Anti-theft security device and perimeter detection system

US 7,671,741 B2
Filed: 07/27/2006
Issued: 03/02/2010
Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2005
Status: Active Grant

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1. A security tag comprising:

a housing;

a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected to the membrane;

a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane;

an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition, wherein the alarm does not emit the tamper signal when the housing is removed or attempted to be removed from the membrane in an authorized condition and the security tag is in the authorized condition when it receives an encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm;

a deactivator positioned on a top surface of the housing portion and operable to receive the encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm; and

a controller connected to the deactivator and operable to control at least the alarm, wherein the controller monitors an electric circuit formed between the housing and the membrane and controls the alarm to emit the tamper signal when the circuit is disrupted, and wherein the controller receives the deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm.

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Abstract

A security tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected the membrane, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane and an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition. A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise and an alarm operable to emit a tamper alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition.

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110 Claims

1. A security tag comprising:
- a housing;
  
  a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected to the membrane;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane;
  
  an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition, wherein the alarm does not emit the tamper signal when the housing is removed or attempted to be removed from the membrane in an authorized condition and the security tag is in the authorized condition when it receives an encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm;
  
  a deactivator positioned on a top surface of the housing portion and operable to receive the encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm; and
  
  a controller connected to the deactivator and operable to control at least the alarm, wherein the controller monitors an electric circuit formed between the housing and the membrane and controls the alarm to emit the tamper signal when the circuit is disrupted, and wherein the controller receives the deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- - 2. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the deactivator further comprises at least one electrical contact positioned on the top surface of the housing and operable to receive an electrical encrypted deactivation signal.
  - 3. The security tag of claim 2, wherein the security tag further comprises a magnetic locking mechanism operable to lock the housing to the membrane.
  - 4. The security tag of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:
    - a slot formed on the top surface of the membrane;
      
      a protrusion extending down from the bottom surface of the housing into the slot of the membrane, wherein the protrusion slides laterally into the slot in a first direction to secure the housing to the membrane; and
      
      a locking pin extending down through a locking hole in the membrane to prevent the housing from sliding laterally in a direction opposite the first direction to lock the housing in place with respect to the membrane.
  - 5. The security tag of claim 4, wherein the locking pin is made of a magnetic material such that it is movable by a magnet to unlock the locking mechanism, wherein, when the locking pin is raised, the housing is free to move laterally with respect to the membrane.
  - 6. The security tag of claim 5, wherein the tamper signal is an audible alarm.
  - 7. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the deactivator further comprises a photodetector positioned on the top surface of the housing and operable to receive an optical encrypted deactivation signal.
  - 8. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the deactivator further comprises a sonic receiver positioned on the top surface of the housing and operable to receive a sonic encrypted deactivation signal.

9. A security tag comprising:
- a housing;
  
  a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected to the membrane;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane;
  
  an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition,a controller operable to control at least the alarm; and
  
  a transceiver operable to receive and to emit wireless signals, wherein the transceiver is controlled by the controller.
- View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
- - 10. The security tag of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the transceiver to transmit a warning alarm signal when the security tag is in a predetermined warning zone.
  - 11. The security tag of claim 10, wherein the security tag is in the predetermined warning zone when the transceiver receives a warning emission signal.
  - 12. The security tag of claim 11, wherein the controller controls the transceiver to transmit a breach alarm signal when the security tag is in a predetermined breach zone.
  - 13. The security tag of claim 12, wherein the security tag is in the predetermined breach zone when the transceiver receives a breach emission signal.

