WO2019023125A1

WO2019023125A1 - Systems and methods for protecting display merchandise from theft

Info

Publication number: WO2019023125A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/043271
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey A. GRANT; Gary A. TAYLOR
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2017-07-24
Filing date: 2018-07-23
Publication date: 2019-01-31

Abstract

Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to operably engage an item of merchandise and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor. The monitoring component and the sensor are configured to be paired with one another using a unique identifier for communicating with one another, and the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the monitoring component and/or the sensor fails to receive a signal from one another.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING

RETAIL DISPLAY MERCHANDISE FROM THEFT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/536,112 filed on July 24, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to merchandise security, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Displays for retail merchandise utilize different types of theft deterrent security systems and methods to discourage shoplifters. Many of these systems and methods include sensors and alarms that are mechanically attached, or sensors and alarms that are mechanically attached and electrically connected, to the item of merchandise to be protected. When the integrity of the display is compromised, such as by cutting or removing a cable that extends between the security system and the item of merchandise, or by separating the item of merchandise from the security system, an alarm is activated to alert store personnel of a potential theft situation. Thus, conventional security systems having mechanical or electro-mechanical cables tethered to an item of merchandise, and other security systems that are physically attached to an item of merchandise, provide visual security at the expense of restricting a potential purchaser's ability to interact freely with the merchandise. Consequently, conventional systems that provide visual security suffer from the disadvantage of providing a reduced "customer experience" for a potential purchaser of the merchandise.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards security systems and methods for securing an item of merchandise from theft. In one embodiment, a security system includes a sensor configured to operably engage an item of merchandise and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor. The monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate one another using a unique identifier, and the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the monitoring component and/or the sensor fails to receive a wireless signal from one another.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method includes wirelessly communicating between a monitoring component and a sensor using a unique identifier. The method further includes initiating a first security signal at the monitoring component and/or sensor when the monitoring component and/or the sensor fails to receive a signal from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

l [0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is perspective of the security system shown in FIG. 1 with the sensor removed from the monitoring device.

[0008] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a security system according to another embodiment of the present invention with a sensor removed from a monitoring device.

[0009] FIG. 4 is schematic of a sensor in communication with a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is schematic of a sensor in communication with a monitoring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 is schematic of a sensor in communication with a monitoring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation and multiple prime notations are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a security system 50 configured to secure an item of merchandise from theft in a retail display. The security system may generally include a sensor 12 configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise 14, and a monitoring device or component 16 configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The security system 50 may further include an alarm module or component 18 in electrical communication with the sensor 12 and/or the monitoring device 16. The monitoring device 16 and the sensor 12 may be configured to communicate with one another to determine if the item of merchandise has been tampered with or moved to an unacceptable location. The alarm module 18 may be configured to generate a security signal based on communication (or lack thereof) between the monitoring device 16 and the sensor 12. In one particular embodiment, the sensor and/or the monitoring component are similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,437,088, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise From Theft, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] The item of merchandise 14 may be any consumer product. For example, the item of merchandise 14 may be a portable electronic device, such as a mobile or cellular phone, a Smartphone, a tablet, notebook, laptop computer, or the like. In some embodiments, an advantage of the security system 50 is that the item of merchandise 14 is not required to be mechanically tethered to a display stand, support or the like. Thus, a consumer is free to examine the item of merchandise 14 without any physical restraints. However, in some cases, it may be desirable to have a mechanical tether or cable couple the sensor 12 to the monitoring device 16.

