .  FIG. 3  illustrates four clothing racks  102 A,  102 B,  102 C and  102 D installed within a retail store. Of course any combination of clothing racks  102 , clothing racks  200  and cameras  300  may be located within the retail store and the surveillance monitor  400  may view the image of any of these cameras. In the  FIG. 3  embodiment of a surveillance system  100  the clothing racks include a combined total of six surveillance cameras. Clothing rack  102 A includes a first camera  303  and a second camera  306 . The clothing rack  102 B includes one camera  301 . The clothing rack  102 C includes a first camera  302  and a second camera  304 . The clothing rack  102 D includes one camera  305 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one example of a surveillance system whereby a single surveillance monitor  400  is able to view the images from each camera. The surveillance monitor  400  includes six monitor screens  410 . Each screen  410  displays the image from a single camera. Thus, the images from all six cameras may be viewed simultaneously. For example, monitor screen  412  displays the image received by the camera  301  in clothing rack  102 B; monitor screen  414  displays the image received by the camera  402  in clothing rack  102 C; monitor screen  416  displays the image received by the camera  303  in clothing rack  102 A; monitor screen  418  displays the image received by the camera  304  in clothing rack  102 C, monitor screen  420  displays the image received by the camera  305  in clothing rack  102 D; and monitor screen  422  displays the image received by the camera  306  in clothing rack  102 A. 
     The surveillance monitor  400  is not required to have a monitor screen  410  dedicated for each camera. The surveillance monitor  400  may comprise any conventional monitor known within the art. For example, the monitor  400  may comprise a single screen divided into multiple windows for simultaneously viewing multiple images (e.g., Shenzhen H2 Electronic Co., Ltd 20″ LCD Surveillance Monitor). The monitor  400  may also comprise a single screen for viewing a single camera image (e.g., Hong Kong Highline Trading Co., Ltd 21″ Surveillance Color Monitor) and a multiplexer may control which image is displayed on the monitor at any given time period. 
     Clothing rack  102 A includes an indicator  106  and two cameras  303  and  306 . The two cameras are shown on opposite ends of the clothing rack body. However, the cameras may be placed anywhere along the clothing rack body. In this embodiment, camera  303  transmits a signal  3  to camera  3  (labeled  416 ) of the monitor  400  and camera  306  sends its signal to camera  6  (labeled  422 ) of the monitor  400 . 
     Clothing rack  102 B includes an indicator  106  and one camera  301 . The camera is shown on the left end of the clothing rack body. However the camera may be placed anywhere along the clothing rack body. In this embodiment, camera  301  transmits a signal  1  to camera  1  (labeled  412 ) of the monitor  400 . 
     Clothing rack  102 C includes an indicator  106  and two cameras  302  and  304 . Again, the two cameras are shown on opposite ends of the clothing rack body. However, the cameras may be placed anywhere along the clothing rack body. In this embodiment, camera  302  transmits a signal  2  to camera  2  (labeled  414 ) of the monitor  400  and camera  304  sends its signal to camera  4  (labeled  418 ) of the monitor  400 . 
     Clothing rack  102 D includes an indicator  106  and one camera  305 . The camera  105  is shown on the left end of the clothing rack body. However the camera may be placed anywhere along the clothing rack body. In this embodiment, camera  305  transmits a signal  5  to camera  5  (labeled  420 ) of the monitor  400 . 
     Each camera image may be transmitted by any method known within the surveillance industry. In one embodiment, each camera comprises a wireless device that transmits the signal to a transceiver within the retail store, which then forwards the signal to the surveillance monitor  400 . The transceiver may be located anywhere within the retail store (e.g., ceiling mounted, wall mounted, etc.). Both the camera and transceiver may transmit either infrared or radio frequency (e.g. IEEE 802.11b. IFEE802.11g, etc.) signals. Infrared transmission requires a line-of-sight between the camera transmitter and the transceiver. Transmitting radio frequency signals provides the retail more flexibility where to place the transceiver. It is also within the scope of the invention for each camera to be hard-wired directly to the surveillance monitor  400 . 
     It should be appreciated that the above-described surveillance system is for explanatory purposes only and that the invention is not limited thereby. Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a surveillance system and method of surveying, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the within system have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention.