Abstract: An overhead transport vehicle includes a container accommodation portion sandwiched by a pair of cover portions in a front-and-rear direction in a traveling direction and configured to hold a cassette in a state in which a lid faces in a width direction intersecting the traveling direction and a vertical direction; and a lid-fall prevention member on the cover portion to prevent the lid that has come off from the cassette held in the container accommodation portion from falling. The lid-fall prevention member includes a lower support portion extending along the width direction below the cassette and partially protruding from the lid in a planar view seen from the vertical direction, and a front support portion standing upright in the vertical direction from the lower support portion so as to face at least a portion of the lid. The lower support portion and the front support portion are integrally defined by a unitary structure.

Abstract: A method, an installation and a system for processing optical workpieces in which workpieces are conveyed to individual processing apparatus or processing lines corresponding to an assignment. The respective assignment preferably takes into consideration assignment parameters, such as the availability and capability of processing apparatus and/or processing lines. The assignment that already has been carried out is examined before the actual or ultimate conveying and/or when there is a change in the assignment parameters and optionally is changed in a corresponding manner, taking into consideration the current assignment parameters, in order to adapt to current circumstances. As an alternative or in addition, jobs for processing workpieces are forwarded to the processing installations at different sites based on corresponding assignment parameters. Optionally, an examination and, as appropriate, a change in the assignment are made when new jobs or significant changes in the assignment parameters are detected.

Abstract: Various arrangements for determining that a vehicle is present in a parking space are presented. A parking sensor can make a plurality of magnetic field strength measurements using a magnetometer. A determination that the vehicle is parked proximate to the parking sensor device within the parking space can be based on a magnetic field strength measurement in relation to the selected magnetic field strength window.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a motor vehicle having an automated driving function. Specific operating modes are each assigned, in each instance, at least one load profile, which is a function of the load circuit needed for the operating mode and normally occurs during this operating mode. At least one characteristic quantity of the energy store is predicted as a function of the load profile. The corresponding operating mode and/or the automated driving function is enabled as a function of the predicted characteristic quantity of the energy store. The predicted characteristic quantity is ascertained as a function of a base load and/or a switching-off potential of the load circuit not needed for the operating mode.

Abstract: An overhead transport system includes a first placement part that can have placed thereon an article held by an article holder in a state where the article is placed thereon, and also articles do not interfere with each other when the article holder and a lift driver are projected; a second placement part that can have placed thereon the article held by the article holder in a state where the article holder and the lift driver have been projected by the second projection length by the lateral extender; and a third placement part arranged below the track and can have placed thereon an article held by the article holder, wherein the first and third placement parts are provided at the same height.

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and computer program products address issues of parking and vehicular traffic at a facility, such as a warehouse or a merchandise distribution hub, and provide improved supply chain logistics for transportation and distribution of goods. Disclosed systems include a processor circuit that is configured to generating schedules for a plurality of shipments, to receive location tracking information regarding positions of vehicles, to perform shipping operations, and to dynamically update schedules based on received input. Received input may include information regarding warehouse labor and equipment availability, location tracking information, and/or information regarding weather and traffic conditions. Systems may be configured to send alerts to vehicle drivers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments and to send alerts to warehouse workers provided updated scheduling information and instructions regarding shipments.

Abstract: Various arrangements for determining that a vehicle is present in a parking space are presented. A parking sensor can make a plurality of magnetic field strength measurements using a magnetometer. The magnetic field strength measurements are analyzed to determine a number of the plurality of magnetic field strength measurements that are within various magnetic field strength windows A magnetic field strength window may be selected as a vehicle-detection baseline. A determination that the vehicle is parked proximate to the parking sensor device within the parking space may be made based on a magnetic field strength measurement being outside of the selected magnetic field strength window.

Abstract: A moving system comprising a master controller for monitoring and controlling a master operation comprising one or more individual movers such that each mover arrives at predefined end point at selected times. Each mover includes a mover control system that interacts with the master controller and has a predefined virtual vector path with one or more defined end points. The predefined virtual vector path comprises a plurality of discrete points, wherein each discrete point has a vector axis for use by the master controller and the mover control system to direct the mover to move such that it arrives at each defined end point at a selected time. In operation, the master controller functions to modify the predefined virtual path and sends commands to the mover control system in response to changes in the master operations.

