Abstract: A data collection system includes: a contact information acquisition unit, for obtaining contact information; a state recognition unit, for obtaining, based on contact information acquired by the contact information acquisition unit, state information concerning the state of a equipment; a state coding unit, for transforming into coded contact associated information the state information obtained by the state recognition unit; and an output unit, for transmitting to an output apparatus contact information obtained by the contact information acquisition unit and for transmitting to a network apparatus contact associated information obtained by the state coding unit. With this arrangement, information concerning the operation of a equipment can be easily obtained, without requiring the reconstruction of a equipment or a great change in a sequence program, such as a programmable controller, mounted in the equipment.

Abstract: A work management data collection system 1 is provided with a data collection mechanism in a tool 2, and by counting a number of times a work operation has been executed or the like, obtains a work data identifying the work task that has been executed and detects a time data required for the work task. The system is provided with an RFID tag 3a on an ID card 3 held by a worker, and by writing data into the ID card 3 of the worker who carried out the work task, using an RFID reader/writer 4 provided on the tool 2, the system obtains data necessary for the work management from the ID card 3 of the worker.

Abstract: An operation support system includes a progress information providing unit, an entry device, and an updating unit. The progress information providing unit stores progress information indicating to which operation stage an operation procedure has progressed and provides the progress information in response to a request made from an external device. The entry device includes an entry tool and a reading device. The entry tool makes an entry into a paper form associated with the operation procedure. When an entry is made into an entry field of the paper form using the entry tool, the reading device reads identification information presented in the entry field. The updating unit updates the progress information, which is stored in the progress information providing unit, based on an operation stage associated with the identification information, which is read from the entry field by the reading device.

Abstract: A label assembly for application on a piece of process equipment is provided. The label assembly includes a label positioned on the piece of process equipment. A layer of generally transparent silicone coats the process equipment over the label. At least one layer of generally transparent tape covers the layer of silicone over the label. A method for providing a label assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A method for managing a supply chain for a business enterprise in a manner that is applicable to many different business enterprises and a computer program product for performing the method are provided. The method includes creating a planning-delivery data object for use in documenting planned delivery of goods or services related to a business transaction. The method also includes creating a shipping-delivery data object for use in documenting shipment of at least some of the goods or services related to the business transaction. The method further includes confirmed-delivery data object for use in documenting receipt of at least some of the goods or services by a product recipient. The planning-delivery data object, the shipping-delivery data object, and the confirmed-delivery data object correspond to one another.

Abstract: The ‘IP Diagnostics’ software is a new and innovative method of aiding the deployment and troubleshooting of IP enabled POS terminals. Its purpose is to identify where a failure in the IP connection is occurring. The IP Diagnostics application does this by testing major failure points within the IP chain from the POS terminal to the host.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the transport of articles comprises in one embodiment one or more communication devices for receiving and transmitting data, at least one primary server in communication with the primary server for allocating couriers for the collection and delivery of articles, a program for controlling the server, and at least one remote interface for placing orders for the collection and delivery of the articles, wherein the program, upon the execution of an order, compares stored historical travel times from one geographic location to another with actual travel times from one geographic location to another to thereby provide updated estimates for the collection time and delivery time of articles provided in subsequent orders.

Abstract: A method for maintaining confidentiality of personal information during E-commerce transactions. The method includes: (1) compiling a profile of personal information within a depository for at least the buying party to an E-commerce transaction; (2) providing the buying party with a unique identifier linked to his profile for use during subsequent E-commerce transactions; and (3) in response to the buying party providing the identifier to a merchant, completing the E-commerce transaction at the depository without providing any of the buyer's personal information to the merchant.

Abstract: Personal computers and other electronic devices that are connected by a network are installed in each individual office. An employee is enabled to use each individual electronic device by performing an authentication process using authentication information in an information recording medium (IC card) that is issued as an employee ID card. In the information recording medium is recorded a code C103 that indicates an electronic device that is to be a report target (for example, the employee's own personal computer 103 installed in a Chiba Branch).

