Abstract: A group proving method includes the following steps. First, a query command is broadcasted to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, each of which responds the query command with tag identification data. Next, a first round parameter is generated and broadcasted according to the tag identification data, and each RFID tag responds the first round parameter with a first response parameter. Then, a second round parameter is generated and broadcasted according to the first response parameter, and each RFID tag determines whether the second round parameter is received in a predetermined period after the first round parameter was received and whether the first and second round parameters correspond to each other. If so, each RFID tag updates its tag key according to a random number parameter and outputs a second response parameter. Thereafter, group proving data are generated according to the above-mentioned data.

Abstract: Based on information recorded on and read out from a card, a card printer erasably writes information on the card or erases information recorded on the card. The card printer comprises transport means T for transporting card 70 along a passageway 5 having an inlet 4, reading means R provided in the vicinity of passageway 5 for reading out information recorded on a surface of card 70 transported along passageway 5, printing means P for recording information on and erasing information from the surface of card 70, and control means IC electrically connected to transport means T, reading means R and printing means P for determining whether to record information on or to erase information from surface of card 70 and for controlling operation of transport means T and printing means P depending on information forwarded from reading means R.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic payment system and more particularly to a unified transportation payment system. In one embodiment, a passenger uses a card which has been set up for use within the transportation system to pay transportation costs. The card contains data including information representing a monetary value. The passenger uses the card at a card reader located at the transportation center. The card reader includes an application programming interface (API) which receives the data read from the card including information representing the monetary value stored on the card. The monetary value is adjusted by assessing an amount corresponding to a value associated with the transaction.

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

Abstract: A portable telephone device (10) includes: a noncontact IC card communication unit (30) that performs a noncontact IC card communication; a vibration alert unit (22) that notifies the user by vibration that the noncontact IC card communication unit (30) is performing the noncontact IC card communication; and an IC card vibration alert control unit (44) that performs the control to regulate the vibration of the vibration alert unit (22) so that the vibration of the vibration alert unit (22) does not affect the communication state of the noncontact IC card communication unit (30).

Abstract: A capability is provided for using boarding passes to apply business rules for travelers. The information encoded in a region of a boarding pass of a traveler is read or otherwise accessed. The information from the encoded region of the boarding pass is propagated toward a system configured for determining whether to apply a business rule for the traveler. The system receives the information from the encoded region of a boarding pass of the traveler, and determines whether to apply a business rule for the traveler using at least a portion of the information from the encoded region of the boarding pass. The system, upon identifying a business rule to apply for the traveler, initiates a process for applying the business rule for the traveler. A business rule may indicate that an account of the traveler is to be credited or debited. A business rule may indicate that the traveler is entitled to remuneration, such as money, coupons, vouchers, discounts, offers, loyalty points, and the like.

Abstract: A financial institution computer maintains one or more lists of account identifiers for accounts enrolled in a prioritized payment program including pre-authorization of certain payment requests by select creditors. The computer estimates a value of one or more prioritized payments associated with a first account and authorizes a first sweep payment to a second account at a second financial institution from a third stand-in account at a payroll processor, so that the estimated value is held back in the stand-in account. Then the computer receives an automatic deposit associated with an account identifier for a first account. The financial institution computer generates prioritized payments from the first account to select creditors and generates a second sweep payment, if necessary, from the first account to the second account, responsive to the incoming automatic deposit. The second account can be, for example, a demand deposit account or a prepaid card account.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to wireless detection systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a wireless detection system includes a plurality of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, and an electronic reader for interrogating the plurality of SAW sensors. In some instances, each of the surface acoustic wave based sensors includes an integrated sensor coil. The electronic reader may include a plurality of reader coils and a controller. The controller may be configured to interrogate the plurality of surface acoustic wave based sensors using a time division interrogation. In some cases, each of the plurality of reader coils is inductively coupled to only one of the integrated coils of the SAW sensors at any given time.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device utilizes a smart sign including near field communication (NFC) devices that communicate with a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device. Each NFC device is associated with a different transit location. The NFC devices may be included on the same smart sign located at one transit location or on different smart signs located at different transit locations. Alternatively, one NFC device may be included on a smart sign at a departure location and another NFC device may be activated when or after the user enters the transit system to provide proof of fare purchase. The mobile device is positioned proximate the NFC devices to activate the NFC devices and access fare and/or schedule information or purchase a fare.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting communication data of a fixed line phone include acquiring the communication data of the fixed line phone, writing the communication data into a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system and method further include establishing a communication between the fixed line phone and a handheld device using the RFID tag and a RFID reader of the handheld device, and transmitting the communication data in the RFID tag to the RFID reader.