14. A security tag comprising:
- a housing;
  
  a connecting portion connected to the housing and operable to connect the housing to merchandise to be secured;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the connecting portion; and
  
  an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the connecting portion in an unauthorized condition, wherein the alarm does not emit the tamper signal when the housing is removed or attempted to be removed from the connecting portion in an authorized condition and the security tag is in the authorized condition when it receives an encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm;
  
  a deactivator positioned on a top surface of the housing and operable to receive the encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm; and
  
  a controller connected to the deactivator and operable to control at least the alarm, wherein the controller monitors an electric circuit between the housing and connecting portion and controls the alarm to emit the tamper signal when the circuit is disrupted, and wherein the controller receives the encrypted deactivation signal and deactivates the alarm.
- View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
- - 15. The security tag of claim 14, wherein the deactivator further comprises at least one electrical contact positioned on the top surface of the housing and operable to receive an electrical encrypted deactivation signal.
  - 16. The security tag of claim 15, wherein the security tag further comprises a magnetic locking mechanism operable to lock the housing to the connecting portion.
  - 17. The security tag of claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:
    - an anchor attached to one end of the connecting portion and permanently connected to the housing;
      
      a plunger detachable connected to the housing and connected to a second end of the connecting portion; and
      
      a locking pin mounted in the housing and operable to secure the plunger in the housing to prevent the security tag from being separated from the merchandise.
  - 18. The security tag of claim 17, wherein the locking pin is made of a magnetic material such that it is movable by a magnet to unlock the locking mechanism, wherein, when the locking pin is moved away from the plunger, the plunger is detachable from the housing.
  - 19. The security tag of claim 18, wherein the tamper signal is an audible alarm.
  - 20. The security tag of claim 14, wherein the deactivator further comprises a photodetector positioned on the top surface of the housing and operable to receive an optical encrypted deactivation signal.
  - 21. The security tag of claim 14, wherein the deactivator further comprises a sonic receiver positioned on the top surface of the housing and operable to receive a sonic encrypted deactivation signal.

22. A security tag comprising:
- a housing;
  
  a connecting portion connected to the housing and operable to connect the housing to merchandise to be secured;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the connecting portion; and
  
  an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the connecting portion in an unauthorized condition;
  
  a controller operable to control at least the alarm; and
  
  a transceiver operable to receive and to emit wireless signals, wherein the transceiver is controlled by the controller.
- View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
- - 23. The security tag of claim 22, wherein the controller controls the transceiver to transmit a warning alarm signal when the security tag is in a predetermined warning zone.
  - 24. The security tag of claim 23, wherein the security tag is in the predetermined warning zone when the transceiver receives a warning emission signal.
  - 25. The security tag of claim 24, wherein the controller controls the transceiver to transmit a breach alarm signal when the security tag is in a predetermined breach zone.
  - 26. The security tag of claim 25, wherein the security tag is in the predetermined breach zone when the transceiver receives a breach emission signal.

27. A security system comprising:
- a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise;
  
  an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition;
  
  wherein the alarm does not emit the tamper signal when the tag is removed or is attempted to be removed from the merchandise in an authorized condition and the security tag is in the authorized condition when it receives an encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm;
  
  a magnetic locking mechanism operable to lock the security tag to the merchandise, the magnetic locking mechanism further comprises at least one locking pin made of a magnetic material, such that the locking pin is movable to open the locking mechanism by a magnet; and
  
  a removal device operable to provide the encrypted deactivation signal and to release the magnetic locking mechanism, wherein the removal device further comprises;
  
  at least one electrical contact, positioned on a distal end of the removal device, operable to contact the security tag to transmit the encrypted deactivation signal to the security tag; and
  
  a magnet positioned near the distal end of the removal device such that when the removal device contacts the security tag, the magnetic field of the magnet moves the locking pin to allow the security tag to be removed from the merchandise.
- View Dependent Claims (28)
- - 28. The security system of claim 27, wherein the tamper signal includes an audible alarm signal.

