Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices to obtain dimensions of an article or product in association with material handling vehicles are disclosed. A dimension detection device is installed in an enclosure and is used to acquire geometrical dimensions of the object in association with the vehicle. A predetermined dimension of the vehicle is subtracted from the overall detected dimension to determine the dimensions, including weight, of the product alone. One or more dimension detection devices may also be positioned on a mast or other portion of the material handling vehicle allowing the material handling vehicle to act as a mobile product dimensioning system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an onboard ticketing terminal notably aboard a public transport vehicle. The ticketing terminal (30) comprises a body (39) equipped with at least: a card reader; a swiveling customer interface (36, 37); a printer, incorporated into said body (39), paper output (40) from the printer being performed through a swiveling slot made in the body (39); a swiveling driver interface (34). The ticketing terminal (30) makes it possible notably to implement transport ticket sales applications by virtue of an interface with an onboard central unit (21).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for an Internet-based network configured for facilitating rapid re-labeling of a shipment of packages at the first scanning point in the Internet-based network. The network employs the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of shipment pickup and completed while the shipment is being transported to the first scanning point. Shipping information extracted from the original shipping document is extracted from the shipping document images and stored in a DBMS. At the first scanning point, the shipping tracking number encoded within the original shipping document or original shipping label on the package in the shipment is used to access shipping information stored in the DBMS, and this shipping information is used to generate a new shipping label for each package in the shipment.

Abstract: The dynamic, predictive information system and method assigns shipping assets (drivers-tractors-trailers) from carriers to transport orders by shippers. Computer databases hold shipping asset data. Specific transport orders are electronically joined to specific driver-tractor-trailer combinations. A search and sort routine produces resulting records based upon proximity, trailer type, proximity of the joined driver-trailer combination, carrier service region and pick-up and delivery date constraints. The sort is by price or performance indicators which are pre-selected shipper ranges matched to historical shipping data from carriers. The system books the carrier, the driver-tractor-trailer combination and the shipper to transport order with an electronic communications phase. In a truck lane scenario, the system joins a specific driver and a specific tractor and a non-specific trailer to a specific transport order.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for enabling temporary access to a wheelchair (15) comprises a number of wheelchair containers (2) and a control unit (5) which communicates with the containers and is arranged to interact with a user to permit release of the wheelchair from the container. Each container may be provided with a reader (16) for an identifier (17) carried by a wheelchair, so that the control unit can record that a wheelchair with that identifier has been released, and record return of that or another wheelchair to the container. The control unit may communicate with the control units of other apparatus at other locations, and/or with a central data processing facility (39). The system may be integrated with a transport reservation system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging device (1) for packaging a stack of sheet objects that have an attributable monetary value in a container (4), the device (1) comprising means (34, 35) for determining value data relating to the monetary value attributed to a sheet object to be stacked in the container (4), and an RF reader/writer (52) for writing said value data to an RFID device (21) associated with the container (4).

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tracking and visibility system of a kind that augments aspects of traditional tracking systems by implementing mechanisms for independently detecting and verifying the whereabouts of particular objects moving through a carrier's logistics network. These mechanisms are preferably implemented without having to alter the outward appearance or manner in which such objects would otherwise be shipped. At a high level, the present invention accomplishes this by providing a comprehensive tracking system that includes at least two levels of tracking, one of which involves physically associating a wireless device with an object to be tracked, the wireless device being configured to transmit a signal that can be used to independently detect and verify the location of the particular object as it moves through the carrier's logistics network.

Abstract: A method for receiving up-to-date transportation information at a user entity (120) in a wireless communication system (100) includes requesting up-to-date transportation information (502), determining which up-to-date transportation information is desired (506), requesting access to the desired up-to-date transportation information (510), and obtaining the desired up-to-date transportation information and providing the desired up-to-date transportation information (516, 518) to the user entity (120) for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for state-based execution and recovery in a payment system is presented. A payment system uses a state machine to track completed sub-tasks using a state progress identifier and completion state data. When a failure occurs, stored completion state data and the state progress identifier indicate the last successfully completed sub-task. As such, when the payment system resumes payment operation execution after a failure, the state machine retrieves the stored completion state data and state progress identifier, and resumes execution based upon the retrieved information. As a result, the payment system continues payment operation execution at a point as to not duplicate the payment operation's previously completed sub-tasks.

