WO2014047272A1 - Merchandise security device including motion sensor for activating audio indicator - Google Patents
Merchandise security device including motion sensor for activating audio indicator Download PDFInfo
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- WO2014047272A1 WO2014047272A1 PCT/US2013/060596 US2013060596W WO2014047272A1 WO 2014047272 A1 WO2014047272 A1 WO 2014047272A1 US 2013060596 W US2013060596 W US 2013060596W WO 2014047272 A1 WO2014047272 A1 WO 2014047272A1
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- merchandise
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- audio
- security device
- audio indicator
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
- G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
- G08B13/1436—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with motion detection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
- G08B13/12—Mechanical actuation by the breaking or disturbance of stretched cords or wires
- G08B13/126—Mechanical actuation by the breaking or disturbance of stretched cords or wires for a housing, e.g. a box, a safe, or a room
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security devices, merchandise security systems, and methods for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. For example, a merchandise security device includes a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise and a controller disposed within the housing. The merchandise security device also includes a motion detector configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the housing is attached thereto. The merchandise security device further includes an audio speaker configured to emit one or more audio indicators in response to relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein at least one audio indicator is able to be customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise.
Description
MERCHANDISE SECURITY DEVICE INCLUDING MOTION SENSOR FOR ACTIVATING AUDIO INDICATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to merchandise security, and, more particularly, to merchandise security devices including a motion sensor for activating an audio indicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Relatively high theft "sell through" retail items of merchandise are typically secured by a merchandise security device that must be disarmed, and in most instances, separated from the item of merchandise by a cashier at a check-out location for purchase before a customer exits the retail store. Examples of known merchandise security devices for "sell through" retail items of merchandise include "keepers" and "spider wraps" available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc. of Thorofare, New Jersey. Such devices include wireless communications for activating an audio alarm of a security gate located at an exit of the retail store if the merchandise security device remains with the item of merchandise and is not disarmed. The merchandise security device itself may also include an audio alarm that is activated in the vicinity of the security gate.
Regardless, the audio alarm draws the attention of store personnel and others as the thief attempts to exit the store. However, the known merchandise security devices do not discourage a potential thief from attempting to steal the item of merchandise as long as the security device and the item of merchandise remain in the retail store at a location that is sufficiently distant from the security gate at the exit of the store or a security gate located within the interior of the store, such as the NANOGATE available from Checkpoint Systems, Inc., wherein the alarm is activated when a tagged item of merchandise is near a tower, but is not necessarily activated when the merchandise is moving through the store.
[0003] US Patent No. 6,072,393 issued June 6, 2000, assigned to Micro Snitch Corporation of Waterloo, Canada discloses an anti-theft alarm for protecting portable electronic operated devices, such as a laptop computer. The anti-theft alarm includes a tag having a unique identifier code for attachment to the device, a pad configured for supporting the tag and device thereon and
for sensing the unique identifier code of the tag, and a controller electrically connected to the pad for receiving a communication of the unique identifier code of the tag from the pad and for determining whether the tag remains in contact with the pad.
[0004] Apple Corporation is the owner of several issued patents directed to acceleration-based theft detection systems for electronic merchandise, including US Patent Nos. 8,217,792;
7,218,226; 7,548,161; and 7,986,233 (collectively "Apple patents"). The Apple patents disclose a theft detection system for use with portable electronic devices, such as mobile telephones. The system includes an accelerometer for detecting accelerations due to movement of the portable electronic device, and a controller for analyzing the accelerations to determine whether a theft condition exists. The controller compares the accelerations of the portable electronic device to known acceleration profiles characteristic of a theft, and activates an alarm in the event that an acceleration of the portable electronic device is consistent with an acceleration profile characteristic of a theft condition. The theft detection system further includes a graphical user interface for inputting various parameters of the system and for activating/deactivating the system.
[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a merchandise security device that makes the thief feel uncomfortable while on the store floor and/or draws attention to a thief attempting to steal an item of merchandise from a retail store, without causing embarrassment to a legitimate customer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security devices, merchandise security systems, and methods for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. In one embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise and a controller disposed within the housing. The merchandise security device also includes a motion detector configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the housing is attached thereto. The merchandise security device further includes an audio speaker configured to emit one or more audio indicators in response to relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein at least one audio indicator is able to be customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise. The controller is configured to activate the audio speaker to emit the at least one audio indicator customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise.
