Abstract: Computer-generated images are generated by evaluating point positions of points on animated objects in animation data. The point positions of the points are used by an animation system to determine how to blend animated sequences or frames of animated sequences in order to create realistic moving animated characters and animated objects. The methods of blending are based on determining distances or deviations between corresponding points and using blending functions with varying blending windows and blending functions that can vary from point to point on the animated objects.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing images for display by client systems. A distribution system includes an image server system that is connected to image client systems via a communications link, such as the Internet. The image server system is responsible for providing image packages to the image client systems and for collecting information from the image client systems. Each image client system periodically sends a heartbeat communication to the image server system. Upon receiving a heartbeat communication, the image server system determines the state of the image client system that sent the heartbeat communication and responds appropriately. The response may include instructions for the image client system to retrieve new images, to retrieve software updates, to send usage data, and so on.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to efficiently circumventing the limitations of client side rendering of virtual worlds. In a particular implementation, a proposed system renders each client viewport remotely, removing the burden of rendering a 3D scene from the local client device. 3D viewports, rather than being rasterized on the local client, are instead generated on a remote render device which then transmits a visual representation of the viewport to the client device in a format (including, but not limited to a video stream) which the client can use to display the scene without requiring complex 3D rasterization. This process eliminates the need for the client to have any specialized 3D rendering software or hardware, or to install or download any persistent render assets on the local system. The hardware requirements for the client are therefore roughly equivalent to those needed to play a continuous video stream.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape data creating method associates characteristic points and characteristic axes on an image of a sketch drawn by a designer, or the like, with given points and given axes in a vehicle specs box, and determines the placement position and viewpoint direction of the sketch in a three-dimensional space by selecting combinations (point and point, axis and axis, and point and axis) having the minimum error in correspondence. Then, complex surfaces of given regions depicted in the sketch are created at a time in the three-dimensional space, by forming each cross-section line in a given region depicted in the sketch from a basic line and a fillet joint line, and a fillet joint surface is created between adjacent ones of the created complex surfaces of the given regions so as to join the complex surfaces.

Abstract: An intermediate view synthesis apparatus for synthesizing an intermediate view image from a first image corresponding to a first view and a second image corresponding to a second view different from the first view, the first and second images including depth information, wherein the second image being is divided-up into a non-boundary portion, and a foreground/background boundary region, wherein the intermediate view synthesis apparatus is configured to project and merge the first image and the second image into the intermediate view to obtain an intermediate view image, with treating the foreground/background boundary region subordinated relative to the non-boundary portion. A multi-view data signal extraction apparatus for extracting a multiview data signal from a multi-view representation including a first image corresponding to a first view and a second image corresponding to a second view being different from the first view is also described, the first and second images including depth information.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for enhancing the determination, from a seismic image of at least a portion of a seismic horizon in a three-dimensional domain. The method comprises: receiving the seismic image; receiving a plurality of related control points; defining pseudo-rectangles; for each pseudo-rectangle applying a diffeomorphic transformation F: defining a new domain; transforming points of the seismic image; transforming said pseudo-rectangle into a corresponding rectangle; applying a horizon reconstruction algorithm to the transformed points, to determine a part of a transformed horizon, the reconstruction comprising solving a Poisson equation; and computing a part of the horizon, said computing comprising applying an inverse diffeomorphic transformation F?1 to the determined part of a transformed horizon.

Abstract: A method for encoding vertex orientations, also known as normal components, of a 3D mesh model comprises a first clustering of the normal components, determining for each of the first clusters a sphere sector to which most of its elements belong, mapping normal components to a predefined sector, re-clustering the normal components in the predefined sector into second clusters, determining predictors for the second clusters and encoding a normal component by its residual, a reference to its predictor and data indicating which of said mirror mapping operations were performed. A sphere sector is obtained by dividing a sphere into m equal spherical segments and dividing each of said spherical segments into n equal sectors. The first clustering for the sector mapping and the second clustering for predictive coding result in an improved compression ratio.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer readable medium provide for gesture based map annotation. In the context of a method, an annotation is made to a map that includes a three-dimensional model of geographic elements. The annotation is based on a free-space user gesture and is positioned at an annotation point on a surface of the three-dimensional model of the map. The annotation point is derived from a geographic location and a gesture direction associated with the user gesture.

