Security system and method for protecting merchandise

ES 2 364 582 T3

DESCRIPTION

Security system and method for the protection of merchandise

Background of the invention

1. Technical field

The invention relates to security devices, systems and methods for the protection of merchandise, and in particular to a system based on a smart key that is programmed with a security disarming code (SDC) in a programming station, the key of which It is used to program the SDC code in various alarm modules attached to merchandise items.

2. Background information

Various retail establishments use numerous types of theft deterrent devices and systems to discourage thieves. Many of these systems use alarm modules and security devices that are attached to the item being protected in one way or another. When the integrity of the module or merchandise item protected by it is compromised in any way, such as cutting cables that link the security system to the merchandise item, removing merchandise from the security system, or disrupting the security device, it will cause an audible alarm sounds on the security device to alert store personnel that the item of merchandise or security device is being tampered with. These security devices, as well as the merchandise items protected by them, may also contain various Electronic Article Surveillance Tags (EAS) that will set off an alarm on a security door when passing through the door in an unauthorized manner.

These alarm modules or security devices that are attached to merchandise items typically have some type of key, either mechanical or magnetic, that is used to disengage the device from the protected merchandise item to enable merchandise to be taken to a cash desk, as well as to disarm the 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 in the same establishment or in another store that uses the same type of alarm module or security device, to enable a thief to disarm. the alarm module as well as to disengage it from the protected merchandise. These keys are also stolen by dishonest employees for subsequent unauthorized use by the employee or sale to a thief for use in the same or other stores that use the same type of alarm modules and security devices controlled by the key. .

It is extremely difficult to prevent the theft of these keys by dishonest employees or even a thief within the retail establishment due to the number of keys that must be available and used by the clerks in the various departments of the store to facilitate the use of the many security modules and devices needed to protect the many items of merchandise.

Thus, there is a need for a security system using various types of alarm modules and security devices that are attached to various items of merchandise, which will prevent a thief or dishonest employee from using the key that is needed to disarm and disarm. the security device in an unauthorized manner on similar types of alarm modules in various retail establishments including the store from which the key was stolen.

US 5942978 discloses a system for detaching reusable EAS labels from merchandise items at a point of sale terminal in a retail store. The system comprises a central computer interfaced with a programming station and with a point of sale terminal which is further interfaced with a splitter. The central computer stores product identification data associated with the merchandise items and the programming station is used to write the product identification information and other information on the EAS / ID tags. EAS / ID tags are attached to merchandise items and must be detached using a separator when the item is sold. If the EAS / ID tag is not removed, an EAS detection kit will trigger an alarm when the merchandise item passes through the outlet of the retail store. The EAS / ID tag comprises an RFID chip and the separator comprises a control circuit operable to interrogate an identification signal transmitted by the tag's RFID chip. The system of US 5942978 further comprises a key transmitter device similar to the EAS / ID tag that is programmed by the programming station to control a "bypass" operation of the separator. The RFID chip of the key-fob device is programmed with override function identification data indicative of the override function to be performed by the key-fob device in the separator. In essence, the "override" function of the transmitting key device causes the detacher to detach the next EAS / ID tag even though an identification signal is transmitted by the RFID chip of the next EAS / ID tag. Consequently, the programming station programs EAS / ID tags with an identification signal that allows the stripper to separate the tag from the item

ES 2 364 582 T3 merchandise and programs key-transmitter devices with identification data that cause the separator to separate all subsequent EAS / ID tags. An additional data signal path enables data communication between the host computer and a base station for wireless communication with a portable read / write unit. The function of the read / write unit is to read data from the EAS / ID tag and write data to the EAS / ID tag, for example while the tag is applied to an item of merchandise. The base station and read / write unit disclosed by US 5942978 merely transfers data to and from the EAS / ID tag as the tag is applied to an item of merchandise. The programming station disclosed by document US 5942978 generates at least one identification signal for the EAS / ID tags and different identification data for the key-transmitter device. The key-transmitter device operates the separator. The detacher then triggers the EAS / ID tag attached to the merchandise item.

