WO2022256689A1

WO2022256689A1 - Wireless beacon tracking system for merchandise security

Info

Publication number: WO2022256689A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/032216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyle Baker; Christopher J. Fawcett; Jeffrey A. GRANT
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2021-06-04
Filing date: 2022-06-03
Publication date: 2022-12-08

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems and methods for displaying and protecting items from theft. In one example, a security system includes a plurality of tags, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of a plurality of items. The security system also includes a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area, the plurality of nodes configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags. Moreover, the security system includes a wireless beacon tracking system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area.

Description

WIRELESS BEACON SYSTEM FOR MERCHANDISE SECURITY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/197,055, filed on June 4, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security devices, systems, and methods for displaying items and/or for protecting the items from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Retailers routinely display electronic items of merchandise in an open display area for customers to examine and interact with while making a decision whether to purchase the item. The value of the item, however, makes it an attractive target for a shoplifter. In some instances, the item is secured on a merchandise security device, such as a merchandise display stand, to prevent or at least deter theft of the item. The presence of a merchandise security device, however, can inhibit the ability of the customer to interact with the merchandise, and thus, detract from the customer experience. It is therefore desirable in some instances to display the item of merchandise without the item being attached or tethered to a merchandise security device. On the other hand, displaying a relatively inexpensive item of merchandise without a merchandise security device increases the risk that the item may be misplaced or stolen. For example, a shoplifter may pretend to examine the item in the display area and then leave the display area with the item while the sales associate is distracted. The shoplifter can then attempt to exit the retail store with the item of merchandise. Thus, in some cases, use of a security device to prohibit theft or removal of the item of merchandise may be desired in some applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems and methods for displaying and protecting items from theft. In one embodiment, a security system for displaying and protecting items from theft is provided. The security system includes a plurality of security devices nodes positioned within a display area and configured to secure a plurality of items from theft. The security system also includes a plurality of tags, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of the plurality of items. In addition, the security system includes a plurality of nodes positioned within the display area and configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags, and a wireless beacon system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area. [0005] In another embodiment, a merchandise security system for displaying an item of merchandise and protecting the item of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security system comprises a plurality of tags, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of a plurality of items of merchandise. The security system further includes a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area, the plurality of nodes configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags for identifying the tags. The security system also includes a wireless beacon system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items of merchandise within the display area.

[0006] In another embodiment, a security system for displaying and protecting items from theft is provided. The security system comprises a plurality of tags positioned within a display area, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of a plurality of items. The security system also includes a plurality of nodes positioned within the display area configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags. Moreover, the security system includes a wireless tracking system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for displaying and protecting items from theft is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of security devices configured to secure a plurality of items from theft and providing a plurality of tags, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of the plurality of items. The method also includes facilitating wireless communication between a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area and each of the tags, and facilitating communication between a wireless beacon system and the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] FIG. 1 is schematic of a plurality of computing devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0002] FIG. 2 is schematic of a merchandise security system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0003] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating a plurality of computing devices within a retail store of the merchandise security system of FIG. 2.

[0004] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating a plurality of computing devices that have moved within the retail store of the merchandise security system of FIG. 2.

[0005] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating a plurality of annunciators located within the retail store of the merchandise security system of FIG. 2.

[0006] FIG. 6 is schematic illustrating an annunciator of FIG. 5 providing a notification where a computing device has been moved a greater distance from a home location than an allowable distance, but less than an unacceptable distance.

[0007] FIG. 7 is schematic illustrating another annunciator of FIG. 5 providing a notification where a computing device has been moved a greater distance from a home location than an allowable distance, but less than an unacceptable distance.

[0008] FIG. 8 is schematic illustrating another annunciator of FIG. 5 providing a notification where a computing device has been moved a greater distance from a home location than an allowable distance, but less than an unacceptable distance.

[0009] FIG. 9 is schematic illustrating another annunciator of FIG. 5 providing a notification where a computing device has been moved a distance greater than an unacceptable distance.