Abstract: To improve convenience of a data carrier system, a cellular phone (30) which is carried by a user and includes an RFID communication unit (36) reading identification information of an RFID from the RFID in the vicinity in a non-contact state contains a user correlation unit (311) counting the number of times of reading with respect to identification information which have been read, selecting at least one carrier identification information from the identification information which have been read, and correlating the at least one carrier identification information with the user.

Abstract: Transponders and transponder accounts or cell phone devices with large customer bases are modified to extend their use, particularly those used to pay tolls (e.g.

Abstract: Tracking and management data for a survey distribution and response lifecycle is disclosed. The system generates and links tracking data for both the distribution and the response, generates indicators that include the tracking data, and encodes the indicators so that the indicators are detectable as the indicators traverse various events and locations throughout the lifecycle. A detailed audit trail of each event in the distribution and response lifecycle is constructed using data matching methods and various statistics regarding the lifecycle, such that the response habits of customers are formulated.

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

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing electronic parking validations. The method and system involve providing a parking ticket with a unique identifier to a patron upon arrival to a parking facility, where the unique identifier is associated with parking information. The method and system further involve using a web-based electronic parking validation system to confirm the parking ticket parking information with electronically stored parking information and to provide an electronic parking validation for the parking ticket. In order to confirm the parking ticket information with the electronically stored parking information and to provide an electronic parking validation for the parking ticket, a validator inputs into the web-based electronic parking validation system the unique identifier that is associated with the parking ticket. In some embodiments, the validator uses an electronic bar code scanner to scan electronically the unique identifier into the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power rectifier for a Radio Frequency Identification tag circuit. The rectifier is constructed from a pair of complementary MOS transistors. Gates of the transistors have predetermined voltages applied to them. The applied voltages bias the transistors to near their active operating region. During the same time additional control signals are applied to the gates of the transistors, the control signals are synchronous, but out of phase, with each other.

Abstract: A RFID cabinet comprises a cabinet structure and one or more drawers or shelves. Chambers are formed within the cabinet to house the one or more drawers or shelves. An RFID scanner is configured to scan items tagged with RFID tags in the chambers via one or more antennas. The antennas can include transmit and receive antennas or antennas configured to perform both transmit and receive functions. The drawers can have a access cover, or lid that can be controlled so as to control access to the drawer. The scanner can be configured to perform inventory control for the tagged items.

Abstract: A toll violation enforcement system that contains a capture unit that receives a trigger signal and takes vehicle images of passing vehicles. A lighting unit configured to operate continuously is provided to establish a major lighting source incident on the vehicle. A processing unit is provided that processes the vehicle image and controls the settings employed by the capture unit. The processing unit preferably contains a plate location module for extracting an original resolution license plate area image from a first vehicle image; an exposure control module for controlling the exposure setting on the capture unit to provide consistent intensity of the license plate area; a resolution reset module for changing the image resolution for a second vehicle image; an image enhancement module for brightening pixels of the second vehicle image; and an image compression module for compressing the license plate area image and second vehicle image to a predetermined format.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing security for mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining responsibility for a first item when the first item is in a first range of a first container. Maintaining responsibility for the first item includes monitoring a locator tag associated with the first item when the locator tag is within the first range. The method also includes determining when the first item is in the first range, determining if the first item is in a second range associated with a second container when the first item is not in the first range, and determining if the second container is trusted with respect to the first container if the first item is in the second range. Additionally, the method includes transferring responsibility for the first item to the second container if the second container is trusted with respect to the first container.

