Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing and outputting toll tickets (35) at toll stations, wherein at an output point (1) a single printed toll ticket (35) is presented to the driver of a motor vehicle for removal at at least two output slots (7-10) arranged at a height offset from each other, wherein the toll-relevant data are printed on the toll ticket (35), wherein in a first step a weight class and a size class of the vehicle (6) approaching the output point are first detected by one or more roadway sensors (12, 13), in a second step a controller is activated after the detection and classification of the vehicle (6), which controller decides the vehicle type, and in a third step a printing command for a printer (2-5) for a first lower or upper output slot is produced in dependence on the detection of the vehicle type, and wherein—an additional subsequent vehicle of the same type (for example, a passenger car) is detected—the printing command is simultaneously also produced for a second lower or up

Abstract: A computer readable medium embodies a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a processing apparatus to perform operations including determining information corresponding to a number of differences in distances between ending points of journeys taken by a vehicle and starting points of consecutive journeys taken by the vehicle, and transmitting one or more representations of the information. Another computer readable medium tangibly includes instructions for, for each of a number of vehicles, receiving one or more scores corresponding to a vehicle, and determining a ranked list containing at least a portion of the scores, and outputting the ranked list. Another computer readable medium includes instructions for, for each of a number of vehicles, receiving information corresponding to a vehicle, using one or more metrics, calculating one or more values from the received information, and communicating one or more representations of the one or more value to one or more entities.

Abstract: Delivery of a wrap package “on the fly” in reply to a vehicle onboard diagnostic (OBD) system triggered event. When a notice of the event is received, a wrap package, including custom content presented within a plurality of cards arranged in one or more linear sequences, is automatically authored. The custom content encompasses, but is not limited to, one or more media types, application functionality and/or e-commerce related services. In one embodiment, the custom content pertains to a specific code generated by the OBD system that corresponds to the event. In another embodiment, the triggered event is an accident.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for diagnosing actuators in a vehicle can improve accuracy and reliability of a failure diagnosis by allowing a diagnostic control apparatus in a vehicle to measure power data and implementing a fast diagnosis by reducing a separation time and a diagnosis time of a measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an error condition is present in a motor vehicle, a discrete state in which the motor vehicle is momentarily situated being ascertained with the aid of a state machine, monitoring functions for ascertaining whether an error condition is present being carried out or not as a function of the ascertained discrete state.

Abstract: A vehicle driver is provided with a display interface a smartphone, tablet, PC, or any telematics or in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle. The display interface presents a real-time target for the driver to follow to maximize fuel economy and safety, achieved by modulating the accelerator pedal appropriately.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for predicting when repair and maintenance needs to be performed on a vehicle. The estimates can be based on one or more of in-vehicle sensor measurements during vehicle usage, external observations such as weather and traffic and road conditions and manually or digitally input maintenance and service reports. The gathered information is compared to information in a database from historical maintenance and service and the resulting damage and costs for those. The information is classified by the type of vehicle and the age and usage of the vehicle. Maintaining and refreshing the information and predictive models in the system is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A system monitors and controls pressure of vehicle parts. The system consists of: a fleet of vehicles, each vehicle of the fleet having a cab and a trailer; a controller maintaining a wireless server and database for the fleet of vehicles; a first cellular device transmitting data to and from an electronic control unit of the cab of each vehicle and the controller; and a second cellular device transmitting data to and from an electronic control unit of the trailer of each vehicle and the controller. The first cellular device and the second cellular device each utilize a publicly accessible cellular network for communication with the controller.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for vehicle includes a housing having a display and a control panel, a control unit connected to the housing, a number of input sensors connected to the control unit for sending input signals to the control unit, and for displaying the input signals on the display, and a number of actuators connected to the control unit for being controlled and actuated by the control unit. The control unit includes an input interface circuit for connecting to the input sensors. The control unit includes an output operation circuit for connecting to the actuators.

Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle preventive maintenance system supports operations related to preventive maintenance of a vehicle by appropriately figuring out a deterioration state of a consumable of the vehicle by utilizing telematics, evaluating a maintenance plan from maintenance results based on the appropriate making of the maintenance plan, and feeding back the evaluation to a next maintenance plan.

Abstract: An electronic lock includes a lock mechanism, an actuator coupled to the lock mechanism and configured to lock and release the lock mechanism, and an actuator control circuit coupled to the actuator. The electronic lock also includes a battery electrically coupled to the actuator, a super capacitor electrically coupled to the battery, and a processor coupled to the actuator, the battery, and the super capacitor. The processor is configured to selectively receive power from the battery and the super capacitor, wherein the processor receives power from the super capacitor when a state of charge of the battery is below a predetermined voltage threshold, and provide control signals to the actuator control circuit to control operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle including: a bluetooth receiver configured to be installed in a vehicle and connected with an electronic system of the vehicle; and a phone including a long-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from a cellular network and a bluetooth transmitter configured to communicate with the bluetooth receiver in the vehicle within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A payment authorized door and/or gate lock system that controls access to a given area through the processing, storage and recollection of data input through a touchscreen user interface.

Abstract: A locker rental system includes electronic lockers centrally managed by a locker manager. The locker manager is in communication with a separate external system, which handles admissions and sales for a venue. Users are provided with a unique external identification (ID) code for purposes such as admission to the venue. Determinative sequences of the external ID codes are provided to the locker manager as validation codes. When the external ID code is scanned, the locker manager validates the external ID code using the validation codes. A valid external ID code may be used to rent and access lockers in the locker system. In some implementations, locker rights may be sold through the external system and details of the transaction provided to the locker manager. If the external ID code is valid, the locker manager generates a rental plan.

Abstract: A locker rental system includes electronic lockers centrally managed by a locker manager. The locker manager is in communication with a separate external system, which handles admissions and sales for a venue. Users are provided with a unique external identification (ID) code for purposes such as admission to the venue. Determinative sequences of the external ID codes are provided to the locker manager as validation codes. When the external ID code is scanned, the locker manager validates the external ID code using the validation codes. A valid external ID code may be used to rent and access lockers in the locker system. In some implementations, locker rights may be sold through the external system and details of the transaction provided to the locker manager. If the external ID code is valid, the locker manager generates a rental plan.

Abstract: There is a need to effectively determine which users should be given priority for using a public service. A way of improving the public service can be to acquire information on congestion degree in use of the public service, to determine whether the congestion degree is higher than a specified level or not, and to transmit information that urges cease of the use of the public service being used to users who have higher utilization of the public service than other users among a plurality of users if the congestion degree is higher than the specified level.

Abstract: A method of and system for obtaining a user response to a query such as a political poll. A query is displayed to a user on a touch screen of a computing device. The computing device detects a finger touch of the user on the touch screen, the finger touch proving a location, a movement vector, an intensity, and a hold time. Then, the computing device determines a user response to the query as a function of the location, the movement vector, the intensity, and the hold time.

Abstract: A method of illumating an item is disclosed. The method includes applying adhesive to the item, interspersing a taggant in the adhesive, illuminating the item with an excitation signal, sensing luminescence emitted by the taggant in response to illumination by the excitation signal, and determining the authenticity of the item based on the sensed emitted luminescence. The item can include any item benefited by authentication, and can include a postage stamp. A method of customizing an item is disclosed. This can include the steps of preparing a substrate, applying a security feature to the substrate, printing non-customized information on the substrate, receiving image information, and printing the image information on the substrate.

Abstract: An image processing method corrects an image acquired from a medium exposed to ultraviolet light and makes parts printed with UV ink easily recognizable. A control device acquires a first image captured by an image sensor from a check exposed to visible light, and acquires a second image captured by the image sensor from the check when exposed to ultraviolet light. The control device generates a first edge image by applying an image processing filter that extracts edges in the first image, and generates a second edge image by applying an image processing filter that extracts edges in the second image. The control device then finds common edges where a first edge extracted in the first edge image and a second edge extracted in the second edge match each other, removes the common edges from the second edge image, and outputs a second image from which the common edges are removed.