[0007] According to some embodiments, the at least one audio indicator comprises an advertisement or information relating to the item of merchandise. The merchandise security device may also include at least one optical sensor in communication with the controller and configured to detect the presence or absence of ambient light, wherein the controller is configured to activate the audio speaker in response to an output signal from the optical sensor. The audio speaker may be configured to emit a first audio indicator in response to initial relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, and the audio speaker is configured to emit a second audio indicator in response to further relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein the second audio indicator is different than the first audio indicator (e.g., in volume and/or frequency). In addition, the merchandise security device may include a memory configured to store an output signal provided by the motion sensor. The housing may be configured to be attached directly to the item of merchandise, or the housing may configured to be attached to the item of merchandise with at least one cable that is configured to surround the item of merchandise.
[0008] In another embodiment, a merchandise security device for protecting an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device includes a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise and a controller disposed within the housing. The merchandise security device also includes a motion detector in communication with the controller and that is configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the housing is attached thereto. The merchandise security device further includes an audio speaker in communication with the controller and configured to emit one or more audio indicators in response to relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein at least one audio indicator comprises an audible advertisement or an audible message for informing a customer of the presence of the merchandise security device. The controller is configured to activate the audio speaker to emit the at least one audio indicator.
[0009] In another embodiment, a merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security system comprises a merchandise container configured to receive an item of merchandise therein and a merchandise security device. The merchandise security device may be similar to the embodiments described above. In one embodiment, the merchandise container comprises a door and a latch configured to open the door for inserting and removing the item of merchandise from the merchandise container.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a method for protecting an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes detecting relative motion of an item of merchandise when a merchandise security device is attached to the item of merchandise and emitting one or more audio indicators in response to detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise. At least one audio indicator is able to be customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise.
[0011] In some embodiment, the emitting step comprises emitting a first audio indicator in response to detecting initial relative motion of the item of merchandise, wherein the emitting step further comprises emitting a second audio indicator in response to detecting further relative motion of the item of merchandise, and wherein the second audio indicator is different than the first audio indicator. The method may further include detecting the presence or absence of ambient light, wherein the emitting step comprises emitting at least on audio indicator in response to detecting a reduction in ambient light. In addition, the emitting step may include emitting one or more audio indicators in response to detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise within a predetermined period of time. The method may further comprise ceasing the emission of one or more audio indicators upon detecting that the item of merchandise is no longer in motion and emitting one or more audio indicators upon detecting that the item of merchandise is again in motion. The detecting step may include detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise within X seconds, wherein emitting comprises emitting one or more audio indicators after Y seconds, and wherein T is the time that motion occurs within X seconds and Y is less than X-T.
[0012] According to another embodiment, a method for protecting an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method comprises customizing at least one audio indicator for emitting from a merchandise security device and attaching the merchandise security device to an item of merchandise. The merchandise security device is configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the merchandise security device is attached to the item of
merchandise and emit one or more audio indicators in response to detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise, wherein at least audio indicator comprises the at least one customized audio indicator.
[0013] In some embodiments, the customizing step includes customizing the at least one audio indicator to include an advertisement or information relating to the item of merchandise. The
attaching step may include attaching the merchandise security device directly to the item of merchandise, or attaching the merchandise security device to a merchandise container housing the item of merchandise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view showing a first exemplary embodiment of a merchandise security device according to the invention configured for use as a cable wrap security device.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an environmental perspective view showing a second exemplary embodiment of a merchandise security device according to the invention configured to be attached to a "sell through" item of merchandise by a thin layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation and multiple prime notations are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.
[0017] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a merchandise security device for attachment to a retail item of merchandise including a motion sensor for activating an audio indicator in response to movement of the merchandise. The merchandise security device is adapted for use with relatively high theft "sell through" retail merchandise that is not physically attached or secured to a retail store fixture, such as a counter, table, shelf, wall or the like. As used herein, the term "sell through" refers generally to retail items of merchandise that a customer selects and carries, for example, in a shopping cart or basket, to a cashier at a check-out location for purchase before exiting the retail store. In one embodiment, periodic audio indications are produced in response to motion of the merchandise security device and the item of merchandise detected by the motion sensor.
[0018] A merchandise security device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention includes a motion sensor 20 and associated electronics for activating an audio indicator in response to movement of an item of merchandise M attached to the security device. The motion sensor 20 may be any component for detecting relative motion or movement of the security device, and consequently, the item of merchandise M attached to the security device. For example, the motion sensor 20 may be a conventional accelero meter, load cell, strain gauge, inductor, etc. Regardless, the security device 10 is configured to activate the audio indicator, for example a distinctive chirp, chime, beep or similar sound, in response to the motion sensor 20 detecting relative motion or movement of the item of merchandise M. In addition, the security device 10 may be configured to provide a series of periodic audio indicators depending on the extent of the relative motion or movement of the security device.