Abstract: A travel control method controls travel of an own vehicle to locate a lateral position of the own vehicle at a predetermined position with respect to a lane marker of a lane in which the own vehicle is traveling or with respect to a preceding vehicle, and reduces a control amount on travel from when control on the travel of the own vehicle is started until a predetermined time passes to be smaller than a control amount on the travel after the predetermined time has passed.

Abstract: On the basis of a sensed driving situation of a vehicle which will occur in the future, it is determined whether a driving assistance system is able to control the vehicle in the automated driving mode in the future driving situation. If it is determined that an automated driving mode is not possible in the future driving situation, and a time (Ts) up to the occurrence of the future driving situation is longer than a time (Tu) necessary for the driver to assume control of the vehicle, it is checked whether the manual control processes sensed by sensors of the vehicle correspond, in the current driving situation, to the automated control processes, determined by the driving assistance system, for the current driving situation. In this case, the assumption of control of the vehicle by the driver is confirmed, and the vehicle continues to be controlled in the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A system determines which propulsion-generating vehicle or vehicles in a group of propulsion-generating vehicles have an increased risk for oil carryover during operation at an idle setting for at least a designated oil carryover commencement time period. The system also determines a power requirement for the group of propulsion-generating vehicles in the vehicle system. The system determines power outputs for the propulsion-generating vehicles in the group such that the propulsion-generating vehicle or vehicles having the increased risk for oil carryover do not operate at an idle setting for longer than the designated oil carryover commencement period, and that the power generated by the group of propulsion-generating vehicles meets the power requirement that is determined.

Abstract: A system for guiding a vehicle is provided. The system includes multiple paths on a surface, wherein each path is defined by ultraviolet (UV) reactive paint configured to emit visible light in response to UV light. The system also includes the vehicle. The vehicle includes a UV source configured to emit UV light, a sensor configured to detect the visible light emitted by the UV reactive paint of a respective path of the multiple paths, and a controller configured to guide the vehicle along the respective path based on a wavelength of the visible light detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide a system of roadway network transponders (RNTs) having a plurality of activation RNTs positioned within a roadway, where each activation RNT contains electronic data for controlling the maximum attainable speed of an automobile on the roadway. The system should also include a plurality of deactivation RNTs positioned within the roadway and following the activation RNTs when moving in a direction of vehicle travel, where each deactivation RNT contains electronic data for releasing an automobile from speed controls which control the maximum attainable speed of an automobile on the roadway. The RNTs may be used to control the speed of an automobile before or near a curve, merging point of one or more roads, or a construction zone.

Abstract: A shuttle bar (20) for a freight-handling device for transferring cargo from road to rail and vice versa using horizontal transverse loading, for moving a railcar pallet of a freight car to a loading platform and vice versa, wherein the shuttle bar (20) includes lifting mechanism for raising and lowering of the railcar pallet from or onto a railcar undercarriage of the freight train as well as from or onto the loading platform, wherein the shuttle bar (20) includes a bar base frame (30), a lifting bar (31), and a lifting-bar drive device (32) for raising and lowering the lifting bar (31) relative to the bar base frame (30), as well as a freight-handling device for combined freight transport with such shuttle bars, and a freight-handling method.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to identifying and displaying traffic lanes that are available for autonomous driving. This information may be displayed to a driver of a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode, in order to inform the driver of where he or she can use the autonomous driving mode. In one example, the display may visually distinguishing between lanes that are available for auto-drive from those that are not. The display may also include an indicator of the position of a lane (autodrive or not) currently occupied by the vehicle. In addition, if that lane is an autodrive lane the display may include information indicating how much further the vehicle may continue in the autonomous driving mode in that particular lane. The display may also display information indicating the remaining autodrive distance in other lanes as well as the lane with the greatest remaining autodrive distance.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a vehicle system of a host vehicle merging with one or more remote vehicles, including receiving speed data transmitted from the one or more remote vehicles via a vehicular communication network and receiving position data of the one or more remote vehicles from the sensor system of the host vehicle that monitors an area around the host vehicle. Upon determining the one or more remote vehicles are in the area around the host vehicle based on the position data, determining a safe distance for merging into the lane based on a relative position of the host vehicle to the one or more remote vehicles. Further, controlling the vehicle system of the host vehicle according to an actual distance between the host vehicle and the one or more remote vehicles and the safe distance.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure includes a method, a system and a computer program product for scheduling a pickup of a passenger with an autonomous vehicle at a facility with a plurality of egress locations. The method includes receiving a pickup request for a passenger from a facility having a plurality of egress locations. A first pickup time is determined for each of the plurality of egress locations. A first egress location is selected from the plurality of egress locations based at least in part on the first pickup time at the first egress location, a position of the passenger and a queue time. A first signal is transmitted that includes a proposed pickup time and location to the passenger. An autonomous vehicle is moved from a first location to the first egress location. The passenger is picked up at the first egress location.

