Abstract: Processing raw data includes receiving raw data. The raw data includes tag identifiers associated with one or more tags detected during a number of detection events. The tag identifiers are filtered to yield one or more unique tag identifiers. A unique tag identifier corresponds to a tag of the tags. The unique tag identifiers are converted to at least one business object. At least one business rule is applied to the business object to generate a response, and the response is performed.

Abstract: A method of processing an airline passenger through a terminal comprising the steps of verifying the identity of the passenger by checking a physical characteristic unique to the passenger and taking a picture of the identified passenger. A wristband-ticket (10) is issued having first (12) and second (14) ends and including an attachment (16, 20, 22) associated with the ends for securely attaching the ends together and rendering the ends non-retachable in response to being detached. The ticket is issued with a picture (28) of the identified passenger thereon as well as the terminal gate and the flight number and seat assignment thereon. In addition, the ticket is issued with a bar code (24) thereon identifying the passenger and flight information. The wristband-ticket (10) is placed around the wrist of the identified passenger and the passenger passes through checkpoints by reading the bar code and/or viewing the photograph.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a method for managing traveler information of a traveler having a country of origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to a country of destination. The method includes receiving input data from a graphic user interface containing traveler information at the country of embarkation, sending the traveler information to the country of origin, and requesting confirmation from the country of origin of the accuracy of the traveler information by comparing the traveler information with data received from at least one of a police department, customs department, or immigration department. The method further includes receiving the confirmed traveler information from the country of origin and verifying traveler identity at the country of embarkation.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting incidents along a roadway are provided. A plurality of readers are spaced at intervals along a roadway for reading uniquely identified data from each of a plurality of vehicles. These readings are correlated to obtain information on each of the vehicles and to determine the number of vehicles potentially affected by incidents along the roadway. Finally, the number of each of the vehicles potentially affected by incidents is compared to a sample threshold in order to determine if a traffic incident has occurred.

Abstract: An intelligent vehicle identification system that uses inductive loop technology to profile and classify a vehicle. In a tolling industry application, classification of the vehicle is made prior to the vehicle arriving at a payment point in a toll lane in which the vehicle travels. A predetermined fare associated with the classification is then solicited from an operator of the vehicle without efforts from a toll attendant. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes an intelligent queue loop that verifies the vehicle at the payment point to prevent misclassification due to a second vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle, that changes from a different lane to the toll lane in question.

Abstract: A control center continuously monitors a security state of a container through an extended network spanning from a shipper to a consignee. The control center changes the security state responsive to explicit information received from a trusted agent, or implicit information deducted from business logic. A trusted shipper agent sends manifest information from a shipper checkpoint to the data center that includes, for example, container information, shipping route information, and other security information. Trusted monitor agents continuously track the security state from the shipper checkpoint to the origin checkpoint, from the origin checkpoint to a destination checkpoint, and from the destination checkpoint to a consignee checkpoint. A trusted consignee agent sends termination information from the consignee checkpoint to the data center.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging fees when predetermined positions are passed, comprising a communication device (4) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC) that is intended for an at least temporarily stationary installation, and at least one mobile communication unit (7) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC); the DSRC communication device (4) provided to be stationarily installed is adapted for transmitting information identifying itself and thus, at least indirectly, its position of installation to the mobile DSRC communication unit (7).

Abstract: Information, such as make, model, serial number, color, marks, etc, associated with a motor vehicle, along with data associated with the owner of the vehicle, are registered in an information repository, such as a police station, a bureau of motor vehicles or the like. The vehicle information is stored on a registration card and/or on a decal which is permanently attached to the motor vehicle. The information can be stored in the form of a bar code. If a vehicle is stolen or otherwise operated in a manner not authorized by the owner of the vehicle, this information is input into the information repository. Fuel pumps at a fueling station are connected to the vehicle registration information either via a computer at the fuel station or a relay station at the fuel station. Before activation of the fuel pumps, the data on either the card or the decal must be read into a data port on the fuel pump. This data is compared to data stored in the repository.

