Abstract: A manually operable dispenser for dispensing disposable earplugs. The dispenser includes a housing, index body, and plate. The housing forms an opening for receiving earplugs from a container. The index body includes a handle, hub, guide cone and shield. The hub forms opposing major faces and a plurality of circumferentially arranged bores. The guide cone projects from the upper major face, tapering in diameter to a leading end. A base of the shield is disposed above the leading end opposite the upper major face. A wall of the shield projects radially outwardly to an edge having a diameter greater than a diameter of the leading end. The shield and the handle are rotationally affixed. The hub is rotatably mounted within the opening. The plate is connected to the housing and forms a dispensing aperture. A manually-applied rotational force at the handle selectively aligns individual ones of the bores with the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet and an associated medication dispensing drawer assembly are provided in order to controllably convey and dispense medication. A medication dispensing cabinet may include a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body, a conveyor belt disposed within a first drawer and a plurality of bins operably connected to the conveyor belt and configured to receive medication for movement with the conveyor belt. Each bin may includes an openable support surface which, in one embodiment, is biased to open. In addition, the first drawer may define an opening and the conveyor belt may be configured to move a respective bin into alignment with the opening. The support surface of the respective bin may then be permitted to open and the medication carried by the respective bin may be dispensed through the opening.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising providing a plurality of display positions and selecting a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions. A base pay table is defined and is usable to determine a prize for a winning outcome when a winning outcome associated with a particular prize comprising a defined win combination of x symbols occurs. It is determined whether a winning outcome exists and, during normal game mode, the base pay table is used to determine a particular prize applicable for a winning outcome when the winning outcome occurs. It is also determined whether a trigger condition exists and if the trigger condition is determined, special game mode is implemented during which the special pay table is used to determine a particular prize applicable for a winning outcome when the winning outcome occurs.

Abstract: When the game result of a base game in which symbols 501 are rearranged on a lower image display panel 141 is bonus winning, the execution of a first bonus game in which a selection game is executable for a predetermined number of times is allowed, one of a predetermined number of options associated with selectable game results is selected for each time of the selection game in the first bonus game, and a second bonus game is executed after the end of the first bonus game when in the first bonus game the selection game is executed for the predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A gaming machine 300 includes an input device, a lower image display panel 141, and a motherboard 70. The motherboard 70 executes processes of: (a1) displaying a 29-option selection screen showing 29-option bonuses including a door 2 options on the lower image display panel 141; (a2) when the selection of the door 2 options is received by a switch, selectively executing a 2-option game of executing a predetermined game and awarding a character to a player based on the result of the predetermined game or a 1-option game of immediately providing the game character to the player, and (a3) if the 1-option game is executed in (a2) when the selection of the door 2 options is received by the switch, displaying an indication image along with the 29-option selection screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating attract sequences on gaming machines based on a determined presence of a player through a camera are described. The gaming machine includes a cabinet. The gaming machine further includes a display coupled to the cabinet. The gaming machine includes a user input coupled to the cabinet. The gaming machine includes a video camera coupled to the cabinet, the video camera configured to output video data, wherein the video camera is positioned to capture video data of players walking by the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a master gaming controller. The master gaming controller is configured to receive the video data from the video camera, determine the presence of a player in the vicinity of the gaming machine, and initiate an attract feature based on the determined presence of the player.

Abstract: An operation unit has a touch panel that senses a press, and a button plate disposed above the touch panel, and having a plurality of push buttons, each of which protrudes on a side opposite to a side where the touch panel is disposed. The button plate is provided along a surface of the touch panel, and has a base section having apertures at respective positions where the plurality of push buttons are formed, top surface sections, each of which constitutes corresponding one of the plurality of push buttons and serves as an operation surface, and bending deformable sections, each of which connects, in a freely elastically deformable manner, a peripheral section of corresponding one of the top surface sections and an edge of corresponding one of the apertures formed in the base section.

Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention stores a bet area on which a bet is placed through a gaming terminal and a game value placed as the bet, determines a resulting symbol from a plurality of symbols, rotates the wheel based on an operation of the lever in one of the plurality of gaming terminals, whose lever has been activated, stops the rotation of the wheel so that the pointer points at a symbol arrangement area with the resulting symbol, and awards a payout based on the resulting symbol and the odds set for the bet area in which the bet is placed through the gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: at least one display panel configured to display images of a game, the display panel including a screen facing downward; at least one beam splitter disposed under the display panel and inclined with respect to the screen to partially reflect the images from the display panel into a forward direction; and a controller configured to execute the game and to control the display panel, wherein an image from each of the at least one display panel is reflected by at least one of the at least one beam splitter.

Abstract: A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels.

Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a Player surpasses predetermined game play parameters on a game of an EGM, a bonus game or related game material may be “unlocked” and offered to the Player for download onto the Player's Portable Electronic Device (PED). Upon installation, the game or content may be viewed or played on their PED at a later time and at their leisure.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.

Abstract: A server includes a memory, a network interface configured to receive data related to a game available as part of a gaming system, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the game data via the network interface, determine demand for the game within a gaming environment based on the game data and determine a weighting factor associated with the game based on the demand, and upload the game at one or more gaming machines within the gaming environment based on the weighting factor. The prominence of the game within the gaming environment varies according to the weighting factor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of determining the performance of a gaming device by analyzing the incremental revenue generated by the gaming device. This method may include identifying an analysis period, recording game performance data for a set of gaming devices and a test gaming device during the analysis period, and comparing the recorded data to historical gaming data for the set of gaming devices. Some examples of this method may also include developing parameters for the analysis period and using those developed parameters to normalize the recorded game data for the analysis period prior to comparing the recorded data to the historical gaming data.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking customer activity without need for an extensive interconnecting network. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices that are communicatively isolated from one another. Information, including tracked customer activity, bonus requirements, and in one embodiment, personal information, is stored on a memory device communicable with the gaming devices. This allows implementation of an incentive program at reduced cost because the service devices themselves need not be networked together.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computerized method for an electronic casino game includes starting a round of play of the electronic casino game, and monitoring a user's brain activity. The method includes determining whether at least one component of the user's brain activity exceeds a threshold level, and changing a chance of winning the round of play if the at least one components of the user's brain activity exceeds the threshold level. Changing the chance of winning the round of play may include increasing the chance of winning the round of play.

Abstract: A method of gaming in a gaming system comprising: initiating a bonus game comprising a plurality of levels having a defined sequence; determining a group of participants in the bonus game; associating each participant with a level such that each participant is eligible to a bonus win based on the level with which the participant is currently associated; awarding a bonus win to one of the participants; and associating a subsequent level with each of the participants in response to the bonus win such that each participant is eligible to a subsequent bonus win based on the subsequent level associated with the participant.

Abstract: A gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices linked to a game controller. The linked game controller conducts a linked game in which eligible ones of the gaming devices participate and any award is shared between the participating gaming devices. The linked game controller conducts the linked game by generating at least one game outcome, and evaluating each game outcome based on the number of participating gaming devices.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a computer-implemented method for enabling a player to configure and initiate multiplayer wagering games. The computer-implemented method can include presenting, on a display device of a wagering game machine, a graphical user interface including social contact icons representing social contacts associated with the player, and a multiplayer wagering game icon associated with a multiplayer wagering game. The method can also include detecting input indicating selection of the multiplayer wagering game icon and the social contact icons. The method can also include transmitting, to the social contacts via a network, invitations to participate in the multiplayer wagering game. The method can also include detecting acceptance of the invitations from at least one of the social contacts, and conducting the multiplayer wagering game involving the player and the at least one of the social contacts.

Abstract: An electronic game wherein the user accumulates score which is based upon the appropriateness of the user's moves, regardless of whether the move resulted in a win or lose situation for the user. This approach provides the user with enjoyment of playing the game, but also focuses the user to learn how to make proper moves that would ultimately result in better skills in playing the game. One specific example relates to poker, wherein the user collects chips based upon winning or losing a hand, but at each decision round of playing the hand the user is awarded ProCoins based upon the appropriateness of the user's actions. The user is provided with feedback based upon the user's decisions, rather than based upon winning or losing a hand.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for increasing potential payout opportunities using multiple card indicia representing multiple cards. One embodiment involves determining whether any one or more of a plurality of cards of a poker game having multiple poker hands are to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia representing multiple cards, presenting the plurality of cards of the poker hands, including the one or more of the plurality of cards determined to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia, and identifying a plurality of resulting hands for each of the multiple poker hands that include a multiple card indicia, where each of the plurality of resulting hands includes a different subset of a total of the indicia of the other cards in the respective poker hand and any cards provided with multiple card indicia.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a standard game play mode, and a bonus feature game play mode. The bonus feature mode includes a win chain counter having an integer value. During standard game play mode, the user interface randomly displays a matrix of symbols and the computer calculates the wins based on the matrix of symbols. On appearance of a predetermined number of scatter symbols, bonus feature play commences and a the win chain counter is initialized. During bonus feature play, a winning spin initializes a first win chain, and a first non-winning spin decrements the win chain counter value, after a first win chain is initialized, and prior to a non-winning spin, winning spins are added to the first win chain. Subsequent win chains are generated and terminated by a non-winning spin until the win chain counter is decremented to zero. Then bonus feature game play terminates.

Abstract: At a first point in time, a first game outcome is determined in association with a play of a first game, the determined first game outcome is displayed, any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome is displayed, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game, a second game outcome is determined in association with a play of the second game, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed. At a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game is determined, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and c any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game.

