Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for displaying advertisements including the steps of providing at least one non-transparent cable for transmitting light in which an end of each non-transparent cable is received by a receiving structure and transmitting light selected from a plurality of colors along the non-transparent cables such that the light is emitted from the ends of the non-transparent cables received by the receiving structure. The emitted light forms a display in accordance with at least one of a pre-programmed design, and the display is an advertisement or a simulated floor covering. The non-transparent cable can be a fiber optic cable, and the method can further include the step of incorporating the receiving structure into an infrastructure. As an example, the infrastructure can be a travel way that supports at least one of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: The invention provides a musical display system for displaying musical notes to a musician and may include a camera for capturing a conductor image. The system may also include a display structure configured to display a conductor image and a musical note. A processor may be coupled to the camera and the display structure where the processor can signal the camera to capture a conductor image. The control center may signal the display structure to display a conductor image and a musical note. In another arrangement, a musical display system for displaying musical notes to a musician may include a display structure configured to display a conductor image and a musical note. The system may include a processor coupled to the display structure where the processor may include a animated conductor generator. The processor may signal the display structure to display a conductor image and a musical note.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a lighting display system. The system includes at least one non-transparent cable for transmitting light, at least one light emitting diode disposed at a first end of at least a portion of the non-transparent cables, a light emitting controller to control the intensity of light emanating from the light emitting diodes and receiving structure for receiving a second end of at least a portion of the non-transparent cables. At least a portion of the second ends of the non-transparent cables emit light from the light emitting diodes. The receiving structure is incorporated into infrastructure, and the system displays at least one design. In one arrangement, the design can be an advertisement or can simulate a floor covering, and the floor covering to be simulated can be carpeting. The infrastructure can be a travelway that supports at least one of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

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 system for monitoring use of a weapon. The system includes a monitoring station and at least one weapon in which the weapon fires a projectile. The weapon includes a tracking device, in which the tracking device receives navigational data, and a transceiver. The transceiver transmits at least the navigational data to the monitoring station. The weapon can further include a biometric identifier for identifying a user and a trigger mechanism in which the biometric identifier can enable the trigger mechanism only when the biometric identifier identifies an authorized user. In one arrangement, the tracking device can be a global positioning system receiver that can receive navigational data from a plurality of global positioning system satellites.

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: A method and system of providing a compensation opportunity to a task candidate for at least partially completing at least one task during transportation of the task candidate. The method includes the steps of collecting information about the task candidate to establish a profile for determining at least one task that the task candidate is eligible to perform, assigning to the task candidate the at least one task that passenger is eligible to perform and providing the task candidate compensation in exchange for at least partial completion of the at least one task. The method also includes the step of providing transportation to the task candidate.

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 system for preventing access to a vehicle. The system includes a substance detector configured to detect a level of at least one substance ingested by a user and a blocking device in communication with the substance detector where the blocking device disables the operability of at least one key. The blocking device enables the operability of the key when the level of the substance is measured by the substance detector to be within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for alerting a vehicle driver of the presence and status of traffic devices. The vehicle navigation system may alert a driver of the time remaining before a traffic device, such as a traffic light, changes the flow of traffic. The vehicle navigation system may also alert a vehicle driver of traffic devices, such as stop signs and speed limit signs, when the driver is approaching the traffic device. The vehicle navigation system may alert a driver through audible or visual alerts, or both. The vehicle navigation system may include a display screen that may or may not be attached to a vehicle. The vehicle navigation system may also include an in-vehicle alert system enabling vehicle drivers to send alert messages to other vehicle drivers within a close proximity.

Abstract: A worker productivity tracking system for determining the productivity of a worker using a manufacturing device. The worker productivity tracking system may include a central processing unit coupled to one or more remote processing units. A remote processing unit may track the amount of time a worker needs to complete a task. The remote processing unit may send the worker data to the central processing unit. The central processing unit may compare the worker data with manufacturing process information to determine the productivity of the worker. A memory card may be used by the remote processing unit to determine whether a worker is able to operate a manufacturing device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a lighting display system. The system includes at least one non-transparent cable for transmitting light, at least one light emitting diode disposed at a first end of at least a portion of the non-transparent cables, a light emitting controller to control the intensity of light emanating from the light emitting diodes and receiving structure for receiving a second end of at least a portion of the non-transparent cables. At least a portion of the second ends of the non-transparent cables emit light from the light emitting diodes. The receiving structure is incorporated into infrastructure, and the system displays at least one design. In one arrangement, the design can be an advertisement or can simulate a floor covering, and the floor covering to be simulated can be carpeting. The infrastructure can be a travelway that supports at least one of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for displaying advertisements including the steps of providing at least one non-transparent cable for transmitting light in which an end of each non-transparent cable is received by a receiving structure and transmitting light selected from a plurality of colors along the non-transparent cables such that the light is emitted from the ends of the non-transparent cables received by the receiving structure. The emitted light forms a display in accordance with at least one of a pre-programmed design, and the display is an advertisement or a simulated floor covering. The non-transparent cable can be a fiber optic cable, and the method can further include the step of incorporating the receiving structure into an infrastructure. As an example, the infrastructure can be a travelway that supports at least one of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A system for monitoring use of a weapon. The system includes a monitoring station and at least one weapon in which the weapon fires a projectile. The weapon includes a tracking device, in which the tracking device receives navigational data, and a transceiver. The transceiver transmits at least the navigational data to the monitoring station. The weapon can further include a biometric identifier for identifying a user and a trigger mechanism in which the biometric identifier can enable the trigger mechanism only when the biometric identifier identifies an authorized user. In one arrangement, the tracking device can be a global positioning system receiver that can receive navigational data from a plurality of global positioning system satellites.

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 system for preventing access to a vehicle. The system includes a substance detector configured to detect a level of at least one substance ingested by a user and a blocking device in communication with the substance detector where the blocking device disables the operability of at least one key. The blocking device enables the operability of the key when the level of the substance is measured by the substance detector to be within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of generating advertising revenue includes purchasing from a prior owner a portable display structure having at least one advertising surface for displaying at least one advertisement, leasing the portable display structure to the prior owner, and selling at least a portion of the advertising surface to at least one advertiser thereby providing the at least one advertiser with an advertising medium. The at least one advertiser can include a prior owner and a third party. The portable display structure can be a transportation vehicle for transporting goods or passengers.

Abstract: A system for providing assistance to impaired drivers including a substance detector for generating an impairment reading for a user based on a sample provided by the user and a notification device in communication with a transportation service in which the notification device contacts the transportation service when the impairment reading is outside a predetermined range. The notification device also provides the transportation service with navigational data when the notification device contacts the transportation service to permit the transportation service to locate the user. Additionally, a method for providing assistance to impaired drivers includes the steps of generating an impairment reading for a user based on a sample provided by the user and contacting a transportation service based on the impairment reading and providing the transportation service with navigational data to permit the transportation service to locate the user.