Security system with kill switch functionality

A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an article of merchandise and to communicate with the article of merchandise. The system also includes a tower configured to receive a signal from the sensor in response to a security event. The tower is further configured to generate a kill switch signal for determining whether to activate a kill switch on the article of merchandise.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandise display security systems for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retailers routinely display handheld electronic merchandise, such as mobile (e.g. cellular) telephones, gaming consoles, personal data assistants (PDAs), global positioning system (GPS) devices, e-readers, tablets, media players, digital video recorders (DVRs), cameras and the like, for customers to examine before making a purchase. In some instances, the retailer desires the handheld electronic merchandise to be provided with electrical power so that a potential purchaser can evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise as well. At the same time, the retailer does not want the article of merchandise being displayed to be stolen or removed from the display by an unauthorized person. Accordingly, the article of merchandise is attached to a merchandise display security device that protects the article of merchandise from theft and unauthorized removal from the display.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise display security systems and methods for protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one embodiment, a merchandise display security system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an article of merchandise, wherein the sensor is configured to communicate with the article of merchandise. The system also includes a tower configured to receive a signal from the sensor in response to a security event, wherein the tower is further configured to generate a kill switch signal for determining whether to activate a kill switch on the article of merchandise.

In another embodiment, a merchandise display security system includes an article of merchandise comprising a kill switch and a sensor configured to be coupled to the article of merchandise. The system further includes a tower configured to receive a signal from the sensor in response to a security event for activating the kill switch.

In one embodiment, a method includes providing a sensor coupled to an article of merchandise, the article of merchandise comprising a kill switch, and transmitting a signal from the sensor to a tower in response to a security event for activating the kill switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more exemplary embodiments of a merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise are shown. More particularly, each embodiment is a merchandise display security device, indicated generally by reference character20, for monitoring whether an article of merchandise, indicated generally by reference character M, is attached to the security device. As shown and described herein, the merchandise display security device20may include electronics for monitoring a sensor attached to the article of merchandise M and for activating an alarm in the event that the article of merchandise is separated (e.g., detached) from the sensor. If desired, a merchandise display security device20according to an embodiment of the invention may also provide electrical power to the article of merchandise M so that a potential purchaser may evaluate the merchandise in a powered state without relying solely on power provided by the internal battery of the merchandise. Thus, the security device may be applicable to any merchandise display stand, module, pedestal or the like that permits a potential purchaser to examine an article of merchandise in an unpowered state or to operate an article of merchandise in a powered state.

FIG. 1shows an embodiment of a merchandise display security device20for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise M from theft or unauthorized removal from a display or other support surface26, for example a tabletop, counter, shelf or the like, located in a retail store. The article of merchandise M is typically a display model or sample of handheld electronic merchandise, such as a mobile (e.g. cellular) telephone, smart phones, gaming console, personal data assistant (PDA), global positioning system (GPS) device, e-reader, tablet, media player, digital video recorder (DVR), handheld camera and the like, for customers to examine. The article of merchandise M is attached to the merchandise display security device20and may be displayed in a powered state so that potential purchasers are able to evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise when making a decision whether to purchase the item.

In some embodiments, the merchandise display security device20includes an optional power adapter cord22to provide electrical power to the article of merchandise M while the merchandise is on display (see, e.g.,FIG. 4). The power adapter cord22has a connector plug24at one end configured to be received within a complementary connector jack at the power input port of the article of merchandise. In the illustrated embodiments shown inFIGS. 2-3, the article of merchandise M may be a cellular type mobile telephone or tablet. The article of merchandise M may have a power input port for receiving the power adapter cord22for electrically connecting to an external power source, for example, an AC/DC transformer commonly referred to as a “charger,” electrically connected to an external power source. In addition, the article of merchandise M may be provided with an internal battery that is recharged through the power adapter cord22by the external power source. The power adapter cord22has a known type of electrical connector24at one end configured for electrical connection to the power input port (see, e.g.,FIG. 4). In the examples illustrated herein, the power input port is a female jack configured to receive a male plug, such as a USB jack and complementary USB plug. However, embodiments of the present invention are intended to be construed broadly to include any type of standard or custom connector interface now known or hereafter devised. It is only necessary that the power adapter cord22has an appropriate interface at one end to electrically connect the power adapter cord to the article of merchandise M being displayed on the merchandise display security device20.