29. A security system comprising:
- a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise;
  
  an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition, andwherein the alarm emits a warning alarm signal when the security tag is in a predefined warning zone.
- View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
- - 30. The security system of claim 29, wherein the alarm emits a breach alarm signal when the security tag is in a predefined breach zone.
  - 31. The security system of claim 30, further comprising at least one reader operable to receive and differentiate at least the tamper signal, the warning alarm signal and the breach alarm signal.
  - 32. The security system of claim 31, wherein the at least one reader generates an alert message upon receipt of at least one of selected from the group of the tamper signal, the warning alarm signal and the breach alarm signal indicating which alarm signal was received.
  - 33. The security system of claim 32, further comprising a collector connected to the at least one reader operable to receive the alert message from the at least one reader and to provide further security processing based on the alert message.
  - 34. The security system of claim 33, further comprising a plurality of security cameras operable to obtain security footage and controlled by the collector, wherein the further security processing performed by the collector includes activating one or more of the security cameras in a location of the reader.
  - 35. The security system of claim 34, further comprising at least one recording device operable to record security footage obtained by at least one of the plurality of security cameras and controlled by the collector, wherein the further security processing performed by the collector includes controlling the recording device to insert a marker in the security footage when the alert signal is received.
  - 36. The security system of claim 35, further comprising a communication device operable to send wireless security messages to security personnel and controlled by the collector, wherein the further security processing performed by the collector includes controlling the communication device to sent a wireless security message indicating that an alert signal has been received by the collector.
  - 37. The security system of claim 36, wherein the wireless security message further includes location information regarding a location of the security tag that emitted the tamper alarm signal, warning alarm signal or breach alarm signal that was indicated in the alert signal received by the collector.
  - 38. The security system of claim 37, further comprising at least one wireless messaging device operable to receive the security message from the communication device, wherein the at least one wireless messaging device includes a graphical user interface operable to display to security personnel the location of the security tag that emitted the tamper signal, warning alarm signal or breach alarm signal that was identified in the alert signal received by the collector.
  - 39. The security system of claim 30, further comprising at least one network reader operable to receive and identify the tamper signal and to generate an alert signal when the tamper signal is received.
  - 40. The security system of claim 39, further comprising a plurality of network readers connected together, wherein each network reader has a predefined reception range and wherein the alert signal generated by each network reader includes identification information identifying the network reader.
  - 41. The security system of claim 29, further comprising at least one warning reader operable to receive and identify the warning alarm signal and to generate a warning alert signal when the warning alarm signal is received, wherein the warning reader also receives the tamper signal and generates the tamper alert signal in response thereto.
  - 42. The security system of claim 41, further comprising at least one breach reader operable to receive and identify the breach alarm signal and to generate a breach alert signal when the breach alarm signal is received.
  - 43. The security system of claim 42, further comprising at least one emitter operable to emit at least two wireless emission signals, the at least two wireless emission signals including:
    - a warning emission signal, having a first emission range, that indicates that the security tag is in the predefined warning zone and triggers the alarm of the security tag to emit the warning alarm signal; and
      