[0010] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustrating a tag attached to a portable computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 11 is a side view of a merchandise security device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 12 is a side view of a pair of merchandise security devices illustrating the ability to detect misplaced items of merchandise according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 13 is a front view of a system illustrating a plurality of items of merchandise and associated tags according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustrating a plurality of tags within a retail store of a merchandise security system according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustrating a merchandise security system according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a merchandise security system and a wireless tracking system for identifying and tracking items of merchandise (e.g., computing devices, such as to protect the items of merchandise from theft, are shown. Embodiments of the present invention include a merchandise security system and method that utilize wireless beaconing to performing a variety of functions, such as for example, determine the location of one or more items of merchandise. A merchandise security system and method according to embodiments of the invention are operable for use with portable computing devices, such as mobile telephones (e.g., smartphone), personal computers (e.g., tablet, laptop, etc.), wearable wireless devices (e.g., smartwatches), and digital cameras, as well as a variety of other types of devices, such as keys and a variety of security devices (e.g., alarming devices, safers or lock boxes, display hooks, and cable wraps). In the embodiments shown and described herein, a merchandise security system, indicated generally at 10, is provided for displaying items of merchandise, indicated generally at 12, and protecting the items of merchandise from theft. Merchandise security system 10 utilizes a wireless beacon tracking system, indicated generally at 20, to track the position of each of the items of merchandise 12. In some embodiments, the items of merchandise 12 are wireless enabled, and each of the wireless-enabled items of merchandise are Wi-Fi enabled and do not require any additional software application for use with the wireless beacon tracking system 20. In other embodiments, the items of merchandise 12 are consumer products that have not electronics (e.g., packaged products, eyeglasses, etc.). Although some of the embodiments are discussed in the context of a retail store and items of merchandise, it is understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to any number of business or residential sectors, such as restaurants, hospitals, amusement parks, etc., and various items located therein.

[0017] Items of merchandise of the type that may be displayed and protected by a merchandise security system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 1. By way of example and not limitation, the items of merchandise 12 may include an active item of merchandise 12, such as a mobile telephone, a smartphone 14, an active personal computer, such as a tablet 15 or laptop 16, an active wearable wireless device 17, and/or an active digital camera 18. As used herein, the term “active” is intended to mean that the item of merchandise 12 is powered on and is equipped for wireless communication. In other cases, the item of merchandise 12 may be “passive” and not have an internal power source and/or the ability to communicate within the system 10. Similarly, merchandise security devices 40 provided within the system 10 may be active or passive.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless beacon tracking system 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provided in an open display area 22, such as a merchandise display area of a retail store, for displaying and protecting items of merchandise 12. As used herein, the term “open” is intended to mean that a customer may move about within the display area 22 without passing through a security checkpoint or gateway that detects a security signal transmitted or emitted by a tag 34 attached to the item of merchandise 12. The wireless beacon tracking system 20 may include a custom floor plan in a retail environment. The display area 22 may include a number of display surfaces 24, such as a table, shelf, countertop, or the like, for supporting one or more items of merchandise 12. Typically, several items of merchandise 12 of the same type or different types are supported on each display surface 24. The items of merchandise 12 may be supported on a display surface 24 without the device being attached or tethered to a merchandise security device. In other embodiments, the items of merchandise 12 may be attached to a merchandise security device.

[0019] The wireless beacon tracking system 20 comprises a plurality of nodes or beacons 26 that are positioned at predetermined locations within the display area 22. By way of example and not limitation, a plurality of nodes 26 may be positioned around the perimeter of the display area 22 and at least one node may be positioned at about the center of the display area, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Regardless, each node 26 is operable for detecting one or more items of merchandise 12 and/or tags 34. In some cases, a signal strength may be obtained using the nodes 26, such as via a strength of a Bluetooth signal, although other wireless signals may be used for this purpose (e.g., Wi-Fi). The wireless beacon tracking system 20 further comprises a server 33 operable for communicating with each of the nodes 26 to determine the location of an item of merchandise 12 relative to the nodes. By way of example and not limitation, the server 30 may determine the location of the item of merchandise 12 by means of triangulation utilizing at some of the nodes 26. In some cases, the server 30 may be a cloud-based server on a public or private network for receiving and analyzing various information received from the nodes 26 and/or tags 34.

