HK1193229B - Systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft - Google Patents

Description

System and method for protecting retail display merchandise from theft

Technical Field

The present invention relates to merchandise security, and more particularly to a system and method for protecting retail displayed merchandise items from theft.

Background

The display of retail merchandise items discourages shoplifters using different types of anti-theft security systems and methods. Many such systems and methods include sensors and alarms that are mechanically linked or mechanically and electronically linked to the item of merchandise to be protected. When the integrity of the display is compromised, such as by cutting or removing (e.g., unplugging) a cable extending between the security system and the item of merchandise, or detaching (e.g., detaching) the item of merchandise from the security system, an alarm is activated to alert store personnel of a potential thief condition. Other security systems in the form of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags activate an alarm when an item of merchandise passes through a security gate in the event that the EAS tag is not deactivated or removed (detached) from the merchandise. Therefore, conventional security systems having mechanical or electro-mechanical cables tethered to the item of merchandise, and other security systems physically attached to the item of merchandise, such as EAS tags, provide visual security and at the cost of limiting the potential purchaser's freedom to interact with the merchandise. Therefore, conventional tethered security systems and EAS security systems suffer from the disadvantage of providing a reduced "customer experience" for potential purchasers of items of merchandise.

The tethered and EAS security systems described above typically utilize some type of latch, such as a mechanical, magnetic, electronic, optical (e.g., infrared), or acoustic (e.g., radio frequency) latch, to detach a protected item of merchandise from the security system and/or to arm or disarm the security system's alarm. One significant drawback of such security systems is that the latches can be lost, or worse, stolen, and used in the same retail store or another retail store using the same type of security system to disarm unauthorized persons and/or to separate items of merchandise from the security system. It is becoming increasingly difficult to prevent theft of the latches used for the security systems by thieves and also by untrustworthy employees of the retail stores, because several latches are required so that store employees can operate different types of security systems that need to protect merchandise items displayed in a larger retail store (e.g., a mall).

Wireless security systems that activate an alarm when an item of merchandise is removed from a display area include EAS tag security systems that address some of the disadvantages of conventional tethered security systems. However, existing wireless security systems are inherently unreliable because they rely on external references to determine the location of items of merchandise relative to an "in-situ" location or relative to a "safe" zone, boundary or area. For example, many wireless security systems rely on Global Positioning System (GPS) signals or other Radio Frequency (RF) signals received from sources outside the security system. As a result, continuous communication between external sources, such as a base station and a wireless security device, is not guaranteed. A loss of communication with the base station creates a tendency towards alarm conditions and thus increases the occurrence of false alarms. False alarms require store personnel to pay additional attention to the security system, which results in reduced interaction between the customer and the merchandise and, therefore, a reduced customer experience for potential purchasers of the merchandise.

Therefore, there is a need for a security system that is not mechanically or electro-mechanically tethered to an item of merchandise, but that can be configured to protect a wide variety of retail displayed items of merchandise from thieves. Still further, there is a need for a security system that protects merchandise items from thieves that does not require a breakable key to deploy/un-deploy the security system or to link/detach the merchandise items from the security system. Still further, there is a need for a security system that protects a merchandise item from thieves that does not require external reference to determine the location of the merchandise item relative to an "in situ" location or relative to a "security" zone, boundary or area.

Disclosure of Invention

For the reasons stated hereinbefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a security system and method for protecting retail displayed merchandise items from thieves which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional security systems and methods for protecting merchandise items.

The above and other objects, features and advantages are provided by a security system and method according to the present invention that is configured to protect merchandise items displayed at a retail store, the merchandise items being evaluated and manipulated by a customer considering whether the customer is to purchase the merchandise items. The security system may include a portable housing, at least one sensor carried by the portable housing, and at least one output device also carried by the portable housing. The security system may also include a controller carried by the portable housing and operatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one output device. The controller, for example, is operable to process movement of the item of merchandise based on an output of the at least one sensor. In one particular example, the controller may process the movement of the item of merchandise to determine a distance away from a "home" position within the retail display to activate the at least one output device if the distance away from the "home" position exceeds at least one threshold distance.

In a particular example, the at least one sensor may include one or more of an accelerometer, a digital compass, and a gyroscope.

In a particular example, the at least one output device may include one or more of an audio output device, a haptic output device, a visual output device, and wireless communication circuitry carried by the housing to produce the wireless signal output.

In a particular example, the at least one threshold distance may include first and second threshold distances. Thus, the controller may be operable to activate the at least one output device with a first indication based on the distance of the item of merchandise from the "home" position exceeding a first threshold distance, and subsequently activate the at least one output device with a second indication based on the distance of the item of merchandise from the "home" position exceeding a second threshold distance. The controller may also be operable to turn off the output device based on the article of merchandise returning to a distance away from the "home" position that does not exceed at least one of the first and second threshold distances.

The security system may further include at least one input device, and the controller may be operable to turn off the at least one output device based on a signal from the at least one input device. The security system may further include at least one satellite positioning signal receiver carried by the housing and operable to determine a geographic location, which may be reported to a monitoring system, for example.

In one particular example, the security system may be configured to operate on an electronic merchandise item, such as a cellular telephone (generally referred to as a "mobile telephone") that includes at least one sensor, at least one output device, and a controller. In this way, the security system may take the form of a software application that can configure a controller to perform several of the security functions described herein using at least one sensor, at least one output device, and the controller provided by the item of electronic merchandise.