Abstract: A method is describe of predicting the probable future condition of one or more components within an apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors arranged to monitor the operation of components of the apparatus and a control means arranged to receive said information from said plurality of sensors. The method comprises receiving said sensor information; analyzing the information to ascertain sensor patterns from said sensor information; comparing said sensor patterns with detectors, which are predefined patterns, indicative of the future condition of said one or more components within the apparatus; and classifying said sensor patterns as being indicative of future failure of a component or not based upon a comparison of sensor patterns with said detectors.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting transaction anomalies and information reflecting potential fraudulent activities is disclosed. Data is collected from transactions carried out in a number of business applications such as computer systems, telecommunication systems and security systems. This transaction data is normalized to generate transaction data having consistent format for analysis and/or comparison. User profiles are generated by sorting the normalized data by user and identifying particular user characteristics from the sorted data. Each user profile therefore reflects the behavior of the user as it relates to the business applications. The user profiles and/or predetermined rules are then used to detect anomalies in incoming transactions.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a print manufacturing process which may include a raster image processor for imaging proofs, plates and press sheets for a printing press based on raster and vector data and generating a two-dimensional barcode where the data is translated into a homogenous messaging format, a plate imager for imaging a printing plate based on the data received from the raster image processor wherein the printing plate also comprises a two-dimensional barcode, a computer-to-plate device capable of transmitting the data from the raster image processor to the plate imager where the two-dimensional barcode is utilized to monitor the printing plate during the print manufacturing process and/or to image replacement printing plates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor shoppers in a retail environment are disclosed herein. In a disclosed example method involves collecting location information indicative of a measured path of travel of a person through a monitored environment. The example method also involves collecting person detection event information associated with a plurality of zones in the monitored environment. The person detection event information is indicative of detections of the person in each of the zones. In addition, the example method involves determining an adjusted path of travel of the person through the monitored environment based on the location information indicative of the measured path of travel and the person detection event information.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for managing fraud information. Metadata defines user profiles, security levels, fraud cases, and presentation information. One or more queries or reports are processed against disparate data store tables and the results are aggregated into a repository. The repository is also defined by the metadata. Furthermore, operations associated with sharing, viewing, and accessing the results from the repository is defined and controlled by the metadata. In an embodiment, portions of the metadata may be viewed and navigated in a hierarchical and graphical formatted presentation.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: A central coordinating body (CCB) is part of a global commercial card processing system. The CCB provides standards, relationships, management protocols, problem resolution, processing, data sourcing and reporting capabilities. The local card issuer services a client locally on behalf of the lead card issuer. The lead issuer and CCB enter into an agreement that defines services that will be performed for the client by local issuers and services to be performed by CCB. The local issuers and CCB enter into an agreement defining the services to be provided for the client. A list of services to be provided is published that describes the services provided by a local issuer. The agreements specify a bid process for when an RFP is received from a client. Revenue from transactions received by a local issuer is sent to the lead issuer. The local issuer and CCB charge fees for the services provided to the lead issuer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aircraft includes removably securing a target to a portion of the aircraft in a predetermined position on the portion of the aircraft. The method further includes scanning the target with a scanning device to acquire information about at least one of a location and orientation of the target. The method also includes processing the acquired information to determine at least one of a location and orientation of the portion of the aircraft. In addition, the method includes working the aircraft using the processed information and removing the target from the portion of the aircraft before completing manufacture of the aircraft.

Abstract: A terminal for interacting with a signaling tag includes a controller capable of receiving information regarding a signaling tag at least partially over an air interface. The controller is also capable of determining whether the controller is actively operating an application. In this regard, if the terminal is actively operating an application, the controller is capable of performing a predefined action based upon the application and a state of the application.

Abstract: A system generally for personalizing and synchronizing fob data in the context of a distributed transaction system is disclosed. A dynamic fob synchronization system may comprise point of service (POS) devices configured with transponder-readers to initiate a transaction in conjunction with a fob, an enterprise data collection unit, and a fob object database update system. An exemplary dynamic synchronization system (DSS) may comprise various fob POS devices, a secure support client server, a fob object database update system (FODUS), one or more enterprise data synchronization interfaces (EDSI), an update logic system, one or more enterprise data collection units (EDCUs), and one or more fob POS devices configured to interoperably accept and interface with fobs. In an exemplary embodiment, DSS may comprise a personalization system and an account maintenance system configured to communicate with FODUS.

Abstract: A client-side application extension executable on a host computer from within a web-browser having the capability of executing at least one web-browser add-on to provide a user access to a smart card, connected to the host computer having a smart card resource manager, via the web-browser. The web-browser extension has instructions to direct the central processing unit to access data on the smart card via a web-browser and platform independent interface module and a web-browser and platform dependent wrapper module connected to the web-browser and platform independent interface module and to the smart card resource manager having a function processing module operable to receive a call to the at least one function for accessing data on the smart card and for transforming the function call into a corresponding call to the smart card resource manager.

