Abstract: A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a non-permanent use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The non-permanent use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. Such a code may also be issued by a locking mechanism controller The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.

Abstract: A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The one-time use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.

Abstract: A bidirectional barcode scanning device that retains the same functionality in terms of reading information encoded on a barcode label as a conventional barcode scanner but that is also able to transmit information through a barcode label to a receiving device. The barcode label is affixed to a transparent substrate so that light from the barcode scanning device may be transmitted through the barcode and the transparent substrate to the receiving device. The light from the barcode scanning device contains an information signal that is decoded by the barcode label receiving device.

Abstract: A tracking system monitors an entity that enters a controlled space and the addition, removal, or other movement or status changes of objects in the controlled space. A computer system, coupled to the tracking system, automatically associates the addition, removal or other movement or status changes of the objects with the identity of the entity and transmits this information to a server computer system. A user may subsequently access this information through one or more client computers coupled to the server computer system. The server computer system may also automatically notify a user or other computer systems, e.g., through a network interface, wireless interface, or telephone interface, when objects in the controlled space have been moved or the status has been changed and/or whether such movement or status change is authorized or not.

Abstract: A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The one-time use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.

Abstract: A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a non-permanent use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The non-permanent use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. Such a code may also be issued by a locking mechanism controller The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.

Abstract: A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The one-time use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.