      a breach emission signal, having a second emission range, that indicates that the security tag is in the predefined breach zone and triggers the alarm of the security tag to emit the breach alarm signal.
  - 44. The security system of claim 43, wherein the at least one emitter is included in the warning reader such that the warning reader emits the warning emission signal and receives the warning alarm signal.
  - 45. The security system of claim 44, wherein the at least one emitter is included in the breach reader such that the breach reader emits the breach emission signal and receives the breach alarm signal.
  - 46. The security system of claim 44, further comprising a collector operable to receive the alert signal, the warning alert signal and the breach alert signal and to provide further security processing.
  - 47. The security system of claim 46, wherein each of the plurality of network readers, the warning reader and the breach reader are connected to the collector.
  - 48. The security system of claim 47, further comprising a plurality of security cameras operable to obtain security footage and controlled by the collector, wherein the further security processing performed by the collector includes activating one or more of the security cameras when at least one of selected from the group of the alert signal, the warning alert signal and the breach alert signal are received by the collector.
  - 49. The security system of claim 48, wherein the collector activates one or more security cameras in a location of the security tag that is emitting the tamper alarm signal when the alert signal is received.
  - 50. The security system of claim 49, wherein the collector activates one or more cameras near the warning reader when the warning alert signal is received.
  - 51. The security system of claim 50, wherein the collector activates one or more cameras near the breach reader when the breach alarm signal is received.
  - 52. The security system of claim 51, further comprising at least one recording device operable to record security footage obtained by at least one of the plurality of security cameras and controlled by the collector, wherein the further security processing performed by the collector includes controlling the recording device to insert a marker in the security footage when the alert signal, warning alert signal or breach alert signal is received.
  - 53. The security system of claim 52, further comprising a communication device operable to send wireless security messages to security personnel and controlled by the collector, wherein the further security processing performed by the collector includes controlling the communication device to send a wireless security message indicating that one of the alert signal, warning alert signal or breach alert signal has been received by the collector.
  - 54. The security system of claim 53, wherein the wireless security message further includes location information regarding a location of the security tag that emitted the tamper signal, warning alarm signal or breach alarm signal that was identified in the one of the alert signal, warning alert signal or breach alert signal received by the collector.
  - 55. The security system of claim 54, further comprising at least one wireless messaging device operable to receive the security message from the communication device, wherein the at least one wireless device includes a graphical user interface operable to display to security personnel the location of the security tag that emitted the tamper signal, warning alarm signal or breach alarm signal.
  - 56. The security system of claim 29, further comprising:
    - an emitter that emits at least one signal within at least one predetermined zone, wherein the security tag emits a zone signal in response thereto when the security tag is in the at least one predetermined zone; and
      
      a reader operable to receive the zone signal.
  - 57. The security system of claim 56, wherein the emitter and the reader are embodied in a single transceiver.

58. A security system comprising:
- a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, wherein the security tag includes a first element operatively connected to a second element;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor a relationship between the first element and the second element; and
  
  an alarm operable to emit a first alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that the first element is separated from the second element in an unauthorized condition,wherein the alarm does not emit the first alarm signal when the first element is separated from the second element in an authorized condition and the security system is in an authorized condition when the security tag has received an encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm; and
  
  a magnetic locking mechanism operable to lock the first element to the second element, wherein the first element is connected to the merchandise and the magnetic locking mechanism further comprises;
  
  a slot formed in a top surface of the first element;
  
  a protrusion extending down from the bottom surface of the second element into the slot of the first element, wherein the protrusion slides laterally into the slot in a first direction to secure the second element to the first element; and
  
  a locking pin extending down through a locking hole in the first element to prevent the second element from sliding laterally in a direction opposite the first direction to lock the second portion in place with respect to the first element.
- View Dependent Claims (59, 60, 61)
- - 59. The security system of claim 58, wherein the locking pin is made of a magnetic material such that the locking pin may be raised by a magnet to allow the second element to slide relative to the first element.
  - 60. The security system of claim 59, further comprising a removal device operable to provide the encrypted deactivation signal and to release the magnetic locking mechanism.
  - 61. The security system of claim 60, wherein the removal device further comprises:
    - at least one electrical contact, positioned on a distal end of the removal device, operable to contact the security tag to transmit the encrypted deactivation signal to the security tag; and
      
      a magnet position near the distal end of the removal device such that when the removal device contacts the security tag the magnetic field of the magnet moves the locking pin to release the magnetic locking mechanism to allow the first element to be separated from the second element.

62. A security system comprising:
- a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, wherein the security tag includes a first element operatively connected to a second element;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor a relationship between the first element and the second element; and
  
  an alarm operable to emit a first alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that the first element is separated from the second element in an unauthorized condition,wherein the security tag further comprises a tag transceiver operable to transmit and receive wireless signals, wherein the security tag receives and differentiates at least two emission signals that indicate a status of the security tag.
- View Dependent Claims (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85)
- - 63. The security system of claim 62, wherein the at least two emission signals include:
    - a warning emission signal that indicates that the tag is in a predefined warning zone and triggers the alarm of the security tag to emit a warning alarm signal; and
      
