Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices for creating and using independent component blocks and application modules are described. One example embodiment involves a method where a first application module and a second application module each register with a uniform resource locator (URL) handler module of a mobile device to associate a protocol name with the respective application module. The modules may then use the protocol names to send messages to other application modules using the protocol names, with the messages being relayed or communicated via a communication routing module. Additional embodiments may involve various applications receiving these messages, which may be structured as URLs. The applications may then parse the messages using URL parsers in the application to identify commands and data within messages.

Abstract: A wireless tracking device may have a unique identifier that identifies the item to which it is attached, distinguishing that item from the other items in a secured location. A database may contain information regarding the item attached to the wireless tracking device. A store may be a secured location, and an item may be authorized to leave the store when it is sold. A checkout process may include scanning a machine-readable code associated with the wireless tracking device. Once the checkout is complete and the customer has paid for the item, the database may be updated to disable the alarm for the wireless tracking device. Based on the information in the database, a wireless tracking device detector may determine whether or not to generate an alarm when the wireless tracking device is detected leaving the secured location.