Brief summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a security system and method for protecting merchandise items that use a smart key to disarm the security device that is attached to the merchandise, the key of which is programmable with a security disarming code (SDC ) unique, the code of which is provided to the key by a programming station, where the SDC is unique for a particular retail establishment, thus preventing the key from being used in a different store from the one where the key is stolen.

A further aspect of the present invention is to use the SDC that is programmed into the smart key by a programming station, to program each of the individual alarm modules or security devices used in that store with the same SDC when the modules are alarm and devices are activated first, the SDC of which remains with the alarm module throughout its use in the particular retail establishment.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide such a security system in which the smart key is provided with an internal timer that after a preset period of time, for example 96 hours, will automatically invalidate or erase the SDC in the key thus preventing its unauthorized use even in the particular retail establishment where the programming station is located and where the SDC was initially programmed into the key, after the preset period of time.

An additional feature of the present invention is to require that the smart key be reprogrammed with the SDC by the programming station within a preset period of time, the reprogramming of which can be performed by authorized personnel ensuring that the key can be used only by authorized dependents. , and only in the store that has the programmable station and the only SDC for all the security devices in the store.

Another additional feature of the present invention is to provide the smart key with an internal counter that counts the number of activations performed by the key, that is, the initial activation of each alarm module as well as each time the key is used to disarm. one or more of the alarm modules and, after a predetermined number of activations, it will permanently disable the key thereby ensuring that an active key always has enough internal power to receive the SDC and subsequently communicate with the alarm modules to disarm the modules when required. In addition, the internal counter will actuate an indicator signal a predetermined period of time before permanently deactivating the control circuit of the key after the maximum number of activations has been provided by the key.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide wireless communication between various elements of the system, namely the smart key, the programming station and the alarm module based on infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF) or similar transmission systems.

A still further aspect of the invention is to enable the alarm module or security device to actuate an alarm if an attempt is made to use a key to disarm the alarm module containing an erroneous SDC.

Still another feature of the invention is to retain the SDC in the programming station within a non-volatile memory that makes it possible for it to survive a power interruption.

A further aspect of the present invention is to enable the programming station, after reading an SDC stored in a key that does not match the programming station's sDc, to immediately terminate the erroneous SDC programmed in the key, preventing subsequent use of the key. wrench.

Another feature of the invention is to provide the programming station with a plurality of visual indicators that illuminate and / or flash to indicate the status of the programming station.

Still another aspect of the invention is the incorporation of an operational life timer in the logic control circuit of the alarm module that is preset for a specific period of time to ensure that the battery it contains has sufficient charge to operate the alarm module. alarm; and that the alarm module includes

ES 2 364 582 T3 a counter that records the amount of time that the audible alarm is activated, the alarm activation time of which automatically reduces the useful life period in the useful life timer by a predetermined amount. The life counter automatically renders the alarm module inoperable at the end of the set service life.

A further aspect of the invention is that the life counter in the alarm module will activate an end of life signal for a predetermined period of time before the life timer completely disables the alarm module, allowing service personnel to the store will replace it with a new and sufficiently charged alarm module.

Another feature of the invention is to mount a piezoelectric audible alarm on the alarm module in direct communication with an open sound space formed between the bottom of the alarm module and the mounting base to increase the dB level of the alarm sound. than that obtainable if the alarm was mounted entirely internally within the alarm housing.

A further feature of the invention is to provide the alarm module with a plurality of connection ports for joining one or more connecting cables extending between the alarm module and the articles of merchandise, which cables will contain a detection loop that will sound an alarm within the module if the integrity of the detection loop is compromised by a thief.

Another aspect of the present invention is to enable the logic control circuit of the programming station to permanently deactivate the SDC in a smart key if the SDC contained in it does not coincide with that of the programming station when it is in communication with the control circuit. logic control of the programming station.

Still another aspect of the invention is to provide the programming station with a plurality of LEDs that provide various status display devices depending on the condition and actuation state of the programming station.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide the programming station with a mechanically actuated rocker switch that requires a key to actuate, which key can be controlled by the store manager or other authorized personnel in order to activate the programming station to operate. the initial and subsequent programming of the SDC in the smart keys.