[0015] As will be explained in further detail below, the monitoring device 16 may be configured to communicate with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 to establish a "wireless tether," such that although physical security is not provided, wireless security is provided. As a result, the security system 50 provides for an improved or increased "customer experience," and thereby increases the likelihood of the customer purchasing the item of merchandise 14, while reducing the possibility of theft of the merchandise. In particular, mechanical and electromechanical tethered security devices that include cords, cables, etc. may interfere with the customer experience by restricting the ability of the potential purchaser to freely interact with the item of merchandise. Furthermore, although the security system 50 is described herein in relation to a merchandise display in a retail store, it is understood that a security system 50 according to the invention is applicable to any number of environments, such as in hospitals, restaurants, etc.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sensor 12 of the security system 50 is configured to be operably engaged with the item of merchandise 14. For example, the sensor 12 may be removably engaged with the item of merchandise 14, for example, by being inserted within an input port of the item of merchandise. As such, the sensor 12 may include a connector 62 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-2) configured for engaging an input port provided on the item of merchandise 14. By way of example and not limitation, the input port could be a standard input port provided on the item of merchandise 14, such as a USB port, micro-USB port, or the like. The input port may be the same port used for power and/or data transfer with the item of merchandise. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 are in electrical communication with one another when the sensor is engaged with the input port of the item of merchandise. In other embodiments, the sensor 12 may include a proximity mechanism (e.g., a pressure or plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the sensor is not attached to the item of merchandise 14, such as to detect if the sensor is engaged with the input port of the item of merchandise 14 and/or to detect removal of the sensor from the back of the item of merchandise. Although shown as being separate components, it is understood that the sensor 12 could be integrated into the item of merchandise 14 so that the sensor is not required to be attached to the sensor. As such, the sensor 12 may be integrated with or coupled to the item of merchandise 14. In one embodiment, the sensor 12 is configured to receive power from the item of merchandise 14. For example, the item of merchandise 14 may include a battery that is configured to transfer power to the sensor 12 when the sensor is operably engaged with the merchandise. As such, the sensor 12 does not require its own power source for operation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensor 12 comprises a power source, such as a battery. In this case, the sensor 12 may be operable for detecting when it is removed from the item of merchandise 14. For example, the sensor 12 may establish a sense loop between the sensor and the item of merchandise 14, such that when the sensor is removed, the sense loop is interrupted. The sensor 12 may then be configured to communicate with the monitoring device 16 and/or the item of merchandise 14 to initiate or otherwise generate a security signal.

[0018] The sensor 12 may include communications circuitry for communicating with the monitoring device 16. For example, the communications circuitry of the sensor 12 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the monitoring device 16 using any desired communications protocol such as, for example, Infrared (IR), Bluetooth wireless communication, Bluetooth Low Energy ("BLE") wireless communication, WiFi wireless communication, cellular wireless communication, received signal strength indicator ("RSSI"), ultra-wideband time of flight, ultrasonic, 802.11, and/or ambient backscatter. Similarly, the monitoring device 16 may include complementary communications circuitry for communicating with the sensor 12. In one embodiment, the wireless communications circuitry carried by the sensor 12 and/or the monitoring device 16 may include, for example, one or more wireless transceivers for transmitting and receiving wireless communications.

[0019] The monitoring device 16 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. The monitoring device 16 may be secured to a merchandise display surface 26, such as a display counter, shelf, fixture, or the like using any suitable technique such as adhesives and/or fasteners. As described herein, it is understood that the functionality of the sensor 12 and the monitoring device 16 could be reversed if desired.

[0020] In some embodiments, the monitoring device 16 includes a controller and wireless communications circuitry coupled to the controller. The monitoring device 16 may be paired, for example, by wireless communication (e.g. Bluetooth, BLE, RF, IR, ultrasound, Wi-Fi etc.), with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. As such, the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 is configured to communicate, via its respective wireless communications circuitry, with the monitoring device 16 via its wireless communications circuitry. In other words, the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 may be paired with a monitoring device 16 by way of wireless communications.

[0021] As explained in further detail below, if communication between the monitoring device 16 and the sensor 12 has been lost, the alarm module may generate a security signal that is indicative of an unsecured state or condition, for example, an audio, visual, and/or haptic alarm (see, e.g., FIGS. 5-6). The monitoring device 16 may also communicate, via the wireless communications circuitry, to the sensor 12 to activate a respective output device of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise 14 (i.e., a dual alarm condition) so that security personnel are able to identify the sensor of a particular item of merchandise communicating a security signal. In other cases, the sensor 12 may be configured to generate a security signal in response to losing communication with the monitoring device 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

[0022] The sensor 12 and/or the monitoring device 16 may include an alarm module 18 or be in operable communication therewith. The alarm module 18 may include an alarm that will generate a security signal, such as an audible and/or visual alarm. The alarm module 18 may include an alarm for generating a security signal in response to various security events (e.g., unplugging/cutting a cable, disconnecting the monitoring device 16, disconnecting the sensor 12, etc.). For example, the alarm module 18 may include a piezoelectric alarm to generate an audible alarm signal, as well as circuitry for detecting a security event. The alarm module 18 could also be configured to generate a visible alarm signal, or provide other visible indicators (e.g., armed or alarming), such as with a light-emitting diode ("LED").

