Okoban is a system that allows individuals to register property with pre-assigned unique identification codes in an online database so that, if the property is lost then found, the finder can notify the registrant. Okoban manages its tracking system on behalf of the companies and agencies who use it, including luggage manufacturers, airlines and the TSA. It neither makes nor sells products directly and is provided to end users at no charge.

History

Okoban first emerged as a spin-off of

Travel Sentry Travel Sentry is a company that develops and licenses standards used in travel security, including a standard for luggage locks that can be opened by aviation security agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). History T ...

, a company that sets standards for luggage locks. The first products based on the Okoban standard were produced in 2009 by of Japan. These included luggage and travel accessories with Okoban codes. The name Okoban is based on the Japanese system of

Kōban A is a small neighborhood police station found in Japan. The term also refers to the smallest organizational unit in a modern Law enforcement in Japan, Japanese prefectural police force. Small kōban buildings, staffed by uniformed officers at ...

s, or small local police stations, which are the central place for reporting lost items or turning in found items in Japan. In the

Japanese language is the principal language of the Japonic languages, Japonic language family spoken by the Japanese people. It has around 123 million speakers, primarily in Japan, the only country where it is the national language, and within the Japanese dia ...

the letter "O" preceding a word is a sign of respect; synonymous with "honourable".

Standard and use

The Okoban standard includes three elements: # the diamond mark # the

Unique identifier A unique identifier (UID) is an identifier that is guaranteed to be unique among all identifiers used for those objects and for a specific purpose. The concept was formalized early in the development of computer science and information systems. ...

(UID) code, composed of twelve alpha-numeric characters; # a notice to the finder, directing the finder to Okoban's website. Okoban issues

unique identifier A unique identifier (UID) is an identifier that is guaranteed to be unique among all identifiers used for those objects and for a specific purpose. The concept was formalized early in the development of computer science and information systems. ...

(UID) codes to manufacturers of luggage and other products used in travel such as personal electronics. These codes are added to products at the time of production or can be added by the user to personal items using adhesive labels. Okoban on Luggage

If an item is misplaced or lost, and then found, the finder can enter its UID into the Okoban system. The owner then receives an alert message, either via e-mail or

SMS Short Message Service, commonly abbreviated as SMS, is a text messaging service component of most telephone, Internet and mobile device systems. It uses standardized communication protocols that let mobile phones exchange short text messages, t ...

text message. The user then contacts the finder directly to arrange recovery. The Okoban system is also integrated into

WorldTracer WorldTracer is a SITA / IATA service provided for the tracking of lost or delayed baggage. It has been in operation for many years and is used by all airlines that are members of IATA. Most of the low-cost carriers that are based in Europe such ...

, the central lost and found system used by airlines. It is used by over 400 airlines, airport companies and baggage handlers.

References

External links

* {{official website, https://www.okoban.com/, Okoban Software companies established in 2009 Internet properties established in 2009 Swiss companies established in 2009 Companies based in Geneva Travel and holiday companies of Switzerland Lost and found

History

Standard and use

See also

References

External links