[0020] In one embodiment, the merchandise security system 10 further includes a plurality of tags 34, wherein each tag may be, for example, any wireless -enabled device. In one embodiment, FIG. 10 shows that one tag 34 is attached to a respective item of merchandise 12, although more than one tag can be attached to an item of merchandise, if desired. The tags 34 may be coupled to items of merchandise 12 using any suitable technique, such as with an adhesive, cables, and the like. In some cases, the tag 34 may be removable and reusable. In some embodiments, the tags 34 are reusable such that the tags may be removed by a sales associate or at a checkout counter and reused on another computing device 12. In some cases, the tag 34 may be integrated with the item of merchandise 12, such as within the packaging of the item of merchandise. In addition, a tag 34 may include a variety of components. For example, the tags 34 and/or nodes 26 may include a communication system for communicating with one another. For instance, the communication system may be configured for wireless communication using any desired communications protocol, such as Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth low energy communication, WiFi, cellular, received signal strength indicator (“RSSI”), ultra-wideband (UWB), LoRa WAN, and/or ambient backscatter. The communication system may include a transceiver, an antenna, or transmitter for carrying out such communication. In some embodiments, the tags 34 and/or nodes 26 may be configured to communicate with one another via respective communication systems. For example, the tags 32 may communicate with one another to transmit or relay signals and/or data to node(s) 26 and/or the server 30. Thus, the tags 34 may be configured to communicate with one another and other components within the system 10. In some embodiments, the signals may be encrypted. In some cases, the communication between the tags 34 and nodes 26 may be one way, although two-way communication may be employed in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 10 may include communication systems and devices similar to that disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2021/0264754, entitled Merchandise Display Security Systems and Methods, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0021] In one example embodiment, the tags 34 may utilize energy harvesting to facilitate communication within the system 10. For instance, in some cases, the tags 34 may be passive and not include its own power source. The tags 34 may be configured to harvest various types of energy in order to generate enough power to communicate within the system 10. In one example, the energy harvested may be ambient RF energy. Examples of suitable technology that may be used with a tag 34 is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,769,511, entitled Low Energy Transmitter, and U.S. Patent No. 10,658,875, entitled High Sensitivity Energy Harvester, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] It is understood that the tag 34 may have any desired size and configuration suitable for attachment to an item of merchandise 12. For example, the tag 34 may include a housing with a low profile that does not take away from the presentation of the item of merchandise 12. In the case where the tag 34 includes a battery 38 or other power source (e.g., capacitor), the battery may be rechargeable. In other embodiments, the tag 34 may include a sensing device, such as a pressure or plunger switch, that is configured to detect the item of merchandise 12. In this regard, the sensing device may be configured to detect unauthorized removal of the tag 34 in response to actuation of the sensing device, which could in turn affect the communications system of the tag (e.g., stopping transmission of a signal from the tag).

[0023] FIGS. 3-9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a merchandise security system 10 that utilizes a wireless beacon tracking system 20 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a plurality of item of merchandise 12 located on display surfaces 24 or attached to security devices within an open display area 22 of a retail store. The items of merchandise 12 may be located at positions recognized by one or more nodes 26. Each tag 34 may be configured to transmit a signal that is detectable by at least one of the nodes 26. At least some of the items of merchandise 12 may be secured by a merchandise security device 40, such as a display hook as shown in FIGS. 11-12. As previously described, the wireless beacon tracking system 20 of the merchandise security system 10 comprises a plurality of nodes or beacons 26 positioned within the display area 22 in a predetermined grid pattern. In some embodiments, the nodes 26 are configured for Bluetooth communication with each of the tags 34. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the wireless beacon tracking system 20 comprises five nodes 26 with one of the nodes positioned at each of the four comers of the display area 22 and the remaining node positioned at the center of the display area. In one embodiment, a center node 26 may be used as a controlling node that is able to communicate with the other nodes to determine the signal strength of one or more devices 12. For example, the center node 26 may receive signals from each of the other nodes and determine the nodes with the strongest detected signal strength of the device 12 (e.g., two other nodes with the strongest detected signal strength). Using the nodes 26 detecting the strongest signal strength of the device 12, the server 30 can receive this information for determining the position of the device. In other cases, different nodes 26 may be configured to transmit the detected signal strength of the tag 34 that is then reported to the server 30 for determining the location of the tag 34. In some cases, the position of the devices 12 may be tracked in real time. The nodes 26 may communicate directly with the server 30 and/or remote devices 28 for providing information regarding one or more devices 12 and/or tags 34.

