Abstract: A virtual reality display system that renders images at different resolutions in different parts of a display. Reduces rendering latency by rendering at a lower resolution in selected regions, for example on the sides of a display where human vision has lower resolution than in the center. Pixels in low resolution regions are combined into grid elements, and rendering may generate grid element values rather than individual pixel values. Rendering may use ray casting, rasterization, or both. Variable resolution rendering may be combined with variable level of detail geometry models to further reduce rendering time. Selected objects may be designed as high resolution objects that are rendered at a high resolution even in low resolution display regions.

Abstract: Relightable free-viewpoint rendering allows a novel view of a scene to be rendered and relit based on multiple views of the scene from multiple camera viewpoints. An initial texture can be segmented into materials and an initial coarse color estimate is determined for each material. Scene geometry is estimated from the captured views of the scene and is used to scale the initial coarse color estimates relative to each other such that the different materials appear to be lit with a similar irradiance. In this way, a global irradiance function is estimated describing the scene illumination. This provides a starting point for a color estimate and shading estimate extraction. The shading estimate can be used to fit surface normals to the global irradiance function. The set of surface normals and the color estimate are stored for subsequent use to allow relighting of the scene.

Abstract: A model generator 2 arranges a three-dimensional model on a base line. A model renderer 4 renders the three-dimensional model. A distance map generator 5 converts each depth of the three-dimensional model rendered into a distance from the base line. An alpha map generator 7 converts the distance from the base line into an alpha value.

Abstract: A method for determining boundary hypersurfaces from data matrices includes identifying intermediate hypersurfaces, situated between two respective matrix elements, that correspond to at least a portion of at least one boundary hypersurface to be determined. The identified intermediate hypersurfaces are represented by points that are adjacent to the intermediate hypersurfaces. The points that are adjacent to the intermediate hypersurfaces are connected by at least one respective closed curve. Hypersurface components formed by the closed curves are combined to form at least one boundary hypersurface.

Abstract: A computer system for hybrid process modeling is provided. A graphical model of a process and transaction events of executed instances of the process are stored. Types of the transactional events are mapped to the elements of the graphical model. A performance values is derived for at least one of the graphical model elements based on transaction events that are associated with that graphical model element. A hybrid version of the graphical model is generated with the derived performance values.

Abstract: A geometric structure analyzing method, a geometric structure analyzing system, and a computer program product are provided, to analyze a two-dimensional geometric structure of a model composed of at least one magnetic building block. A magnetic field intensity image of the model is obtained, and a shape of the magnetic field intensity image is used as a contour of the model. The contour of the model is skeletonized to obtain the two-dimensional geometric structure of the model, and the two-dimensional geometric structure is displayed on a display panel. Therefore, a user is allowed to control the two-dimensional geometric structure on the display panel by manipulating the model, to achieve interactive effects including visual and tactile feedbacks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding a 3D mesh, and an apparatus and method for decoding the 3D mesh are disclosed. The 3D mesh encoding apparatus may determine mesh information including position information of each of vertices constituting the 3D mesh, and connectivity information among the vertices, based on a level, and may progressively encode the determined mesh information based on the level, thereby reducing an error with an original 3D object when compared to an equal transmission rating.

Abstract: A method and device for rendering a synthesis image comprising generating a plurality of elementary geometries (201 . . . 2i2) from an input geometry, a plurality of vertices being associated with each elementary geometry, each vertex being defined with coordinates; assigning an index value (0, 1 . . . 6, 7) to each elementary geometry of at least a part of the elementary geometries (201 . . . 2i2), the index value being estimated from the coordinates associated with at least one vertex of the elementary geometry, and rendering the synthesis image by using the indexed elementary geometries.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for automatic clustering and rendering of augmentations into one or more operational exemplars in an augmented reality environment. In some examples, based on a user's context, augmentations can be retrieved, analyzed, and grouped into clusters. Exemplars can be used to render the clusters as conceptual representations of the grouped augmentations. An exemplar's rendering format can be derived from the grouped augmentations, the user's context, or formats of other exemplars. Techniques for grouping the augmentations into clusters and rendering these clusters as exemplars to a user can enhance the richness and meaning of an augmented reality environment along contextually or user-determined axes while reducing the sensorial and cognitive load on the user.