In another example, the security system may be implemented by a display battery pack configured to temporarily replace a use battery pack for an item of electronic merchandise displayed within a retail store for evaluation and operation by a customer considering whether to purchase the item of electronic merchandise. The display battery pack may include a housing configured to be coupled to an electronic product to store one or more components of the security system with at least one battery cell operable to power the electronic product. The components of the security system stored by the display battery pack may include at least one sensor carried by the housing, and at least one output device carried by the housing. The display battery pack may further include a controller carried by the housing and coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one output device. As previously described, the controller is operable to control movement of the item of electronic merchandise to determine a distance of the item of electronic merchandise from a retail display "home" position based on the at least one sensor and to activate the at least one output device based on the distance of the item of electronic merchandise from the "home" position exceeding at least one threshold distance.

In another other example, the security system is implemented by an externally mounted security module operatively mounted to an item of electronic merchandise that is displayed within the retail store for evaluation and operation by a customer considering whether to purchase the item of electronic merchandise. The security module may include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing, at least one output device carried by the housing, and a controller carried by the housing and coupled to the at least one sensor and the output device. As previously described, the controller is operable to process the movement of the item of merchandise based on the at least one sensor to determine the distance of the item of merchandise from the retail display "home" position. The controller is also operable to activate the at least one output device based on the distance of the item of merchandise from the "home" position exceeding at least one threshold distance. The security system may also include a connecting element to operatively couple the housing of the security module to the item of merchandise.

A method according to the present invention is designed to protect items of merchandise displayed at a retail store that are subject to evaluation and manipulation by a customer regarding whether or not to purchase the items of merchandise. The method may include providing a portable housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing, at least one output device carried by the housing, and a controller carried by the housing and coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one output device. The method further includes using at least one sensor and a controller to process the movement of the item of merchandise to determine a distance of the item of merchandise from a retail display "home" position. The method may further include activating at least one output device if the distance of the item of merchandise from the "home" position exceeds at least one threshold distance.

The computer-readable medium according to the invention is designed as a non-transitory computer-readable medium for an item of electronic merchandise, which is displayed at a retail store to be evaluated and operated by a customer who is to be considered whether to purchase the item of merchandise. A security system associated with a computer readable medium may include a portable housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing, at least one output device carried by the housing, and a controller carried by the housing and coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one output device. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may have computer-executable instructions that cause the security system to process the motion of the item of merchandise to determine a distance of the item of merchandise from a retail display "home" location using the controller and the at least one sensor. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may have computer-executable instructions that cause the security system to activate at least one output device if the distance of the item of merchandise from the retail display "home" position exceeds at least one threshold distance.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary embodiment of a security system according to the present invention for protecting retail displayed merchandise items from thieves.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an item of electronic merchandise configured for operation with the security system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention for operating the security system of FIG. 1 and the item of electronic merchandise of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of a security system according to the present invention for protecting a retail displayed item of merchandise from thieves that is configured to operate on the item of electronic merchandise.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the security system and item of electronic merchandise of fig. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention for operating the security system and item of electronic merchandise of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of a security system according to the present invention for protecting a retail displayed item of merchandise from thieves that is configured to operate on the item of electronic merchandise.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another exemplary embodiment of a security system according to the present invention for operating the security system of FIG. 7 with an item of electronic merchandise.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a security system according to the present invention for operating one or more of the security systems of FIG. 7 with an electronic monitoring device.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which some exemplary and preferred embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 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, and prime notation and multiple prime notation are used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.

Referring initially to fig. 1-3, in one example of a retail display security system 10 in accordance with the present invention, the security system is used to operate an electronic product 20, shown here as a mobile wireless communications device, more specifically a mobile telephone. The item of electronic merchandise 20 includes a portable (e.g., movable) housing 21 and a substrate 22, such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) including wireless communication circuitry carried by the housing. The substrate 22 may be a rigid PCB or, alternatively, a flexible substrate and a flexible PCB. In some embodiments, the PCB may be replaced by or used in conjunction with a metal chassis or other structural substrate, as will occur to those of skill in the art.

The wireless communication circuitry 23 carried by the housing 21 may include, for example, one or more wireless communication transceivers for transmitting or receiving mobile communications, WiFi and/or bluetooth communications. The electronic product 20 may also include a satellite positioning signal receiver 43, as shown, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver, as is well known in the art. The electronic product 20 further includes a display 24 and a plurality of input devices 25, illustrated keys for receiving user input, as will occur to those of skill in the art. The input device 25 may also include buttons or the like, or may also be embodied as a touch screen, as is known in the art.

The electronic product 20 may also include an orientation sensor 26 carried by the housing 21. The orientation sensor 26 may be a gyroscope, for example, and more specifically, may be a 3-axis gyroscope. The direction sensor 26 may also be implemented as a digital compass, for example, as will occur to those skilled in the art.

The electronic device 20 may also include an output device 27. In particular embodiments, output device 27 may be an audio output transducer or speaker, output device 27 may also be another type of audio output device, or other output devices may be used, such as a tactile output device or a visual output device, which may be used alone or in combination with an audio output device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the item of electronic merchandise 20 may also include an accelerometer 31 carried by the housing 21. The acceleration stage 31 may be a multi-axis accelerometer or, alternatively, the item of electronic merchandise 20 may include a multi-directional accelerometer.

