Abstract: An actuation system used to actuate one or more buttons on a remote control device, such as a key fob, based upon commands that are generated from a mobile device. The actuation system includes an isolation enclosure that prevents RF signals from entering into or leaving an open interior of the enclosure. The enclosure surrounds a controller, a button actuator and the remote control device. The controller receives the command signals from the mobile device and converts the command signals into position commands that are used to activate the button actuator to move the plunger into alignment with one of the buttons on the key fob. The button actuator moves the plunger into contact with one of the buttons which generates an RF signal from the key fob. The controller utilizes a transmitting antenna to communicate a vehicle command signal out of the isolation enclosure for receipt by the vehicle.

Abstract: A device (10) for sorting coins (31) has at least first and second receiving containers (20) for receiving coins (31) and a separating unit (14). Further, a transport unit (18) for transporting coins (31) to the receiving containers (20) is provided and has a first transport section (52) arranged between the separating unit (16) and the first transport container (20). The transport unit (18) also has a second transport section (54) between the first receiving container (20) and the second receiving container (20). A first sensor (62) for detecting coins (31) is arranged in the first transport section (52) and a second sensor (64) for detecting coins (31) is arranged in the second transport section (54). A control unit (24) determines the number of coins (31) fed to the first receiving container (20) dependent on the information obtained from the first sensor (62) and from the second sensor (64).

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic multilayer system (1) which is arranged on a substrate (6) which is made of a material from the group consisting of a plastic from the group of polymers, metal, metal alloy and paper and/or which is at least one element from the group consisting of a document and packaging. The invention further relates to packaging which comprises such a magnetic multilayer system (1). According to the invention, the multilayer system (1) is used for proving the authenticity of an object. Likewise according to the invention are a method for marking an object with a magnetic multilayer system for proving the authenticity of an object and a method for reading a magnetic multilayer system for proving the authenticity of an object.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are provided for implementing an item pusher apparatus with channel-based shuttle displacement detection. One example method includes determining a position of a channel engagement member affixed to a shuttle, where the shuttle is movable and configured to at least exert a force on an item to urge the item towards a stopping member. The channel engagement member is configured to at least physically interface with as channel defined such that movement of the shuttle alone a defined movement path causes movement of the channel engagement member in a direction that is nonparallel to the defined movement path in at least one plane. Example systems apparatuses, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive a plurality of items and an access assembly configured to prevent unauthorized user access to the interior portion of the dispenser while providing selective access to certain items in response to input received from an authorized user. According to various embodiments, the access assembly comprises a pair of flexible barriers coupled to a sliding door assembly, which includes one or more lockable access doors. Together, the door assembly and flexible barriers prevent access to the interior of the dispenser when in a locked configuration and permit access to certain items when in an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a rotary internal transport system within the temperature controlled compartment so as to dispense a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed therein.

Abstract: A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates.

Abstract: A plurality of gaming terminals each having a terminal display on which a plurality of symbols are provided, a plurality of upper displays forming a single common effect display screen which is constituted by gaming terminal areas corresponding to the respective gaming terminals, and a center controller are provided. When the common game starts, the center controller displays a common game start effect image on a common effect display screen and transmits a common game start effect image display command to the gaming terminals so that the common game start effect image divided for respective gaming terminal areas is displayed on the terminal display of each of the gaming terminals corresponding to the gaming terminal areas.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for operating wagering game machines are disclosed. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a first display device that is configured to display aspects of the wagering game. The first display device includes a touchscreen configured to receive user inputs. The gaming machine also includes a second display device that is configured to display a plurality of user-selectable elements. The second display device is further configured to display a selection mechanism in response to a first user input received from a user via the touchscreen of the first display device. The second display device is also configured, in response to a second user input received from the user via the touchscreen of the first display device, to display the selection mechanism selecting at least one of the displayed user-selectable elements.

Abstract: A method of populating symbol spaces on a gaming device includes providing a plurality of designated spaces arranged to display a plurality of symbols, wherein one of the designated spaces is populated with a symbol from the plurality of symbols by moving the symbol from an initial location, to a final location within the designated space, wherein the game outcome is at least partly dependent on the final location of the symbol.

