Abstract: A managing unit manages an identifier for identifying an authenticated container that is authenticated as a legitimate container. An inquiring unit inquires, before transferring a substance between containers, the managing unit whether both of the containers are the authenticated containers. An approving unit approves a transaction of the substance, upon acquiring a response from the inquiring unit saying that both of the containers are the authenticated containers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to electronic tag decommissioning and provide a method, system and computer program product for electronic tag decommissioning. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic tag decommissioning system can be provided. The system can include a database housing link data associating a plurality of electronic tags with respective objects, and a decommissioning bin. The decommissioning bin can include an electronic tag reader coupled to decommissioning logic programmed to decommission the electronic tag in the database.

Abstract: Systems and methods applicable, for example, in allowing a user to come to possess a physical entity that allows for the receipt, use, access, and/or the like of a virtual entity (e.g., a media item, software, a service, data, and/or the like). A number of form factors for physical entities might be available. Available form factors might include, for example, images, jewelry, toys, clothing, iron-ons, straps, cards, nail treatments, temporary tattoos, stickers, figurines, and/or the like. Various attributes of a physical entity might, for example, be definable and/or selectable by a user.

Abstract: An electronic lock utilizes two microprocessors remote from each other for enhanced security. The first microprocessor is disposed close to an input device such as a keypad, and the second microprocessor is disposed close to the lock mechanism and well protected from external access. The first microprocessor transmits a communication code to the second microprocessor when it receives via the input device an access code that matches a preset access code. The second microprocessor opens the lock if the transmitted communication code matches a preset communication code. The dual-microprocessor arrangement is advantageously used in a voice controlled access control system and in a motorcycle ignition control system. The present invention further provides an electronic access control system which has a master electronic key having a preset number of access, and an electronic alarm system for a bicycle that has a remote control mounted in the helmet of the rider.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a Radio Frequency (RF) transaction using a RF identification device transaction device is provided. The invention uses the routing number and customer identifying information associated with a transaction account to secure a RF transaction. Specifically, the customer identifying information is included in an encrypted payload that is provided to a merchant point-of-sale device in a unused field of the RF data transmission. The routing number is provided in the ordinary field location of the data transmission typically reserved for the transaction account number. Additionally, the encrypted payload is provided in the unused field of the data transmission. The routing number is used to locate the corresponding encryption key for validating the RF transaction device, the transaction account and/or customer identifying information without the need for the reader to encrypt the customer identifying information before providing a transaction request to an account issuer.

Abstract: A system and method for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction. The system and method include a UI guide comprising visual cues to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money, make a production selection and confirm the product selection. The system and method provide for the consumer to cancel the transaction and request that return of inserted coins.

Abstract: Telemetry data may be included in packet exchanges of authentication protocols. In one example, a tag, associated with shipped goods, authenticates with a local area network that is associated with a destination of the goods. An identification is received from the tag and the authentication and the identification are sent to a remote location as an indication of the goods being at the destination.

Abstract: A radio-frequency communication system including a plurality of apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag, and at least one radio-frequency relay tag, wherein each of the apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag includes a transmitter portion configured to transmit to the relay tag a message writing command for writing on the relay tag a desired message to be transmitted to another apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag via the relay tag, and each relay tag includes a plurality of message storage portions provided to store the messages transmitted from the respective apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag.

Abstract: A coin separator and rejector apparatus that will electronically release and return jammed coins, tokens, slugs and the like is disclosed. A coin separator and rejector body is described having one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed therein. The rejector body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The coin races further comprise a first wall and a second wall wherein at least a portion of one of the race walls is pivotally connected with the rejector body. A first sensor is located in the upstream portion of the rejector body and a second sensor located in said downstream portion of said rejector body. An actuator is in mechanical connection with the pivotal portion of the race wall. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and with said actuator. A coin in an upstream portion of a coin separator and rejector is detected by the first sensor and sends a signal to the processor.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing fuel to a vehicle includes a sensor generating a fuel identifier signal associated with the vehicle and a fuel dispenser having a fuel type a fuel type selector generating a fuel type selector signal. The system also includes a control module in communication with the sensor and the fuel dispenser. The control module compares the fuel identifier with fuel type. When the fuel type corresponds to the fuel identifier, the control module enables a dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser. When the fuel type does not correspond to the fuel identifier, the control module prevents the dispensing of fuel.

