Abstract: A primary set of sensors is situated along a highway approaching a weighing/inspection station, and a secondary set of sensors is situated along a ramp that is traversed by vehicles exiting the highway into a weighing/inspection station. The secondary sensors use vehicle identification based upon transponders and/or alternate means (such as license plate readers) that are suitable for lower speeds and for vehicles not equipped with transponders. The sensors are coupled to a processing system that accesses a database storing data correlated to vehicles using the highway. Upon the sensing of certain parameters by the primary sensors, the vehicles are directed to exit the highway to the weigh station entry ramp. The secondary set of sensors along the ramp provide an ability to identify transponder and non-transponder equipped vehicles and more accurate sensing capability due, among other things, to the slower speed of the vehicle while passing sensors.

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 debiting tolls against vehicles travelling on multiple toll road networks (2–4), the tolls incurred in each toll road network being processing by a separate toll collection system (4–6), the method including the steps of: (a) creating a local user record identifying a user of a first of the toll road networks in a first local user identification register (19, 20) maintained by a first of the toll collections systems (14); (b) creating a global user record identifying the user in a global user identification register (30–31) maintained by a central tolling information exchange (28); (c) detecting the presence of a user identification device associated with the user on a second toll road network (3); (d) attempting to locate a second local user record identifying the user from a second local user identification register (21, 22) maintained by a second of the toll collection systems (5), and if unsuccessful; (e) attempting to locate the global user record identifying the user from the global user id

Abstract: There are described a system and a method of detecting the passage of persons or objects through an entry-exit (4) of a delimited space (2). The direction of passage is detected on the basis of the reception, by a portable electronic unit (40) with which the person or the object is equipped, of first and second electromagnetic signals (a, b) respectively transmitted in respective spatially separate and partially overlapping first and second communication regions (A, B) each crossing an entry-exit zone (32) defined by the entry-exit. The first and second electromagnetic signals are transmitted substantially in phase at the same frequency and each comprises an identical message portion (100), one of said first and second electromagnetic signals further comprising an additional message portion (150) identifying the corresponding communication region (A, B), transmission of the other of said first and second electromagnetic signals being interrupted during the transmission of said additional message portion.

Abstract: A customer wants to transfer an electronic ticket that includes customer security features to another person, he requests that the merchant unbind the security features from the ticket identifier. The merchant verifies the identity of the customer based on a digital certificate or other customer identifier. If the customer is allowed to transfer the ticket, the merchant unbinds the ticket identifier from the security features. The customer can then transfer the ticket to a second ticket holder. If the second ticket holder presents the ticket to the merchant for admission, the merchant determines that the ticket identifier is unbound and admits the ticket holder. To enhance security in case of loss or theft of the electronic ticket, the second ticket holder can request that the merchant rebind the ticket to security features corresponding to the second ticket holder.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle identification (AVI) system for installation along a roadway, comprising one or more a planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based linear imaging subsystems mounted above the roadway in a spaced apart manner. The PLIIM based subsystems are arranged for capturing digital linear images of both the front and rear license plates mounted on each moving vehicle travelling under the PLIIM based linear imaging subsystem, and generating digital image data representative of each captured digital linear image. An image processing subsystem is provided for receiving and processing the digital image data generated by the PLIIM-based imaging systems, so as to automatically read the alphanumeric strings on the front and/or rear license plates of each the vehicle. These recognized strings are then compared against vehicle registration information stored in a database in order to identify each vehicle travelling under along the roadway.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting ticket data from mass transportation vehicles in which conductors on each vehicle collect tickets, scan in the ticket information into readers, and the readers on each vehicle transmit the ticket information back to a central computer. In some embodiments the central computer can also transmit data, such as expected passenger lists, to the readers.

Abstract: An automated cafeteria. Customers place orders via computers, over the Internet. Their orders are prepared by the cafeteria, and placed into a delivery bay. Each customer retrieves his own order from the bay, and carries it to a payment station. Security measures discourage theft.

Abstract: A system and method for funding a collective account via aggregating usage of electronic tags is disclosed. The system and method promotes the use of electronic tags, and the funding of collective accounts that may be associated with charitable or other philanthropic causes. Further benefits may be realized by replenishing the prefunded account that serves as the source of funds for the electronic tag to an affinity account that also benefits the charitable or other philanthropic cause.