Still another feature of the invention is to provide the programming station with mechanical attachment means to secure it to a support structure in a secure location where the programming station is connected to an external power source that ensures that the required power is always available at the programming station avoiding the use of an internal battery power supply source.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide the key and the programming station with a lightweight tube that will facilitate the transfer of IR wireless communication waves between the key and the alarm module.

Another aspect of the invention is to form a portion of the programming station housing of an infrared transparent plastic material to facilitate the transmission of IR waves between the wireless communication systems of the key and the programming station.

Still another feature of the invention is to form the detection loops extending between the alarm modules and the attached merchandise items of an electrical conductor or fiber optic conductor located within an external mechanical bonding cable.

These characteristics are obtained by means of the security system of the present invention, the general nature of which can be considered by including a programmable key, a programming station to generate a security disarming code (SDC) in the key, a security device for connection to the item of merchandise, said security device receiving the key's SDC when initially activated and for subsequent use to disarm the security device.

These aspects and characteristics are further obtained by the method of the present invention used to protect an object, the general nature of which can be considered as long as the steps of attaching an alarm module to the object, programming a key with a security disarming code, are included. (SDC), program the SDC in the alarm module from the key, disarm the alarm module by verifying the SDC in the key with the SDC in the alarm module via wireless communication between the key and the alarm module, and invalidating the SDC in the key after a period of time to prevent subsequent disarming of the key. alarm module by said key unless the SDC is updated on the key in said period of time.

ES 2 364 582 T3

Brief description of the drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated as best as the applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and shown in the drawings and is particularly clearly indicated and set forth in the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the main components of the security system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation view of the programming station component of the security system.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the programming station of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the logic control circuit of the programming station shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation view of a type of security device that can be used in the security system of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the security device of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of the logic control circuit of the security device shown in Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the programmable smart key of the security system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 9-9, Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a block diagram of the logic control circuit of the programmable key shown in Figure 8.

Figures 11, 11A and 11B are a flow chart of the control circuitry of the programmable key in Figure 8.

Figures 12, 12A and 12B are a flow chart of the control circuitry of the programming station shown in Figure 2.

Figure 13 is the flow chart of the control logic circuit for the security device shown in Figure 5.

Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17 are schematic views of other types of security devices that can be used with the security system of the present invention.

Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed description of the invention

The preferred embodiment of the improved security system of the present invention is indicated generally at 1, as shown in Figure 1. The security system 1 includes three main components, a programming station 3, a programmable smart key 5, and a alarm module or security device 7 that is adapted to be attached to an article 9 of merchandise by means of a linking device such as a cable 11, preferably containing a detection loop 13.

The programming station 3 is preferably of the type shown and described in detail in a co-pending patent application entitled "Programming Station For A Security System For Protecting Merchandise" filed concurrently herewith, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The programming station 3 is shown in Figures 2-4 and includes a housing 15 formed by an internal housing shell 16 preferably formed of a transparent infrared plastic material to facilitate the transfer of infrared wireless communication waves, as discussed above. . Housing 15 also includes a top cover plate 14 snapped into shell 16 and a printed circuit board 17 containing control logic 18 located there. The logic control circuit 18 is shown on the block diagram in Figure 4.

The logic control circuit 18 includes a main controller 19 which is preferably a microprocessor, a wireless communication circuit 20, and a safety disarming code (SDC) memory 21 that communicates with the controller 19. A status display device 22 consisting of three LEDs 24 is also part of the control circuit 18 and provides a visual indication of the status of station 3 of

ES 2 364 582 T3 programming during and after the use of the programming station 3 to program the SDC in the smart key 5. The housing shell 16 is secured to a base 24 by means of fasteners, the base of which can be secured to a structure 26 of support by fasteners 27. The wireless communication circuit 20, and in particular the transmission and reception components thereof, are aligned with a key reception port 29 found in the housing shell 16, the port of which is adapted to receive the smart key 5 within as shown. shown in figure 2. The wireless communication circuit 20 and various components thereof that are formed on the circuit board 17, in the preferred embodiment will be an infrared (IR) system, although radio frequency (RF) and other types of wireless communications could be used. without affecting the concept of the invention.

