Smart device for use with an electronic key

Abstract

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.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, comprising:
 a smart device comprising a housing, a processor, a display, a power source, and wireless communication functionality; and   a merchandise security device,   wherein the smart device is configured to communicate with the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device,   wherein the smart device is configured to transfer electrical power wirelessly from the power source to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.   
     
     
         2 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be locked and/or unlocked via electrical power transferred from the smart device. 
     
     
         3 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to transfer power inductively to the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         4 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be armed and/or disarmed via electrical power transferred from the smart device. 
     
     
         5 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         6 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device does not include a power source. 
     
     
         7 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device comprises a cellular phone or a tablet. 
     
     
         8 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         9 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to transfer electrical power to a merchandise security device to arm, lock, disarm, and/or unlock the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         10 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to communicate with the merchandise security device using NFC communication. 
     
     
         11 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to transfer electrical power to the merchandise security device only when the smart device is authenticated. 
     
     
         12 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is configured to transfer electrical power to the merchandise security device based on a handshake communication protocol between the smart device and the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         13 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic key integrated with the smart device, wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power to the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         14 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device comprises a software application to facilitate the transfer of electrical power to the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         15 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device is an alarming stand. 
     
     
         16 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device is a locking hook. 
     
     
         17 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device is a lock. 
     
     
         18 . A method for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:
 performing an authentication protocol between a smart device and a merchandise security device, the smart device comprising a housing, a processor, a display, a power source, and wireless communication functionality; and   transferring electrical power wirelessly from the power source of the smart device to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device if the smart device is authorized based on the authentication protocol.   
     
     
         19 . The merchandise security system of  claim 11 , wherein the smart device is configured to be authenticated using a security code. 
     
     
         20 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device is not an electronic key. 
     
     
         21 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic key, independent of the smart device, configured to interface with the smart device, wherein the electronic key is configured to control the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         22 . The merchandise security system of  claim 21 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power to the security device for controlling the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising communicating between the merchandise security device and an electronic key, independent of the smart device, for controlling the merchandise security device.