A smart delivery receptacle and related systems and techniques are disclosed. The disclosed receptacle may be configured to detect and securely report wirelessly on whether a package has been delivered thereto. Moreover, the disclosed receptacle may be configured to alert an owner or other authorized party if the receptacle has been compromised or a package has been removed without authorization. To such ends, the disclosed receptacle may include RF wireless communication device(s) configured to transmit RF signal(s) including data pertaining to various conditions to be monitored. Information from the RF signal(s) may be delivered through the internet to a server, which may be cloud-based in some instances, allowing for inter-networking of the system components and other elements as part of the internet of things (IOT). Mobile and other computing devices may access the information stored at the server to monitor the receptacle, as well as control overall system operation.

A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security system comprises a smart device and an electronic key coupled to the smart device. The electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating a merchandise security device.

A module includes a first antenna that performs, with a wireless communication terminal, communication for determining whether unlocking or locking of a door of a vehicle is enabled, a first board being installed with the first antenna, and a housing that houses the first board. The housing is housed in a support frame of a body of the door that supports an open and close operation portion of the door outside in a width direction of the vehicle in such a way as to be operatable.

Secured access to a vehicle is provided. A power input is configured to receive power from a source external to the vehicle. A voltage monitor is configured to measure voltage and/or state of health of a vehicle battery. An access component is configured to provide secured access to the vehicle. A processor is configured to, responsive to the voltage monitor indicating the vehicle battery is unable to power the access component, power the access component via the power input to allow the secured access to the vehicle despite the vehicle battery being depleted.

The invention relates to an access control system, including a control circuit, a push button that can be moved from a distal position to a proximal position, aided by an elastic element to keep it in the distal open position, a tab, configured to be moved by means of the push button, and establish the closure of the access, a locking device for locking the closed position of the tab, an access identification element that communicates with the control circuit that locks the closed position of the tab when the control circuit identifies the access element, wherein a rotating element that rotates when the push button is actuated, a clutch mechanism that transmits the rotating movement of the rotating element to a power-generating motor to power the control circuit when the push button is actuated, avoiding the use of batteries.

Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative systems, structures, and methods for performing authenticated access to a structure. An illustrative system includes a connector configured to be operably connected to a personal electronics device and to receive an electric charge from the personal electronics device, a controller couplable to an electromechanical locking device and the connector, and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the controller to receive first authentication information, receive second authentication information from the personal electronics device, authenticate the personal electronics device responsive to the first authentication information and the received second authentication information, and activate an electromechanical locking device to unlock responsive to the electric charge and a successful authentication.

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.

Examples associated with receptacle isolation are described. One example service kiosk includes a set of receptacles for electronic devices. Each receptacle includes a power connector to provide power to an electronic device stored in the receptacle, a data connector to provide a data connection to the electronic device stored in the receptacle, and a locking mechanism to secure contents of the receptacle. Members of the set of receptacles are digitally isolated from other members of the set of receptacles. An authentication module authenticates a user based on a credential provided by the user, and controls a selected locking mechanism of a selected member of the set of receptacles based on the credential, and based on data received from a remote information technology module. A user interface module instructs the user through the process of at least one of storing a received electronic device in the receptacle, and retrieving a provided electronic device from the receptacle.

A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security system comprises a smart device and an electronic key coupled to the smart device. The electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating a merchandise security device.

A safekeeping device includes a case configured to house a storage device including a nonvolatile memory, and a processor configured to control electric power so that the electric power is supplied to the nonvolatile memory at a predetermined timing.