Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a pick or stow system that uses a mechanical system to stow an item into a container, retrieve an item from the container, or both. In one embodiment, the mechanical system includes a gantry or a robotic arm that permits various sensors, tools, or end effectors to interact with a plurality of containers. For example, the plurality of containers may be supported by a rack where each container may have any number of types of items. The gantry or robotic arm can move the sensors, tools, or end effectors to a particular container to either stow an item into the container or pick an item from the container.

Abstract: A parcel safe system comprising a parcel safe in communication with a server, providing remote access and control of the system. The parcel safe system may be integrated into a home or building structure itself, significantly reducing the risk of package theft. The parcel safe system may use modular construction, allowing for customization, and may incorporate smart home technology. The parcel safe system may provide a controlled environment, suitable for temporary storage of groceries and prescriptions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a rack of lockers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a key-facilitation server configured to cooperate with a locker server, and also configured to receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is also configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to providing a unified transportation service by use of a primary vehicle and secondary vehicles that are transported in the primary vehicle. In an exemplary method, a passenger uses an application provided in a smartphone to enter a trip destination. The smartphone may then be paired with a smartphone carried by a driver of the primary vehicle. The driver's smartphone tracks the movement of the primary vehicle towards the trip destination. Various factors, such as traffic delays or congestion, may occur enroute. If so, the primary vehicle stops at an intermediate location and the application in the passenger's smartphone automatically offers the passenger, the use of a secondary vehicle. If the offer is accepted, the passenger's smartphone is paired with an identification tag attached to an assigned secondary vehicle and the passenger may remove the secondary vehicle from the primary vehicle for travelling to his/her trip destination.

Abstract: A wireless emergency stop system includes a machine safety device connected to a machine stop circuit for stopping operation of a machine when the machine stop circuit is activated. The machine safety device includes a wireless communication interface. The system also includes a mobile device controller configured to control operation of the machine, and a safety stop device. The safety stop device includes a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the machine safety device, and an emergency stop switch configured to, when activated, transmit an emergency stop signal to the machine safety device to trigger an emergency stop of the machine. The mobile device controller is configured to link with the safety stop device via short-range wireless communication.

Abstract: A lock for securing access to a physical resource is provided. The lock includes a wireless interface configured for communication with a plurality of lock access devices in vicinity of the lock. The wireless interface is further configured to receive digital certificates from the plurality of lock access devices. The lock further includes a memory configured to store a public key, and a processor configured to authenticate a digital certificate received from a lock access device using the public key. The processor may further be configured to extract a wait time parameter, scheduled access period parameter, or re-use parameter from the digital certificate. In addition, the processor is configured to unlock the lock after a delay period based on the wait time parameter, during a scheduled access period based on the scheduled access period parameter, or based on the number of times indicated by the re-use parameter.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in combination with, in particular a ferromagnetic, detection system of the kind that generates a warning signal to indicate a detection event when the detection system detects movement of a door protecting an entrance to a protected area. The monitoring system may include a processor configured to present information to a user to alert the user when the warning signal indicates a detection event; and a user interface configured to accept a user input in response to the presentation of the detection event that generates a user generated signal indicative of whether the detection event was the result of an unintentional action or an intentional action. The processor may be configured to automatically store data relating to the detection event in a memory unit when the user generated signals indicates that the detection event was the result of an unintentional action.

Abstract: A hot water supply device (10) is provided with: a first device (for example, a kitchen remote controller (13)) for performing control relating to hot water supply; a second device (for example, a water heater (11)) that is communicably connected to the first device and performs control relating to hot water supply; and a communication unit that is provided in the first device and can be connected to an external communication network. The first device divides data of control software of the second device acquired from an external device (for example, a server (50)) via the communication unit, into a plurality of parts, and transmits to the second device.