The item of electronic merchandise 20 may also include a battery pack 32, which is also carried by the housing 21. The battery pack 32 includes battery management circuitry 33, e.g., power management circuitry, and one or more battery cells 34 coupled to the power management circuitry. The battery cells 34 may be rechargeable battery cells, such as nickel metal hydride battery cells or lithium ion battery cells. In some embodiments, the battery unit 34 may be replaced by or used in conjunction with another power source, such as a fuel cell, as will occur to those of skill in the art. When not operating with the retail display security system 10 of the present invention, the electronic product 20 may be charged by an external power source through a conventional power cord or charger.

The item of electronic merchandise 20 may also include a controller 35 carried by the housing 21 and operatively coupled to the wireless communication circuit 23, the accelerometer 31, the orientation sensor 26, and the output device 27. The controller 35 advantageously cooperates with the wireless communication circuitry 23 to coordinate and control the operation of the item of electronic merchandise 20, i.e., the wireless communication functions and the capabilities of the mobile telephone. Operations may include mobile voice and data operations, including, for example, email and internet data.

The controller 35 cooperates with the orientation sensor 26 to determine a reference orientation of the item of electronic merchandise 20. For example, when the item of electronic merchandise 20 is held in an operational position by a potential purchaser 36 with the display 24 and input device 25 facing the customer, the orientation sensor 26 may cooperate with the controller 35 to determine the direction in which the customer and the item of electronic merchandise are facing, e.g., north (FIG. 1). The controller 35 may also cooperate with the accelerometer 31 to measure and monitor acceleration of the item of electronic merchandise 20.

Based on the orientation and measured acceleration of the item of electronic merchandise 20, as well as the elapsed time of any movement of the item of electronic merchandise, the controller 35 determines the distance from a given location, such as the designed retail display "home" location. The "home" position, for example, may be established by the item of electronic merchandise 20 touching or in close proximity to a stand, platform, or the like, collectively referred to herein as a stand 37. The stand 37 may stand alone, or alternatively, be permanently linked, removably linked, or operatively coupled to a display platform, alarm module, base, or the like 38. More specifically, the controller 35 may be directly programmed, for example, via the input device 25, or alternatively, indirectly programmed via an external system or device, such that the position of the holder 37 is the "home" position of the item of electronic merchandise 20. The distance by which the item of electronic merchandise 20 is moved out of the "home" position is advantageously determined by the controller 35 when the item of electronic merchandise is moved out of the "home" position by a customer who is considering whether or not to purchase the item of electronic merchandise. As used herein, "distance away" refers to the absolute value of the radial distance that the item of electronic merchandise 20 is moved out of the "home" position. In a particular example, controller 35 uses conventional motion processing algorithms to determine the distance of item of electronic merchandise 20 from the "home" position.

It should be noted that the "home" position need not be the same position each time. Additionally or alternatively, there may be more than one "in situ" position. For example, a "home" location may be a charging station or any number of multiple "power hotspots," such as inductive power transfer charging stations. Alternatively or additionally, the "home" position may be a position where the item of electronic merchandise 20 remains motionless for a period of time and the wireless communication circuit 23 represents a minimum threshold power signal. That is, the "home" position may be established when the item of electronic merchandise is not moving and is charging for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, or in conjunction with establishing one or more home positions, controller 35 may use one or more motion sensors and motion processing algorithms to establish (e.g., delineate) a "safe" zone with or without reference to one or more "home" positions. Based on the subsequent motion processing, the controller may determine whether the item of electronic merchandise has been moved from a location within the secure area to a location outside or beyond the established "secure" area.

In particular embodiments, controller 35 causes the distance away from the "home" position to be determined based on Inertial Navigation System (INS) technology, such as dead reckoning, as will occur to those of skill in the art. In this way, no external reference, such as a GPS determined location or RF communication, is required to determine the distance of the item of merchandise 20 from the "home" location. Therefore, a security system 10 configured to operate with an item of electronic merchandise 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous for use in indoor environments, such as the display area of a retail store, where GPS location cannot always be determined and RF communications can be obstructed.

The article of electronic merchandise 20 illustratively includes a memory 41 for storing computer-executable instructions and data for processing. The controller 35 may cooperate with computer-executable instructions, such as algorithms implemented in software applications, in the memory 41 to perform the functions described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the controller 35 may be implemented as hardware components or a combination of hardware and application software.

Based on the position of the item of electronic merchandise 20 away from the bracket 37, the controller 35 determines whether the distance of the away exceeds at least one threshold distance. For example, the controller 35 may determine whether the item of electronic merchandise 20 has exceeded the cradle 37 by more than 10 feet at any radial distance. Of course, the threshold distance may be set to any desired distance, or alternatively, to other variable quantities, such as time, acceleration, direction, etc. In particular, the threshold variable may be set to any suitable value of any suitable variable by programming using input device 25 or by wireless programming using wireless communication circuitry 23. Alternatively, the memory 41 of the item of electronic merchandise 20 may be programmed to have one or more predetermined threshold variables and/or values.

In any event, when the threshold distance is exceeded, the controller 35 activates the output device 27 with a visual, audible or tactile alert. For example, the alert may be an audio voice message requesting that the item of electronic merchandise 20 be returned to the rack 37 for a limited period of time. An audio message may be formulated that may be configured as a male or female voice and/or may be configured to speak a predetermined language or one of more languages. The controller 35, alternatively, or additionally, may activate other output devices 27, such as a tactile (e.g., vibration) device or a visual (e.g., flashing LED) device.