Abstract: A Web-enabled mobile image capturing and processing (MICAP) cell-phone for use on a Web-based shipping, tracking and delivery network. The cell-phone include a hand-supportable housing, and a digital image capture and processing engine for capturing and processing digital images of shipping documents at a point of shipment pickup. An image-based bar code reading engine is integrated with the housing for recognizing 1D and/or 2D bar-coded labels in captured digital images. A display panel displays digital images. An RF transceiver circuit, with an RF antenna, supports wireless data communication protocols. A microprocessor and memory aboard the cellphone provides a computing platform supporting an operating system (OS) and one or more application programs, including a Web browser program, and a client application program.

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: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for enabling payment of transit system fees using a financial transaction instrument. Entry is permitted onto a transit system by recognition of information included in an identification number stored on a financial transaction instrument. The identification number stored on the financial transaction instrument is associated with a transit system fee registered for each use of the transit system. A plurality of transit system fees associated with the same identification number from use of the financial transaction instrument is aggregated, and payment for the aggregated transit system fees is requested from a transaction account associated with the financial transaction instrument.

Abstract: An electronic payment system for conducting transactions by presenting a contactless payment card to a card reader. The card reader processes transactions when only one card is present in its operating field. The card reader uses collision detection and avoidance algorithms to detect and report instances where multiple cards are present in the operating field. In response to a reported collision, the collision may be cleared by manual intervention, i.e., by physically removing excess cards from the reader's operating field.

Abstract: System and method for tracking inventory of a multiplicity of products. First RFID tags are associated with respective products or groups of products. Second Active RFID tags are associated with respective first containers for the multiplicity products. A third Active RFID tag is associated with a second container for the first containers. First RFID tags broadcast their respective identifications. Second Active RFID tags hash the identities of the first RFID tags within their respective first containers and broad their hashed values. Third Active RFID tag hash the hashed values broadcast by the second Active RFID tags. An expected value is compared to a result of the third Active RFID tag hashing the hashed values broadcast by the second Active RFID tags.

Abstract: In an apparatus for identifying items in a cargo hold, having an entrance that is accessible by a user, each of the items includes an individual mesh network communication device and each individual mesh network communication device includes a memory that stores a unique item identification. The apparatus includes a primary mesh network communications device and a portable computational device in data communication with the primary mesh network communication device. A frame separates the primary mesh network communications device from the portable computational device at a distance that enables the user to hold the portable computational device and to direct the mesh network communications device to the entrance of the cargo hold.

Abstract: Systems and methods collect data concerning a supply chain and perform statistical analysis on the collected data to facilitate identification of anomalies or inefficiencies in the process. One method disclosed involves storing, in memory accessible to at least one processor, an electronic copy of an advanced shipping notification (ASN) that was transmitted from a shipping location to a receiving location in advance of shipping at least one item therebetween, and also storing, in memory accessible to the at least one processor, data reflecting at least one determined value of at least one monitored aspect of the shipment between the shipping location and the receiving location. The at least one processor uses at least some information from the ASN stored in memory, with at least some of the data stored in memory, to generate at least one report involving the at least one determined value.

Abstract: An electronic fund transfer (EFT) system capable of displaying a menu including one or more user-defined custom transactions associated with an identification card so that the user can select a desired transaction by a single selection or with limited inputs. The transactions may be defined by a user during a set-up/authorization operation and/or may be stored based on transactions performed by the user. Additionally, the transactions may be stored on the identification card, in a local memory of a transaction terminal and/or in a system memory of the EFT system. A single identification card may be used to enable the user to select from a plurality of financial accounts with different institutions. Another asset of an ATM system and method comprises a graphical user interface that enables a user to select a transaction type and the transaction parameters necessary to define that transaction from a single display.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe communication and tracking system comprising an overlapping series of intrinsically safe WIFI units wherein said WIFI units contain one or more radio cards and one or more antennae, and said system further comprises communication devices, TAGs, and a CPU unit to monitor the system. Alternatively, intrinsically safe communication and tracking system may be used peer-to-peer. The system may contain client devices at least one client device chosen from the following: tracking software, voice recording, audio recording, signal strength testers, Ethernet capability, gas detector, digital camera, thermal imaging camera, temperature sensing equipment, and text messaging. The CPU may also have additional capabilities at least one additional capability chosen from the following: ability to patch into external communication systems, housing of records, monitoring of employees as they enter or leave an area, encryption of communications, and sending a signal to a satellite.

Abstract: Telemetry data may be included in packet exchanges of authentication protocols. In one example, a tag, associated with shipped goods, authenticates with a local area network that is associated with a destination of the goods. An identification is received from the tag and the authentication and the identification are sent to a remote location as an indication of the goods being at the destination.