A key operated rocker switch 31 is mounted in the housing 15 and is controlled by a mechanical key 33 to activate the logic control circuit within the programming station 3 to program a smart key 5 with the SDC as discussed above. The particular circuitry of logic control circuit 18 is shown in more detail in the copending application referred to above, but could be other types of circuitry than those shown there, the circuits of which are immediately known to those skilled in the art to obtain the features and results of the programming station as discussed above.

The programming station 3 is powered from an external power supply such as a 120 volt current electrical outlet readily found in a retail establishment. Preferably, station 3 will be secured to surface 26 in a secure location, such as the store manager's office or similar protected environment. Also, the activation key 33 will be kept in the possession of the store manager or other highly trusted employee to prevent unauthorized use of the programming station 3.

The alarm module 7, shown particularly in Figures 5, 6 and 7 is a type of security device that can be used with the security system of the present invention. The alarm module 7 is of the type shown and described in greater detail in a pending patent application filed at the same time as this one entitled "Programmable Alarm Module And System For Protecting Merchandise", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The alarm module 7 includes a housing 35 preferably formed of plastic material that includes an upper cover plate 36 that is snap fit into an upper housing member 37, which in turn is secured to a lower housing member 38 by means of a plurality of fasteners 39. The aligned posts 40 extending between a base 41 and the lower housing member 38 provide an open sound space 42 between them as shown in Figure 6.

A battery 44 is mounted within the housing 35 and provides the power source with a logic control circuit indicated generally at 46, and shown schematically in Figure 7, the circuit of which is formed on a mounted printed circuit board 48. inside the housing 35. Control circuit 46 includes main controller 49 and wireless communication circuit 50 which is preferably an IR system to match that of programming station 3 as discussed above. The logic circuit 46 further includes an audible alarm 51 which is preferably a piezoelectric alarm mounted within the housing 35 and communicating directly with the sound space 42 as shown in Figure 6. Circuit 46 further includes an SDC memory 53, an EAS tag sensing circuit 54, and one or more sensing loops 13. A plunger switch 57 is preferably mounted within the lower housing member 38 and includes a plunger 58 that engages a bearing surface 59 on which the alarm module 7 is mounted, preferably by one or more attachment screws (not shown). . Plunger switch 57 will actuate alarm 51 if the alarm module is illegally removed from the support surface. An LED 61 is connected to logic control circuit 46 and extends through an opening formed in upper housing member 37 and cover plate 36 to provide a visual indication of the status of the alarm module 7.

One or more connection sockets 63 are formed in the alarm module 7, to connect a junction cable 11 to the alarm module whose cable contains a detection loop 13. The detection loops 13 are preferably electrical conductors, fiber optic conductors or the like, which as shown in Figure 1 extend between the alarm module 7 and an article 9 of merchandise to be protected thereby. Each detection loop 13 is operatively connected to controller 49 such that the integrity of the detection loop or cable should be compromised, such as by cutting the cable, leaving it loose from module 7 or merchandise 9, the audible alarm 51 will sound, thus such as providing a certain flash pattern to LED 61. If desired, cable 11 could be connected to an automatic winder located within module 7 without affecting the concept of the invention. The main characteristic is that the detection loop, and in particular its conductor 13, is optically or electrically connected to the controller 49 and to an article 9 of merchandise.

A key receiving port 65 is formed in the upper cover plate 36 and in the upper housing member 37 of the housing 35 adjacent to a light tube 67 to enhance the transmission of infrared signals when the smart key 5 is placed in the port. 65 and aligned with transmitter and receiver 69 mounted on circuit board 48 under port 65 as shown in Figure 6. This facilitates the transmission of IR waves between the key 5 as discussed above, and the wireless communication components 69 of communication circuit 50. Additional details and how to actuate the alarm module 7 are shown

ES 2 364 582 T3 and described in the pending patent application referred to above, and it is easily understood that other types of circuit arrangements than those shown there and shown in figure 7 could be used to achieve the characteristics of the alarm module 7 without affecting the concept of the invention.

