Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of visual localization, comprising: generating a plurality of virtual views, wherein each of the virtual views is associated with a location; obtaining a query image; determining the location where the query image was obtained on the basis of a comparison of the query image with said virtual views.

Abstract: There is provided a visual localization method comprising: (a) transmitting data representative of one or more detected visual features from a mobile device to a server; (b) estimating the location of the mobile device at the server based on the visual features received from the mobile device; (c) transmitting reference data associated with the estimated location from the server to the mobile device; and (d) the mobile device determining its location based on the reference data received from the server.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.

Abstract: A method for tracking an event of an externally controlled interface (ECI) is described. The method includes generating the externally controlled interface independent of an outcome of a wager-based game regulated by a regulatory authority, and logging the event of the externally controlled interface.

Abstract: A gaming system and method is disclosed which provides variable payback or hold amounts for a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. The gaming system includes a central controller that changes at least one aspect of the game to provide a variable payback or hold for a gaming device in the gaming system. The gaming system includes a plurality of different paytables or award sequences each having a different average expected payback. The gaming system selects one of the paytables or award sequences for the game based on a player ranking assigned to each player. The player ranking is associated with a player tracking status obtained through a suitable player tracking system. The selection of one of the paytables or award sequences and its associated average expected payback is based on the player ranking (i.e., the player tracking status) of the player.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.

Abstract: A scooter is presented which allows the rider to maintain a secure forward facing stance with both feet parallel to the direction of travel and a combined center of gravity of both rider and scooter centrally between the front and rear wheel irrespective of the vertical tilt of the scooter. The scooter comprises a frame with high torsional strength, suitable for attaching an adjustable footrest thereto. The footrest may comprise two footrests, one on each side of the frame, or a footboard sufficiently wide to allow the rider to place both feet parallel to the direction of travel thereon. The longitudinal position of the footrests or footboard may be adjustable by selectively attaching the footrests or footboard to one of two or more attachment features at the frame.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.

Abstract: A scooter is presented which allows the rider to maintain a secure forward facing stance with both feet parallel to the direction of travel and a combined center of gravity of both rider and scooter centrally between the front and rear wheel irrespective of the vertical tilt of the scooter. The scooter comprises a frame with high torsional strength, suitable for attaching an adjustable footrest thereto. The footrest may comprise two pedals, one on each side of the frame, or a footboard sufficiently wide to allow the rider to place both feet parallel to the direction of travel thereon. The longitudinal position of the pedals or footboard may be adjustable by selectively attaching the pedals or footboard to one of two or more attachment features at the frame.

Abstract: A method for tracking an event of an externally controlled interface (ECI) is described. The method includes generating the externally controlled interface independent of an outcome of a wager-based game regulated by a regulatory authority, and logging the event of the externally controlled interface.

Abstract: A gaming system and method is disclosed which provides variable payback or hold amounts for a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. The gaming system includes a central controller that changes at least one aspect of the game to provide a variable payback or hold for a gaming device in the gaming system. The gaming system includes a plurality of different paytables or award sequences each having a different average expected payback. The gaming system selects one of the paytables or award sequences for the game based on a player ranking assigned to each player. The player ranking is associated with a player tracking status obtained through a suitable player tracking system. The selection of one of the paytables or award sequences and its associated average expected payback is based on the player ranking (i.e., the player tracking status) of the player.

Abstract: Commands in a queue in a hard disk drive (HDD) are selected based on a benefit of providing either an optimized throughput or an optimized number of commands per second execution, as opposed to a simple shortest access time first (SATF) selection method.

Abstract: An improved key ring lock assembly including a lock mechanism having an open position and a locked position which is formed by at least a lock barrel, a lock cylinder fitted within the lock barrel, the lock cylinder having a front key way and a lock mechanism contained within the lock cylinder operable by an appropriate key. The lock cylinder terminates in a lock shaft at the back end which is rotatable in response to the manipulation of the lock mechanism via the key. A lock collar is contained within the lock barrel immediately rearward of the lock cylinder and includes a lock shaft receiving aperture to receive the lock shaft and be operable in response to the rotatable movement of the lock mechanism. The lock collar includes an elongate stud mounted on the back end which includes a pair of opposed pin receiving channels formed therein. The lock barrel includes a locking ledge circumferentially positioned along the inner wall and adjacent the back end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic locking device for effecting the locking engagement of a lock stud within a stud receiving fixture adapted for locking two complimentary structures together formed by a lock mechanism of the type provided with a lock stud mounted on one of the complimentary structures, the lock stud having a predetermined diametric dimension and threaded along the exposed end thereof, the outer exposed end being terminating in a nose portion which has a diametric dimension slightly in excess of the diametric dimension of the lock stud. A stud receiving locking means is mounted on the opposed complimentary structure and in substantial linear alignment with the lock mechanism. The stud receiving locking means is provided with at least two movable members being normally biasingly urged together and having an apreture formed by the members diametrically sized to be complimentary with the diametric dimension of the lock stud when the members are in the rest position.

