WO2016081189A1

WO2016081189A1 - Asset tracking for retail security

Info

Publication number: WO2016081189A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/058942
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey A. GRANT; Jonathon D. PHILLIPS; Gary A. TAYLOR
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2014-11-18
Filing date: 2015-11-04
Publication date: 2016-05-26

Abstract

Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise. The security system also includes an alarm module configured to communicate with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise and to generate a security signal in response to a security event. In addition, the security system includes a scanning device configured to identify the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

Description

ASSET TRACKING FOR RETAIL SECURITY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/081,240, filed November 18, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to merchandise security, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Displays for retail merchandise utilize different types of theft deterrent security systems and methods to discourage shoplifters. Many of these systems and methods include sensors and alarms that are mechanically attached, or are mechanically attached and electrically connected, to the item of merchandise to be protected. When the integrity of the display is compromised, such as by cutting or removing a cable that extends between the security system and the item of merchandise, or by separating the item of merchandise from the security system, an alarm is activated to alert store personnel of a potential theft situation.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft. In one example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise. The security system also includes an alarm module configured to communicate with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise and to generate a security signal in response to a security event. In addition, the security system includes a scanning device configured to identify the sensor and/or the item of merchandise, wherein the scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes providing a sensor coupled to an item of merchandise and identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The method further includes initiating a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

[0006] In another embodiment, a security system for an item of merchandise includes a sensor configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise. The security system also includes a scanning device configured to scan for an identifier of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise for identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

[0007] In another embodiment, a security system includes an item of merchandise and a scanning device configured to scan for an identifier of the item of merchandise for identifying the item of merchandise. The scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the item of merchandise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a security system 10 configured to secure an item of merchandise from theft in a retail display. The security system 10 may generally include a sensor 12 configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise 14 and an alarm module 18 in communication with the sensor. The alarm module 18 may be configured to generate a security signal in response to various security events, as explained below.

[0011] The item of merchandise 14 may be any electronic device, such as a mobile or cellular phone, smartphone, a tablet, laptop computer, or the like. Furthermore, although the security system 10 is discussed in conjunction with a retail display or retail store, it is understood that the security system is applicable to any number of environments, such as in hospitals, restaurants, etc. where an item is desired to be protected from theft or unauthorized removal. In some cases, a predetermined number of items of merchandise 14 in a retail store or other establishment may be known and secured using the security system 10, as described in further detail below. For example, a predetermined number of tablets may be provided to employees within a retail store, and the security system 10 may be used to scan and identify each of the tablets, as also explained in further detail below.

[0012] The sensor 12 may be removably engaged with the item of merchandise 14, such as by being connected to an input port of the item of merchandise. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor may include a connector 16 at the end of a cable 23 for engaging an input port of the item of merchandise. The input port could be a standard input port on the item of merchandise 14, such as a USB, micro-USB, or the like. The input port may be the same port used for power and/or data transfer with the item of merchandise 14. The cable 23 could be a flexible and/or extendable cable in some cases, or could be rigid in other instances. Thus, use of the term "cable" is not intended to be limiting, as the cable 23 could be any cable, cord, coupling, member, or the like, as well as any desired size or configuration, that is configured to electrically connect the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 and/or the alarm module 18 and the item of merchandise. For example, the cable 23 could be rigid and include a connector 16 that is not easily removable from the item of merchandise without first removing the sensor 12 from the item of merchandise, or disconnecting the cable from the sensor in an authorized manner (e.g., with a key or a tool). Such a rigid cable could be useful for items of merchandise that do not provide for a removable battery cover or door. The cable 23 may include one or more conductors for electrically connecting the item of merchandise to the sensor 12. The sensor 12 may be attached to the item of merchandise 14 with adhesives, fasteners, brackets, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the sensor 12 may be coupled to or integrated with a shroud or frame at least partially enclosing the item of merchandise 14. For example, the sensor 12 may be coupled to or integrated with a shroud or frame for a tablet. In other case, sensor 12 may be the shroud or frame.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 are in electrical communication with one another when the sensor is engaged therewith. In other embodiments, the sensor 12 may include a proximity mechanism (e.g., a pressure or plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the sensor is removed from the item of merchandise 14. The sensor 12 may include sensor electronics for detecting various security events and/or communicating with the alarm module 18 and/or a monitoring system 25. However, it is understood that the sensor 12 may not have sensor electronics in other embodiments such that use of the term "sensor" should be interpreted broadly as disclosed herein. For example, the sensor 12 may include a housing attached to the item of merchandise and not include any sensor electronics for detecting security events, although the sensor may be configured to facilitate power transfer to the item of merchandise. The sensor 12 may include a device (e.g., an EAS tag) that is configured to be detected by an appropriate detector (e.g., an EAS tower or gate) which results in the generation of a security signal upon detection of the device.