Abstract: A point of sale system capable of operating in an indicia-reading mode or a verification mode is disclosed. In the indicia-reading mode, the point of sale system configures its illumination, imaging, and processing to read indicia as part of a normal checkout process. If triggered by a user or by an event, the point of sale system may operate in a verification mode. In the verification mode, the point of sale system enables the necessary illumination, imaging, and processing to verify an item. This verification includes illuminating the item in a way that causes a noticeable response from a security mark (or marks) on the item. An image of the response may be captured and processed to authenticate/verify the item. The point of sale system may then respond to the verification and/or may store the image/results as a record of the verification.

Abstract: A portable alarm system designed for unoccupied unsecured locations, such as construction sites, machinery, campsites and the like. The alarm system defines a continuous monitoring line about the perimeter of the unsecured location using a plurality of wireless sensors attached to a flexible non-stretchable tape suspended between to vertical poles. The system has motion-sensing/detecting capabilities such that any movement of a housing where the microprocessor of the system is located generates audible/visual alarm. Each of the wireless sensors has a magnet and a transmitter positionable within a predetermined distance from the magnet. If the intruder tampers with the tape and increases the distance between the magnet the transmitter, the alarm is activated as well.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for monitoring a status of a plurality of a merchandise display devices for displaying items of merchandise at respective display positions. For example, the method includes monitoring for a change in a preselected characteristic of a circuit defined by an electrical connection between the security devices and a plurality of nodes and between the nodes and an alarm unit. The method also includes determining whether an item of merchandise has been added to or removed from a respective display position based on a change in the preselected characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, wherein the method includes the steps of a building information model (BIM) of a security system providing a three-dimensional view of a secured area of the security system, including the physical location of any sensors of the security system, an input device of the security system receiving from a user a starting time and ending time of a time interval of interest, and a processor of the security system displaying the three-dimensional view of the secured area, including a time scale showing the starting time on one end of the time scale and the ending time at an opposing end of the time scale and a respective popup of details for each corresponding sensor of at least some sensors of the security system activated during the time interval of interest, each respective popup graphically connected to the physical location of the corresponding sensor within the three dimensional view.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1800) for determining where an object or person is located in an EAS detection zone. The methods involve: simultaneously emitting a first signal from a first emitter and a second signal from a second emitter; concurrently detecting the first and second signals during a first period of time by each of a first detector and a second detector; and determining where the object or person is within the EAS detection zone based on a pattern of a signal output from at least one of the first and second detectors which reflects that at least one of the first and second signals is blocked by the object or person during at least one of a second period of time and a third period of time in which the object or person is traveling through the EAS detection zone.

Abstract: A system is provided, wherein the system includes a fire alarm system within a secured area, a call station of the fire alarm system, and a cellphone that includes at least one fire detection device and that forms a cellular connection with the fire alarm system, wherein the fire alarm system determines a location of the cellphone based upon the cellular connection, and wherein the fire alarm system detects a fire within the secured area and provides instructions through the cellphone for exiting the secured area based upon the detected location of the cellphone.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Such functionality is provided by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. In addition, functionality for gathering configuration information from a previously-installed security system and using that information in a subsequent takeover of that security system is provided.

Abstract: A variety of styles and designs of ornamental enclosures and/or attachments and distinguished by being constructed with one or more of the following products: durable metals, alloys, plastics, composites, ceramics, enamels, similar materials or other durable products or combinations thereof which may be adorned with precious, semiprecious or costume jewels or other decorations and considered as jewelry and will be adapted to enhance the appearance of monitored common emergency alert devices. A free-floating actuator button in the jewelry would be depressed over an common emergency alert device button summoning assistance. Another embodiment of Lovely Life Jewelry could be made with generic internal emergency alert circuitry to connect with existing or future emergency alert services. The purpose of the designer or costume jewelry is to make emergency alert devices more attractive and, therefore, enhance the health, safety and security of the wearer.

Abstract: An alert method and an alert system thereof. The alert method includes: detecting, by a turn detector installed on a steering wheel, a first turn and a second turn of the steering wheel in a predetermined period; generating, by a controller, a first alert signal based on the first and second turns; and when receiving the first alert signal, generating, by an alert device, a first alert message.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring inactive behavior of a monitored person in a monitored zone includes a plurality of monitoring sensors configured to record sensor data. The monitoring sensors are positioned in at least two spatially separated monitored subzones of the monitored zone. The monitoring device further includes an evaluation device including a model module and a test module. The model module produces a first inactivity model in a spatially anonymized manner for a first time period with reference to sensor data in the first time period. The model module produces a second inactivity model for a second time period. At least portions of the second time period are formed later than the first time period. The test module compares the first inactivity model and the second inactivity model and provides a change notification if there is a deviation between the first inactivity model and the second inactivity model.

