Abstract: A system for tracking a player of gambling game devices has been developed. The system includes a gambling game that accepts a wager from a player and generates an outcome and a player tracking system. The player tracking system tracks player activity and awards and undisplayed outcome to the player.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming machine touch screen system incorporating a flat transparent or nearly transparent layer that contains a series of active elements/actuators/chambers that enable a vertical displacement of the touch screen top surface. These active elements displace the top surface of the touch screen upon command of the gaming machine to provide features perceptible to the player's touch.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to gaming machines and methods to be performed in relation to gaming machines. An example gaming machine comprises: a display screen; an input mechanism operable to receive an input from a user; a gaming controller configured to: (i) control a game play sequence comprising a presentation of one or more games of chance on the gaming machine; and (ii) in response to the received input from the user, generate and encrypt visual code from a set of data and display the encrypted visual code on the display screen, wherein the encrypted visual code includes a timestamp; wherein the displayed encrypted code is able to be captured by an external handheld device, and the visual code is dynamically re-generated upon each successive input from a user made through the input mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table.

Abstract: A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players includes a host computer system and a plurality of player terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system or gaming platform via a network. The plurality of player terminals may be located at a plurality of licensed gaming locations. The plurality of player terminals may be configured to engage the plurality of players in a common interactive game operated by the host computer system. The plurality of player terminals can include means for dispensing player winnings from the player terminal.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine which is capable of realizing an appropriate balance between players' profits and slot machine providers' profits. When a first number of bets have been selected, a control device executes a first basic unitary game which completes when a first time interval has elapsed after starting the game. When a second number of bets have been selected, the control device executes a second basic unitary game which completes when a second time interval shorter than the first time interval has elapsed after starting the game. On the basis of the fact that the first basic unitary game has been executed, the control device executes a first progressive game in which a first payout rate can be realized. On the basis of the fact that the second basic unitary game has been executed, the control device executes a second progressive game in which a second payout rate higher than the first payout rate can be realized.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes receiving a first wager amount from a player. The first wager amount initiating a first play of the wagering game. The first wager amount is deducted from an available-credits pool. An outcome of the first play is determined. In response to the outcome of the first play being a winning outcome, a credit amount associated with the winning outcome is added to the available-credits pool. Prior to a second play of the wagering game, it is determined that the available-credits pool is less than the first wager amount and, in response to that determination, an option to risk the available-credits pool is provided. The result of the risk being either (i) a triggering of the second play of the wagering game at the first wager amount or (ii) a reduction of the available-credits pool to zero.

Abstract: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention include: a real world controller connected to a game world controller, and constructed to: accept a gambling game trigger; provide a randomly generated payout of credits; the game world controller connected to the real world controller and connected by a network to an entertainment software controller executing a multiplayer entertainment game, the game world controller constructed to: receive a plurality of players' actions taken; and trigger the wager in the gambling game based on the actions, the game world controller utilizing a head to head gambling controller constructed to: detect a latch event and enter the plurality of players into a gambling session; parameterize wager terms of the wager made; trigger the wager in the gambling game during the session; distribute the payout of credits; determine the payout of resources utilized by the plurality of players; and distribute the payout of resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting on-line tournaments, and in particular such tournaments as permit participants to receive prizes without having to place wagers. Participants are permitted to enroll in an on-line tournament pool and submit tokens. The tokens act as each respective participant's prediction regarding the outcome of one or more events associated with a sporting event or other contest. Tokens may be completed “brackets” representing a participant's prediction of winners of all games in various rounds of a sporting event, or partially completed brackets representing the participant's prediction of winners of only some games thereof. Cash prizes are awarded for top scoring participants but no wagers or entry fees of any kind are accepted from or required to be paid by the participants.

Abstract: A system and method that generates a finite number of sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes, facilitates a selection of one or more sweepstakes entries from the finite number of entries, determines the result of each selected sweepstakes entry, allocates each nonzero result to the user, and provides the user with at least one of the selected sweepstakes entries, the result of each selected sweepstakes entry, the sum of all nonzero results from the selected sweepstakes entries, a code that is associated with the selected sweepstakes entries, and a program that is configured to cause a computer to interactively display to the results associated with the selected sweepstakes entries to the user. The results of the selected sweepstakes entries may be viewed in the form of a simulated game, or the user may log into an account associated with the user to view the total amount won.