Abstract: Systems for making a side bet in a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. The side bet is made in regards to the play of the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and can be made using a real world credit, a game world credit or a game world element. If the side bet is made using a real world credit, the real world credits used by the gambling game portion of the hybrid game and credited to a player are incremented or decremented. If the side bet is made using a game world element, the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is updated based on the outcome of the side bet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intermediary gaming trusted electronic device for use with an untrusted PED may include a position sensor configured to acquire position information, a memory configured to store at least game session data, and a processor configured to at least: securely communicate with a gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver; securely communicate with the associated untrusted PED; determine whether a gaming session is permitted based on the position information; receive gaming data from the gaming apparatus if it is determined that the gaming session is permitted; transmit presentation data to the associated untrusted PED for presentation on a display of the associated PED, wherein the intermediary gaming trusted device is able to support interaction between the gaming apparatus and the associated untrusted PED so that the associated untrusted PED, when coupled to the intermediary gaming trusted device, can execute a gaming software.

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 skill-based actions 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 skill-based actions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. The system may reveal an outcome of a real-world wager through the skill-based action, which is required to claim a value of the reveal. The skill-based action may include an action that requires interaction from a user and for which is not completely dependent on chance for the user to achieve the action.

Abstract: A skill-based bonusing interleaved wagering system is disclosed, including an interactive controller configured to: communicate application telemetry; receive a wager outcome; receive an application resource; initiate a portion of the interactive controller that provides the bonus goal; communicate additional application telemetry; receive and display bonus wager outcome; a wager controller constructed to: receive the wager request; determine a wager outcome; communicate the wager outcome; receive bonus wager request; determine a bonus wager outcome; and communicate bonus wager outcome; and the application controller operatively connecting the interactive controller and the wager controller, the application controller constructed to: receive application telemetry; determine whether to trigger a wager; communicating wager request; receive and communicate the wager outcome; determine and communicate the application resource; communicate a bonus goal offer; receive additional application telemetry; determine whe

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for an integrated loyalty program and game mechanic. When a customer makes a purchase of physical products from a merchant, membership in the merchant's loyalty program can be rewarded with a digital (virtual) asset for use in a computer game. The merchant can also advertise digital assets as loyalty program rewards in the game to persuade customers to purchase physical products from the merchant. In one aspect, the game is maintained by the merchant. In another aspect, the merchant enters into a partnership with an owner of a third party game.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for site-wide and/or community jackpots.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice, and enabling repetition of such award-enhancing opportunities based on the dice results until a terminating event occurs using the die/dice. Award-enhancing opportunities can be accumulated during the repetition, whereby payout opportunities of the gaming event from which the dice activity was initiated may be enhanced.

Abstract: A game is executed in a normal round, in a first-type free round, and in a second-type free round. The normal round is executed with a first symbol set including a plurality of symbols. The first-type free round is executed with a second symbol set that includes at least one first symbol in addition to the symbols in the first symbol set. The second-type free round is executed with a third symbol set that includes at least one second symbol in addition to the symbols in the first symbol set, the at least one second symbol being different from the at least one first symbol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and system for providing card game services. The method includes entering a virtually implemented game room to play a card game provided over the Internet, participating in the card game according to predetermined rules of the card game, setting a betting action depending on a situation of the card game in advance during the card game, and playing the game by automatically entering the set betting action on a relevant turn. The system includes at least one user terminal for playing a card game over an Internet, and a game provision server for implementing a virtual game room, enabling a betting action to be selected during the game through input from the user terminal, and automatically taking the selected betting action on a relevant turn.

Abstract: A computer activity-based challenge may be posted by a computer system to a social network associated with a user of the computer system. A notification may be received from the social network by the computer system indicating acceptance of the challenge for each subscriber of the social network who accepts the challenge. A result obtained by each subscriber who accepted the challenge may be recorded by the computer system after receiving the result from the social network. In some implementations a value associated with the challenge may be updated using dynamic scoring.

