Patent Publication Number: US-2023154301-A1

Title: Device, system and method for securing an item

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of securing an item by a device and, more specifically, to securing a purchase process by controlling a device attached to an item. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retail or any activity of selling goods or products directly to consumers or end-users faces multiple challenges. Tagging items or products is commonly used for security reasons in order to prevent theft or stealing by customers. Tagging products is also used for tracking inventory and stock levels while minimizing the risk of loss and theft. Common tagging methods may use various technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID), radio frequency (RF), Acoustic Magnetic (AM) or Electronic Product Code (EPC) system. The commonly used tags are usually made of durable and reusable materials, such as plastic, which offers cost-effective tagging solutions. However, the commonly used tags require a physical act of releasing the tag attached to a product prior to sale, usually at a check-out point. For example, a tag may be opened by using a strong magnet or other releasing device that requires a human intervention and may be cumbersome the check-out process. A smart tag that may be automatically released upon a payment transaction is highly required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Some embodiments of the invention may include a method for a secured purchase process. The method may include encoding a device with a unique identification code related to a specific item, attaching the device to the item by a locking mechanism included in the device, receiving, by a receiver included in the device, a signal upon a completion of a payment transaction related to the unique identification code, enabling an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism upon receipt of the signal, and unlocking the locking mechanism to enable releasing the device from the item. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the signal is transmitted by a server associated with the payment transaction. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, attaching the device to the item by the locking mechanism may further include locking a first element of the device to a second element of the device. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, locking the first element of the device to the second element of the device may include fastening a locking nail protruding from the second element of the device to the first element of the device. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, unlocking the locking mechanism may include releasing the locking nail from the first element of the device. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the unlocking movement of the locking mechanism may further include detaching the first element of the device from the second element of the device. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, locking the first element of the device to the second element of the device may include covering the second element of the device and the first element of the device by a third element. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, unlocking the locking mechanism may include inserting the device into a cradle. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the payment transaction is performed by one or more computer devices associated with the secured purchase process. The one or more computer devices are chosen from a group consisting of a mobile device, a self-checkout machine, a customer-activated terminal, a cash register machine, a customer relationship management (CRM) system, a self-payment machine, an unattended kiosk, and a cashier. 
     Some embodiments of the invention may include a device for a secured purchase process, which device may include an identification unit comprising a unique identification code related to a specific product, a locking mechanism for attaching the device to the product, and a receiver to receive a signal upon a completion of a payment transaction related to the unique identification code, wherein an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism for releasing the device from the item is enabled by the signal. 
     Some embodiments of the invention may include a device for a secured purchase process, which device may include a first element comprising a locking mechanism, a second element comprising a protruding nail to attach the first element to the second element and to an item, by insertion of the protruding nail into the locking mechanism, and a receiver to receive a signal upon a completion of a payment transaction, wherein an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism is enabled by the signal, and wherein the unlocking movement is configured to allow release of the protruding nail from the first element and releasing of the item from the device. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the device may include a motor and a rotating pin. The motor is configured to rotate the rotating pin upon receipt of the signal to allow the unlocking movement of the locking mechanism. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the locking mechanism may include one or more release levers, one or more plunger receivers, a locking cone and one or more metal balls to fasten the locking nail to the locking cone while being held by the one or more release levers when in locked position. 
     Some embodiments of the invention may include a cradle to allow the release of the item from the device when the device is located within the cradle. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the cradle comprises one or more push pins configured to push the one or more plunger receivers upon receiving the signal. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the unlocking movement may include applying force on the one or more release levers by the one or more plunger receivers and causing the one or more release levers to rotate, thereby enabling the locking cone to release the locking nail. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the device may include a motor to operate the one or more push pins upon a receipt of the signal. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the motor is configured to operate the one or more push pins based on a unique sequence related to a unique identification code of the device. 
     Some embodiments of the invention may include a method for a controlling releasing of a securing device, which method may include encoding a device with a unique identification, attaching the securing device to the item by a locking mechanism included in the device, wherein the locking mechanism is latched to the securing device by one or more release levers, upon a completion of a payment transaction, receiving a signal, wherein the signal comprises a command related to the unique identification, applying a force in a predetermined order on one or more plunger receivers included in the device to release the one or more release levers, wherein the predetermined order is based on the command, and unlatching the locking mechanism from the device to allow releasing of the device from the item. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further include placing the device in a cradle, receiving the signal by the cradle and applying the force in the predetermined order by one or more pins included in the cradle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Embodiments of the invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding, analogous or similar elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a flowchart of a method for a secured purchase process according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are schematic views of an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a schematic side cross-section of an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  3 D  is a schematic bottom view of an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are schematic cross-section views of an exemplary docking device and an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are schematic side cross-sections of an exemplary securing device at first and second positions according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  5 C  is a flowchart of a method for unlocking an exemplary securing device according to embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic cross-section view of an exemplary securing device and an exemplary docking device according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D  are schematic cross-section views of an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are schematic partially transparent and exploded views of an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an exemplary computing device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. 
