Tethered security system with wireless communication
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The base includes a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The security system also includes a controller operably coupled to the base and a key configured to wirelessly communicate with the base and/or controller. The sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with the base.
1. A security system for securing an item of merchandise, comprising:
a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and configured to detect removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor;
a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise;
a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and the item of merchandise when the sensor is supported on the base;
a cable coupled to the sensor and defining a sense loop for detecting a security event,
wherein the charging circuit and the sense loop are electrically isolated from one another such that the cable is not electrically connected to the sensor.
2. The security system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to communicate with the item of merchandise for obtaining data from the item of merchandise.
3. The security system of claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to communicate the data to one or more electronic devices via a cloud-based network.
4. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the security event comprises the cable being cut, shorted, and/or disconnected.
5. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises wireless communication circuitry configured to emit a wireless signal in response to a security event.
6. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the charging circuit is housed within the base.
7. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one electrical contact and the base comprises at least one electrical contact, wherein the base is configured to transfer power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise via the electrical contacts when the sensor is supported on the base, and wherein the base is configured to cease transferring power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise when the sensor is lifted off of the base.
8. The security system of claim 7 , wherein each of the base and the sensor comprises at least one electrical contact configured to detect removal of the sensor from the base.
9. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a lock mechanism configured to lock the base to the sensor.
10. The security system of claim 1 , further comprising an alarm operably engaged with the base configured to generate an alarm signal when the item of merchandise is removed from the sensor or the sense loop is interrupted.
11. The security system of claim 1 , further comprising a recoiler connected to the cable.
12. The security system of claim 1 , further comprising a key configured to wirelessly communicate with the base for arming or disarming an alarm.
13. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the cable is coupled to the sensor and the base.
14. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the cable is coupled to the sensor at one end and coupled to the base at an opposite end.
15. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to receive power from the item of merchandise when removed from the base.
16. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the cable does not transmit power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.
17. The security system of claim 1 , further comprising an adapter cable electrically connecting the sensor to the item of merchandise, and wherein the sensor is configured to detect removal of the adapter cable from the item of merchandise.
18. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the charging circuit is configured to provide power to the item of merchandise.
19. The security system of claim 1 , wherein the cable comprises at least one conductor for defining the sense loop.
20. A method for securing an item of merchandise, comprising:
coupling a sensor to an item of merchandise;
coupling a cable to the sensor for defining a sense loop for detecting a security event; and
positioning the sensor on a base for providing power to the sensor and the item of merchandise via a charging circuit,
wherein the charging circuit and the sense loop are electrically isolated from one another such that the cable is not electrically connected to the sensor.