Abstract: A method of providing sample containers with an automatically readable identification for an analysis device, in which the sample container may be heated to an operating temperature for analysis. It is the object of the invention to improve the identification of sample containers in a manner that the sample contained in the sample container is not contaminated by the constituents of the identification agent during analysis. The object of the invention is solved in that the identification is applied at an elevated temperature above the operating temperature. By the method according to the invention, volatile constituents of the identification agent are advantageous evaporated so that when using the sample container during operating temperature of the analysis device, the sample to be analyzed is no longer contaminated by the exhaling constituents of the identification agent.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting potential fraud in connection with mortgage loan lending, where a first group made up of a plurality of mortgage loans is utilized to calculate a representative value associated with a loan-related event. A second group also made up of a plurality of mortgage loans is utilized to calculate a predicted representative value associated with the same loan-related event. The actual and predicted representative values are compared to determine a deviation value. If the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold, an output indicating potential fraud is generated.

Abstract: A work management data collection system 1 is provided with a data collection mechanism in a tool 2, and by counting a number of times a work operation has been executed or the like, obtains a work data identifying the work task that has been executed and detects a time data required for the work task. The system is provided with an RFID tag 3a on an ID card 3 held by a worker, and by writing data into the ID card 3 of the worker who carried out the work task, using an RFID reader/writer 4 provided on the tool 2, the system obtains data necessary for the work management from the ID card 3 of the worker.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing route transactions in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is provided. The method includes calling a route form from an ERP server. The route form graphically illustrates at least one of a plurality of related tables corresponding to route processes, as well as an approval control input element to approve of a route transaction corresponding to the route processes. Upon receiving a user input at the approval control input element of the route form, the route transaction can be approved. Then, the method includes automatically implementing route transaction executing steps to each of the plurality of related route tables.

Abstract: A table monitoring system and method for monitoring a table games. In one embodiment, the system comprises an RFID system and a processing engine. The system may include a camera, and image controller, or both. The system creates RFID data and image data in response to table events and its processing engine cross-references this data with time stamps to monitor table events such as wagers, payouts, or other occurrences. The data is associated with a tag which represents a table event. Table events are tracked during play. In one embodiment, the RFID data and image data is mapped to a coordinate grid. With the coordinate mapping and by cross-referencing this data, the system can distinguish individual table events occurring within the detection zone of a single RFID antenna such as distinguishing wagers placed on multiple bet locations within the detection zone of a single antenna.

Abstract: A goods supply system that retrieves parts for making up a product from goods storage locations in a supply area and supplies them to an assembly line, which comprises: a storage means that registers key information on the product and parts information including information on types and storage locations of the parts in advance; a first in-process card issuing machine that writes the key information on the product into a first in-process card; and a retrieving unit having a means that reads out the key information written in the first in-process card, collates the key information with the key information and the parts information registered in the storage means, and retrieves the parts corresponding to the key information from the goods storage locations.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for creating and exposing order status within a supply chain of trading partners having disparate systems. A trading partner exchange (TPE) interfaces with each of the disparate systems and gathers information pertaining to a particular transaction. The information can be made available to an access platform through an access platform interface. Initially, a transaction is reported to the TPE where it is assigned a unique identifier. Subsequent activities pertaining to the transaction which are reported to the TPE by the trading partners can be linked to the unique identifier. By using the access platform, a customer or any trading partner can acquire the status of a particular order from the TPE.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that identifies an item having a presence within a geographic locale in response to a signal indicative of the item, obtains a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a first source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source; and aggregates the first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance.

Abstract: The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments describe below include a method of simultaneously presenting user specific real-time financial information includes authenticating a user, for example by using a user-id and password. Then receiving an input from the user indicating the shareholder of interest. The user is then presented with a list of the shareholder's account information. The shareholder account information can be retrieved from several different record keeping systems. The record keeping systems can be maintained by different entities and can store the respective account information in different formats. The shareholder account information can be retrieved by broadcasting an account inquiry to the record keeping systems or by using a cross-reference table that indicates which record keeping systems the shareholder has accounts with.

Abstract: An optical device having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, said optical device with uniquely identifiable data carrier means for carrying data related to said optical device, said data carrier means operable in at least one of an electrical mode and a magnetic mode; said data carrier being deposited on said posterior surface and/or said anterior surface; said data carrier means caused to emit a data signal in response to said activating signal by an external means; said emitted data signal used to determine characteristics of said optical device.