[0019] For example, upon detection of motion by the motion sensor 20, the security device 10 may emit an initial audio indicator to make the customer aware that the item of merchandise is protected by a security device that must be taken to a check-out location and disarmed before the customer leaves the retail store. In addition, the security device may or may not be removed from the item of merchandise at the check-out location. If the motion sensor 20 continues to detect motion or movement of the item of merchandise, the security device 10 may periodically emit the same or a different audio indicator to continue to make the customer, as well as others within the range of hearing of the audio indicator, aware of the presence of the item of merchandise. A dishonest customer (e.g. potential thief) will not want to draw attention to himself or make others aware of the presence of the item of merchandise. As a result, the dishonest customer may attempt to disarm the security device, in which case the security device may emit a different sound, such as a louder and/or more intense "alarm" sound intended to alert store personnel to a possible theft. In the event that the security device is disarmed in the intended manner, for example, using an authorized key or detacher, the security device may also emit the louder and/or more intense "alarm" sound so as to deter a potential thief from obtaining a legitimate key or detacher and attempting to disarm the security device in the retail store without taking the item of merchandise to a check-out location or exiting the retail store at a security gate.
[0020] As illustrated generically in the attached FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the merchandise security device 10 comprises a substantially rigid, generally hollow housing 12 that defines an interior
cavity for housing the motion sensor 20 and associated electronics 20A, as well as audio speaker 14. The associated electronics 20A may include a memory for storing an output signal from the motion sensor 20 and a controller for monitoring the output signal and activating the audio speaker 14 to emit an audio indicator in response to the output signal of the motion sensor 20. By way of example only, the controller may activate the audio speaker 14 to emit an initial audio indicator, such as a chirp, chime, ring, beep, etc., in response to the output signal of the motion sensor 20 indicating that the item of merchandise M has been moved (e.g. picked up) after having not moved for a period of time that is consistent with the item of merchandise being stocked on a retail store fixture, such as a counter, table, shelf, wall or the like. The initial audio indicator may be a subtle (e.g. non-alarm) sound intended to make a customer aware that the item of merchandise M is protected from theft by the merchandise security device 10. The initial audio indicator, however, is likely to discourage a potential thief from attempting to steal the item of merchandise M. In a particular embodiment, the initial audio indicator may be an audible advertisement for the merchandise, or alternatively or in addition, an audible message that informs the customer the item of merchandise M is alarmed with the security device 10 and must be taken to a check-out location for purchase. In the event that the motion sensor 20 again detects motion or movement of the item of merchandise M within a variable repeating or random period of time, the controller of the electronics 20A of the security device 10 may periodically activate the audio speaker 14 to emit the same or a different audio indicator to continue to make the customer aware of the presence of the security device, as well as to remind the customer that the item of merchandise must be taken to a check-out location to be purchased.
[0021] The distinctive sound of the audio indicator also alerts store personnel to the presence of the item of merchandise M in a customer's shopping cart, basket or bag. The controller may additionally comprise a conventional radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna, acousto- magnetic tag, RF tag, transmitter, receiver or transceiver that communicates with a conventional security gate located at the exit of a display area or at an exit of the retail store. The
communication causes the controller of the electronics 20A to activate the audio speaker 14 in the event that the item of merchandise M approaches or passes through the security gate. If desired, the controller of the electronics 20A may activate the audio speaker 14 to emit an audible message warning the customer that the item of merchandise must be returned to the display area or taken to a check-out location for purchase. Alternatively, the audio speaker 14
may be configured to emit a louder and/or more intense "alarm" sound in addition to any alarm sound emitted by the security gate.
[0022] The merchandise security device 10 may also comprise one or more optical sensors 16 for sensing the presence (or absence) of ambient light. The optical sensor(s) 16 are in electrical communication with the controller. Consequently, the controller is configured to activate the audio speaker 14 and/or to increase the volume and/or frequency of repetition of the audio indicator emitted by the speaker in response to an output signal from the optical sensor corresponding to a reduction of ambient light. As such, the audio speaker 14 will emit a louder and/or more frequent audio indicator, or alternatively, a louder and/or more intense "alarm" sound in the event that the item of merchandise M is placed into a pocket, bag or similar space away from ambient light, and consequently, not readily visible.