Abstract: A gaming method including conducting a first game at a first gaming device for a first player; conducting a second game at a second gaming device for a second player; modifying play of the first game based on play of the second game; and modifying play of the second game based on play of the first game.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in poker gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice to determine award-enhancing opportunities based on the dice results for a poker game played on a gaming device. Award-enhancing opportunities can be accumulated during multiple bonus rounds, or single bonus rolls of dice may be used to determine multipliers or other modifiers to enhance awards received in the poker games.

Abstract: A system and machine-implemented method for facilitating simulation of game play for playing a game, the method including receiving one or more wagers from a user on one or more outcomes of the game, the one or more wagers relating to one of a point total of a first hand and second hand or a condition regarding the values of each of the first hand and the second hand, initiating a randomization event to generate an outcome for the game, the randomization event being generated using a spin of a plurality of randomizer units. Determining the outcome of one or more of the plurality of randomizer units to determine an outcome from the one or more wagers and settling the one or more wagers according to the outcome.

Abstract: A gaming machine that is capable of achieving respectively different game patterns at a time of a bonus game is provided. A main CPU displays a selection screen in a case where a feature game trigger is established, and causes a player to select either one of a free game and a roulette game. In a case where the free game is selected, a total of values that correspond to BONUS symbols that correspond to the feature game trigger is determined as the number of free games. The main CPU conducts lottery processing for determination of symbols and lottery processing for determination of BONUS symbol values. The values that correspond to the BONUS symbols are added on one by one basis, and a progress of obtaining the number of free games is displayed as effect on a video display unit.

Abstract: In a gaming machine having virtual reels, certain symbols are modified to identify feature units associated with that particular symbol. The feature units carry over for multiple games until extinguished by being used. If a symbol having one or more feature units is involved in a winning combination, the function associated with its feature units, such as an award multiplier, is applied to the player's award. The symbols adjacent to a winning combination of symbols, or the symbols in the winning combination, may be augmented with a feature unit. A symbol accumulating a certain number of feature units may become a wild symbol. By continuing to accumulate feature units over many games, the symbols progressively become more valuable, and the player is incentivized to keep playing the machine. When the player cashes out, the feature units are extinguished.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine which can provide games that are prevented from progressing monotonously and thus can provide a player with a feeling of tension, thereby facilitating the consumption of more gaming media. A currently played chance game is discontinued and the chance game is started afresh from the first game under the condition that a second symbol appears on a symbol display unit upon the number of games being less than a predetermined number in the chance game mode.

Abstract: In further development of U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,540 B1, an audible signal device comprising of a microprocessor or microcontroller and a sounder element, or a microprocessor or microcontroller in conjunction with electronic circuitry such as discrete components, inductors, or IC's with a sounder element where the resulting sound pressure level is controlled by changing the drive signal's frequency, size, shape, and/or duty cycle.

Abstract: Systems and method of providing beacon-based notifications are provided. More particularly, an identifying signal can be received from a beacon device. A geographic location of a user device can be determined based at least in part on the identifying signal. At least a portion of time-based contextual beacon data can then be obtained based at least in part on spatial-temporal data associated with a user. One or more notifications associated with the contextual beacon data can then be determined. The one or more notifications can indicative of information corresponding to the beacon device, and can be provided for display on a user device.

Abstract: A long time monitoring and self-powered solar light-emitting diode (LED) lamp wireless sensor device, capable of monitoring bridge, building or structure in real-time. The device comprises a substrate, at least one LED lamp bead, a rechargeable battery, a solar cell, at least one wireless communication module, at least one sensor and a control unit. The device is contained in a casing having a transparent region and a waterproof function. The solar cell stores energy into the rechargeable battery in sunshine environment, and by comparing the sensing value with a threshold, it is determined whether a safety issue occurs, so as to emit alert. In the night, the rechargeable battery supplies power to the LED lamp beads for illumination or decoration lighting of the structure. Wireless communication links the entire system for providing safety monitoring information, LED lighting or decoration instruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with envelopes in audio signals are disclosed. One disclosed system for outputting haptic effects includes a processor configured to: receive an audio signal; determine an envelope associated with the audio signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the envelope; and output a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.