[0024] Each of the wireless-enabled computing devices 12 and/or tags 34 may be registered with a server 30, such as a cloud-based server on a public or private network. For example, for each tag 34 on display in the display area, the identification will be known and can be associated with an item of merchandise 12 and registered at a central location with the server 30. In one embodiment, the server 30 may be a central control device 28 on a local area network. The server 30 may, for example, be a personal computer, such as a desktop, laptop, tablet or notebook computer, a mobile telephone, such as a Smartphone, or a wearable wireless device. In some embodiments, the server 30 may communicate with one or more remote devices 28. Each remote device 28 may be located at any desired location, such as remote from the wireless beacon tracking system 20 where an authorized user or administrator can manage and track the items of merchandise 12 and/or tags 34. In some cases, the user may log into an administrative online dashboard and obtain various information from the define various levels of the location of the items of merchandise 12 and/or tags 34, upload floor plans or a map for each level, and/or mark the placement of each node on the floor plan or map of each level. In other cases, remote devices 28 may be provided to sales associates located within or near the display area 22 for receiving various notifications and information from the server 30 and/or other remote devices. In one embodiment, the server 30 may include software that enables an authorized user to visually track the location of the devices 12, such as on a map.

[0025] In another embodiment, each of the computing devices 12 and/or tags 34 may be registered with a server 30. For example, for each item of merchandise 12 on display in the display area can be associated with a specific tag 34 and can be registered at a central location with the server 30. In some embodiments, the server 30 may communicate with one or more nodes 26. Each node 26 may be located at any desired location within the wireless beacon tracking system 20 where an authorized user or administrator can manage and track the items of merchandise 12. In one embodiment, the server 30 may include software that enables an authorized user to visually track the location of the items of merchandise 12 and/or tags 34, such as on a map, in real time.

[0026] In some embodiments, the nodes 26 of the wireless beacon tracking system 20 are operable for acquiring, or obtaining, identification information or other data from each of the tags 34. The tags 34 may be positioned at an initial location, also referred to herein as the “home location” HL. In some cases, each of the tags 34 may be determined by triangulating the information provided by the tag using a plurality of nodes 26 (e.g., at least three (3) of the nodes). Thereafter, the nodes 26 may periodically obtain the identifier of the tag 34 determine the updated locations of the tags, and upload the updated locations of the tags to the server 30 and/or the remote device 28. In the event that a tag 34 has moved from the home location, the server 30, the nodes 26, and/or the remote device 28 provide a suitable output to an administrator of the merchandise security system 10, for example a sales associate assigned to the display area 22.

[0027] In one embodiment, each tag 34 may be configured to transmit a “ping” or pulse signal that is detectable by one or more of the nodes 26. The tag 34 may be configured to transmit a ping signal in predetermined increments of time (e.g., once about every one second). In some cases, Bluetooth communication may be employed. The server 30 may be configured to receive data from the nodes 26 which is used to determine a location of the tag 34, such as using time of flight, time distance on arrival, and/or triangulation techniques. Data from one or more nodes 26 (e.g., received signal strength, the time the signal is received, etc.) may be used to calculate the location of the tag 34. In another example, if a node 26 receives a signal from a tag 34 within an expected time frame, no alarm signal would be generated, but if no signal is received or the signal is outside of the expected time frame, an alarm signal may be generated.