In particular embodiments, there may be more than one threshold, e.g., a first threshold and a second threshold. When controller 35 determines that the first threshold has been exceeded, the controller may activate an initial "warning" via output device 27. The warning may be audio, as previously mentioned, and may indicate, for example, that an alarm may be activated unless the item of electronic merchandise 20 is returned to a "home" position or brought back within a first threshold distance.

If the item of electronic merchandise 20 is not returned to the "home" position or to a position within the first threshold distance in a timely manner, and conversely, the second threshold distance is exceeded, the controller 35 may activate a subsequent alarm, such as an audible alarm via the output device 27. As previously mentioned, the time-based threshold may be used alone or in combination with one or more distance-based thresholds. If the controller 35 activates the alarm indication, the controller may advantageously cooperate with the wireless communication circuit 23 to transmit the location of the item of electronic merchandise 20 to another component of the security system or device. For example, if the item of electronic merchandise 20 is moved out of the display area of a retail store to a location where GPS can be received, the controller 35 may transmit GPS coordinates to a remote server or central monitoring station via the wireless communication circuit 23 based on the satellite positioning signal receiver 43. The controller 35 may also cooperate with the wireless communication circuit 23 to invoke a telephone number and/or send an e-mail or text message to security personnel or "loss prevention" personnel. In particular embodiments, if the item of electronic merchandise 20 includes a camera or a video camera, the controller 35 may activate the camera to take a still photograph and/or activate the video camera to record a video clip. Regardless, the controller 35 may then further cooperate with the wireless communication circuit 23 to send video data to security personnel or "loss prevention" personnel for identifying the alerted shoplifter.

Further, the controller 35 may cooperate with the wireless communication circuit 23 to wirelessly transmit instructions to activate another output device 27, such as an alarm remote from the item of electronic merchandise 20 and the display area. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 35 may cooperate with the wireless communication circuit 23 to likewise transmit instructions to other security systems and/or devices to perform additional operations. In one advantageous embodiment, the controller 35 may cooperate with the wireless communication circuitry 23 to instruct the adjacent racks 37 supporting other items of merchandise to enter a "locked mode" such that the items of merchandise supported therein may not be removed or stolen. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the locking may be achieved by mechanical, magnetic, electrical, electromechanical or electromagnetic locking.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the controller 35 may determine whether the location of the item of electronic merchandise 20 is within a given geographic area based on the distance of the distancing, as determined by the movement of the item of merchandise. The controller 35 may cooperate with the wireless communication circuitry 23 to wirelessly transmit instructions to perform further functions based on distance. For example, controller 35 may cooperate with wireless communications circuitry 23 to send instructions to activate a remote audio and/or video display terminal when a user is in proximity to the terminal. For example, the remote terminal may provide sales or technical product information to a user associated with the electronic product 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 35 may cooperate with the wireless communication circuit 23 to transmit other instructions based on location, region, orientation, or distance from a reference location of the item of merchandise 20.

The controller 35 may disable the output device 35 based on the item of electronic merchandise 20 coming back (i.e., moving back) within the first or second distance. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 35 may disable the output device 27 based on input from the input device 25, for example, a security code entered via a keypad. The controller 35 may also deactivate the output device 27 through the wireless communication circuit 23, or through a latch, such as a mechanical, magnetic, electronic, optical, or infrared latch. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 35 may perform additional and/or other communication functions based on the alarm condition, including, for example, shutting down one or more functions, capabilities, or operations of the item of merchandise 20.

Additional sensors 42 may be carried by the housing 21 adjacent the battery pack 32 and coupled to the controller 35. The controller 35 may activate an alarm from the output device 27 based on an unauthorized intrusion into the housing 21, such as an attempt to contact the battery pack through the battery cover. The further sensor 42 may be any type of sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, a light sensor, a pressure or limit switch, or a contact switch. Activation of the alarm may advantageously indicate an unauthorized attempt to remove the battery pack 32 for the purpose of shutting down the security system 10 and thereby provide increased time for security personnel to respond. The controller 35 may perform other actions based on input from further sensors 42, such as the previously described communication through the wireless communication circuit 23.

The security system 10 configured to operate the item of electronic merchandise 20 may preferably be calibrated when it is placed on a rack in the "home" position in the display area. More specifically, the controller 35 of the item of electronic merchandise 20 may receive a wireless or other signal from the cradle 37 indicating that the position of the cradle 37 is the desired "home" position. Because the position error may be calculated each time the item of electronic merchandise 20 is moved, the security system 10 and bracket 37 may be equipped with appropriate sensors and associated circuitry to reset the "home" position when the item of electronic merchandise 20 is supported on the bracket. In one particular embodiment, the rack 37 is a charging station, and the controller 35 resets the "home" position of the item of electronic merchandise 20 based on the item of merchandise being in a non-moving state for a period of time and/or being charged by the charging station for a period of time. Alternatively or additionally, other continuous or periodic calibrations applicable to inertial navigation systems, internal navigation units, and the like may be used.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the security system 10 configured to operate the item of electronic merchandise 20 advantageously allows a potential purchaser 36 to focus his or her attention on the item of electronic merchandise 20 rather than the influence or distraction of a tethered security system and/or device. Similarly, the security system 10 allows the retailer to similarly focus on the displayed item of merchandise without the tethered security system and/or device. The security system therefore provides an improved or increased "customer experience" and thereby reduces the loss of items of merchandise due to theft while increasing the likelihood of reaching a purchase. In particular, mechanically and electro-mechanically linked security devices including wires, cables, etc. may interfere with the consumer experience by limiting the ability of a potential purchaser to freely interact with the item of electronic merchandise 20.