Abstract: Techniques described herein provide a method for defining virtual content for real objects that are unknown or unidentified at the time of the development of the application for an augmented reality (AR) environment. For example, at the time of development of an AR application, the application developer may not know the context that the mobile device may operate in and consequently the types or classes of real object and the number of real objects that the AR application may encounter. In one embodiment, the mobile device may detect unknown objects from a physical scene. The mobile device may then associate an object template with the unknown object based on the physical attributes, such as height, shape, size, etc., associated with the unknown object. The mobile device may render a display object at the pose of the unknown object using at least one display property of the object template.

Abstract: Augmented reality presentations are provided at respective electronic devices. A first electronic device receives information relating to modification made to an augmented reality presentation at a second electronic device, and the first electronic device modifies the first augmented reality presentation in response to the information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a viewpoint position of an observer who observes a first three-dimensional virtual object arranged in a virtual space and having at least one cross section; an acquisition unit configured to acquire a normal vector of a first cross section of the first three-dimensional virtual object; an image generation unit configured to generate, based on the viewpoint position of the observer and the normal vector of the first cross section, a second three-dimensional virtual object having a second cross section with a different normal vector from the first cross section; and an output unit configured to output an image of the second three-dimensional virtual object generated by the image generation unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, an HMD is disclosed that provides a technique for generating a composite image representing the view of a wearer of the HMD. The HMD may include a display and a front-facing camera, and may be configured to perform certain functions. For instance, the HMD may be configured to make a determination that a trigger event occurred and responsively both generate a first image that is indicative of content displayed on the display, and cause the camera to capture a second image that is indicative of a real-world field-of-view associated with the HMD. Further, the HMD may be configured to generate a composite image that combines the generated first image and the captured second image.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating and customizing graphical models. In one embodiment, a design application receives a morphological attractor created from the same mesh as one or more inheritance-based character generation ancestor models. Upon receiving the morphological attractor, the design application may use the attractor to align and transform the ancestor models to create a new set of ancestor models which resemble the attractor. The new set of ancestor models is referred to herein as being in the “genetic space” of the attractor. A user may then create child character models in this same genetic space by, globally or locally, blending two or more of the new ancestor models.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the rendering of one or more objects based on payment and account options. The system includes a computer infrastructure configured to control enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by providing at least one augmentation attribute to a tag of the object. The method includes providing enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by augmenting the object based on a status of a user viewing the object.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and devices for calculating and displaying real-time race information to a racer during a race. A portable race device may be worn by a racer. During the race, while within range of a race gate transmission, the race device receives gate crossing times for other race participants, and may calculate and display the current positions and times for a selected race group, and the pace needed for the racer to win, and also may display the projected finish positions and times for a selected race group, and the pace needed for the racer to win.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a vehicular telemetry system for determining accelerometer thresholds based upon decoding a vehicle identification number (VIN).

Abstract: A method for monitoring aircraft operation status comprising receiving aircraft operation data, identifying an aircraft associated with the aircraft operation data, recording the aircraft operation data to an aircraft database, and determining whether the aircraft operation data complies with rules governing aircraft operation. Upon determining the aircraft operation data complies with the rules governing aircraft operation, the compliance is recorded to the aircraft database. Upon determining the aircraft operation data comprises a non-compliance, a non-compliant aircraft system or component associated with the non-compliance is identified, the non-compliance to the aircraft database is recorded, and an action responsive to the non-compliance is performed.

