The present invention relates to system for raising an alarm if an electronic device is stolen. The tamper alert system for an electronic device comprises: a cable with a plug for connecting to a terminal of the device which has a processor; a sensor that is operable to communicate with the processor in the device and in accordance with computer implemented software.

When an authorised connection of the cable is made to the electrical device a signal is received by the processor which configures an alarm to a standby mode. When in standby mode, if the sensor senses an unauthorised disconnection of the cable from the device, the processor transmits an alert signal, indicating an unauthorised event, to the alarm which activates the alarm.

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.

A wireless system for monitoring portable articles includes a central alarm unit (CAU) comprising a programmed controller operatively associated with a CAU wireless communication circuit. At least one wireless sensor comprises a programmed controller operatively associated with a sensor wireless communication circuit for communicating with the CAU wireless communication circuit. The CAU is programmed to periodically determine distance between the wireless sensor and the CAU and operates in a programming mode and responsive to manual input commands to determine a normal distance of the article being monitored from the CAU. The CAU is programmed to define a first zone as the normal distance plus a first select amount and a second zone as the normal distance plus a second select amount, greater than the first select amount.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system, devices, and methods for securing an item of merchandise. In one example, the system includes a tether configured to be secured to an item of merchandise, wherein the tether is a chain. The system also includes a housing configured to receive the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and a reel disposed within the housing and configured to rotate for winding the tether on and off the reel.

A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a base configured to be attached to a support surface. The base includes an alarm circuit and a tether, and the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base and to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise. The alarm circuit is configured to detect removal of the base from the support surface, cutting of the tether, and/or removal of the tether. In addition, the security device includes a lock mechanism configured to lock to the tether for securing the one or more items of merchandise to the tether, wherein one or more items of merchandise are removable from the tether when the lock mechanism is unlocked.

A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an article of merchandise and to communicate with the article of merchandise. The system also includes a tower configured to receive a signal from the sensor in response to a security event. The tower is further configured to generate a kill switch signal for determining whether to activate a kill switch on the article of merchandise.

The present invention provides an interactive warning system for merchandise security, comprising an interactive monitor device, in this interactive warning system, the monitor device can interact with the interactive controller and the intelligent terminal. The interactive warning system comprising an interactive controller and monitor device, in this interactive warning system, the controller and the monitor device can both connect with the intelligent terminal. The warning system in this invention include intelligent terminal, as a mode to configure the controller and the monitor device, the intelligent terminal can connect the controller and the monitor device wirelessly, to this end, the present invention can easily configure and connect the controller and the monitor device.

A theft detection device, for coupling to a merchandise product, includes a housing with a first end of a conductive strap attached to the housing. The housing has an opening for a second end of the conductive strap. The conductive strap secures the theft detection device to the product, and activated when the second end of the conductive strap is inserted into the opening. A light sensor, within the housing, senses the amount of light shining on the detection device. A motion sensor, within the housing, senses movement of the detection device. An emitter, within the housing, provides audio signals to a user. A microcontroller, within the housing, is coupled to the light sensor, the motion sensor, and the emitter. The emitter emits an alarm based on data from the light and motion sensors. The emitter emits an alarm when the conductive strap is cut or loosened from the product.

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 predetermined period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.

Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be electrically connected to an internal power source of an item of merchandise and an alarm module configured to communicate with the sensor. The sensor is configured to receive power from the internal power source for performing one or more security functions, and the alarm module is configured to generate a security signal in response to a security event.