Abstract: A wireless emergency stop system includes a machine safety device connected to a machine stop circuit for stopping operation of a machine when the machine stop circuit is activated. The machine safety device includes a wireless communication interface. The system also includes a mobile device controller configured to control operation of the machine, and a safety stop device. The safety stop device includes a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with the machine safety device, and an emergency stop switch configured to, when activated, transmit an emergency stop signal to the machine safety device to trigger an emergency stop of the machine. The mobile device controller is configured to link with the safety stop device via short-range wireless communication.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a facility includes: an identification process, an authorization process, and an application process. Access to the facility is blocked by a lock that is openable by a person with an authorized key. A system for controlling access to the facility includes a first security ring formed by data-conductive connections between an electronic reader, an identity server, and an access server; a second security ring is formed by data-conductive connections between the electronic reader, the access server, and a terminal; and a third security ring formed by data-conductive connections between the access server, the terminal, and the lock.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods which disclose a command device which can be used to establish a wireless connection, through one or more wireless channels, between the command device and a remote device. An intention code may be generated, prior to, or after, the establishment of the wireless connection, and the remote device may be selected based on the intention code. The command device may initiate a wireless transfer, through one or more wireless channels of the established wireless connection, of an intention code, and receive acknowledgement that the intention code was successfully transferred to the remote device. The command device may then control the remote device, based on the intention code sent to the remote device, through the one or more wireless channels of the established wireless connection between the command device and the remote device.

Abstract: A technique for controlling an electronic device thereof is provided. The technique includes, in response to an attachment device being selected by an external device from a list of attachment devices, receiving and storing mapping information in which data configured in a first communication format and data configured in a second communication format in relation to one function of the electronic device to which the attachment device is attached are mapped. In addition, in response to the data configured in the first communication format being received from an external device which is communicably connected with the attachment device, the data configured in the second communication format corresponding to the data configured in the first communication format based on the mapping information is acquired, and the data configured in the second communication format to the electronic device to control the one function of the electronic device to be performed is transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method enable unlocking a locking device by controlling transmission of an access key. A server receives a location signal from a locking device. The location signal provides a confirmation generated by the locking device that the locking device is at a location associated with the recipient. In response to receiving the location signal confirming that the locking device is at the location associated with the recipient, the server triggers relay of an access key for unlocking the locking device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for remote configuration of one or more power supplies, particularly lighting power supplies, are disclosed. A configuration signal that includes a setting for a parameter is generated and then transmitted to a power supply. The power supply decodes the configuration signal and, if one or more certain conditions are met, configures the power supply according to information provided in the configuration signal.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods relate to a smart access control reader for an access control system. According to embodiments, a method can include installing the smart access control reader to the access control system by connecting the smart access control reader to the access control system via wiring of the access control system. The method can also include receiving, by the smart access control reader, one or more first credentials for authenticating one or more users by the access control system. The method can further include determining, by the smart access control reader, that the one or more first credentials are authorized. Moreover, the method can include transmitting, by the smart access control reader, a second credential to an access control panel of the access control system, in response to a request by a first user to access an area monitored by the access control system.

Abstract: Provided is a storage container including a base and a cartridge container attachable to the base. The cartridge container defines a plurality of internal chambers and includes a plurality of individually operable doors, each of the plurality of doors corresponding to one of the internal chambers. The storage container further includes a plurality of individually addressable actuators disposed in at least one of the base and the cartridge container, each of the plurality of actuators corresponding to one of the doors. A microprocessor is programmed or configured to receive at least one instruction from a server computer, and transmit a command, based on the at least one instruction, to actuate one of the plurality of actuators. Actuating one of the plurality of actuators causes the corresponding door to move from a closed position to an opened position. Systems and methods are provided for remote and immediate dispensing of articles.

Abstract: When a smartphone, which is an operation terminal connectable to the Internet, receives input for change in hot-water set temperature of a hot water supply device having a hot-water supply function, and the hot-water set temperature after the change instructed by the input for change is within a predetermined high-temperature region, then a request for input of a password is generated for the smartphone. When a password input to the smartphone matches with a predetermined registered password, an instruction for change in hot-water set temperature generated in accordance with the input for change is input to the hot water supply device via a communication adapter.