Abstract: A method of controlling vehicles parked in a parking system. A user sends a user-specific code to a parking system computer via a mobile telephone system when beginning and terminating a parking period. The identity of the parking zone concerned is sent to the computer, in which a vehicle-specific code is stored and is tied to the user-specific code. A parking attendant uses a control unit for wirelessly fetching information concerning vehicles that have commenced but not terminated a parking period in the zone concerned. The control unit sends to a telephone coupled to the computer a voice message from the parking attendant that includes a vehicle registration number. The computer compares that registration number with the registration numbers of logged-in vehicles and sends to the control unit a voice message repeating the registration number and including information as to whether the vehicle is logged-in.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus for detecting an object or a distance with the object includes at least one light receiving element for detecting a light quantity entering from a sensor window portion for example, a projection window portion and an entrance window portion through which an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave generation portion toward an object and a reflected electromagnetic wave from the object pass. Furthermore, an irregularity determining portion determines a state of at least one of the projection window portion and the entrance window portion using at least the detected light quantity of the light receiving element. For example, the light receiving element includes a first light receiving portion and a second light receiving portion which receive the light quantities of direct current part of light entering from the first and second light receiving portions.

Abstract: A safe method of stopping a stolen car without chasing at high speeds, utilizing a bar code implanted between the inner layer and outer layer of a rear safety glass is comprised of steps: 1) scan the barcode, 2) compare the read in barcode with those of the stolen cars stored in the police computer net, 3) trigger one of the three stopping means of this invention. Those three stopping means are: 1) turn off the engine, 2) puncture the rear tires with bullets, and 3) puncture the rear tires by mechanical means.

Abstract: Parking meters detect presence of vehicles in monitored parking spaces and obtain images of license plates. A parking enforcement system communicates with the parking meters and manages use of parking spaces.

Abstract: A method for integrating tire identification data into a vehicle information system comprises the steps: mounting a tire to a production line vehicle chassis, the tire having tire data storage for storing tire identification data; connecting the tire stored data to a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) having ECU data storage; reading tire identification data from the stored tire data into the ECU stored data; and uploading the tire identification data from the ECU stored data to an OEM database. The method may optionally include incorporating a tire pressure monitoring system into the tire; and including tire pressure monitoring system identification data in the tire identification data. The vehicle identification data may be incorporated into the ECU stored data and uploaded with the tire identification information to an OEM database at a preferred point in the vehicle assembly line sequence that coincides with the execution of an end-of-line diagnostic test on the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system for guiding a vehicle to a preselected destination by continually communicating the heading direction to be followed regardless of any detours away from a direct heading. In one embodiment, a two phase system is provided to initially guide the vehicle to a zonal area containing the destination, and in the second phase, guiding the vehicle, by communicating local information, directly to a specific destination within said zonal area. The system can employ bar coded signs being read by a remote reader on the vehicle to obtain detailed information concerning the vehicle location, the streets-roads in the vicinity of each sign, traffic control information, parking and fuel availability, and specific street-road address information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for access control to a first piece of equipment namely a closed vehicle parking lot, whereby the access to the entrance and exit is controlled by means of a contactless access card, characterized in comprising the following steps: a) distribution of said contactless pass at the entrance to the parking lot (1) to drivers not already possessing a pass and authorization of the appropriate vehicle (9) to enter the parking lot (1), b) writing in the memory of said contactless access pass (10) at the entrance to said parking lot (1), information relating to the entrance into the parking lot, c) reading said pass (10) on returning to the parking lot (1), determining the amount due for parking, carrying out the corresponding payment and issuing a receipt for payment and d) authorizing the exit of the appropriate vehicle at the exit to the parking lot (1) in response to the payment receipt.