Abstract: A gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided having a Five Card Video Draw poker game with a single hand or multiple hands. The gaming system or gaming machine first determines whether a dream card is going to be used in a particular round of play or a dream card is used on every hand. If the dream card is going to be used, then the last card of the initial hand is chosen so that, when the last card is combined with the other randomly selected cards of the initial hand, the initial starting hand will have the highest possible expected value.

Abstract: Provided is a slot machine capable of reducing unfairness which may result between a player who has made an investment and a player who has not made an investment and allowing a player to proceed with a game by making an investment in expectation of a jackpot at ease. Each money amount which is constant is accumulated independently of a number of bets each time betting is conducted, and upon winning a jackpot, a money amount calculated by multiplying a money amount accumulated until then by a multiplying factor based on the number of bets is provided.

Abstract: A card substitution prevention method for a self-service terminal includes performing, by a card feeding portion of the self-service terminal, an alteration operation in the case that a card exists in a card reader of the self-service terminal, to make the card feeding portion unable to receive another card and prevent the another card from being placed in the card feeding portion. Also provided is a card substitution prevention apparatus for a self-service terminal. The method can effectively protect a card of a customer and prevent the card of the customer from being stealthily substituted, thereby improving service quality of a self-service terminal and maintaining trade credit of a merchant.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reading both chip and magnetic stripe cards, and in particular for preventing use of a magnetic stripe when a chip is present, in various settings such as fuel dispensers, ATMs, and retail settings. For example, a card reading device is provided that includes a housing and at least one card slot. A smart card reader and a magnetic stripe card reader are disposed within the housing. In one embodiment, a gate is configured to prevent insertion of a card into a rear portion of the card slot when a chip is detected to prevent the magnetic stripe card reader from reading a magnetic stripe. In another embodiment, a first card slot has a first depth that prevents insertion of a magnetic stripe but allows reading of a chip, and a second slot has a depth that allows insertion of a magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system includes a stand that supports a tablet computer. The tablet computer can run a merchant application to provide the typical functionality for a point-of-sale system. The stand can be rotatable to face either the merchant or the customer. The stand can incorporate a card reader. The tablet computer can be connected through a hub to other peripheral components, such as a controllable cash drawer, a printer and/or a bar code reader. The cash drawer can include a slidable drawer having sliding rails that are hidden from a top view of the drawer.

Abstract: An alarm sounder and at least one sound amplification component having at least one horn shaped channel form an alarm detector. The at least one horn shaped channel has a throat end and an outlet end, the throat end being disposed corresponding to a sound-making end of the alarm sounder. The sound intensity of the alarm detector can meet the regulations of the industry standards.

Abstract: Various doorbell monitoring devices and methods are presented herein. Such arrangements may be configured to be integrated with a previously-installed doorbell and a previously-installed chime unit. A first power source may be configured to power the doorbell monitor device separate from the previously-installed doorbell and the previously-installed chime unit. A plurality of electrical connectors may be present and may be configured to be attached with preexisting terminals of the previously-installed chime unit. An actuation sensor may be present and configured to detect an actuation of the previously-installed doorbell via the two or more electrical connectors. A communication module may also be present and configured to transmit a wireless signal indicative of the ring to a receiver device.

Abstract: An implementation of a system, device and method for projecting a visual indicator against a surface is provided. A display projection system in a handheld sensor device (e.g. a handheld wall scanner) projects a static or computer-controlled dynamic pattern of light onto a surface being scanned to indicate a specific feature, such as existence of solid structures of wood, metal or plastic, electric or magnetic fields, or a disturbance of a field. The projected light may be controlled by a computer via an aperture to allow flexibility in what is projected, such as icons, lines, graphics, characters and colors.

Abstract: A haptic peripheral including a magnetic actuator coupled to a user input element for providing haptic effects to the user input element. The magnetic actuator includes at least two opposing programmable magnets, a first programmable magnet and a second programmable magnet, with pre-programmed patterns to control the motion of the user input element. Each programmable magnet has a pre-programmed pattern of magnetic elements. The pre-programmed patterns of the magnetic elements interact with each other to cause haptic effects. In order to vary to haptic effects output by the magnetic actuator, the second programmable magnet is spun, rotated, or otherwise moved to change the orientation or position of the pre-programmed pattern. The re-oriented pattern of the second programmable magnet changes the interaction between the first and second programmable magnets and thereby results in different haptic effects being output to the user input device.