[0014] The sensor 12 may include communications circuitry for communicating with a monitoring system 25. For example, the communications circuitry may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the monitoring system 25 using any desired communications protocol such as, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth low energy communication, radiofrequency (RF), WiFi, cellular, received signal strength indicator ("RSSI"), and/or ambient backscatter. Similarly, the monitoring system 25 may include complementary communications circuitry for communicating with the sensor 12. The wireless communications circuitry carried by the sensor 12 and/or monitoring system 25 may include, for example, one or more wireless transceivers for transmitting and receiving wireless communications. The sensor 12 may also include an antenna for sending and/or receiving various wireless signals.

[0015] In one embodiment, the item of merchandise 14 includes wireless communications circuitry. The item of merchandise 14 may also include a controller operably coupled to the wireless communications circuitry, global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, an orientation sensor, a microphone, a camera, and/or an output device. The controller may be configured to cooperate with the wireless communications circuitry to coordinate and control operations of the item of merchandise 14, namely wireless communications functions and capabilities thereof. Operations may include mobile voice and data operations, including email and Internet data, for example.

[0016] The monitoring system 25 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 and the monitoring system 25 may be configured to communicate with one another to determine a location of the item of merchandise 14. Thus, the sensor 12 and the monitoring system 25 may cooperate to determine a location of an item of merchandise 14, which may be used to locate an item of merchandise that has experienced a security event. It is understood that the monitoring system 25 may be any system configured to communicate with the sensor 12 and to take any appropriate action. For example, the monitoring system 12 may be operated by a third party and have authorization to communicate any security events to the relevant authorities. In one example, the monitoring system 25 may notify a local police department of an ongoing theft so that the police may monitor the location of the item of merchandise 14 and may choose to go to the last reported location to take appropriate action. In some cases, the monitoring system 25 may be authorized to take remedial action directly. It is understood that the monitoring system 25 may be located remotely from the security system. The monitoring system 25 may utilize software or web-based applications to view and/or track the location of the sensor 12.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sensor 12 is configured to receive power from the item of merchandise 14. For example, the item of merchandise 14 may include an internal power source (e.g., a battery) that is configured to transfer power to the sensor 12 when the sensor is operably engaged therewith. As such, the sensor 12 does not require its own power source for operation, although a power source could be provided if desired. The sensor 12 could include a power source that is utilized only when a security event occurs such that no standby power is required and the size of the power source is minimized. In one embodiment, the alarm module 18 is electrically connected to the sensor 12 and an external power source. For example with reference to FIG. 1, the alarm module may 18 include a cable 28 including one or more conductors for transmitting power to the alarm module, the sensor 12, and/or the item of merchandise 14. The sensor 12 may be electrically connected to the alarm module 18 with a cable 22. The cable 22 may include one or more electrical conductors for transmitting power, data, state (e.g., short or resistor value), and/or security signals between the sensor 12 and the alarm module 18. In one embodiment, the alarm module 18 includes a connector 30 that is configured to directly or indirectly couple to a power source, such as a computing device (e.g., a PC or portable computer), a power outlet, or a wall power adapter. As a result, the alarm module 18 both mechanically and electrically connects the sensor 12 to a power source. [0018] The alarm module 18 may be operably engaged with the cables 22, 28 in a variety of manners. For example, the alarm module 18 may be hardwired to the cables 22, 28 at each end and include conductors configured to cooperate with conductors in the cables. Alternatively, each cable 22, 28 may plug into the alarm module 18. In another embodiment, the cables 22, 28 may be continuous and extend through the alarm module 18 and be configured to communicate with the alarm module. In one example, the end of the cable 22 may be removably secured to the sensor 12. When an end of the cable 22 is inserted within the body of the sensor 12, the cable and sensor are electrically connected to one another. In addition, when the end of the cable 22 is inserted, the sensor 12 may be attached to the item of merchandise 14 such that the end of the cable cannot be removed without first removing the sensor. Because the cable 22 is removable, the sensor 12 may be readily replaced should the cable be cut or otherwise damaged. It is understood that a similar connection make take place between the sensor 12 and the cable 23.

