Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a radio-frequency (RF) identification tag configured to transmit at least one dynamic electronic product code (EPC) associated with at least one item, the at least one dynamic EPC configured to include at least one portion that is variable based at least in part on at least one detectable condition associated with the at least one item.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system comprises an RFID tag and an RFID reader that communicates with the tag and a processor. A dynamic electronic product code (EPC) is associated with the reader. The dynamic EPC includes at least one portion that is variable.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic parking meter and a method of configuring an electronic parking meter. In addition to a meter housing and an electronic metering mechanism within the housing, the parking meter includes a memory positioned within the housing separate from the electronic metering mechanism for storing configuration information associated with a pre-selected group of one or more electronic meters. When the electronic metering mechanism is replaced, the replacement metering mechanism that is inserted into the housing need only be coupled to the separate memory in order to have the configuration information of the specific meter downloaded into it. The configuration information includes parking meter location information and/or parking restriction information.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser and method to detect the presence of a human being at a fuel dispenser as well as gather data about the human being using the fuel dispenser. The data is used to determine the language or dialect of the fueling instructions as well as the language or dialect of the advertisements understood by the human being. The data is also used to retrieve advertisements tailored to the human being. The fueling instructions and advertisements are displayed on the fuel dispenser in the language or dialect understood by the human being using the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A vending machine uses a field-programmable electronic lock that learns a key code from a corresponding electronic key. The electronic lock has a learning process activation device that is accessible only when the door of the vending machine is in the open position. Using the learning process activation device, a service person activates the electronic lock to perform a key code learning operation, in which the electronic lock receives a key code transmitted from an electronic key and stores the key code in a non-volatile memory for future access control of the vending machine. Data encryption is employed in the communications between the key and the lock to ensure the security of the communications. Customized access limitations and a list of lock IDs are programmed into the electronic key to restrict when and how it can be used to access the vending machines. Access history data of the vending machines are collected for audit purposes by uploading the data from the vending machines to an electronic key.

Abstract: A self-service machine using a communications terminal and a service providing method thereof. The self-service machine includes an antenna for receiving a radio signal including identification information of the self-service machine and price information, a radio transceiver for processing the radio signal from the antenna, an information processor for extracting the price information from the signal processed by the radio transceiver if the identification information from the radio transceiver is identical to its actual identification information, a controller for controlling the self-service machine so as to provide a predetermined service according to the price information from the information processor, a service providing unit for providing the predetermined service under the control of the controller, and a memory for storing predetermined information about the service provided by the self-service machine after the provision of service by the service providing unit.

Abstract: A directed inventory system uses individual wireless pick-to modules, or individual wireless pick-from modules, or both, to aid inventory management services such as order fulfillment. Modules wirelessly receive servicing information directly from a processing computer, and transmit servicing status information directly to the computer. Light indicators or display panels on the modules provide information corresponding to a service to be performed, such as a quantity of parts to be picked from a bin, a location of a parts bin to pick from, a designation of a container to pick into, or other servicing information.

Abstract: A vehicle parking network comprises a transmitter-responder device (TRD) for each subscriber and a complementary box which can be coupled to the TRD and only to it, and permits it to communicate with a central computer. The complementary box is provided with identification marks that can be scanned from the outside and includes a microcontroller, memory means and timing means. Once the vehicle is parked, the TRD is used to obtain from the computer a parking authorization and an allowed parking time. Then a legitimate parking sign is displayed and the parking time is downcounted until the allowed time has been completed or until the vehicle leaves the parking space. If communication with the computer cannot be established, the complementary box carries out an assumed parking procedure, stores its data in a buffer memory, and later transmits them to the computer for verification and registration. The computer communicates the data of each parking to the Public Authority charged with collecting the parking fees.

Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge.