In one embodiment, the other end of the power adapter cord22is “hard-wired” directly into a sensor25to which the article of merchandise M is attached. Alternatively, the other end of the power adapter cord may be provided with a connector interface configured for electrically connecting the power adapter cord to the sensor25of the merchandise display security device20. In this manner, the power adapter cord22may be easily and quickly disconnected and discarded or replaced with another power adapter cord appropriate for a different type or model of handheld electronic merchandise. In another embodiment, the power adapter cord22and the cable60may be integrally formed with one another, and the power adapter cord may simply be routed through the sensor25. In some cases, the sensor25may not include any electronics. In one example, the sensor may be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0241731, entitled Merchandise Security Device including Strain Relief Block, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In one embodiment, the merchandise display security device20comprises a mounting element30positioned adjacent to a base40, the base configured for removably supporting the sensor25and the article of merchandise M thereon in a display orientation. In one embodiment, the mounting element30is coupled to a cable collection tube50configured to receive, contain and retain therein a cable60that electrically connects the sensor25and, consequently, the article of merchandise M, to an external power source through the power adapter cord22. In the event it is not necessary or desired to provide electrical power to the article of merchandise M, the power adapter cord22may be omitted altogether. Alternatively, the merchandise display security device20and/or the article or merchandise M may be powered by the external power source through the power adapter cord22.

At least a portion of the cable60comprises a length of an elastic or otherwise extensible electrical cable that is contained within the cable collection tube50and coupled to the sensor25. As shown inFIG. 4, a portion of the cable60may be a helical coil cable similar to a conventional telephone handset cord comprising an outer sheath made of an insulating material surrounding a plurality of conductors for a purpose to be described hereafter. One end of the cable60may include a connector62, for example, a modular (RJ) telephone plug, configured to electrically connect the conductors of the cable to an alarm module70. The other end of the cable60may be “hard-wired” into the sensor25. However, if desired, the other end of the cable60may comprise a connector, for example, likewise a modular (RJ) telephone plug, configured to electrically connect the conductors of the cable to electronics disposed within the sensor25. Or, as noted above, the power adapter cord22and the cable60may be integrally formed with one another such that one or more conductors extend from the connector62to the connector24, and the power adapter cord may be routed through the sensor25.

The base40(sometimes referred to a “puck”) comprises a body that may include an upwardly extending pedestal portion or wedge42for removably supporting the sensor25and the article of merchandise M in the desired display orientation above the support surface26(see, e.g.,FIGS. 1-3). However, it is understood that the pedestal portion could be eliminated if desired and the base40placed directly on the support surface26. If desired, the base40and the sensor25may be formed with opposing geometry, or alternatively, provided with one or more magnets for aligning the sensor and the article of merchandise M in the desired display orientation. The base40may be any desired shape and configuration depending on the article of merchandise M to be supported. As shown, the base40may be configured to support a camera, a smart phone, or a tablet. For instance,FIG. 5shows a base40suitable for a camera, whileFIG. 6shows a base suitable for a phone or tablet.

The merchandise display security device20further includes an alarm module70. In the illustrated embodiments, the alarm module70is mounted below the support surface26. In particular the alarm module70may be mounted directly on the cable collection tube50(see, e.g.,FIGS. 12C-12D). The cable collection tube50may include an alarm support surface75for receiving and supporting the alarm module.

As also illustrated and described above, the alarm module70may be electrically coupled to the cable60. The alarm module70may be further coupled to a power cord for receiving power from an external power source, which as also described above, may be used to pass power to the sensor25and/or article of merchandise M. For instance,FIG. 7shows that the alarm module70may include a cord72and suitable connector for electrically connecting to an external power source. Furthermore, the alarm module70may include circuitry for detecting a security event, such as when the sensor25has been removed from the article of merchandise M, the power adaptor cord is removed from the article of merchandise, and/or the cord22or cable60has been cut. The alarm module70may further include functionality for providing an audible and/or a visible alarm.

In one embodiment, electronics (e.g., housed within base40and/or alarm module70) may be electrically connected to the sensor25by one or more conductors disposed within one or more cables, such as cord22or cable60. As such, electronics may operate to monitor the state of a sensor switch27, for example, a conventional proximity or limit switch, provided on the sensor25through cable60and electronics to activate an audible and/or a visible alarm in the event that the article of merchandise M is separated from the sensor. In one embodiment, the base40may include electronics that are electrically connected to electronics in the alarm module70by an electrical cable or conduit44comprising at least one conductor (see, e.g.,FIGS. 5-6). Electrical cable44may be disposed on the inside or the outside of the collection tube50. Moreover, an end of the electrical cable44may include a connector45for releasably connecting to the alarm module70. However, in other embodiments, the sensor25may not include any sensor electronics and the base40and/or alarm module70may be configured to detect security events. For example, the base40and/or alarm module70may be configured to detect disconnection or cutting of cord22and/or cable60.