      a breach emission signal that indicates that the tag is in a predefined breach zone and triggers the alarm of the security tag to emit a breach alarm signal.
  - 64. The security system of claim 63, wherein the warning alarm signal is emitted periodically until the security tag is moved out of the warning zone.
  - 65. The security system of claim 64, wherein the breach alarm signal is emitted continuously until the alarm is deactivated.
  - 66. The security system of claim 65, further comprising at least one transceiver operable to emit at least two wireless emission signals and to receive wireless signals from the security tag.
  - 67. The security system of claim 66, wherein the transceiver is a warning transceiver operable to emit the warning emission signal within the warning zone and to receive the warning alarm signal from the security tag when the security tag is in the warning zone and to generate a warning alert signal when the warning alarm signal is received.
  - 68. The security system of claim 67, wherein the warning transceiver is operable to receive the first alarm signal from the security tag and to generate the alert signal.
  - 69. The security system of claim 68, wherein the transceiver is a breach transceiver operable to emit the breach emission signal within the breach zone area and to receive the breach alarm signal from the security tag when the security tag is in the breach zone and to generate a breach alert signal when the breach alarm signal is received.
  - 70. The security system of claim 69, further comprising:
    - a plurality of network readers positioned in predetermined locations, wherein each network reader has a predefined reception range and each network reader is operable to receive wireless signals including the first alarm signal; and
      
      a collector connected to each network reader of the plurality of network readers and operable to receive information from the network readers regarding wireless signals received by the network readers for security processing.
  - 71. The security system of claim 70, wherein each network reader of the plurality of network readers generates an alert signal when the network reader receives the first alarm signal from the security tag and transmits the alert signal to the collector.
  - 72. The security system of claim 71, wherein the warning transceiver and the breach transceiver are connected to the collector and transmit the warning alert signal and the breach alert signal, respectively, to the collector.
  - 73. The security system of claim 72, further comprising a plurality of security cameras operable to obtain security footage, wherein the plurality of security cameras are controlled by the collector.
  - 74. The security system of claim 73, wherein the collector controls the plurality of security cameras based on at least one of selected from the group of the alert signal, warning alert signal and breach alert signal.
  - 75. The security system of claim 74, wherein the controller activates one or more security cameras near the warning transceiver when the warning alert signal is received.
  - 76. The security system of claim 75, wherein the controller activates one or more security cameras near the breach transceiver when the breach alert signal is received.
  - 77. The security system of claim 76, wherein the controller activates one or more security cameras near a network reader when an alert signal is received from the network reader.
  - 78. The security system of claim 77, further comprising at least one recording device operable to record security footage obtained by at least one of the plurality of security cameras, wherein the recording device is controlled by the collector.
  - 79. The security system of claim 78, wherein the collector controls the recording device to insert a marker in the security footage when one of an alert signal, warning alert signal and breach alert signal is received by the collector.
  - 80. The security system of claim 79, further comprising a communication device operable to transmit at least security messages to store personnel, wherein the communication device is controlled by the collector.
  - 81. The security system of claim 80, wherein the collector activates the communication device to emit a security message when one of the alert signal, the warning alert signal and the breach alert signal are received by the collector, wherein the security message includes location information relating to the location of the security tag that triggered the alert signal, warning alert signal or breach alert signal.
  - 82. The security system of claim 81, further comprising at least one wireless messaging device for use by security personnel, wherein the wireless messaging device is operable to receive the security message from the communication device.
  - 83. The security system of claim 82, wherein the at least one wireless messaging device includes a graphical user interface operable to display a graphical indication of the location of the tag that triggered the alert signal, warning signal or breach signal.
  - 84. The security system of claim 62, further comprising:
    - an emitter that emits at least one signal within at least one predetermined zone, wherein the security tag emits a zone signal in response thereto when the security tag is in the at least one predetermined zone; and
      
      a reader operable to receive the zone signal.
  - 85. The security system of claim 84, wherein the emitter and the reader are embodied in a single transceiver.

