Abstract: There is described a computer-implemented method for controlling a virtual avatar on an electronic device, the method comprising; providing a virtual avatar associated with a user, wherein the virtual avatar is associated with a plurality of poses and a plurality of animations; receiving input data associated with the user from at least one input source; processing the input data, the input data comprising images of the user and/or audio data captured from the user; determining a user mannerism from the processed input data; and updating at least one of the plurality of poses and/or animations of the virtual avatar, or creating a new pose and/or animation, to apply the user mannerism to the virtual avatar. There is also described a computing device configured to carry out the computer-implemented method.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for real-time customization of a virtual avatar, comprising providing a virtual avatar associated with a user, receiving an image of the user and at least a portion of their surroundings, applying a facial detection algorithm to detect the user's face in the image, extracting a region of interest from the image, the region of interest including the user's face, providing the region of interest to a data model, processing the region of interest, by the data model, and using feature recognition to determine whether the region of interest comprises a feature from a set of predefined features. In response to determining that the region of interest comprises a feature from a set of predefined features, the appearance of the virtual avatar is updated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a virtual avatar on an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a base model that defines a virtual avatar associated with a user profile corresponding to a user; receiving input data from at least one of a plurality of multimedia input sources; processing the input data; determining a baseline avatar and a dynamic avatar using the processed input data; generating an output avatar based on the determined baseline avatar and the determined dynamic avatar; updating the base model by adding the generated output avatar to the base model; and rendering the updated base model to display the virtual avatar on a display screen.

Abstract: A system for managing inputs to interactive content by a user, the system comprising a plurality of input modules configured to detect respective types of user inputs to the system, an input characterisation unit configured to determine a usage level of use of each input type in dependence upon the user inputs detected by the corresponding input modules, a module management unit configured to modify the operation of one or more input modules in dependence upon the respective level of use, and an input mapping unit configured to determine a mapping between detected user inputs and interactions with the content in dependence upon the modification of the operation of input modules.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system that can dispense both cold and hot drinks from either cold drink capsules or hot drink capsules. The cold or hot drink capsule is inserted into the system, and the lid is manually closed. if a cold drink capsule has been inserted, a mechanism cracks the capsule along a predetermined seam, injects cold mixing fluid into the capsule, and then rotates the capsule to pour out or further flush out the cold drink into a cup. If a hot drink capsule has been inserted, the lid is closed, and a rotating needle pierces the top of the capsule. The capsule is then punctured from the bottom. Hot water can then be injected into the top of the capsule, and the hot drink can be removed from the bottom into a cup.

Abstract: In one example, a workpiece support structure of a plasma treatment chamber has upper and lower ends, and first and second support members that extend between the upper and lower ends. The support members are electrically isolated from one another and offset from one another along a horizontal direction so as to define a cavity therebetween. The first and second support members support electrodes within the cavity such that (1) the electrodes are offset from one another along the vertical direction, (2) the electrodes extend between the first and second support members along the first horizontal direction, (3) a first set of the electrodes are electrically coupled to the first support member and electrically isolated from the second support member, and (4) a second set of the electrodes, different from the first set, are electrically coupled to the second support member and electrically isolated from the first support member.

Abstract: A system and method for providing distributed on-street valet parking with the aid of a digital computer is provided. Parking spaces for valet services are reserved. One of the reserved parking spaces is designated as a valet drop-off parking space. A motor vehicle is detected in the valet drop-off parking space and a notification that the motor vehicle requires parking is provided to a valet of the detected motor vehicle. A search is conducted for the reserved parking spaces available for valet services for the motor vehicle. At least one of the reserved parking spaces available for the motor vehicle is identified and the motor vehicle is parked in the identified reserved parking space.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces through a server is provided. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors that are each physically proximate to and which correspond to at least one of the parking spaces is interfaced with the server. Parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces is interfaced with the server. Street sweeping activity affecting the parking spaces is planned and comprising times and dates over which street sweeping of the parking spaces will occur. Any requests for reserving the use of the parking spaces during the street sweeping activity is denied. The parking availability indicators are activated associated with the parking spaces affected by the street sweeping activity. Occupancy of each of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system that can dispense both cold and hot drinks from either cold drink capsules or hot drink capsules. The cold or hot drink capsule is inserted into the system, and the lid is manually closed. if a cold drink capsule has been inserted, a mechanism cracks the capsule along a predetermined seam, injects cold mixing fluid into the capsule, and then rotates the capsule to pour out or further flush out the cold drink into a cup. If a hot drink capsule has been inserted, the lid is closed, and a rotating needle pierces the top of the capsule. The capsule is then punctured from the bottom. Hot water can then be injected into the top of the capsule, and the hot drink can be removed from the bottom into a cup.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for facilitating rental of a private parking space by an urban resident are provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. The parking spaces are supplemented with a private parking space under legitimate control by a resident of the residential area. Use of the private parking space is managed through the server and the smart parking device nearest to the private parking space. Parking availability the parking spaces is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical connector for enteral applications. The medical connector includes a body portion having a distal patient access fitting and a proximal fluid delivery device fitting as well as an administration port. The administration port for administrating or extracting fluids or medicine includes a cylindrical cavity, an administration port seal having a normally-closed slit, a plunger, a plunger sleeve, and a compression member. Engaging a non-luer female tip with the administration port actuates the compression member such that the plunger pierces the normally-closed slit, causing it to open allowing fluid communication with the body portion.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system that can dispense both cold and hot drinks from either cold drink capsules or hot drink capsules. The cold or hot drink capsule is inserted into the system, and the lid is manually closed. if a cold drink capsule has been inserted, a mechanism cracks the capsule along a predetermined seam, injects cold mixing fluid into the capsule, and then rotates the capsule to pour out or further flush out the cold drink into a cup. If a hot drink capsule has been inserted, the lid is closed, and a rotating needle pierces the top of the capsule. The capsule is then punctured from the bottom. Hot water can then be injected into the top of the capsule, and the hot drink can be removed from the bottom into a cup.