The smart key 5 is shown in detail in Figures 8-10. Key 5 includes a housing 71 formed of upper and lower plastic housing members 72 and 73 respectively, which are joined to form a hollow interior 74 in which a battery 75 and a printed circuit board 76 containing a circuit are mounted. Control logic indicated generally at 77, and shown as a block diagram in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the logic control circuit 77 will include a wireless communication circuit 79 that is preferably IR driven so that it is compatible with the send and transmit components of the programming station 3 and the programming module 7. alarm. A central controller 80, which is preferably a microprocessor type, controls the wireless communication circuit 79, an SDC memory 81, an internal timer 82, and an activation counter 83. The logic control circuit 77 is powered by an activation switch 85 that is mounted on the circuit board 76 and located under a flexible member 87 mounted on the upper housing member 72, such that when depressed as shown by the arrow A, figure 9, will actuate the controller and logic control circuit 77.

A light tube 89 is preferably mounted on the upper housing member 72 in alignment with an LED 90 mounted on the circuit board 76. LED 90 provides a visual indication of the status and activation of key 5 as discussed further below. A lens 91 is mounted in a housing end aperture 92 93, which is preferably a visible light filter to enhance the transmission and reception of infrared waves when the key is interfaced with the programming station 3 and the alarm module 7 . Again, the details of the circuitry and components of the logic control circuit 77 are shown in the above-referenced patent application which shows an example of a preferred circuit arrangement. However, it is readily understood that other circuit configurations can be used to achieve the results and characteristics of the key 5 than those shown and discussed above and in said pending patent application without affecting the concept of the invention.

Figure 1 better illustrates the preferred system and method of the present invention. The programming station 3 is operated by use of the safety key 33 which is positioned in a circular key opening 95 that powers the station. The smart key 5 is placed in the receiving port 29 and the key switch 85 is actuated by pressing down on the flexible member 87. This causes the logic control circuit 18 of the programming station 3 to randomly generate a single SDC that is transmitted via the wireless communication circuit 20 to the wireless communication circuit 79 of the key 5 that stores the generated SDC and the memory SDC 81 of the key. One or more of the LEDs 24 of the programming station 3 and the LED 90 of the key 3 will illuminate or flash to indicate that the station 3 is activated and operating satisfactorily and that the SDC has been transmitted to the key 5.

According to one of the characteristics of the invention, the SDC that is initially generated by the programming station 3 is generated randomly and is unique in the station 3 and always remains with the station for subsequent use. Thus, when the first SDC is generated, this is the SDC that always remains with station 3 and is subsequently programmed in one or more keys 5. The key 5 now containing the SDC is led to one or more alarm modules 7 and the key end 93 is inserted into the key receiving port 65 as shown in Figure 5. The key switch 85 is then actuated. programming the SDC via the wireless communication systems 50 and 79 from the key 5 in the memory SDC 53 of the logic control circuit 46 of the alarm module 7. The memory SDC 53 permanently stores this SDC in the alarm module programmed preferably for the lifetime of the alarm module. Again, upon actuation of the keyswitch 85, the key LED 90 will flash as well as the LED 61 of the alarm module 7 indicating that a successful programming of the alarm module with the SDC has occurred.

According to another of the characteristics of the invention, the SDC when stored in the memory 81 of the key 5 will activate a timer 82 for a predetermined period of time, for example 96 hours. At the end of this period of time, the SDC in memory 81 will be erased or invalidated automatically by the logic control circuit 77 rendering the key inoperative if it is attempted to use it with the alarm module 7. This prevents a key 5 from being stolen by a thief or dishonest employee and trying to use it again after this period of time has passed to disarm an alarm module 7 in the same store from which the key was stolen. Furthermore, since the SDC in the key 5 is unique in the particular programming station 3 of the retail establishment, even if the key 5 is taken to another store that uses the same type of alarm module 7 still within the valid time period of the SDC, the key will not work with the alarm module of the other store since it will have been programmed with a different SDC. Thus, the programmed key 5 avoids one of the main disadvantages of current security systems that use various types of keys, since these previous security keys can always be used in one or more stores that use similar types of security devices, whether the key is a type of mechanical or magnetic actuated key. Thus, the key 5 could only be used for a relatively short period of time by a thief or dishonest employee and only in the particular store from which it was stolen. Again, the transmission of the SDC between the programming station 3 and the key 5 and between the key 5 and the alarm module 7 is by means of wireless communication transmission systems, preferably

ES 2 364 582 T3 operating in IR or RF wavelength.