In tethered and/or wired security systems and devices, the cables or wires are subject to variable deterioration through repeated use, with the result that false alarms are created. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that false alarms are embarrassing for a potential purchaser and may prevent the purchaser from purchasing the item of merchandise 20. Therefore, cables and/or wires may need to be replaced often, which may add maintenance and additional security costs to the retailer. Further, in the case of a retail display displaying an item of electronic merchandise as herein, additional cables may be required to power the item of merchandise, as the battery unit 34 may only be able to power the item of electronic merchandise 20 for a limited amount of time, particularly when the store is open for business and the item of electronic merchandise is being repeatedly operated by a potential purchaser.

Referring now to fig. 4-6, another exemplary embodiment of a security system 10' in accordance with the present invention is configured to operate, for example, an item of merchandise 20' including a housing 21' having a display 24' and an input device 25' carried by the housing. Additionally, an externally mounted security module 50 'is mounted to the item of electronic merchandise 20'. The security module 50 'comprises its own housing 51' which carries the orientation sensor 26 'and the accelerometer 31'. The security module 50' also includes an output device 27' and optionally includes wireless communication circuitry 23', such as bluetooth or other protocol communication circuitry. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a power source 32', e.g., an internal battery pack, may also be carried by the housing 51' to provide power to the controller 35' and associated circuitry.

An adhesive layer 44' (fig. 5) may be used to mount or connect the housing 51' of the security module 50' to the housing 21' of the item of merchandise 20 '. For example, the adhesive layer 44' may be a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). One skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of adhesives may be used, and other mounting or connecting components may be used, such as interlocking components, magnetically attractive strips, and the like. The temporary (releasable) coupling allows the security module 50' to be installed for retail display and subsequently removed after the article of merchandise 20' is sold or for reuse of the security module 50' with a different article of merchandise.

The above-mentioned components are operatively coupled to the controller 35', which may be carried within the housing 51'. Preferably, the controller 35' is configured to operate similarly to the embodiment of the security system 10, the security system 10 being configured to operate the item of merchandise 20 as described above with reference to fig. 1 and 3. That is, the security module 50 'with the controller 35' is a separate security system 10 that may be externally mounted to or attached to the housing 21 'of the item of merchandise 20' or connected to any item of high value merchandise. It should be noted that because the security module 50' is a separate security system, the item of merchandise 20 need not be an item of electronic merchandise. For example, the item of merchandise 20' may be a piece of jewelry, an article of clothing, or a pre-recorded medium (e.g., a CD, DVD, etc.) or the like. Alternatively, or in addition, the item of merchandise 20' may comprise an item of electronic merchandise, such as a mobile phone as shown with reference to the exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The security module 50 'may also include additional sensors 42'. Such as a mechanical limit or pressure sensor, operatively coupled to the controller 35'. The additional sensor 42' may be configured to sense the separation of the housing 51' and the housing 21', which may occur if the security module 50' is removed from the article of merchandise 20 '. Other sensors may also cooperate with controller 35 'to sense tampering with security module 50', such as, for example, electronic sensors, optical (e.g., light) sensors, or magnetic sensors. Regardless, as previously described, the controller 35 'is operable to activate an alarm based on the status indicated by the additional sensor 42'.

The security module 50' is particularly advantageously used to protect electronic merchandise items that do not include wireless communication circuitry, accelerometers, or gyroscopes, such as a separate camera or a separate portable media player, e-reader, or the like. That is, the security module 50 'may be considered to be attached to the item of merchandise 20'. However, if the item of merchandise 20' includes wireless communication circuitry, the wireless communication circuitry 23' of the security module 50' may communicate with the wireless communication circuitry of the item of merchandise to control its operation, for example, to close the item of merchandise or to restrict (disable) its operation. At least some of the above components, for example, in a further embodiment, the output device 27' may be carried by the housing 21' of the item of electronic merchandise 20 '.

In one advantageous embodiment, the security module 50 'is a temporarily attached external sensor, for example, attached to the item of electronic merchandise 20' by a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), and removably placed on or supported on a display stand, alarm module, substrate, or the like 38 having battery charging capability. Preferably, both the sensor 50' and the substrate 38 have wireless "qi" compatible battery charging capabilities that incorporate magnetic induction coils in a known manner to transfer electrical power from the substrate to the sensor. Further, the substrate 38 and/or the sensor 50 'include voltage regulator electronic components and circuitry for providing appropriate charging voltages and/or operating voltages to the item of electronic merchandise 20' connected to the sensor. For example, the substrate 38 and/or the sensor 50 'may include electronic components and circuitry for identifying the electronic merchandise 20' and its need for charging and operating power. Thus, when the sensor is positioned on or supported on the substrate, the substrate 38 is operable to provide power to the sensor 50 'and/or the item of electronic merchandise 20' connected to the sensor.

