Abstract: A parts delivery management system and method that synchronizes production line side parts deliveries with a production schedule to facilitate delivering the right part to the right production line location at the right time. A consolidation center for receiving parts from suppliers is co-located with an assembly plant. Parts are received in returnable containers and organized for line side delivery according to the manufacturer's production schedule. Parts are delivered to production line locations using multi-cart “trains” that transport parts to the locations. Trains made of multiple carts are assembled throughout the production day and loaded with containers holding the parts that are then delivered line side. A delivery management system application executing on a computer receives production schedule data as well as part and container data to determine which parts are needed throughout the day at the various production line side locations and when they are needed.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for enabling a uniquely-identifiable item as fare media in a transit system. Embodiments generally include collecting a unique identifier from the item, and sending the unique identifier, and other data, to a virtual fare device. The virtual fare device can use the unique identifier to access historical and/or other information associated with the unique identifier, calculate a fare, and/or update the information in a manner similar to how a physical fare device updates information on physical fare media, such as a stored-value card. The virtual fare device then can send data, such as priced transaction data including fare information, to other systems and/or servers of the transit system for further processing.

Abstract: A management apparatus including a portable terminal identifying module to receive card information from a non-contact IC card processing unit having a module to communicate with an IC card without contact.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for processing gaming voucher images are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes recording voucher information on a gaming voucher, creating an image of the gaming voucher, causing the image to be stored, and dispensing the gaming voucher.

Abstract: A PDA device is used to record the ID of a vehicle boot RFID tag and to transmit to the tag and to a host entity violation data such as summons number, license number, time and date stamp, issuing person ID, location of the vehicle, scofflaw data and so on. This data may be entered into the PDA electronically via a communication network such as the internet or LAN system or manually via a keyboard. The host entity has a data base which is uploaded with this information and has correlation of RFID tag numbers to an unlock combination number for each boot. When the boot is attached to a vehicle this PDA data is transmitted to the host entity whose contact telephone number is attached to the vehicle being booted. The driver contacts the entity to pay the fine and receive in return the unlock combination. The driver thus can release and remove the boot within minutes of returning to the vehicle and can return the boot at his leisure.

Abstract: A check-in method for airlines allows passengers to use Short Message Service (SMS) to check-in themselves and baggage. A passenger requests to check-in via SMS from practically anywhere and not limited to the airport. After receipt of the request, a confirmation message is sent back to the passenger's registered mobile phone number by SMS. The system will ask the passenger for, and receive from the passenger, the number of bags they intend to check-in for the flight. The passengers can in some embodiments drop the baggage off without any required further action. The system issues an SMS-based cryptographically secure code, such as a bar-code boarding pass to the passenger once the baggage (if any) is successfully transferred and registered to existing baggage management systems through the process above. This code, when scanned, recognized and authenticated provides identification and security clearance for the passenger to board the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring the transfer of cargo, such as a shipping container, to and from a transporter, such as a truck. Identification codes are provided on the cargo and the transporter to aid in the identification of the cargo and the transporter. One or more identification code receiving devices, such as a camera, may be associated with a cargo moving apparatus, such as a crane, and configured to automatically capture the transporter identification code and the cargo identification code as the cargo is being transferred to or from the transporter. The transporter identification code and the cargo identification code can be associated with each other along with other information about the transfer in order to monitor the transfer. In this regard, identification information may be communicated to a shipping terminal's operating system to provide real-time information about one or more transfers occurring within a shipping terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for enabling wireless mobile devices to be automatically detected and used as fare media on vehicles in a transit and/or transportation system. Embodiments include detecting a wireless mobile device and utilizing a unique identifier of the wireless mobile device to track a transit user's entry to and exit from a transit vehicle. Embodiments further include causing the wireless mobile device to display a fare payment indicator, allowing the transit user to use the wireless mobile device to show proof of payment if so solicited by a fare inspector. A corresponding fare can be calculated and paid for in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for metering vehicular traffic. Specifically, the system uses a computer to prevent delays as vehicles transition from a greater number of toll lanes to a lesser number of travel lanes. Toll collection devices are used to send a ready signal to a computer to indicate a vehicle is ready to leave a start point. The computer receives ready signals from the toll collection devices and uses a pre-programmed departure schedule to queue the vehicles. After the vehicles are queued, the computer uses time delay variables to ensure efficient traffic flow between the toll lanes of the plaza and the travel lanes of the bridge or tunnel. An indicator signal responsive to a departure signal sent by the computer is employed to direct vehicles from a start point towards a travel lane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic boarding pass for a passenger having an user interface for indicating an actual position of the passenger in an airport. The position data is received via wireless interface of the electronic boarding pass. In a memory flight data and shopping data of the respective passenger is stored. A processing unit such as a microprocessor is provided for processing received position data, data stored in the memory and airport map data of the airport.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a permit-based parking environment governed by a parking program. The permit-based parking environment includes a number of parking permits each including a unique RFID tag and tag number. One or more RFID readers are used to scan the vehicles parked in the parking environment to determine if a RFID tag is associated with the parked vehicle. The results of the scan along with information related to the parked vehicle are provided to a permit management system to determine if the vehicle is parked within the scope of privileges pre-defined for that vehicle, pursuant to the parking program governing the parking environment. The permit management system stores, manages, and monitors data related to the permits controlled under the parking program.