Abstract: A supply chain management system (1) has a server (2) and a tracking database (3) linked to multiple remote transaction sites (10, 15, 16, 17, 18). A manufacturing facility (10) manufactures a product (12) and the system (1) assigns a unique reference to it. This reference includes a component identifying the location (10) of production. Each subsequent operation involving the product along the supply chain generates transaction data and the system (1) records a transaction record for it. If the product is modified such as by splitting the pallet, the original reference is terminated and no more transaction records can be generated for it. The modified product is assigned a fresh reference and a series of tracking records is generated as it moves along the supply chain.

Abstract: A parking system includes an internet-accessible Web server storing substantially real-time parking data associated with occupancy of a plurality of parking spaces. The parking data can be rendered by a display device running a browser application. The Web server transmits the parking data in response to a request sent from the browser application. The Web server communicates with at least one of a detector and a parking terminal configured to collect and transmit parking data.

Abstract: A method of issuing a ticket 32 to an event comprising the steps of displaying on a screen 14 the event information for various different venues on a plurality of machines 10 located at various different locations that are geographically separated. The purchaser proceeds by selecting a ticket from the types of tickets displayed on a screen 14 and entering ticket purchasing information for the selected ticket. The machine 10 takes a picture 38 of the ticket purchaser using the machine 10 and a wristband-ticket 32 having first 34 and second 36 ends with the picture 38 of the ticket purchaser and a code 48 thereon and including an attachment 40, 44, 46 associated with the ends 34, 36 and under the code 48 for securely attaching the ends 34, 36 together and rendering the ends 34, 36 non-retachable and the code 48 non-readable in response to the ends 34, 36 being detached.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns arrangements whereby a number of modifiable settings can be used, where at least some of these settings are stored as individual values in a memory and are or become available to a user as preset values. To that end it is proposed to store the individual values in an arrangement for mobile communications and make them available to the respective arrangement when both arrangements are connected. A modification of the arrangement for mobile communication is not required if the individual values are stored as telephone numbers.

Abstract: A system and method of queuing orders locates data-entry modules relative to a pickup location such that a customer who places an order after a customer who placed an earlier order can be signaled to approach a pickup location before the first customer if the order of the second customer is ready before the order of the first customer. The system can signal a customer to wait in a predefined location until the order is ready, or the system can signal the customer to approach the pickup location.

Abstract: A gate entry system for regulating passages of passengers is formed by a wall unit for forming a passageway that is extended along a passing direction of the passengers, a gate unit provided at an exit side of the passageway, which is capable of being opened or closed to regulate the passages of the passengers, human sensors for sensing the passengers in the passageway, a radio communication unit for detecting a number of passengers entering into the passageway according to outputs of the human sensors, and carrying out transmission/reception of data with respect to at least one terminal device of one passenger, and a control unit for controlling opening or closing of the gate unit according to the data received by the radio communication unit.

Abstract: In an access control device (1) having a reader that actuates a person singling device when reading a valid data carrier, a formed body (16) is put over the reader housing (4), said body being provided with a recess (17) for that purpose.

Abstract: An automated fee collection and ticket dispensing machine is disclosed that is capable of operating under a variety of operating modes. The machine permits users to purchase a variety of passes. The disclosed machine includes printers to produce receipts or passes for services or activities. Payment may be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash. The device is provided with networking means, to allow central control and monitoring of the device. Power for the machine may be provided by hard-wiring the device to conventional AC power lines, by solar panels, by batteries, or a combination of any of these. The user interface includes a video output screen with “touch screen” capability to receive user input, audio output means, and a proximity sensor to activate the machine when a user approaches. Additionally, security means are provided to deter potential thieves or vandals.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for construction machines, comprising a memory which stores, as machine-side identification information, first identification information allocated construction machine by construction machine and second identification information allocated in common to plural construction machines, a first collating medium having the same identification information as the first identification information, a second collating medium having the same identification information as the second identification information, a collator which collates the identification information of the first or the second collating medium with the machine-side identification information, and an operation controller which cancels the inhibit of operation of the construction machine concerned when there is obtained a coincident collation result by the collator. With this anti-theft system, an owner of construction machines can manage the construction machines by only one type of a collating medium while preventing theft.

Abstract: A travel system and methods that encompass a plurality of travel service providers and multi-application traveler devices for the automated compilation, issuance and utilization of reusable traveling permits, and implementation of travel-related application scenarios. The multi-application devices are realized by portable device technologies, such as, smart cards or pocket-sized computers, and have the ability to store and activate, via a built-in travel template, the traveling permits for transportation and other travel services. Biometrics identification of permit-holders, as well as cryptographic certification of data and travel-related information, can optionally be encoded onto the devices, and verified, including validated, at various point-of-travel locations upon presentation of the device for utilization.