In any event, the sensor 50 'operates as previously described to determine the distance of the item of electronic merchandise 20' from the retail display "home" position 37 '(e.g., the base 38) and to activate the output device 27' if the distance from the base 38 exceeds a threshold distance. In one particular embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 23 'of the sensor 50' communicates with a wireless communication circuit disposed within the substrate 38 to activate additional output devices, such as visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) or audio alarms at the "home" location and/or at a remote location. In this way, the previously described orientation sensor 26' and accelerometer 31' may be carried by the base 38 rather than the sensor 50 '. Further, the sensor 50' and/or the base 38 may be provided with a communication interface for programming the security system 10' and enabling and subsequently disabling the security system 10 '. In another embodiment, the base 38 may be configured with a wireless "qi" compatible battery charging capability to automatically determine the charging and/or operating power requirements of other items of electronic merchandise 20 'connected to different sensors 50' in the event that the different sensors are inadvertently placed on or supported by the base.

Referring now to fig. 7-8, another exemplary embodiment of a security system 10 "in accordance with the present invention is configured to operate an item of electronic merchandise 20". The security system 10 "is implemented in the form of a display battery pack 55". The display battery pack 55 'includes a housing 56' sized to be placed within the housing 21 'of the item of electronic merchandise 20' in lieu of using a battery pack (service battery pack). That is, the display battery pack 55 "has the same size and shape (platform) as the battery pack normally provided for use with the item of electronic merchandise 20". In this way, the display battery pack 55 'may be inserted into the battery compartment of the item of electronic merchandise 20' to temporarily replace the use of the battery pack.

Similar to the embodiment of the security system described above with reference to fig. 1-3 and 4-6, the display battery pack 55 "also includes an orientation sensor 26" carried by the housing 56 "and an accelerometer 31" carried by the housing 56 ". The display battery pack 55 "also includes an output device 27" and, optionally, may also include a wireless communication circuit 23 ", such as a bluetooth or other protocol communication circuit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a reduced power source 32 "(e.g., battery cell 34") and associated battery circuitry 33 "may also be carried by the housing 56" to power the controller 35 "and other components of the display battery pack 55". However, the configuration of the battery cells 34 "is more physically compact than standard size battery cells using batteries typically provided for items of electronic merchandise 20", as the above-mentioned electronic components displaying the battery pack 55 "also require space within the housing 56".

The display battery pack 55 ″ may be configured to be inductively charged or capacitively charged by a charging station (not shown), which may be a "home" position as previously described. For example, the display battery pack 55 ″ may include the "qi" compatible charging functionality of a standard wireless power alliance. Alternatively, the display battery pack 55 ″ may be compatible with other charging standards or operable for charging via a proprietary charging protocol. Advantageously, the display battery pack being 55 "qi" compatible does not require the item of electronic merchandise 20 "itself to be" qi "compatible, and further, does not require additional hardware (e.g., power adapter cables) on the item of electronic merchandise 20" to be charged in a retail display environment. Of course, the display battery pack 55' may be charged using any other charging method without departing from the intended scope of protection of the safety system and method of the present invention. Regardless, the above-mentioned components are operatively coupled to a controller 35 "carried within the housing 56". Advantageously, the controller 35 "is configured to operate in a similar manner to the embodiments described above with reference to fig. 1-3 and 4-6.

The display battery pack 55 "may also be particularly advantageous for protecting an electronic merchandise item 20" that does not include wireless communication circuitry, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes, the electronic merchandise item 20 "being, for example, a conventional camera, portable media player, e-reader, or the like. Advantageously, the display battery pack 55' does not increase the size or footprint of the item of electronic merchandise 20' and, further, does not protrude or extend outwardly from the housing 21' of the item of electronic merchandise.

Also, if the item of electronic merchandise 20' includes wireless communication circuitry, the wireless communication circuitry 23' of the display battery pack 55' may communicate with the wireless communication circuitry of the item of electronic merchandise to control its operation, for example, to turn off the item of electronic merchandise or to limit (e.g., disable) its operation. At least a portion of the aforementioned components, for example, the output device 27', may be carried by the housing 21' of the item of electronic merchandise 20 '.

Additional sensors 42 ", such as mechanical restriction or pressure sensors, or other sensors (e.g., electronic, magnetic, optical, etc.) may cooperate with the controller 35" to determine when the battery compartment of the housing 21 "is open. This may indicate tampering, or more specifically, an attempt to remove the display battery pack. Based on the sensors detecting an unsafe state or condition, the controller 35 "may activate an alarm and/or communicate through the wireless communication circuit 23" to control or disable the item of electronic merchandise 20 ". In addition, the display battery pack 55 "may be more securely retained within the battery compartment of the housing 21" of the item of electronic merchandise 20 "using a connection component, such as an adhesive, an anchor, or functionally similar hardware, or a press fit. The securely retained display battery pack 55 "may advantageously increase the amount of time required for a potential thief to remove the display battery pack from the item of electronic merchandise 20".