Abstract: A method for providing passenger accountability for airports and other mass transit facilities is disclosed. In operation, a check-in agent receives information identifying a passenger seeking to board a commercial carrier. The passenger is designated as checked-in, and then the present system may use a frequent flyer card or a boarding pass to monitor a location of the checked-in passenger prior to boarding the commercial carrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting documents that are electronic newspapers, magazines, and books into sets (one or more objects) and distributing them to passenger vehicles. Once distributed to the vehicles, individual documents of the document sets are distributed, possibly for a fee, to the passengers.

Abstract: A connector for use with a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, which forms a part of the aircraft installation, and which can therefore not be readily removed from the aircraft once installed. In one preferred form the connector includes a standardized connector body that mechanically and electrically couples to an existing electronics module on the mobile platform. The connector body is attached to a backshell having a recess that houses an ID module component. The connector includes a lanyard that is secured to a portion of the mobile platform to prevent removal therefrom. The ID module component includes pre-programmed ID information pertinent to a specific mobile platform on which the connector is to be deployed. The ID module can be configured after it is installed in the system. Advantageously, the electrical connections between the ID module component and the connector itself are all contained within the recess in the backshell.

Abstract: An improved airport check-in system includes a central conveyor and a plurality of outwardly-extending conveyors. Airline agents operate workstations adjacent the outwardly extending conveyors, which are accessible by passengers so that passengers can deposit their own bags directly onto the conveyors. A number of electronic kiosks are provided to obtain boarding passes having encoded passenger information. Check-in is accomplished in two steps, including first obtaining a boarding pass and then proceeding to a baggage check station to check bags. At the baggage check station, the boarding pass is scanned to quickly retrieve key information that would otherwise have been gathered verbally, hastening the check-in process.

Abstract: A facility such as a retail facility may include a plurality of wireless identifier tags distributed about the facility. An article associated with a user such as a retail customer may include a detector that detects one or more of those tags when the user is proximate to a tag. For example, a plurality of detectors may be placed on a shopping cart in a retail application. Based on the detection of information associated with each tag, the real time position of the user may be determined in the facility.

Abstract: A method for reading a license plate disposed on a vehicle includes determining whether a license plate image is required, automatically processing the license plate image in response to determining that the license plate image is required, providing at least one verified image, and determining whether to manually read the license plate image by matching the license plate image with the at least one verified image.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a product distribution and return system which includes a return mailer dispensed with a product from a vending machine. The product is returnable in the return mailer to a return center in another location. In another embodiment, a method of doing business is provided. In another embodiment, a method of renting products is disclosed. The method comprises consumer activity, wherein the consumer activity includes a vending machine transaction and a product return step. The method further comprises provider activity, wherein the provider activity includes return center activity and service agent activity. In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing products is disclosed comprising means for selecting a particular product, means for depositing the particular product together with a return mailer to a customer, and means for identifying the particular product and a rental date in a database.

Abstract: An RFID device tester includes coupling elements for capacitively coupling a reader to an RFID device to be tested. The reader may power the RFID device by sending an outgoing signal, such as an outgoing AC power signal, which may be rectified and/or reflected by the RFID device, if the RFID device is operating properly. The outgoing signal may have a frequency that is different from the resonant frequency of an antenna of the RFID device. A reader in the RFID device tester detects the reflected and/or transmitted signal to confirm proper operation of the RFID device. The RFID device tester may be used as part of a roll-to-roll process, to individually test RFID devices on a roll of material. By utilizing short-range capacitive coupling, difficulties caused by simultaneous activation of multiple RFID devices may be reduced or avoided.

Abstract: When a monitor apparatus judges that a vehicle has stopped at a predetermined position (step 705), the monitor apparatus transmits pseudo position information of the vehicle (dummy data) to an automatic charging apparatus (step 725). The automatic charging apparatus calculates a charge amount on the basis of the dummy data, and transmits the result of the calculation to the monitor apparatus. The monitor apparatus receives the result (step 735) and judges on the basis of the result whether the automatic charging apparatus is in an anomalous state (step 740). Since the above-described successive operations are performed only when the vehicle stays, the status of another automatic charging apparatus not monitored is not misidentified as the status of an automatic charging apparatus to be monitored.