[0028] In one embodiment, the tags 34 may be configured to be removed by an authorized person without initiating an alarm signal. For instance, tags 34 may be allowed to be removed in one or more “safe zones”, which may be designated locations where a sales associate may remove a tag. Because the location of the tags 34 may be tracked, the location of the tag relative to the safe zone when removed from the computing device 12 may be indicative of whether an authorized removal occurred. If the tag 34 is removed within a safe zone, it can be safely assumed that the tag was removed by an authorized sales associate. If, however, the tag 34 is removed outside of a safe zone, then an alarm signal may be initiated. In some cases, the tag 34 may be configured to communicate with a key for removing the tags, such as via the exchange of a security code. In other cases, the sales associate may use a key to communicate with an authorized device while the tag 34 is in close proximity to the authorized device to signify that the tag is being removed by an authorized sales associate. The authorized device could be located within a safe zone.

[0029] In one embodiment, the computing devices 12 and/or tags 34 may utilize Wi-Fi communication to communicate a MAC address to the nodes 26 for determining a location of the tags. The initial location of a tag 34 may be determined by triangulating the MAC address of the address from at least three (3) of the nodes 26. Thereafter, the nodes 26 may periodically obtain the MAC addresses of the computing devices 12 and/or tags 34, determine the updated locations of the devices 12, and upload the updated locations of the devices 12 to the server 30 and/or the remote device 28. In one embodiment, the wireless beacon tracking system utilized similar methodology as disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2019/0221083, entitled Wireless Beacon Tracking System for Merchandise Security, and filed on March 22, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0030] In some embodiments, the server 30 may communicate with remote devices 28 to notify the sales associate when an item of merchandise 12 has been lifted from a display surface 24 or removed from a merchandise security device by a customer to be examined and/or operated. A customer lifting the item 12 can be indicated by detecting a vertical movement of the item within a small horizontal distance to a new location relative to the home location HL. The server 30 may communicate with remote devices 28 to notify the sales associate that a customer may be examining and/or operating the item of merchandise 12 so that the sales associate can offer assistance to the customer.

[0031] In another embodiment, the merchandise security system 10 may transmit a message to the item of merchandise 12 and/or tag 34 to warn a customer that the item has been moved beyond a predetermined distance from the home location HL or is in proximity to a prohibited location (see, e.g., FIG. 14 where an item has bypassed the checkout area of a retail store and proceeded to the entry/exit). By way of example and not limitation, the server 30 and/or remote device 28 may transmit a visual and/or audible alarm signal to the item of merchandise 12 and/or tag 34, or to another component of the system, when the item is moved beyond the predetermined distance from the home location HL or is in proximity to a prohibited location. If desired, a series of messages, signal and/or alarms may be transmitted or initiated by the server 30 and/or any remote device 28 as the item 12 and/or tag 34 is moved farther from the home location HL or is in proximity to a prohibited location. For example, the server 30 and/or remote device 28 may transmit or initiate an audio warning message instructing the customer to return the item of merchandise 12 to the home location HL or proceed to the check out line to purchase the item. In the event the customer does not comply with the warning instruction, the server 30 and/or remote device 28 may transmit or initiate a visual and/or audible alarm signal. In addition, where a sales associate, security officer, or other store personnel is provided with one or more remote devices 28 (e.g., a mobile telephone or other communications device), the remote device may be notified, for example, by receiving a text message (see, e.g., FIG. 6, where the remote device receives a text message indicating a specific zone, device, and position). Notifications may also be sent based on suspicious activity, such as in response to detecting movement of a large number of the same type of product from a location. Moreover, FIG. 5 shows that one or more annunciators 32 may be located at various desired locations about the display area 22 (e.g., at one or more exit points within the display area). One or more of the annunciators 32 may be in communication with the server 30 and/or remote devices 28 to provide an audio and/or a visual notification based on a location of the item of merchandise 12. For example, an annunciator 32 may be located at an exit of a retail store and be configured to be activated in response to a tag 34 being in proximity or within a predetermined distance from the annunciator. Similarly, the system 10 may be configured to