[0023] The electronics 20A of the merchandise security device 10 may be configured to be programmed by the manufacturer and/or the retailer with at least one audio indicator and the various parameters for activating the audio speaker 14. In this manner, the manufacturer and/or the retailer may customize the audio indicator(s) emitted by the speaker in response to motion or movement of the item of merchandise M. The customized audio indicator(s) may, for example, include advertising and/or information pertaining to the item of merchandise M or related items of merchandise available for purchase. In an exemplary embodiment, the retailer may program the controller of the electronics 20A of the merchandise security device 10 to activate the audio speaker 14 when the item of merchandise M is picked up from the display fixture to emit the initial audio indicator and to periodically activate the audio speaker to emit the same or a different audio indicator as long as the output signal of the motion sensor 20 indicates motion or movement of the item of merchandise within a predetermined period of time. In the event that the output signal of the motion sensor 20 ceases to indicate motion or movement of the item of merchandise M within the prescribed time period, for example, when the item of merchandise is returned to the display fixture, the controller may be reset to an "inactive" or "sleep" mode of operation until the motion sensor 20 again detects motion or movement of the item of merchandise. For example, if the motion sensor 20 does not detect motion or movement of the item of merchandise M within X seconds, the electronics 20A activate the audio speaker 14 to emit the audio indicator immediately upon the motion sensor once again detecting motion or movement of the item of merchandise. Alternatively, if the motion sensor 20 detects motion or
movement of the item of merchandise M within X seconds, the electronics 20A activate the audio speaker 14 to emit the audio indicator after Y seconds, where T is the time that the motion occurs within X seconds and Y is less than X-T. The time between audible alerts may also be determined randomly in order to not have the thief know when the next sound will be emitted. In addition, the electronics 20A of the merchandise security device 10 may be programmed to delay monitoring the output signal of the motion sensor 20 upon arming the security device for a period of Z seconds, where Z is greater than Y and less than X. In this manner, store personnel may arm the security device without activating the audio speaker 14 to emit the initial audio indicator in response to stocking the item of merchandise M on the display fixture.
[0024] In a particular example, the electronics 20A may be programmed as follows:
[0025] A - If no motion within (for at least) X seconds, then activate audio speaker 14 to emit initial audio indicator upon output signal from motion sensor 20; and
[0026] B - If motion within X seconds, then activate audio speaker 14 to emit audio indicator (same as initial audio indicator or different) after Y seconds, where T is the time of motion within X seconds and Y is less than X-T.
[0027] As illustrated by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the merchandise security device 10 may be provided in various embodiments. A first embodiment of the merchandise security device 10 shown in FIG.l comprises a housing 12 for containing electronics 20A having a controller in electrical communication with an audio speaker 14, optionally one or more optical sensors 16 and a motion sensor 20, as previously described. The housing 12 is attached directly to a piece of merchandise or to a merchandise container 30 defining an internal cavity configured for having an item of merchandise M disposed therein. The merchandise container 30 may comprise a hinged door 32 and a latch 34 for opening the door to insert and remove the item of merchandise M from the internal cavity. The housing 12 is attached to the merchandise or the merchandise container 30 by a flexible or semi-rigid cable 18 that surrounds the merchandise or the container 30 to prevent the merchandise from being removed or for the door 32 from being opened and the item of merchandise M removed by an unauthorized person. The length and position of the cable 18 may be varied as necessary to accommodate different sized merchandise and/or merchandise containers 30. In one example, the merchandise container 30 may be in the form of a
conventional merchandise "keeper" with or without a locking mechanism, while the housing 12 and the cable 18 comprise a conventional "spider wrap" security device of the type manufactured
and offered for sale by Checkpoint Systems, Inc. of Thorofare, New Jersey. The merchandise security device 10 (i.e. "spider wrap") is configured to be disarmed and detached from the merchandise container 30 (i.e. "keeper") by an authorized person, such as a cashier at a checkout location in the display area or elsewhere within the retail store, so that the item of
merchandise M can be removed from the container 30 for purchase by a customer. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the many other security devices, such as a cable lock, bottle tag, hard tag, etc. may be used in place of the "spider wrap."
[0028] A second embodiment of the merchandise security device 10 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a housing 12 for containing electronics 20A having a controller in electrical communication with an audio speaker 14, one or more optical sensors 16 and a motion sensor 20, as previously described. The housing 12 is attached directly to an item of merchandise M on display for purchase at a retail store. As shown, the housing 12 is attached directly to the item of merchandise M, or to a merchandise container as previously described, by a relatively thin layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) 19, such as double-sided tape, in a conventional manner. The security device 10 is configured to be disarmed and optionally detached by an authorized person, such as a cashier at a check-out location in the display area or elsewhere within the retail store, so that the item of merchandise M is available for purchase by a customer. In the event that the merchandise security device 10 is detached from the item of merchandise M by an authorized person, the security device may be made available for re-use by the retailer on another item of merchandise.
