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 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: An apparatus for reading information encoded on standardized personal identification credentials includes a reading device that reads information encoded on 3-track magnetic stripes as well as barcodes, and connects to a computer system to allow complete automation of information collection. The software application uses the apparatus to automate the collection of data from individuals entering a secure facility, and includes a credentialing for recognizing employees, contractors and visitors. The software system allows for visitor pre-announcement, specification of visit duration, and printing of time-sensitive access passes. The software application supports an unlimited number of printers. Security is enhanced through an automatic checking of government supplied terrorists lists, and other ENTRY NOT ALLOWED lists. The software application encrypts important visitor personal data for privacy purposes, and includes a device for customizing system security and data collection.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: Generally described, the invention provides for an indicia that is associated with a pick up notice left at a pick up location. This indicia is “linked” to the parcel(s) that were intended for pick up at the location, which may be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device that includes a scanning or reading means, allowing information to be acquired from the pick up notice as well as from the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data acquisition device. Parcel's that do not comply with a carrier's business rules are left at the business location, along with the pick up notice. The indicia is then used to access information about the parcels that were left behind and arrange for re-pick up or alternate pick up instructions, including canceling pick up. The indicia may also be used to track parcels that were picked up as well as to make alternate delivery arrangements for the picked up parcels.

Abstract: An automatic fare collection solution for a transit system exploits the use of smart payment cards (e.g., MasterCard's PayPass cards) by the commercial payment card industry. The smart payment cards that are issued by commercial card issuers and banks to customers conform to a common or open industry standard such as the ISO 14443 standard for contactless payment cards. A cardholder seeking access to transit services presents his or her smart card to an RFID-enabled card reader at a transit system entrance. The cardholder is granted quick access unless his or her smart card is list of “hot” cards (i.e., lost or stolen, expired or delinquent cards). A card transaction record is prepared and communicated from the card reader to a transit payment platform. The transit payment platform is linked by conventional payment-by-card electronic networks to card issuers and banks for authorization, clearing and settlement of the card transaction.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is located adjacent a vehicle drive-up lane. The machine includes a card reader device, a cash dispenser device, and a robotic item handling device having a gripper. An item transfer area is accessible to both a machine user and the robotic item handling device. The item transfer area includes a card slot. A card sensing device is located adjacent the card slot. A machine controller can cause the robotic handling device to grip a card inserted in the slot and move it to the card reader device, responsive to the card sensing device sensing the inserted card. The machine controller can also cause the robotic handling device to grip cash dispensed by the cash dispenser and move it to the item transfer area.

Abstract: A method for tracking objects, including identifying and locating an object using a first method, identifying and locating a person using a second method, and associating the object and the person.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for product verification for use with products intended to be introduced into circulation and including machine readable product data, and comprising a product data storage means, at least one portable reading device for said machine readable product data, wherein the machine readable product data is applied to products and is arranged for inspection by the at least one portable reading device remotely from the product data storage means and at at least one point in the product circulation route, and wherein the at least one portable reading device is arranged to verify the authenticity of the machine readable product data and thereby verify the authenticity of the product itself.

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: A monitoring system is disclosed. The monitoring system comprises a base station and a plurality of interconnected slave units, where each one of the slave units is adapted to receiving an alarm from an alarm unit and transmitting an alert corresponding to the alarm to the base station.

Abstract: An object identifier for an object is read in a first reading area and a second reading area. A time the object entered the first reading area and a time the object exited the first reading area is determined. Also, a time the object entered the second reading area and a time the object exited the second reading area is determined. A direction of movement of the object is determined based on at least some of the determined times.

Abstract: A parking violation recording system capable of recording violations based on the location of a violating vehicle, is provided. The system includes at least one camera located on a mass transit vehicle, oriented so that it is capable of viewing a violating vehicle and recording an image containing violating vehicle information of the violating vehicle; at least one locator provided on said mass transit vehicle and capable of providing data for determining the geographic position of the mass transit vehicle; and a data processing sub-system, coupled to the at least on camera and the at least one locator for recording both the violating vehicle information and the geographic data in a violation data record. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of enforcing bus zone regulations.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and tracking vehicles in parking locations, public roadways and highway entrances and exits and other public vehicle access areas and 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. An enforcement and tracking system receives the image data to identify the vehicle license number, vehicle tag identification number and facial image based on the expected location of the license tag, identification tag and field of view image data characteristics of the license tag, facial image or other suitable data. From the image data acquired, monitoring of parking spaces is performed and violation citations or notices are generated.

Abstract: A communication terminal for connecting or mounting an IC card or the like to examine a ticket through a non-contact communication. The communication terminal includes a function for receiving information stored in the IC card or the like in the ticket examination process and controlling itself automatically. The communication terminal can automatically display the validity of a pass and/or the balance of a prepaid sum in a ticket. Also, the communication terminal can register a specific station so that an email in a pre-registered format is created or sent automatically in the ticket examination process at the registered station.

