Abstract: A method of authorizing a transaction at a fuel pump includes receiving a user request to activate the pump, determining whether the user is authorized, determining whether the user is in the proximity of the pump, determining whether the pump is functional, determining whether the pump is already reserved for another user, and determining whether the pump is already in use. In response to those determinations, a message is displayed, either authorizing or declining the transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are concerned with smart-card devices and in one aspect provide a mobile communications device for providing a user with access to information relating to authorized take-up of a service for which authorization is provided using a contactless smart-card device. The device includes a plurality of personal information managers, each having a data store comprising a plurality of data fields. The device is configured to access an interface for receiving data from the smart-card device and a a parser arranged to parse the received data so as to identify content therein and to identify, from the parsed content, content portions corresponding to at least some of said plurality of data fields.

Abstract: Short range communication systems and techniques are described. In an implementation an interrogator held near a person interrogates multiple transponders and receives information separately from the transponders. The interrogator and/or the transponders may be held in an article of clothing or in a personal effect of the person. The transponders may transmit identifying information and/or information associated with the states of the articles of clothing or personal effects of the person. Such a system enables the clothes worn by a person to communicate with a plurality of items and obtain useful information. In addition, a network system may be configured so that any particular transponder may communicate with another transponder or group of transponders of other locales to activate functions, cause actions or otherwise share data and/or information.

Abstract: Short range communication systems and techniques are described. In an implementation an interrogator held near a person interrogates multiple transponders and receives information separately from the transponders. The interrogator and/or the transponders may be held in an article of clothing or in a personal effect of the person. The transponders may transmit identifying information and/or information associated with the states of the articles of clothing or personal effects of the person. Such a system enables the clothes worn by a person to communicate with a plurality of items and obtain useful information. In addition, a network system may be configured so that any particular transponder may communicate with another transponder or group of transponders of other locales to activate functions, cause actions or otherwise share data and/or information.

Abstract: Short range communication systems and techniques are described. In an implementation an interrogator held near a person interrogates multiple transponders and receives information separately from the transponders. The interrogator and/or the transponders may be held in an article of clothing or in a personal effect of the person. The transponders may transmit identifying information and/or information associated with the states of the articles of clothing or personal effects of the person. Such a system enables the clothes worn by a person to communicate with a plurality of items and obtain useful information. In addition, a network system may be configured so that any particular transponder may communicate with another transponder or group of transponders of other locales to activate functions, cause actions or otherwise share data and/or information.

Abstract: Short range communication systems and techniques are described. In an implementation an interrogator held near a person interrogates multiple transponders and receives information separately from the transponders. The interrogator and/or the transponders may be held in an article of clothing or in a personal effect of the person. The transponders may transmit identifying information and/or information associated with the states of the articles of clothing or personal effects of the person. Such a system enables the clothes worn by a person to communicate with a plurality of items and obtain useful information. In addition, a network system may be configured so that any particular transponder may communicate with another transponder or group of transponders of other locales to activate functions, cause actions or otherwise share data and/or information.

Abstract: Short range communication systems and techniques are described. In an implementation an interrogator held near a person interrogates multiple transponders and receives information separately from the transponders. The interrogator and/or the transponders may be held in an article of clothing or in a personal effect of the person. The transponders may transmit identifying information and/or information associated with the states of the articles of clothing or personal effects of the person. Such a system enables the clothes worn by a person to communicate with a plurality of items and obtain useful information. In addition, a network system may be configured so that any particular transponder may communicate with another transponder or group of transponders of other locales to activate functions, cause actions or otherwise share data and/or information.