Security method using an imaging barcode reader

1. A method of operating a barcode reader to provide security comprising:

receiving an unauthorized activity signal by the barcode reader, wherein receiving further includes receiving the unauthorized activity signal from a terminal coupled to the barcode reader when a cash drawer is opened at the terminal during operation of the terminal and automatically receiving the unauthorized activity signal from the terminal in response to the cash drawer being opened; and

capturing image data by a camera in the barcode reader in response to the unauthorized activity signal.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the capturing step comprises:

capturing the image data by the camera only during a predetermined monitoring period.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

storing the image data at the terminal coupled to the barcode reader.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

storing the image data at a network storage location.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

sending an alert to a security system in response to the capturing of the image data.

6. A method of operating a barcode reader in a checkout lane in order to provide security during a monitoring period comprising:

receiving by the barcode reader a signal during the monitoring period indicative of unauthorized activity, wherein the signal originates from a device that is coupled to the barcode reader and the signal is automatically received by the barcode reader from the device;

capturing image data by a camera in the barcode reader in response to the signal;

providing final over a network to one or more additional barcode readers, each additional barcode reader in a different checkout lane, and capturing additional image data by one or more other cameras integrated into the one or more other barcode in response to the signal; and

sending by the barcode reader an alert to a security system in response to the capturing of the image data.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the monitoring period is during store hours.

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the monitoring period is after store hours.

9. A barcode reader comprising:

a camera; and

a processor configured to operate the camera during a first mode to capture first image data during a transaction including a barcode and during a second mode to capture second image data during unauthorized activity, and wherein during the second mode the second image is captured based on the camera automatically receiving a signal from a device that is coupled to the camera, and wherein the processor further configured to notify other barcode readers networked together to capture additional images when the barcode reader is in the first mode or the second mode.

10. The barcode reader of claim 9 , further comprising:

communication circuitry for sending the second image data to a security system.

11. The barcode reader of claim 9 , further comprising:

communication circuitry for sending alerts to a security system in response to the unauthorized activity.

12. The barcode reader of claim 9 , further comprising:

communication circuitry for receiving the signal in response to the unauthorized activity;

wherein the processor begins capturing the second image data in response to the signal.

13. The barcode reader of claim 9 , wherein the signal is from a sensor.

14. The barcode reader of claim 9 , wherein the signal is from a terminal coupled to the barcode reader.