While the safety system described above with reference to fig. 7-8 is in the form of a display battery pack 55 ", those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same functions and components of the display battery pack may be embodied in any form of element. For example, the security system may be implemented as a Secure Digital (SD) memory card or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that interfaces with a video camera, e-reader, personal computer, tablet computer, or other electronic device. Further, the security system may take the form of an implementation within a replacement module or element to an existing module or element of the item of merchandise.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system and method 100 "for operating one or more display battery packs 55 a" -55d "with a safety monitoring device 60" in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the security monitoring device 60 "includes a controller 61" and a wireless communication circuit 62 "coupled to the controller 61" of the security monitoring device. Advantageously, the safety monitoring device 60 "is paired with each display battery pack 55 a" -55d "by wireless communication, for example by wireless communication (e.g. bluetooth, radio frequency, etc.). In this way, each display battery pack 55a "-55 d" communicates with the safety monitoring device 60 "through its wireless communication circuit 62" through its respective wireless communication circuit 23 ". That is, each display battery pack 55a "-55 d" is paired with the security monitoring device 60 "by way of wireless communication. The security monitoring device 60 "monitors communications with each display battery pack 55 a" -55d ", e.g., indicating that each security system 10" is active, through its controller 61 ".

The security monitoring device 60 "may be conceptually viewed as a" sentry tower ". If the security monitoring device 60 "detects, for example, a" distress "signal received from the display battery packs 55 a" -55d ", or determines that communication with the security system has been lost (e.g., decoupled or unlinked), the controller 61" of the security monitoring device may activate an output device 63 "indicating an unsafe state or condition, for example, an audio, visual, and/or tactile alarm. The controller 61 "may also communicate with each display battery pack 55 a" -55d "through the wireless communication circuit 62" to activate the respective output device 27 "of each display battery pack security system (e.g., a double alarm condition) so that security personnel can identify the display battery pack 55" of the particular electronic merchandise item 20 "in communication with the distress signal. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the security monitoring device 60 ″ may also be activated based on any of the additional sensors described above, or manually activated. Further, the safety monitoring device 60 "may also include a charging circuit 64" coupled to the controller 61 "and configured to act as a charger for the display battery packs 55 a" -55d ", and may be" qi "compatible as described above.

While the display battery pack 55 "has been described as being used with the safety monitoring device 60", it is readily understood that the safety monitoring device 60 "may be used in conjunction with any of the above-described exemplary embodiments of the safety system according to the present invention. In particular, security monitoring device 60 "may be used in conjunction with retail display stand 37", as previously described, and may similarly define a "home" position for an item of electronic merchandise. In another exemplary embodiment, the security monitoring device 60 ″ is paired with the security system according to the present invention over a wireless communication link (e.g., bluetooth, RF, etc.) and acts as a "sentry tower" with an "emergency security switch" to activate an alarm at the security monitoring device based on failure to receive a return signal from the security system. Alternatively or additionally, the security monitoring device 60 ″ may activate an alarm at a remote location or send a security signal (e.g., send a text message or email notification) to security personnel, as previously described.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the above-described exemplary embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another to provide a "multi-tiered" security system that can provide increased overall security. For example, as a "first tier," the controller of the item of electronic merchandise may cooperate with the memory of the item of electronic merchandise to provide increased security, as described above with reference to fig. 1 and 3. The same item of electronic merchandise may also include the display battery pack as a "second tier," as described with reference to fig. 7-8. As a "third tier," a security monitoring device (e.g., a sentry tower) is used with the wireless communication circuit in the manner described with reference to fig. 9.

A related method for securing retail displayed items of electronic merchandise, which will be evaluated and manipulated by a customer when the customer considers whether or not to purchase the item of merchandise, in accordance with the present invention is provided herein. As described above, the article of electronic merchandise includes a portable housing, at least one sensor carried by the portable housing, at least one output device carried by the portable housing, and a controller carried by the portable housing and coupled to the at least one sensor and the at least one output device. The method may include determining a distance, for example, using a controller and at least one sensor to determine an absolute radial distance of the item of electronic merchandise from a retail display "home" position. The method may further include activating, using the controller, at least one output device based on a distance of the item of electronic merchandise from the retail display "home" position exceeding at least one threshold distance.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein advantageously incorporate the functionality and features of an Inertial Navigation System (INS) that includes suitable sensors and controllers for motion processing based on input from the sensors without external reference. As used herein, the term "motion processing" refers to the analysis of motion behavior based on sensor inputs to determine a potentially unsafe state or condition. While the primary parameter for determining an unsafe condition or condition is the absolute radial distance that the item of electronic merchandise has moved away from the "home" position, other parameters, such as direction of movement, rate of movement, acceleration, direction, etc., may also determine an unsafe condition or condition. In some embodiments, a security system including an Inertial Navigation System (INS) is a self-contained "add-on" security module that is attached to an item of merchandise, such as a retail display item displayed for sale in a display area of a retail store.

In another embodiment, a security system comprising an Inertial Navigation System (INS) function is advantageously incorporated into a style element, such as size, shape and volume, for example a display battery pack for an item of electronic merchandise. While the display battery pack must reduce the stored electrical energy of the retail displayed item of merchandise, it provides the necessary components for increased security (including, for example, application software, sensors, and audio/speakers) and does not rely on the inherent components and capabilities of the displayed item of electronic merchandise.

In a further embodiment, the electronic merchandise item may include a software application for a "smart" electronic merchandise item that includes inertial navigation system functionality capable of executing third party software applications. In this way, the security system takes advantage of the capabilities of the sensors, controllers, audio components, and electronic merchandise items, particularly the host "smart" consumer electronic device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "smart" consumer electronics device as used herein refers to any device capable of executing software applications, such as mobile phones, e-readers, I-PADs, I-PODs, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, SLRs, media (audio, video) players and other devices that include processing power and executable memory.