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: An RF tag system includes a first reader/writer unit and a second reader/writer unit. A first reader/writer control unit is configured to control the first reader/writer unit to read a first data from a first RF tag, and to detect a trouble state of the first reader/writer unit. A second reader/writer control unit is configured to control the second reader/writer unit to read a second data from a second RF tag, and to detect a trouble state of the second reader/writer unit. A monitoring section is configured to issue a selection instruction and to monitor the first reader/writer unit through the first reader/writer control unit, and the second reader/writer unit through the second reader/writer control unit. A switching section is configured to select one of the first reader/writer control unit and the second reader/writer control unit in response to the selection instruction from the monitoring section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing stock visibility in a storage facility, such as a warehouse. Such systems and methods may provide information identifying the location of stock while it is being transported to a new location, as well as may 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 bin, a warehouse management system may be updated to indicate a resource 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 resource moving the stock to a new location, the resource can be rerouted to transfer the stock to an alternate location.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for processing traffic tickets is provided. In one embodiment, a department of motor vehicle (DMV) server receives, from a portable law enforcement data processing system via a network, citation data and stores the citation data. The DMV server then determines and notifies a court of jurisdiction of the citation data and receives, via the network, instructions from a client representing an accused about how the accused would like to proceed with the case. Based on the instructions received on behalf of the client, the DMV server modifies the citation data.

Abstract: An electronic fund transfer (EFT) system capable of displaying a menu including one or more user-defined custom transactions associated with an identification card so that the user can select a desired transaction by a single selection or with limited inputs. The transactions may be defined by a user during a set-up/authorization operation and/or may be stored based on transactions performed by the user. Additionally, the transactions may be stored on the identification card, in a local memory of a transaction terminal and/or in a system memory of the EFT system. A single identification card may be used to enable the user to select from a plurality of financial accounts with different institutions. Another asset of an ATM system and method comprises a graphical user interface that enables a user to select a transaction type and the transaction parameters necessary to define that transaction from a single display.

Abstract: An electronic fund transfer (EFT) system capable of displaying a menu including one or more user-defined custom transactions associated with an identification card so that the user can select a desired translation by a single selection or with limited inputs. The ATM system may preselect transaction types and/or transaction parameters based on stored information relating to the user (such as a previous transaction or other information). If the selections are as the user desires them to be for the desired transaction, then the user can simply click on a command button (e.g. a button labeled “OK”) to cause the transaction to be executed. This potentially reduces the number of inputs or selections that a user must make to execute a desire transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus to electronically tabulate items marked with a bar code. The system may optionally operate to manage, control and tabulate inventory, produce vendor-correct purchase orders, manage multiple locations, multiple buildings, multiple clients and multiple stores to facilitate efficiency for a wholesaler or retailer or alternatively for a distributor, broker or sales agent. The system may alternatively be used to manage inventory for a manufacturing environment or for tracking evidence or items in a chain of custody environment useful for governmental and scientific functions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contacting unit, with plug-in card-shaped housing, having a base plate and a cover plate, between which a slit-like plug-in channel opening on one end of the housing is formed to receive a chip card, and which is provided on the other side with a connector strip, in which the plug-in channel is essentially open on both sides over its entire length in the plug-in direction of the chip card, and the base plate and the cover plate are firmly connected to each other only in the area connected to the plug-in channel in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one lateral guide device is arranged on one end on base plate and/or cover plate, which at least partially bounds the plug-in channel.

Abstract: This application discloses a method and system for facilitating the delivery of a mail piece bearing a post office box identifier to a United States Postal Service Branch, for final delivery to a post office box. The system facilitates the delivery by scanning the mail piece and obtaining the mail piece's destination information. If the destination information includes a post office box identifier, e.g., P.O. Box #1234, the system determines a street address of the post office location containing P.O. Box #1234. The street address is determined using the zip code contained within the destination information. Once the street address is determined, a new label, bearing the street address of the USPS branch location is affixed to the mail piece so that the mail piece can be delivered to the consignee.