Abstract: A system for filling in and delivering offence tickets which includes a portable input device (12) provided to a police officer (10), an offence ticket which is a tamper-resistant, contact-free smart card (14) adapted to be presented in front of the input device so as to record data concerning the vehicle, clipping means for the police officer to clip the ticket on the wind screen wiper arm so that the ticket remains undamaged by rain and cannot be easily removed after it has been clipped, a consultation device (18) enabling the owner to take cognizance and print out data concerning the offence, a processing center (22) containing data concerning all running vehicles, and microwave link access means (22) enabling the police officer to obtain data concerning the offending vehicle from the processing center.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting physical objects, wherein at least one physical object is transported from a sending station to a receiving station, wherein the transport occurs through at least one physical router, wherein the physical router executes a decision about further parameters of transport to another physical router or to the receiving station. According to the invention information for handling and moving the physical object is generated and transferred to a logical node, wherein the information is used to handle and move the physical packets according to a handling and moving of packets in a telecommunication protocol and wherein the logical node transfers the decision to the sending station and/or at least one physical router.

Abstract: A travel system and methods that encompass a plurality of airline service providers and multi-application airline passenger cards for the automated compilation, issuance, and utilization of the passenger cards for said plurality of airline services, including the implementation of flight-related application scenarios. The multi-application cards are realized by portable device technologies, such as, smart cards or pocket-sized computer devices, and have the ability to store and activate an airline ticket for travel purposes and other flight services; as well as a monetary value for electronic payment means. Biometrics identification of ticket-holders, as well as cryptographic certification of card data and travel-related information, can optionally be encoded onto the cards and can be verified, including validated, at various point-of-service locations upon presentation of the card for utilization.

Abstract: A method of providing identification of an individual including: maintaining a database of identification data specific to the appearance and/or condition of individuals; providing a unique description for each individual enabling access to the individual's identification data in the database, and providing identification means (10) adapted for portage with the individual and containing the unique description.

Abstract: An IC card provided with a contact-type interface and a non-contact-type interface as the communication interface, and other electronic devices. The IC card identifies the kind of communication data communicated with an external device such as reader-writer, and decides on a communication interface that follows the identified communication data. Then, it is judged whether to switch the communication interface used communication for with the external device between the contact-type interface and the non-contact-type interface. And if it is decided to switch, the communication interface used for communication with the external device is switched.

Abstract: A roadside control device for checking the correct operation of a toll apparatus which is installed in a motor vehicle passing the control device and exhibiting an identifying license plate. The toll apparatus performs a satellite-supported electronic toll deduction and being equipped with the following facilities: a) a communication device, b) a classification device, c) a trigger device, d) an evaluating device, and e) a recording device.

Abstract: A parking system is disclosed which includes a parking meter (10) which has a transceiver (12) and (14) for transmitting and receiving information and which in one embodiment may comprise an over the air telephone, fixed land line telephone or the like. The transmitter receiver (12, 14) communicates with a host central station (50) for receiving and transmitting information. In order to park at the meter a user telephones a telephone number associated with the parking meter and connects with the host station (50). Commands are input into the user's telephone to provide an indication of the amount of parking time required and payment for the parking time and information is downloaded from the station (50) to the parking meter (10) to indicate that parking has been paid for and the parking meter should activate to indicate that parking has been paid for.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system. The system includes an electronic access card for storing information associated with a user of the electronic access card, a card reader for receiving the electronic access card and for reading the associated information and a display for receiving at least a portion of the associated information from the card reader and for displaying the portion of associated information when the user operates a vehicle. The display is located on the vehicle, and the displayed information includes at least a unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card. In one arrangement, the unique identifier assigned to the user of the electronic access card can be transferrable to other vehicles such that the identifier can be displayed on any vehicle having the card reader and the display when the user operates such vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method are useful for tracking an article at a plurality of stations. A smart tag is associated with each article to be tracked, e.g., by being attached to the article either directly or indirectly, e.g., to a container containing the article. The smart tag includes at least an electronic memory coupled to an antenna by which information from the memory may be transmitted and/or information may be received and stored in the memory. Smart tag control units and antenna at the stations communicate with the smart tags and communicate directly or indirectly with one or more processors that process the information.