Abstract: A PBX system complements the mobile phones of users. Custom incoming and outgoing call rules are dynamically activated for users when the users begin utilizing a facility having at least one phone number and a number of internal phones. A custom rule causes outgoing calls made from an internal phone used by a user to have a caller ID phone number of the user's personal mobile phone rather than the facility's phone number. Another custom rule causes incoming calls made to the facility's phone number that have a source caller ID phone number matching a phone number in the user's mobile phone address book to be automatically forwarded directly to an internal phone currently utilized by the user. The user may install an application on their mobile phone, and another custom rule causes incoming calls at the user's mobile phone to be twinned while the user is at the facility.

Abstract: A computer system, an IoT device monitoring method, and a program in which a security is improved are provided. A computer system for monitoring a connected IoT device 100 monitors a login state of the IoT device 100, detects an unauthorized access based on a result of the monitoring, learns any one or both of an ID or a password of the detected unauthorized access, determines whether a password held in advance by the IoT device is easy to be released, and periodically changes a password of the IoT device to a new password which is different from the password previously held by the IoT device when the determining unit determines that it is easy to be released.

Abstract: Electronic badges are indirectly tracked by detecting, by a badge communicator on a select industrial vehicle of a fleet of industrial vehicles, the presence of an electronic badge and performing a badge logging transaction in response to detecting the electronic badge. The badge logging transaction includes receiving, by the badge communicator, a badge identifier transmitted by the detected electronic badge. The badge logging transaction also includes determining, by the badge communicator, an offset measurement of the electronic badge relative to the select industrial vehicle, electronically determining a vehicle location of the select industrial vehicle, and identifying a badge location based upon the determined vehicle location and the measured offset. The badge logging transaction can also include generating a time stamp, and wirelessly communicating a badge locator message to a remote server, the badge locator message including the badge identifier, the badge location, and the timestamp.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property and from a visitor to the property, a personally identifying code and a biometric identifier, determining that the personally identifying code corresponds to a stored personally identifying code, receiving, by the monitoring system, location information that corresponds to locations of the visitor during a time period before visiting the property, comparing the biometric identifier to a stored biometric identifier, based on determining that the personally identifying code corresponds to a stored personally identifying code, comparing the biometric identifier to the stored biometric identifier, and the location information, determining a confidence score that reflects a likelihood that the visitor is authorized to access the property, based on the confidence score that reflects the likelihood that the visitor is authorized to access the property, selecting, from among multiple monitoring system actions, a monitoring sy

Abstract: A door access system includes a door transmittable to light and movable between a closed position and an open position. The door includes first and second sides. A door access control device is mounted to the door. A camera is located at an inside facing the second side of the door in the closed position and is in electrical connection with the door access control device. The camera is configured to pick up an image of a passerby at an outside facing the first side of the door in the closed position and is configured to send the image of the passerby to the door access control device for identifying an identity of the passerby. A door locking device is in electrical connection with the door access control device. The door access control device is configured to set the door locking device to a locking state or an unlocking state.

Abstract: A method includes, receiving a biometric identifier from a visitor to the property, determining an arrival time of the visitor based on receiving the biometric identifier, comparing the arrival time of the visitor to an expected arrival time of an expected visitor, based on comparing the arrival time of the visitor to an expected arrival time, transmitting the biometric identifier and data identifying the expected visitor, receiving, by the monitoring system and from the external server, (i) data indicating that the biometric identifier corresponds to the expected visitor and (ii) data indicating that an electronic device of the expected visitor is located at the property, and based on (i) the data indicating that the biometric identifier corresponds to the expected visitor and (ii) the data indicating that the electronic device of the expected visitor is located at the property, granting, by the monitoring system, the visitor access to the property.

Abstract: Method, systems, devices, and techniques for access control provisioning are described. A monitoring system configured to monitor a property includes an access control device that is configured to receive an access control request and provide access to a portion of the property in response to the request. The system also includes a control unit or board that is configured to transmit, through a particular relay out of multiple relays, the access control request. The control unit further receives data indicating that the access control device received the access control request and determines that the particular relay corresponds to the access control device.

