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.

Systems and methods for managing inventory. The methods comprise: generating sensor data by an Electronic Smart Tag (EST); processing, by the EST or a computing device remote from the EST, the sensor data to transform the same into information specifying at least one of a first person's intention with regard to an item to which the EST is coupled and the first person's interest in the item; generating a notification or a recommendation relating to inventory management, based on at least one of the first person's intention with regard to the item and the first person's interest in the item; and providing the notification or recommendation to a second person.

Devices, systems, and methods for removing a security tag from an article are disclosed herein. A device for removing a security tag includes a housing including an opening positioned to receive the tag and at least a portion of the article. A magnet is supported adjacent the opening to retain a tag body and to release a retainer pin therefrom when the tag is inserted into the opening. A pin retractor is positioned in the housing opposite the magnet to capture the retainer pin and retract it from the tag body. The pin retractor is retracted into a collar to strip the pin from the pin retractor. A release frame is positioned proximate the magnet and movable between a first position wherein the magnet retains the tag body, and a second position wherein the tag body is moved away from the magnet, thereby releasing the tag body from the magnet.

An identification device for a license plate, the identification device comprising a base structure for attachment to the license plate; a movable member movable relative to the base structure between a retracted position and an extended position; and electronic circuitry configured to transfer identification data associated with the identification device. A license plate arrangement comprising a license plate and an identification device, and a license plate system comprising at least one license plate arrangement, are also provided.

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.

Systems (100, 150) and methods (700, 800) for transitioning a handheld device (100) from a partially inoperative state to a fully operative state. The methods comprise performing operations to pair a first communication device (150) and a second communication device (100). In response to the pairing of the first and second communication devices, the second communication device is transitioned from the partially inoperative state in which deactivation operations for deactivating an active security tag (124) are disabled to the fully operative state in which said deactivation operations are enabled.

Systems and methods for deactivating an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) security tag coupled to an item. The methods comprise: detecting a presence of the EAS security tag in proximity to a tag deactivator; determining a distance between the item and at least one deactivation coil of the tag deactivator, in response to a detection of the EAS security tag; dynamically adjusting a deactivation field strength setting of the tag deactivator based on the distance that was previously determined; and using the at least one deactivation coil to generate a deactivation field in accordance with the deactivation field strength setting which was previously dynamically adjusted.

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.

A monitoring system for deriving a measurement of a separation distance between a monitor and one or more tags, where each tag is adapted to be attached to or contained within an object to be monitored, comprises a monitor that is operable to trigger an event if the separation distance exceeds a set separation limit. A frequency of packet exchange between a tag and monitor is dynamically altered based on a comparison of one or more

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.