Abstract: A coin holder device 12 that includes a transparent front sheet 20 that contains receptacles 18 and first and second major surfaces 28 and 30. The receptacles 18 are recessed into the sheet 20 to project out from the second major surface 30. A backer sheet 22 has first and second major surfaces 32 and 34 and openings 36 that extend through the sheet 22. The openings 36 correspond in location to the receptacles 18 in the front sheet 20. The backer sheet 22 is removeably positioned over the receptacles 18, enabling the second major surface 30 to be juxtapositioned against the first major surface 32. The first major surface 32 has coin indicia 38 proximate the openings 36 indicative of the coin to be placed in the respective receptacle 18. The coin holding device is beneficial in that it allows custom-tailored coin holders to be supplied easily over the internet.

Abstract: A medium dispensing device including a storage section that stores a sheet shaped medium, a conveying section that conveys the medium, plural dispensing ports that dispense the medium, an instruction reception section that receives from plural external terminal devices instructions related to dispensing the medium, a controller that, based on the instructions, feeds out the medium from the storage section and conveys the medium to a dispensing port using a conveying section, and a notification section that notifies a correspondence between the terminal device that the instruction is received from and the dispensing port for dispensing the medium. The notification section is equipped with a display section that displays characters, graphics, symbols, images, hue, or brightness, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A management method for transactions done by at least one automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2), includes the following steps: detecting a malfunction during a transaction of a first automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2) with a user of the first automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2), the malfunction creating a harm for the user, generating an identifier, at least part of the identifier being specific to the detected malfunction and the identifier (28) being intended to be introduced into a second automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2), the introduction making it possible for the second automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2) to take an action to compensate the harm suffered by the user, and creating a ticket including the identifier.

Abstract: An article ejecting device of an automatic vending machine includes an article storage rack having an article storage passage for storing articles while being laid sideways, a base board forming one side of the article storage passage, a first stopper member movable between a protruding position in which the first stopper member protrudes toward the article storage passage and a retractable position in which the first stopper member is retracted from the article storage passage, a second stopper member movable between a protruding position in which the second stopper member protrudes toward the article storage passage and a retractable position in which the second stopper member is retracted from the article storage passage, and an outlet adjustment member forming another side of the article storage passage. The first stopper member includes an article placement surface having a holding portion holding the first vending article in a rolling manner.

Abstract: A removal head with improved performance in terms of reading pharmaceutical information. The removal head of the present invention comprises a movement path component, a first braking component, and a sensor. The movement path component moves a substantially cylindrical pharmaceutical container that has an identification label and that has been taken out of a pharmaceutical container holding cassette that holds pharmaceutical containers. The first braking component is provided to the end of the movement path component, and stops the pharmaceutical container that has moved along the movement path component at a specific location. The sensor reads the identification label of the pharmaceutical container whose movement has been stopped at a specific location by the braking component. The movement path component has a movement face that moves along the movement path of the pharmaceutical container, and the movement face has a contact component that comes into contact with the pharmaceutical container.

Abstract: A parking meter accessory for retrofitting a parking meter for wireless communication comprises at least one support for attachment to an external surface of at least a portion of the parking meter and at least one processing device configured for wireless communication, where the at least one support is configured to support the at least one processing device. A retrofitted wireless parking meter including the accessory, a processing center for the wireless payment of parking tickets, a processing center to process remote payment for parking in a parking space, initiated by the smart device, a portable smart device for wireless payment for parking, and a method of retrofitting a conventional parking meter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for race horse management, such as endurance race horse management, in a racing contest environment through portable devices, websites, and mobile applications by providing ability for individuals to obtain information related to the general condition of one or more of a number of horses. The systems and methods for race horse management in a racing contest environment provide information on the health and ability of a horse to race and access thereto by to race officials and authorized users of the system. The systems and methods for managing horses in a racing contest environment also provide an online platform environment for receiving requests from a client side application or hardware, such as received from a mobile application or website, and for transmitting data by a server side application or hardware, related to data associated with a number of horse(s) and/or the racing contest environment.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine, including systems and methods, for providing one or more bonus features which in some embodiments include the display of a bonus array over a symbol displayed in a cell of the underlying game array.

