Abstract: A video router comprises a multiple port Ethernet switch that may used to connect at least one Internet Protocol (IP) camera; a power over Ethernet unit that supplies power to the at least one connected IP camera; at least one network interface; and a central processing unit (CPU) capable of running a routing software that automatically discovers and configures the at least one connected IP camera.

Abstract: A video router comprises a multiple port Ethernet switch that may used to connect at least one Internet Protocol (IP) camera; a power over Ethernet unit that supplies power to the at least one connected IP camera; at least one network interface; and a central processing unit (CPU) capable of running a routing software that automatically discovers and configures the at least one connected IP camera.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistants over a communication network in order to display items dynamically and to provide expert information on products. The shopping experience is enhanced by a portable client identification to allow ease of shopping and checkout. For items purchased that need installation or service or support, access to live experts is provided. Direct connection to service providers is available over the network. If a shopper does not find the desired merchandise he is referred to another merchant who has the product with the referring merchant receiving a commission or other consideration.

Abstract: An interment method and facility for interment and automated retrieval and visitation of interred subjects. The facility includes an interment area for holding the interred subjects, at least one visitation area for visitor access to a selected one of the interred subjects, a system retrieval mechanism for transporting the selected interred subject between the interment area and the visitation area, and a facility management system providing automated control of interment, visitation, and transport therebetween. Identification information for, and a location of, the interred subjects held in the interment area are recorded. A sensory system reads identification information associated with each interred subject, monitoring location and orientation. A request is received by a visitor, as programmed into a facility management system, for visitation of a selected interred subject.

Abstract: An automated self storage facility which stores individual items in movable storage units and/or storage containers which are stored throughout the storage facility. Limited users access to the facility is provided at predesignated locations. The users container is transported between its storage location and the access location by the automated robotic system within the facility to provide efficient handling, storage and retrieval of goods in a storage facility. A central control system maintains a record container location throughout the facility. Upon request the system retrieves a container and delivers it. The containers may be partitioned such that a single container may have multiple compartments. In this case the automated system maintains a record of compartments and appropriately orients the container at the access location upon retrieval.

Abstract: A video router comprises a multiple port Ethernet switch that may used to connect at least one Internet Protocol (IP) camera; a power over Ethernet unit that supplies power to the at least one connected IP camera; at least one network interface; and a central processing unit (CPU) capable of running a routing software that automatically discovers and configures the at least one connected IP camera.

Abstract: A parking management and personal guidance system operates in conjunction with a reservation system which stores and manages reservation information in connection with prescheduled activities. Parking management is effected by accessing reservation information using personal identification information and identifying to the driver of a vehicle an available parking space which is near to the pedestrian exit of the parking facility which is closest to the prescheduled activity indicated in the reservation information. Personal guidance is also effected from the parking facility to the prescheduled activity, such as to an assigned seat, including guidance inbetween, such as on public transportation. Theft prevention in the parking facility is also provided.

Abstract: ShopLive system supports existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistants over a communication network to display items and to provide expert information on products. The shopping experience is enhanced by tokens to allow ease of shopping and checkout. Items purchased that need installation or service or supported by accessing live experts. Direct connection to service providers is available over the network. If a shopper does not find the desired merchandise they are referred to another merchant who has the product and the referring merchants receives a commission or other consideration.

Abstract: The ShopLive system supports existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistance. The shopper accesses the ShopLive system through various portals. They can be a PC, Web TV, mall kiosk, store kiosk, mobile terminal, screen telephone or any other communication device capable of connecting to a communications network. When the shopper starts the shopping mission they can logon in or if already enrolled, they can use a password for a quick entry. They may chose to shop anonymously. A shopper can set up a shopping mission by defining class of goods, price, color and the like and set out to search for that either in their physical location or remotely. Once the items are located video cameras scan the merchandise to the shopper through the terminal. The cameras may be remotely operable to swing through different views to better display the goods. Or they can view items according to pre-determined scan patterns.

Abstract: A method of and system for issuing an electronic authorization and validation for pre-scheduled activities, such as airline reservations, to eliminate paper tickets. The passenger makes the reservation and a reservation number is issued in the central computer of the airline reservation center. The passenger is then issued a plastic I.D. card that may be used to access the computer for validation purposes. An automatic teller machine, at the airport, allows the passenger to receive specific flight information, departure gate information, and a boarding pass, and to make reservations and access frequent flier information and messages, simply by the insertion of the I.D. card in a card a reader at the ATM. A mobile airline communications system at the departure gate includes a magnetic card reader that provides validation of the reservation at the departure, which allows the passenger to board the aircraft.

Abstract: A baggage ATM is provided at curbside at an airline terminal to allow passengers to check bags without the assistance of a baggage agent. The baggage ATM reads an identification card provided by the passenger to verify the passenger's reservation by accessing a passenger record in central storage, verifies the passenger identity by comparing graphic data obtained by fingerprint or retina scan with similar graphic data stored in the passenger record, and issues baggage tags bearing identifying data to the passenger for each bag to be checked. The identifying data on the baggage tags is stored in the passenger record. At the destination terminal, an exit gate is provided with a card reader which reads the passenger identification card to access the passenger record and a scanner that reads the identifying data on the baggage tags. If the identifying data read from a tag does not match the identifying data stored in the passenger record, the passenger is not allowed to leave with that bag.