Abstract: The system includes a base frame and a controller attached to the base frame. An access point is attached to the controller. The base frame includes a plurality of tape drive slots. A plurality of frames are attached to the base frame. Each frame in the plurality of frames includes a plurality of tape slots. A tape cartridge is stored in a tape slot. An x-y-z movement system is connected to the base frame and the plurality of frames. A wireless network is connected to the base frame.

Abstract: A powerline communication system includes a plurality of rail segments. Each of the rail segments is electrically isolated from other rail segments, and each receives power from a rail segment power supply. At least one cart operates on the rail segments. The cart has a powerline communications controller. Each rail segment has a current state defined by how many and which carts are operating on the rail segment. A central coordinator is coupled to each rail segment and configured to execute a channel estimation using a sounding protocol on its rail segment. The central coordinators store tone maps associated with the possible states of its rail segment, and possibly its adjacent rail segment. A main controller communicates with each central coordinator to direct the state and future state of its segment so that tone maps and network keys can be managed by the CCo in advance of an imminent state change.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection device for continuously inspecting supplied containers, in particular bottles, comprising a feed conveying apparatus, which may be embodied to supply containers to the inspection device in succession, and which may include one or more of at least one inspection apparatus, which is embodied to inspect the supplied containers, a discharge conveying apparatus, which is embodied to discharge the inspected containers, and a throughput station for the containers, arranged between the feed conveying apparatus and the discharge conveying apparatus, wherein the throughput station has a transportation apparatus with an individual drive and a plurality of conveying means movable by means of the individual drive in an individual manner and independently from one another, said transportation apparatus being embodied to convey the containers from the feed conveying apparatus to the discharge conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A moving system comprising a master controller for monitoring and controlling a master operation comprising one or more individual movers such that each mover arrives at predefined end point at selected times. Each mover includes a mover control system that interacts with the master controller and has a predefined virtual vector path with one or more defined end points. The predefined virtual vector path comprises a plurality of discrete points, wherein each discrete point has a vector axis for use by the master controller and the mover control system to direct the mover to move such that it arrives at each defined end point at a selected time. In operation, the master controller functions to modify the predefined virtual path and sends commands to the mover control system in response to changes in the master operations.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods and apparatus for predicting traffic conditions and controlling a host vehicle based on the predicted conditions for travel along a path. The methods and apparatus can perform the following: accessing current path data relevant to a location and speed the host vehicle; detecting data, from a vehicular communications network, from a merging vehicle intending to merge into the path of the host vehicle; detecting data, from the vehicular communications network, of preceding traffic in the path of the host vehicle; determining a speed and location of the merging vehicle from the data transmitted over the vehicle communications network; determining a speed and location of preceding traffic on the path of the host vehicle from the data transmitted over the vehicular communications network; and predicting whether the speed of the preceding traffic or the speed of the merging vehicle will slow down during the merge.

