Intelligent asset protection system

A modular electronic surveillance system comprising:

• a computer;
• a communications switch;
• at least one modular radiate and detect unit, said at least one modular radiate and detect unit comprising,
• at least one radio frequency signal transmitting means;
• at least one radio frequency signal receiving means;
• a receptacle adapted to receive the first end of a cable providing both a power conduit and an information conduit wherein the second end of said cable connects to said communications switch, said modular radiate and detect unit being powered by said cable;
• at least one programmable controller for said radio frequency signal transmitting means and said radio frequency signal receiving means, said programmable controller controlling signals transmitted by said radio frequency signal transmitting means and interpreting radio frequency signals received by said radio frequency signal receiving means, said at least one programmable controller communicating with said computer via said cable and said communications switch;
• and,
• at least one transponder capable of communicating with at least one said radiate and detect unit.

A modular electronic surveillance system comprising:

• a computer;
• a communications switch;
• at least one modular radiate and detect unit, said at least one modular radiate and detect unit comprising,
• at least one radio frequency signal transmitting means;
• at least one radio frequency signal receiving means;
• a receptacle adapted to receive the first end of a cable providing both a power conduit and an information conduit wherein the second end of said cable connects to said communications switch, said modular radiate and detect unit being powered by said cable;
• at least one programmable controller for said radio frequency signal transmitting means and said radio frequency signal receiving means, said programmable controller controlling signals transmitted by said radio frequency signal transmitting means and interpreting radio frequency signals received by said radio frequency signal receiving means, said at least one programmable controller communicating with said computer via said cable and said communications switch;
• and,
• at least one transponder capable of communicating with at least one said radiate and detect unit, said transponder comprising a transponder controller, memory, an internal, antenna, a battery, an attaching mechanism for releasably attaching said transponder to an article, an electronic article surveillance sensor, and an audible alarm generator.