     Although some embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer&#39;s registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer&#39;s registers and/or memories or other information transitory or non-transitory or processor-readable storage medium that may store instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute operations and/or processes. Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term “set” when used herein may include one or more items unless otherwise stated. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed in a different order from that described, simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, a secured self-checkout process may include releasing a smart device or tag from an item or product only upon a completion of a payment transaction and preventing any releasing of the smart tag in an unsafe or unauthorized manner. Some embodiments of the invention may further allow automatic capabilities of in-store analytics, inventory management and tracking location of an item. Some embodiments of the invention may enable a secured, reliable, and controllable check out process by using a smart securing device. One aspect of the present invention may provide a system and method which may prevent an unauthorized releasing of a device from an item to which the device is attached or connected to and may allow a secured check-out process of a retail experience. 
     Reference is made to  FIG.  1   , which is a schematic illustration of a system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. System  100  may be used to ensure a secured purchase process of one or more items or products  140 . System  100  may include a securing device  110 , a payment system  120  and remote services  130 , all connected via one or more communication networks  150 . Securing device may be attached to one or more items  140 . According to some embodiments of the invention, item  140  may be any item, product, object or element that may be offered for sale, e.g., in a shopping or a retail facility such as a shop, a shopping mall, a department store and the like. Although some embodiments of the invention may describe item  140  as an item that may be offered for sale, it should be understood to a person skilled in the art that item  140  may be any item, object, element or product that may require a secured handling and identification. Securing device may include an identification (ID) device or unit  116 , a transceiver  115  and a locking mechanism  117 . ID unit  116  may include a unique identification code or barcode related to a specific product, item or type of products or items. The unique identification code may be any number, string, information or other unique data which may be encoded by an external device or embedded within the ID unit prior to a retail process of item  140 . The be unique identification code may be used for tracking and identifying items. 
     Transceiver  115  may comprise both a transmitter and a receiver able to transmit and receive analog or digital signals, e.g., via one or more communication networks  150 . It should be understood to a person skilled in the art that transceiver  115  may be implemented as a single device unit, module or element which includes a receiver and a transmitter, or as separate units, modules or elements of a receiver and a transmitter. Transceiver  115  may include other modules or element such as an antenna or any other hardware or software which may allow transmitting and receiving of analog or digital signals as known in the art. For example, transceiver  115  may be used for receiving the unique identification code during encoding process prior to the retail process of item  140 , for communication via communication network  150  with a remote service  130  or payment system, e.g., to receive a signal upon a completion of a successful payment transaction, also referred to herein as “indication signal”. 
     Transceiver  115  may utilize one or more communication protocols or method which may be supported by communication network  150 , for example, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio-Frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Long area (LoRa) network, ZigBee, WiFi, cellular network, Ultra-wideband (UWB), magnetic system, Acousto-magnetic system, Radio frequency systems and Electro-magnetic system. Encoding device  110  with a unique identification may include encoding transceiver  115  by using one or more communication methods or protocol utilized by transceiver  115 . 
     Locking mechanism  117  may be included in securing device  110  and may be used for attaching securing device  110  to item  140  before item  140  may be offered for sale to shoppers or clients. Some embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of locking mechanism that may be implemented by locking mechanism  117  and may offer a plurality of attachments or connection types, forms and methods as described in detail in embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, securing device  110  may include a plurality of parts, components, sections, elements or pieces, and the locking mechanism may be embedded in one or more of the parts comprising securing device  110 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, attaching device  110  to item  140  may be performed or achieved by locking mechanism  117 , e.g., locking a first element of device  110  to a second element of device  100  by locking mechanism  117 . Unlocking movement of locking mechanism  117  may include separating or detaching of a first element of device  110  from a second element of device  110 . The unlocking movement of locking mechanism  117  may release item  140  from securing device  100 . 
     Payment system  120  may be any computerized system that may allow performing a payment transaction. Payment system  120  may be connected to a screen  125  in a wireless or wired connection to allow a user to perform and complete a payment transaction, e.g., when buying item  140  in a shop or store. In some embodiments of the invention, screen  125  may be connected to payment system  120 , while in other embodiments of the invention, screen  125  may be embedded or included in payment system  120 . According to some embodiments of the invention, a payment transaction may be performed by payment system  120  that may be associated with a secured purchase process allowing the payment transaction. Payment system  120  may be, for example, a mobile device, a self-checkout machine, a customer-activated terminal, a cash register machine, a customer relationship management (CRM) system, a self-payment machine, an unattended kiosk, a cashier or any other payment system. 
     Payment system  120 , may include a processor  120 , a controller, a memory  123  and a communication module  124 . Other modules, elements or units may be included in host device  120 . It should be understood to a person skilled in the art that the units or modules included in payment system  120  may be separated, e.g., payment system may be implemented in one or more location, e.g., one or more of the units may be located in a first location while other units may be located in a second location. For example, if the payment transaction is performed by an application running on a mobile phone of a customer, payment system  120  may include the mobile phone and a dedicated server which may be associated with the application and may communicate with the mobile phone. 