Abstract: A method, system, server architecture and/or tangible medium upgrade and award admittance of events to an event customer, preferably via a data communication network. The method includes, for example, receiving a communication from the event customer, the communication including a request to obtain admittance to at least one event, the communication also including an identifier associated with the event customer, admitting the event customer at the point of sale system after verification of the request, and updating a database indicating that the request was processed. The method also includes determining first predetermined criteria associated with the event indicative of at least one other event customer not attending the event, releasing an allocation associated with the at least one other event customer, and notifying at least another of the event customers to perform the upgrade and/or reallocation.

Abstract: A WPAN system for establishing communication between a control station of a cargo vessel and a plurality of containers that are loaded onto the vessel is provided that comprises a base station configured to establish and manage a pre-configured WPAN having a hybrid tree-mesh network topology and a plurality of electronic tracking devices each being provided with a WPAN-enabled radio receiver/transmitter and routing capabilities. The base station is configured to communicate with the control station through a local area network on the vessel. Each tracking device is configured to be joined to a respective container of the plurality of containers and to connect to the WPAN upon being activated.

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: Credit card applications typically involve the help of a third party to input the necessary data required by a credit card issuing agency. Using the present invention, a customer at a fuel dispenser can complete a credit card application and have it approved or denied in a quick and easy transaction, without the need of assistance from a third party. All required data at the fuel dispenser is entered through a user interface which includes card swipe inputs and numeric inputs through a numeric key pad. The customer does not make any alphabetical inputs on a typical keyboard because fuel dispensers do not have keyboards.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a novel method of purchasing commodities associated with a golf course at least includes: a) providing at least one kiosk under the dominion of a golf course operator; b) via the kiosk, providing to a prospective golfer, available tee times at the golf course; c) via the kiosk, allowing the prospective golfer to reserve one or more tee times; and d) at least partially via the kiosk, processing payment for the selected tee times. In another aspect of the invention, a novel method of purchasing commodities associate with a ski resort at least includes: a) providing at least one kiosk under the dominion of a ski resort operator; b) via the kiosk, providing to a prospective skier, ski lift information at the ski resort; c) via the kiosk, allowing the prospective skier to reserve one or more ski lift tickets; and d) at least partially via the kiosk, processing payment for the ski lift tickets.

Abstract: Data Ignition Card is a card with a magnetized strip and/or a microchip embedded in a magnetized strip and an electronic card reader connected to a vehicle's ignition system. To use Data Ignition Card, an individual inserts the card into the card reader prior to starting the vehicle. Information on the card such as insurance and licensing status would be verified. If the status of all information contained on the card was current, the ignition is enabled and the car can then be started and operated in the ordinary manner.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.

Abstract: An identification device modified to fit into a lug nut hole of a rim of a wheel assembly to supply information to a remote interrogator pertaining to the tire, rim, and valve stem prior to mounting the wheel assembly on the vehicle. The device includes a conical body molded of a plastic material and has a coded chip embedded in the plastic material. The chip is provided with either a passive or an active electronic circuit for relaying identifying information to a remote interrogator. A spring device is mounted on the body to removably retain the device within the lug hole until the wheel assembly is mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides consumers with the services of multiple cards or accounts while allowing consumers to carry a single card, transponder, code and/or other access device. Because the card may access combined services such as financial transaction services and transportation services, the system may facilitate charging the financial account for the transportation services. The system may allow the consumer to use loyalty points or geographic based loyalty points to pay for the transportation services. The system may also limit the use of certain loyalty points based upon the geographic area for certain transportation services in certain geographic areas.

Abstract: When a plurality of objects having RFID tags attached are to be read, an image sensing unit performs image sensing, and at the same time an RFID reader reads an RFID tag within the image sensing range. A characteristic quantity (external appearance model) of an object obtained from a database on the basis of ID data of the RFID tag is compared with a characteristic quantity obtained by image processing of the sensed image, thereby acquiring information unique to the object. The object is discriminably specified by superimposing the acquired unique information on the object in the sensed image.

Abstract: An access control apparatus has a blocking element (1) which is moved by a motor (2) or similar actuator controlled via a control means. Provided are a first access authorization reader (12, 14), a second access authorization reader (13, 15) after the first access authorization reader (12, 14) in the area of the blocking element (1) as well as a people sensor (16) before the blocking element (1). The motor (2) can be driven by the first access authorization reader (12, 14) in the normal case, that is, upon valid reading of access authorization by the first access authorization reader (12, 14), by the second access authorization reader (13, 15) upon detection of a person and invalid reading of access authorization by the first access authorization reader (12, 14), and by the first access authorization reader again upon valid reading of access authorization of the detected person by the second access authorization reader (13, 15).