Abstract: When car navigation device 100 detects that a vehicle has passed a toll gate, car navigation device 100 outputs a toll gate passage signal. When mobile communication terminal 200 receives the toll gate passage signal, mobile communication terminal 200 accesses from charge server 400 an entity of electronic toll collection system, the latest information on the balance in the prepaid account of the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and recording equipment information related to a fleet of equipment. The equipment information can be accessed and updated through the use of a data device carried by fleet personnel in the field, recording, facilitating inspection, service, maintenance, and repair of the equipment.

Abstract: Electronic tags are directly attached to commodities to be transported one by one. Gate terminals are installed on buildings or sites of traders long a distribution channel of the commodities. The electronic tag detects the commodity temperature and records it at intervals. When the commodity passes near the gate terminal, the information of the commodity temperature is transmitted to the gate terminal through the wireless communication. If the received information shows failure of the temperature control, the gate terminal output a warning.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring passengers during boarding or disembarking of a passenger carrier is provided. This includes providing a passenger monitoring system at a gateway area for boarding or disembarking of a passenger carrier for a designated carrier event. The passenger monitoring system may include a passenger data collecting device, an instruction input device, a video monitor display device and a data processor that is in communication with a remotely located central database containing stored carrier and passenger data for the carrier event. Passenger boarding or disembarking data from at least one passenger is collected during boarding or disembarking operations at the gateway area with the passenger monitoring system. The stored carrier and passenger data is updated with the collected data. The stored carrier and passenger data is displayed on the display device of the passenger monitoring system upon inquiry instruction input into the instruction input device.

Abstract: A mobile data reading system for reading bulky data-associated articles being manually handled by a user includes a frame mounted on rollers to facilitate moving the frame over a support surface to selected locations. A reader having a reader head is mounted to the frame for receiving a data signal from a data-associated item to be read when the article is brought within a proximal distance to the reader head without requiring handling of the reader head by the user during scanning of articles. The mobile data reading system also includes a data storage device for receiving and storing data associated with the received data signal and a power supply for supplying power to the reader.

Abstract: A guide information providing apparatus, and a program, in which a marker indicating a point of interest for a user is displayed on a map image, and in which, even in case the point of interest is located in a complex of establishments, the detailed position of the point of interest in such complex of establishments may be demonstrated. A guide program may display a marker for a point specified by the latitude/longitude for the point of interest when a map image is displayed, while displaying a marker for a point specified by the floor and the coordinate of the point of interest information when an image in the complex of establishments is displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for online configuration of a measurement device for a measurement system. The user accesses a server with a client computer over a network and specifies a desired measurement task. If the user lacks the hardware required to perform the task, hardware specifications and configuration software and/or data specific to the user's application, i.e., to perform the task, are sent to a manufacturer, who pre-configures the hardware with the configuration software and/or data to perform the task and sends the pre-configured hardware to the user. The hardware may be re-configurable hardware, such as a programmable hardware element or processor/memory based device. Configuration software and/or data for configuring the user's measurement system hardware (and/or software) to perform the desired task may also be sent to the user. The configuration software sent to the user may comprise a graphical program usable by the measurement system to perform the task.

Abstract: A system and method are useful for tracking and/or managing an article at a plurality of stations. An RFID tag including a memory and an antenna is associated with each article to be tracked, or a container, or both. RFID tag readers at the stations communicate with the RFID tags and store information therefrom in a database. The databases may be accessed, e.g., from a remote and/or web-based processor, via communication means whereby the article being tracked or managed may be located and its history obtained.

Abstract: Method of making airline luggage inspection secure while accommodating the needs of the traveler comprises making a special lock available to airline travelers, the special lock having a combination lock portion and a master key lock, the master key lock portion receiving a master key that can open the master key lock portion of any special lock of this type. The special lock is designed to be applied to an individual piece of airline luggage and has indicia conveying to luggage purchasers that the special lock is “approved” by a luggage screening authority and conveying to the luggage screening authority that the special lock can be opened using the master key. The method includes providing the luggage screening authority directly or indirectly with exclusive access to the master key. The manufacturers and/or providers of the master key and special lock retain copies of the master key.