     Remote services  130  may include one or more services separated from payment system  120  and may connect to payment system  120  and/or to device  110  by one or more communication network  150 . Remote services  130  may include, for example, a remote processor  131 , a gateway server  132  and a database  133 . Any other device, service or platform may be included in remote services  130 . Any of the components included in system  100  may be the example computer system shown in  FIG.  9   , and any of the operations described with relation to system  100  may be performed, for example, by the example computer system shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     Communication network  150  may include one or more communication networks and may connect among remote services  130 , securing device  110  and payment system  120 . Communication network  150  may include, for example, a local area communication network (LAN) that interconnects computers within a limited area, and a wide area communication network (WAN) that covers a larger geographic distance. For example, communication network  150  may include one or more wired or wireless communication networks or communication technologies such as for example, Internet, Wi-fi, Ethernet, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio-Frequency communication (RF), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Long area (LoRa) network, ZigBee, cellular network, Ultra-wideband (UWB) network, magnetic communication system, Acousto-magnetic communication, or any other communication network. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, database  133  may include data or information related to a plurality of securing device  110 , e.g., devices used in a certain shop. The data related to devices  110  may include, for example, a list or table of a plurality of securing devices  110  attached to a plurality of items  140  and their unique identification codes. Database and/or server  132  may store a status of each of the plurality of devices  110 , e.g., if device  110  is locked or open, and may communicate with payment system  120  by communication messages as known in the art. During a payment transaction, e.g., of item  140 , device  110  that is attached to item  140  may be recognized by payment system  120 . For example, if device  110  includes an RFID tag or chip, payment system  120  may include an RFID reader which may receive the unique identification code of item  140 , and a presentation of the item may be displayed to a buyer on screen  125 . The presentation of the item may include, for example, a name or description of item  140  and a price of item  140 . Other information related to item  140  may be identified and presented to a buyer. 
     Upon a completion of a payment transaction of item  140 , payment system  120  may send a payment indication to gateway server  132  by communication module  124  via communication network  150 . Gateway server  132  may send a signal to device  110 , directly or via payment system  120 , which may allow opening or releasing of locking mechanism  117  of device  110 , as described in embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG.  2    is a flowchart of a method for a secured purchase process according to some embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of a method for secured purchase process may be performed, for example, by the system shown in  FIG.  1   . As with other method flowcharts, operations of  FIG.  2    may be used with operations in other flowcharts shown herein in some embodiment of the invention. 
     In operation  210 , a device, e.g., securing device  120  of  FIG.  1   , may be encoded with a unique identification code related to a specific product or item which may be offered for sale. Encoding the device with the unique identification code may be performed prior to offering the item or product for sale. In some embodiments, the unique identification code may be related to a type of product, and a same unique identification code may be encoded in a plurality of devices attached to a plurality of items or products of a same type. The unique identification code may be stored in a database along with all information related to a specific item or product which may be attached to the device encoded with the unique identification code. Storing and tracing a status of unique identification code may enable tracking of the item which may be attached to the device encoded with the unique identification code. 
     Some embodiments of the invention may allow identifying a product based on the unique identification code which may tracking of an item for a plurality of utilization, e.g., inventory management, real-time inventory visibility, automatic update of a location of a product, in-store analytics and the like. For example, inventory management may include automatically updating an inventory database in an associated database, e.g., database  133  of  FIG.  1   . Tracking a location of an item may be enables by including positioning technology, e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) or any other known in the art technology. 
     In operation  220 , the device may be attached to an item or a product by a locking mechanism included in the device. For example, locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1    may be used to attach securing device  100  to item  140  of  FIG.  1   . The operation of attaching a securing device to an item may be performed prior to offering the item for sale. Some embodiments of the invention may include a plurality of attachments or connection types, forms and methods. For example, a first element of device  110  of  FIG.  1    may be locked, connected, attached or secured to a second element of device  100  by locking mechanism  117 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, attaching the device to an item by the locking mechanism may include locking a first element of the device to a second element of the device by fastening a locking nail protruding from the second element of the device to the first element of the device. For example, the second element of the device may include a protruding nail to attach said first element to said second element and to an item, by insertion of the protruding nail into the locking mechanism included in the first element of the device. In other embodiments, locking a first element of the device to a second element of the device may include covering the second element of the device and the first element of the device by a third element, e.g., a covering element, which may keep the first and second elements fastened to each other and to an item between the first and the second elements. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, locking a first element of the device to a second element of the device by fastening a locking nail protruding from the second element of the device to the first element of the device is enabled by a locking mechanism that may include one or more metal balls that fasten the locking nail to a locking cone while the locking cone may be held by one or more release levers when in locked position, as described in detail in  FIG.  3 - 5   . 