Abstract: A vending machine is equipped with a short range communication circuit for uploading vending machine data to passing mobile terminals. The mobile terminals subsequently upload the data to a remote location through a wireless communication process, such as through a cellular phone call. Compensation may be provided to the user of the mobile terminal and aggregation between mobile terminals and/or vending machines is contemplated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of protecting a radiocommunications terminal against unauthorized use, the terminal being adapted to send and receive a plurality of types of user information and a plurality of types of terminal information. According to the invention, when no user information is transmitted, the terminal is automatically switched to a secure mode in which the sending of at least one type of user information is prohibited and the sending of at least one type of terminal information is authorized, secure mode being canceled by entering a predetermined code. The invention applies in particular to GSM mobile terminals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic parking meter and a method of configuring an electronic parking meter. In addition to a meter housing and an electronic metering mechanism within the housing, the parking meter includes a memory positioned within the housing separate from the electronic metering mechanism for storing configuration information associated with a pre-selected group of one or more electronic meters. When the electronic metering mechanism is replaced, the replacement metering mechanism that is inserted into the housing need only be coupled to the separate memory in order to have the configuration information of the specific meter downloaded into it. The configuration information includes parking meter location information and/or parking restriction information.

Abstract: A monitoring system is described for monitoring gas delivery systems from a Web browser. The system collects data generated from existing gas delivery systems, as well as other information, such as maintenance and repair data, and stores the data in a database located on a centralized server computer system. An authorized user may access the database from a remote location, check the status of the gas cylinders, manifolds, and tools, and generate reports including mean-time-to-failure reports, serviceability, comparisons among buildings or sites, thus saving time and helping to minimize future downtime of the gas delivery system. In addition, the monitoring system automatically monitors the gas delivery system for critical conditions and automatically notifies appropriate personnel of conditions that require immediate attention.

Abstract: A distributed electronic price display system includes a central computer communicating through a radio frequency system to receivers located preferably at a gondola unit between each aisle in a facility to display prices or other information. Each gondola unit may be controlled by a single controller, depending upon the size and number of shelves and number of electronic tags placed under the command of the single controller. Each level of control at the gondola redistributes information to the next level down by selectively enabling the receipt and re-transmission of the information at various routing points in the system, including master controllers, slave controllers and price tag modules. This process continues until the message is loaded into the electronic display. A change of price can be accomplished remotely from the central station by the use of a radio frequency terminal carried by an attendant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent nozzle having a communication system capable of wireless, remote communications with an associated dispenser. Information may be transmitted from the dispenser to the nozzle to facilitate nozzle control or display to a customer, and information received at the nozzle may be transmitted to the dispenser for further processing or display.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the recovery of bar code scanning errors due to irregularities in the bar code. When a bar code scanning error occurs, the system displays the erroneously scanned bar code indicating the characters that could not be resolved successfully. The store clerk or operator need only fill the missing digit to confirm the scanned item without manually entering the entire code. Alternatively, a search engine evaluates the portions of the bar code which have been successfully resolved and displays a text and/or graphics list of all products having the resolved portion of the bar code. The store clerk or operator then need only choose the correct item from the screen list to confirm the sale. A printer allows the completed bar code to be printed on a receipt paper. The user of the system may then use the printed bar code for items that continuously result in a bar code error. The system may further keep a list of erroneously scanned bar codes.

Abstract: An information providing system includes a loading section in which a recording medium is removably loaded, a content identification information detecting portion for detecting content identification information of the recording medium loaded in the loading section, and a housing section for housing a plurality of recording media in which content information indicated by the content identification information is recorded in advance. An ejecting device ejects a recording medium in which the content information coincident with the content information set by the setting means is recorded. The system also includes a detector for detecting whether or not the remaining number of recording media housed in the housing section and having a particular content information is a minimum threshold value. A replenishing mechanism replenishes the housing section with the recording media of the kind detected by the detector to be at the minimum value.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical latch assembly for an enclosure such as a vending machine and including an electronic lock controller for disengaging a latch assembly securing the door of the enclosure against the enclosure frame in a closed, locked position. The lock controller is actuated remotely through a key controller to disengage the latch assembly and enable the door of the enclosure to be moved to an open position for accessing the enclosure.