[0019] In some embodiments, the alarm module 18 may be configured to receive and removably support the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 thereon in a display position. For example, the sensor 12 and the alarm module 18 may include cooperating magnets or geometry that facilitates mating engagement with one another. In other embodiments, the cable 22 may be omitted, and the sensor 12 and the alarm module 18 may be configured to communicate wirelessly. For example, U.S. Application No. 14/495,013, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise From Theft, discloses examples of such a wireless system, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0020] The alarm module 18 may include an alarm that will generate a security signal, such as an audible and/or visual alarm. The alarm module 18 may include an alarm for generating a security signal in response to various security events (e.g., unplugging/cutting cables 22, 23, and/or 30), detaching or disconnecting the sensor 12, etc.). For example, the alarm module 18 may include a piezoelectric alarm to generate an audible signal, as well as circuitry for detecting a security event. The alarm module 18 could also be configured to generate a visible alarm or provide other visible indicators (e.g., armed or alarming), such as with an LED. It is understood that the sensor 12 may also include a similar alarm. The alarm module 18 may be further configured to detect a connection between the sensor 12 and/or power source. The alarm module 18 may further include an internal power source configured to provide power to the alarm module in the event that power from an external power source is interrupted or lost. In one embodiment, the internal power source is a rechargeable battery that is recharged by power supplied by the remote power source.

[0021] In some embodiments, the alarm module 18 can be armed, disarmed, and/or silenced with a security key, which may utilize mechanical, wireless, and/or electrical communication between the alarm module and the security key. For example, the security key may be configured to wirelessly communicate a security code to the alarm module 18, such as by infrared, optical, acoustic, or inductive communication. The alarm module 18 may include a port 32, window, or the like configured to receive wireless signals from the security key. In one particular embodiment, the security key is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,737,845, entitled Programmable Key for a Security System for Protecting Merchandise, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In additional embodiments, the alarm module 18 may include near field communication (NFC) functionality and be configured to communicate with a security key or device having NFC functionality for arming and disarming the alarm unit. Alternatively, the alarm module 18 may include "screen swipe" functionality and/or be configured to sense particular movement or motion of the alarm module to arm or disarm the alarm module. Likewise, the alarm module 18 may include biometric functionality for recognizing a particular user to arm or disarm the alarm unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 may be configured to determine its location for asset tracking. Thus, should the item of merchandise 14 and sensor 12 be removed from the security system in an unauthorized manner, the sensor and/or the item of merchandise may determine the location thereof and communicate the location to the monitoring system 25. The monitoring system 25 may then determine whether to contact the relevant authorities to take appropriate remedial action. In some embodiments, the communication between the monitoring system 25 and the sensor 12 may be initiated when a consumer interacts with the item of merchandise 14. For example, communication may begin when a consumer picks up the item of merchandise 14. The monitoring system 25 may detect when the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 begins moving. Upon the item of merchandise 14 being picked up, the sensor 12 may be configured to detect this interaction and thereafter establish a location thereof. The sensor 12 may alternatively be configured to begin tracking location when motion is detected for a predetermined period of time. The sensor 12 may also be configured to communicate other types of data in addition to location information, such as an identifier of the item of merchandise 14 (e.g., serial number).

[0023] In one embodiment, the sensor 12 may utilize GSM, GPS, and/or triangulation tracking functionality to determine its position, although as discussed above, the sensor may include various wireless communications functionality that may be used to determine the location of the sensor. The sensor 12 may be configured to determine its location independently or may communicate with the monitoring system 25 for determining the location of the sensor. In other embodiments, the sensor 12 may be configured to determine its location using its own positioning functionality to determine the location of the item of merchandise. Thus, the sensor may utilize various components carried thereby to determine the location of the item of merchandise. According to one embodiment, trusted positioning may be implemented using similar techniques as that described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0293330, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise From Theft, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0024] In some embodiments, the security system 10 is configured to utilize the functionality of the item of merchandise 14 rather than the sensor 12 for tracking the item of merchandise. Thus, the size and complexity of the sensor 12 may be reduced or omitted where the item of merchandise 14 can be utilized to carry out the same or similar functionality. As such, the item of merchandise 14 and the sensor 12 may be integrated into a single component in some embodiments, or the sensor may be omitted entirely in other embodiments. For example, the item of merchandise 14 may include a SIM card interface, wireless communications circuitry, global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, an orientation sensor, a battery, and/or an output device that may be used to determine the location of the item of merchandise. Where the item of merchandise 14 does not include suitable tracking functionality, a SIM card with such functionality may be used in conjunction with the item of merchandise. In this example, the item of merchandise 14 may include software that is configured to determine its location and to communicate with a monitoring system 25 as discussed above. The item of merchandise 14 may be configured to determine its proximity or location relative to a home or display position. Moreover, the item of merchandise 14 may initiate tracking when the item of merchandise is moved from the home or display position, or at a predetermined location or distance away from the home or display position. The item of merchandise 14 may be configured to perform such tracking functionality as long as the item of merchandise is receiving power from its internal power source.