Abstract: A method for the user-defined provision of a vehicle in which a parking position in a parking region is identified and driven to automatically by the vehicle or with guidance by a user and, at the request of the user, the vehicle drives automatically to a transfer location in the parking region for further use. A trajectory which is traveled along as far as the parking position within the parking region is sorted and the transfer location can be defined at any desired point on this trajectory. Also disclosed is a system for carrying out the method and a motor vehicle having the disclosed system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for testing operation and control accuracy of a driving control system in an unmanned vehicle. The method comprises determining an operation and control track length when the unmanned vehicle is operated and controlled by the driving control system in the unmanned vehicle, based on obtained traveling data information; determining a standard operation and control distance when the driving control system operates and controls the unmanned vehicle, based on a preset operation and control accuracy test standard; and comparing the operation and control track length with the standard operation and control distance to determine a test result of the operation and control accuracy of the driving control system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a door-actuating assembly that utilizes a pick-up shoe and a rechargeable battery to minimize the occurrence of rail sparks inside dump sites. The door-actuating assembly includes a pick-up shoe, a battery electrically connected to the pick-up shoe, a hermetically sealed switch electrically connected to the battery, and an electro-pneumatic valve electrically connected to the hermetically sealed switch. The battery is rechargeable via the pick-up shoe when the pick-up shoe is biased into an active position having physical contact with a wayside conductor rail; the electro-pneumatic valve actuates the bottom discharge door between an open position and a closed position, after the battery is charged beyond a pre-determined state of charge, and after the pick-up shoe is biased into an inactive position not having physical contact with the wayside conductor rail. Railroad hopper cars comprising such door-actuating assemblies, and methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inspection device for continuously inspecting fed containers, in particular bottles, said inspection device comprising a feed device configured to feed containers thereto in succession, at least one inspection unit, configured to inspect the fed containers, a discharge conveying device configured to discharge the inspected containers, and a throughput station for the containers, which is arranged between the feed conveying device and the discharge conveying device, wherein the throughput station comprises a conveyor arrangement with an individual drive and a plurality of conveying units, which are movable by means of the individual drive individually and independently of one another, the conveyor arrangement being configured to convey the containers from the feed conveying device to the discharge conveying device.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure includes a method, a system and a computer program product for scheduling a pickup of a passenger with an autonomous vehicle at a facility with a plurality of egress locations. The method includes receiving a pickup request for a passenger from a facility having a plurality of egress locations. A first pickup time is determined for each of the plurality of egress locations. A first egress location is selected from the plurality of egress locations based at least in part on the first pickup time at the first egress location, a position of the passenger and a queue time. A first signal is transmitted that includes a proposed pickup time and location to the passenger. An autonomous vehicle is moved from a first location to the first egress location. The passenger is picked up at the first egress location.

Abstract: A method is provided for organized intelligent merge notifications. The method includes identifying a merge aperture using a processor. Merging vehicle parameters for a merging vehicle approaching the merge aperture are received over a network. Simulations of traffic moving through the merge aperture is performed by the processor based on the received merging vehicle parameters. The simulations are optimized by the processor to determine a merge distance for the merging vehicle. A merge notification is generated by the processor for the merging vehicle based on the merge distance.

Abstract: A paved structure capable of feeding power to a traveling body in a noncontact manner. The paved structure feeding power to a power receiver provided in a traveling body through an electromagnetic wave, includes: a depression extending in the direction in which the traveling body runs; a magnetic member laid in the depression; a power feeding body laid on the upper surface of the magnetic member to feed power to the power receiver through an electromagnetic wave; and a power feeding body protector laid in the depression to cover the power feeding body.

Abstract: A processor-based electronic system for use in a vehicle may be used to automatically control the vehicle's velocity and position to cause the vehicle to automatically merge into a lane on a roadway or to maneuver around a road hazard or obstacle. A message can be transmitted to other vehicles indicating the vehicle is to occupy a future lane position at a future point in time. The vehicle electronic system may receive a message from one or more of the other vehicles in response thereto. One or more of the other vehicles may adjust their position based on the indicated future lane position. The vehicle electronic system may transmit a further message to the one or more of the other vehicles before merging into the lane.

Abstract: A trough used for feeding power to a traveling body in a noncontact manner, a paved structure, and a method of constructing the paved structure. The trough used for a paved structure feeding power to a power receiver provided in a traveling body through an electromagnetic wave, includes: a trough body having a trough depression extending in the direction in which the traveling body runs; a magnetic member laid in the trough depression; a power feeding body laid on the magnetic member to feed power to the power receiver through an electromagnetic wave; and a power feeding body protector laid in the trough depression to cover the power feeding body.