As used herein, the term "Inertial Navigation System (INS)" means navigation assistance that uses a computer, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers), and rotation sensors (e.g., gyroscopes) to handle motion without using external references. An Inertial Navigation System (INS) advantageously determines, for example by dead reckoning, the position, direction, speed (direction and rate of motion) of the mobile object. Indeed, one particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention is a security system comprising an Inertial Navigation System (INS), in the form of a software application and associated hardware, or a security system configured to operate with an item of merchandise, that does not rely on an external reference to determine the position of the item of merchandise with respect to a predetermined "home" position.

It should be noted that for any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the operations in the instructions executed by the controller may be provided by a computer readable medium, memory, or other storage medium. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed and that modifications of the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments not disclosed are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A security system configured to operate on an item of merchandise (20, 20', 20 ") for retail display, the security system comprising:

an item of merchandise (20, 20', 20 "), comprising:

at least one sensor (26, 26', 26 ");

at least one output device (27, 27', 27 ");

a wireless communication circuit (23, 23', 23 "); and

a controller (35, 35', 35 ") operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the at least one output device, and the wireless communication circuitry;

a security monitoring device (60 ") configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the security monitoring device is configured to activate an alarm based on a failure to receive a returned signal from the wireless communication circuitry,

wherein the controller is operable to determine a distance of the item of merchandise with respect to the retail display "home" position (37, 37', 37 ") based on sensor input from the at least one sensor, and

wherein the controller is operable to activate the at least one output device based on the item of merchandise exceeding at least one threshold distance from the retail display "home" position (37, 37', 37 ").

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (26, 26', 26 ") comprises at least one of an accelerometer (31, 31', 31"), a digital compass, or a gyroscope.

3. The security system of claim 1, wherein the at least one output device (27, 27', 27 ") comprises at least one of an audio output device, a haptic output device, or a visual output device.

4. The security system of claim 1, wherein the at least one threshold distance comprises first and second threshold distances; and wherein the controller (35, 35', 35 ") is operable to activate the at least one output device (27, 27', 27") with a first indication based on the distance the item of merchandise is away exceeding the first threshold distance and to activate the at least one output device with a second indication based on the distance the item of merchandise is away exceeding the second threshold distance.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein the controller (35, 35', 35 ") is operable to deactivate the at least one output device (27, 27', 27") based on the item of merchandise (20, 20', 20 ") being subsequently brought back within the at least one threshold distance.

6. The security system of claim 1, further comprising at least one input device (25, 25', 25 ") operatively coupled to the controller (35, 35', 35"), and wherein the controller is configured to deactivate the at least one output device (27, 27', 27 ") based on input from the at least one input device.

7. The security system of claim 1, further comprising at least one satellite positioning signal receiver (43, 43', 43 ") operable to receive satellite positioning signals to determine the geographic location of the item of merchandise (20, 20', 20").

8. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a display battery pack (55 ") configured to replace a service battery pack of an item of electronic merchandise (20") for retail display, the display battery pack comprising:

a housing (56 ") configured to be operatively coupled to the item of electronic merchandise;

at least one battery cell (34 ") carried by the housing and operable to provide power to the item of electronic merchandise,

wherein the at least one sensor (26 "), the at least one output device (27"), the controller (35 "), and the wireless communication circuit (23, 23', 23") are carried by the housing.

9. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a security module (50') configured to operate on the item of merchandise (20'), the security module comprising:

a housing (51') adapted to be coupled to the item of merchandise;

wherein at least one sensor (26'), the at least one output device (27'), a controller (35'), and the wireless communication circuit (23, 23') are carried by the housing.

10. The security system of claim 1, wherein the security monitoring device (60 ") is configured to wirelessly pair with a wireless communication circuit, and wherein the security monitoring device is configured to activate an alarm based on a failure to receive a returned signal from the wireless communication circuit.

11. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a bracket (37) configured to movably support the item of merchandise on the bracket, wherein the item of merchandise is not tethered to the bracket.

12. The security system of claim 11, wherein the holder (37) is configured to charge the item of merchandise when the item of merchandise is held on the holder.

13. The security system of claim 12, wherein the controller and/or the rack are configured to establish a home position for a retail display based on the item of merchandise being charged by the rack.

14. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a bracket (37) configured to movably support the item of merchandise thereon, wherein the security monitoring device is associated with the bracket.

15. The security system of claim 14, wherein the controller and/or the stand is configured to establish the retail display "home" position in response to the item of merchandise being placed on the stand.

16. The security system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of merchandise items, wherein the security monitoring device is configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of merchandise items.

17. A method for protecting an item of merchandise (20, 20', 20 ") from theft, the item of merchandise (20, 20', 20") including at least one sensor (26, 26', 26 "), at least one output device (27, 27', 27"), wireless communication circuitry (23, 23', 23 "), and a controller (35, 35', 35") operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the at least one output device, and the wireless communication circuitry, the method comprising:

determining a distance of the item of merchandise with respect to a retail display "home" position (37, 37', 37 ") using the controller and sensor input from the at least one sensor;

activating an alarm based on a failure to receive a returned signal from the wireless communication circuit; and

activating the at least one output device based on a distance from the retail display "home" location exceeding at least one threshold distance.