Abstract: A disclosed method comprises scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a package to generate scanned data, and generating a handling instruction for the package based on the scanned data. The handling instruction can be executed to route the package to a tip position within a hub facility for directing the package to the next location along its route, and/or to pre-load the package in a vehicle for delivery to the package's final destination. Related systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of enrolling in an electronic toll or payment collection system including the steps of providing a kiosk that has a programmed computer with an interactive program for enrolling a user in the electronic toll or payment collection system including a user interface and inputting the user's information into the programmed computer through the user interface. The method also includes the step of dispensing a transponder for the electronic toll or payment collection system from the kiosk, the transponder being associated with the user based on the user's information inputted into the programmed computer.

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: A method, system, server architecture and/or tangible medium upgrade and award admittance of events to an event customer, preferably via a data communication network. The method includes, for example, receiving a communication from the event customer, the communication including a request to obtain admittance to at least one event, the communication also including an identifier associated with the event customer, admitting the event customer at the point of sale system after verification of the request, and updating a database indicating that the request was processed. The method also includes determining first predetermined criteria associated with the event indicative of at least one other event customer not attending the event, releasing an allocation associated with the at least one other event customer, and notifying at least another of the event customers to perform the upgrade and/or reallocation.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and methods of linking a unique identifier with a package identifier to provide confirmation of the delivery of the package to a certain location or individual. The unique identifier may be associated with a location or an individual. In one embodiment, it is a barcode and the package identifiers are barcodes as well. The barcodes are scanned by a service provider using a hand-held data acquisition and storage device thereby linking the unique identifier to the package identifiers. The information is transferred from the hand-held device to a database where it is used to compile reports for and provide information to the service provider, the shipper, and the recipient of the packages. The invention may be incorporated into an inventory management system such that when confirmation of actual delivery has been received, the recipient will release payment to its vendors.

Abstract: In some of the embodiments described herein, a vehicle information system may be used to generate route map information, schedule information, estimated time of arrival information, or the like based upon location information received from passenger-carried or cargo-carried wireless devices, such as passengers' cellular phones. In such circumstances, a remote device (e.g., a display device at a vehicle station, a network-connected personal computer, or a cellular phone of a person who might board a mass transit vehicle) may access the route map information, schedule information, and other information related to one or more mass transit vehicles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting cargo state in a delivery vehicle. A method is provided for determining a cargo state in a delivery vehicle. The method includes sensing a cargo state change, and determining whether or not the delivery vehicle is in motion. The method also includes storing the cargo state change if it is determined that the delivery vehicle is not in motion.

Abstract: A machine-readable medium connected to a network, having a processor, a data storage, an input device, and a display, containing computer instructions for instructing a processor to receive a first data related to at least one component for assembly of at least one assembled item, transport the at least one component to an assembly area for assembling the at least one assembled item, receive a second data related to the at least one assembled item for readying the at least one assembled item for shipment, store the second data in the data storage, and move the at least one assembled item to a designated storage area within the security cleared space for storage or to an aircraft connected to the security cleared space. A machine-readable medium having computer instructions for disassembling an assembled item into components for shipment or storage is also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing ticket changes are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for purchasing telephone calling card minutes and for conducting other forms of electronic commerce. In one embodiment, a method for conducting electronic commerce includes providing a kiosk in a publicly accessible location, and displaying one or more transaction options to a user at the kiosk. The method may further include receiving a transaction selection from the user corresponding to one or more of the displayed transaction options, determining an amount due from the user in response to the transaction selection, and receiving funds from the user. In response to receiving the funds, the kiosk may dispense a redeemable voucher to the user, including a redeemable voucher for any amount paid in excess of the amount due.

Abstract: A signature device having an item selection input section which accepts a selection of a group of items formed by combining an item delivered from at least one supplier and an item generated by itself, a path verification information updating section which updates path verification information to verify a delivery route included in the signature information on the delivered item, a signature information preparation section which prepares new signature information from a signature prepared by itself and the updated path verification information with respect to the selected item group, and a signature information transmitting section which transmits the new signature information to the signature verification device. The signature verification device receives the new signature information and verifies the delivery routes for all the items included in the selected item group based on the new signature information.

Abstract: A virtual gate provides the impression of a gated entry without a physical barrier. As such it functions as a gateway to access areas including transit Rail or, potentially, prepaid Bus services. The VG would require the interaction of the patron to present ticket media to the card reading mechanism. This action turns the gate light indicators to Green for Go or Red for No-Go, accompanied by corresponding tones to alert the patron and fare enforcement officers as to the status of validation. The ticket readers can be placed on both ends of the gate. This allows the gate to be configured for traffic flow in either direction or act as two equivalent Stand Alone Validators.