[0023] In some embodiments, the security system 50 is configured to charge the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. Various techniques for transferring power may be employed, such as capacitive contact charging, inductive charging, magnetic resonance, or wired charging. In one example, the monitoring device 16 may incorporate charging functionality, as explained in further detail below. In addition, it is understood that the charging device 20 may be optional in some embodiments where the item of merchandise 14 is not charged when in the display or "home" position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the alarm module 18 and/or sensor 12 can be armed, disarmed, and/or silenced with a security key, which may utilize mechanical, wireless, and/or electrical communication between the component(s) of the security system 50 and the security key. For example, the security key may be configured to wirelessly communicate a security code to the alarm module 18 and/or sensor 12, such as by infrared ("IR"), optical, acoustic, or inductive communication. For example, the sensor 12 and/or the monitoring device 16 may include a port 53, 57, window, or the like (e.g., FIG. 3) that is configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals from the security key. In one particular embodiment, the security key is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,737,845, entitled Programmable Key for a Security System for Protecting Merchandise, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In additional embodiments, the monitoring device 16 and/or sensor 12 may include near field communication ("NFC") functionality and may be configured to communicate with a security key or other device having NFC functionality for arming and disarming the alarm of the alarm module. Alternatively, the monitoring device 16 and/or sensor 12 may include "screen swipe" functionality and/or be configured to sense particular movement or motion to arm and/or disarm the alarm module. Likewise, the monitoring device 16 and/or sensor 12 may include biometric functionality for recognizing a particular user to arm and/or disarm the alarm of the alarm module. [0025] As noted above, the sensor 12 may be configured to utilize power from the item of merchandise 14 for performing one or more functions according to some embodiments. Thus, the sensor 12 may not require an internal power source for performing various security functions. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 12 may be configured to transmit power from an external power source to the item of merchandise 14. For instance, the sensor 12 may simply pass power from the external power source through to the item of merchandise 14 for charging the battery of the item of merchandise. In addition, the sensor 12 may be configured to receive power from the battery of the item of merchandise 14. The sensor 12 may utilize the power provided from the battery to perform one or more security functions (e.g., communicating with monitoring device 16 or other monitoring unit).

[0026] As discussed above, various means may be used to provide power to the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14, such as by contact charging. FIGS. 2-3 show embodiments of security systems 50, 50' in which the sensor 12, 52 comprises one or more contacts 54 that are configured to align with one more contacts 56 on the monitoring device 16, 16' . When the contacts 54, 56 are in physical contact with one another, electrical power is able to be transmitted to the sensor 12, 52 and the item of merchandise 14. When the sensor 12 is lifted off of the monitoring device 16, 16', electrical power is no longer transmitted to the sensor 12, 52 of the item of merchandise 14. A power cable 60 configured to be electrically connected to an external power source may be electrically connected to the monitoring device 16, 16' . Thus, the item of merchandise 14 may be charged when the contacts 54, 56 are electrically connected with one another.