Abstract: The technology of the application provides an anti-theft self-checkout system to facilitate theft detection. The technology includes a post-purchase product location located in a field of view of an image detector. The post-purchase product location includes a scale to generate an actual weight of purchased products. The technology further includes a scanner that identifies products for purchase where the scanner is within the field of view. The image detector detects and tracks the movement of at least one of limbs or products through the field of view to the post-purchase product location. A processor compares the actual movement to a database of movements and generates a movement violation signal based on the comparison. The processor calculates a running weight of scanned products purchased and compares the running weight to the actual weight and generates a weight violation signal if the running weight and actual weight are outside of a tolerance.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and techniques associated with battery powered wireless camera systems. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a system that includes a battery powered wireless camera including an internal battery to provide energy and a burst transmission unit to transmit information during burst periods. The system includes a base station, separated from the battery powered wireless camera, in wireless communication with the battery powered wireless camera to receive information from the battery powered wireless camera. The base station is configured to process the received information and includes a web server to transmit the processed information to a client. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to providing a notification based on breaching a plurality of geo-fence perimeters. An embodiment detects a breach related to the plurality of geo-fence perimeters, the breach corresponding to a breach of one of the plurality of geo-fence perimeters, records the breach as one of a plurality of breaches, determines whether the plurality of breaches meet one or more conditions, and if the plurality of breaches meet the condition, issues a notification.

Abstract: A security system includes a plurality of sensors to detect entry into a premises by an unauthorized party and to detect a location of the unauthorized party through at least a portion of the premises, a storage component to store a log of the detected location of the unauthorized party, an audio component to audibly announce the detected location of the unauthorized party, and a processor to control the audio component to announce the detected location at predetermined intervals or upon a change in the detected location of the unauthorized party.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a permissions-based alarm system for use in climbing environment. The permissions-based alarm system includes an identification device storing a permission setting relating to an aspect of the climbing environment and a detection module in communication with the identification device. The detection module detects the permission setting stored on the identification device and detects proximity of the identification device to an area restricted by the permission setting. When the identification device enters the restricted area of the climbing environment, an alert is provided.

Abstract: A tag monitoring device configured to interface with a security tag adapted to be disposed on a corresponding product in a monitoring environment may include a transmitter, a receiver and processing circuitry. The transmitter transmits a periodic signal pulse during a transmit cycle. The receiver monitors for a response from the security tag after the transmit cycle. The processing circuitry is configured to control the receiver with respect to enabling the receiver to detect the response. The processing circuitry is configured to perform dynamic tuning of the receiver by calculating an average random noise level for a predetermined period of time, comparing the average random noise level to a first threshold and a second threshold, applying an incremental gain reduction in response to the average random noise level being greater than the first threshold, and applying an incremental gain increase in response to the average random noise level being less than the second threshold.

Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time.

Abstract: A lamp tube and a lamp fixture with sensing capability are disclosed. The lamp tube with sensing capability includes a lamp tube body, and the lamp tube body includes a power converting unit, an LED strip and a sensing unit. The power converting unit is for receiving AC power and outputting DC power for driving the LED strip and the sensing unit. The sensing unit will timely output a fire alarm signal to notify the firemen and the people nearby when a fire occurs. The shape of the lamp tube with sensing capability is the same as a normal lamp tube, so both of them can be installed in the same lamp fixture. One normal lamp tube is replaced by the lamp tube with sensing capability to include a fire sensing function. The safety is enhanced and the installation is convenient.

Abstract: A security control apparatus, system and method are provided. The security control apparatus includes a wireless communication element that supports a plurality of wireless communication protocols. The wireless communication element is configured to provide wireless communications with a user interface device and at least one premise-based device. A remote communication element is configured to provide remote communications with a monitoring center. A processor is in communication with the local wireless communication element and the remote communication element. The processor is configured to use the wireless communication element to communicate with the user interface device to receive local control and configuration data. The processor is also configured to use the remote communication element to communicate data associated with at least one of a life safety feature and life style feature with the monitoring center.