Abstract: A system and method for order fulfillment includes receiving an order for a plurality of items, initiating collection of the plurality of items for the order, detecting presence of a user at a selected one of a plurality of delivery locations when the plurality of items are ready for delivery, and initiating delivery of the items to the user at the selected delivery location.

Abstract: A Universal Ticket Transport (UTT) 10, 150 may be configured to read from and write to many types of magnetically encoded tickets 20 currently used in fare collection systems. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical insertion interface and automated movement along a transport path 18 for tickets 20 of varying thicknesses that are presented at a range of different angles 40, 42 into and exiting from the UTT 10, 150. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical assembly 156, 158 which may be rotated, and the belts 22, 24, 152, 154 and rollers 30, 32, 34, 36 reconfigured, to accommodate tickets 20 having top-face or bottom face magnetic stripes. The belt subassemblies A, C and the magnetic head subassembly B are configurable across a width W of the UTT 10, 150 to process tickets 20 having magnetic stripes which are offset from a center line 86.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for identifying, locating, authorizing by proximity and communicating with equipment and personnel in a facility that generally employs a series of limited range transceivers for location determination and a distributed wireless data network for data transfer. The system employs unique RF transceiver tags on personnel and equipment that are each uniquely identified and registered with a facility control application that oversees activities in the facility. The tags are tracked by RF communication based upon their proximity to one or more fixed-base networked access points and relays (which transfer location data by RF back to access points) within four range zones. Location data on all tags is uploaded periodically to a location server that interfaces with the facility control server.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: A system and apparatus monitors dump truck loads and activity. A truck picks up a load and haul ticket at one location, such as a gravel or sand pit, and delivers them to another, such as a job fill site. An operator at the job site scans a bar code on the truck to log arrival of the load and creates a scan record of the arriving or departing truck. A touch screen on the scanner may be used to enter optional numeric data from other sources such as the haul ticket or truck odometer. The operator's hand-held, cellular- or radio-based scanner connects directly to a centralized data processor and uploads scan records through a wireless, internet-based communication link.

Abstract: A materials management system, and a method of controlling a materials management flow including at least one inventoried item, are disclosed. The materials management system may include a remote operation center that provides a coordination of at least one portion of the materials management system, and that receives at least one attribute of at least one material flow item in the at least one portion of the materials management system, and at least one receiving station that transmits the at least one attribute to the remote operation center, and that receives the at least one update attribute from the remote operation center, over an external interconnection.

Abstract: Systems predict the availability of travel resources and select an appropriate data source for obtaining travel resource inventory availability information by analyzing historical travel resource availability data. Such systems receive customer travel requests and determine candidate itineraries. The candidate itineraries are used to determine the probability that the candidate itineraries will remain available for certain periods of time based on historical availability information and fare rules. Such systems increase the reliability of booking travel itineraries by determining when it is necessary to obtain updated availability information. The systems make this determination by looking up candidate itineraries in a situation table calculated from historical availability information.

Abstract: A method for recommending service stations for vehicles based on a users route or location is disclosed. The method comprises mapping a user's current location, collecting fuel prices from stations that are within a predetermined distance from the user's location and displaying the location of at least one service station, based at least in part on fuel prices. The method also could include mapping the user's route and collecting fuel prices from a second set of stations that are within the user's route and displaying the location of the stations based on the fuel prices. This method may be linked to a vehicle navigation system which in turn may track the amount of fuel left in the vehicle and recommend service stations when the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle reaches a minimum threshold. The method could also be implemented through a wireless communications network where a short messaging system can determine the parameters for recommending a service station.

Abstract: Multiple RFID devices may be tested by moving a sheet, roll, or web of the devices in conjunction with a test apparatus having multiple RFID device testers, so that the RFID devices to be tested are each spatially static with regard to one of the RFID device testers for a period of time, during which testing may be performed. The device testers may be arrayed along the circumference of a circular test wheel or roller, or may be arrayed along the perimeter of a flexible belt. The coupling between the RFID devices and the RFID device testers may be capacitive. By utilizing short-range capacitive coupling, difficulties caused by simultaneous activation of multiple RFID devices may be reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A disclosed method comprises scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a package to generate scanned data, and generating a handling instruction for the package based on the scanned data. The handling instruction can be executed to route the package to a tip position within a hub facility for directing the package to the next location along its route, and/or to pre-load the package in a vehicle for delivery to the package's final destination. Related systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: A portable data storage module comprises a control module, a wireless communication module, a rewriteable memory and a data transfer button. When the data transfer button is actuated, the portable data storage module wakes from a sleep mode and the control module initiates a data transfer via the wireless communication module with a device. After the data transfer, the portable data storage module reenters the sleep mode. The portable data storage module may be configured to transfer data, such as a trip plan, between a network host and an in-cab driver communication module. The portable data storage module may also store and maintain additional data, such as a driver log.