Abstract: A system and method for self-learning operation of gate paddles is disclosed. Opening and closing of the gate paddles requires timing and other settings to avoid injury and fare evasion. Self-learning allows a machine learning model to adapt to new data dynamically. The new data captured at a fare gate improves the machine learning model, which can be shared the other similar fare gates within a transit system so that learning disseminates.

Abstract: A system and method for self-learning operation of gate paddles is disclosed. Opening and closing of the gate paddles requires timing and other settings to avoid injury and fare evasion. Self-learning allows a machine learning model to adapt to new data dynamically. The new data captured at a fare gate improves the machine learning model, which can be shared the other similar fare gates within a transit system so that learning disseminates.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for providing proximity-based assistance includes a communications interface, a processor, and a memory that is configured to store instructions thereon that cause a processor to register, at a first time, a user of the mobile device as needing a type of assistance. The instructions also cause the processor to broadcast, at a second time, a request for assistance. The request includes the type of assistance needed. The request is broadcast to helper devices that are within a predetermined proximity of the user. Each of the helper devices is associated with a corresponding user that is registered to assist with the particular type of assistance needed. The instructions cause the processor to receive an indication from a helper device that the corresponding user has accepted the help request, determine that the corresponding user has assisted the user, and notify staff that the user has been assisted.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for providing proximity-based assistance includes a communications interface, a processor, and a memory that is configured to store instructions thereon that cause a processor to register, at a first time, a user of the mobile device as needing a type of assistance. The instructions also cause the processor to broadcast, at a second time, a request for assistance. The request includes the type of assistance needed. The request is broadcast to helper devices that are within a predetermined proximity of the user. Each of the helper devices is associated with a corresponding user that is registered to assist with the particular type of assistance needed. The instructions cause the processor to receive an indication from a helper device that the corresponding user has accepted the help request, determine that the corresponding user has assisted the user, and notify staff that the user has been assisted.

Abstract: A mobile communications device for providing proximity-based assistance includes a communications interface, a processor, and a memory that is configured to store instructions thereon that cause a processor to register, at a first time, a user of the mobile device as needing a type of assistance. The instructions also cause the processor to broadcast, at a second time, a request for assistance. The request includes the type of assistance needed. The request is broadcast to helper devices that are within a predetermined proximity of the user. Each of the helper devices is associated with a corresponding user that is registered to assist with the particular type of assistance needed. The instructions cause the processor to receive an indication from a helper device that the corresponding user has accepted the help request, determine that the corresponding user has assisted the user, and notify staff that the user has been assisted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vending machine for enabling a transaction between a user and one of a plurality of remote sources. Vending machine may include a communication interface communicatively coupled with each source. Vending machine may include an input interface for receiving an input regarding the selection of a source. Vending machine may include a speaker and a microphone for audio communication with selected source, as well as a display for providing information related to the transaction from selected source. Vending machine may include a processor that transmits an indication that a source has been selected and establishes, via the communication interface, audio communication. Processor may receive, via the communication interface, a control command from selected source directing a hardware peripheral of vending machine to perform a function. Processor may receive an issuance authorization from selected source. The issuance authorization may cause a transaction item to be issued.

Abstract: A method of updating a didactic information display includes providing information for display on a number of interactive information devices. The method includes receiving and aggregating data related to interactions from users of the number interactive information devices. The data includes a location and a timestamp associated with each of the interactions. Each of the interactions is related to a subset of the information displayed on one of the number of interactive information devices. The method includes determining a most relevant subset of the information for a plurality of sets of parameters and determining a current set of parameters from the plurality of sets of parameters. The method includes communicating a command to a passive display device located remotely from the number of interactive information devices. The command may cause the passive display device to display the most relevant subset of the information based on the current set of parameters.

Abstract: A method of updating a didactic information display includes providing information for display on a number of interactive information devices. The method includes receiving and aggregating data related to interactions from users of the number interactive information devices. The data includes a location and a timestamp associated with each of the interactions. Each of the interactions is related to a subset of the information displayed on one of the number of interactive information devices. The method includes determining a most relevant subset of the information for a plurality of sets of parameters and determining a current set of parameters from the plurality of sets of parameters. The method includes communicating a command to a passive display device located remotely from the number of interactive information devices. The command may cause the passive display device to display the most relevant subset of the information based on the current set of parameters.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that utilize various devices, sensors, and/or systems as data points in a transportation system to establish normal operation of the transportation system and determine when one or more of the devices, sensors, and/or systems provides anomalous data indicative of a problem in the transportation system. Identifying a problem and/or implementing a solution can then be partially or fully automated, to help ensure a quick response and minimal disruption in service.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that utilize various devices, sensors, and/or systems as data points in a transportation system to establish normal operation of the transportation system and determine when one or more of the devices, sensors, and/or systems provides anomalous data indicative of a problem in the transportation system. Identifying a problem and/or implementing a solution can then be partially or fully automated, to help ensure a quick response and minimal disruption in service.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a vending machine with a video communications device includes securing a video communications device with a mounting feature of the video communications device removably coupled with a mounting location on a vending machine. The video communications device includes a video communications module for real-time interactions with a ticket office. The video communications module includes a display, a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. The video communications device includes a video communication device communications interface. The method includes electronically coupling the video communications device with a power supply of the vending machine and communicatively coupling the video communications device with the vending machine such that functions of the vending machine are controllable using the video communications device. The method includes communicatively coupling the video communications device with the ticket office for real-time video communications with the ticket office.