The counter 83 of the key control logic circuit 77 counts each time the keyswitch 85 is activated, either when it is programmed with an SDC from the programming station 3 or when it disarms an alarm module 7. After a predetermined number of activations, for example 55000, the counter 83 will cause the logic control circuit 77 to deactivate the key rendering it inoperative for further use. This ensures that battery 75 always has sufficient charge for SDC transmission between the key and station 3 and modules 7.

In order to disarm the alarm module 7, a validly programmed key 5 that is still in its active time period will be placed in the key receiving port 65 as shown in figure 5 and the switch 85 is powered by pressing the member 87. Wireless communication systems 50 and 79 will deactivate alarm 51 allowing wire 11 to be removed from object 9 or from alarm module socket 63 for sale of item 9 to a customer or for joining a new or different type of merchandise to the alarm module. After the desired product tampering has occurred, key 5 is then used to reset the alarm module. Again, the key LED 90 and the alarm module LED 61 will flash in various patterns to indicate that disarming has occurred and then subsequently that re-arming has occurred. Again, alarm module 7 SDC memory 53 must read the same SDC code generated by key 5 in order to disarm module 7. If a different SDC is felt by alarm module 7 than that stored in memory 53, module 7 will sound alarm 51 indicating that an incorrect key is being used. Similarly, if the SDC had been removed from the key by timer 82, the key will not actuate or disarm the alarm module 7 and will provide a flashing signal that disarming has not occurred and that a key is being used. encoded.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the formation of the sound space 42 and its direct communication with the piezo-alarm 51 will provide a higher dB level for the same size alarm than that occurred in previous alarm modules in which The piezo-alarm is mounted entirely within the alarm module housing. The alarm module 7, and in particular the logic control circuit 46, contains an end of life (EOL) 97 or useful life timer that is actuated when the alarm module 7 is first powered. This timer has been preset at the factory for a specific period of time, for example 3 or 5 years, depending on the particular size of battery 44 contained within it. At the end of the useful life period, the control logic circuit 46 will deactivate the alarm module 7 preventing its subsequent arming with an SDC. This ensures that the battery has sufficient power throughout the life of the alarm module. Furthermore, a counter 98 is provided in the alarm module which records the length of time that the alarm 51 is actuated since the alarm results in an additional drain on the battery charge. This alarm time is then subtracted from the EOL period by a certain formulation. Again, this ensures that the battery 44 has sufficient power to successfully operate the alarm module 7 even though the audible alarm has been used a number of times during its useful life.

A near end of life (NEOL) feature is also provided in control logic circuit 46 that will provide a visual signal such as a particular LED flash pattern 61 and a non-alarm chirp other than alarm 51, when the end of life is approaching, for example five days before the end of life timer completely disables the alarm module circuitry.

Additional details of the actuation of the logic control circuitry 77 of the programmable key 5 are shown in Figures 11-11B. Figures 12-12B show additional details of the manner and method of actuation of the logic control circuitry 18 of the programming station 3, with Figure 13 showing the manner of actuation of the logic control circuitry 46 of the module 7 of alarm. The sequence of events and actions taken by these various components and shown in the flow chart of Figures 11-13 is readily understood and followed by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Figures 14-17 show examples of four other types of security devices that could be used in the security system and method of the present invention. Figure 14 shows a product display security device indicated 100 for viewing and protecting an item 101 of merchandise attached to a cable 102 that would contain a detection loop. A smart key receiving port 103 is formed in the security device housing 104, which when a key 5 is inserted therein would initially program and then subsequently disarm the security device 100. Figure 15 shows one type of clothing tag security device 105 that is formed with a smart key receiving port 106 that is used to deactivate the security tag to enable an alarm pin 107 to be removed from clothing 108. Figure 16 shows another type of cable alarm security device 109 that is connected to an article 110 of merchandise by a cable 111. Cable 111 contains a detection loop and will be formed with a smart key receiving port 112 therein in order to deactivate security device 109 allowing it to be removed from protected article 110. Still another type of security device generally indicated at 115 is shown in Figure 17 to include a plurality of cables 116 extending through an article 117 to be protected thereby. It is readily understood that cables 116 preferably contain sensing loops and are tightened into bundles 117 by a ratchet mechanism 118. A smart key receiving port 119 is provided, along with a logic control circuit, etc. within a housing 120 that contains the locking mechanism