Abstract: A universal fall detect system and its unique designed sensor as well as methodology to detect the fall event are disclosed. The fall event is detected by measuring relative position, and/or orientation between host body and direction of gravity at the spot where falling event happens. The system can present either as a standalone system or a built-in component with supporting software installed on other devices. The system linked to wide network and wide audience can trigger several emergency response and assistances if needed in time when a falling event happens.

Abstract: A method of monitoring movement and predicting a pattern of an individual by a monitoring system comprising a server and a plurality of occupancy-detecting luminaires in communication with the server comprising the steps of receiving an indication of a detected occupancy of an individual from a luminaire of the plurality of luminaires and determining if the system is presently in a pattern for the individual associated with the indication of detected occupancy. Upon a determination that the system is not presently in a pattern, the indication of detected occupancy is written to a record, the record is compared to a database of patterns, and it is determined if a pattern is identifiable from the record. Upon a determination that the system is presently in a pattern, it is determined whether the indication of detected occupancy complies with the pattern.

Abstract: A device for automatically detecting a change in position beyond a reference position is provided. Preferably the change in position results from a change in height of an object. In the preferred embodiment inclinometers detect a change in position resulting from an electric line or other suspended object that has descended from its reference position.

Abstract: Monitoring a particular home or place of business for activity may provide a remote subscriber with updated information regarding feedback from sensors at the remote location. One example method of operation may include receiving sensor data from one or more sensors that have been activated at the remote location, identifying a subscriber account associated with the sensor data, matching the sensor data with a predefined sensor identifier stored in the subscriber account, and generating a notification to include the predefined sensor identifier and a time reference indicator associated with a time the sensor data was activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a failure monitoring system for monitoring a failure of a substrate processing apparatus that performs a predetermined processing on a substrate to be processed, the failure monitoring system including: an alarm collecting unit configured to collects alarms issued from the substrate processing apparatus; and an analyzing unit configured to analyze the alarms collected by the alarm collecting unit and display, as an image, an alarm issuing frequency in each monitoring period on a two-dimensional space, of which one axis represents an alarm ID that specifies an alarm issuing area and another axis represents a predetermined monitor period.

Abstract: A first data taking section takes first detection results from a first wireless tag reader which detects the come and go of an electronic cassette into and out of a first service zone, and also takes second detection results from a second wireless tag reader which detects the come and go of an electronic cassette into and out of a second service zone. A first alert controller drives a first speaker to start an alert when the first alert controller determines on the basis of the first detection results that the electronic cassette has gone out the first service zone. After the start of alerting, the first alert controller stops driving the first speaker to interrupt the alert when first alert controller determines that the electronic cassette has come in either the first service zone or the second service zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.

Abstract: A medical alarm system includes: a bedside monitor which is configured to transmit alarm information when an abnormality is detected in measured biological information of a patient; a position information measuring device which is configured to transmit medical person position information when position information of a medical person is measured; and an information displaying device which is configured to receive and display the alarm information and the medical person position information. The information displaying device includes an alarm information displaying section and a medical person position information displaying section. When receiving the alarm information, the information displaying device displays the alarm information in the alarm information displaying section and the medical person position information in the medical person position information displaying section.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: A system and method for using an RFID tag to automatically setup and configure a universal remote control to command appliances of various types and various manufacturers.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to control an automated furniture accessory coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. Items of identifying information are provided to a control component based on coupling the automated furniture accessory to the CAN bus of the control component. According to the communication protocol, one or more packets of information are provided to the remote device using a wireless communication device of the control component. The remote device may then be used to control features of the automated furniture accessory, based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the firmware of the remote device may be updated to enable the control component to be coupled to updated automated furniture accessories, and enable the remote device to control such accessories.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided including a housing that removably supports a container. A material is contained within the container. The material is dispensed from the container. The housing includes a wireless communication system that transmits a first set of information related to a user of the dispensing system. An example method of operating the dispensing system is also provided.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver having an integrated interface connections with various vehicle modules for use with various remote electronic devices and a method of programming and using the same. The wireless trainable transceiver is in a vehicle with an integrated interface allowing connection to a human to machine interface and vehicle position determination device, such a navigation system and compass and the wireless trainable transceiver has the ability to change functions associated with preset buttons on the trainable transceiver, depending upon the location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a new remote controlled device having a digital mark is disclosed. A digital representation of the mark is generated and sent to a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) server, along with MCDN account information. The digital mark may be used to retrieve programming codes, which are sent to client-premises equipment (CPE) at an MCDN client identified by the MCDN account information. The CPE may be instructed to reprogram the URC to control the new device using the programming codes. The digital mark may be scanned and sent to the server using wireless telephony service provided by the MCDN service provider.