86. A security system of comprising:
- a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, wherein the security tag includes a first element operatively connected to a second element;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor a relationship between the first element and the second element;
  
  an alarm operable to emit a first alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that the first element is separated from the second element in an unauthorized condition;
  
  a plurality of network readers positioned in predetermined locations, wherein each network reader has a predefined reception range and each network reader is operable to receive wireless signals including the first alarm signal;
  
  a collector connected to each network reader of the plurality of network readers and operable to receive information from the network readers regarding wireless signals received by the network readers for security processing, wherein the alarm does not emit the first alarm signal when the first element is separated from the second element in an authorized condition, and the security system is in an authorized condition when the security tag has received an encrypted deactivation signal to deactivate the alarm,wherein the security tag further comprises a magnetic locking mechanism operable to lock the first element to the second element, wherein the first element is attached to the merchandise and wherein the magnetic locking mechanism further comprises;
  
  a slot formed in a top surface of the first element;
  
  a protrusion extending down from the bottom surface of the second element into the slot of the first element, wherein the protrusion slides laterally into the slot in a first direction to secure the second element to the first element; and
  
  a locking pin extending down through a locking hole in the first element to prevent the second element from sliding laterally in a direction opposite the first direction to lock the second portion in place with respect to the first element.
- View Dependent Claims (87, 88, 89)
- - 87. The security system of claim 86, wherein the locking pin is made of a magnetic material such that the locking pin may be raised by a magnet to allow the second element to slide relative to the first element.
  - 88. The security system of claim 87, further comprising a removal device operable to provide the encrypted deactivation signal and to release the magnetic locking mechanism.
  - 89. The security system of claim 88, wherein the removal device further comprises:
    - at least one electrical contact, positioned on a distal end of the removal device, operable to contact the security tag to transmit the encrypted deactivation signal to the security tag; and
      
      a magnet position near the distal end of the removal device such that when the removal device contacts the security tag the magnetic field of the magnet moves the locking pin to release the magnetic locking mechanism to allow the first element to be separated from the second element.

90. A security system comprising:
- a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, wherein the security tag includes a first element operatively connected to a second element;
  
  a monitoring device operable to monitor a relationship between the first element and the second element;
  
  an alarm operable to emit a first alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that the first element is separated from the second element in an unauthorized condition;
  
  a plurality of network readers positioned in predetermined locations, wherein each network reader has a predefined reception range and each network reader is operable to receive wireless signals including the first alarm signal; and
  
  a collector connected to each network reader of the plurality of network readers and operable to receive information from the network readers regarding wireless signals received by the network readers for security processing,wherein the security tag further comprises a tag transceiver operable to transmit and receive wireless signals, wherein the security tag receives and differentiates at least two emission signals that indicate a status of the security tag.
- View Dependent Claims (91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110)
- - 91. The security system of claim 90, wherein the at least two emission signals include:
    - a warning emission signal that indicates that the tag is in a predefined warning zone and triggers the alarm of the security tag to emit a warning alarm signal; and
      