Abstract: A security tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected the membrane, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane and an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition. A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise and an alarm operable to emit a tamper alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition.

Abstract: An IC tag for monitoring opening/closing operation 86 is attached on the backside of the glass frame 111 at its upper right portion, and on a main body frame 110 opposing to the glass frame 111, an antenna for monitoring 68 is attached. An IC tag for monitoring opening/closing operation 186 is attached on the inside of the right frame of the wooden frame 112, and on the main body frame 111 opposing to the wooden frame 112, an antenna for monitoring 168 is attached. The distance between these antenna and IC tags is respectively set to about 3 mm in a state where the frames on which they are provided are closed. A R/W unit always polls the IC tags via the antennas. When the glass frame 111 or the main body frame 110 is opened and the distance between the antenna and the IC tag exceeds about 5 mm, the communication becomes unavailable and this state is immediately detected. An antenna for key 128 is buried above a keyhole 120.

Abstract: A product presentation biped robot implementing presentation of products such as vehicles through explanation of at least one among performance, specifications and operation of the products, is provided. The robot has a communication unit being capable of communicating with a database located externally of the robot and storing information including at least data needed for implementing the presentation of the products, a data acquirer accessing the database through the communication unit to acquire the data needed for implementing the presentation of one from among the products interested by a customer, and a product presentation implementor implementing the presentation of the one from among the products to the customer based on the acquired data presentation robot that implements product presentation, thereby enabling to ease the work of a salesperson.

Abstract: Method for detecting possible frauds in payment transactions between at least two partners (1, 2), the payment transaction data and/or payment authorization data being transmitted over at least one mobile radio network, at least one multivalued parameter used for detecting a possible fraud attempt being determined in said mobile radio network, said payment transactions being performed over at least one payment service provider (4), at least a second multivalued parameter used for detecting a possible fraud attempt being determined by said payment service provider (4), and certain combinations of said first and second parameters are sought in said fraud detection module in order to detect fraud attempts.

Abstract: A system and method of securely allocating mobile devices is disclosed. A plurality of mobile devices are stored in an inoperative state under the control of a host computer. A user enters an identification code, which is received by the host computer, and the host computer selectively places a mobile device in an operative state based on the identification code. If the selected mobile device is not returned within a first predetermined interval, then the selected mobile device is placed back in the inoperative state. If the selected mobile device is not returned within a second predetermined interval, then all data within the selected mobile device's memory is purged. Additionally, the plurality of mobile devices can be stored in a secure area. Access to the secure area is granted based on the identification code.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.

Abstract: A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, etc. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing.

Abstract: A vending machine uses a field-programmable electronic lock that learns a key code from a corresponding electronic key. The electronic lock has a learning process activation device that is accessible when the door of the vending machine is in the open position. Using the learning process activation device, a service person activates the electronic lock to perform a key code learning operation, in which the electronic lock receives a key code transmitted from an electronic key and stores the key code in a non-volatile memory for future access control of the vending machine. Data encryption is employed in the communications between the key and the lock to ensure the security of the communications. A communication device installed in the vending machine for communicating with a home base computer allows the operation of the electronic lock to be remotely controlled for access control and auditing purposes.

Abstract: An electronic device for packet boxes includes a processor programmed to assign users to groups of users and a control system capable of managing the possibilities of access to functions of the device on the basis of the user's membership to the user groups.

Abstract: A cargo security sensing system includes a smart container having a sensor, wherein the smart container is a standard shipping cargo container that includes the sensor. The sensor may be any suitable type of sensing device capable of sensing changes in environmental conditions. The sensing system includes a plurality of dumb containers in corresponding relation to the smart container, wherein, the dumb container may be any suitable shipment container, including the same type of cargo shipment container or other type, as the smart container, excluding the sensor. The system for cargo security provides for the smart container to detect an event occurring with respect to either the smart container itself and/or the nearby dumb containers. An event may be an occurrence detected by the sensor, such that the smart container may notify of any potential security breaches in any of the containers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses to improve an interface between customers and products in warehouse, shopping, and additional environments, including an improved interface with items associated with RFID tags, are described. In an aspect, a product database associated with a merchant is downloaded from a computer system into a mobile device. The downloaded product database is stored. A user interacts with data of the downloaded product database on the mobile device. In a further aspect, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is read by the mobile device to determine an identification number corresponding to the RFID tag. The identification number of the RFID tag is transmitted to the computer system. A response from the computer system is received that includes information regarding an item associated with the RFID tag.