Abstract: A method is presented for maintaining a set of at least two components from a group including a wheel rim, a tire and a safety support element, the method including the following steps: providing a set of components, wherein at least one of the components is provided with an information carrier that can be automatically read and is configured to supply at least one data element for use in carrying out the desired maintenance on the set; said set is brought to a maintenance machine that is configured to carry out the desired maintenance on the set under the control of a programmable data management unit; the information carrier of at least one of the components of the set brought to the machine is automatically read and the data is automatically transmitted to the programmable unit; the machine is regulated on the basis of the data transmitted; and the desired maintenance for the set is initiated and carried out by means of the machine.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables a sender to ship an item in an envelope using a mobile shipping application running on a computing device or carrier computer. This system includes an electronic envelope having an updateable flexible electronic visual display that displays shipping information transmitted by a carrier computer via a wireless network, a cellular chip for receiving updated shipping information from the carrier computer, and a microcomputer chip for transmitting the information to the electronic display. The computing device, carrier computer, or both, execute the mobile shipping application that is accessible with a computing device and through which a sender places a shipping order. The system further comprises a carrier computer configured to execute the mobile shipping application running on the carrier computer, a data storage device to store the shipping orders, and a transceiver for communicating with the cellular chip on the envelope across a wireless communications network.

Abstract: A ticketing system for a transportation network comprising (a) at least one ticket having trip data that includes at least one destination within a transportation network, (b) a vehicle for transporting an item along the transportation network, and (c) a ticket reader configured and arranged to electronically read trip data on the ticket and assign a vehicle to travel along the transportation network in accordance with the trip data.

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: To provide a billing system capable of simplifying user's operation and quickly performing a billing process even in the case where there exist a plurality of terminals for billing. A billing system 1 according to the present invention is a billing system for implementing billing by transmitting billing information transmitted from a billing information transmitting terminal 30 to a cellular phone 10, to a billing server 60 on a mobile communication network, in which a service code of a service for which a billing process is allowed is preliminarily stored in the cellular phone 10 and in which, when the billing information is transmitted from the billing information transmitting terminal 30, whether a service code included in the billing information is a service code for which the cellular phone 10 is allowed to perform the process is determined on the basis of whether it agrees with any service code preliminarily stored.

Abstract: A system is provided for acquiring and storing field information, comprising field devices operable to gather field information and receive updated file information. The field devices may be placed in cradles, which facilitate the transfer of the field and file information. A network is provided for receiving the field information from the field devices and transferring the field information to field devices located in the cradles. The system also provides a server operable to receive the field information from the network, store the field information in data tables assigned to at least one client, and transmit updated field information to the network.

Abstract: A method includes wearing a shoe on a user's foot. The shoe incorporates a proximity payment device. The method also includes bringing the shoe into proximity with a proximity reader to make or evidence a payment.

Abstract: A lifting device equipped with an RFID scanning system having an article receiving area configured for receipt of a stack of articles having RFID tags associated therewith. A first scanning antenna is provided at a first height relative to the article receiving area, and a second scanning antenna is provided at a second height relative to the article receiving area that is above the first height. A computer control system is in communication with the first and second scanning antennas and applies a verification parameter to RFID signals received by the second scanning antenna to determine whether RFID tagged articles detected by the second scanning antenna are within the stack of articles carried by the lifting device.

Abstract: A method and system of tracking and the disposition of inventoried items is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for remote authorization of fuel dispensing and authorization or confirmation of participation in frequent shopper programs, club memberships, and the like. In one embodiment, identification documents may be used as membership cards for a retailer's membership or frequent shopper program and any of a plurality of identification document readers can be used. In another embodiment, an identification may be a membership card to gain access to a retailer. In another aspect, an identification document may be coupled with one or more PINs to validate a customer, or alternatively, the one or more PINs can be used instead of the identification document to validate a customer.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting/receiving destination wake-up information through communication satellite network is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an input/output unit for receiving ticketing data from an external device, transmitting the ticketing data to a storing unit and outputting the ticketing data to a baseband processing unit by reading from the storing unit according to transmission conditions; a storing unit for storing the ticketing data based on a control of the controlling unit; a baseband processing unit for converting the ticketing data into a baseband signal; and a wireless transceiving unit for converting the baseband signal into a wireless signal and emitting the wireless signal through a satellite antenna.

Abstract: A baggage identification system has a label and a key fob. The label has a front face with a distinctive pattern thereon, and a rear face with an adhesive thereon. A backing material attached to the adhesive on the rear face of the label is removable to expose the adhesive for affixing the label to the baggage. The key fob has a design thereon matching the design on the label. A pocket on the front face of the label can hold an item of personal identification. Perforations along a peripheral edge allows peripheral edge portions of the label to be removed to increase label adhesion.