Abstract: Techniques described herein relate to the classification of fall events for PER (personal emergency response) devices. In one implementation, data relating to acceleration events that occurred at the PER devices may be received. The data relating to the acceleration events may be associated with indications of whether the acceleration events correspond to fall events of users of the PER devices. A classification model may be trained based on the data relating to the acceleration events and the indications of whether the data relating to the acceleration events corresponds to the fall events. The classification model may be transmitted to at least some of the PER devices to update a previous version of the classification model at the at least some of the PER devices.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a notification of a usage of a medical injector are disclosed. For example, the method determines location information of the medical injector. The method then detects the usage of the medical injector, and records a time of the usage of the medical injector. The method then sends the notification comprising the time at which the usage of the medical injector is detected and the location information of the medical injector.

Abstract: An electronic overload inspection and warning system for a roundsling having a strand positioned within a plurality of core strands and a cover. The system includes a wireless sensor system mountable to the roundsling. The wireless sensor system includes at least one strain gauge electrically connected with a wireless transmitter. The strain gauge measures strain on the strand. The system also includes a wireless base station and a carrier element. The wireless base station includes a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly communicate with multiple deployed wireless sensor systems. The carrier element is secured to the strand. The strain gauge is secured to the carrier element.

Abstract: An athletic performance monitoring system, for motivating a user to reach a goal level of athletic activity. The system may motivate the user by calculation a deficit between a current total level of activity and the goal level of athletic activity, and suggesting activity types that the user may carry out an order to reach the goal level, wherein the suggested activity types may be based on activities that are geographically close to the user, or sporting equipment worn by, or in possession of, the user.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for sensor bypass. Activation may be received at a bypass input of an entry point sensor of a security system while the entry point sensor is in an armed mode. The entry point sensor may detect that the entry point monitored by the entry point sensor is closed. The entry point sensor may enter into a bypass mode. Detection by the entry point sensor of an opening of the entry point while the entry point sensor is in the bypass mode may not result in the generation of an alarm by the security system.

Abstract: A personal safety system, method, and apparatus provides image, audio, and data capture and transport system (IADCTS) features wherein an electronic device placed on a user can capture data associated with a potential perpetrator of a crime against the user. The electronic device sends the captured data (such as images or audio) to a secure and remote storage location. The capturing and sending of the data cannot be reversed or canceled by the user or potential perpetrator. The potential perpetrator is notified that the potential perpetrator's data has been captured by the electronic device, thereby discouraging the potential perpetrator from further proceeding with the crime.

Abstract: A safety and security device is housed on either an unmanned aerial vehicle or its land-based docking station and is combined with a cellular telephone for self-defense purposes. The phone broadcasts both recorded audio and video warnings on the device. A flashing light may be activated on the aerial platform or the docking station. The device may be integrated into a modular unit that combines numerous defensive mechanisms. These defensive mechanisms operate autonomously and respond to perceived threats.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility. The lockdown apparatus can include a manually operated actuator disposed at the facility and configured to transmit a lockdown initiation signal upon being manually actuated. The actuator can be configured to be recognizably distinguishable from a fire alarm actuator. The lockdown apparatus can also include a lockdown communicator configured to produce a lockdown communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility. The lockdown apparatus can include a manually operated actuator disposed at the facility and configured to transmit a lockdown initiation signal upon being manually actuated. The actuator can be configured to be recognizably distinguishable from a fire alarm actuator. The lockdown apparatus can also include a lockdown communicator configured to produce a lockdown communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility. The lockdown apparatus can include a manually operated actuator disposed at the facility and configured to transmit a lockdown initiation signal upon being manually actuated. The actuator can be configured to be recognizably distinguishable from a fire alarm actuator. The lockdown apparatus can also include a lockdown communicator configured to produce a lockdown communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility. The lockdown apparatus can include a manually operated actuator disposed at the facility and configured to transmit a lockdown initiation signal upon being manually actuated. The actuator can be configured to be recognizably distinguishable from a fire alarm actuator. The lockdown apparatus can also include a lockdown communicator configured to produce a lockdown communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dynamically linking a first security system and a second security system. A method may include selectively linking a first security system and a second security system based on one or more link conditions. The method may further include receiving one or more first sensor event messages from the first security system and sending at least a portion of the one or more first sensor event messages to the second security system. The method may also include receiving one or more second sensor event messages from the second security system, and sending at least a portion of the one or more second sensor event messages to the first security system. In one aspect, the method may include selectively de-linking the first security system and the second security system based on one or more de-link conditions.