Abstract: A system for allowing to provide service and for charging the costs associated with providing the service to a vehicle or to a customer, which system comprises means for providing service to the vehicle, a vehicle recognition system capable of producing characteristic vehicle data, a customer recognition system capable of producing characteristic customer data, a data processing means which is connected to the recognition systems so as to receive the characteristic data, which data processing means includes a storage device including records containing characteristic data of the vehicle and the related customer, a system for comparing the produced characteristic data of the vehicle and the customer with the stored characteristic data, means for allowing the service to be provided when the produced characteristic data agree to one set of characteristic data of the vehicle and the related customer, and means for charging the costs to an account.

Abstract: A vend audit system and methods are described. In an implementation, the system includes vend items with packaging having tags, at least one tag sensor, and a control circuit capable of receiving data from the tag sensor. A method for tracking inventory in a vending machine is also described. In an implementation, the technique includes loading vend items having tags into a vending machine, sensing the tags, and transferring information to a control circuit. The tags may be RF tags, and the tag sensor may be an RF antenna sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling access to or from a facility associated with providing services and/or sales of merchandise. The facility has an automatically operated, normally closed access gate and a scanner. Patrons may access the facility free of charge or at a discount by displaying an article of merchandise such that the scanner reads a bar code inscribed upon the merchandise. Data corresponding to the scanned bar code is compared to data entered into the memory of an automated data processing device. If that comparison results in establishing a correlation between data from the scanned merchandise and data entered into memory corresponding to merchandise for which a discount is accorded, then a control signal is generated and transmitted to the access gate. The access gate then opens and allows the patron submitting merchandise for scanning to enter or leave the facility.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical latching apparatus for an enclosure such as a vending machine and including an electronic lock controller for disengaging a latch assembly securing the door of the enclosure against the enclosure frame in a closed, locked position. Upon actuation, the lock controller disengages the latch assembly and enable the door of the enclosure to be moved to an open position for accessing the enclosure.

Abstract: A customer activated device for use by a customer in an establishment to provide an indication to service personnel that the customer desires service includes manually actuatable service requesters disposed at various locations within the establishment. Each of the plurality of manually actuatable service requesters includes a transmitter for transmitting, upon activation by a customer, a signal specific to the corresponding service requester. The device also includes a base station having a receiver and transmitter. The base station is electrically coupled to each of the manually actuatable service requesters and receives the signals transmitted by the manually actuatable service requesters and sends a service request signal in response thereto. The device further includes pagers electrically coupled to the base station. Each of the plurality of pagers is associated with at least one of the manually actuatable service requesters.

Abstract: A wide area network (WAN) of vending machines connected to a host that builds a database of vending-related information received from the vending machines. Also, a communications system within each vending machine having a vending machine data acquisition unit and a multiple-communication-technology adapter to interface the data acquisition unit to multiple communication technologies including at least one wireless technology. Also, a data structure used to build the database, the data structure having data elements corresponding to an identity of a machine, recent and previous prediction information for the machine, and recent and previous refill-visit information for the machine, the elements being linked together. The multiple vending machines communicate with a communications concentrator via one of many communication technologies. The communications concentrator interfaces the multiple vending machines to a data warehouse that builds a database using the data structure mentioned above.

Abstract: A method for providing a custom menu for a drive-thru customer has a first step of scanning the customer automobile license plate. The unique license plate number will serve as an identifier for the customer. The customer menu selections will be recorded in a customer profile corresponding to the unique license plate number. On subsequent visits to the drive-thru, scanning of the license plate will allow for retrieval of the customer profile and for displaying a customized menu featuring past menu selections to the customer. The drive-thru customer's buying trends over time may also be discovered through practice of the invention.

Abstract: A storage device (10, 100) configured to be mounted to or near a house or other building for storing delivered goods. The storage device is shiftable between an expanded position wherein the device occupies a relatively large amount of space when in use and a collapsed position wherein the storage device occupies a relatively small amount of space when not in use.

Abstract: A remote data telemetry device comprising a wireless identification device; a tactile input device; and a decoder coupled to the tactile input device and the wireless identification device, the wireless identification device being configured to transmit data input into the tactile input device. A method of manufacturing a point of sale terminal, the method comprising coupling a radio frequency identification device to a keyboard and configuring the radio frequency identification device to transmit, by radio frequency, data entered into the keyboard.