     In operation  230 , a payment transaction related to a unique identification code may be completed. A unique identification code of a device  110  may be scanned or read by payment system  120  of  FIG.  1   , and a payment transaction may be completed by, for example, a credit card payment, internet transaction payment, cash payment or any other payment method. For example, an item is scanned and identified by a payment system before payment based on its identification code and a payment is performed. A confirmation of a successful payment transaction may be transmitted by the payment system to a server associated with the payment transaction, e.g., by a software development kit (SDK) or an application programming interface that may communicate between payment system  120  and gate way server  132  of  FIG.  1   . 
     In operation  240 , a signal indicating that a payment transaction is completed may be received, by a receiver included in the securing device, e.g., by transceiver  115  of device  100  of  FIG.  1   . The indication signal may be transmitted by a server or a computer device associated with the payment transaction, e.g., by server  132  or payment system  120  of  FIG.  1   . The indication signal may be transmitted upon a completion of a payment transaction related to a unique identification code of a specific securing device that is attached to an item paid during the payment transaction. The signal transmitted upon a completion of a payment transaction may include a command or a code related to the unique identification, which may allow or may used to release the device from the item is attached to. 
     The indication signal may be transmitted upon a successful payment transaction which may be performed by one or more computer devices associated with the secured purchase process. For example, the secured purchase process may be performed by at least one of the following devices: a mobile device, a self-checkout machine, a customer-activated terminal, a cash register machine and a customer relationship management (CRM) system, a self-payment machine, an unattended kiosk, and a cashier. Some embodiments of the invention may include a receiver to receive a signal upon a completion of a payment transaction related to the unique identification code. The receiver may be included in a securing device attached to an item for sale, e.g., device  110  of  FIG.  1    or included in a docking station or a cradle in which the securing device that is attached to an item for sale may be inserted during a payment transaction. 
     In operation  250 , an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism may be enabled upon a receipt of a signal indicating that a payment transaction is completed. According to some embodiments of the invention, receipt of a signal indicating a completion of a successful payment transaction may enable a change in a position of the locking mechanism, e.g., locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   . For example, a change in a position of the locking mechanism may include a change, an alteration, or a movement of one or more parts, components or elements of the securing device, which may allow an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be locked until a receipt of an indication signal. Upon a receipt of an indication signal, a first movement or a change in the securing device  110  may be enabled, become possible or permitted, which may allow unlocking of the locking mechanism. For example, an unlocking movement of the locking mechanism may be enabled by the signal and may allow releasing of a protruding nail of a second element of the securing device from a first element of the securing device and releasing an item from the securing device. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, receipt of an indication signal may trigger or operate a motor which may move an element to enable unlocking of the locking mechanism. In some embodiments of the invention, the indication signal may include information based on which an unlocking of the locking mechanism may be accomplished. An exemplary unlocking movement of the locking mechanism may lead to detaching a first element of the device from a second element of the device. 
     In operation  260 , the locking mechanism may be unlocked by, for example, by separating a first element of the securing device  110  from a second element of the securing device  110 . Unlocking the locking mechanism may enable releasing of the device from the item. For example, unlocking the locking mechanism may include releasing a locking nail protruding from a second element of the device from a first element of the device. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, unlocking the locking mechanism may require a use of an additional, external element, such as a cradle or frame in which device  110  may be inserted. In some embodiments of the invention, unlocking the locking mechanism may include insertion of the device into a cradle. Operations required for unlocking the locking mechanism are described with reference to embodiments of the invention, e.g., with reference to  FIGS.  5 - 8   . 
     In operation  270 , the securing device may be released from the sold item after unlocking, releasing or opening of locking mechanism. The release of the securing device from the item may allow a buyer or shopper who performed a payment transaction to receive the purchased item and to leave the shop. Prior to release of the securing device from the item, a shopper may not leave the store with the item, as the device may serve as a security device, e.g., the device may be identified based on its unique identification code by an identification technology embedded in a gate, door or exit of a shop, as known in the art. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , which are schematic views of an exemplary securing device, according to some embodiments of the invention. Securing device  300  may be, for example, securing device  100  of  FIG.  1   , and its locking mechanism which is described in  FIGS.  3 - 8    may be, for example, locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   . Securing device  300  may comprise a first element or component  320  and a second element or component  330 . Component  320  may be referred to herein as “top element” or “cover element”, while component  330  may be referred to herein as “bottom element” or “base element”. Top element  320  may be secured or attached to base element  330 , and a product or an item, e.g., item  140  of  FIG.  1    may be placed between top element  320  and base element  330  such as to be attached, fastened, clipped or secured to securing device  300 . Top element  320  and base element  330  may be also connected or linked by a strap  322 , which may be elastic or flexible. 