Abstract: The button apparatus is an apparatus provided for, for example, a vending machine and to be touched and pressed with the body of a user who wants to purchase a commodity from the vending machine. By pressing down the button apparatus, the user can purchase a required commodity from the vending machine. The button apparatus has a conductive pusher, an insulator, a switch, and a transceiver. A user wearing a wearable computer and a user's transceiver touches and presses down the pusher, to separately establish communication between the transceiver and the user's transceiver through the conductive pusher and the body of the user, as well as communication of providing a press signal.

Abstract: An object registration system includes a server system and a database accessible via a worldwide network of computer. The system is utilized to register a user for registration of an object. The system responds to a request from a registered user to register the object by providing identification to be associated with object. The identification comprises first secret identification affixed to, or embedded in or on the object, and a second non-secret identification to be associated with the object. The object information is stored in the database for each object and includes the first secret identification, the second non-secret identification, and object ownership information.

Abstract: A method for accepting electronic equipment at an acceptance device is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the method comprises recognizing the equipment with the acceptance device, associating the equipment with a recipient address, applying the associated recipient address onto an addressing indici attached to the equipment, removing the equipment from the acceptance device, and transporting the equipment to the recipient address.

Abstract: An integrated circuit tag includes an item information storage unit that stores item information related to the item, an item information controller that provides control to change the item information, and an item information display unit that displays the item information stored, wherein if the item information controller provides control to change the item information stored based on an instruction wirelessly transmitted from a control device, then the item information display unit displays the item information changed.

Abstract: A device and system include a plurality of electronic boxes for packets, several electronic boxes being assigned to a control unit and a central control unit for monitoring the control units.

Abstract: A method for distributing a rental article includes maintaining a plurality of rentee accounts; providing the rental article to a delivery service for delivery to a first address associated with a first one of the plurality of rentee accounts; receiving a notification that the rental article has been reintroduced to the delivery service; and based upon a rental request for the rental article in a second one of the plurality of rentee accounts, providing the delivery service, while the article is still under control of the delivery service, with a second different address to which the rental article is to be delivered.

Abstract: A vending machine reads a commodity data on a commodity from a QR code of a commodity housing unit by a code reader of a commodity receiving unit when the commodity receiving unit receives the commodity from a predetermined commodity housing unit selects an operation mode of the commodity receiving unit in accordance with the read commodity data, and operates the commodity receiving unit in accordance with the selected operation mode.

Abstract: A managing unit manages an identifier for identifying an authenticated container that is authenticated as a legitimate container. An inquiring unit inquires, before transferring a substance between containers, the managing unit whether both of the containers are the authenticated containers. An approving unit approves a transaction of the substance, upon acquiring a response from the inquiring unit saying that both of the containers are the authenticated containers.

Abstract: A system for verifying an identifier includes an interface unit configured to: receive a request for a verification of the identifier, issue a request for a data subset that is a subset of data describing a representation of the identifier, and receive response data. The system further includes a processing unit configured to access the representation of the identifier, and verify the identifier by checking that the response data are identical to the data subset.

Abstract: A system for commonly utilizing a vehicle in which illegal use of the vehicle can be surely prevented. In the system for lending a shared vehicle, which is parked in a parking area and of which the use information concerning lending and returning is managed, to a user after confirming permission to utilize the vehicle based on previously registered personal identification information, the shared vehicle is provided in the control section thereof with a popup key which can control whether a mechanical switch unit for starting the driving of the vehicle can be operated or not, and with an ignition mechanism control mean which permits starting operation of an ignition mechanism when personal cipher information inputted by the user matches personal cipher information imparted to the user in association with the personal identification information and the user sets a destination, and permits returning operation of the ignition mechanism when arrival at the set destination is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article delivery receptacle (10) comprising an electronic code lock (11). When delivering articles (8), the delivery person opens the receptacle (10) by entering a delivery code (6) into the electronic code lock (11). During the ordering process, the addressee (1) conveys the required delivery code (6) to the delivery person (9) via the supplier (9) of the ordered articles (8). After the articles (8) are deposited in the receptacle, the receptacle (10) is locked once again so that the articles (8) placed therein are protected from theft. After a successful delivery, the code lock (11) is blocked so that it is no longer possible to open the delivery receptacle (10) using the delivery code (6). The addressee can remove the delivered articles (8) from the receptacle (10) by using an addressee key (12) which only the addressee possesses. After removing the articles (8), the delivery receptacle is enabled once again for receiving subsequent deliveries of articles.