Abstract: An improved axial split pin tumbler type lock is provided. The improvement consists in providing a cylinder having a lock head formed with a square-shaped keyhole defining a front face on the lock head, and a three-part plug assembly inserted in the cylinder. One of the three-part plug assemblies consists of a cylinder head having a forward end provided with a square-shaped cut-out section formed therein, the square cut-out section radially traversing the tumbler bores formed therein. A tubular key is provided having an inner circular core, and an outer square-shaped face adapted to matingly engage within the square-shaped keyhole in the lock head and the square-shaped cut-out section in the cylindrical head portion. The square-shaped front face of the lock head includes a series of thickened face sections alternating with a series of thinner face sections.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved handle assembly which relates to a pop-out T-handle lock assembly of the type having a cylinder front handle which mates with a cylinder housing, which in turn houses a cylinder lock and related extension rod therein.The improved handle assembly is formed by providing an inner handle secured to the cylinder housing at the front end thereof, the inner handle having a pair of opposed attachment flanges extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the attachment flanges includes a screw receiving channel formed along the inner surface thereof, and the cylinder front handle is provided with a pair of opposed threaded apertures in spaced apart relation traversing side walls thereof and positioned to be in registry with the screw channels formed in the inner handle when the cylinder front handle is mounted to the inner handle.

Abstract: An improved keeper lock for a zipper-type slide fastener. The lock includes a barrel assembly of a tubular barrel and an anvil fixed to and projecting readily from the barrel, the anvil adapted to receive the slide fastener when the fastener is moved to its closed position. A key operated lock assembly is telescopically and rotatably received in the barrel for limited axial sliding movement. A keeper arm is fixed to and projects radially from the lock assembly adjacent to a proximal end of it and the lock assembly and keeper arm are capable of both angular rotation and axial movement so that it may assume a fully telescoped locked position with the keeper arm closely overlying the anvil for confining the slide fastener between the keeper arm and the anvil. It may also assume an unlocked position wherein the keeper arm overlies the anvil and is spaced apart therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved handle lock assembly of the type generally including a handle lock barrel reciprocally carried relative to a lock stud, the lock stud having an interiorly threaded end for threadedly engaging a fixed stud aperture, the handle lock barrel and lock stud being carried within the confines of a fixed lock guide formed integrally with a handle flange including a handle recess into which the handle may be lockingly secured by a lock provided in the handle and having a bolt for securing the handle lock barrel to the lock guide against a bolt shoulder provided in the handle flange, the improvement consisting of bolt guide shield means carried on the lock guide and extending for a distance down the length of said lock guide, the bolt guide shield means encircling and completely enclosing the lock guide in a manner sufficient to prevent access to the bolt securing the handle lock relative to the handle flange when in the locked position, the bolt guide shield means formed integrally with t

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved rotatable cylinder lock of the type formed by a cylindrical housing and a removable elongated lock core, the cylinder housing including a tumbler block positioned within the cylindrical housing and extending inwardly with respect to the cylindrical housing, and a tumbler ledge having an interior peripheral surface mounted within the cylinder housing adjacent the tumbler block and extending circumferentially for a portion of the periphery of the cylinder housing, the lock core including a plurality of lock tumblers and a release tumbler which is positionally carried by the lock core to ride on a shoulder formed by the tumbler ledge throughout the rotational movement of the lock core, except in the unlocked position when the release tumbler is positioned such that it is free of blockage by the tumbler block thereby to permit removal of the lock core from the cylindrical housing, the lock core further including a block restrictor relief section formed therein which accommodates the