Abstract: A platform and program for enhancing the value and desirability of a credit card (or other payment product) to a card holder and encouraging increased use of the card as a payment device by rewarding the card holder based not only on qualifying purchases but on miles traveled in connection with travel ticket or travel pass purchases. The inventive program leverages qualifying transaction information and other data (e.g., Level 3 Data) which automatically flow with such transaction information. The rewards redeemed by the card holder according to the inventive platform and program are not tied to a particular provider of goods or services, and reward fulfillment is managed through the card issuer or its fulfillment agent.

Abstract: A park user management system having a plurality of radio frequency tag readers installed along usable routes in a park for recognizing information stored in a radio frequency tag provided to each park user and an exercise quantity management module for calculating exercise information of each park user using the respective recognition times of the radio frequency tag recognized by the radio frequency tag readers and providing the calculated exercise information to each park user. The park user management system provides a recommendable exercise, a recommendable exercise section, and a recommendable target exercise quantity to each park user, calculates actual exercise quantity of each park user on the day in question, and provides the calculated exercise quantity to each park user.

Abstract: A method of managing product-location specific information is provided. Product-location specific information is collected from multiple users at a centralized network hub and transformed into location-harmonized data with one or more attached attributes including product data. The location-harmonized product-location specific data and/or content derived therefrom is distributed, and/or other content is distributed based on the location-harmonized product-location specific data and/or on the location harmonized data, to the same or different users. One or more efficient customer access methods is/are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus monitor the transportation of a luggage item. What is to be monitored is a transportation process by which the luggage item is transported. At least one computer-accessible image of the luggage item is produced. The image shows the luggage item when illuminated with light visible to humans. A data record for the transportation process is produced, contains the image of the luggage item, and is stored in a data storage unit. The luggage item is taken to a checking device. The data storage unit is searched at least once for the data record for the transportation process. A display unit shows the image is included in the found data record. The image found is shown on the display unit such that a check becomes possible to determine whether the image shown actually shows the luggage item close to the display unit or another luggage item.

Abstract: An access control system for sensing exposure to items of interest for a person associated with a unique identifier of a fare card or ticket is disclosed. The access control system includes the unique identifier, an exposure detector and a processor. The unique identifier associated with the person that is flagged when exposure is detected. The exposure detector detects exposure to items of interest by the person. The processor is coupled to the exposure detector. The message is communicated away from the processor to a remote location when the unique identifier is flagged.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring the transfer of cargo, such as a shipping container, to and from a transporter, such as a truck. Identification codes are provided on the cargo and the transporter to aid in the identification of the cargo and the transporter. One or more identification code receiving devices, such as a camera, may be associated with a cargo moving apparatus, such as a crane, and configured to automatically capture the transporter identification code and the cargo identification code as the cargo is being transferred to or from the transporter. The transporter identification code and the cargo identification code can be associated with each other along with other information about the transfer in order to monitor the transfer. In this regard, identification information may be communicated to a shipping terminal's operating system to provide real-time information about one or more transfers occurring within a shipping terminal.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus installed at a ticket gate for performing a ticket inspection process, includes an authentication unit for authenticating a communication terminal mounted on a passenger passing through the ticket gate by communicating the communication terminal, the communication terminal communicating using as a communication medium a dielectric material including the human body of the passenger, a ticket inspection unit for performing the ticket inspection process on the communication terminal, a registration unit for registering an identification of the communication terminal, an identification determination unit for determining whether the identification of the communication terminal acquired in communication with the communication terminal is registered by the registration unit, an information acquisition unit for acquiring subscription information of a content stored on the communication terminal, and a delivery unit for delivering the content to the communication terminal in accorda

Abstract: A highway vehicle towing system includes a light railroad track embedded in a highway and capable of transmitting electricity from a power supply plant, and a towing tractor movable along the light railroad track to tow a car. The owing tractor has multiple pairs of metal wheels movably supported on the light railroad track, a motor, electrical wires connecting the metal wheels to the motor for transmitting electricity from the light railroad track to the motor, a transmission shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor, and a differential mechanism coupled between the transmission shaft and the metal wheels for enabling the metal wheels to be rotated along the light railroad track by the motor.