[0032] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a sequence of movements of an item of merchandise 12 from a home location HL as determined by the wireless beacon tracking system 20 of the merchandise security system 10. FIG. 6 shows the item 12 has been moved a distance greater than a predetermined allowable distance from the home location HL. As a result, the server 30 may provide a message to a remote device 28 associated with a sales associate, referred to herein as an “Associate Notification.” The Associate Notification may, for example, include identification of the item of merchandise 12 and/or associated tag 34 (e.g., “Galaxy S6” in FIGS. 5-9) and the home location HL (e.g., “Position 7” in FIGS. 5-8) of the device. The Associate Notification may also include an identification of a location or zone (e.g., “Zone 3” in FIG. 6) of the display area 22 in which the location of the item of merchandise 12 was last determined. As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the Associate Notification may change or be updated in response to movement of the item of merchandise 12 within the display area 22. When the item of merchandise 12 is moved to a location that is greater than the unacceptable distance from the home location HL, the Associate Notification may be replaced by an Associate Alarm. In addition, a visual and/or audible alarm may be activated within the display area 22 and/or the retail store, such as via one or more annunciators 32. For instance, FIGS. 6-8 show that a selected annunciator nearest to the item 12 may be activated in response to movement of the item.

[0033] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12, a merchandise security device 40 may be used in conjunction with one or more tags 34 associated with items of merchandise 12. In this example, the security device 40 may be a display hook for hanging and dispensing items of merchandise 12 configured to be attached to a fixture 50 (e.g., wall), and in some cases, the items of merchandise may be biased or indexed towards the free end of the hook (e.g., via a pusher or spring). The security device 40 may also include a sensor 42 thereon for detecting an inventory and/or presence of the items of merchandise 12 on the hook. In some embodiments, the security device 40 may be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Publication 2021/0264754, entitled Merchandise Display Security Systems and Methods, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 42 may utilize various sensing techniques to determine if items of merchandise are located on the security device 40. For example, the sensor 42 may employ time of flight signals. The sensor 42 may include an emitter configured to emit a signal that is configured to bounce off an item of merchandise present on the security device 40 and then return to the emitter. In this way, the presence of an item of merchandise on the security device 40 can be determined. Thus, in some cases, the system 10 only determines whether inventory is present or not rather than any particular number of items of merchandise on a security device 40. Although it is understood that the system 10 may be configured to determine the level of inventory on the security device 40 if desired.

[0034] By combining inventory detection using the security device 40 with the ability to obtain information from the tags 34, an additional level of knowledge may be provided about the items 12 on display. For example, if the sensor 42 detects that the display hook 40 is empty, but the wireless beacon system 20 detects a tag 34 in range, it may be indicative that an item of merchandise 12 has been misplaced. In some instances, the system 10 may be configured to generate a notification of the misplaced item 12. Moreover, the system 10 may be further capable of detecting items of merchandise 12 that have been misplaced on security devices 40. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates that if Product A has three products and is supposed to be on display hook A (display hook shown on the left), and Product B has two products and is supposed to be on hook B (display hook shown on the right), but the system 10 detects hook A with two Products and hook B with three Products, it can be inferred that the products have been switched on the hooks.

