Abstract: A method for providing access includes providing an electronic access card having a biometric identifier, biometrically identifying with the electronic access card an authorized user of the electronic access card, signaling a monitoring station when the user is identified, receiving an enabling signal from the monitoring station, and providing access in response to the receipt of the enabling signal. The method can also include enabling an ignition system in response to the receipt of the enabling signal.

Abstract: An automated depository system having a sobriety detection mechanism and a storage unit for storing a deposited article in which the storage unit selectively releases the stored article based on measurements taken by the sobriety detection mechanism. In one arrangement, the sobriety detection mechanism can produce a blood alcohol content reading, and the storage unit can release the deposited article when the reading is below a predetermined value. Conversely, the storage unit can retain the article when the reading reaches a predetermined value. In another arrangement, the system can have circuitry for contacting a transportation service based on measurements taken by the sobriety detection mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system. The system includes an electronic access card in which the electronic access card stores information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a vehicle transceiver coupled to the card reader. The vehicle transceiver transmits at least a portion of the associated information to at least one of a monitoring station and a portable unit. The monitoring station and the portable unit each include a computer for displaying the associated information. In one arrangement, the card reader and the vehicle transceiver can be mounted in a vehicle, and the vehicle transceiver can transmit the associated information from any vehicle having the card reader and the vehicle transceiver. In addition, the portable unit can be a law enforcement mobile unit.

Abstract: An access system. The system includes an electronic access card having a biometric identifier for biometrically identifying an authorized user of the card, a card reader in which the card reader receives the electronic access card, and an ignition system and a vehicle transceiver coupled to the card reader. When the biometric identifier identifies the authorized user, the card reader signals a monitoring station through the vehicle transceiver. In addition, the card reader receives through the transceiver an enabling signal from the monitoring station and in response, the card reader enables the ignition system. In one arrangement, the electronic access card can permit access to any vehicle having at least the card reader and the vehicle transceiver.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system. The system includes an electronic access card for storing information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a display for receiving at least a portion of the associated information from the card reader and for displaying the portion of associated information when the user operates a vehicle. The display is located on the vehicle, and the displayed information includes at least a unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card. In one arrangement, the unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card can be transferrable to other vehicles such that the identifier can be displayed on any vehicle having the card reader and the display when the user operates such vehicle.

Abstract: A method for providing access includes providing an electronic access card having a biometric identifier, biometrically identifying with the electronic access card an authorized user of the electronic access card, signaling a monitoring station when the user is identified, receiving an enabling signal from the monitoring station, and providing access in response to the receipt of the enabling signal. The method can also include enabling an ignition system in response to the receipt of the enabling signal.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system. The system includes an electronic access card in which the electronic access card stores information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a vehicle transceiver coupled to the card reader. The vehicle transceiver transmits at least a portion of the associated information to at least one of a monitoring station and a portable unit. The monitoring station and the portable unit each include a computer for displaying the associated information. In one arrangement, the card reader and the vehicle transceiver can be mounted in a vehicle, and the vehicle transceiver can transmit the associated information from any vehicle having the card reader and the vehicle transceiver. In addition, the portable unit can be a law enforcement mobile unit.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system. The system includes an electronic access card for storing information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a display for receiving at least a portion of the associated information from the card reader and for displaying the portion of associated information when the user operates a vehicle. The display is located on the vehicle, and the displayed information includes at least a unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card. In one arrangement, the unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card can be transferrable to other vehicles such that the identifier can be displayed on any vehicle having the card reader and the display when the user operates such vehicle.

Abstract: An access system. The system includes an electronic access card having a biometric identifier for biometrically identifying an authorized user of the card, a card reader in which the card reader receives the electronic access card, and an ignition system and a vehicle transceiver coupled to the card reader. When the biometric identifier identifies the authorized user, the card reader signals a monitoring station through the vehicle transceiver. In addition, the card reader receives through the transceiver an enabling signal from the monitoring station and in response, the card reader enables the ignition system. In one arrangement, the electronic access card can permit access to any vehicle having at least the card reader and the vehicle transceiver.

Abstract: An automated depository system having a sobriety detection mechanism and a storage unit for storing a deposited article in which the storage unit selectively releases the stored article based on measurements taken by the sobriety detection mechanism. In one arrangement, the sobriety detection mechanism can produce a blood alcohol content reading, and the storage unit can release the deposited article when the reading is below a predetermined value. Conversely, the storage unit can retain the article when the reading reaches a predetermined value. In another arrangement, the system can have circuitry for contacting a transportation service based on measurements taken by the sobriety detection mechanism.