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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.
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
History
Okoban first emerged as a spin-off of Travel Sentry, a company that sets standards for luggage locks. The first products based on the Okoban standard were produced in 2009 by Sunco Luggage( :jp:サンコー鞄) of Japan. These included luggage and travel accessories with Okoban codes. The name Okoban is based on the Japanese system of Kōbans, or small local police stations, which are the central place for reporting lost items or turning in found items in Japan. In theJapanese language
is spoken natively by about 128 million people, primarily by Japanese people and primarily in Japan, the only country where it is the national language. Japanese belongs to the Japonic or Japanese- Ryukyuan language family. There have been ma ...
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 # theUnique 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.
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/Messaging 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 devices exchange short text ...
text message. The user then contacts the finder directly to arrange recovery.
The Okoban system is also integrated into WorldTracer
WorldTracer is a SITA (IT company), 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 carrier, low-cost carr ...
, the central lost and found system used by airlines. It is used by over 400 airlines, airport companies and baggage handlers.
See also
*Lost luggage
Lost luggage is luggage conveyed by a public carrier such as an airline, seafaring cruise ship, shipping company, or railway which fails to arrive at the correct destination with the passenger. In the United States, an average of 1 in 150 peo ...
References
{{ReflistExternal links
https://www.okoban.com/ Companies based in Geneva