Abstract: A method of augmenting a video image comprises the steps of estimating the extent of an identified surface captured within the video image and identifying skin pixels within a test area corresponding to the estimated extent of the identified surface within the video image. The method also includes extrapolating positions for skin pixels within the video image that are outside the estimated extent of the identified surface based upon the identified skin pixels, generating a mask from a combination of identified skin pixels and extrapolated skin pixels, and setting an extent of a computer graphic to be superposed substantially on top of the identified surface within the video image. The extent is greater than the estimated extent of the identified surface. The method further includes superposing the graphical augmentation of the video image responsive to the generated mask.

Abstract: A mechanism for express storage of sensor data in response to an indication of a power fluctuation, power brownout or blackout that can affect operation of a microcontroller is provided. Embodiments provide a flash memory having memory space allocated to express storage of the sensor data, and a protocol machine configured to provide the desired information to reserved registers associated with express program/erase operations accessing the allocated memory space.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive to the card data. The automated banking machine includes a sheet accepting device. The sheet accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack. Each sheet is aligned with a sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager, and/or a validation device. Sheets determined to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are processed and stored in the machine.

Abstract: An equipment (21) for the storing of values (23) as banknotes, checks and other documents in sack, comprising one or two filling and sealing units (26a, 26b) for a value sack or value sacks (24a, 24b) to be closed irreversibly, and which is coupled to an interface unit (31) of a deposit and withdrawal machine (22). A transfer safe (27) lodges the filling and sealing unit or units and the value sacks and an introduction unit (42) is connected with the interface unit (31) for transferring the values. The introduction unit (42) includes a stacking device (43) for the values (23) to be stored in sack, a bundling device (44) for bundling the formed stacks and a moving and transferring mechanism (46) for shifting the stacks between the stacking device, the bundling device and the filling and sealing unit or units. A method for making easier and accelerating the operations of account and transport of the stored values is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for removing banknotes from at least one banknote transporting unit (12) and/or for feeding banknotes to the banknote transporting unit (12). The system (10) has a docking station (14) comprising a receiving area (16) secured by a safe for receiving the banknote transporting unit (12) and a control unit (28) for controlling the docking station (14).

Abstract: The complexity of a task is reduced when a user processes a valuable medium, such as sales proceeds, of a plurality of days, on a sales day basis, all at once at a later date. A valuable-medium processing apparatus includes a valuable-medium processing unit that processes a valuable medium, a storage unit that stores therein information on the valuable medium processing, a display unit that displays the information on the valuable medium processing, an input unit for inputting the information on the valuable medium processing, a display control unit that causes the display unit to display information on a no-processing day when the valuable medium was not processed by the valuable-medium processing unit, and a control unit that causes the valuable-medium processing unit to process the valuable medium on a specific no-processing day when the specific no-processing day displayed on the display unit was inputted by using the input unit.

Abstract: A bill counter has two side panels, a bill-in part, a bill-out part, and a detector. The detector has a reflecting board, a lighting element, and an image capturing device. When the bill counter is in use, the lighting element flashes upon the passing of a bill. The reflecting board reflects the flash to uniformly illuminate the bill, and the image capturing device takes images at the same time. Because the image capturing device does not need to be located near the bill, even when the bill is moved slightly by shock, the images taken do not distort greatly, which prevents identification failure. Besides, the image capturing device eliminates the problem of image dragging, such that a mechanism of the bill counter can be simplified and a production cost is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a more secure Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction by preventing observation of banking customers' Personal Identification Number (PIN). Such systems and methods make it difficult to obtain a customer's PIN by tracking the hand movement of a customer using an ATM. Inputs presented for a customer selection are preferably dynamically displayed in different locations preferably each time the customer is asked to enter a PIN. Dynamically changing the sequence of the display and/or location of the presented inputs reduces the possibility of mapping the hand movement of the customer to the positions of the inputs displayed for a customer selection. Inputs may also be presented at a very narrow viewing angle, thereby making observation of a PIN difficult. Hence, banking customers are preferably provided with a more robust and secured ATM transaction system.

Abstract: A method of identifying the left-eye and the right-eye images of a stereoscopic pair, comprising the steps of comparing the images to locate an occluded region visible in only one of the images; detecting image edges; and identifying a right-eye image where image edges are aligned with a left hand edge of an occluded region and identifying a left-eye image where more image edges are aligned with a right hand edge of an occluded region.

Abstract: A vending machine proofed against the pinching of a customer's fingers and with a security feature includes a cabinet, a receiving tray, a shielding board, and gear wheels. The cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door rotatably attached to the cabinet body. A number of merchandise shelves are located in the cabinet body. A through opening is defined in the door. The receiving tray is attached to an inside of the receiving tray and aligned with the through opening. The shielding board covers the through opening and is toothed to allow lowering for access by the customer to the bought merchandise when the internal drop of an item of merchandise is sensed and raising after the sensed removal of the item.