Abstract: A central access control system (10) includes a plurality of doors (44), a plurality of door locks (20) respectively mounted to the doors (44), a control device (33) connected to the door locks (20), and an unlocking device (40) for setting the control device (33) to be in an enabling state or a forbidding state. When the control device (33) is set to be in the forbidding state, the control device (33) outputs a forbidding signal to all of the door locks (20) to set the door locks (20) in a locking state. When the control device (33) is set to be in the enabling mode, the control module (33) outputs an enabling signal to all of the door locks (20), and a locking state or an unlocked state of a locking mechanism (24) of each door lock (20) remains unchanged.

Abstract: An electronic locking device can be configured to become active from a low power state, receive physical input to unlock, and provide access to a replaceable power supply. An electronic locking device can use a combination of physical input and discovery of an authorized mobile device to enable transition from a locked state to an unlocked state. Authorization can be internally stored or externally obtained through a service. An electronic locking device can match a series of physical interactions to a series of stored interactions to enable transition from a locked state to an unlocked state, when an authorized device is unavailable. An electronic locking device can provide access to a replaceable power supply when a latch is released.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods relate to a smart access control reader for an access control system. According to embodiments, a method can include installing the smart access control reader to the access control system by connecting the smart access control reader to the access control system via wiring of the access control system. The method can also include receiving, by the smart access control reader, one or more first credentials for authenticating one or more users by the access control system. The method can further include determining, by the smart access control reader, that the one or more first credentials are authorized. Moreover, the method can include transmitting, by the smart access control reader, a second credential to an access control panel of the access control system, in response to a request by a first user to access an area monitored by the access control system.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for storage, delivery, receipt, and/or other handling of an item in an electronically controllable storage receptacle are disclosed. The disclosure provides features for keyless access to the storage receptacle by use of user access information, such as a PIN or bar code. Further, features are disclosed for receiving and/or transmitting data related to the recipient and the item to facilitate the various handling actions of the item.

Abstract: An improved system and method for defining an event based upon an object location and a user-defined zone and managing the conveyance of object location event information among computing devices where object location events are defined in terms of a condition based upon a relationship between user-defined zone information and object location information. One or more location information sources are associated with an object to provide the object location information. One or more user-defined zones are defined on a map and one or more object location events are defined. The occurrence of an object location event produces object location event information that is conveyed to users based on user identification codes. Accessibility to object location information, zone information, and object location event information is based upon an object location information access code, a zone information access code, and an object location event information access code, respectively.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for managing information stored in a storage location includes an authentication management unit that manages first authentication information and second authentication information in association with each other, a storage location monitor unit, and an information management unit. The first authentication information is used to authenticate a user operating an operation terminal, and the second authentication information is used to prompt the storage location to authenticate the user. The storage location monitor unit monitors the information stored in the storage location using the second authentication information, and updates index information of the information stored in the storage location.

Abstract: A smartphone into which an application is installed includes a first and second authentication processing unit. The first authentication processing unit is configured to determine whether or not a current activation time of the application is past expiration time; permits authentication if the current activation time is not past the expiration time; and denies authentication if the current activation time is past the expiration time.

Abstract: A barrier operator feature enhancement device is designed to provide one or more features found in modern barrier operator devices and to incorporate those features into a previously installed barrier operator system. To facilitate ease of use, the barrier operator feature enhancement device can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. To facilitate the ease of installation, the device is designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the feature enhancement device works with the barrier operator to provide one or more additional features to enhance the capabilities of the previously installed barrier operator.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device operates in accordance with at least two different application configurations. The device starts by operating in accordance with the first configuration after it receives a first access credential. The first configuration includes a hidden security application. When the device executes the hidden security application, a user may enter a second access credential via the second security application. When the device receives the second access credential, it then switches to a second application configuration.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for communicating with sensors/loggers in integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. An RFID reader uses a Communicate With Data Logger Command to communicate with a data logger in an RFID tag. The RFID reader performs data access processes using an Index Register and a Data Register of the RFID tag. The RFID reader selects one of (1) Index Read access (2) Index Write access (3) Data Write access (4) Data Read access with parity and (5) Data Read access with cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The RFID tag performs the requested data access and then performs an error detection process.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors monitoring the audience. The circuitry is configured to analyze said sensor data to identify characteristic movement patterns of one or more members of the audience. The circuitry is configured to select music and generate verbal communication other than music to address the audience, based on the identified characteristic movement patterns. The circuitry is further configured to output said selected music and said verbal communication. A corresponding method for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience is also provided.