     Securing device  300  may further include a locking nail  325  protruding from a first element, e.g., element  320  of device  300 . Locking mechanism of device  300 , e.g., locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   , may require locking the top element  320  to the base element  330  by, for example, fastening locking nail  325  protruding from top element  320  to base element  330 . Unlocking the locking mechanism may include releasing locking nail  325  from base element  330 . Releasing locking nail  325  from base element  330  may be performed upon receipt of a signal indicating a completion of a successful payment transaction. In some embodiments of the invention, unlocking movement of the locking mechanism may be enabled by the indication signal and by inserting device  300  into a docking station or a cradle  310 . Cradle  310  may allow the unlocking process of the locking mechanism and the releasing of an item from device  300  when the device  300  is located within cradle  310 . Cradle  310  may include a charging port  315  which may use for charging or for voltage supply to cradle  310  and/or to device  300  while inserted into cradle  310 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  3 C , which is a schematic side cross-section of an exemplary securing device, according to some embodiments of the invention.  FIG.  3 C  shows a side cross section of device  300  of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B . Bottom element  330  may include a locking cone  360 , one or more plunger receivers  365 , one or more plungers  366 , one or more release levers  375 , one or more metal balls  377  and a spring  378 , which may be included in locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1    and in the locking/unlocking process of device  300 . 
     Locking nail  325  may protrude from cover element  320  and may be held or fastened by locking cone  360 , metal ball  377  and locking cone  360  to allow locking of top element  320  to base element  330 . When in lock position, one or more metal balls  377  may fasten locking nail  325  to locking cone  360  while being held or latched by one or more release levers  375 . According to some embodiments of the invention, an unlocking movement may include applying force on one or more release levers  375  by one or more plunger receivers  365 , thereby causing release levers  3735  to rotate while enabling locking cone  360  to move towards spring  378  and to release locking nail  325  as further explained in detailed in  FIGS.  4 - 5   . 
       FIG.  3 D  is a schematic bottom view of an exemplary securing device, according to some embodiments of the invention.  FIG.  3 D  shows a schematic bottom view of device  300  of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . Base element  330  may include a plurality of push pins receivers  385  and a plurality of contact pins  380 . Contact pins  380  may be used for contact with an external electrical element such as cradle  310 . In some embodiments, one or more of the contact pins may be used for orientation and, therefore, may be marked in order to enable a correct positioning of device  300  inside cradle  310 . Push pins receivers  385  may be pushed from below by push pins arise from cradle  310  which may apply force on interior elements included in bottom element  330 , e.g., on one or more plunger receivers  365 . Push pins receivers  385  may allow insertion of pushing pins from below, which may push plunger receivers  365  at a specific sequence or order according to the unique identification code related to the device  300 . Pushing up of plunger receivers  365  in a correct order may allow an unlocking movement of locking mechanism. Bottom view of device  300  may further show spring  378  from below. 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are schematic cross-section views of an exemplary docking device and an exemplary securing device, according to some embodiments of the invention.  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  shows a side cross section of device  300  while positioned inside cradle  310 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , locking cone  360  may be latched or fastened by one or more release levers  375 . A first side or a “head”  343  of each of the release levers  375  may have a special shape which may fit into one or more slits  344  at an upper side of locking cone  360 . Each of the heads  343  of the one or more release levers  375  may be positioned in slit  344  by force of one or more plunger  366  in a locking position, as shown in  FIG.  3 C . When in locking position, cone  360  may be lifted up by release levers  375  allowing metal balls  377  to cling to locking nail  325  while fastening locking nail  325  to cone  360 . As shown in  FIG.  4 C , locking position of cone  360  may prevent metal balls  377  from moving towards magnet  333  and may apply a mechanic force which may resist the magnetic force applied by magnet  333  on metal balls  377 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, bottom element  330  may further include a board or surface  356 , e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), which may mechanically support and electrically connect one or more electronic components. Board  356  may include, for example, ID unit  116  and/or transceiver  116  of  FIG.  1   . 