[0027] In one embodiment, a power adaptor cable and connector 62 may be configured to be electrically connected to an input port of the item of merchandise 14 at one end and to the sensor 52 at the other end. The connector 62 may be removably inserted within the input port of the item of merchandise 14, and should the connector 62 be removed in an unauthorized manner, the monitoring device 16 and/or sensor 52 may be configured to detect the removal and initiate or otherwise generate a security signal. In this embodiment, the sensor 12 may be attached to the rear of the item of merchandise 14, for example, by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Furthermore, different power adapter cables having different connectors may be used for various items of merchandise that use different input ports. As noted above, the monitoring device 16 may include an alarm module 18 or otherwise be integrated as a single unit. FIGS. 1-2 show such an example where the monitoring device 16 is a display stand or base includes charging, monitoring, and alarming functionality integrated together into a single unit. As such, the security system 50 may utilize a standalone display stand that is configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. In some cases, the item of merchandise 14 and the sensor 12 may be removably supported on the display stand as shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, the display stand may be configured to be mounted to a support, fixture, or the like, such as a display surface 64, whereby the power cable 60 may extend through an opening 65, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a security system 50' configured for securing an item of merchandise from theft in a retail display according to another embodiment of the invention according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 shows that the sensor 12' may further include one or more projections 51 (see, FIG. 13) and monitoring device 16' may further include one or more recesses 55 (see, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) to facilitate alignment of the contacts 54 provided on the sensor with the contacts 56 provided on the base. In one embodiment, sensor 12' and monitoring device 16' communicate via Infrared (IR) wireless communications. As such, the sensor 12' may be provided with an IR port 53 and the monitoring device 16' may be provided with a corresponding IR port 57 to facilitate IR wireless communications between the sensor and the base. However, other wireless communications, such as Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, RF, wireless charging, etc. may be utilized in place of, or in addition to, IR wireless communications.

[0029] The monitoring device 16' may function as a standalone display stand that communicates wirelessly with the sensor 12' and/or an attached item of merchandise. In some cases, the sensor 12' may be connected to the monitoring component 16' with a mechanical cable. In one embodiment, wireless communication occurs when the sensor 12' is proximate to (e.g., "near field") or placed on the monitoring device 16'. As previously described, the wireless communications may be utilized to pair the sensor 12' to a particular display stand or base. The pairing may include, for instance, associating a unique identifier of the monitoring device 16' and/or the sensor 12' with one another. In some embodiments, once a sensor 12' (or sensors) is (are) paired with a specific monitoring device 16', the sensor (or sensors) cannot be paired with another base without first disarming the sensor (or sensors) and/or the monitoring device 16'. Should a sensor 12' be placed on a wrong monitoring device 16', the sensor and/or monitoring device 16' may be configured to generate an audible and/or visible signal to indicate that the sensor has been placed on the wrong monitoring device 16'. The wireless communications may also be utilized to indicate when the monitoring device 16' should begin contact charging with the sensor 12' and/or the attached item of merchandise. A slight electrical current may be supplied, via contact or wireless communications, prior to pairing the sensor 12' with the monitoring device 16' in order to activate, or "wake up," the sensor and initiate IR wireless communications with the monitoring device 16' . In one embodiment, the IR port 53 of the sensor 12' and the IR port 57 of the monitoring device 16' are configured for transmitting and receiving the IR wireless communications. The same IR ports 53, 57 utilized for wireless communications between the sensor 12' and the monitoring device 16' may also be utilized for communications with a security key, as discussed above. The security key may communicate wirelessly via the IR ports 53, 57 to arm and/or disarm an alarm provided on either the sensor 12' or the monitoring device 16', or both. The security key may arm and/or disarm arm the sensor 12' and/or monitoring device 16' independently or in cooperation with one another. For example, disarming the sensor 12' with a security key may also disarm the monitoring device 16' . However, the security key may be required to silence or disarm each of the sensor 12' and the monitoring device 16' in some instances. The wireless communications between the sensor 12' and the monitoring device 16' allow for a lower maintenance security system 50' and increased flexibility, as well as anonymity given that any sensor may be placed on any desired display stand or base without the need for intervention, for example by an authorized sales person. If desired, the monitoring device 16' may also include a proximity mechanism (e.g., a pressure or plunger switch) that is operable for detecting if the base has been removed from a fixture, support, display surface, or the like, and an alarm module 18 may be configured to generate a security signal when the display stand has been tampered with or removed.

[0030] The location of the monitoring device 16 may be associated with a "home" position. For example, the home position may be established in response to positioning the sensor 12 on the monitoring component 16 and/or in response to pairing with one another. It should be noted that the "home" position need not be the same location each time. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be more than one "home" position. For example a "home" position may be a display stand or base, a charging device or station, or any number of a plurality of "power hotspots," such as inductive power transfer charging stations. Alternatively, or additionally, the "home" position may be a location at which the item of merchandise 14 remains motionless for a period of time and the wireless communications circuitry 141 indicates a minimum threshold power signal. In other words, a "home" position may be established when the electronic item of merchandise 14 is motionless and charging for a predetermined period of time.