Abstract: A method and system for determining rail defects. The method and system receive route performance measurements from a vehicle system traveling along a route and normalize the route performance measurements based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle system. The method and a system also determine a defect for a segment of the route based at least in part on the normalized route performance measurements with respect to a threshold bandwidth corresponding to the segment. The method and system also examine velocity differences in a vehicle speed of a vehicle and the angular speed of the axles and/or wheels of the vehicle system traveling along a route to determine if the route is damaged and/or to identify the location of the potentially damaged section of the route. The differences may represent wheel creeps of the vehicle system.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques for automated transmission of surveillance incident data or other anomalous incident data from an aircraft via a preferred transmission mode. An example method includes detecting, by a processing device onboard an aircraft, an anomalous incident involving the aircraft that qualities for reporting relative to a set of anomalous incident reporting criteria. The method further includes identifying, by the processing device, data onboard the aircraft relevant to the anomalous incident. The method further includes detecting that the aircraft is in a status that makes available a selected data transmission mode for transmitting the data relevant to the anomalous incident. The method further includes communicating the data relevant to the anomalous incident to a transmission system for transmission from the aircraft via the selected data transmission mode in response to detecting that the aircraft is in the status that makes available the selected data transmission mode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle diagnosis system equipped with a communication terminal for transmitting vehicle information acquired from a vehicle to a server, and a server for analyzing the vehicle information received from the communication terminal and diagnosing the vehicle. The server is provided with a WEB screen providing unit for providing a WEB screen including instructions for the operator in a manner that the communication terminal can display via a communication network. The communication terminal displays the provided WEB screen via the communication network.

Abstract: A vehicle telematics system and a method for controlling access to a plurality of wireless communication channels between the telematics system and on-board vehicle systems and mobile communications devices is provided. The telematics system includes one network interface connected to a telecommunications network and another network interface connected to one or more on-board vehicle systems and mobile communications devices to permit the on-board vehicle systems and communications devices to access the telecommunications network. The telematics system further includes a controller that receives a request by an on-board vehicle system to establish a communication channel, determines whether all of the channels are in active use, and, if so, identifies a low priority application of one of the on-board vehicle systems or communications devices using one of the active channels and then severs the channel and establishes the communication channel between the telematics system and requesting vehicle system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving vehicular safety by utilizing a driving tip model are provided. According to embodiments, an analysis server can analyze telematics data associated with operation of one or more vehicles to identify driving tips that may be aimed to mitigate certain risks or warn of various conditions. The analysis server can provide the driving tips to the vehicles and, in response, receive updated telematics data from the vehicles that reflects operation data for the vehicles subsequent to receiving the driving tips. The analysis server can analyze the updated telematics data to associate certain driving tips with certain telematics data and identify effective driving tips and delivery techniques. The analysis server can update the driving tip model accordingly.

Abstract: A method and system for merging health indicators of a device. During the method, health indicators Indi are firstly distributed in at least one indicator group G, each health indicator Indi being associated with a respective detection threshold Sdi, it being possible to determine a characteristic operating point of the device by using the health indicators Indi of an indicator group G. An alarm threshold Sa is determined using training health indicators. Then, a merged health indicator MHI is determined by taking into account both of the alarm threshold Sa and also of the detection thresholds Sdi of the health indicators Indi of the group G. Finally, the merged health indicator MHI is compared to the alarm threshold Sa and it is deduced whether or not the device presents a fault or a risk of such a fault appearing.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided having a control and health monitoring system that includes an engine control module. At least one electronic component electronically coupled to the engine control module. The at least one electronic component includes an electronic module. The system further includes an isolation rail extending through the gas turbine engine. The at least one control component is electronically coupled to the engine control module through the isolation rail. The electronic module is in thermal communication with isolation rail.

Abstract: A task to be performed using an industrial vehicle is defined and segmented into segments including a start segment and an end segment. The performance of the industrial vehicle while the industrial vehicle performs the segments is measured, and a target score for the task based on an extrinsic factor that is in effect at least one time during performance of the task is defined. The measured performance of the industrial vehicle during the segments is aggregated to create a task performance score, which is evaluated to the target score to create a task evaluation.