[0025] Moreover, the software application provided on the item of merchandise 14 could be automatically activated in response to a security event and/or various other triggering events. For example, two-way communication between the item of merchandise 14 and the alarm module 18 could be used. Or, the presence or absence of power could be used to determine a triggering event, such as where the item of merchandise 14 detects that a cable 22, 23, and/or 28 has been cut based on a loss of power. If the alarm module 18 is disarmed prior to a loss of power, the item of merchandise 14 may determine that no security event has occurred, which will minimize false alarms and allow for powering down and/or remerchandising without triggering an alarm. In another embodiment, the item of merchandise 14 and/or sensor 12 and the monitoring system 25 may be configured to be paired with one another (e.g., via Bluetooth or BLE communication). Thus, where power and pairing are lost, the item of merchandise 14 may be configured to initiate tracking. In some embodiments, the item of merchandise 14 may be configured to determine its location using techniques similar to that described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0293330, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise From Theft, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system further includes a scanning device 35. The scanning device 35 could be separate from the monitoring system 25, or the devices could be integrated into a single component in other embodiments. The scanning device 35 could be any suitable device for identifying the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. For example, the item of merchandise 14 may emit a detectable identifier, including any identifiable signal or the like, such as Bluetooth address, a MAC address, a cellular signal, a cellular identifier, SIM-based signals, RFID, an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, a visible light communication signal, and/or a Wi-Fi signal. Thus, the scanning device 35 may be configured to identify the item of merchandise 14 based on the identifier, which may be used to register, detect, and/or track the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise. In one example, the scanning device 35 may scan for Bluetooth-enabled devices and identify various information regarding a sensor 12 and/or an item of merchandise 14, such as the name of item of merchandise, the Bluetooth address, detection time, etc. Moreover, the scanning device 35 may include communications circuitry for communicating with the monitoring system 25, the sensor 12, the item of merchandise 14, an alarm module 18 or device, a cloud-based system, etc. In one embodiment, the scanning device 35 may initiate a security signal by communicating with an alarm device or module 18 that is configured to generate a security signal. In other cases, the scanning device 35 itself may be configured to generate a security signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the scanning device 35 may store each of the identifiers associated with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. The items of merchandise 14 could be, for example, the items on display for purchase in a retail store, and the identifiers for the item of merchandise may be known and registered with the scanning device 35. Registration of the items of merchandise 14 could be carried out prior to securing the items of merchandise at a display location. Should the item of merchandise 14 be removed from the sensor 12, the alarm module 18, or the display location, the scanning device 35 may be configured to scan for the identifier of the item of merchandise and initiate a security signal upon detection of the identifier. Alternatively, the scanning device 35 may be configured to continuously scan for the items of merchandise 14 and to initiate a security signal in response to any detection of the identifier. In some cases, the identifier may only be detectable when the item of merchandise 14 is near an exit of the retail store or has exited the retail store. A similar registration and scanning of the sensor 12 may be employed where the sensor includes a detectable communications protocol (e.g., a Bluetooth address). Thus, the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 may be detectable by the scanning device 35.

[0028] In some embodiments, the scanning device 35 may be configured to scan for identifiers of the electronic devices of consumers, such as those within a retail store. Thus, the scanning device 35 may be configured to detect and identify various consumer electronic devices, such as the consumer's cellular device. For example, the scanning device 35 may be configured to detect and identify consumer devices that are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled. The scanning device may be configured to scan and track the consumer electronic devices for various purposes. For instance, where an item of merchandise 14 and an electronic device are detected and are moving together, it is likely that the item of merchandise has been removed from a display location and is with a potential thief. Thus, the scanning device 35 could identify both consumer electronic devices and items of merchandise 14 on display for identifying a possible theft or other analytics. [0029] In one embodiment, the scanning device 35 is configured to communicate with the monitoring system 25. For example, where the scanning device 35 detects an identifier, the scanning device may communicate the identifier and any other information regarding the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 to the monitoring system 25 for taking appropriate action, such as for tracking the location of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise or contacting the appropriate authorities. Moreover, as discussed above, the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14 may be configured to determine and communicate its location to the monitoring system 25, which may occur when the scanning device 35 detects an identifier for either or both of the sensor and the item of merchandise.

