A uniform, centralized system for converting all existing systems into one unique, universal system which allows for tracking those titles for articles of value, such as motor vehicles, boats, land, antiques, etc., in a congruent and continual manner. The system provides a centralized computer data base(s) operating in a "client-server" computer environment for use in creating a title history file, and for assigning a singular registration number and identification number from the VIN (or other) identifying number with those numbers being coded, and creating a coded title and registration number and for storing relevant data on the item. The centralized data base is connected to various authorized agents such as insurance agents and car dealers, and to governmental agents such as department of motor vehicles and tax collecting entities. In this way, all relevant data on an item can now be is maintained on a centralized system which is accessible to all who need the information.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION:
This is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. Ser. No. 07/830,078, filed Jan. 31, 1992, now abandoned, and the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
A commodity management system can manage information on commodities and commodity owners from sale times to disposal times and can identify a new owner in a disposal/recycling procedure. In an IC tag embedded in a motorcycle, management information associating the motorcycle and its owner is stored. A management card for recording the same management information is issued to a purchaser of the motorcycle. When the motorcycle is disposed and recycled, the dealer transmits a request for authentication of the owner to a management server. The management server then allows a disposal/recording procedure only if the management information stored in the IC tag embedded in the motorcycle matches the management information recorded in the management card.
A method and apparatus is used to of validate a vehicle identification number (VIN). At least a first VIN having a plurality of characters in a plurality of positions is received. At least a first character in a first position of the first VIN to inspected to determine if the first character is included in a first set of valid characters. The first character is identified as being in error when the first character is not in the first set of valid characters. The first character is replaced with a substitute character.
A method for authenticating a subject painting as to a particular artist by comparing brush marks between one or more known works of the artist and the subject painting.
A method and apparatus using the worldwide web portal site to provide, publish and maintain a database for missing/stolen items and missing persons/fugitives. The method and apparatus further utilize this database as a backbone for an internet portal, providing for automated contact of interested parties, automated e-commerce for replacement of assets, and immediate distribution of published information. The invention allows for extracting information from entered police reports to create an all encompassing database, and provides a method for deterring the selling of stolen items, increasing the potential of recovering stolen or missing items, and simplifying the claim processing process and finding missing persons and fugitives.
A method and system for gathering, storing, and tracking title and specific farm, lawn, and industrial equipment information in a multiple user-level centralized computer system accessible by users of the Internet includes the steps of gathering and storing title data related to equipment ownership, including lender information, and specific product information such as hours of use and warranty information. The system authenticates users and thus regulates the type and scope of data access. If the user is determined to be unauthorized, the user is only permitted to view previously existing records. If the user is determined to be authorized, the user may input new records, update existing records, or request replacement of a lost title. Before issuance of a new or replacement title, records are checked as to lien status, theft status, and currency of relevant fee payments. Direct access by all Internet users to centrally stored title and product information related to farm, lawn, and industrial equipment provides a more accurate and efficient method for tracking relevant information.