     Cradle  310  may include a communication unit  355 , an ID reader unit  340 , a motor  345  and a plurality of push pins  350 . Motor  345  may operate one or more push pins  350  configured to push, drive and apply force on one or more plunger receivers  365  upon receipt an indication signal of a successful payment transaction. When device  300  may be positioned into cradle  310 , ID reader unit  340  may receive transmission from ID unit  116  of device  300  and may identify the identification code of device  300 . Communication unit  355  may be implemented by for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) which may mechanically support and electrically connect one or more electronic components. Communication unit  355  may include (not shown) a transceiver, e.g., transmitter and receiver and a controller. Communication unit  355  may communicate with external computing device associated with the payment transaction, e.g., payment system  120  and/or gateway server  132  of  FIG.  1   . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, transceiver of communication unit  355  may receive an indication signal indicating that a device  300  having a specific identification code may be opened or released. Communication unit  355  may compare the identification code received from the computing device associated with the payment transaction to the identification code identified by ID reader unit  340 , and when the identification codes are identical, motor  345  may be enabled. The indication signal may further include a unique sequence related to a unique identification code of the device and a command to operate motor  345  according to the unique sequence. Upon a completion of a payment transaction, motor  345  may operate one or more push pins  350  based on a unique sequence related to the unique identification code of device  300 . Push pins  350  may apply force in a predetermined order on one or more plunger receivers  365  to release one or more release levers  375 . Applying force by a plurality of push pins  350  in a predetermined order related to the unique identification code of device  300  may allow unlatching locking mechanism of device  300  to allow releasing of device  300  from an attached item. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , which are schematic side cross-sections of an exemplary securing device at a first and a second positions, according to some embodiments of the invention. Reference is also made to  FIG.  5 C , which is a flowchart of a method for unlocking an exemplary securing device according to some embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of a method for unlocking an exemplary securing device may be performed, for example, by the system shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
     In operation  510 , a device  300  may be inserted or placed into cradle  310  in order to release top element  320  from base element  330  and further in order to release an item (not shown) which may be attached to device  300 , e.g., between top element  320  and base element  330 . An item may be attached to securing device  300  by a locking mechanism included in the device, e.g., locking cone, locking nail  325  and metal balls  377 . The locking mechanism may be latched to securing device  300  by one or more release levers  375  when in a locked position shown in  FIG.  5 A . Upon a completion of a payment transaction, device  300  and/or cradle  310  may receive an indication signal, including a command related to the unique identification of device  300 . Upon verification by cradle  310  that opening of device  300  may be allowed, an unlocking movement may be enabled as described in operations  520 - 570 . 
     In operation  520 , plunger receivers  365  may be pushed by one or more push pins  350  included in cradle  310 . Push pins  350  may apply force on one or more plunger receivers  365  according to a predetermined order based on the command received, for example, from a computing device associated with the payment transaction. The command may include a unique sequence based on which a specific set of push pins  350  may be selected and may apply force in a predetermined order on one or more plunger receivers  365 . Each of device  300  may receive a unique sequence to allow opening only of the specific device. The force applied by push pins  350  may arrive from below plunger receivers  365  and may be driven by motor  345 . 
     In operation  530 , plunger receivers  365  may apply force on release levers  375 , while being pushed by push pins  350  as shown in  FIG.  5 C   
     In operation  540 , the force applied on release levers  375  may enable a rotation of release levers  375 , as shown by arrow  303 . The force may be applied on an end of release levers  375  opposite to the head of release levers  375  to allow a rotation of release levers  375  around a hinge or pivot  304 . 
     In operation  550 , the rotation of release levers  375  may enable locking cone  360  to move down towards magnet  333  and spring  378 . The rotation of release levers  375  may unlatch the locking mechanism from device  300  and may allow the magnetic force of magnet  333  to pull or attract metal balls  377 . 
     In operation  560 , locking nail  325  may be released from bottom element  330 . A rotation of release levers  375  may allow releasing of locking cone from a locked position which may allow the magnetic force of magnet  333  to pull or attract metal balls  377  allowing a release of locking nail from the grip of metal balls  377 . 
     In operation  570 , top element  320  may be removed and released from bottom element  330 , thereby allowing release of device  300  from an item attached to it. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG.  6   , which is a schematic cross-section view of an exemplary securing device and an exemplary docking device, according to some embodiments of the invention. A securing device  600  may be, for example, securing device  100  of  FIG.  1   , and its locking mechanism may be, for example, locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   . Securing device  600  may comprise a first element or component  620  and a second element or component  630 . Component  620  also referred to herein as “top element” or “cover element”, while component  630  may be referred to herein as “bottom element” or “base element”. When top element  620  may be secured or attached to base element  630 , an item, e.g., item  140  of  FIG.  1    may be placed between top element  620  and base element  630  as to be attached or secured to securing device  600 . 
     Securing device  600  may further include a locking nail  625  protruding from top element  620  and fastened or secured by locking mechanism  660 , e.g., locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   . Locking mechanism  660  may include similar elements as locking mechanism described with reference to  FIGS.  3 - 5   . Securing device  600  may include a motor  690 , a rotating pin  695  and a board or surface  656 , e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) which may mechanically support and electrically connect one or more electronic components. Board  656  may include, for example, ID unit  116  and/or transceiver  116  of  FIG.  1   . Securing device  600  may further include a battery to provide or supply motor  690  with electrical power, e.g., DC voltage. In some embodiments, the power to motor  690  may be supplied by cradle  610 . According to some embodiments of the invention, cradle  610  may include an ID reader unit  640  and a communication unit  655  which may be similar to ID reader unit  340  and communication unit  355  of cradle  310 , respectively, as described in other embodiments of the invention. 
     Communication unit  655  may communicate with external computing device associated with the payment transaction, e.g., payment system  120  and/or gateway server  132  of  FIG.  1   . Transceiver included in communication unit  655  may receive an indication signal indicating that a device  600  having a specific identification code may be opened or released. Communication unit  355  may compare the identification code received from the computing device associated with the payment transaction to the identification code identified by ID reader unit  640 , e.g., the included in ID unit of device  600 . If the identification codes are identical, communication unit  655  may send an operating signal to motor  690 . When operated, motor  690  may be configured to rotate rotating pin  695  upon receipt of the indication signal to allow the unlocking movement of the locking mechanism. 