Abstract: An operation support system includes a progress information providing unit, an entry device, and an updating unit. The progress information providing unit stores progress information indicating to which operation stage an operation procedure has progressed and provides the progress information in response to a request made from an external device. The entry device includes an entry tool and a reading device. The entry tool makes an entry into a paper form associated with the operation procedure. When an entry is made into an entry field of the paper form using the entry tool, the reading device reads identification information presented in the entry field. The updating unit updates the progress information, which is stored in the progress information providing unit, based on an operation stage associated with the identification information, which is read from the entry field by the reading device.

Abstract: A method of depositing items of value, the method comprising 1) receiving a tamper evident and coded container holding the items of value, the code relating to the content of the container; 2) verifying that the package has been received in an acceptable manner, and, if it has, 3) either incrementing an account with the value of the items of value in the container by reference to the code and without opening the container, or, if the account has previously been incremented, leaving the account unchanged.

Abstract: A vote-by-mail return envelope that includes a pouch portion for containing the ballot and a stub portion on which the voter applies his/her signature and method for processing are provided. Each portion of the envelope contains a respective barcode that identifies the respective portion. When the envelope is received at the vote-counting location, the stub is separated from the pouch, thereby separating the voter's signature, name, etc. from the ballot. The signature is then verified from the stub, and subsequent processing of the pouch uses the pouch barcode identifier as a link to the stub barcode identifier and/or to the result of the signature verification, to determine whether the ballot in the pouch is eligible for counting or whether some remedial procedure is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for creating and exposing order status within a supply chain of trading partners having disparate systems. A trading partner exchange (TPE) interfaces with each of the disparate systems and gathers information pertaining to a particular transaction. The information can be made available to an access platform through an access platform interface. Initially, a transaction is reported to the TPE where it is assigned a unique identifier. Subsequent activities pertaining to the transaction which are reported to the TPE by the trading partners can be linked to the unique identifier. By using the access platform, a customer or any trading partner can acquire the status of a particular order from the TPE.

Abstract: A method is provided for dynamically tracking a plurality of entities progressing through an operation each having an electronic tagging device associated therewith.

Abstract: Architecture for presenting m-commerce transaction data to a user. An m-commerce device includes a device reading apparatus adapted to read a dataform. At least one item for purchase has associated therewith an item dataform readable by the m-commerce device, the item dataform linked to item information of the item. A terminal is provided for interactive presentation of information to the user. The m-commerce device and terminal are in communication over a network such that item information input to the m-commerce device is transmitted to the terminal for interactive presentation to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical-technical identification device for identifying a sterile product (4, 62, 72, 82), and to a method of identifying such a product, for example a product intended for one-time-use only, when connected to a piece of medical equipment (1, 60, 70, 80), wherein the sterile product (4, 62, 72, 82) includes a fixedly mounted information carrier (9, 63, 73, 83) which is adapted to deliver or to offer specific product information in a contactless fashion to a reading element (12, 64, 74, 84) connected to the equipment (1, 60, 70, 80).

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and analyzing data in real-time across a geographical area. The data is collected by different evaluators using a portable wireless device, and transmitted to a central database in real-time. The data can be reviewed at different levels as soon as it is available on the database. Unacceptable data can be immediately identified so that it can be obtained again. The data can be analyzed and a report subsequently produced.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring performance and ordering supplies in a collision center includes an identification reader for reading product identification tags corresponding products removed from a supply of products. The identification reader also reads a repair order identification tag corresponding to a repair order of a vehicle under repair and a technician identification tag corresponding to a technician using the product(s) to repair the vehicle. The system further includes a computer having a plurality of database for storing repair order data, technician data, benchmark data, and inventory data. The computer receives data from the identification reader and computes a performance level of the technician by comparing the product(s) used by the technician to a standard benchmark. The computer also analyzes the inventory data and automatically generates a supply order for products that fall below an inventory level. The supply order is electronically sent to a supplier.