Base40may further comprises a sensor switch, for example, a conventional proximity or limit switch when the base is engaged with the support surface26. Sensor switch may be electrically connected to electronics in the alarm module70, which operate to monitor the state of the switch and to activate an audible and/or a visible alarm in the event that base40is separated from the support surface26of the display. Base40may also comprise a communication port48for permitting communication with electronics to arm and disarm the alarm module70so that an authorized person can separate (e.g., detach) the article of merchandise M from the sensor25, or separate (e.g., remove) the base from the support surface26of the display. For example, the communication port48may communicate via a wireless signal, such as via infrared communication, with a key. In some cases, the base40and/or the alarm module70may contain a security code, and the key may communicate the code to the base and/or the alarm module via the communication port48for arming or disarming the alarm module when the codes match. In one embodiment, the communication port48is accessible when the sensor is removed from the base40, although it is understood that the communication port may be located at any desirable position on the base, or at another accessible location on the support surface26.

FIG. 10shows another embodiment of a merchandise display security device. In this embodiment, the sensor25may be directly connected to the base40with cable60, and the alarm unit70may be directly connected to the base40with cable44. Thus, the cable collection tube50may be optional in some embodiments, and the cable60may be located above the support surface26. Moreover,FIG. 9shows an embodiment of a sensor25attached to an article of merchandise M, whileFIG. 8shows the sensor removed from the article of merchandise.

FIGS. 12A-12Dillustrate various views for securing a merchandise security device20in position on a support surface26according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this regard,FIG. 12Ashows that base40and optional pedestal42may be secured to the support surface26, such as with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.FIG. 12Bshows that the cable collection tube50may then be secured to the support surface26. For example, a hole may be formed in the support surface26so that the mounting element30may be secured to the support surface.FIG. 12Cshows that the alarm module70may then be mounted on the alarm support surface75, such as with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The cable44extending from the base40may also be routed through the support surface26and connected to the alarm module70.FIG. 12Dshows that the article of merchandise M may be secured to a sensor25, such as with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and supported on the base40. The cable60connected to the sensor25may be routed through the cable collection tube50. A usable length of the cable60may be determined and secured using the cable collection tube50. The end of the cable60may then be connected to the alarm module70. The alarm module may then be electrically connected to an external power source. In addition, the power adapter cord22may then be attached to the article of merchandise by inserting connector24into an input port on the article. It is understood that the aforementioned steps are provided as an example only, that the steps may be performed in any order, that some steps may be omitted, and that other steps may be added to perform the method.

Moreover in one embodiment, the sensor25may include wireless communication circuitry34for communicating with a tower80(see, e.g.,FIG. 11). As explained in further detail below, the wireless communication circuitry34may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the tower80in response to a security event. For example, a security event may occur when the sensor25is removed from the article of merchandise in an unauthorized manner, or the power adapter cord22is removed from the article of merchandise or cut in an unauthorized manner. In some embodiments, the sensor25includes a switch27(e.g., a plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the sensor is removed from the article of merchandise in an unauthorized manner.

According to one embodiment, the sensor25may be configured to emit a wireless signal in response to a security event. In one embodiment, the tower80may include wireless communication circuitry that is configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuitry of the sensor25. For example, the tower80may be configured to receive the wireless signal emitted by the sensor and to generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/or a visible alarm) in response thereto. The tower80may also or alternatively be configured to communicate with a retailer82or on one or more sales associates88to determine whether to activate a “kill switch” associated with the article of merchandise, as explained in further detail below.

In some embodiments, the article of merchandise may include a “kill switch”86. The kill switch may be used to disable or otherwise render the article of merchandise inoperable. In some cases, the kill switch may be embodied in software that is preloaded by the manufacturer of the article of merchandise or downloaded to the article of merchandise for performing the kill switch functionality. According to one example, the software may include the functionality outlined in the Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment released Apr. 15, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As set forth in the Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment, the kill switch may be configured to wipe or erase data on the article of merchandise, render the article of merchandise inoperable, prevent reactivation without an authorized user's permission, reverse the inoperability if the article of merchandise is recovered by an authorized user, and restore data to the article of merchandise to the extent possible. In some embodiments, the kill switch is not a physical device but rather functionality associated with the article of merchandise, although it is understood that the article of merchandise may include a processor, printed circuit board, or circuitry configured to perform such functionality.

Therefore, the sensor25and tower80may be configured to cooperate with a retailer82and/or on one or more sales associates88to determine whether to activate a kill switch on an article of merchandise that has experienced a security event. For instance, the tower may receive a signal from the sensor indicating that a security event has occurred, and the tower may in turn communicate a kill switch signal to a retailer and/or one or more sales associates. The kill switch signal may be used to convey that a security event associated with an article of merchandise has occurred. The kill switch signal may also include various information such as a unique identifier associated with the article of merchandise experiencing the security event. The retailer and/or one or more sales associates may then determine whether to activate the kill switch on the article of merchandise. For example, upon receiving notification from the tower, a sales associate may check the article of merchandise to determine whether a security event has occurred or whether there has been a false alarm. Thus, in this instance, the sensor and tower may communicate to provide notification to the retailer and/or one or more sales associates so that the retailer and/or one or more sales associates may make the decision whether to activate the kill switch. If the kill switch is activated and the article of merchandise is subsequently recovered, the software on the article of merchandise may allow the retailer or sales associate to restore the functionality of the article of merchandise, such as by entering a password.

