초록 ▼

An accountability system for monitoring the status of a certain condition of a moveable object having an electronic identification device with a transmittable unique identification code is disclosed. A verification station with an electronic signal transmission and reception device remotely initiate

An accountability system for monitoring the status of a certain condition of a moveable object having an electronic identification device with a transmittable unique identification code is disclosed. A verification station with an electronic signal transmission and reception device remotely initiates communication with the electronic identification device on the moveable object and receives the unique identification code. A database at the verification station retrieves information related to the unique identification code, and a camera captures a digital image of the moveable object, while displaying the image and querying a user to input verification data to an input device. A data processing sub-system at the verification station verifies the user's input and compiles a data record of the unique identification code, the digital image, and data input from the user into a data record and stores the compiled record in memory for later communication with a remote storage device.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A moveable object accountability system for monitoring the status of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator

What is claimed is: 1. A moveable object accountability system for monitoring the status of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object, said moveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identification device mounted on said moveable object, wherein said electronic identification device has a unique identification code and said electronic identification device electronically transmits a signal containing information of said unique identification code; an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with said electronic identification device and receiving said signal containing information of said unique identification code from said electronic identification device mounted on said moveable object; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and said at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object; a display device for displaying information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or inputting a response to said query displayed at said display device; a data processing sub-system coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device and said input device, wherein said data processing sub-system is: 1) configured to compare said signal containing information of said unique identification code with information related to said unique identification code in said local database; 2) configured to display, at said display device, graphical information contained in said first image and a query to validate information related to said moveable object and information related to said unique identification code; and 3) configured to compare input data received from said input device in response to said query to data stored in said local database; means, within said data processing sub-system for compiling data received from said unique identification code received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said camera, and said input device into a data record; a memory location within said local database for storing said data record; and a communication link between said local database and a remote storage device for transmitting at least one stored data record to said remote storage device. 2. The moveable object accountability system of claim 1, wherein said electronic identification device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 3. The moveable object accountability system of claim 1, further comprises an output device for outputting information related to said moveable object. 4. The moveable object accountability system of claim 3, wherein said output device comprises coupon printer device. 5. A method of collecting accountability data for a moveable object, said method of collecting comprising the steps of: determining the presence of an electronic identification device; querying said electronic identification device to output a unique identification code; receiving said output unique identification code; comparing said received unique identification code with information related to said received unique identification code in a local database; capturing a digital image of a moveable object including a representation of at least one condition, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object; displaying at a display device said representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object from said step of capturing and a verification query based on said step of comparing; receiving input based on said step of displaying; comparing said received input with related data stored in said local database; assembling a data record comprising information contained in said unique identification code, said captured digital image of said moveable object including a representation of at least one condition, and said received input, based on said step of comparing; storing said assembled data record in a local database; and transmitting said stored data record to a remote database. 6. An apparatus comprising: an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with a remote electronic identification device and for receiving a signal containing information of a unique identification code from said remote electronic identification device mounted on a moveable object; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and information related to at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera for capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object, said at least one condition comprising one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object; a display device for displaying information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or a response to said query displayed at said display device; a data processor coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device and said input device; a memory within said local database for storing a data record compiled by said data processor from information received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said camera, and said input device; and a communication link between said local database and a remote storage device for transmitting at least one stored data record to said remote storage device. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said remote electronic identification device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprises an output device for outputting information related to said unique identification code. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said output device comprises a coupon printer device for printing coupons related to said unique identification code. 10. A moveable object accountability system for monitoring the status of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object, said moveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identification device mounted on said moveable object, wherein said electronic identification device has a unique identification code and said device is able to electronically transmit a signal containing information of said unique identification code; an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with said electronic identification device and receiving said signal containing information of said unique identification code from said electronic identification device mounted on said moveable object; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and said at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object; a display device for displaying graphical information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or responses to said query regarding information displayed at said display device; a data processing sub-system coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device and said input device, wherein said data processing sub-system is: 1) configured to compare said signal containing information of said unique identification code with related information related to said unique identification code in said local database; 2) configured to display, at said display device, graphical information contained in said first image and a query to validate information related to said moveable object and information related to said unique identification code; and 3) configured to compare input data received from said input device in response to said query to data stored in said local database; means within said data processing sub-system for compiling data received from said unique identification code received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said camera, and said input device into a data record; a memory within said data processing sub-system for storing said data record; a remote central processing data system having a central storage database; a communication link between said local database and said remote central data processing system for transmitting information between said remote central data processing system and said local database; and means for processing said at least one stored data record at said remote central processing data system. 11. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, wherein said electronic identification device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 12. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising an output device for outputting information related to said unique identification code. 13. The moveable object accountability system of claim 12, wherein said output device comprises a coupon printer device for printing coupons related to said unique identification code. 14. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising: a printer service connected via a second communication link with said remote central data processing system, said printer service for printing said graphical representation; and wherein said remote central data processing system is further configured to receive and process information related to a unique identification code and to transmit a printer service order to said printer service based on the received information related to a unique identification code, wherein said received information related to a unique identification code comprises an assembled and stored data record. 15. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising: a retail service location having said display device located thereon and a printer output device, both connected to said remote central data processing system via said communication link; and wherein said remote central data processing system is further configured to receive and process said information related to a unique identification code and to transmit to said retail service location information regarding installation and payment for a graphical representation or said electronic identification device to be installed on a moveable object, based on the received information related to a unique identification code, wherein said received information related to a unique identification code comprises an assembled and stored data record. 16. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising: a payment issuing agent connected to said remote central data processing system via a second communication link; and wherein at said remote central data processing system is further configured to receive and process information related to a unique identification code, and to transmit said information related to a unique identification code to said payment issuing agent regarding the issuing of payment for services performed based on the received information related to a unique identification code, wherein said received information related to a unique identification code comprises an assembled and stored data record. 17. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, wherein said remote central data processing system is further configured to communicate to an operator or owner of said moveable object via a second communication link, and to receive information related to a unique identification code associated with said electronic identification device of said moveable object, and to transmit said information related to a unique identification code to said operator or owner of said moveable object based on the received information related to a unique identification code, wherein said received information related to a unique identification code comprises an assembled and stored data record. 18. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising: a client in communication with said remote central data processing system via a second communication link; and wherein said remote central data processing system is configured to receive and process said information related to a unique identification code, and to transmit said information related to a unique identification code to said client based on the received information related to a unique identification code, wherein said received information related to a unique identification code comprises an assembled and stored data record. 19. The moveable object accountability system of claim 18, wherein said transmitted information comprises data representing date and time geographic location map overlays of at least one specific unique identification code. 20. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising: a retail sales location in communication with said remote central data processing system via a second communication link; and wherein said remote central data processing system is further configured to communicate information related to a solicitation of moveable objects for use within said moveable object accountability system; wherein said solicitation comprises advertising information, or rebates or coupons toward the purchase of merchandise. 21. The moveable object accountability system of claim 10, further comprising: a point of sale terminal in communication with said remote central data processing system via a second communication link; wherein said point of sale terminal is further configured to receive from said remote central data processing system information related to the solicitation of owners or operators of moveable objects to enroll their moveable objects in the accountability system of the present invention; and said point of sale terminal is further configured to transmit to said remote central data processing system accountability system enrollment information of owner or operators of moveable objects. 22. A data logging system for logging the position of a moveable object, said data logging system comprising: a motion detection sensor outputting a signal when motion is detected of said data logging system; a location identification signal generator determining the geographic coordinates of said data logging system and outputting geographic coordinates as location data; a date and clock signal generator outputting current date and time data; a unique identification code specific to and stored in said data logging system; a data processing sub-system coupled to the outputs of said motion detection sensor, said location identification sensor, said date and clock signal generator, and said unique identification code; means, within said data processing sub-system, for determining a motion detected signal from said motion detector sensor output; means, within said data processing sub-system, based on said means for determining said motion detected signal, for retrieving: 1) said unique identification code of said data logging system; 2) said location data from said location identification signal generator output; and 3) said current date and time data from said data and clock signal generator; means, within said data processing central processor, for assembling said retrieved data into a single data record; an incremental memory register in said data processing sub-system stores said data record in a next available memory register; and a transmitter and receiver for transmitting the contents of said memory register including said stored data record from said data logging system to a remote storage device. 23. The data logging system of claim 22, wherein said location identification signal generator comprises one of a global positioning system output device, a cellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer or inertial positioning device. 24. An apparatus comprising: an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with a remote electronic identification and data logging device mounted on a moveable object to receive a signal containing information of a unique identification code, and to receive assembled and stored data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data from said remote electronic identification and data logging device; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and information related to at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera for capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object, said at least one condition comprising one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object; a display device for displaying graphical information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or responses to said query regarding information displayed at said display device; a data processor coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device and said input device; a memory within said data processing sub-system for storing a data record compiled by said data processor from information received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said camera, and said input device; and a communication link between said local database and a remote storage device for transmitting at least one stored data record to said remote storage device. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said remote electronic identification and data logging device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 26. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprises an output device for outputting information related to said unique identification code. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said output device comprises a coupon printer device for printing coupons related to said unique identification code. 28. A moveable object accountability system for monitoring the status of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object, said moveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identification and data logging device mounted on said moveable object, wherein said electronic identification and data logging device has a unique identification code and stored data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data, said electronic identification and data logging device having a transmitter for transmitting a signal containing information of said unique identification code and said stored data; an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with said electronic identification and data logging device and receiving said unique identification code and said stored data from said electronic identification and data logging device mounted on said moveable object; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and said at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera for capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object; a display device for displaying graphical information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or responses to said query regarding information displayed at said display device; a data processing sub-system coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device and said input device, said data processing sub-system for comparing said signal containing information of said unique identification code with information related to said unique identification code in said local database, and for displaying, at said display device, graphical information contained in said first image and a query to validate information related to said moveable object and said unique identification code; means, within said data processing sub-system, for compiling information received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, from said camera, and from said input device into a data record; a memory within said local database of said data processing sub-system for storing said data record; and a communication link between said local database and a remote database for transmitting said information comprising said data record between said local database and said remote database. 29. The moveable object accountability system of claim 28, wherein said electronic identification and data logging device further comprises: a motion detection sensor outputting a signal when motion of said electronic identification and data logging device is detected; a location identification signal generator for determining the geographic coordinates of said electronic identification and data logging device and for outputting geographic coordinates as location data, wherein said location identification signal generator comprises one of a global positioning system output device, a cellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer or inertial positioning device; a date and clock signal generator for outputting current date and time data; a unique identifier code specific only to and stored in said data logging system; a data processing sub-system coupled to the outputs of said motion detection sensor, said location identification sensor, said date and clock signal generator, and said unique identification code; means, within said data processing sub-system, for determining a motion detected signal from said motion detector sensor output; means, within said data processing sub-system, based on said means for determining said motion detected signal, for retrieving: 1) said unique identification code of said electronic identification and data logging device; 2) said location data from said location identification signal generator output; and 3) said current date and time data from said data and clock signal generator; means, within said data processing central processor, for assembling said retrieved data into a single data record; an incremental memory register in said data processing sub-system stores said data record in a next available memory register; and a transmitter for transmitting the contents of said memory register including said stored data record from said electronic identification and data logging device to a remote storage device. 30. The moveable accountability system of claim 28, wherein said electronic identification and data logging device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 31. The moveable accountability system of claim 29, wherein said unique identifier code and said transmitter and receiver comprises a radio frequency identification device. 32. The moveable accountability system of claim 28, further comprising an output device for outputting information related to said unique identification code. 33. The moveable accountability system of claim 32, wherein said output device comprises a coupon printer device for printing coupons related to said unique identification code. 34. A method for collecting data on the position of a moveable object having a data logging device, said data logging device having a unique identification code, a location identification output device, and a date and clock signal output generator, said method comprising the steps of: a. determining movement of said data logging device; b. powering on said data logging device from a data logging power standby mode if in said power standby mode based on said step of determining movement of said data logging device; c. retrieving said unique identifier address datum, a position datum from said location identification device, and current date and time data from said date and clock signal generator; d. storing date and time data in a date and clock memory register; e. assembling said unique identifier address datum, a position datum from said location identification device, and current date and time data from said date and clock signal generator into data record from said step of retrieving; f. storing said data record in a memory in said data logging device; g. determining when said data and clock signal output equals the sum of a first specified period of time and said stored date and time data in said data and clock memory register; h. determining movement of the data logging device within a second specified period of time; 1) repeating the steps c. to g. when step h. determines movement within said second specified period of time; 2) repeating steps d. to g. when step h. determines no movement within said second specified period of time and when date/clock output is less than the sum of a third specified period of time and said stored clock register data; 3) powering down said data logging device to standby power when step h. determines no movement within said second specified period of time and when date/clock output is equal to or greater than the sum of a third specified period of time and said stored clock register data. 35. The method for collecting data of claim 34, wherein said location identification output device comprises one of a global positioning system output device, a cellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer, or inertial positioning device. 36. A method of collecting accountability data for a moveable object, said method of collecting comprising the steps of: determining the presence of an electronic identification and data logging device; querying said electronic identification and data logging device to output a unique identification code; receiving said output unique identification code; comparing said received unique identification code with information related to said received unique identification code in a local database; querying, based on said step of comparing, said electronic identification and data logging device to transmit stored data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data; receiving said stored data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data from said electronic identification and data logging device based on the previous step of querying; capturing a digital image of a moveable object including a representation of at least one condition, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object; displaying at a display device said representation of at least one condition of said moveable object from said step of capturing and a verification query based on said step of comparing; receiving input based on said step of displaying; comparing said received input with related data stored in said local database; assembling a data record comprising information contained in said unique identification code, said received stored data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data, said captured image of said moveable object including a representation of at least one condition, and said received input, based on said step of comparing; storing said assembled data record in a local database; and transmitting said stored data record to a remote database. 