Abstract: Each printed sheet product includes a core of flexible, microvoided polymer sheet material and a planar RFID assembly encoded with a unique electro/magnetic code permanently and integrally joined together with the core. The microvoided sheet material collapses around the core so the sheet product remains planar. Scoring defines one or more individual identification elements removable from a remainder of the sheet product that include at least a first element with RFID assembly but only part of the core. A separate magnetic strip storing its own unique data magnetically can be provided on the first removable element even at least partially overlying the RFID assembly for independent identification operation.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing module for use with an Internet-based shipping, tracking and delivery network. The module includes a housing having a light transmission aperture with an optically transparent imaging window mounted thereover. A digital camera board supports an area-type color image sensing array, sensing array control electronics, and image capture and buffering electronics. An imaging lens assembly supported within said housing and having image forming optics with a field of view (FOV) on the area-type color image sensing array. A plurality of broad-band LEDs are supported within said housing for producing a field of broad-band illumination. A light focusing reflector is operably mounted for focusing the field of broad-band illumination. A digital image-processing subsystem supports image capture, processing and display functions, as well as digital image file transmission functions within the module.

Abstract: A method for processing transaction information is provided according to the present invention. The method enables business vender to provide consumers with paperless transaction information, e.g. invoice information, via a route mainframe and a electronic data interchange platform.

Abstract: A mobile image capture and processing system including a digital image capture and processing instrument for capturing digital images of shipping documents associated with shipments to be delivered to an intended destination over a Web-based shipping, tracking, and delivery information network, and automatically processing such images to read a 1D or 2D bar-coded shipment tracking number graphically represented therein, and automatically encode the shipment tracking number within the header of the digital image file and the name or title of the digital image file.

Abstract: The selection of at least one back-modulation element of an electromagnetic transponder from among a plurality of resistive and/or capacitive modulation elements of the load of an oscillating circuit of the transponder, including selecting the modulation element(s) according to a binary message received from a read/write terminal.

Abstract: A parking system using parking meters which accept payment by credit card or smart cards. The user can start the parking payment period by swiping a credit card in the reader. A fixed pre-payment is charged to the card. The payment period is terminated when the same card is swiped a second time. The pre-paid charge is cancelled and the card is charged only for the actual elapsed time.

Abstract: An Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network including a data collection and processing center operably connected to the infrastructure of the Internet, and including a RDBMS for storing and managing shipping information, and a plurality of pickup/delivery vehicles. Each pickup/delivery vehicle is equipped with a mobile digital image capture and processing (MICAP) system for (i) capturing and processing digital images of shipping documents, bearing embedded bar codes, at the point of pickup, (ii) automatically decoding embedded bar codes in said shipping documents, and performing optical character recognition (OCR) on text presented therein, (iii) formatting captured digital images of the shipping labels with such decoded/recognized information, and (iv) transmitting the formatted digital images to said data collection and processing center, for automatic recognition processing and population of the RDBMS maintained by said network.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus can be attached thereto with a recording medium having a first communication part and a second communication part. The data recording apparatus comprises a third communication part adapted to communicate with the first communication part, and a fourth communication part adapted to communicate with the second communication part. The data recording apparatus takes control to stop communication of the fourth communication part with the second communication part if the third communication part can communicate with the first communication part in a case where the detection part detects the data recording medium being attached to the data recording apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for event driven baggage management are disclosed. Readers are used to detect and monitor the location of tags attached to baggage as the baggage moves from the point at which a traveler drops of the baggage at the origin of a trip to the point at which the traveler picks up the baggage at a destination location. Methods and systems that are capable of detecting when a bag has been lost or misdirected and searching for the lost or misdirected bag are also disclosed. Notification may be sent directly to a traveler or the carrier when specified baggage events occur. Additionally, systems and methods for communicating a destination of an object to a wireless earphone device worn by an object handler are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing road use data. A first moving vehicle has an encounter with vehicles in motion. An apparatus in the first vehicle generates and stores encounter records for the encounters. Each encounter record includes a location of the first moving vehicle and a location and identifier of a corresponding vehicle in motion, and is stored in the apparatus. A first encounter record for an encounter between the first moving vehicle and a second moving vehicle is sent by the first moving vehicle to a charging system of a road use charging authority having a data store. If the charging system determines that the data store includes a second encounter record of the encounter received from the second moving vehicle, then the second encounter record is not used in a charging process and/or is deleted from the data store; otherwise, the first encounter record is stored in the data store.