Abstract: A gun stability plate assembly includes a widened body that attaches to the fore-end of a stock or chassis of a gun by means of a clamping device. The assembly includes a main body, a clamp assembly, and a track. The clamp assembly is in communication with the main body and is configured to translate adjacent an upper surface of the main body. A rotating knob regulates operation of the clamp by rotating about an axis. The axis of the knob is coplanar with a central plane of the main body. The track is formed into the main body and configured to seat the clamp. The track is recessed into the main body. An accessory aperture is located within the main body and configured to permit attachment of one or more accessories.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing information through a display of parking devices is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces is managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are associated with at least one of the parking spaces. Use of the parking spaces is managed through the server. The parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are activated. Occupancy of at least one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Information associated with the identity of the driver is displayed on the smart parking device.

Abstract: A gun stability plate assembly includes a widened body that attaches to the fore-end of a stock or chassis of a gun by means of a clamping device. The assembly includes a main body, a clamp assembly, and a track. The clamp assembly is in communication with the main body and is configured to translate adjacent an upper surface of the main body. A rotating knob regulates operation of the clamp by rotating about an axis. The axis of the knob is coplanar with a central plane of the main body. The track is formed into the main body and configured to seat the clamp. The track is recessed into the main body. An accessory aperture is located within the main body and configured to permit attachment of one or more accessories.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing guest parking reservations are provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Use of one of the parking spaces for a guest of a resident of the area is reserved. A request for a reservation is accepted and that the resident is eligible to reserve the space is confirmed. The request is granted provided the parking space is available over any other reservations in the server. Use of the parking space is managed. Occupancy of the parking space by a vehicle is sensed through the nearest sensor. An identity of a motorist is verified through the nearest parking device. The use of the parking space is denied if not by the guest.

Abstract: A system and method for offering customer priority parking reservations. Motor vehicle parking spaces are provided through a server. The server respectively interfaces with smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators that are each associated with the parking spaces. The parking spaces are reserved by accepting a request for a customer priority parking reservation from a merchant for a reservation period. Use of the parking space is managed through the server by activating the parking availability indicators associated with the reserved parking spaces, sensing occupancy of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the vehicle occupancy sensor, and retrieving and providing an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device to the server. The use of the parking space is validated from the merchant through the server.

Abstract: A system and method for providing distributed on-street valet parking with the aid of a digital computer is provided. Parking spaces for valet services are reserved. One of the reserved parking spaces is designated as a valet drop-off parking space. A motor vehicle is detected in the valet drop-off parking space and a notification that the motor vehicle requires parking is provided to a valet of the detected motor vehicle. A search is conducted for the reserved parking spaces available for valet services for the motor vehicle. At least one of the reserved parking spaces available for the motor vehicle is identified and the motor vehicle is parked in the identified reserved parking space.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing multi-locational curbside valet parking service is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces are managed by a server. A plurality of smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are interfaced with the server. Use of a plurality of the parking spaces is reserved for a valet service. A reservation request for the use of the plurality of the parking spaces is accepted for use by the valet service for a period of time. Occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the vehicle occupancy sensor. A valet drop-off location of at least one of the parking spaces that is reserved for the use of the valet service and is not occupied by a motor vehicle is identified. The valet drop-off location and a location of a lock box are provided to the motorist through a user interface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through tourist privileges is provided. A tourist identification card is issued to a tourist via an agency and is associated with one or more parking privileges. A presence of a motor vehicle in at least one parking space is identified and the tourist identification card is received via a smart parking meter that is associated with the parking space. The received tourist identification card is authenticated and parking privileges are provided upon the authentication of the received tourist identification card for the parking space. The parking privileges include one or more of extending parking limits, reserving tourist spaces, and reducing parking rates. An indicator for an unavailable status is displayed for the parking space.