Abstract: A specialized slot machine for conducting a wagering game using real time or live action event content are disclosed.

Abstract: A universal player tracking system includes a gaming machine interface. The interface is connected to a communication port of a gaming machine and is configured to connect with a mobile device. The system further includes a remote host, such as one or more servers. The host is independent from any local casino network and communicates with the interface and/or mobile device to receive game play information from the gaming machine and/or to provide information to those devices.

Abstract: A promotional game is conducted over participants' cell phones. During a play period, a participant advances on a virtual game board using cell phone commands. During the player period drawing entries are generated proportional to play on electronic gaming devices, play of the promotional game, or retail purchases. Some players receive a multiplier for their drawing entries to enhance chances of winning the promotional game. In one embodiment, the multiplier is removed for a player after a cutoff threshold for prizes awarded to that player is reached.

Abstract: A gaming system and its operations include, for instance, providing, for presentation via one or more electronic display devices, first digital content for a first application. The first application is independent from a second application that concurrently presents second digital content. The operations can further include intercepting, by the first application via an application communication interface associated with the second application, data associated with the second digital content. The operations can further include determining, based on evaluation of the data associated with the second digital content via an electronic processing unit of the gaming system, a relationship between an aspect of the first digital content and an aspect of the second digital content. The operations can further include causing, by the first application via the electronic processing unit, the second application to automatically modify presentation of the second digital content in response to determining the relationship.

Abstract: A kiosk for gaming by patrons. An identification scanner may scan an identification document into digital form. A biological sensor such as a camera may obtain biological data describing a human patron. Input-output device(s) mounted in the kiosk may present information and accept registration/login information and gaming commands from a human patron. A currency acceptor and dispenser may accept money. The kiosk may ask a patron to insert an identification document into the identification scanner, and scan the document. The kiosk may obtain biological data describing the patron. The kiosk may verify the identity of the patron and acceptability of the patron for gaming based at least in part on the digital form of the patron's identification and the biological data. The kiosk may accept currency for deposit into a wagering account.

Abstract: In a method of wagering, one or more primary bettors place wagers having an applicable base take-out or rake rate, and thus yielding a base payout for winning wagers. One or more secondary bettors may place wagers having an applicable modified take-out or rake rate (preferably lower than the base take-out or rake rate), thus yielding a higher payout for winning wagers than the base payout. The wagering may occur relative to card games such as poker, or other types of games or events, including sports betting. Bets may be placed with a host, such as a casino or track, or an off-track entity.

Abstract: Gaming machines and methods of presenting a game on a gaming machine include receiving a monetary value from the player at the gaming machine as credits usable at the gaming machine and presenting a plurality of slot reels on an electronic display, the plurality of slot reels each comprising a plurality of symbols. It is determined whether a split feature is triggered in the wagering game via a random number generator. When the split feature is triggered, one or more of the plurality of slot reels is split into two or more slot reels. An outcome of the symbols is randomized on the plurality of slot reels via the random number generator and the symbols on the slot reels are displayed to spin. The symbols are evaluated on the plurality of slot reels for winning outcomes; and monetary awards are provided to the player for the winning outcomes.

Abstract: A game of chance for a first player and a second player implementable on a computing device. The game includes a presenter to present the game to the first player and the second player and where the first player reveals a first set of winning symbols associated with a first monetary prize and the second player reveals a second set of winning symbols associated with a second monetary prize and where a combined set of the first winning symbols and the second set of winning symbols is associated with a third monetary prize and where the third monetary prize is greater than the sum of the first monetary prize and the second monetary prize. The game also includes a social trader to coordinate social interaction between the first player and the second player to negotiate a distribution of the third monetary prize between the first player and the second player.