Abstract: A method of operation of a hybrid navigation system includes: providing a position information for locating a first device; linking a second position to the position information, the second position for locating a second device; generating a planned route with the position information refined by the second position for transferring over a regional network to the first device or the second device; and storing saved route information from the planned route for displaying on the first device when the regional network is not available.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the one or more computing devices. The set of user input buttons consisting essentially of a dual-purpose button and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button configured to stop the vehicle. The dual-purpose button has a first purpose for communicating a request to initiate the trip to the destination and a second purpose for communicating a request to pull the vehicle over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to use of a MMU. In one embodiment, a method for transporting a media cartridge includes receiving one or more media cartridges from a source media library, storing the one or more media cartridges in a holding portion of a media mobility unit, sensing at least an approximate location of the media mobility unit, and transporting the one or more media cartridges to a destination media library. Additional embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: A locomotive consist control system may include a lead controller associated with a lead locomotive of the consist, and a secondary controller associated with a trailing locomotive of the consist and communicatively coupled by a communication link with the lead controller. The lead controller may be configured to receive a generator voltage or current output from a power bus electrical characteristics sensor associated with each locomotive, determine a total electrical power output requirement for the consist, determine an electrical power output requirement for each locomotive in the consist, and supply instructions to dynamically adjust an output voltage or current generated by a generator associated with each locomotive to a desired voltage or current anywhere within the rated capacity of the generator.

Abstract: A sortation system where control and operation is facilitated by a contact-free, wireless communication configuration. Wireless communication is accomplished in a line-of-sight (LOS) manner while the cars of the sortation system are continuously moving along the track at operational speed. Each car is configured to operate independently with respect to how a car is instructed to accept and deliver packages. The sortation system provides for the cars to act as messengers between the bin stations and the system controller with respect to the status and health of the bin stations.

Abstract: A system for forecasting the outbound workload in a switchyard. The system has a processing entity for which receives information on railcar traffic for handling by the switchyard, wherein the railcar traffic includes railcars that are yet to be switched into classification tracks of the switchyard. For every departure train of two or more departure trains, the processing entity applies logic rules to the information to compute a forecast of railcar traffic that will be available to the departure train for transport out of the switchyard. An output releases data derived from the forecast of railcar traffic, describing the traffic available for each train of the two or more departure trains.

Abstract: As embodied and broadly described herein the invention includes a system for computing a preferred sequence in which cars in a switching queue of a railway switchyard are to be sequentially switched to classification tracks. The system has a processing entity for determining within a given set of cars at least two possible sequences in which the cars in the set can be switched and applying logic rules for identifying among the sequences a preferred sequence. The system also has an output for releasing data describing the preferred sequence.

Abstract: A system for forecasting the outbound workload in a switchyard. The system has a processing entity for which receives information on railcar traffic for handling by the switchyard, wherein the railcar traffic includes railcars that are yet to be switched into classification tracks of the switchyard. For every departure train of two or more departure trains, the processing entity applies logic rules to the information to compute a forecast of railcar traffic that will be available to the departure train for transport out of the switchyard. An output releases data derived from the forecast of railcar traffic, describing the traffic available for each train of the two or more departure trains.

Abstract: A safety frame is provided to face a lid at a position where an article is held by an overhead traveling vehicle. A lower frame of the safety frame is movable upwardly relative to an upper frame of the safety frame. Further, an optical axis of a photoelectric sensor is provided between the lower frame and the upper frame.

Abstract: When the electric vehicle is to be towed by a towing vehicle, the two vehicles are connected by a connection tool, and a drive motor prioritization control unit is connected to the communication network by a communication cable. Power from a battery is then supplied to the low voltage line by a power supply cable, and the inverter is controlled by a signal from the drive motor prioritization control unit of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of intra-bay routes and an inter-bay route between the intra-bay routes are defined as a logic bay, and the minimum number of allocated transportation vehicles is determined based on the unit of each logic bay.