Abstract: An approach for broadcasting an alarm to a plurality of devices associated with an alarm group. The alarm is associated with a plurality of devices in an alarm group. The approach includes receiving a request. The request designates a plurality of devices as the alarm group. The approach includes determining an implementation of the alarm for the alarm group based on the request. The approach also includes broadcasting the alarm to the plurality of devices in the alarm group based on the implementation.

Abstract: After start of pre-air-conditioning, when a preset set condition is satisfied, an in-vehicle terminal transmits information regarding a vehicle state and a screen display command for selection between continuation and termination of the pre-air-conditioning to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives the screen display command and displays a notification indicating the vehicle state and a selection button for selection between the continuation and the termination of the pre-air-conditioning on a screen. After obtaining the vehicle state, the user selects whether to continue or terminate the pre-air-conditioning. In this manner, pre-air-conditioning suitable for each individual user can be performed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of exposure of public internet protocol addresses in an advertising exchange server to improve relevancy of advertisements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes applying an automatic content recognition algorithm to determine a content identifier of an audio-visual data. The client device then associates the content identifier with an advertisement data based on a semantic correlation between a meta-data of the advertisement provided by a content provider and/or the content identifier. The advertisement data may be generated through an advertising exchange server based on the content identifier of the audio-visual data and/or a public internet-protocol address associated with an application requesting the advertisement data.

Abstract: A remote control system can comprise a first remote control having a front side, a backside, and a first battery configured to provide a first electrical power to the first remote control. The front side can comprise at least a first button configured to wirelessly control a first device. The backside can comprise a battery access opening configured to enable replacing the first battery. As well, the remote control system can include a second battery cover that can block the battery access opening. The second battery cover can include a second remote control having a second battery configured to provide a second electrical power to the second remote control. The second remote control can be configured to wirelessly control a second device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing a mobile computing device (e.g., such as a mobile phone) for use in controlling a model vehicle are described. Consistent with some embodiments, a mobile computing device provides various user controls for generating signals that are communicated to a radio transmitter device coupled with the mobile computing device, and ultimately broadcast to a receiver residing at a model vehicle. With some embodiments, the mobile computing device may be integrated with a controller housing which provides separate user controls, such that a combination of user controls present on the mobile computing device and the controller housing can be used to control a model vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a host apparatus (300) through a wireless link with a personal controller (10). The device includes a wireless communications module (202) configured to communicate with personal controller (10) via a peer-to-peer communications standard. The device connects to host apparatus (300) via a plug and receptacle interface (206) which includes power and signal pins. The device simulates an actuation signal using a reed relay (216) to cause host apparatus (300) to perform a function.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can provide systems and methods for implementation of a smart energy profile using data-interchange encoding. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system can be provided. The system can include at least one memory that stores computer-executable instructions. The system can include at least one processor configured to access the at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to receive, by the at least one processor, a control instruction for a home area network (HAN) device. The at least one processor can be configured to convert the control instruction to a JSON object and transmit the JSON object to the HAN device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing a battery powered wall mounted remote control for ceiling fans and lights. The battery powered remote control can be installable over an existing wall switch without hard wiring into electrical system at the switch box. The remote control housing is decorative in nature and has functional fan and light buttons for remotely controlling operation of the fan and light fixture. The remote housing attaches to the hard wired wall mounted switch using existing hardware that previously held the switch plate in place. The remote housing has a door that opens to allow the original fan/light switch to still be used in an on/off power control for the device being controlled by the battery powered wall mounted remote control for ceiling fans and lights.

Abstract: A tag, system, and method for wireless sensor data collection, the system including: a data collection tag, the tag including: a sensor configured to provide, at a first repetition rate, a present measurement of an environmental characteristic; a memory configured to store previous measurements of the environmental characteristic; and a transmitter module configured to transmit the present measurement of the environmental characteristic and at least one previous measurement of the environmental characteristic; an access point configured to receive a transmission from the data collection tag; and a controller communicatively coupled to the access point, the controlled configured to store historical measurements extracted from the transmission from the data collection tag.