[0029] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood and appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other undisclosed embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A merchandise security device for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security device comprising:
a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise;
a controller disposed within the housing;
a motion detector in communication with the controller and configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the housing is attached thereto; and
an audio speaker in communication with the controller and configured to emit one or more audio indicators in response to relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein at least one audio indicator is able to be customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise,
wherein the controller is configured to activate the audio speaker to emit the at least one audio indicator customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise.
2. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one audio indicator comprises an advertisement or information relating to the item of merchandise.
3. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, further comprising at least one optical sensor in communication with the controller and configured to detect the presence or absence of ambient light, wherein the controller is configured to activate the audio speaker in response to an output signal from the optical sensor.
4. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the audio speaker is configured to emit a first audio indicator in response to initial relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, and wherein the audio speaker is configured to emit a second audio indicator in response to further relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, and wherein the second audio indicator is different than the first audio indicator.
5. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store an output signal provided by the motion sensor.
6. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be attached directly to the item of merchandise.
7. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be attached to the item of merchandise with at least one cable that is configured to surround the item of merchandise.
8. A merchandise security device for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security device comprising:
a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise;
a controller disposed within the housing;
a motion detector in communication with the controller and configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the housing is attached thereto; and
an audio speaker in communication with the controller and configured to emit one or more audio indicators in response to relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein at least one audio indicator comprises an audible advertisement or an audible message for informing a customer of the presence of the merchandise security device, wherein the controller is configured to activate the audio speaker to emit the at least one audio indicator.
9. A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security system comprising:
a merchandise container configured to receive an item of merchandise therein; and a merchandise security device configured to be attached to the merchandise container, the merchandise security device comprising:
a housing;
a controller disposed within the housing;
a motion detector in communication with the controller and configured to detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the housing is attached thereto; and an audio speaker in communication with the controller and configured to emit one or more audio indicators in response to relative motion of the item of merchandise detected by the motion detector, wherein at least one audio indicator is able to be customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise,
wherein the controller is configured to activate the audio speaker to emit the at least one audio indicator customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise.
10. The merchandise security system of Claim 9, wherein the merchandise container comprises a door and a latch configured to open the door for inserting and removing the item of merchandise from the merchandise container.
11. A method for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
detecting relative motion of an item of merchandise when a merchandise security device is attached to the item of merchandise; and
emitting one or more audio indicators in response to detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise, wherein at least one audio indicator is customized by a retailer or a manufacturer of the item of merchandise.
12. The method of Claim 11, wherein emitting comprises emitting a first audio indicator in response to detecting initial relative motion of the item of merchandise, wherein emitting further comprises emitting a second audio indicator in response to detecting further relative motion of the item of merchandise, and wherein the second audio indicator is different than the first audio indicator.
13. The method of Claim 11, further comprising detecting the presence or absence of ambient light, wherein emitting comprises emitting at least on audio indicator in response to detecting a reduction in ambient light.
14. The method of Claim 11, wherein emitting comprises emitting one or more audio indicators in response to detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise within a predetermined period of time.
15. The method of Claim 14, further comprising ceasing the emission of one or more audio indicators upon detecting that the item of merchandise is no longer in motion.
16. The method of Claim 15, further comprising emitting one or more audio indicators upon detecting that the item of merchandise is again in motion.
17. The method of Claim 11, wherein detecting comprises detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise within X seconds, wherein emitting comprises emitting one or more audio indicators after Y seconds, and wherein T is the time that motion occurs within X seconds and Y is less than X-T.
18. A method for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
customizing at least one audio indicator for emitting from a merchandise security device; and
attaching the merchandise security device to an item of merchandise, wherein the merchandise security device is configured to:
detect relative motion of the item of merchandise when the merchandise security device is attached to the item of merchandise; and
emit one or more audio indicators in response to detecting relative motion of the item of merchandise, wherein at least audio indicator comprises the at least one customized audio indicator.
19. The method of Claim 18, wherein customizing comprises customizing the at least one audio indicator to include an advertisement or information relating to the item of
merchandise.
20. The method of Claim 18, wherein attaching comprises attaching the merchandise security device directly to the item of merchandise.
21. The method of Claim 18, wherein attaching comprises attaching the merchandise security device to a merchandise container housing the item of merchandise.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201261704792P | 2012-09-24 | 2012-09-24 | |
| US61/704,792 | 2012-09-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2014047272A1 true WO2014047272A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 |
Family
ID=50341929
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2013/060596 WO2014047272A1 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2013-09-19 | Merchandise security device including motion sensor for activating audio indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
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| WO (1) | WO2014047272A1 (en) |
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