Abstract: A method if for monitoring the regular operation of a charging device for a vehicle with a vehicle characteristic number. At least one given optical pattern/signal is generated on the vehicle, which is characteristic for the operating state of the charging device.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an antenna located so that when baggage is being loaded on a vehicle, the antenna is capable of detecting information transmitted from at least one identity RFID tag located on the vehicle as well as information transmitted from a baggage RFID tag located on an item being loaded on or unloaded from the vehicle (though not necessarily simultaneously). A computer system is configured to compare the information transmitted from the identity RFID tag with expected vehicle information for the item loaded on or unloaded from the vehicle. An alarm condition may be generated if the results of the comparison indicate that the item is loaded on a vehicle other than that which was expected. The computer system may also provide notification to passengers or others regarding successful loading of the item on the vehicle. Similar processes may be used during unloading operations.

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: An automatic ticket checking apparatus of the present invention is arranged along a passage and has a first conveying mechanism which conveys a magnetic ticket in a first direction along the passage and a second conveying mechanism which is arranged facing in the passage direction against the first conveying mechanism. This automatic ticket checking apparatus reads the information recorded on magnetic tickets and wireless tickets and executes the checking process for user who are advancing in the first direction along the passage and further, reads the information recorded on magnetic tickets and wireless tickets carried by users who are advancing in the second direction along the passage and executes the checking process for users who are advancing in the second direction.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a reader on a periodic basis. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag uses sleep modes to conserve power. The tag transmits tag data to a reader in response to an interrogation request, or automatically on a periodic basis. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper, status data (e.g., delivered, displayed), and time and date information. This data is processed by a central server to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: Method of making airline luggage inspection secure while accommodating the needs of the traveler comprises making a special lock available to airline travelers, the special lock having a combination lock portion and a master key lock, the master key lock portion receiving a master key that can open the master key lock portion of any special lock of this type. The special lock is designed to be applied to an individual piece of airline luggage and has an indicia thereon conveying to luggage purchasers that the special lock is “approved” by a luggage screening authority and conveying to the luggage screening authority that the special lock can be opened using the master key. The method includes providing the luggage screening authority directly or indirectly with exclusive access to the master key. The manufacturers and/or providers of the master key and special lock retain copies of the master key.

Abstract: A method is provided for receiving a data stream of an airline ticketing reservations computer, striping-away data bits included for the ordering and identifying and reading and writing of the data stream on magnetic media and selecting and converting the remaining data into multi-dimensional symbology or bar code for printing onto airline ticket and/or boarding documents.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transponder moveably implanted into a pocket on an elastomeric spindle sleeve. The pocket comprises a plastic lining which is formed in the sleeve during cure or vulcanization. The transponder is inserted into the pocket once cure or vulcanization of the sleeve is complete. The open ends of the pocket are then sealed closed with an adhesive. Since the transponder is not molded into or otherwise bonded to the pocket during fabrication the transponder may move within the pocket. This minimizes stresses that may otherwise be transmitted to the transponder during flexing of the sleeve, thereby extending a transponder life. The transponder collects, stores and transmits manufacturing data which can be read by hand-held or stationary electronic devices. The transponder comprises a microchip and antenna in addition to a plastic or paper laminate upon which it is mounted. The transponder is activated by RF (Radio Frequency) energy received by the antenna and therefore needs no battery.

Abstract: An antenna unit prevents a communication error by suppressing side lobes formed by an antenna coil segment of a reader/writer device. The antenna unit (200) is used for a reader/writer device (20) whose signal processing circuits (210) and (220) communicate with an IC card (10) via electromagnetic waves, wherein an antenna coil (100) of the IC card (10) relatively gets close to the antenna unit (200). The antenna unit (200) includes the antenna coil segment which forms a loop antenna (202) on a substrate (201) and conductor segments (203) at the periphery of the antenna coil on substantially the same plane of the antenna coil.