Abstract: A haptic switch includes: (a) a force sensor responding a mechanical stimulus by providing a sensing signal; (b) a processing circuit receiving the sensing signal and providing a control signal; and (c) an electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuator receiving the response control signal and providing a haptic response. The force sensor and the EMP actuator may each be provided on a flexible circuit covered by a protective layer overlying the flexible circuit. The haptic switch may include a graphic layer on which is provided a symbol representing a key. In that haptic switch, the symbol, the light source, the EMP actuator and the force sensor are aligned such that the light source illuminates the symbol and such that, when a user pushes on the symbol, the user's push applies a pressure on the force sensor and the EMP actuator's haptic response is provided in the vicinity of the force sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for providing information to a user are provided. The method includes providing at least one user indicator device in operable communication with the user for providing non-visual and non-verbal communications to the user, and enabling information to be received by the user indicator device from a remote source. The method further includes communicating information to the user via the user indicator device in a non-visual and non-verbal way that may be substantially indicative of at least one instruction for the user so the user can operate in one or more environments in conformance with the information provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the security of an area, a corresponding security monitor device and a wireless access device. The method comprises steps of: determining whether there is at least one first mobile device accessing a wireless access device that serves said area; starting to monitor a breach of security conditions, if there is no at least one first mobile device accessing the wireless access device; and, generating an alarm signal and sending said signal to one of said at least one first mobile device, if the breach of security conditions is detected. With this method, it does not need the host to turn on the security monitoring device every time he leaves home and effectively eliminates the possibility of forgetting to turn on the security monitoring procedure by the user, making the security device more reliable and convenient.

Abstract: Systems and methods that address the gap, security, and robustness limitations of known door and window contact systems and methods without increasing the overall cost thereof are provided. A system can include a time of flight sensor for mounting in or on a first portion of a window unit or a door unit and a microcontroller unit in communication with the time of flight sensor. The sensor can measure a time for a signal to travel from the sensor to a second portion of the window unit or the door unit and back to the sensor, the sensor can transmit the measured time to the microcontroller unit, and the microcontroller unit can use the measured time to make a security determination.

Abstract: A security wrap (20) for protecting an electronic component includes a substrate (22) having a first side and a second side opposite to each other. A security screen (26) is disposed over the first side of the substrate (22) and includes a pair of screen terminals (48) and a frangible and electrically conductive path (46) between the pair of screen terminals (48). A layer of adhesive (30) is over the first side of the substrate (22) and bonds the first side of the substrate (22) to the electronic component with the security screen (26) sandwiched there between.

Abstract: A tampering resistant device has housing, a circuit board fitted with electronic components, and a key pad for command input. A security wrap is disposed between the circuit board and the key pad. The security wrap has a substrate and a security screen formed thereon and connected to a first alarm. The security screen has a conductive trace extending over the substrate between a pair of screen terminals that are electrically connected to respective alarm terminals. An alarm switch is located between the substrate and the circuit board and connected to a second alarm. The alarm switch is held closed by a spigot pressing on the alarm switch through the substrate. The spigot extends from the housing and releases the alarm switch when the housing is opened.

Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time.

Abstract: An electronic tag housing assembly is attachable to the extending neck of a bottle having an undercut thereabout. The tag housing includes an annular wall having a central opening for insertion over the extending bottle neck. At least one electronic tag is supported in the housing. The housing has a plurality of resilient fingers extending into the aperture for engagement with undercut on the bottle neck for securing the housing thereto. The housing further includes a portion of the annular wall having a location of reduced thickness for effecting severing of the annular wall thereat so as to remove the housing from the bottle neck.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (300) for selective device responsiveness using a plurality of control tags (132) affixed to a plurality of objects (102). The methods involve: receiving, by a plurality of control tags, a reporting command signal sent from an interrogation device via a communications link; and communicating a response to the reporting command signal from only those of the plurality of control tags which are (1) currently being moved, (2) have been moved within a first specified period of time, and/or (3) have a surrounding environment with at least one characteristic that has recently changed.