Abstract: A method of detecting a signal in radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (FIG. 1) is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal (FIG. 7) having a first time in a first logic state (high) and having a second time in a second logic state (low). A weight (700, 702) is determined in response to the first time and the second time. An output signal (from A2D) is produced in response to the weight and one of the first and second logic states.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing vehicle parking information using a navigation satellite. The system includes: a monitoring unit for photographing an image of a vehicle parking space and transmitting the image to a parking space checking unit; the parking space checking unit for checking a vacant parking space based on the transmitted vehicle parking space image and transmitting vacant parking space acquisition information to a location information computing unit; and the location information computing unit for creating and transmitting location information of the vacant parking space, which is vehicle parking information, to a navigation satellite based on own location information acquired based on navigation information transmitted from an external navigation satellite and the transmitted vacant parking space acquisition information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides an on-off keyed amplitude-modulated illumination signal containing a sequence of bits configured to illuminate a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, The illumination signal is received at the RFID tag, rectified to generate a wake signal for waking a processor which is subsequently powered by a battery. The received illumination signal is sampled and subjected to a thresholding process. Mobile telephone band interference is countered by correlating the sampled illumination signal to determine its bit sequence and then correlating the bit sequence against a predetermined key. An identification signal from the RFID tag is sent in response to a match.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printer configured to render items based on customer requirements; a sorting and packaging system configured to automatically sort and package printed items; and a processor configured to print, sort and package items based on predetermined physical locations within a customer's business establishment where the printed items are to be displayed. A method of printing is also provided.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the parking status of vehicles incorporating a plurality of wireless identification tags, each tag having a unique tag identifier and having association with a selected vehicle. The system also includes a portable scanner to be used by a parking monitor, the portable scanner having a processor executing instructions thereon, a tag scanner capable of reading a wireless identification tag of a selected vehicle located in relatively close proximity over a wireless link, and a communication device capable of communicating over a wireless wide area network to transmit information about vehicle parking status. A server, having a database with fields for each of the selected vehicles, communicates with the portable scanner over the wireless wide area network to log data related to vehicle parking status. A software program may also be used to facilitate communication between the scanner and the vehicle owner and/or between the scanner and a tow service.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for providing secure access control to a facility. An access control system comprises a scanner located adjacent to a venue entrance. A computer system is coupled to the scanner. The computer system is configured to receive a coded user identification data scanned from an admission ticket from a ticket bearer via the scanner, decode the coded user identification data, and transmit the decoded user identification to a terminal for display to a gate keeper so that the gate keeper can determine whether the ticket bearer is to be admitted. An optional turnstile is coupled to the computer system, wherein the computer system enables the turnstile rotation.

Abstract: In a fuel card monitoring system the vehicle associate with the fuel card is provided with a transmitter and possibly a memory for relaying information associated with a credit transaction, relating to one or more of the vehicle position, the number of miles driven, the amount of fuel taken in, and the turning off and on of the vehicle engine. Information gathering devices may be provided on the vehicle for monitoring the fuel amount, the timing information and the location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of and a system for tracking radioactive sources includes at least one RFID tag attached to a radioactive source shield, the shield receiving a radioactive source at a base location, and a TRX-Gamma box for detecting identification information from the RFID tag and sensing a first gamma radiation count from the radioactive source shield. The identification information and the first gamma radiation count are stored and the shield with the radioactive source is transported to a job location where the radioactive source is removed from the shield. At the job location, a check is made that the radioactive source has been returned to the shield by comparing any newly detected identification information with the stored identification information, and by comparing a sensed second gamma radiation count with the first gamma radiation count.

Abstract: A wireless network communications unit is operable to transmit and receive data for a host device. The wireless network communications unit includes a wireless network communications interface configured to transmit and receive data using a wireless network protocol when a host device having the wireless network communications unit is turned on. The wireless communications unit also includes a tag component detecting when the host device is turned off. In response to detecting the host device being turned off, the unit enters a tag operational mode wherein the tag component is configured to transmit data identifying the host device via the wireless network interface.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for associating a biometric reference template with a RFID tag embedded in or attached to a physical object. The method includes coupling a RFID tag having a unique tag identifier to a physical object to be associated with an individual, providing a reference template having a unique reference template identifier that uniquely identifies biometric data pertaining to the individual and forming an association between the reference template and the tag, where the association provides a relationship, including a relationship type, between the object and the individual. In an embodiment, the forming step includes creating a biometric attribute in the tag for identifying the template identifier for the reference template or creating a tag attribute in the reference template, where the biometric attribute created in the tag and the tag attribute in the biometric application form an association between the object and the reference template.

Abstract: A data collection device can include at least one of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit, and a card reader unit. A data collection device can be operative to receive and process radio signals. A data collection device can be configured so that operation of the data collection device is responsive to radio signals.

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

Abstract: Tracking and management data for a solicitation and response lifecycle is disclosed. The system generates and links tracking data for both the solicitation and the response, generates indicators that include the tracking data, and encodes the indicators so that the indicators are detectable as they traverse various events and locations throughout the lifecycle. A detailed audit trail of each event in the correspondence and response lifecycle is constructed using data matching methods and various statistics regarding the lifecycle, such that the response habits of customers are formulated.