     Unlocking movement is configured to allow release of the protruding nail from the first element and releasing of the item from the device. unlocking of locking mechanism  660  may include releasing locking nail  625  from base element  630  and releasing an item attached to device  600 . Releasing locking nail  625  from base element  630  may be performed upon receipt of a signal indicating a completion of a successful payment transaction and by inserting device  600  into a cradle  610 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D , which are schematic cross-section views of an exemplary securing device, according to some embodiments of the invention. A securing device  700  may be, for example, securing device  100  of  FIG.  1   , and its locking mechanism may be, for example, locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   . Securing device  700  may comprise a first element or component  720  and a second element or component  730 . Component  720  also referred to herein as “top element” or “cover element”, while component  730  may be referred to herein as “bottom element” or “base element”. When top element  720  may be secured or attached to base element  730 , an item, e.g., item  140  of  FIG.  1    may be placed between top element  720  and base element  730  so as to be attached or secured to securing device  600 . Locking the first element  720  to the second element  730  may include covering second element  730  and first element  720  by a third, cover element  750  which may fit to the exact size and shape of second element  730  and first element  720  attached together. Top element  720  may include a locking nail  725  which may be attached or secured to an item (not shown) held between second element  730  and first element  720  when in locked position inside cover element  750 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, locking nail  725  may protrude from top element  720  and may be fastened or secured to an item when top element  720  and bottom element  730  are secured or held by cover element  750 , as shown in  FIG.  7 C , also referred to herein as “locking state”. Device  700  may further include a board or surface  756 , e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), which may mechanically support and electrically connect one or more electronic components. Board  756  may include, for example, ID unit  116  and/or transceiver  116  of  FIG.  1    or any element of board  356  of  FIG.  4 A . 
     Device  700  may be inserted into cradle  710 , when in the locking state. According to some embodiments of the invention, cradle  710  may include an ID reader unit  740  and a communication unit  755  which may be similar to ID reader unit  340  and a communication unit  355  of cradle  310 , respectively, as described in other embodiments of the invention. Cradle  710  may include a motor  715  connected to an unlocking pin  718 . Cradle  710  may further include a battery to provide or supply motor  715  with electrical power, e.g., DC voltage. In some embodiments the power to motor  715  may be supplied by electrical cable connected to cradle  710 . 
     Communication unit  755  may communicate with external computing device associated with the payment transaction, e.g., payment system  120  and/or gateway server  132  of  FIG.  1   . Transceiver included in communication unit  755  may receive an indication signal indicating that device  700  having a specific identification code may be opened or released. Communication unit  755  may compare the identification code received from the computing device associated with the payment transaction and the identification code identified by ID reader unit  740 , e.g., the included in ID unit of device  700 . If the identification codes are identical, communication unit  755  may operate motor  715 . Motor  715  may push unlocking pin  718  upon receipt of the indication signal to allow the unlocking top element  720  and bottom element  730  from cover element  750 . 
     Removing cover element  750  may allow separation of top element  720  from bottom element  730  and releasing of locking nail  725  from base element  730  and from an item attached to device  700 . Releasing cover element  750  by unlocking pin  718  may be performed upon receipt of a signal indicating a completion of a successful payment transaction and by insertion of device  700  covered by cover element  750  into a cradle  710 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , which are schematic partially transparent and exploded views of an exemplary securing device, according to some embodiments of the invention. A securing device  800  may be, for example, securing device  100  of  FIG.  1   , and its locking mechanism may be, for example, locking mechanism  117  of  FIG.  1   . Securing device  800  may comprise a first element or component  820  and a second element or component  830 . Component  820  also referred to herein as “top element” or “cover element”, while component  830  may be referred to herein as “bottom element” or “base element”. When top element  820  is secured or attached to base element  830 , an item, e.g., item  140  of  FIG.  1    may be placed between top element  820  and base element  830  so as to be attached or secured to securing device  800 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, locking nail  825  may protrude from top element  820  and may be fastened or secured to an item when top element  820  is inserted into bottom element  830 , as shown in  FIG.  8 B , also referred to herein as “locking state”. Locking nail  825  may be fastened by a locking cone  809  and a locking element  808  of top element  820  and by rotating pin  807  of bottom element  830 . Securing device  800  may include a motor  833  connected to a moving pin  801 . Moving pin  801  may include a ring having a protrusion  802  that may fit into an opening in rotating pin  807 . Motor  833  may move moving pin  801  backward and forward, thereby enabling a rotation or movement of rotating pin  807  by protrusion of ring  802 . A rotational move of rotating pin  807  may push locking element  808  and locking cone  809  and may allow release of locking nail  825  from bottom element  830 . 