Abstract: A driving device in a vending machine includes a pushing member, a securing member, and a driving assembly. The motor of the driving assembly provides a rotating force which acts on the securing member, and the securing member supports and rotates the helical pushing member, to drive goods out of the vending machine. The style of attachment between the pushing member and the securing member is such that the starting angle of the helical pushing member can be adjusted by unclipping the end of the pushing member with fingertip force from the securing member and reclipping it at a different preferred orientation. The driving device is used for adjusting the appropriate rotation angle of the pushing member.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a game platform and video extension system for a gaming device. The system includes an operating system that provides services to render graphics for the gaming device. Further, the operating system includes an OS video engine and a server. The system also includes a game that includes a game library and game application. The game library includes one or more library video engines. The game application includes one or more game modules, in which each game module is associated with a corresponding library video engine in the game library or OS video engine in the operating system. Additionally, the system enables game modules within the gaming application that have new features which are not supported by the video engine of the game operating system to be instead supported by corresponding library video engines within the game library.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a central controller, a central display which includes a plurality of display segments and a plurality player stations. The display segments are configured to each separately display one of a plurality of games, to co-act to display a plurality of games, or to co-act to display one game. Each player station is configured to enable a player to play one or more of the games displayed by the display segments. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play a group game on the central display, a plurality of players to simultaneously play multiple group games on the central display, and a plurality of players to each simultaneously play multiple individual games on the central display.

Abstract: A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.

Abstract: A gaming system for displaying real-time pushed data of tournament scores is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines connected to a network each having a display capable of presenting a game, wherein each gaming machine enables play of chat-based games. The system also includes a gaming server and a chat server that are connected to the network. The gaming server is in communication with the plurality of gaming machines via the network. The chat server pushes real-time tournament data to the first and second gaming machines for presenting tournament data and on the display to facilitate competition between the first and second gaming machines.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for a reel slot machine includes an interface board and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The interface board is substantially planar, electrically couplable to the reel slot machine, and includes a first electrical connection plug and a second electrical connection plug spaced from the first electrical connection plug. The flexible PCB defines a first end and a second end, the first end and second ends of the flexible PCB are electrically coupled to the first electrical connection plug and the second electrical connection plug, respectively. The flexible PCB bows away from each of the first and second ends to define a bowed primary face facing away from the interface board. The flexible PCB further comprises a plurality of light sources coupled to the bowed primary face. During use, the plurality of light sources selectively illuminate to provide lighting to a reel of the reel slot machine.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising a main cabinet and a computer server, comprising: a mechanism in a main cabinet for selecting and playing, by a player, one or more live casino game(s) from a plurality of live casino games being played at a plurality of tables spaced away from said main cabinet; a mechanism for selecting and playing one or more casino slot machine game(s) by the player, at least one first portion of a first screen in the main cabinet for displaying the live-casino game(s), wherein a results history for each table is displayed to provide a results history display, a second additional portion of a screen in main cabinet for displaying at least one casino slot game(s), the mechanism playing the casino slot machine game(s) is adapted to allow the player to switch between the live casino games and at least one casino slot machine games according to at least the results history display for each table.

Abstract: When a common game condition is established, at least one of the following games is run: a first common game in which a participating gaming terminal is able to win a bonus type more than once and a payout based on a unit payout amount corresponding to the bonus type that the gaming terminal wins is awarded to the gaming terminal; a second common game in which a participating gaming terminal is able to win a bonus type more than once and a payout based on the number of winnings is awarded to the gaming terminal; and a third common game in which one of the participating gaming terminals is able to win one of the predetermined bonus types and a payout is awarded to the gaming terminal which wins said one of the bonus types.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include providing a custom sound design interface. The operations can further include receiving user input via the custom sound design interface, wherein the user input is to design a custom sound for a wagering game machine including presentation instructions for the custom sound. The operations can further include storing the custom sound. The operations can further include receiving, from the wagering game machine, a request for the custom sound. The operations can further include transmitting, to the wagering game machine, the custom sound including the presentation instructions for the custom sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. The system may reveal a single outcome (or other value) using a reveal staircase, in which the outcome is split into different increments each having a different value. In an implementation, the different increments may be revealed randomly or in order of their value. For example, a ten dollar payout may be revealed using four fifty cent reveals, three one dollar reveals, one two dollar reveal, and one three dollar reveal.

Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a static award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein provides streaming symbols game which utilizes a single continuous series or chain of symbols and a plurality of symbol display positions which form a path. Specifically, in various embodiments, the gaming system displays the chain of symbols continuously moving through the path of symbol display positions wherein which symbols are evaluated for any awards corresponds to when the chain of symbols stops moving along the path.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices. Each of the gaming devices enables a player to make wagers on plays of a primary game. For each gaming device, for each occurrence of a designated accumulation outcome, the player of that gaming device accumulates one or more positions on a bonus game display matrix. When a bonus game trigger occurs, the triggering gaming device is identified. In the bonus game, a plurality of symbols are displayed in the plurality of positions of the bonus game display matrix. The player of the triggering gaming device is provided with any awards associated with any winning symbol combinations formed by the displayed symbols. Additionally, for each assigned position of the bonus game display matrix that displays a symbol which is part of a winning symbol combination, a participation award is provided to the player assigned to that position.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a plurality of games on a display device to a player. The outcome of the games are randomly selected and displayed on the display device. For each game: if the outcome is a winning outcome an award is awarded to the player as a function of the outcome, the wager made by the player, and a predetermined paytable and if a triggering condition in the outcome of each game, an other award is responsively awarded to the player if the triggering condition is detected in at least two of the plurality of games.

Abstract: A gaming machine randomly determines symbols to be rearranged on a reel unit in a game in a normal mode, based on a predetermined probability. The gaming machine determines whether the determined symbols include a chance symbol. When it is determined that the symbols include a chance symbol, the gaming machine randomly determines an expecting degree and conducts the shifting to a chance mode. In the game in the chance mode, the gaming machine randomly determines the symbols to be rearranged on the reel unit based on the probability corresponding to the determined expecting degree. When the game is run for a predetermined number of times, the gaming machine ends the chance mode.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a wager-input device for receiving a first wager from a player to play a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game. A display displays a plurality of symbols located thereon during the basic game. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the wager. The plurality of outcomes includes a bonus-triggering outcome. A set of available game-enhancement parameters is displayed and the player is provided an option of submitting a second wager to purchase at least one of the set of available game-enhancement parameters. The set of available game-enhancement parameters provides an enhancement selected from the group consisting of: additional bonus-triggering outcomes providing a higher probability of triggering the bonus game, and enhanced awards during the bonus game.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game having a surrounded symbol award evaluation. Generally, in various embodiments, for a play of the slot game having the surrounded symbol award evaluation the gaming system: (a) displays a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas; (b) determines whether any displayed non-enclosing symbols are surrounded by a plurality of displayed enclosing symbols; and (c) if so, determines any awards based on the surrounded non-enclosing symbol(s). Thus, instead of (or in addition to) using a payline evaluation, a ways-to-win evaluation, a scatter pay evaluation, or any other evaluation of the displayed symbols to determine whether to provide any awards, the gaming system of the present disclosure does so by determining whether a particular type of symbol (such as an enclosing symbol) surrounds another type of symbol (such as a non-enclosing symbol).

Abstract: A container alert system may include an actuator with a generator that creates electrical energy upon activation of the actuator. The system may utilize the electrical energy to transmit a signal to a receiver based on characteristics of the container, such as use of the container, volume of the material in the container, available capacity of the container, material being added to the container, and location of the container.

Abstract: A number of monitoring devices are directed at a path. A controller is electrically coupled to the number of monitoring devices. The controller may be configured to cause video captured by each of the number of monitoring devices to be displayed and/or stored in response to determining that an image of a carrier that was previously present in an image field captured by a first monitoring device of the plurality of monitoring devices that is directed at a starting location of the path is absent from image field captured by the first monitoring device. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to determine whether the carrier travels between successive locations of the path within a certain length of time and to indicate a timing violation when the carrier fails to travel between the successive locations of the path within the certain length of time.

Abstract: Provided is a device for deterring purchase-wear-return of merchandise, particularly women's dresses, by a consumer.

Abstract: A firefighter's safety apparatus includes a first system located in a firefighter's helmet and a second system located at a central station. The first includes a power source, an ambient temperature sensor for relaying ambient temperature information to a microprocessor, a first on/off light source and a second light source coupled to the microprocessor for emitting a status alarm signal when the temperature sensed is above a preset level. An audible alarm is coupled to the microprocessor for emitting an audio signal when the temperature sensed is above the preset level. A manually operated panic switch causes a transceiver coupled to the microprocessor to send a radio signal to the central station if the firefighter is injured or does not move for a preset time and activates the audio alarm. The second system includes a transceiver, a power source and a microprocessor and a power source electronically coupled.

