Systems and methods for operating a security tag. The methods involve: receiving, by the security tag, an authorization code comprising a security tag identifier signed using a cryptographic key of a plurality of cryptographic keys that are respectively assigned to a plurality of security tags; performing operations by the security tag to verify a signature of the authorization code; and performing detach operations or deactivation operations by the security tag, responsive to the signature's verification. The detach operations cause a mechanical detachment of the security tag from an item. The deactivation operations cause a disablement of a response by the security tag to an interrogation signal from a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system or an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system.

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.

An antitheft protection device that includes an electronic antitheft element. The device also includes an element for deactivating the electronic antitheft element; an energy supply at least indirectly powering said element for deactivating the electronic antitheft element; and an element to receive a command to deactivate the electronic antitheft element.

Systems and methods for a smart electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit that may be incorporated into electronic devices and used to selectively provide EAS and other functionalities. Such functionalities may be provided by sharing large electrical components across the different functionalities, which may include passive EAS capabilities, inductive charging, and/or wireless communications. One or more software or solid-state switches may be used to selectively and repeatedly change between the wireless communication/inductive charging capabilities and the passive EAS capabilities. The EAS functionality may be provided by using a switch to connect passive circuitry across an antenna component to form a passive EAS circuit. The non-EAS functionality may be provided by using the switch to de-couple the passive circuitry from then antenna and instead, couple the antenna to other electronic circuitry.

Systems and methods for a smart electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit that may be incorporated into electronic devices and used to selectively provide EAS and other functionalities. Such functionalities may be provided by sharing large electrical components across the different functionalities, which may include passive EAS capabilities, inductive charging, and/or wireless communications. One or more software or solid-state switches may be used to selectively and repeatedly change between the wireless communication/inductive charging capabilities and the passive EAS capabilities. The EAS functionality may be provided by using a switch to connect passive circuitry across an antenna component to form a passive EAS circuit. The non-EAS functionality may be provided by using the switch to de-couple the passive circuitry from then antenna and instead, couple the antenna to other electronic circuitry.

A cell phone self-service check-out (CPSSC) application and its anti-theft device with an application controlled unlocking/detaching mechanism. The CPSSC enables the shopper purchase articles that capture their interest in the store, using their cell phones and any other smart mobile device (such as tablets). The Anti-theft device (with an application & electronic driven Locking/Unlocking mechanism) that depends on the completion of payment processing to enable the customer's cell phone to electronically deactivate the anti-theft device, wirelessly. Individually and collectively, CPSSC and RFID anti-theft device provides a cell phone self-service check-out facility/system that eliminates the need to go through the cashier.

A method of tracking a package. The method includes applying a package label to a package in which the package label comprises an antenna circuit, an activation tab configured to activate the antenna circuit, and a deactivation tab configured to deactivate the antenna circuit. The method also includes activating the antenna circuit by removing the activation tab and periodically transmitting a signal by the antenna circuit upon activation. The signal comprises information that identifies the package. The method also includes receiving the signal and using the information in the signal to track a location of the package.

Wireless presence is used as a theft prevention mechanism for packages. When a package is shipped, the package includes a wireless security device. Before the package is delivered to its final destination shipping address, the wireless security device is activated and programmed with a security credential. The security credential, though, is based on information obtained during an initial purchase. The wireless security device may thus only be deactivated by a recipient participating in the initial purchase.

Systems and methods for operating a security tag. The methods involve: establishing an electrical connection between the security tag and an external Power Removal Station (PRS); performing operations by the security tag to authenticate a detach command sent from the external PRS; allowing power to be supplied from the external PRS to an electro-mechanical component of the security tag when the detach command is authenticated; and actuating the electro-mechanical component so that a pin of the security tag transitions from an engaged position to an unengaged position without any human assistance or mechanical assistance by a device external to the security tag.