Abstract: An energy conserving tracking tag for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from a global positioning satellite and for communicating with a tracking system. The tag includes a receiver circuit for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite, a customer ID module for generating a unique tag identification signal, a transponder circuit for receiving command signals from the tracking system, and a power circuit electrically engageable with a battery power supply and an external power source. The tag also includes a programmable microprocessor in electrical communication with the power circuit, receiver circuit, customer ID module, and transponder circuit. The microprocessor is operative to collect the location data signal, the identification signal, and the command signals, and subsequently produce an composite output signal. The transponder is further operative to transmit the composite output signal to the tracking system by radio carrier wave.

Abstract: In a transport system using contactless microcircuit cards, users are obliged to hand in a card when the credit shown on it has been used up. The value of the cards is recharged and they are then sold again. Recovering and recharging the cards reduces the ticketing cost per journey.

Abstract: A user identifies themselves to an information display device using, for example, an identification-carrying device that contains a unique identification code. The identification code is associated with a particular profile that identifies, for example, customer loyalty, preference and history data that may be associated with a particular user. An identification sensor senses the identification code on the identification-carrying device. The identification code is then forwarded to an information server. The information server uses the identification code, and possibly additional information such as an identification of the information display device, to access loyalty and preference data associated with the identification code. This information can include, for example, coupons that have been issued to the user associated with the identification code, a user's preferences, a user's purchase history, or the like.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and administering vehicle license plates is disclosed. A third party entity provides a database of advertising indicia adapted to be placed on a vehicle license plate. The database is made available to vehicle owners. A vehicle owner selects an advertising indicia to be placed on a license plate. The third party entity provides registration indicia to be placed on the license plate. The third party entity provides inputted vehicle owner information, the selected advertising indicia and registration indicia to the government. The government issues a license plate to the vehicle owner, wherein the issued license plate includes the selected advertising indicia and the registration indicia.

Abstract: In an information display system for a vehicle, an information receiving section receives positional information indicative of a present vehicle position and destination information indicative of a destination of the vehicle to derive a recommended route. A travel distance calculating section calculates a travelable distance on the basis of the obtained information. An editing section sets a travelable area of the vehicle according to the positional information, the travelable distance and guidance information, and edits route information including a recommended route within the travelable area. An outputting section displays the route information.

Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge.

Abstract: This invention comprises a baggage transport system for handling passenger baggage for transport. In accordance with one or more embodiments of this invention, when a passenger makes a reservation to travel, a passenger identifier number, which may be a ticket or reservation number, is issued and placed in a data collection together with the passenger's transport number, date of travel, time of travel and method of carrier compensation. When the passenger obtains a ticket to a destination, the ticket identifies the passenger identifier, the transport number and date of departure. Rather than check baggage for carriage at the transport check-in counter, under one embodiment of this invention, baggage is checked for carriage to a destination before departure at a baggage collection facility that is separate from the departure and arrival facility.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOBs). Such structures of this type, generally, allow several MIOBs to communicate with one another and a data center. For example, the MIOBs can communicate with a data center if one of the MIOBs experiences a breakdown so that MIOB can be sent to assist with the breakdown.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for communicating item disposition information between publishers and subscribers such as RFID tag readers and item tracking systems. Event routers can be used to distribute the information and an extended object naming service can be used to locate event routers. The items being tracked can have a hierarchical relationship with each other. Subscribers can choose to subscribe only to events relating to items at a particular level of the hierarchy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of contactless and intelligence-wise code identification chip system. The contactless and intelligence-wise code identification chips have an identification code respectively. The chips can generate a random number to select one of time slots for allocating said identification code. The contactless and intelligence-wise code reader can read the identification code from time slots by the polling method.

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: A vehicular system for engaging in a transaction between an occupant of a vehicle and a remote unit comprises a vehicle accessory inside the vehicle cabin and a transceiver provided at the vehicle accessory, which includes a transmitter for sending communication signals from the vehicle to a remote unit for communication with the unit, which is located exteriorly of the vehicle and operable both to receive communication from and send communication to the transceiver provided at the vehicle accessory. The transceiver includes a receiver for receiving a signal from the unit. An interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to an interior portion of the vehicle. A user input device is provided at the mirror assembly in communication with the transceiver and accessible by a vehicle occupant during normal use of the vehicle. The communication signals comprise at least one signal responsive to the occupant's access to the input device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for efficiently and accurately checking a parking facility to verify that the vehicles parked therein are legitimately parked. The present invention utilizes computer technology, various software applications, such as database applications, and various data transfer technologies that enable a parking facility to maintain accurate and updated records for the vehicles parked in their facility. The present invention eliminates the occurrence of fraud or improper usage of the parking facility and facilitates the regulation of overdue customer accounts. Furthermore, the present invention dramatically reduces the time previously required to check a parking facility by providing both on-site and remote access to pertinent information relating to automobiles parked therein.