ES 2 364 582 T3 ratchet. Figures 14-17 merely show other examples of how the security system of the present invention and its method of actuation can be used and which need to be limited to the particular alarm module 7 shown and described above.

In summary, the improved security system of the present invention provides a system that can be used in numerous retail establishments, that uses a smart key as the main component, that even if it is stolen, it cannot be used even in the home store after a predetermined period of time to disarm an alarm module, and it can never be used in another store to disarm a security device since it is programmed with a unique SDC for that particular store, and that the SDC is initially randomly generated by a programming station used only by this store. The smart key contains the internal timer that will deactivate a validly stored SDC after a predetermined period of time thereby rendering the key completely unusable even in the store of origin after this period of time. The key merely has to be returned to the programming station which can be kept in a secure location allowing an authorized clerk to reprogram the key with the same SDC for subsequent use with various alarm modules in the store, all of which will have been programmed. from one of the smart keys with the unique SDC for that store. Also, the programming station 3, the smart key 5 and the alarm module 7 each have various types of visual indicators and / or alarms that inform the status of these components, and that will alert the clerk if an item of merchandise and / or alarm module is being forced. Also, programming station 3 will deactivate an SDC stored in a key if it is the wrong SDC when attempting to reprogram the key in programming station 3. Also the alarm module 7 will sound an alarm if an attempt is made to use a key containing a wrong SDC in an alarm module. In addition to these characteristics, each of the individual components has various timing circuits, control circuits, and visual indicator circuits, all of which are part of the internal logic control circuits contained in the components, the characteristics of which are described in more detail in the components. Pending patent applications referred to above covering each of said components.

Another feature that can be incorporated into the present invention is the use of a "master" key and "clerk" keys in order to provide an additional layer of security to the security system of a particular retail store. In this dual key system, the random number generator contained in the logic control circuit of the programming station will only generate the SDC when the master key is presented to the station and a limited access switch is activated. This master key can then be used to program the SDC in various alarm modules, as well as employee keys that are subsequently programmed with the SDC through the programming station once the SDC is generated using the master key.

The use of the master key enables the store manager to change the programming station SDC which is then subsequently used by clerk keys and alarm modules throughout the store, if for some reason the store manager believes that the Original SDC was compromised. If a new SDC is generated by the master key and later reprogrammed in the employee keys, the control logic circuit of the alarm module will be provided with a means of recognizing the old and new SDC of a key when it is in wireless communication with it. . This will allow the alarm module to accept the new SDC to disarm the alarm module without activating the audible alarm that would occur as discussed above, when the alarm module reads the use of a key that has a wrong SDC programmed into it.

This dual key system would increase the complexity of various logic control circuits in the smart keys, the programming station, and the alarm modules, but would provide an additional layer of security if the location using the improved security system of the present invention would like such an increased level of security. However, the preferred embodiment previously described is believed to provide very adequate security protection for your merchandise system through the use of a single key. However, the dual key system can be used without departing from the concept of the present invention.

Although the above description refers to the security code being a disarming code, it is understood that the code can activate and control other functions and features of the security device such as immobilizing the device of the product, turning off an alarm, etc. without leaving the concept of the invention. Likewise, various components of the logic circuit and the resulting graphics can easily be modified by one of ordinary skill in the art to achieve the same results. Also, the security code can be preset at the programming station at the factory or chosen by the customer, and if desired, later changed by the customer, also without affecting the concept of the invention.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. Non-unnecessary limitations may be hinted at beyond the prior art requirement because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely interpreted.

What is more, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.