Abstract: The method implants passive bar-code or active transponder-type signaling devices on every vehicle, including cars, boats and aircrafts. The code is associated with the vehicle's VIN vehicle identification number and with the registered owner/owners of the vehicle and is innutted into a central agency computer with other information such as vehicle title, insurance, driver license information, accident history, vehicular inspection and emissions. Vehicle VIN code scanner/readers are positioned in selected areas in the sky and on the ground near the entry of a transportation pathway and the VIN ID identification code are read by the scanner/readers, and communicated with a date and time and geographical location to the central agency. The user is then charged a relevant fee and a periodic report is issued.

Abstract: An interactive rapid response Internet accessed air travel management system. The system includes a web-based planning and reservation interface system and an interactive access device. The system responds to details of a member's desired travel, to thereafter act in real time to contact the domains of associated travel service providers to arrange for every aspect of the member's trip, from airline and hotel reservations, ticket issuance, and ground transportation, to restaurant and theater reservations, and any other travel related needs of the member. The system stores identification information to verify access device possession to prohibit unauthorized use of the system and to provide security pre-clearance to system members.

Abstract: A fuel pumping system includes at least one fuel pump including a fuel nozzle. Each of a plurality of vehicles has a vehicle identification positioned thereon and each of the vehicles has a panel mounted thereon. The panels each have different barcode indicia thereon having information encoded therein corresponding to one of the vehicle identifications. A barcode scanner retrieves the information encoded in the barcodes. A database stores a plurality of datasets. Each of the datasets includes information from one of the barcode indicia and a corresponding one of the vehicle identifications. The database is operationally coupled to the at least one fuel pump and allows the at least one fuel pump to pump fuel when the fuel nozzle is actuated and the information retrieved by the barcode scanner corresponds to one of the datasets stored in the database.

Abstract: An antenna for circularly polarized radiation having a lamina of electrically conductive material with a generally square shape and a first chamfer on a first vertex of the generally square shape. The chamfer determines an asymmetrical shape of the lamina.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each items having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A plurality of antennas is disposed proximate the path of travel so that each antenna radiates a gain pattern that carries radio frequency signals into a respective predetermined first area through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags on the items in the path of travel. At least one radio frequency transmitter drives the antennas to emit the gain patterns. At least one radio frequency receiver receives signals from the antennas corresponding to the responses and outputs first signals corresponding to the responses. A processor receives the first signals.

Abstract: A predetermined amount, which may, in general, be zero, less than, the same as, or greater than a (yet-to-be-determined) final transaction amount, is charged upon first presentation of a payment device to a merchant. A final transaction amount is calculated, preferably at a central server, subsequent to the first presentation. A variable adjustment value is calculated, preferably at the central server, by comparing the predetermined amount already charged with the final transaction amount. A new predetermined amount charged, upon a subsequent presentation of the payment device, is modified by the variable adjustment value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for tracking packages inbound to a user. One embodiment of the invention discloses a process by which shipping information is analyzed to determine the various ways in which shippers have previously identified a consignee location. A consignee alias table is generated that lists the various combinations of consignee name and address used by shippers to identify the consignee location. Package level detail is then received from a carrier and compared against a consignee alias database to identify packages that are inbound to the consignee location, and a consignee location table is updated that monitors the status and anticipated delivery date of all packages inbound to the consignee location.

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for gating entry in a transit system using information from a bankcard, such as a credit card or debit card is provided.

Abstract: A tag can transmit a tag signal, and responds to receipt of a wireless signpost signal by determining whether the signpost that generated the signal is currently active. When the signpost is respectively determined to be active and inactive, the tag respectively includes and excludes from the tag signal an information portion that relates to the signpost that generated the received signpost signal. In another configuration, a tag has first and second antennas, receives wireless signpost signals through at least one of the antennas, and responds to receipt of a signpost signal containing antenna select information by causing a selected one of the first and second antennas to be disabled and the other of the first and second antennas to receive wireless signpost signals.

Abstract: An automated vehicle parking system for a plurality of remote parking facilities that communicates with a vehicle approaching or leaving the remote facility with RF signals, or the like, that identifies the vehicle and sends the vehicle identification number, time of day, and lane number to a first computer at the remote facility for calculating the parking cost of a given vehicle based on rates for said given individual vehicle stored in the first computer of each of the plurality of remote parking facilities and having a central computer coupled to each remote facility for providing a single bill to a user of several remote facilities and advising each remote facility first computer of the total fees due for all users of that remote facility during specified periods.