Abstract: A pick/put to display (PTD) device includes an image display that allows the PTD device to display images related to a product, such as a picture of the product, a barcode or an instructional video. By having the capability to display images of the product, the PTD device is able to reduce the risk that the wrong product will be picked or placed in a storage location. Multiple barcodes can be scanned rapidly without the need to re-aim the scanner. The image display further allows the PTD device to display arrows that can point in a multitude of directions. With the capability of having arrows point in numerous directions, a single PTD device is able to service multiple storage locations, thereby reducing the number of PTD devices needed. The PTD device is further capable of downloading and playing sound files for a product so that audio instructions or alerts can be played.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a proof of delivery verification for freight transportation systems. A vehicle transmits an indication of arrival at a destination. A remote station receives the indication and validates the arrival of the vehicle. If the arrival is validated, a proof of delivery verification of a delivery associated with the arrival is provided to a shipper, carrier, or other interested party.

Abstract: A system and method for processing product movement requests including orders and returns while maintaining a real-time accounting of product locations includes a network, a first communication link connecting a first location to the network, a second communication link connecting a second location to the network, and an information manager coupled to the network. The information manager includes a database of product information. The information manager responds to a product order from the first location by sending an order acknowledgement confirmation message over the network to the first location, causing the second location to send an order acknowledgement card and the ordered product to the first location, and updating the database to indicate that the ordered product was received by the first location upon return receipt of the order acknowledgement card.

Abstract: A vending machine has an input/output switching device between an image display device for displaying a still image and/or a moving image and a first image output device capable of outputting image data of a small data size in a predetermined signal form. This input/output switching device permits arbitrary connection of a second image output device capable of outputting image data of a large data size in a predetermined signal form.

Abstract: An object registration system includes a server system and a database accessible via a worldwide network of computer. The system is utilized to register a user for registration of an object. The system responds to a request from a registered user to register the object by providing identification to be associated with object. The identification comprises first secret identification affixed to, or embedded in or on the object, and a second non-secret identification to be associated with the object. The object information is stored in the database for each object and includes the first secret identification, the second non-secret identification, object identification information and ownership information.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing theft of an object, includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) device operatively attached to an object, a security path for detection of the EAS device, a reader operatively coupled to the security path, and a smart card for being read by the reader. The smart card contains an identification profile of an authorized user of the object.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling one or more vending machine devices, including the provision of a communications and control system for effecting an interchange of information over a wireless bus between and among the vending machine devices, the communications and control system including a plurality of communications portions associated with respective vending machine components and operable to transmit and receive short distance communications signals, the vending machine components being positioned within range of the short distance communications signals to define a peer-to-peer network having a wireless communications bus accessible through the communications portions interconnecting the positioned vending machine components for point-to-point communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a proof of delivery verification for freight transportation systems. A vehicle transmits an indication of arrival at a destination. A remote station receives the indication and validates the arrival of the vehicle. If the arrival is validated, a proof of delivery verification of a delivery associated with the arrival is provided to a shipper, carrier, or other interested party.

Abstract: A vending machine uses a field-programmable electronic lock that has a learning process activation device accessible only when the door of the vending machine is in the open position. Using the learning process activation device, a service person activates the electronic lock to perform a key code learning operation, in which the electronic lock receives a key code transmitted from an electronic key and stores the key code in a non-volatile memory for future access control of the vending machine. Data encryption is employed in the communications between the key and the lock to ensure the security of the communications. A communication device installed in the vending machine for communicating with a home base computer allows the operation of the electronic lock to be remotely controlled for access control and auditing purposes.