      a breach emission signal that indicates that the tag is in a predefined breach zone and triggers the alarm of the security tag to emit a breach alarm signal.
  - 92. The security system of claim 91, wherein the warning alarm signal is emitted periodically until the security tag is moved out of the warning zone.
  - 93. The security system of claim 92, wherein the breach alarm signal is emitted continuously until the alarm is deactivated.
  - 94. The security system of claim 93, further comprising at least one transceiver operable to emit at least two wireless emission signals and to receive wireless signals from the security tag.
  - 95. The security system of claim 94, wherein the transceiver is a warning transceiver operable to emit the warning emission signal within the warning zone and to receive the warning alarm signal from the security tag when the security tag is in the warning zone and to generate a warning alert signal when the warning alarm signal is received.
  - 96. The security system of claim 95, wherein the warning transceiver is operable to receive the first alarm signal from the security tag and to generate the alert signal.
  - 97. The security system of claim 96, wherein the transceiver is a breach transceiver operable to emit the breach emission signal within the breach zone area and to receive the breach alarm signal from the security tag when the security tag is in the breach zone and to generate a breach alert signal when the breach alarm signal is received.
  - 98. The security system of claim 97, wherein each network reader of the plurality of network readers generates an alert signal when the network reader receives the first alarm signal from the security tag and transmits the alert signal to the collector.
  - 99. The security system of claim 98, wherein the warning transceiver and the breach transceiver are connected to the collector and transmit the warning alert signal and the breach alert signal, respectively, to the collector.
  - 100. The security system of claim 99, further comprising a plurality of security cameras operable to obtain security footage, wherein the plurality of security cameras are controlled by the collector.
  - 101. The security system of claim 100, wherein the collector controls the plurality of security cameras based on at least one of selected from the group of the alert signal, warning alert signal and breach alert signal.
  - 102. The security system of claim 101, wherein the controller activates one or more security cameras near the warning transceiver when the warning alert signal is received.
  - 103. The security system of claim 102, wherein the controller activates one or more security cameras near the breach transceiver when the breach alert signal is received.
  - 104. The security system of claim 103, wherein the controller activates one or more security cameras near a network reader when an alert signal is received from the network reader.
  - 105. The security system of claim 104, further comprising at least one recording device operable to record security footage obtained by at least one of the plurality of security cameras, wherein the recording device is controlled by the collector.
  - 106. The security system of claim 105, wherein the collector controls the recording device to insert a marker in the security footage when one of an alert signal, warning alert signal and breach alert signal is received by the collector.
  - 107. The security system of claim 106, further comprising a communication device operable to transmit at least security messages to store personnel, wherein the communication device is controlled by the collector.
  - 108. The security system of claim 107, wherein the collector activates the communication device to emit a security message when one of the alert signal, the warning alert signal and the breach alert signal are received by the collector, wherein the security message includes location information relating to the location of the security tag that triggered the alert signal, warning alert signal or breach alert signal.
  - 109. The security system of claim 108, further comprising at least one wireless messaging device for use by security personnel, wherein the wireless messaging device is operable to receive the security message from the communication device.
  - 110. The security system of claim 109, wherein the at least one wireless messaging device includes a graphical user interface operable to display a graphical indication of the location of the tag that triggered the alert signal, warning signal or breach signal.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
Centrak Incorporated (Halma PLC)
Original Assignee
Agjah I. Libohova, Frederik Van Koot, Michael R. Lax
Inventors
van Koot, Frederik, Libohova, Agjah I., Lax, Michael R.
Primary Examiner(s)
Nguyen, Tai T

Application Number

US11/496,054
Publication Number

US 20070080806A1
Time in Patent Office

1,314 Days
Field of Search

340/572.1, 340/572.4, 340/572.8, 340/5.9, 340/10.1, 340/540, 340/541, 340/568.2, 235/385, 235/492
US Class Current

340/572.1
CPC Class Codes

E05B 73/0017   Anti-theft devices, e.g. ta...

G08B 13/19645   Multiple cameras, each havi...

G08B 13/19652   Systems using zones in a si...

G08B 13/19658   Telephone systems used to c...

G08B 13/19669   Event triggers storage or c...

G08B 13/19697   Arrangements wherein non-vi...

G08B 13/2402   Electronic Article Surveill...

G08B 13/2434   Tag housing and attachment ...

G08B 13/2448   Tag with at least dual dete...

G08B 13/248   EAS system combined with an...

G08B 13/2482   EAS methods, e.g. descripti...

Anti-theft security device and perimeter detection system

First Claim

4 Assignments

Litigations

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

86 Citations

110 Claims

Specification

Solutions

Use Cases

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Anti-theft security device and perimeter detection system

First Claim

4 Assignments

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Litigations

0 Petitions

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Accused Products

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Abstract

86 Citations

110 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links