PROGRAMMABLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING MERCHANDISE

摘要

A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.

主权项

1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising:
a programming station comprising a logic control circuit configured to generate a security code, wherein the programming station comprises a housing containing the logic control circuit therein, and wherein the housing comprises a port; a programmable key comprising a memory configured to store the security code, the programmable key configured to be inserted within the port for programming the security code in the memory of the programmable key; and a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further configured to activate the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised, wherein the programmable key is configured to control the security device upon a matching of the security code stored by the security device with the security code stored by the programmable key.