[0035] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of system 10 where the items of merchandise 12 are eyeglasses and include associated tags 34. In this case, customers are able to remove and try on eyeglasses. It may be desirable to clean the eyeglasses by the retailer after trial by the customer. The tag 34 may be configured to detect the presence of the customer (e.g., using time-of-flight and/or angle -of-arrival) and/or interaction with the eyeglasses (e.g., the customer picking up the eyeglasses and then putting them back down). This system 10 can track where the eyeglasses are located within a retail store and, similar to the embodiments discussed above, flag or provide a notification when an item has been misplaced. In addition, whenever the system 10 detects a pair of eyeglasses that has been moved or interacted with by a customer, the system may be configured to flag the eyeglasses for cleaning so that a retail associate knows to clean the pair of eyeglasses. [0036] In another embodiment, the tags 34 may be attached or otherwise integrated with security devices 40 (see, e.g., FIG. 15 illustrating a cable wrap). Thus, similar to the embodiments discussed above where a tag 34 is associated with an item of merchandise, a tag 34 may be associated with a security device 40 and be part of the system 10 used for tracking a location of the security device and/or communicating information with the security device. In this way, a retailer may be able to obtain insights regarding the location of the tag 34 and/or information relating to the security device 40 via a remote device 28 (e.g., identification, power status, alarm status, etc.), which may communicate in any variety of ways, such as via Bluetooth and/or LoRa WAN communication via one or more bridges 44 and/or gateways 46.

[0037] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a security system and method for displaying an item and for protecting the item from theft that utilize a wireless beacon system. Embodiments of a security system and method have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and intended broad scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A security system for displaying and protecting items from theft, the security system comprising: a plurality of security devices nodes positioned within a display area and configured to secure a plurality of items from theft; a plurality of tags, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of the plurality of items; a plurality of nodes positioned within the display area and configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags; and a wireless beacon system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area.

2. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the plurality of nodes are positioned within the display area in a predetermined grid pattern.

3. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to provide a notification that one of the items is located at a distance from a home location that is greater than a predetermined allowable distance.

4. The security system of Claim 3, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to provide the notification to one or more remote devices.

5. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to initiate actuation of an alarm signal.

6. The security system of Claim 1, wherein each of the tags and the nodes are configured to communicate using Bluetooth communication.

7. The security system of Claim 1, wherein each of the tags does not include a power source.

8. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to determine whether an incorrect item is positioned on any one of the security devices.

9. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to detect interaction with each of the plurality of items based on communication between the plurality of tags and the nodes.

10. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to detect whether an item has been misplaced relative to a home location based on communication between the plurality of tags and the nodes.

11. The security system of Claim 10, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to provide a notification to a remote device when an item has been misplaced.

12. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to detect a location of the items within the display area.

13. The security system of Claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect an inventory and/or presence of the items.

14. The security system of Claim 13, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to detect whether an item has been misplaced based on the inventory and/or presence.

15. The security system of Claim 1, further comprising any combination of features recited by any of Claims 1-14.

16. A merchandise security system for displaying an item of merchandise and protecting the item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security system comprising: a plurality of tags positioned within a display area, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of a plurality of items of merchandise; a plurality of nodes positioned within the display area, the plurality of nodes configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags for identifying the tags; and a wireless beacon system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items of merchandise within the display area.

17. The merchandise security system of Claim 16, further comprising a plurality of security devices, wherein each security device is configured to display a plurality of items of merchandise.

18. The merchandise security system of Claim 17, wherein one or more tags is configured to be attached to or integrated with one or more of the security devices.

19. The merchandise security system of Claim 17, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to determine whether an incorrect item of merchandise is positioned on any one of the security devices.

20. The merchandise security system of Claim 16, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to detect interaction with each of the plurality of items of merchandise based on communication between the plurality of tags and the nodes.

21. The merchandise security system of Claim 16, wherein the wireless beacon system is configured to detect whether an item of merchandise has been misplaced relative to a home location based on communication between the plurality of tags and the nodes.

22. A security system for displaying and protecting items from theft, the security system comprising: a plurality of tags positioned within a display area, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of a plurality of items; a plurality of nodes positioned within the display area configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the tags; and a wireless tracking system in communication with the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area.

23. A method for displaying and protecting items from theft, the method comprising: providing a plurality of security devices configured to secure a plurality of items from theft; providing a plurality of tags, one or more of the tags configured to be attached to a respective one of the plurality of items; facilitating wireless communication between a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area and each of the tags; and facilitating communication between a wireless beacon system and the plurality of nodes for detecting the items within the display area.

24. A system, method, and/or computer program medium comprising any combination of features disclosed herein.