Abstract: A process to interchange the “stop and go” driving behaviour of the traffic with a “stop and wait, then go later without stopping” driving behaviour, consisting on a partitioning of the congested route in segments through pre-installed stop and go signals marking the limit of segments to give a stop to the vehicles of the first part and later another stop to the vehicles of the second part of the divided congestion and so on, to permit the liberation of the front conflict part of the way, turning the first signal to go at the appropriate moment and then turning the second signal to go and so forth until the vehicles of every segment after waiting in standstill go without stopping re-stabilizing the normal traffic flow. The waiting time will be announced simultaneously to avoid the uncertainty of waiting time.

Abstract: An overhead running vehicle 10 uses an absolute position sensor or an encoder to detect its own position. The overhead running vehicle 10 then reports its own position and state to a system controller 14 via a communication line also used as an electricity feeding line. Further, the overhead running vehicle 10 intercepts reports from other overhead running vehicles 10 to avoid collisions or deadlocks. The system controller 14 and each overhead running vehicle 10 can determine the positions and state of other overhead running vehicles 10. This enables the system to be efficiently operated.

Abstract: A station control system for and method of controlling the operation of a driverless vehicle. The system includes a vehicle travel path, a plurality of station tags in readable proximity to the travel path, and a vehicle movable along the travel path. Each of the tags are pre-programmed with a unique and arbitrary tag identifier. The vehicle has a tag reader and a controller communicating with the reader with the tag reader is configured to read tag identifiers from the tags. The controller is configured to receive the tag identifiers from the tag reader and access a correlation table having a function command associated with the tag idendifier. The method includes the steps of reading the tag identifier associated with one of the plurality of tags, accessing the correlation table to identify a command in the function field associated with the tag identifier, and executing any identified command.

Abstract: A device for moving a machine or the like between plural workstations includes: a mechanism for suspending the machine, a guide, a structure for supplying the guide with electrical energy, a mechanical linkage between the machine and the guide, a connector for electrically connecting the machine to the guide, a connector for electrically connecting the machine to each workstation, and a switch for changing the electrical energy supply source of the machine when it is connected to both a workstation and to the guide. Further a management and control device controls moving the machine and its electrical energy supply.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material handling system (100) and method (200) for isolating a carrier mechanism (110) from the system. The system (100) comprises a track (103) having a channel (105), a turntable (115), and a carrier mechanism (110) coupled to the track structure via the channel. The system (100) further comprises a maintenance station (125), comprising a stub track (130), wherein the stub track is operably coupled to the track structure (103) via the turntable (115). The maintenance station (125) further comprises a power supply (135) and one or more connectors (140) operable to electrically couple the carrier (110) to the power supply (135). One or more stop blocks (145) are provided which are removably coupled to the stub track (130), wherein the stop blocks each comprise a body (155) having a rod (160) extending therefrom.

Abstract: A point-to-point transit system for riders includes an elongate guideway, a plurality of autonomous vehicles disposed in the guideway, a plurality of selectively actuable rider access portals in the side of the guideway, and a control system, configured to automatically guide the vehicles within the guideway. The rider access portals are configured to allow ingress and egress of riders to the autonomous vehicles in the guideway. The control system is configured to allow each vehicle to travel between origin and destination locations that are independently selected by a rider.

Abstract: A public transportation system includes control by highly distributed communications, ultra-light transit vehicles suspended from single or dual rails and powered by electricity. The electric power supplied independently and supplemented by wind generators and solar panels. The transit vehicles, are suitable to transport from one to four persons. The system includes a plurality interconnected rails with main conduits and station conduits to provide non-stop transportation from one station to another station.

Abstract: A station control system for and method of controlling the operation of a driverless vehicle. The system includes a vehicle travel path, a plurality of station tags in readable proximity to the travel path, and a vehicle movable along the travel path. Each of the tags are pre-programmed with a unique and arbitrary tag identifier. The vehicle has a tag reader and a controller communicating with the reader with the tag reader is configured to read tag identifiers from the tags. The controller is configured to receive the tag identifiers from the tag reader and access a correlation table having a function command associated with the tag identifier. The method includes the steps of reading the tag identifier associated with one of the plurality of tags, accessing the correlation table to identify a command in the function field associated with the tag identifier, and executing any identified command.