Abstract: An art registration system, method and database utilize identification tags affixed to works of art. Each tag includes a secret identification code. The tag is affixed to the work of art or art object. Each tag is issued only to an authorized user who is registered with the system. Identification information for the work of art and the owner of the work is stored in the database.

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 system enables consumers to perform self-checkout and self-check-in of rental articles, especially rental video media. The system includes a scanner, a payment module, and an article transporter. The article transporter carries scanned articles having an attached, permanent EAS tag outside of an EAS tag interrogating zone. The self-checkout station of the present invention permits a consumer to identify his or her account and scan various video media for rental. The consumer may provide payment through the payment module and, once payment is accepted, the article transporter may be activated to carry the rented articles outside of an EAS tag interrogation zone adjacent to the self-checkout station.

Abstract: Secure Home Delivery SystemA system for providing secure delivery or collection of goods too large to be delivered through traditional apertures such as the letterbox, to a location, such as a home, where the goods have previously been remotely ordered using remote means such as the internet or telephone. Access to a secure location, for example, a dedicated receptacle, garage or shed, is achieved by presentation of an access code by the delivery personnel, the origin of which is linked to the order of the goods. The access code may be computed using time-based algorithms that are replicated by the lock at the delivery location, unlocking occurring when the access codes coincide. The lock can provide access to a key safe, which in turns holds keys to a secure location. The system could equally be used for the collection of goods and for providing access to utility meters.

Abstract: To avoid a fixed assignment of wide-area mobile communication units to components of a container surveillance system for increase of reusability, there is provided a mobile communication device for surveillance of at least one transported unit being carried by a tansporting unit, comprising a short range data communication unit (30) adapted to a short range wireless data exchange with at least one tag attached to the transported unit; a long range data communication unit (32) adapted to a long range wireless data exchange to a transport surveillance system; wherein communication unit the mobile communication unit is fixed to operating equipment of the transported unit or to the transporting unit during surveillance of the transported unit and is detachable from the transported unit or the transporting unit when the transported unit must not be surveyed.

Abstract: A method and system for vending products from a defined area, such as a micro-warehouse with a door. The method includes fitting each product with a radio frequency identification tag, positioning the plurality of products in a micro-warehouse, sensing opening and closing of the micro-warehouse door, scanning the plurality of products in the micro-warehouse upon sensing closing of the door to determine the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, generating a message based on the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, transmitting the message to a remote processor or server, and maintaining an inventory in the remote processor based on the message. The system is designed to be accessed by authorized individuals possessing some type of code or identifying mechanism. The micro-warehouses may be cabinets, refrigerators, secured rooms, or similar storage units or areas.

Abstract: A vending machine uses a field-programmable electronic lock that learns a key code from a corresponding electronic key, a hand-held program unit, or an external computing device via wireless communications. In one mode, the electronic lock has a learning process activation device that is accessible only when the door of the vending machine is in the open position. In another mode, the electronic lock is programmed in the field without first opening the vending machine. A program command and access control data including a new access code are transmitted wirelessly from a hand-held program unit or the like. Alternatively, an external computing device is used to program the electronic lock via long-range wireless communications, and an electronic key is then used to open the electronic lock to physically access the vending machine.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining source anonymity while providing food item source verification to substantiate a label claim, such as Country of Origin (COOL) labeling. A database, such as a transactional event database, records a private entity ID including events related to the labeling; and shipping and receiving events. One or more data view, such as a relational database data mart, is constructed from the event data so that a public ID replaces the entity private ID. In an authorized audit, the public ID is decoded to the private ID.

Abstract: Unauthorized removal of articles e.g. from a retail store, each article carrying a read/write tag, is detected by a security system having at least one point-of-sale apparatus (30) arranged to write specific data into (or erase specific data from) the tag to indicate that the article has been paid for, and a detector apparatus (40) for the or each exit of the store and arranged to read each tag to determine if the specific data has been written into (or erased from) the tag, and otherwise to initiate an alarm. The system also includes a refunds/returns detector apparatus (50) to read the tag of each article presented to it, to determine if the specific data has been written into (or erased from) the tag, and to erase (or write in) that data so that the article can be returned to stock.