Abstract:
A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing, a power supply mounted in the housing, a logic control circuit which includes a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security disarm code (SDC) memory. The key has visual indicators such as an LED which is operatively connected to the logic control circuit and pulsed to indicate the state of the SDC. The control circuit includes a timer which has a preset time limit programmed therein, which invalidates the stored SDC if not refreshed by a remote programming source within a certain time period. The logic circuit further includes a counter which counts the number of activations of a control switch, and which permanently deactivates the control circuit upon reaching a certain count value to ensure that the internal battery has sufficient power to maintain the key operational. The wireless communication circuit preferably is infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) controlled.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/753,630 filed Dec. 23, 2005; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The invention relates to security devices, systems and methods for protection of merchandise, and in particular, a programmable smart key for use in a security system wherein the key is programmed with a security disarm code (SDC) at a programming station and is used to program the SDC code into various alarm modules adapted to be attached to items of merchandise by wireless communication. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Various retail establishments use numerous types of theft deterrent devices and systems to discourage shoplifters. Many of these systems use various types of alarm modules or other security devices which are attached to the article to be protected in one manner or another. When the integrity of the module or the item of merchandise protected thereby is compromised in any manner, such as cutting the attachment cables which attach the alarm module to the item of merchandise, removing the merchandise from the alarm module or disturbing the alarm module, will cause an audible alarm to be sounded in the module to alert store personnel that the item of merchandise or security device is being tampered with illegally. These alarm modules, as well as the items of merchandise protected thereby, also may contain various electronic article surveillance tags (EAS) which will sound an alarm at a security gate upon passing through the gate in an unauthorized manner. 
         [0006]    These alarm modules or security devices which are attached to the items of merchandise usually have some type of key, either mechanical or magnetic, which is used to unlock the device from the protected item of merchandise to enable the merchandise to be taken to a checkout counter, as well as to disarm an alarm contained in the alarm module. One problem with such security systems is that these keys will be stolen from the retail establishment and used at the same establishment or at another store using the same type of alarm module or security device, to enable a thief to disarm the alarm module as well as unlock it from the protected merchandise. These keys also are stolen by dishonest employees for subsequent unauthorized use by the employee or sale to a thief for use at the same store or at other stores which use the same alarm modules controlled by the key. 
         [0007]    It is extremely difficult to prevent the theft of these keys by dishonest employees or even by a thief within the retail establishment due to the number of keys that must be available and used by the various clerks in the various departments of the store to facilitate the use of the numerous alarm modules and security devices that are needed to protect the numerous items of merchandise. 
         [0008]    Thus, the need exists for a security system and in particular a disarming key used thereon, which system uses various types of alarm modules and security devices which are attached to various items of merchandise, which will prevent a thief or dishonest employee from using the key that is used to disarm and unlock the security device in an unauthorized manner on similar types of alarm modules and security devices at various retail establishments including the store from which the key was stolen. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One aspect of the present invention is to provide a security system for protecting items of merchandise, and in particular a key used therein for disarming and unlocking the security device from the merchandise, which key is programmable with a unique security disarm code (SDC), which code is provided to the key by a programming station, wherein the SDC is unique to a particular retail establishment thereby preventing the key to be used at a different store than that from which the key is stolen. 
         [0010]    A further aspect of the present invention is to use the key in which the SDC is programmed to program each of the individual alarm modules or security devices with the same SDC when the alarm modules and devices are first activated, which enables the SDC to remain with the security device throughout its use in the particular retail establishment for subsequent matching with the SDC stored in the key. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide the smart key with an internal timer which after a preset period of time, for example 96 hours, will automatically invalidate the SDC in the key thereby preventing its unauthorized use even in the particular retail establishment in which the programming station is located and SDC protected security devices are used, after the preset time period. 
         [0012]    A further feature of the present invention is that the smart key must be reprogrammed with the SDC after a preset time period, which can be performed by authorized personnel, insuring that the key can only be used by authorized clerks, and only in the store having a programming station and a single SDC for all of the security devices in the store. 
         [0013]    Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide the key with a wireless communication circuit for receiving the SDC from a programming station and subsequently transferring the SDC into the security device. 
         [0014]    Another feature of the present invention is to provide the smart key with an internal counter which counts the number of activations performed by the key, that is, the initial activation of every security device in the store as well as each time the key is used to disarm one or more of the security devices, and upon a predetermined number of activations occurring will permanently inactivate the key thereby ensuring that an active key always has sufficient internal power to receive the SDC and subsequently communicate with the individual security devices for disarming the devices when required. 
         [0015]    A further feature of the present invention is to enable the internal counter to actuate an indicating signal a predetermined time period before permanently deactivating the control circuit after the maximum number of activations have been provided by the key. 
         [0016]    A still further aspect of invention is to enable the security device to actuate an alarm if the key is attempted to be used to disarm the security device containing a wrong SDC. 