Abstract: A system and method provides access to antennas of an electronic article surveillance system via WiFi and the Internet. Each antenna of the EAS system has a WiFi chip associated with its controls and the WiFi chip relays the antennas operating parameters as well as its reading of electromagnetic noise in its environment to the Internet. A remote technician can review the information provided by the antennas of the EAS system and optimize their operation with each other and their environments. In some embodiments, remote software can optimize the operation of the EAS system antennas. In some embodiments, the WiFi chip is an aftermarket addition.

Abstract: A reception unit 2 of a detection unit 3 includes a transmitter 30 that transmits a reception (detection) level of an infrared beam to a transmission unit 1, and a demand signal output unit 26 that transmits to the transmission unit 1 a demand signal M, demanding to control the intensity of the infrared beam to be transmitted so that the reception level matches a predetermined value. The transmission unit 1 includes an infrared ray (detection beam) intensity control unit 15 that controls, upon receipt of the demand signal M, the intensity of the infrared beam to be transmitted so that the reception level matches the predetermined value. A power source unit 31 is a solar battery unit including a solar panel and a charging medium that stores power from the solar panel.

Abstract: A marking and identification system and method includes a dispersing device configured to disperse marker therefrom when in an activated mode. An activating device is configured to arm the dispersing device from an inactivated mode wherein the dispensing device does not disperse marker to the activated mode. A triggering device is configured to operate the dispersing device and disperse marker when in the activated mode. The marker can be identified at a later time to positively identify a person that triggered the marking and identification system.

Abstract: Improvements in and Relating to Aspirating Smoke Detectors Disclosed is an aspirating smoke detection system comprising: at least two different types of detector; and a processor operable to receive signals from the at least two different types of detector, and to determine an alarm status, wherein the alarm status is one of: an all clear status; a critical status; and a status intermediate between the all clear status and the critical status.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation guidance notification system that can detect a fire, can provide notification, can provide guidance on an evacuation route, and can re-ensure a field of vision. The evacuation guidance notification system includes an evacuation guidance notification device installed on a banister post at an edge of a staircase, and the evacuation guidance notification device includes a device housing including a display window, a speaker, a beam output unit, an LED unit, a sensor unit, a control unit, a power unit, a communication unit, and an evacuation direction guidance unit. Furthermore, the device housing constituting part of the evacuation guidance notification device may further include a communication unit configured to communicate with the outside and a control room composed of a computer for controlling the evacuation guidance notification device, and the control room may remotely control the evacuation guidance notification device via the communication unit.

Abstract: A wearable smart device for providing hazard warning information to a user. The wearable smart device includes a microphone configured to detect audio data associated with a potential hazard. The wearable smart device also includes a camera configured to detect image data associated with the potential hazard. The wearable smart device also includes a processor coupled to the microphone and the camera and configured to determine whether the potential hazard presents a real hazard based on the detected audio data and the detected image data.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to tags, methods of using tags, systems, and methods of using systems. Various embodiments may be suitable for identifying a human or an animal. Various embodiments may provide mother-infant matching and cot-infant matching for both single and multiple births; monitoring of the location, movement, and status of the tags; detection of tampering and unauthorized removal of infant tags; and organizing of tags.

Abstract: A pendant which provides a large, prominent alert button comprises a GPS device for locating a lost child. The child user may wear the pendant and may press the alert button to alert authorities, family, and friends. The pendant then sends a location query to GPS, obtains the child user's GPS coordinates, and transmits the GPS coordinates within a distress message. This distress message may be received by authorities, by the child user's parent, or other responsible parties via a mobile application which may be installed on a smartphone or other mobile electronic device. The pendant may also be activated by the parent via the mobile application. In alternate embodiments, a microchip GPS can be inserted just under the skin, or a contact lens tracking device. The device can also aid in the search for people lost in avalanches, earthquakes, and those lost at sea.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained flood alarm which alleviates the shortcomings of the alarms of the prior art and offers an easy-to-use and reliable flood and water level alarm which will adequately warn users of potential flood conditions and possibly save their personal belongings, equipment and lives.