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 unique security code, and a memory for storing the unique security code; a plurality of programmable keys each configured to communicate with the programming station to receive and store the unique security code in a memory, each of the plurality of programmable keys having the unique security code stored in its memory; and a plurality of security devices each comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the unique security code, each of the plurality of security devices having the unique security code stored in its memory, each of the plurality of security devices configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, each of the plurality of security devices further configured to activate the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised; wherein each of the plurality of programmable keys is configured to arm or disarm each of the plurality of security devices upon a matching of the unique security code stored by the plurality of security devices with the unique security code stored by the plurality of programmable keys.