Abstract: An automatic charging system for charging a vehicle for using an infrastructure delimited by a boundary during a charging period Tc based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) location with guaranteed performance. The system includes an onboard receiver with integrity guarantee which, in addition to providing position information, provides additional information relating to the error that can be expected in the position consisting of a health flag (denoting a Healthy/Unhealthy status), and a Radial Protection Level (RPL) relating to the amount limiting the horizontal position error according to one direction and with a probability equal to a known value IRx.

Abstract: A method for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including printing a bar code on each shipment to be tracked, wherein the bar code includes at least one part for identification of the shipper of the shipment, which is invariable for each shipper, and a shipment rank identification part of each shipment, which is variable for each shipment; and a device for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including at least one database having at least one user data table listing bar codes of the shipper and address information, and a data table of shipments being tracked listing each shipment by shipper.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a portable control unit with a user interface. A radio frequency transceiver communicates with the remote control system to determine if the portable unit is within a secure space. Commands from the remote control system are ignored when the portable control unit is within the secure space until a predetermined code is entered on the user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disabling transponders used in electronic toll collection or other RFID systems, wherein the transponders include an antenna and RFID circuitry. The transponders can be selectively disabled by releasably securing a disabling device having a metallic portion at an operative position over the antenna of the RFID system, whereupon the metallic portion is coupled to the antenna in such a manner as to disable the RFID circuitry so long as the disabling device is at the operative position. The RFID circuitry is arranged to be automatically enabled upon removal of the disabling device from the operative position.

Abstract: A method of translating a shipping document regarding one or more shipment items being shipped, tracked and delivered to a final destination using a Web-based shipping, tracking, and delivery information network. At the point of shipment pickup, the method involves digitally imaging an original shipping document (or shipping label) in connection with a shipment, at one or more image resolutions. The bar-coded shipment tracking number graphically represented in the original shipping document is automatically read, and its character data string is automatically encoded into the header of the corresponding digital image file and/or the name of the digital image file. While the shipment is being delivered to the first scanning point in the network, the digital image file is transmitted over a wireless communication link to one or more digital image processing application servers supported on the network.

Abstract: A method and a device transport multiple items, in particular mail items, to predefined destination points. The respective destination point and a value of a predefined feature of each item are measured and stored. The item is transported together with other items in a transport device to an intermediate point. The transport device is furnished with a label which has a machine-readable identification. The identification is read. The transport device in which an item was transported is determined by the measure. After transportation to the intermediate point a value of the feature is measured afresh. In order to find a stored data record, a restriction is implemented on the search space to the data records of those items which were transported in the same transport device.

Abstract: A refueling environment is coupled to a remote facility disposed apart from fuel dispenser locations and is connected to a network. A user identification is sent to the remote facility. The remote facility establishes an access connection with a network node, on behalf of the customer. The network communications follow a client-server session format and are correlated to the user ID. The remote facility sends a cookie element to the server that was previously set by the server during an initial Web site visit. The cookie contains state information. The remote facility associates the unique identification number with the relevant user ID. The server uses the received cookie element to identify the corresponding user profile record maintained at the server side. The server generates customized content from the retrieved user profile record and sends it to the customer.

Abstract: An Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network supporting the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from a point of shipment pickup and completed while shipments are transported to its first scanning point in said network so as to significantly increase velocity of shipping information through the network, as well as reduce delivery time over the network.

Abstract: A payment apparatus for a personal transportation system includes a display device for displaying a calculated fare for a passenger's desired travel. A card slot accepts a passenger's payment card for payment of the fare. A bill slot accepts paper currency for payment of the fare. A coin slot accepts coin currency for payment of the fare. A bill return returns paper currency as change for overpayment of the fare. A coin return returns coin currency as change for overpayment of the fare. A communicating means communicates to the personal transportation system that the fare has been paid.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods and forms for automatically and non-unobtrusively to detect, without human interpretation, the identification of people(s), object(s), and other, with various methods utilized in connection to creating, storing, adding, connecting, modifying, sharing, inputting, recalling, authorizing, approving, tracking, generating, formatting, monitoring, accessing, locating, deleting, controlling, linking, collecting all types of data and information, and generating at least one type of identifiable communications information related to anyone or anything, and in and/or around any type of environment, such as an airport(s), airline(s), and/or other aviation location(s), theme park, amusement park, aquarium, cruise ships, tourist location, hospitals, buildings, government complex, malls, customs boards, sports events, parking, manufacturing, hotels, resorts, clubs, retail, elevators, utilities, museums, libraries, as well as other types of location(s), among other environments.