[0030] Moreover, the scanning device 35 may also be configured to identify and track one or more sensors 12 and/or items of merchandise 14 for determining various analytics. For instance, various information regarding the location of the sensors 12 and/or items of merchandise 14, time and frequency of interactivity with items of merchandise attached to the sensors, and movement of the sensors and items of merchandise may provide various analytics to a retailer. For example, the analytics may provide information regarding tendencies of customers, products having the highest or lowest level of interest, and point-of-sale data. The retailer may then be able to take appropriate actions to maximize customer interactivity and experience in order to increase sales opportunities. Such tracking of sensors 12 and/or items of merchandise 14 may obsolete the need for various conventional techniques for gathering information regarding customers such as the use of CCTV and customer counting.

[0031] It should be noted that the operations executed by the scanning device 35, the sensor 12, the alarm module 18, and/or the item of merchandise 14 for any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by a computer-readable medium, memory, or other storage medium. 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

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A security system for an item of merchandise, the security system comprising: a sensor configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise;

an alarm module configured to communicate with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise and to generate a security signal in response to a security event; and

a scanning device configured to identify the sensor and/or the item of merchandise, wherein the scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

2. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the scanning device is configured to identify a plurality of sensors and/or items of merchandise.

3. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the scanning device is configured to identify an identifier associated with sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

4. The security system of Claim 3, wherein the identifier comprises a Bluetooth address of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

5. The security system of Claim 3, wherein the identifier comprises a cellular signal of the item of merchandise.

6. The security system of Claim 3, wherein the identifier comprises a Wi-Fi signal of the item of merchandise.

7. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to be removably engaged with the item of merchandise.

8. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the scanning device, the sensor, and/or the item of merchandise is configured to determine a location of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise in response to the security event.

9. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the security event comprises removing the sensor from the item of merchandise in an authorized manner.

10. The security system of Claim 1, further comprising a monitoring system configured to wirelessly communicate with the scanning device, the sensor, and/or the item of merchandise.

11. The security system of Claim 10, wherein the monitoring system is configured to generate a security signal in response to communication with the scanning device.

12. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is integrated with the item of merchandise.

13. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a security signal in response to a security event.

14. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a proximity mechanism for detecting the item of merchandise.

15. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising: providing a sensor coupled to an item of merchandise and a scanning device configured to communicate with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise;

identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise with the scanning device; and initiating a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

16. The method of Claim 15, wherein identifying comprises identifying at least one of a Bluetooth address, a cellular signal, or a Wi-Fi signal of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

17. The method of Claim 15, further comprising registering an identifier at the scanning device for the sensor and/or the item of merchandise prior to the step of identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

18. The method of Claim 15, further comprising communicating with a monitoring system.

19. The method of Claim 15, further comprising generating a security signal with the sensor in response to a security event.

20. The method of Claim 15, wherein identifying comprises scanning for an identifier associated with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

21. The method of Claim 15, wherein initiating a security signal comprises initiating a security signal with the scanning device.

22. A security system for an item of merchandise, the security system comprising: a sensor configured to be coupled to an item of merchandise; and

a scanning device configured to scan for an identifier of the sensor and/or the item of merchandise for identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise,

wherein the scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

23. The security system of Claim 22, wherein the scanning device is configured to store the identifier for the sensor and/or the item of merchandise prior to scanning for the identifier.

24. The security system of Claim 22, further comprising a plurality of sensors each configured to be coupled to a respective item of merchandise, wherein the scanning device is configured to scan for an identifier for each of the plurality of sensors and/or items of merchandise and to initiate a security signal in response to identifying any one of the plurality of sensors and/or items of merchandise.

25. A security system for an item of merchandise, the security system comprising: an item of merchandise; and

a scanning device configured to scan for an identifier of the item of merchandise for identifying the item of merchandise,

wherein the scanning device is configured to initiate a security signal in response to identifying the item of merchandise.

26. The security system of Claim 25, wherein the scanning device is configured to identify a plurality items of merchandise.

27. The security system of Claim 25, wherein the scanning device is configured to identify an identifier associated with the item of merchandise.

28. The security system of Claim 25, wherein the identifier comprises at least one of a Bluetooth address, a cellular signal, or a Wi-Fi signal of the item of merchandise.