     Securing device  800  may further include a battery to provide or supply motor  833  with electrical power, e.g., DC voltage. Device  800  may further include a board or surface  856 , e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), which may mechanically support and electrically connect one or more electronic components. Board  856  may include, for example, ID unit  116  and/or transceiver  116  of  FIG.  1   , ID reader unit, and a communication unit e.g., ID reader unit  340  and a communication unit  355  of board  356  of  FIG.  4 A . 
     A receiver located on board  856  may receive an indication signal indicating that a device  800  having a specific identification code may be opened or released upon a completion of a payment transaction related to device  800 . Receiving of the indication signal may operate motor  833 . Motor  833  may move moving pin  801  backward, which may rotate rotating pin  807  by protrusion of ring  802  located on moving pin  801 . A movement or rotation of rotating pin  807  may allow unlocking movement of the locking mechanism and releasing of locking nail  825  from device  800 . Unlocking device  800  may include releasing locking nail  825  from base element  830  and releasing an item attached to device  800 . 
     In some embodiments of the invention, identifying a product based on the unique identification code of a securing device attached to the product may allow inventory management by automatic tracking and updating an inventory database. Furthermore, identifying a product based on the unique identification code of a securing device attached to the product may allow automatic tracking and updating a location of said product, e.g., in a shop, in a storage, warehouse and the like. Some embodiments of the invention may allow automatically alert upon a detection of an unsafe unlocking of a locking mechanism of a securing device. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates an exemplary computing device according to an embodiment of the invention. For example, a computing device  900  with a processor  905  may be used to perform a payment transaction and to send a signal upon a completion of a payment transaction, according to embodiments of the invention. For example, computing device  900  may be for example, payment system  120  and/or any of remote services  130 , e.g., gateway server  132 , processor  131  and/or database  133 . 
     Computing device  900  may include a processor  915  that may be, for example, a central processing unit processor (CPU), a chip or any suitable computing or computational device, an operating system  915 , a memory  920 , a storage  930 , input devices  935  and output devices  940 . Processor  905  may be or include one or more processors, etc., co-located or distributed. Computing device  1100  may be for example a smart device, a smartphone, workstation or a personal computer, a laptop, or may be at least partially implemented by one or more remote servers (e.g., in the “cloud”). 
     Operating system  915  may be or may include any code segment designed and/or configured to perform tasks involving coordination, scheduling, arbitration, supervising, controlling or otherwise managing operation of computing device  900 , for example. Operating system  915  may be a commercial operating system. Memory  920  may be or may include, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a double data rate (DDR) memory chip, a Flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units or storage units. Memory  920  may be or may include a plurality of possibly different memory units. 
     Executable code  925  may be any executable code, e.g., an application, a program, a process, task or script. Executable code  925  may be executed by processor  905  possibly under control of operating system  915 . For example, executable code  925  may be or include code for encoding one or more digital images, according to embodiments of the invention. 
     Storage  930  may be or may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-Recordable (CD-R) drive, a universal serial bus (USB) device or other suitable removable and/or fixed storage unit. In some embodiments, some of the components shown in  FIG.  9    may be omitted. For example, memory  920  may be a non-volatile memory having the storage capacity of storage  930 . Accordingly, although shown as a separate component, storage  30  may be embedded or included in memory  920 . Storage  930  and or memory  920  may be configured to store any information related to a plurality of items, products and to a plurality of securing devices or any other information required for performing embodiments of the invention. 
     Input devices  935  may be or may include a camera, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen or pad or any suitable input device. It will be recognized that any suitable number of input devices may be operatively connected to computing device  900  as shown by block  935 . Output devices  940  may include one or more displays, speakers and/or any other suitable output devices. It will be recognized that any suitable number of output devices may be operatively connected to computing device  900  as shown by block  940 . Any applicable input/output (I/O) devices may be connected to computing device  900  as shown by blocks  935  and  940 . For example, a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC), a modem, printer or facsimile machine, a universal serial bus (USB) device or external hard drive may be included in input devices  935  and/or output devices  940 . Network interface  950  may enable device  900  to communicate with one or more other computers or networks. For example, network interface  950  may include a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device or connection, a connection to an intranet or the internet, an antenna etc. 
     Embodiments described in this disclosure may include the use of a special purpose or general-purpose computer including various computer hardware or software modules, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Some embodiments within the scope of this disclosure also include computer-readable media, or non-transitory computer storage medium, for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. The instructions when executed may cause the processor to carry out embodiments of the invention. Such computer-readable media, or computer storage medium, can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     As used herein, the term “module” or “component” can refer to software objects or routines that execute on the computing system. The different components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processes that execute on the computing system (e.g., as separate threads). While the system and methods described herein are preferably implemented in software, implementations in hardware or a combination of software and hardware are also possible and contemplated. In this description, a “computer” may be any computing system as previously defined herein, or any module or combination of modulates running on a computing system. 
     For the processes and/or methods disclosed, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order as may be indicated by context. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations. 
     The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     This disclosure may sometimes illustrate different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. Such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same or similar functionality. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described aspects are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The claimed subject matter is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.