[0031] As discussed above, the monitoring component 16, 16' (e.g., monitoring device or display stand) and the corresponding sensor 12, 12' may be configured to wirelessly communicate with one another. In the instance where IR communication is used, the source of the IR signal may be associated with a unique identifier or signal. For example, the monitoring component 16, 16' may be configured to generate an IR signal having a unique identifier that is detected by the sensor 12, 12'. Such a unique identifier may be established or exchanged at the time of pairing between the sensor 12, 12' and the monitoring component 16, 16' as discussed above so that the sensor and monitoring component can communicate with one another. The sensor 12, 12' and the monitoring component 16, 16' may each be configured to store the unique identifier for subsequent communication. In one embodiment, the sensor 12, 12' and the monitoring component 16, 16' may be configured to be paired to one another in response to the same unique identifier being stored separately by the sensor and the monitoring component.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wireless signal communicated between the monitoring component 16, 16' and the corresponding sensor 12, 12' may be used to provide security (e.g., via IR). For example, a consumer may be permitted to examine an item of merchandise 14 within a predetermined distance from, or an area in relation to, a "home" position, such as the location of the monitoring device 16. Should the IR signal strength weaken or cease, such as by moving the sensor 12, 12' away from the monitoring component 16, 16' or obstructing the IR signal, a security signal may be generated. In some embodiments, the communication between the monitoring component 16, 16' and the sensor 12, 12' may be initiated when a consumer interacts with the item of merchandise 14. For example, communication may begin when a consumer picks up the item of merchandise 14. The monitoring component 16, 16' may detect when the sensor 12, 12' and the item of merchandise 14 begins moving and/or when charging ceases. Upon the item of merchandise 14 being picked up, the monitoring component 16, 16' may be configured to detect this interaction and thereafter initiate wireless communication between the sensor 12, 12' and the monitoring component 16, 16' .

[0033] In one embodiment, the monitoring component 16, 16' and/or the sensor 12, 12' may be configured to monitor a wireless signal communicated therebetween. For instance, the sensor 12, 12' may be configured to continuously look for an identifier or a signal transmitted by the monitoring component 16, 16'. The sensor 12, 12' may be configured to determine whether the signal has been lost or that the identifier is no longer detected, and to initiate the generation of a security signal when the signal is lost and/or the identifier is no longer detected. In one example, where the item of merchandise has moved beyond a predetermined allowed distance (as indicated by loss of a signal), the sensor 12, 12' may be configured to generate a first warning security signal, such as a visual, an audible, and/or a haptic alarm. For example, the security signal may be an audible voice message requesting that the item of merchandise 14 be returned to the home position 70 within a specified period of time. The monitoring component 16, 16' and/or the item of merchandise 14 could alternatively or additionally initiate or otherwise generate such a warning signal. The sensor 12, 12' may be configured to then determine whether the item of merchandise 14 and the sensor are moved to a position that reestablishes communication with the monitoring component 16, 16' within a predetermined period of time. Should communication not be reestablished within the predetermined period of time, the sensor 12, 12' may generate a full security alarm signal. The subsequent alarm could be greater in volume and/or frequency than the initial alarm. Additionally or alternatively, the item of merchandise 14 and/or monitoring component 16, 16' may be configured to initiate or otherwise generate a full security alarm signal. Should a valid key be presented to the monitoring component 16, 16' or to the item of merchandise 14 and/or sensor 12, 12' , the security alarm signal may be silenced. In some cases, the communication between the sensor 12, 12' and the monitoring component 16, 16' could be one way, although two-way communication could be used, such as to address potential interference due to the presence of other wireless signals. [0034] In the embodiment where the sensor 12, 12' and the monitoring component 16, 16' communicate via IR, the monitoring component may "blast" or otherwise generate wireless signals (e.g., IR signals), such as via a wireless blaster 30 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). For instance, the blaster 30 may be a light emitting device (LED) in some embodiments. It is understood that the sensor 12, 12' may include a wireless blaster 30 for blasting IR signals in other embodiments. It is also understood that the sensor 12, 12' or the monitoring component 16, 16 may utilize other wireless signals such as ultrasonic signals using an ultrasonic blaster. In the instance where the monitoring component 16, 16' is the source of the IR signal, the IR signal may be directed towards an expected location of a consumer using the item of merchandise 14 on display. In this regard, the IR signals may form a conical volume or zone of signals originating from the monitoring component 16, 16' (see, e.g., FIGS. 4-5). The blaster 30 may be located at the monitoring component 16, 16' (see, e.g., FIG. 4) and/or the sensor 12, 12' (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Thus, unlike some other wireless systems using different communications protocols, the IR signals do not form a spherical zone of signals around the monitoring component 16, 16' . The monitoring component 16, 16' may be configured to adjust the frequency of blasting the IR signals. For example, a low frequency may be used when the sensor 12, 12' is on or near the monitoring component 16, 16', but a higher frequency may be used when the sensor is removed from the monitoring component or is moving. The range of the blaster 30 may be customized to a desired distance or range. For instance, the power of the blaster 30 may be adjusted to adjust the range of the signal communicated (e.g., via adjusting the resistance in the power circuit). Thus, a user is able to set the desired allowable distance from the blaster 30 by adjusting the power provided to the blaster.