Abstract: A road-vehicle communication system warns or gives caution to a vehicle traveling in a reverse way direction and may also give warning to vehicles traveling in a correct direction. The road-vehicle communication system includes a first roadside apparatus at an entrance gate that gives entry gate pass information indicating that a vehicle passing a communicative area has entered a toll road. A second roadside apparatus at an exit ramp acquires any given entry gate pass information from a passing vehicle. An administration device judges whether or not the entry gate pass information is acquired from the passing vehicle. If the entry gate pass information is not acquired, the second roadside apparatus provides the vehicle with reverse-way driving warning information for warning the vehicle that the vehicle is traveling in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A security method and system for accepting identity information regarding a vehicle. The system intercepts communications between wireless communication terminals located on board a vehicle and a wireless communication network, and processes the intercepted communication so as to identify respective countries of origin of the terminals on the vehicle. A comparison is made between the countries of origin of the terminals and identity information of the vehicle to invoke an action. For example, the comparison may include detecting an inconsistency between the identity information of the vehicle and one or more of the countries of origin of the terminals.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device is disclosed. The mobile electronic device comprises a near-field-communications receiver and an application. The near-field-communication transceiver receives identification information from at least one of a transit vehicle and a transit platform. The application, when executed on the mobile electronic device, receives a transit destination as entered into the mobile electronic device. Based on the identification information and a transit system route map, the application presents a notification on the mobile electronic device that the identification information does not agree with the transit destination.

Abstract: A wireless communication device optically receives and processes a bar code and a background item to the barcode to generate image data. A processing system processes the image data to identify a bar code portion of the image data and to identify a background portion of the image data. The processing system processes the barcode portion of the image data to generate decoded data. The processing system processes the background portion of the image data to generate background data. The processing system processes the decoded data and the background data to determine if the bar code is valid. The wireless communication device generates a bar code valid signal if the bar code is valid and generates a bar code invalid signal if the bar code is invalid.

Abstract: A teaching method of a transmission control unit (TCU) allows one to transmit specific property data of a transmission manufactured in a transmission production line to a vehicle assembly line where the TCU and the transmission are assembled, and input the data to the TCU in a very inexpensive and simple fashion. The method also allows the TCU that controls a CVT to appropriately initialize kiss-point pressure of the CVT that uses a wet-type multi-disc clutch, instead of a torque converter, and is equipped with a solenoid valve directly controlling the wet-type multi-disc clutch, such that it makes it possible to allow the TCU to stably and appropriately control the CVT to be controlled, with the property data about the CVT which is restrictively transmitted.

Abstract: A system comprises a materials handling vehicle, an information linking device and a wireless transceiver. The materials handling vehicle comprises a controller area network (CAN) bus and at least one native control module coupled to the CAN bus that generates and sends the vehicle-related data over the CAN bus. The information linking device comprises a CAN-bus interface coupled to the CAN bus of the materials handling vehicle, which extracts the vehicle-related data off of the CAN bus, a memory device coupled to the CAN-bus interface, which stores the vehicle-related data extracted off of the CAN bus and an output interface coupled to the memory device. The wireless transceiver is coupled to the output interface of the information linking device. The wireless transceiver wirelessly sends and receives across a wireless network environment.

Abstract: A method of implementing an automated diagnostic checklist for materials handling vehicles comprises detecting, by a processor on a materials handling vehicle, an error in operation of the materials handling vehicle and initiating an automated diagnostic check of a component of the materials handling vehicle in response to detecting the error. The method also comprises obtaining error event information by the processor, from across a vehicle controller area network (CAN) bus, where the obtained error event information is related to at least one condition of the materials handling vehicle and wirelessly transmitting the obtained error event information to a server having software thereon for specifically monitoring materials handling vehicles. The error in operation of the materials handling vehicle is repaired in response to receiving the wirelessly transmitted error event information obtained automatically from the CAN bus.

Abstract: RFID tags, ICs for RFID tags, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, an RFID tag includes a memory with multiple sections, and a processing block. The processing block may map one of these sections, or another of these sections, for purposes of responding to a first command from an RFID reader. As such, an RFID tag can operate according to the data stored in the section mapped at the time. In some embodiments, a tag can even transition from mapping one of the sections to mapping another of the sections. This can amount to the tag exhibiting alternative behaviors, and permits hiding data on the tag.

