System for preventing crossing of passage way in e.g. supermarket, has alarm unit designed to produce alarm during detection of crossing of passage way, and function unit activated by departure of checkout staff when position is closed

摘要

The system has a detection unit to detect crossing of a passage way alongside a point-of-sale position such as a checkout, and an alarm unit designed to produce a corresponding audible and/or visual alarm. A function unit is activated by checkout staff leaving their position and is designed to turn off the system upon arrival of a member of staff. The detection unit includes an emitter which emits an electromagnetic radiation beam across the passage way where reflectors (321, 322) return the beam towards a reception unit in the same housing (311, 312), such that the alarm is triggered if a signal is no longer received. The electromagnetic radiation is preferably infrared light, although a weight sensor may also be used to detect a person traversing the passage way. An independent claim is also included for a checkout for use in a retail store.