SMART DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRONIC KEY
A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security system comprises a smart device and an electronic key coupled to the smart device. The electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating a merchandise security device.
1 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security system comprising:
a smart device; and
an electronic key coupled to the smart device and configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device,
wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power from the smart device to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.
2 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key does not include a power source and the smart device includes a power source, and wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power from the power source to the electronic key.
3 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is electrically coupled to the electronic key via an input port on the smart device.
4 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is integrated with the smart device.
5 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , further comprising a shroud engaged with the smart device, wherein the electronic key is coupled to the shroud.
6 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device comprises a cellular phone or a tablet.
7 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to wirelessly communicate with the merchandise security device.
8 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to transfer power inductively to the merchandise security device.
9 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time.
10 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power to a merchandise security device to arm, lock, disarm, and/or unlock the merchandise security device.
11 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, comprising:
a smart device;
an electronic key electrically coupled to the smart device; and
a merchandise security device,
wherein the electronic key is configured to communicate with the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device,
wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power from the smart device to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.
12 . The merchandise security system of claim 11 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be locked and/or unlocked via electrical power transferred from the electronic key.
13 . The merchandise security system of claim 12 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power inductively.
14 . The merchandise security system of claim 13 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be armed and/or disarmed via electrical power transferred from the electronic key.
15 . The merchandise security system of claim 13 , wherein the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time.
16 . The merchandise security system of claim 13 , wherein the merchandise security device and the electronic key do not include a power source.
17 . A method for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:
coupling an electronic key to a smart device;
actuating the smart device or the electronic key to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device and to cause the electronic key to transfer electrical power from the smart device to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein actuating causes transferring electrical power from the electronic key to the merchandise security device.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein actuating causes the electronic key to communicate with the merchandise security device without the electronic key or the merchandise security device requiring a power source.
20 . The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the smart device comprises a software application to facilitate power transfer to the electronic key.