System and method for calibrating a wireless security range

Abstract

Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A security system configured for securing a portable electronic device from theft, the security system comprising:
 a portable electronic device; and   a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the portable electronic device,   wherein the portable electronic device and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting a predetermined range between the portable electronic device and the monitoring component,   wherein the monitoring component and the portable electronic device are configured to communicate with one another after initially setting the predetermined range,   wherein the monitoring component and/or the portable electronic device is configured to initiate a security signal when the portable electronic device is not within the predetermined range.   
     
     
         2 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring component is configured to be coupled to a remote power source for providing power to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is supported on the monitoring component. 
     
     
         3 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring component and the portable electronic device are each configured to initiate a security signal when the portable electronic device is not within the predetermined range. 
     
     
         4 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device and the monitoring component are configured to wirelessly communicate to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component. 
     
     
         5 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring component and the portable electronic device are each configured to communicate with a key for arming or disarming the monitoring component and/or the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         6 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device and the monitoring component are configured to be paired to one another in response to the portable electronic device being positioned on the monitoring component. 
     
     
         7 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring component comprises a display stand. 
     
     
         8 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined range is a distance range. 
     
     
         9 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range in response to communication with a key. 
     
     
         10 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device comprises a sensor coupled thereto or integrated therewith. 
     
     
         11 . The security system of  claim 10 , wherein the monitoring component is configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The security system of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range between the sensor and the monitoring component. 
     
     
         13 . The security system of  claim 12 , wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another after initially setting the predetermined range. 
     
     
         14 . The security system of  claim 13 , wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the sensor is not within the predetermined range 
     
     
         15 . The security system of  claim 10 , wherein the sensor is integrated with the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         16 . A method for securing a portable electronic device from theft, the method comprising:
 wirelessly communicating between a monitoring component and a portable electronic device;   initially setting a predetermined range in response to communication between the portable electronic device and the monitoring component;   subsequent to initially setting the predetermined range, determining whether the portable electronic device is within the predetermined range; and   initiating a security signal at the monitoring component and/or portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is not within the predetermined range.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein initiating the security signal comprises generating the security signal at each of the monitoring component and the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising determining a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein initially setting comprises initially setting the predetermined range in response to communication with a key. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising receiving a signal from the key at the portable electronic device.