Abstract: Method of and Apparatus for an Internet-based network for shipping, tracking and delivering a shipment of packages from a point of shipment pickup to point of destination. At the point of shipment pickup a digital image of the shipping documents are captured and processed to extract the original shipment tracking number and optional shipping information. This information is automatically encoded into digital image files prior to transmission to an application server, and stored in a shipping information DBMS. While the shipment of packages is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point in the Internet-based network, early billing processing of the shipment is initiated and facilitated to speed up time of payment.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine, such as an ATM, has leveling legs. The legs are also used to fasten the ATM to a shipping pallet. Each leg has a support foot and an opposite free end. The free end is inserted through an opening in an intermediate shipping plate. With the shipping plate situated between the foot and the ATM underside, the free end is screwed into an underside opening. The leg is rotated until the plate is raised to be secure against the underside. The plate is then set on the pallet and fastened thereto by lag screws. The pallet includes horizontally adjustable stabilizing feet at sides thereof. The pallet feet can be extended outward to decrease the ability of a supported ATM to tip over. When not needed, such as during pallet storage, the feet can be retracted inward to reduce pallet size.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and tracking vehicles in parking locations, public roadways and highway entrances and exits and other public vehicle access areas is provided, such as to monitor and track vehicles in parking spaces, public roadways and highways without the need for parking or traffic personnel. The system includes a meter system that generates image data of a vehicle in a parking space, public roadway and highway entrances and exits such as by creating an array of pixel data in a predetermined field of view that includes a vehicle identification tag and facial imaging.

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: Method of and an Internet-based network for shipping, tracking and delivering a shipment of packages from a point of shipment pickup to point of destination. At the point of shipment pickup, digital images of the shipping documents are captured and processed to extract the original shipment tracking number and optionally shipping information. This information is automatically encoded into digital image files prior to transmission to an application server, and stored in a shipping information DBMS. While the shipment of packages is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point in the Internet-based network, early customs clearance of the shipment is initiated and facilitated to speed up delivery of the package shipment to the point of destination.

Abstract: Payment systems and methods using wireless transponders in a community of retailers are disclosed. The disclosed systems and method include a community of retailers, an RFID transponder card, a number of readers for reading an identification number from the RFID transponder card when a subscriber carrying the card enters the community, a local computer in communication with the plurality of points of sale for receiving the identification number and associating the identification number with a subscriber account, and a Clearinghouse computer for validating the transponder card and notifying the local computer of the card's validation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing stock visibility during transportation of stock from between storage facilities. Such systems and methods can provide information identifying the location of stock while it is being transported to a new location and can provide the ability to alter the destination of stock while it is in transit to a new location. Upon the removal of stock from a warehouse, an inventory management system may be updated to indicate a transport unit of a vehicle that is being used to move the stock and, thus, provide visibility of the stock while it is in transit. In addition, through identification of the transport unit moving the stock to a new location, the vehicle transporting the stock may be rerouted to transfer the stock to an alternate location.

Abstract: An Internet-based shipping, tracking and delivery network is deployed, wherein at the point of shipment pickup, digital images of shipping documents are captured and processed, shipping information graphically represented the digital images is extracted and encoded into digital image files, and these digital image files are transmitted to an application server and for storage in an information DBMS and subsequent recognition and processing, while the shipment is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point. At the first scanning point, and subsequent sorting and routing hubs in the network, the original shipment number assigned to the package shipment and graphically represented in said shipping document images, is used to access the DBMS and retrieve recognized shipping information for use in sorting and routing each package in the shipment to its point of destination.

Abstract: A speedometer, a fuel gauge, an odometer, left and right turn indicators, and an ignition indicator are arranged in a meter panel of a meter unit. An IC tag into which an ID code in standardized data form is registered is installed on the back surface of the meter panel. The IC tag is resin molded and is installed on the back surface of the meter panel made of resin. The mold resin and the meter panel are both made of a resin material having transmissivity to electromagnetic waves. Information is wirelessly transferred to and from the IC tag, and may be managed using a data management system.

Abstract: A contents-aware storage bin includes a transportable bin unit adapted for placement within a storage bin rack. An RFID reader unit is in contact with the bin unit. An RFID antenna is connected to the RFID reader unit and is in contact with the bin unit.

Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device .