Abstract: A wireless type pre-paid IC card system enhances the convenience of users and assures the safe payment of tolls by vehicles including bikes when introduced for toll roads. This toll collecting system is composed of: a card processor that is arranged in a booth for the toll collection process and has an antenna unit for executing the card process through the wireless communication with IC cards, antenna units arranged at the left and right roadsides of the booth for executing the card process through the wireless communication with IC cards, a vehicle class discriminator for discriminating classes of vehicles entering into a traffic lane, and a traffic lane controller that selects an antenna unit to perform the card process according to a discriminated vehicle class and controls the card process.

Abstract: A Boarding Pass (60) for use in boarding passengers in aircraft or other forms of transportation and/or while the passengers are aboard and/or after disembarkation has main and passenger coupon parts (63,64) detachable along a detachment line (65). The front face carries printed data and spaces for printing travel data. Separate magnetized strips (62) and/or storage chips (59) are merged in thick portions (61,58) on the two coupon parts (63,64) on either side of the detachment line (65). The strips and/or chips store passenger data and travel data readable by passing the Boarding Pass (60) or a coupon part (63,64) through a reader/writer.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a method and system of identifying hazardous materials using an optical reader and an optical label. A first step is to locate the optical label on a transportation device. A second step is to activate a trigger control of the optical reader to engage power and begin scanning the optical label. Another step is to image the optical label to generate a first electromagnetic signal containing code of a hazardous material. Yet another step is to transmit the first electromagnetic signal to a host computer wherein the host computer transmits a second electromagnetic signal. A next step is to receive at the optical reader the second electromagnetic signal containing information on the hazardous material. The final step is to obtain the information about the hazardous material on a display of the optical reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for remote authorization of fuel dispensing using identifying indicia associated with a customer. An exemplary system according to the present invention includes a fuel dispensing station interfaced with a central terminal that is interfaced with an off-site terminal for transmission and receipt of identifying indicia, customer authorization, and related information. The fuel dispensing station may include an identification document reader or other receiving means for extracting identifying indicia presented by a customer.

Abstract: To easily and correctly manage a plurality of articles, a capture device 12 captures articles to which radio tags having different IDs are attached, and the tag IDs of the radio tags of the articles are received using a tag ID reception card 10. A captured image is associated with a received tag ID and entered. A plurality of articles are managed in a group using captured images and received tag IDs.

Abstract: An autonomous and portable smartcard reader device incorporates a high level of embedded security countermeasures. Data transfers are encrypted with two specific input devices, namely a light sensor and PIN or other keyboard entry, and at the output through the use of a dual-tone encoder-decoder. The unit may be used alone or as a plug-in to another device such as a PDA, cell phone, or remote control. The reader may further be coupled to various biometric or plug-in devices to achieve at least five levels of authentication, namely, (1) the smartcard itself; (2) the smartcard reader; (2) the PIN; (3) private-key cryptography (PKI); and (5) the (optional) biometric device. These five levels account for an extremely strong authentication applicable to public networking on public/private computers, and even on TV (satellite, cable, DVD, CD AUDIO, software applications. Transactions including payments may be carried out without any risk of communication tampering, authentication misconduct or identity theft.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to transfusion.

Abstract: A method of providing an energy credit system is disclosed for providing redeemable energy or mass transit credits to consumers who contribute power to a shared electric power grid wherein the excess power generated by each consumer to the power grid is measured and energy credits are awarded to those consumers who contribute power to the power grid. Each consumer receiving energy credits is allowed to redeem those credits by acquiring fuel, power or mass transit tickets. In one embodiment of the invention, a separate energy brokerage house is provided which receives compensation from the operator of the power grid for power provided to the grid by the consumers and compensates the fuel or energy provider or mass transit system for the energy credits redeemed by each consumer. In a second embodiment, the operator of the power grid compensates the providers of fuel, energy or mass transit directly for the redeemed energy credits.