Abstract: A motor assembly comprises an electric power train that is adapted to be connected to a power source and is also adapted to impart a torque to a wheel when the motor assembly is operating. The assembly further comprises a power determination means adapted to determine the amount of power supplied from the power source to the electric power train when the motor assembly is operating. In addition, the assembly comprises a rotational speed determination means adapted to determine a rotational speed of the wheel when the motor assembly is operating. Moreover, the assembly comprises a torque determination means adapted to determine a command torque value indicative of a requested torque to the wheel.

Abstract: A controller node for an entertainment control network, comprises controller logic arranged to be paired with at least one controlled device over a wireless interface. The controller logic is further arranged to provide pairing information for the at lease one controlled device with which it is paired to a further node within the entertainment control network.

Abstract: A system and method for automated discovery of wireless locks in a security system allows installers to assign each wireless lock to a slot on a wireless hub that provides wireless communications to the wireless locks. Device controllers poll the wireless hubs to discover the communications paths to each wireless lock. The device controllers store the information obtained from the polling, and present the information to a control system that manages the wireless locks. This eliminates the current practice of manually updating assignment information on the control system between wireless hub slots and the wireless locks in response to additions, deletions, or relocations of wireless locks within the security system. This is especially useful in installations that include hundreds or thousands of wireless locks within office buildings, hotels, or conference centers.

Abstract: A weapons container for releasing a defense weapon includes a cabinet, a cabinet door, and an interior securing the defense weapon. Upon detection of a fingerprint input by a biometric sensor, a surveillance camera captures video and an audio intercom provides communication with a central command center. A recording system saves the video and audio to a storage database. A delay release lock secures the defense weapon for an amount of time and releases the defense weapon depending on a signal from the central command center. A communications system is connected over a network to the central command center, a local authority, and an emergency responder. The communications system notifies the local authority or the emergency responder upon detection of the fingerprint input and streams the video and audio to the central command center and at least one of the local authority and the emergency responder over the Internet.

Abstract: An entry/exit controlling system includes a comparison data generating terminal and an entry/exit controlling device. The comparison data generating terminal includes a storing portion storing one or more shared codes shared between visitors as information used in entry/exit authorization evaluations, and a comparison data generating portion generating comparison data including the shared code and personal information of the visitor. The shared code includes an authorization level that indicates regions where the visitors are authorized to enter/exit using the shared code. The entry/exit evaluating portion evaluates entry/exit authorization of the visitor at the region through comparing the shared code included in the comparison data to entry/exit evaluation information stored in the entry/exit controlling device. The comparison data is obtained from a recording medium by a reader disposed at the region.

Abstract: A pre-cover-opening power-off method, comprising the steps of: (a) fixing a bolt casing to a bolt; (b) connecting a motion sensor to a safety protecting and monitoring unit in a wired or wireless manner; and (c) activating the motion sensor to send out a command to permit power delivery for an electrical equipment to operate, and when the bolt casing is taken off, the motion sensor is activated to send out a command to cut off a power supply for the electrical equipment or give out an alarm.