         [0017]    Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the key with a visual indicator which is operatively connected to an internal logic control circuit and is pulsed to indicate the state of the SDC stored therein. 
         [0018]    A further feature is to provide the key with a wireless communication circuit such as infrared (IR) or radio frequency controlled (RF) for programming the SDC into a security device; and in which the key is provided with a visible light filter to enhance the transmission and reception of IR waves when the wireless communication is an IR circuit. 
         [0019]    Another feature of the invention is that should a key programmed with an SDC from one store be used in a programming station of another store, the time-out feature will immediately be activated removing the SDC from the key rendering it inactive from further use. 
         [0020]    These features are obtained by the programmable key of the present invention which is intended for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise, the key comprising a housing; a power supply mounted in the housing; a logic control circuit including a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security disarm code (SDC) memory mounted in the housing and connected to the power supply by a control switch, wherein the controller initially receives an SDC from a remote source through the wireless communication circuit for storage in the SDC memory and for subsequent transmission of the SDC code by the wireless communication circuit to a security device adapted to be attached to an item of merchandise upon actuation of the control switch. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of the key of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along line  2 - 2 ,  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is the electrical circuit schematic of the logic control circuit of the programmable key of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the circuit board of the programmable key. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the programmable key. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 6 ,  6 A and  6 B are flow charts showing the manner of operation of the programmable key. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6C  is a list of the abbreviations used in the flow charts of  FIGS. 6 ,  6 A and  6 B. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of one type of security system in which the key of the present invention can be used. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    The programmable key of the present invention is indicated generally at  1 , and is shown particularly in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Key  1  preferably includes a housing indicated generally at  3 , formed by an upper housing member  5  and a lower housing member  7  which can be joined together by an adhesive, ultrasonic weld or other type of connection, and which form an internal chamber  9  therein. Housing members  5  and  7  preferably are formed of a rigid plastic and may have a generally oval-like configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 , and form an opening  11  at one end thereof to provide a convenient location for attaching a chain, lanyard or the like to assist in maintaining control of the key while in use or in storage by a clerk or store manager. 
         [0032]    In accordance with one of the main features of the invention, a logic control circuit is formed on a printed circuit board  13  and is located within housing chamber  9 . The logic control circuit includes a main controller, which preferably is a microprocessor  15 , a security disarm code (SDC) memory  17 , a wireless communication circuit  19  and an activation switch  21 . The details of the various circuitry is shown in  FIG. 3 . The logic control circuit is powered by an internal battery  23  which is located beneath circuit board  13  within housing  3 , and is in electrical contact therewith by terminals  25  and  27 . The opposite end  28  of housing  3  is formed with an opening  29  in which is mounted a lens  31 , which preferably will be a visible light filter to enhance the transmission and reception of infrared (IR) waves when the wireless communication circuit  19  is an IR circuit operating on IR wavelengths. The use of infrared as the communication media is preferred, although radio frequency wave communications and other types of wireless communication can be used to achieve the same effect. Switch  21  is covered by a flexible member  33 , which when pressed downwardly as shown by Arrow A,  FIG. 2 , will compress sufficiently to actuate internal switch  21 . 
         [0033]    An LED  35  is mounted on printed circuit board  13  and is located adjacent a light pipe  37  mounted in upper housing  5 , to enhance the visual effect of LED  35  when actuated. A foam pad  37  preferably is located between battery  23  and printed circuit board  13  and secures battery  23  in position, as well as providing cushioning for the circuit board and maintains its spacing and location within housing chamber  9 . 
         [0034]    Controller  15  includes as a feature thereof a timer shown diagrammatically for illustrative purposes as block  39  in  FIG. 5 , and a lifetime counter shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 5  and indicated at  41 , the functions of which are discussed below.  FIG. 4  shows an example of printed circuit board  13  which will contain controller  15 , switch  21 , and various resistors R and capacitors C which are shown in further detail in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0035]    It is readily understood that the particular circuitry shown in  FIG. 3  and the values of the various resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. are easily determined by one skilled in the art and can vary while providing the main principal and features of the invention. 