Abstract: A Boarding Pass (60) and system for use in boarding passengers in aircraft or other means of transportation and/or while the passengers are aboard and/or after disembarkation. The Boarding Pass (60) has a main coupon part (64) and a passenger coupon part (63) detachable from the main coupon part along a detachment line (65). The front face of the main coupon and passenger coupon parts carry visible printed data associated with spaces where passenger data and travel data are printed. A first magnetized strip (62) and/or storage chip (59) is merged in a thick portion (61,58) on the main coupon part (64) and a separate second magnetized strip (62) and/or storage chip (59) is merged in a thick portion (61,58) on the passenger coupon part (63). The first and second magnetized strips and/or storage chips are separated from one another and spaced apart on either side of the detachment line (65).

Abstract: A system and method have been provided for classifying electronic signatures, obtained through the detection of a vehicle with a single loop inductive sensor, into one of a plurality of vehicle classification groups. A neural networking process is able to learn the plurality of vehicle classifications. In response to an electronic signature stimulus, the neural networking process is able to recall the classification group corresponding to the signature.

Abstract: Dynamic aircraft/vehicle specific load planning and weight balancing systems and methods are used to automate the process of weighing passengers and their baggage, including carry-on baggage, to accurately and quickly determine the passenger and passenger baggage location on a specific aircraft/vehicle to generate an efficient and precise aircraft load plan and provide data to determine loaded aircraft weight and balance. Digital scale(s) and passenger ticket/boarding pass scanner(s) are used to acquire the weight and location data, which can be fed to a processor to process the data to determine appropriate weight and balance for each flight and/or transmit data to other systems to be included in their determination of vehicle weight and weight distribution/balance.

Abstract: A method for debiting tolls against vehicles travelling on multiple toll road networks (2-4), the tolls incurred in each toll road network being processing by a separate toll collection system (4-6), the method including the steps of: (a) creating a local user record identifying a user of a first of the toll road networks in a first local user identification register (19, 20) maintained by a first of the toll collections systems (14); (b) creating a global user record identifying the user in a global user identification register (30-31) maintained by a central tolling information exchange (28); (c) detecting the presence of a user identification device associated with the user on a second toll road network (3); (d) attempting to locate a second local user record identifying the user from a second local user identification register (21, 22) maintained by a second of the toll collection systems (5), and if unsuccessful; (e) attempting to locate the global user record identifying the user from the global user id

Abstract: An automatic toll collection architecture and method combining short-range and long-range communication schemes comprising a vehicle communication unit, a lane communication unit, a law-enforcement unit and a billing unit; said law-enforcement unit obtaining a first time and a first photo of a license plate of said vehicle; said lane communication unit recording a first coordinate and a second time of a vehicle communication unit as a first data, using said vehicle communication unit to transmit said first data to said billing unit; said law-enforcement unit obtaining a third time and a second photo of said license plate of said vehicle; said lane communication unit recording a second coordinate and a fourth time of said vehicle communication unit as a second data, using said vehicle communication unit to transmit said second data to said billing unit; said billing unit obtaining a fee and finishing a charging transaction.

Abstract: Parking toll systems comprising on-street parking toll system and parking lot toll system is disclosed. Parking management of the systems is achieved through a mobile phone or a dedicated phone line for internet connection. Also, parking toll is included in user's phone bill.

Abstract: An assembly for quickly and efficiently distributing PC cards while in-transit for accessing a system on-board a mobile platform to communicate therewith. The assembly may be included as part of a seatback and includes a portion for securedly maintaining the PC card therein until payment is made using a credit card or similar payment card. The credit card is inserted within the assembly for processing and once approved, the PC card may be removed. The credit card is held and not returned until the PC card is replaced.

Abstract: A video camera mounted on a parking enforcement patrol vehicle and connected to a computer near the operator. The system is driven along a patrol route where parked vehicles are governed by a posted time limit. The system enforces the local parking regulation by automatically determining whether or not each parked car has been parked longer than the posted time limit. Violations are detected by applying a License Plate Recognition algorithm to the images. Each license plate number is time-tagged, geo-referenced and entered into a local database. When the patrol vehicle re-traces the patrol route after the posted parking time limit has expired, the database is searched to flag vehicles that were observed at the same location during the previous circuit and therefore in violation of the parking regulations. When the system detects a parking violation, it prints a parking citation that the operator affixes to the offending parked vehicle.