Patent ID: 8120468
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: G06Q,G08B

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of enabling item purchase directly from an item display area, the method comprising: monitoring, by at least one security sensor positioned to protect an item display area, presence of each of at least one item contained within the item display area, wherein each of the at least one item has a transmission mechanism coupled thereto or integrated therewithin, the transmission mechanism sending signals that are detectable by at least one of the at least one security sensor while the at least one item remains within proximity thereof; and responsive to detecting, by at least one of the at least one security sensor, a removal of any one of the at least one item from the item display area, performing a purchase verification process for the removed item, the purchase verification process comprising: starting a timer responsive to the detecting of the removal; obtaining a unique identifier of the removed item by interrogating information from the transmission mechanism coupled to or integrated within the removed item; and responsive to receiving a signal, at the item display area, that a purchase of the removed item is initiated at the item display area before expiration of the timer, invoking a purchase transaction for the removed item, and otherwise generating a security alert for the removed item.