[0035] It is understood that any number of sensors 12, 12' and blasters 30 may be employed. For example, a single blaster 30 may be used to generate a conical zone as described above, or a plurality of blasters may be used to collectively provide a larger zone, including a spherical zone. In the instance where a plurality of blasters 30 are utilized, the sensor 12, 12' may be configured to be paired with the plurality of blasters with a unique identifier or signal. Thus, multiple IR signals may be generated by the blasters 30 that are associated with the same unique identifier or signal. In some cases, the sensor 12, 12' may be paired with more than one monitoring component 16, 16'. For example, the sensor 12, 12' may be paired with a monitoring component 16, 16' in the form of a base or display stand (see, e.g., FIG. 1), as well as another monitoring component (e.g., a monitoring component comprising a plurality of blasters 30). In other cases, a plurality of sensors 12, 12' may be paired to a single monitoring component 16, 16'. The pairing may occur between the one or more sensors 12, 12' and one or more monitoring components 16, 16' in the manners described above and/or the sensor may be paired with additional monitoring components 16, 16' in response to communication with a security key. The sensor 12, 12' may always be associated one of the monitoring components 16, 16' , even after being disarmed with a key, but the sensor may be unpaired or disassociated with additional monitoring components, such as when disarmed with a key. Thus, the sensor 12, 12' may be intended to be paired with one or more monitoring components 16, 16' for a longer period of time. For instance, where one monitoring component 16, 16' is associated with a base or display stand, the sensor 12, 12' may be unpaired from the monitoring component when disarmed with a key, but may remain paired with a monitoring component having a plurality of blasters 30 intended to be used with a plurality of sensors. This arrangement may facilitate nightly removal and remerchandising of the sensors 12, 12' on any desired display stand, but the sensor remains paired with a monitoring component 16, 16' that is configured to communicate with a plurality of sensors and/or display stands.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensor 12, 12' may be configured to receive power in a variety of manners, such as those discussed above, including inductive power. In the instance where the sensor 12, 12' does not include electrical contacts 54 and/or the sensor or item of merchandise is not conducive to being supported on a monitoring component 16, 16' (see, e.g., FIG. 6), wireless charging may employed, such as via wireless energy harvesting (e.g., via RF signals) or long range wireless (e.g., via Wi-Fi signals).

[0037] In some embodiments, various encryption techniques may be used to ensure that a potential thief does not spoof the security system and determine the unique signal or identifier of the monitoring component 16, 16' . For instance, the monitoring component 16, 16' may utilize rolling unique identifiers or a series of unique identifiers, and the sensor 12, 12' may be configured to determine where in the sequence of unique identifiers is the relevant unique identifier. The sensor 12, 12' and/or the monitoring component 16, 16' may also be configured to generate a security signal in response to receiving a spoof signal or a thief otherwise attempts to determine the unique identifier or signal. For example, where a duplicate IR signal is detected by the sensor 12, 12' and/or the monitoring component 16, 16' , a security signal may be generated.