In other embodiments, the kill switch may be automatically activated upon the occurrence of a security event. Thus, the sensor and/or the tower could communicate directly with the article of merchandise to activate the kill switch.

In one embodiment, the sensor and the article of merchandise are configured to be paired with one another. For example, the article of merchandise may include a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) that is communicated to the sensor, such as through the power adapter cord22or wireless communication circuitry. The sensor may in turn be configured to communicate the unique identifier to the tower. Thus, the sensor may be configured to determine the unique identifier of the article of merchandise so that if the kill switch is activated, the kill switch is activated on the correct article of merchandise. In other cases, the sensor and the article of merchandise may be configured to communicate with one another so that the sensor may directly activate the kill switch. Thus, the tower may be optional in some instances.

It is understood that the tower80may be located at any desired location, such as at an exit of retail store or in the vicinity of the article of merchandise on display. In some cases, the tower80may be located proximate to the article of merchandise on display, such as below a support surface26. In addition, any number of towers80may be employed. For example, one tower80may be configured to communicate with a plurality of sensors25. Alternatively, one tower80may be paired with one sensor25. Moreover, various means of wireless communication may be utilized between the sensor25and the tower80, as well as between the tower80and the retailer and/or sales associates. Moreover, use of the term “tower” is not intended to be limiting, as the tower80may be any beacon, door manager, controller, or the like that is configured to communicate with the sensor25and a retailer and/or one or more sales associates. In some embodiments, the tower80may be integrated with the base40or alarm unit70.

According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuitry34may include a radio transmitter that is configured to emit a signal at a frequency that is detectable by a radio receiver in the tower80. Upon receipt of the signal, the tower80would communicate with a retailer and/or more or more sales associates, and may also or alternatively generate an alarm signal. Other wireless communication techniques are possible such as, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication, WiFi, or the like. The tower80may be configured to “listen” for the wireless signal emitted by the sensor25and notify a retailer and/or sales associate(s) upon receiving the signal. Thus, in some cases, one-way communication from the sensor25to the tower80occurs.

In one embodiment, the sensor25and the tower80are configured to be paired with one another. For example, the sensor25may include a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) that is communicated to the tower80, such as via respective wireless communication circuitry. The sensor25may be configured to emit a signal to the tower80whereby the tower recognizes the sensor's identifier. Thus, no kill switch and/or alarm signal is generated when the tower80is receiving the signal from the sensor25. However, the tower80may be configured to detect when the signal is no longer received and to communicate with the retailer and/or sales associates and/or generate an alarm signal in response thereto. In one example, the sensor25and tower80may be paired with one another when the sensor is connected to the article of merchandise. This pairing may occur each time the sensor25is connected to an article of merchandise.

In another embodiment, the sensor25may be a tag that is configured to communicate with the tower80when in proximity thereto. For example, the tag may be an RFID tag that is detectable by the tower80. Thus, should the tower80detect an RFID tag, the tower may communicate a kill switch signal to the retailer and/or one or more sales associates to determine whether to activate a kill switch. Alternatively, the tower80may be configured to communicate directly with the article of merchandise to activate the kill switch upon detecting the sensor25. The RFID tag may be passive in some cases and may be attached to the article of merchandise or positioned within the article, such as in a battery compartment.

In some embodiments, the tower80may be configured to communicate with a retailer's or sales associate's laptop, tablet, or like electronic device (e.g., directly or through a cloud network). In one particular embodiment, the tower80is configured to communicate with one or more retailer's or sales associate's electronic devices over a network84. For instance, the network may facilitate communication with a plurality of tablet devices used by sales associates within a retail environment. For example, the tower80or retailer may send a text message to one or more sales associates. Communication over the network may occur wirelessly (e.g., via radiofrequency or cellular communication). One or more gateways may be used to facilitate communication between the tower80and the retailer's electronic device(s). For instance, a gateway (e.g., a router) between the tower80and the cloud network may be configured to facilitate communication with a retailer's gateway and may be configured to allow the retailer to provide and receive data from the tower. The retailer may be able to direct various commands via the cloud network such as, for example, determining whether to activate a kill switch on an article of merchandise and/or to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm.

In other embodiments, the article of merchandise may be configured to activate the kill switch. For instance, the article of merchandise may include software that activates the kill switch in response to a security event, such as disconnecting the power adapter cord22.

Embodiments of a merchandise display security device including at least the aforementioned features have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.