Abstract: A parlay card sweepstakes opportunity is presented to a player via a web site hosted by a computer system. The parlay card sweepstakes opportunity may include one or more player-selectable parameters for the selection of previously generated pre-populated parlay cards associated with the sweepstakes opportunity. The pre-populated parlay cards may be stored in a data store that is accessed upon receiving a parameter selection from the player. The pre-populated parlay cards include a plurality of events as well as predicted outcomes for these events. A particular pre-populated parlay card may be selected from the plurality of previously generated pre-populated parlay cards and presented to the player via the web site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for administering game play include displaying an electronic reel simulation including a multiple reel array for a wagering game on a display. A user input indicates a selected play option from a plurality of play options. All play options enable all displayed positions of the multiple reel array to be considered in winning outcomes. A game outcome is determined and presented as game symbols on the display. Winning combinations of the game symbols are determined, wherein each winning combination includes three or more matching game symbols appearing in the displayed positions on each of three or more adjacent reels and at least one of the three or more matching game symbols is not used in another winning combination. A payout is determined and multiplied by a multiple correlated to the selected play option when a substitute multiplier symbol appears as one of the game symbols.

Abstract: Gaming systems, devices and methods are set forth which provide for the selection and application of modifiers to game outcomes. The modifiers confer different functionalities to base game symbols or an augmenting functionality to alter or provide an outcome.

Abstract: A video poker gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a method of playing a poker game including a plurality of cards displayed to a player where the cards are drawn from a deck of fifty-two cards including at least one modifier card. The gaming device deals a first draw of the cards to form a player's hand. Any multiplier cards in the player's hand are replaced by a non-multiplier card. The gaming device enables the player to hold any of the cards in the hand and then determines if any winning card combinations are indicated by the non-multiplier cards in the hand. An award associated with any indicated winning card combinations is provided to the player. The award is multiplied by the multipliers associated with any multiplier cards in the player's hand.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus has: a) a base wagering game apparatus comprising a processor, symbol display component and player input controls; and b) a secondary game element visible from the base wagering game, wherein the secondary game element comprises a see-through container that is liquid proof, a fluid source and a pump to move fluid into and out of the see-through container; wherein winning outcomes in the base wagering game causes the pump in the secondary game element to change a visible volume of liquid within the container so that a changed level of liquid within the container can be seen, and when a predetermined level of liquid is attained within the container, a bonus payment or bonus game is initiated as a resolution of wagers placed through the player input controls.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of optimizing at least one performance variable, such as revenue or profitability, indicative of the performance of a casino. An initial set of operating parameters is set. At least one environmental variable, such as traffic, weather, time, cost of transportation, etc. are monitored as is the performance variable. An artificial intelligence program changes operating parameters, such as player-tracking rewards, bonuses, comps, advertising, etc. The program determines the effect of the change, and further changes the operating parameter as a function of the effect and the environmental variable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an automated teller machine (“ATM”) currency stamper are provided. The currency stamper may be configured to mark currency retracted by the ATM. The mark may include one or more attributes of the currency. The mark may include transaction information associated with a dispensing and/or retraction of the currency. Marked currency may be stored in the ATM. Marked currency may be scanned. A scanning of marked currency may read the attributes of the currency and the transaction information included in the mark. The scanning of the marked currency may erase the mark. A value of the marked currency may be calculated. The value may be determined based on the currency attributes and transaction information included in the mark applied to the currency.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a commodity sales data processing apparatus includes a portable data processing terminal which is loaded with a battery and carries out data processing relating to commodity sales, and a docking station which is arranged separately from the data processing terminal and comprises a printer, a port, a power supply unit and a control unit. The port is used to connect with the data processing terminal. The power supply unit supplies electric power to the data processing terminal that is connected with the port and to the printer. During the period the printer is printing, the control unit carries out a control processing for prohibiting charging the battery loaded in the data processing terminal that is connected with the port with the electric power supplied from the power supply unit.