[0038] It should be noted that the operations executed by the sensor, the monitoring component, and/or the item of merchandise for any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by a computer- readable medium, product, memory, or other storage medium. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood and appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other undisclosed embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A security system configured for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the security system comprising:

a sensor configured to operably engage an item of merchandise; and

a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor,

wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another using a unique identifier,

wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the monitoring component and/or the sensor fails to receive a wireless signal from one another.

2. The security system of Claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to be supported on the monitoring component, and wherein the monitoring component is configured to be coupled to a remote power source for providing power to the item of merchandise when the sensor is supported on the monitoring component.

3. The security system of Claim 2, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component each comprises one or more electrical contacts configured to establish electrical communication with one another for transferring power to the item of merchandise when the sensor is supported on the monitoring component.

4. The security system of any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to initiate a security signal when the monitoring component and/or the sensor fails to receive a signal from one another.

5. The security system of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to wirelessly communicate via Infrared (IR) communication.

6. The security system of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to wirelessly communicate via ultrasonic communication.

7. The security system of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to wirelessly communicate via Bluetooth communication.

8. The security system of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to wirelessly communicate via 802.11 communication.

9. The security system of any one of Claims 1-8, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor are configured to communicate with a key for arming or disarming the monitoring component and/or the sensor.

10. The security system of any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to be paired to one another.

11. The security system of Claim 10, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to be paired to one another in response to the sensor being positioned on or proximate to the monitoring component.

12. The security system of any one of Claims 10, wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to be paired to one another in response to the same unique identifier being separately stored by each of the sensor and the monitoring component.

13. The security system of any one of Claims 1-12, wherein the monitoring component comprises a display stand.

14. The security system of Claim 13, wherein the display stand comprises an alarm module configured to generate a security signal in response to communication with the monitoring component.

15. The security system of any one of Claims 1-14, wherein the monitoring component comprises an infrared blaster for generating the wireless signal.

16. The security system of any one of Claims 1-14, wherein the monitoring component comprises an ultrasonic blaster for generating the wireless signal.

17. The security system of any one of Claims 1-16, wherein the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the sensor fails to receive a wireless signal from the monitoring component.

18. The security system of any one of Claims 1-17, further comprising a plurality of monitoring components each configured to communicate with the sensor.

19. The security system of any one of Claims 1-18, further comprising a plurality of sensors each configured to communicate with the monitoring component.

20. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:

wirelessly communicating between a monitoring component and a sensor using a unique identifier; and

initiating a first security signal at the monitoring component and/or sensor when the monitoring component and/or the sensor fails to receive a signal from one another.

21. The method of Claim 20, further comprising pairing the sensor and the monitoring component using the unique identifier.

22. The method of Claim 21, wherein pairing comprises pairing a plurality of monitoring components and the sensor using a plurality of unique identifiers.

23. The method of Claim 21, wherein pairing comprises pairing a plurality of sensors and the monitoring component.

24. The method of Claim 21, wherein pairing comprises pairing the sensor and the monitoring component in response to the sensor being positioned on the monitoring component.

25. The method of Claim 21, wherein pairing comprises pairing the sensor and the monitoring component in response to the same unique identifier being stored separately by the sensor and the monitoring component.

26. The method of any one of Claims 20-25, wherein initiating the first security signal comprises generating the first security signal at each of the monitoring component and the sensor.

27. The method of any one of Claims 20-26, further comprising initiating a second security signal at each of the monitoring component and the sensor.

28. The method of any one of Claim 27, wherein initiating the first security signal comprises generating a warning signal.

29. The method of any one of Claim 28, wherein initiating the second security signal comprises generating an alarm signal comprising a greater volume and/or frequency than the warning signal.

30. The method of any one of Claims 20-29, further comprising initiating a second security signal at the monitoring component and/or sensor in response to the failure to receive a signal at the monitoring component and/or the sensor for a predetermined period of time.