Abstract: A locator assembly is provided. The locator assembly includes an article of wear and a location sending device embedded in the article of wear. A bio-related electric generator is connected to the location sending device for providing power for the location sending device. A system for locating a person and a locating method are also provided.

Abstract: An individual activity monitoring system comprises a microphone configured to receive sounds and convert them to audio signals, a memory configured to store recorded audio signal patterns of water flow events, and a microprocessor coupled to the microphone and configured to receive the audio signals, compare the audio signals to the recorded audio signal patterns, and recognize whether the audio signals represent a water flow event. The microprocessor is configured to reset a reset clock in response to a recognized water flow event, and being further configured to issue an alert notification in response to an absence of a subsequent water flow event after the reset clock exceeds a preprogrammed time period since a last recognized water flow event.

Abstract: A vehicle task reminder device includes a clock, a GPS used indicate location and direction, and a memory used to store predetermined information. The device also includes an emitter used to activate an alarm signal, a processor having circuitry used to set a to do list, sync the to do list with the GPS and the clock, lock the car, cause the emitter to activate the alarm signal when a current time and location correspond to any task of the at least one to do list, check, when the alarm signal is activated, if a task is completed, and deactivate the alarm signal and update the at least one to do list. The processor also compares, upon the turn off of the car engine whether the current location corresponds to the predetermined home address, and asks to update the to do list if correspondence occurs and unlock the car.

Abstract: A security system that can be used in a home, office, or other building in order to generate alarms or take other actions depending on conditions within the building. The security system may rely on sensors within the building which sense various conditions and collect other data. The information learned from the sensors can be communicated to a location outside the building for processing, such as, but not limited to, processing associated with a need to instigate an alarm.

Abstract: An alert network is described. The alert network has a plurality of individual monitoring systems, a plurality of user terminals respectively associated with the individual monitoring systems, alert transmitters in the monitoring systems, for transmitting primary alerts to selected user terminals and/or to other monitoring systems in accordance with parameterized transmission rules, alert receivers in said terminals, and alert propagators in the terminals, capable of selectively propagating received primary alerts to other terminals and or to other monitoring systems as secondary alerts, in accordance with parameterized propagation rules. A method for transmitting and propagating alerts according to corresponding parameters in such a network is also described.

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting and reporting “smash and crash” intrusions is described. The alarm system includes a plurality of intrusion sensors and a security alarm panel in communication with each of the plurality of intrusion sensors at the site of the alarm system. An alarm gateway is provided remote from the security alarm panel, the alarm gateway monitoring the status of the security alarm panel for indications of tampering. A central station is in communication with the alarm gateway and monitors the status of the alarm system, where the alarm gateway sends an alarm condition to the central station when tampering at the security alarm panel is detected.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling automatic opening of a vehicle's trunk through wireless communication between a fob key for the vehicle and a bumper LF antenna disposed in the rear of the vehicle. The apparatus controls the trunk so as to be automatically opened through communication with the bumper LF antenna on the basis of the position of the fob key and the number of receptions of an RF signal, when a fob key holder approaches the trunk for opening the trunk. Alternatively, a sensor module is attached near the trunk (particularly, a lower end center of a rear bumper) and determines whether there is the fob key, thereby allowing the trunk to be automatically opened when a sensing signal is inputted by simple movement.

Abstract: A system for increasing awareness of a driver to traffic-signs on the road is provided herein. The system includes: a sensor attached to a vehicle and configured to determine a type of one or more traffic-signs that are present in a scene containing the vehicle, wherein at least some of the traffic-signs are time-variant traffic-signs which present time-variant visual indicators; and a controller configured to: monitor and analyze, in real time: relative metrics indicative of one or more spatial relations between the vehicle and the one or more detected traffic-signs; and temporal data associated with the time-variant visual indicators of the time-variant traffic-signs; apply one or more decision functions to at least two of: the detected one or more traffic-signs and to the monitored relative metrics, and the temporal data associated with the time-variant visual indicators, so as invoke an action selected from a predefined set of actions.

Abstract: A vehicle gateway device is provided in a vehicle and can update information acquired by communication with outside the vehicle. The vehicle gateway device determines whether the update information acquired by communication with outside the vehicle is information for a vehicle system related to vehicle control, records and manages the update information when it is determined that the update information is information for the vehicle system, and transmits the update information to an information processing unit when it is determined that the update information is not information for the vehicle system. In this way, a recording medium with low memory capacity can be used to update information and information update management can be simplified.