Abstract: A security system is provided. The security system includes a control panel located within a secured space, a plurality of sensors coupled to the control panel that detect security events within the secured space, a user interface within the secured area coupled to the control panel, a camera located in the user interface that collects video images in the secured space surrounding the user interface upon activation of one of the plurality of sensors, a sound transducer located in the user interface, a programmed processor within one of the user interface and the control panel that supports VoIP calls between a called or calling party and the user interface and a control button on the user interface that activates a VoIP connection with a called or calling party through the user interface and control panel.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring based on an LED lighting device is provided. The system includes a smart terminal configured to check regularly data and status of the LED lighting device stored in a cloud server and a wireless router configured to provide a wireless network. The LED lighting device includes a Wi-Fi module and a microwave sensor module, where the Wi-Fi module is configured to connect the LED lighting device to the wireless network, perform real-time data acquisition on the microwave sensor module, and upload the acquired data to the cloud server in real time; and the microwave sensor module is configured to detect object movement within an effective range. Further, the system includes the cloud server configured to receive information about an abnormal object moving within the effective range sent from the Wi-Fi module, and send the received information to the smart terminal.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure detector for a fire alarm system includes a housing having an internal surface defining an interior volume. Also included is an alarm switch located within the interior volume of the housing and comprising a first deformable diaphragm responsive to an increase in pressure of a gas disposed in a sensor tube to indicate an overheat condition. Further included is an integrity switch located within the interior volume and comprising a second deformable diaphragm disposed in contact with an electrical contact during pressurization of the gas within a predetermined pressure range and in an electrically open condition when the pressure of the gas is less than the predetermined range. Yet further included is a mica sleeve located within the interior volume of the housing and disposed along at least a portion of the internal surface of the housing to insulate the alarm switch and the integrity switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for reliably detecting gunfire in enclosed spaces having significant acoustic reverberation. Implementations are configured to quickly and reliably report the room or portion of a room where gunfire is located. Innovations herein may ensure low false alarm rate by thresholding, pattern recognition and/or detecting the muzzle optical flash. In some embodiments, a review center with trained personnel may evaluate the incident before reporting to local authorities. The indoor system can be incorporated into an outdoor gunshot location system to better protect a local area such as a campus or a transportation hub. Systems and methods herein may involve features and functionality associated with additional resources, such as intercoms, cellphones, and access control, to provide mitigation of harm in case of a shooting.

Abstract: A method and system architecture for automation and alarm systems is provided. An intelligent fire detection sensor is provided that provides input data to a gateway device for processing and facilitates two-way communication with users and a third-party monitoring service. The system architecture is hierarchically organized, allowing devices to process system data differently at different levels of the hierarchy. Processing of at least some of the sensor data is overseen by the gateway device, which may determine, based on the processing, to activate one or more secondary sensors at the fire detector (such as an optical camera). The gateway device and fire detection sensor may interact cooperatively to process voice commands and/or gesture data, and to recognize false alarms.

Abstract: An object locator system comprises a transmitter comprising circuitry to generate and emit a radio frequency interrogation signal representing one of a plurality of unique codes, a plurality of receivers each recognizing one of the plurality of unique codes and each comprising an audible indicator triggered by recognition of the unique code in the interrogation signal, and a dry erase surface coupled to the transmitter. The dry erase surface may be coupled to the transmitter through a moveable panel. The panel can be coupled to a casing of the transmitter. An alternate mechanism for coupling the dry erase surface to the transmitter is through a transmitter docking pad. The front surface area of the transmitter docking pad is greater than the front surface area of the transmitter with at least 20% of the front surface area of the transmitter docking pad covered by the dry erase surface.