Abstract: A multi-function customer satisfaction survey device, system, and method. A restaurant management system includes a plurality of electronic tip trays and a base unit. Each of the tip trays electronically obtains and stores customer contact information, customer payment information, and responses to a customer satisfaction survey. A data transceiver wirelessly transmits the information to the base unit. The base unit collects the information and sends the contact information to a correspondence server such as an e-mail server. The payment information is sent to an external authorization network and/or the restaurant's POS system. The survey responses are sent to an analysis unit. Particularly adverse or positive responses may be matched through the POS system to a food server and a food order.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting purchase items. A selection module selects a plurality of categories. In one embodiment, the selection module receives a category selection. In addition, the selection module may receive a criterion selection for the category selection and receive a modification for the criterion selection. The selection module may further modify the criterion of the selected category with the modification. An identification module identifies a purchase item. An association module associates a selected category of the plurality of categories with the purchase item. A sorter sorts the purchase item to a specified bin. The specified bin is associated with the selected category. In one embodiment, a bagger may bag one or more purchase items from a bin.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators, a barcode indicator reader and a product type responsive indication interpreter, each of the barcoded quality indicators including a first barcode including at least one first colorable area, the first barcode being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, at least a second barcode including at least one second colorable area, the second barcode not being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, a coloring agent located at a first location on the indicator and a coloring agent pathway operative to allow the coloring agent to move, from the first location to the first and second colorable areas simultaneously thereby causing the first barcode to become unreadable and at the same time causing the second barcode to become machine-readable.

Abstract: A recycling management apparatus acquires stock quantity information, past collection quantity information, and yield information for each type of products, cost information indicating costs for collecting and recovering used products, etc. from a client terminal via communication network and stores the information, while computing and storing stock reference quantity of each type of products. When receiving order information from the terminal at a sales base point, the apparatus computes a collection quantity of used products based on the ordered quantity, stock quantity, and stock reference quantity. The apparatus selects collection base point candidates which can collect the computed collection quantity of used products based on the past collection quantity information, and appoints a collection base point that is to collect used products from the selected candidates based on the cost information.

Abstract: A risk management method and system determine distribution of skills, composition of skills and resources to achieve said distribution, a set of actions to achieve said composition, a portfolio of service and/or product offerings, a composition of staffing plans to achieve said portfolio, and a set of demand conditioning actions to achieve said composition, in order to hedge against uncertainty based on demand information, risk information, product and/or service revenue and information, and skill cost and information, while meeting business objectives.

Abstract: A scanner is connected to a printer to form a simple copying system in which the printer is controlled from the scanner. In one aspect of the invention, the scanner queries the printer to learn features implemented in the printer, and constructs a menu enabling a user of the scanner to control use of the printer's features, so that the scanner can be connected to a variety of printers without the need for firmware modifications. In another aspect of the invention, the printer has an accounting feature and manages printing fees according to account identifiers input by the scanner, eliminating the need to use copy cards to collect copying fees.

Abstract: A system for use in managing activity of interest within an enterprise is provided. The system comprises a computer configured to (i) receive sensor data that is related to key activity to the enterprise, such key activity comprising a type of object and the object's activity at a predetermined location associated with the enterprise, the sensor providing information from which an object's type and activity at the predetermined location can be derived, (ii) process the sensor data to produce output that is related to key activity to the enterprise, and (ii) store the information extracted from the processed data in a suitable manner for knowledge extraction and future analysis. According to a preferred embodiment, the object is human, machine or vehicular, and the computer is further configured to correlate sensor data to key activity to the enterprise and the output includes feedback data based on the correlation.

Abstract: An electronic marketplace system provides various features for assisting users in listing products for sale, locating the listings for a product, and performing related actions. A user wishing to sell a product can browse to an existing description of the product in an electronic catalog and then select an option to create a corresponding listing. If the user previously purchased the product via the system, the user may alternatively select the product from a personal purchase history. The system may also proactively send product-specific listing requests to those who have purchased or otherwise indicated ownership of specific products.

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method is provided. The machine is operate to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader of the machine. The machine enables a user to perform banking operations responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. While a user operates the machine to dispense cash or perform other banking operations, the machine may further permit at least one portable wireless device to wirelessly access the machine to purchase and wirelessly receive digital information such as music and/or video files from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centralized policy management of large-scale networks (221) of computational devices is disclosed. The apparatus includes a number of distributed clients (400) run on registered computers (201-203), gathering policy advisories (401) and reporting (405) relevance (403) to a system administrator (224). The system administrator may view the relevant messages (505) through a management interface (500) and deploy suggested actions to distributed clients (503), where the actions are executed to apply the solutions of the advisories (408).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for management of terminal devices. The core of the present invention is as follows: a terminal device monitors and acquires events generated in the terminal device under off-line conditions, and reports the events to a management side, after establishing communication with the management side. The aforementioned management side then performs management of the terminal device. With the present invention, the terminal events can be monitored, and the terminal device can be managed based on the monitored terminal events. Thus, the adverse impact of the terminal events on the terminal device may be prevented and eliminated in a timely fashion. This reduces the probability of equipment errors, and thus improves the service quality of the service provider.