Abstract: A system and method for recording the evidence of intent of a party to a transaction, archiving this speech recording, and notifying and making it available to interested parties. A party seeking an affirmation will send to the affirming party a communication outlining the terms of the affirmation to be made, and also a transaction identifier by which a system may identify the parties to the transaction. The affirming party communicates with the system. The affirming party communicates the transaction identifier, and subsequently recites a spoken affirmation which is recorded by the system. The system then stores the recording in association with a recording identifier which can be used later to retrieve the recording. Finally, the system communicates the recording identifier both to the affirming party and to the party requesting the affirmation. The requesting party is thus informed that the affirmation has been made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless adaptor for a financial transaction device compatible with the public switched telephone network, such as a point-of-sale credit card terminal, allowing such a device to be used in a wireless manner. Further disclosed is a wireless financial transaction system using the wireless adaptor of the invention. Further disclosed are methods used to operate a financial transaction device compatible with the public switched telephone network in a wireless manner, and to provide additional data security therefor. The invention may be used to provide wireless and portable operation of existing credit card authorization terminals without any modifications needing to be made to either the terminal itself or any software programs contained therein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a controlled access storage system for the delivery and retrieval of an item having a transponder associated therewith. In this regard, the transponder is programmed with data specific to the item. The transponder is configured to transmit item identification data. The storage system is provided with an enclosure sized and configured to store the item. The storage system is further provided with a locking mechanism for unlocking the enclosure for access therein in response to an unlock signal. The storage system is further provided with a transponder communications device which is configured to electrically interrogate the transponder and to receive the item identification data in response.

Abstract: A method for obtaining warranty registration of products, facilitating return of lost products, and expediting warranty service on defective products comprising providing a unique identifier on or within each product; providing a lost and found system comprising the steps of marking each product with return instructions and a reward offer to any person who finds said product after it has been lost; and offering to return each product to a registered owner in the event said product is lost and returned by said person who finds it if said owner provides data comprising owner identification and date said product was purchased at retail; providing said data to a manufacturer or other warrantor in order to register said warranty.

Abstract: An advertising and promotion system including an electronic shopping cart display screen that provides wireless in-store advertising and promotions. In embodiments of the present invention, the advertising and promotion system includes a display unit attached to a shopping cart, a plurality of store-wide transceiver units, an audible alert component on the display unit for signaling receipt of information from the transceiver unit, a host computer for operating the advertising and promotion system, and a battery charger for powering the display unit. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panel for displaying animated graphic advertisements and other visual messages automatically exhibited in the proximity of a transceiver unit by a desired product display. The display unit may be interactive (i.e., capable of responding to user information requests and directions) or passive (i.e.

Abstract: A multichannel switched communication system having a plurality of communication channels, with a plurality of information records stored in a database relating to a plurality of identified objects; a database server system for selectively accessing information records based on a selection criteria; a common input, receiving the selection criteria associated with an identification of a receiver, the selection criteria including object identification information; and a multichannel distribution system capable of simultaneously transmitting a plurality of information records, for transmitting the selectively accessed information record to the identified receiver. A plurality of mobile receivers each receives a desired broadcast on one of a plurality of channels. A bar code scanner associated with a mobile receiver identifies desired information record for retrieval. An infrared or radio frequency communication system may be provided for transmitting control data from the mobile receiver.

Abstract: A system and method of interfacing includes a mobile web information exchange device. Information about a user is recorded on a mobile web recording medium. Information terminals are provided at locations which receive the mobile web recording medium. Information is stored on the Internet or terminals relating to the specific location. The mobile web recording medium, such as any media storage device, is connected to the terminals. A control is provided, either on the storage media or in the terminals for the interaction of the mobile web recording medium with the terminals. Thus information is exchanged by supplying the information about the user to the terminal and by recording selective information data from the terminal and/or Internet to the mobile web recording medium. Such exchange may be effected by inputting commands with a mouse or keyboard or touch screen connected to the terminals. The media storage device is then removed from the terminal and used at as many terminals as desired.