         [0036]    Key  1  is intended to be used primarily in a security system for protecting items of merchandise such as shown and described in a copending patent application entitled,  Security System And Method For Protecting Merchandise , filed concurrently herewith, and shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 7 . This security system includes a programming station  43  such as shown and described in copending patent application entitled,  Programming Station For A Security System For Protecting Merchandise,  and numerous security devices  45  which are connected to items of merchandise  47  by an alarm cable  51  or other attachment device to prevent the theft thereof. Examples of such security devices are shown and described in a copending patent application concurrently filed herewith entitled,  Programmable Alarm Module And System For Protecting Merchandise . The particular details, construction and manner of operation of the security system, programming station  43  and security device  45  are shown and described in the said pending applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0037]    Key  1 , when supplied to a retail establishment, preferably will not contain any coded information and will obtain the same by communicating with the circuitry of programming station  43  via wireless communication circuit  19 . This is accomplished by placing housing end  28 , and particularly lens  31 , adjacent a wireless communication port  49  in programming station  43 , and upon actuation by depressing button  21 , will receive a randomly generated security disarm code (SDC) from programming station  43 . Once this SDC is generated by programming station  43 , it preferably will always remain the same throughout its useful life. This SDC is received and stored in SDC memory  17  of the control logic circuit of key  1 . Key  1  is then taken by a clerk to a security device  45 , which could be an alarming module or other type of device, which is connected to merchandise  47  by a cable  51 , flexible conductor or other type of lanyard which preferably includes a sensing loop which will prevent the removal of merchandise  47  therefrom and/or will cause an alarm to be sounded in security device  45  if the integrity thereof is compromised. The particular form and type of security device  45  can vary considerably from that shown in the above referenced pending patent application without affecting the concept of the invention. Key  1  is then placed in a wireless communication port  53  formed in security device  45 . Switch  21  is again activated, and communication circuit  19  will transmit the previously stored SDC from key  1  into an SDC memory contained in a logic circuit of security device  45 . 
         [0038]    Upon key  1  acquiring the SDC from programming station  43 , it will start internal timer  39  which has been preset at the factory, for example 96 hours, which through the control logic circuit will automatically invalidate the SDC contained therein, unless refreshed within the preset time period, thereby making the key inoperative for further use even by authorized personnel. This prevents the key from being stolen and then subsequently reused in the same store after this preset time period, and even more importantly, since the SDC is unique only to that store, the key cannot be taken to another store even using the same type of security system and security devices, and be used in an unauthorized manner since the SDC contained therein will not match the SDC previously stored in the security devices of a different store. Thus, a store clerk after the key has been programmed with the SDC initially or revitalized within the time period by placing it in wireless communication with programming station  43 , can use it with the security devices  45  to either disarm an alarm contained in the security device and/or activate a lock mechanism etc. to enable the security device to be disarmed or unlocked or removed from a protected item of merchandise for completing a lawful sales transaction. 
         [0039]    Each time button  21  is activated, counter  41  will record the actuation. The logic circuit has been preset at the factory in combination with counter  41 , that after a certain number of activations, for example 55,000, the logic circuit will completely shut down and forever be inoperative. This is referred to as an “end-of-life” counter and it begins counting on the first receipt of the actuation of switch  21  and all subsequent activations thereof. This end-of-life counter ensures that battery  23  always has sufficient power for operating the SDC memory and wireless communication circuitry of key  1  before losing its charge to be ineffective. This prevents using key  1  beyond its useful life. However timer  39  will be automatically reset each time key  1  is brought into communication with the SDC programmer of station programmer  43 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are the flow charts describing the sequence of operation that the control logic circuit follows when switch  21  is activated and the key is located adjacent to the wireless communication port  49  of programming station  43  and near communication port  53  of security device  45 . It also shows the effect that occurs if either timer  31  has exceeded its time limit and deletes the SDC from a key and what could occur if end-of-life counter  41  has reached the preset number of activations. Also, it shows that LED  35  will flash at various times to provide various signals, such as when the button is initially pressed to reset the SDC after it is timed out, as well as when it confirms the match with the SDC stored in the security device. For example, LED  35  will flash one time when switch  21  is depressed indicating that the key is operational, but that it has no SDC programmed therein. LED  35  will flash twice when switch  21  is depressed indicating that the key is operational and it has the SDC programmed therein and that it is ready to be used with a security device. 
         [0041]    In summary, key  1  provides a programmable or smart key that receives a randomly generated SDC from a programming station unique to an individual retail store, and stores it in an internal memory, in combination with a timer which after a preset period of time will delete the SDC from the memory rendering the key inoperable, and which includes a wireless communication circuit preferably IR or RF, for receiving the SDC from a programming station and for supplying the SDC to a control logic circuit built into a security device. This enables the key to actuate the security device such as disarming an internal alarm, operating a locking mechanism or the like. Furthermore, the key contains an internal counter which counts the number of times the key is activated, either in conjunction with the SDC programmer or a security device, to ensure that the battery has sufficient power to properly maintain the functions of the key. 
         [0042]    Furthermore, the logic control circuit of the programming station upon reading an SDC from a smart key different from the unique SDC stored in the program station will immediately time-out the usable time period in the key rendering it useless. This prevents a thief from using a programmed key from one store in the programming station of another store even if the key has yet to be timed out. 
         [0043]    Although the above description refers to the security code being a disarm code, it is understood that the code can activate and control other functions and features of the security device such as unlocking the device from the product, shutting off an alarm etc. without departing from the concept of the invention. Likewise, the various components of the logic circuit and resulting flow charts can easily be modified by one skilled in the art to achieve the same results. Also, the security code can be preset in programming station at the factory or chosen by the customer, and if desired, be changed later by the customer, also without affecting the concept of the invention. 
         [0044]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
         [0045]    Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.