37. The moveable object accountability system of claim 36, wherein said electronic identification and data logging device further comprises: a unique identification code specific only to said apparatus; a date and clock signal generator for outputting current date and clock data; a location identification device for determining the geographic location of said apparatus and outputting corresponding location data, said location device comprises one of a global positioning system output device, a cellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer or inertial positioning device; a motion detection sensor for detecting when the apparatus is in motion; a central processing sub-system for data logging activated when said motion detection sensor detects motion, said data logging function comprises the assembling of data from said unique identification code, said date and clock data, and said location data at predetermined period time intervals; a memory for storing assembled data from said central processing sub-system; and a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from said apparatus, said data comprises at least one of said unique identification code, and said stored assembled data. 38. The moveable object accountability system of claim 36, wherein said electronic identification and data logging device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 39. The moveable object accountability system of claim 38, wherein said unique identification code and said transmitter and receiver comprises a radio frequency identification device. 40. The moveable accountability system of claim 36, further comprising an output device for outputting information related to said unique identification code. 41. The moveable accountability system of claim 40, wherein said output device comprises a coupon printer device for printing coupons related to said unique identification code. 42. A moveable object accountability system for monitoring the status of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object, said moveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identification and data logging device mounted on said moveable object, wherein said electronic identification and data logging device has a unique identification code and stored data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data, said electronic identification and data logging device having a transmitter for transmitting a signal containing information of said unique identification code and said stored data; an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with said electronic identification and data logging device and for receiving said unique identification code and said stored data from said electronic identification and data logging device mounted on said moveable object; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and said at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera for capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object; a display device for displaying graphical information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or responses to said query regarding information displayed at said display device; a data processing sub-system coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device, and said input device, said data processing sub-system for comparing said signal containing information of said unique identification code with related information in said local database, and for displaying, at said display device, graphical information contained in said first image and a query to validate information related to said moveable object and said unique identification code; means, within said data processing sub-system for compiling information received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, from said camera, and from said input device into a data record; a memory within said data processing sub-system for storing said data record; a remote central processing data system having a central storage database; a communication link between said local database and said remote central data processing system for transmitting information between said remote central data processing system and said local database; and means for processing said at least one stored data record at said remote central processing data system. 43. A moveable object accountability system for monitoring the status of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of said moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of said moveable object, and a graphical representation on said moveable object, said moveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identification and data transmission device mounted on said moveable object, wherein said electronic identification and data transmission device has a transmitter for transmitting a unique identification code, and for transmitting corresponding data comprising assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data to a remote central processing data system having a central storage database; an electronic signal transmission and reception device for initiating communication with said electronic identification and data transmission device and for receiving said unique identification code from said electronic identification and data transmission device mounted on said moveable object; a local database having stored information related to said unique identification code, said moveable object and said at least one condition of said moveable object; a camera for capturing a first image of said moveable object, wherein said first image includes a representation of said at least one condition of said moveable object; a display device for displaying graphical information contained in said first image, and displaying a query or information including or related to said unique identification code; an input device for inputting data related to said moveable object or responses to said query regarding information displayed at said display device; a data processing sub-system coupled to said electronic signal transmission and reception device, said local database, said camera, said display device and said input device, said data processing sub-system for comparing said signal containing information of said unique identification code with related information in said local database, and for displaying, at said display device, graphical information contained in said first image and a query to validate information related to said moveable object and said unique identification code; means, within said data processing sub-system for compiling information received from said electronic signal transmission and reception device, from said camera, and from said input device into a data record; a memory location within said local database of said data processing sub-system for storing said data record; a communication link between said local database and said remote central data processing system for transmitting information between said remote central data processing system and said local database; and means for correlating said at least one stored data record at said remote central processing data system to said transmitted corresponding data comprising said assembled information of said unique identification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data stored at a previous time in said remote central data processing system; and means for processing said at least one stored data record and said transmitted corresponding data. 44. The moveable object accountability system of claim 43, wherein said electronic identification and data transmission device comprises: a unique identification code specific only to said apparatus; a date and clock signal generator for outputting current date and clock data; a location identification device for determining the geographic location of said apparatus and outputting corresponding location data, said location identification device comprises one of a global positioning system output device, a cellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer or inertial positioning device; a motion detection sensor for detecting when the apparatus is in motion; a central processor sub-system for data retrieval and transmission activated when said motion detection sensor detects motion, said data retrieval and transmission function comprises the assembling of data from said unique identification code, said date and clock data, and said location data at predetermined period time intervals, and for subsequent transmission of said assembled data to a remote location; a memory for storing assembled data from said central processor sub-system; and a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data to and from said apparatus, said data comprises at least one of said unique identification code and said assembled data. 45. The moveable object accountability system of claim 43, wherein said electronic identification and data transmission device comprises a radio frequency identification device. 46. The moveable object accountability system of claim 45, wherein said unique identification code and said transmitter and receiver comprises a radio frequency identification device. 47. The moveable accountability system of claim 43, further comprising an output device for outputting information related to said unique identification code. 48. The moveable accountability system of claim 47, wherein said output device comprises a coupon printer device for printing coupons related to said unique identification code.