Abstract: A mobile device is provided. The mobile device comprises a near field communication transceiver, a memory that contains a secure element, and an application that can pay multiple transit fares. The near field communication transceiver is used to complete fare payment transactions with a fare gate, based on a transit funds balance. The secure element in the memory stores the transit funds balance. The application, when executed on the mobile device, pays a plurality of fares corresponding to a plurality of passengers entering a public transportation system via the fare gate at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A commodity display position alert system includes commodity display shelves set in a selling floor space of a store, an RFID reader provided in each of the commodity display shelves, and a server as a system control unit. The RFID reader reads a commodity code from an RFID tag attached to a commodity. A server compares the commodity code of the commodity and display permission information stored in a database functioning as a shelf-rule storing unit and determines whether the read commodity code is a commodity code of a commodity that should be displayed on the commodity display shelf. When the server determines that a commodity other than the commodity that should be displayed on the commodity display shelf is displayed on the commodity display shelf, the server performs control for outputting a reporting signal for causing the PDA terminal to perform reporting operation.

Abstract: A mobile asset tracking system receives telemetry information from any number of mobile assets (e.g., railcars, truck trailers, intermodal cargo containers, etc.) transporting hazardous or non-hazardous materials. Location data is obtained through GPS satellite locks and is transmitted via a cellular module to a central database for processing. Business rules in the software of the system trigger proactive alert communications to subscribers through common communication protocols such as email, SMS text, and pagers. Personal Computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cell phones or other common communication devices widely available to consumers may be utilized for receipt of alerts. Subscribers may be defined as manufacturers of materials, consignees who receive materials, transporters of materials (e.g. railroads, trucking companies, etc.) and communities such as county, state and/or federal emergency management personnel.

Abstract: Provided are an active radio frequency identification (RFID) system for port logistics and a communication method in the RFID system in which the forms of commands and response messages in the current standard are not changed in order to maintain compatibility with the current standard and to support multi-hop communication and some fields that are not generally used are used so as to enable communication between a tag in a shadow area and a reader by multi-hop communication using other surrounding tags.

Abstract: A mobile tag tracking system for providing mobile security monitoring is provided. The system includes a communications facility, a communications network coupled to the communications facility, and a mobile tag. The mobile tag is coupled to an item to be monitored. The mobile tag has a processor having a memory and for controlling operation of the mobile tag, a radio communications component coupled to the processor for communicating with the communications facility over the communications network for reporting status messages related to the item, a power supply coupled to the processor for providing power to the mobile tag, security sequence generator coupled to the processor for generating binary sequences, a location tracking component coupled to the processor for determining the location of the mobile tag and providing a location signal to the processor, and a clock coupled to the processor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tracking or otherwise accounting for chattel (e.g., personal property such as keys, pocket knives, and the like) at a point of departure such as an airport, bus station, train station, etc., or areas where people congregate (e.g., sporting events, concerts, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a kiosk adapted for use near a security checkpoint, wherein passengers or patrons can efficiently deposit their items for shipment to their home, travel destination, or third party.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an RFID system comprising a first detector at a first position and a second detector at a second position. An RFID edge server can include software to check the first and second detector to determine a direction of an object. The direction information can be used to trigger the start or stop of the collection of data for an RFID detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the optical lock system may include an electronic control unit, a lock housing including a lock chamber, and an optical key including a multilayer photonic structure. The multilayer photonic structure may produce a unique intensity profile and includes a plurality of coating layers of high index dielectric material and a plurality of coating layers of low index dielectric. A light source may transmit a reference light to the multilayer photonic structure when the optical key is disposed within the lock chamber. A photo detector may receive an interaction light from the multilayer photonic structure and may transmit the unique intensity profile to the electronic control unit which may execute machine readable instructions to: compare the unique intensity profile to an electronic master; and cause the lock actuator to transition from a first state to a second state when the unique intensity profile corresponds to the electronic master.

Abstract: Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for randomly setting a travel fee. A usage attribute of vehicle traffic travelling upon a toll thoroughfare is observed and compared to a threshold. As a function of comparing the attribute to the threshold, a plurality of different toll rates are randomly assigned to each of a plurality of vehicles, each of the vehicles either travelling upon the toll thoroughfare or potentially entering the toll thoroughfare. An occupant of a vehicle is notified of a toll rate randomly assigned, and fees or credits associated with travel by the occupant's vehicle are charged (levied or awarded) at the randomly assigned toll rate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a multiple-service card is disclosed. A card member 108 is provided with a single card that serves as both an open transaction instrument and a private retailer transaction instrument. This multiple-service card may have the traditional credit card data on one side of the card, including, for example, the account number, name of the account holder, and the expiration date. The other side of the card may include a magnetic stripe that contains the account information in machine readable form as well as private retailer transaction instrument information. In the system, the primary party and the service partner participants cooperate to complete the processes associated with the provision of the combined card services, including a new account process, card replacement and renewal processes, a service partner cancellation process, and a process for cancellation and/or transfer by a primary party.