Abstract: One or more media is provided for performing a method of operating an electronic locking mechanism. Initially, a request from a requesting mobile device is received at a computing device via a sensing device. The request includes an identifier utilized in an initial validation sequence having the following steps: identifying a device identity according to the identifier, transmitting the device identity with a request that a message be communicated to a target mobile device, and determining validation data. Upon receiving the request, a communications network identifies the target mobile device, based on the device identity, and communicates a message with validation data therein. The mobile device conveys authentication information to the computing device, where the authentication information is based on the validation data.

Abstract: This invention eliminates unnecessary beacon transmission by a DBD and suppresses the power consumption of each device included in a wireless communication network. This invention provides a communication control method in a host which wirelessly communicates with a DBD via a wireless USB. The method includes the steps of transmitting a capture packet command to a DBD when it is activated, analyzing a received captured signal and determining the presence/absence of another Wimedia device unrecognized by the host, and upon determining that the other Wimedia device unrecognized by the host exists, instructing the activated DBD to transmit a beacon to implement wireless communication synchronized with the host.

Abstract: An access device for a system having at least one lock that is configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the at least one lock and a computer is disposed at a remote location from the at least one lock and the access device. The computer is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device comprises at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the lock over a secondary wireless communications path and wherein the at least one key further is configured as authorized to unlock the at least one lock absent a de-authorizing instruction from the computer.

Abstract: An automated gate system (AGS) for processing vehicles entering and exiting a controlled access facility via a single common traffic flow. The AGS provides a single portal receiving both ingress and egress vehicle traffic as a common traffic flow sharing a same access road. The access road feeds a multi-lane gated sub-system having associated kiosks providing an interface for obtaining vehicle and driver related information and which have a combined inbound/outbound gate for controlling ingress and egress movement of vehicles of the common traffic flow in and out from the controlled access facility. A computer system receives signals from the portal and the kiosks representing a status of the vehicles alone or in combination with driver information for controlling gate operation of each of the gates. Thereby, both ingress and egress routes are controlled, and both ingress and egress movement of the vehicles regarding the access facility is controlled.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless remote control over one or more devices. Included in the system is at least one wireless button that can be placed at various locations and which communicates with at least one sensor when the wireless button and sensor are brought within close proximity to one another. According to one embodiment, a wireless button can only be activated when the button is located within an authorized activation area. In another embodiment, a wireless button can only be activated by an authorized user. In yet a further embodiment, a wireless button can only be activated by an authorized user when the button is located within an authorized activation area.

Abstract: A computer system includes a computer, a fingerprint reader, and a security apparatus to apply complete security for the benefit of an authorized user. The computer includes a first interface, a second interface, an account storage unit, and a fingerprint storage unit. The fingerprint reader can connect with the computer through the first interface for inputting fingerprint information. The security apparatus can connect with the computer through the second interface, and includes a password storage module, a first use module, a password modification module, and a normal use module.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location. Apparatus, including secure cargo transportation systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: In regard to a radio-controlled communication system (1), which comprises a base station (2) and at least one single mobile part (3), a registration procedure, which is simplified for a user, is proposed for registering the mobile part (3) at the base station (2). The registration procedure operates such that upon a first PIN request by the base station (2) to the mobile part (3), the mobile part (3) automatically transmits a so-called default PIN to the base station (3). If said default PIN is correct, the registration procedure is successful. If said default PIN is incorrect, the base station (2) checks for the existence of the so-called default PIN. If said default PIN does not exist, the registration procedure is ended. If the PIN exists, a user of the mobile part (3) receives the possibility to manually input the PIN, and the registration procedure is continued upon the check of the transmitted PIN for correctness.

Abstract: Various apparatus, methods, techniques and systems are disclosed for admitting, tracking, monitoring and processing data about visitors and vehicles that visit an access-controlled environment. A network having one or more greeting stations and a number of linked answering stations collects and manages data concerning visitors and/or vehicles in the access-controlled environment, and can manage or assist individuals in managing granting access to the access-controlled environment, monitoring visitors and vehicles present in the access-controlled environment, limiting movement and access to certain areas in the access-controlled environment and generating records and other data about each visit. Some embodiments of the network are also adaptable for use in providing traveler assistance and consular services for various types of individuals.