Handheld merchandise scanner device

A method in a handheld merchandise scanning device, said method comprising the steps of:

• permitting a selection of a scan operation utilizing said handheld scanning device for scanning a product tag which includes a security tag, said security tag being responsive only to signals having a particular frequency;
• transmitting a first signal having said frequency at a first power level utilizing said handheld scanner in response to a selection of said scan operation to said product tag, said first power level being insufficient to deactivate said security tag;
• receiving a return signal from said product tag while said security tag remains activated;
• displaying said product information utilizing said handheld scanning device in response to a receipt of said return signal;
• permitting a selection of a purchase operation;
• transmitting a second signal having said frequency at a second power level utilizing said handheld scanning device in response to a selection of said purchase operation;
• deactivating said security tag in response to a receipt of said second signal;
• receiving a second return signal from said product tag;
• displaying said product information utilizing said handheld scanning device in response to a receipt of said second return signal;
• and
• determining a current status of said security tag while said security tag remains activated.

A handheld merchandise scanning device, comprising:

• a first and second mode for scanning a product tag which includes product information and a security tag;
• means for scanning said product tag utilizing said scanning device in said first mode to obtain said product information without deactivating said security tag;
• means for scanning said product tag utilizing said scanning device in said second mode to obtain said product information and deactivating said security tag;
• a third scan mode;
• and
• means for scanning said product tag utilizing said scanning device in said third mode to determine a status of said security tag without deactivating said security tag.

A handheld merchandise scanning device, comprising:

• a mode selection switch for selecting a scan mode or a purchase mode;
• means for scanning a product tag in response to a selection of said scan mode whereby a security tag remains activated during said scanning, wherein said security tag is responsive only to signals having a particular frequency;
• means for deactivating said security tag in response to a selection of said purchase mode;
• means for transmitting a first signal having said frequency at a first power level utilizing said handheld scanner in response to a selection of said scan mode to said product tag, said first power level being insufficient to deactivate said security tag;
• means for receiving a first return signal from said product tag while said security tag remains activated;
• means for displaying said product information utilizing said handheld scanning device in response to a receipt of said first return signal;
• means for transmitting a second signal having said frequency at a second power level utilizing said handheld scanning device in response to a selection of said purchase mode;
• means for deactivating said security tag in response to a receipt of said second signal;
• means for receiving a second return signal from said product tag;
• means for displaying said product information utilizing said handheld scanning device in response to a receipt of said second return signal;
• and
• means for determining a current status of said security tag while said security tag remains activated.