Abstract: A system for identifying the status of a group of secondary vehicles. The system determines whether the group of secondary vehicles are parked or part of a traffic jam.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to driving data monitoring, and more particularly to systems and methods for generating a driving profile of a user based on the driving data. In one embodiment, a method for generating a driving profile of a user is disclosed. The method comprises receiving one or more values corresponding to a plurality of variables. The plurality of variables are associated with driving of a vehicle. The method further comprises determining, based on the one or more values, one or more safety scores corresponding to the plurality of variables. The one or more safety scores are associated with a trip that is completed based on one or more conditions. The method further comprises determining a cumulative safety score for the trip based on the one or more safety scores and determining a driving level of the user to generate the driving profile of the user.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for switching at least one electrical consumer in a building comprising an elevator system. The switched electrical consumer is, for example, a camera. The camera is activated if when using the elevator system the user does not actuate a building door within an ascertained route time, i.e. the user does not arrive at his/her destination. It is possible using an image recorded by the camera to establish whether the user is possibly in a dangerous situation.

Abstract: A keyfob and related method of utilizing a keyfob prior to a sale of a new vehicle to a purchaser having a virtual keyfob are provided. The method broadly includes the steps of pairing a keyfob to a computer of the new vehicle at an assembly plant, using the keyfob to switch a mode of the new vehicle between an assembly mode and a transportation mode, and unpairing the keyfob from the computer upon pairing the computer to the virtual keyfob of the purchaser. The step of unpairing the keyfob may include providing instructions from a remote location to the computer via a wireless network, and from the computer to the virtual keyfob via a local area wireless network. The method may further include the step of re-pairing the keyfob to a computer of a second new vehicle at the first or a third location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lock comprises a locking mechanism selectively positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a user interface to receive a first user input which uniquely identifies a first user, a communication interface to enable electronic communication with a remote computer system and a controller comprising logic to generate a query to a directory service, wherein the query comprises the first user input, and open the locking mechanism in response to a signal from the directory service indicating that that the first user is authorized to open the lock and that a set of conditions required to open the lock are satisfied.

Abstract: A wirelessly charging electronic lock device includes an electronic key and a electronic lock, a key code and a pre-stored matching code are pre-stored in the electronic key, an electronic lock code is pre-stored in the electronic lock, the electronic key includes a wireless charging device and a first wireless signal device, the wireless charging device charges the electronic device by wireless transmission, the electronic lock includes a wireless charging receiving device, a second wireless signal device, and a processing unit, the processing unit is configured to figure out a current matching code, the current matching code is compared with the pre-stored matching code, which is validated as to whether the electronic key matches with the electronic lock.

Abstract: A smart entry system comprises a communication section and a control device. Upon determination that a mobile device has continued to be present within a first transmission area for a predetermined time or over, the control device lowers first transmitter power output of a first electromagnetic wave to be transmitted from the communication section to second transmitter power output of the first electromagnetic wave so that the first transmission area is narrowed to a second transmission area until no more response is received from the mobile device. Then, the communication section not only transmits the first electromagnetic wave having the second transmitter power output and generating the second transmission area but also transmits, with a second cyclic period longer than the first cyclic period, a second electromagnetic wave, the second electromagnetic wave has the first transmitter power output and generates the first transmission area which is not narrowed.

Abstract: Currency inspection using mobile devices and attachments are provided herein, as well as methods of use. In some embodiments, an apparatus may be configured to provide selections of currencies to a user via a display of the apparatus, obtain currency attributes for a selected currency, receive currency parameters for suspect currency using a currency evaluation device that is communicatively coupled with the apparatus, the currency evaluation device having a sensor array that comprises one or more sensors that are each configured to determine at least one currency parameter, compare the currency parameters for the suspect currency to the currency attributes, and output a warning message if the suspect currency is potentially counterfeit.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for secure packaging, shipment, receipt and storage of mail, parcels and parcels is described. The apparatus includes an appliqué with a multitude of sensitized residue within that surround the parcel; the residue in the media forms a unique optical fingerprint, which is an exemplar image data for comparison. Substantial damage to one or more fibers alters the optical fingerprint pattern. The data is read and independently verified at waypoints and the destination. Comparing the current image data to the exemplar image data indicates damage or tampering.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bill recycling mechanism, which includes a box body, provided with a bill outlet; a bill tray, including a first door and a second door, which are oppositely arranged, and used for receiving and guiding bills to the bill outlet; and a double door driving assembly, used for driving the first door and the second door to be opened or closed, wherein the first door and the second door are pivotally opened and pivoted into a bill storage space below the first door and the second door. According to the bill recycling mechanism, the bills directly fall into the bill storage space below the double doors when the first door and the second door are opened, so that a bill recycling speed is increased.

Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided. The vending machine includes a number of bins, with each bin sized to contain a consumable product. The vending machine also includes a consumable product collection area, with the consumable product collection area accessible by a vending machine user. A conveyor communicates at least a portion of each of the bins, with the conveyor positioned to receive the consumable product from the bin and transport the consumable product to the consumable product collection area. The vending machine also includes an interface structured to receive a currency from the vending machine user to purchase at least one of the consumable products and a controller that activates the conveyor to transport the consumable product to the consumable product collection area.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. At least one of the memory devices store instructions that cause the system to receive a wager and to display a main array with main positions including a special position, which is randomly transformed into a sub-array with secondary positions. An outcome for the sub-array is determined in which the secondary positions are populated with respective secondary symbols. The outcome of the sub-array determines a special symbol that is associated with the special position of the main array. The special symbol is displayed for the special position. The main positions are populated with main symbols and the special symbol, the main array including may symbols populating the main positions and any determined special symbols populating the transformed special positions. An evaluation of the main array is performed to determine if a winning combination is achieved.

Abstract: A gaming device which includes a plurality of different predefined wager packages. Each predefined wager package is associated with a wager amount or value and includes one or more of a plurality of different game play features. In operation, the gaming device enables players to wager an amount equal to one of the plurality of predefined wager packages available to the player. The game play features associated with the wagered on predefined wager package are activated for one or more plays of a game.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a cabinet with a cabinet frame, a display device, a light source, and a directional transmissible layer with directional light planes arranged parallel to and offset from each other. The display device is located within the cabinet frame and is configured to display a wagering game. The light source is positioned above the display device, within the cabinet frame, and emits direct light and indirect light towards a player position in front of the gaming machine. The indirect light reflects off the display device prior to reaching the player position, causing light glare towards the player position. To reduce or eliminate the light glare, the directional transmissible layer is placed at least in part over the light source such that the directional light planes are horizontally aligned with the display device to prevent at least some of the indirect light from reflecting off the display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing beats in a game include predicting when beats of the music currently playing in the game will occur. The playing of sound effects, music transitions, or the like that are triggered by in-game events may be synchronized with the predicted beats of the currently playing music.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product to implement an automatic fold-out command in an online card game. The system can automatically assign the player-entry of the player to a new table.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one play-for-fun application are disclosed. One exemplary method includes crediting, at the gaming server, gaming activity directed to a play-for-fun application by a player to a player tracking account, issuing at least one coupon associated with a random reward based on at least the gaming activity credited to the player tracking account, tracking, at the gaming server, redemption of the at least one coupon, and awarding the random reward when the coupon is redeemed at a gaming machine in accordance with at least one trigger condition.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: conducting a game requiring a player to make a choice between at least one optimal action and at least one sub-optimal action having a lower return to player than the optimal action such that the difference between the sub-optimal action and the optimal action represents a lost return to player; receiving a player choice of an action; and conducting a trial for an award in which the probability of success is controlled to provide an expected return to player from the trial that compensates the player for the lost return to player in response to determining that the choice is a sub-optimal action.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content.

Abstract: In one embodiment, method of operating a zone-based gaming activity, includes generating, in response to a request, a reconfigurable zone; determining one or more eligible participants; and modifying said zone to change the number of eligible participants.

Abstract: A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of simulated reels. Each reel has a plurality of symbol positions, including first symbol positions with reel symbols thereon and second symbol positions with initially transparent regions. The gaming system selects one of the reel symbols to serve as a background symbol, displays a game outcome region through which the simulated reels move, and while the simulated reels are moving, reveals the background symbol through the initially transparent regions of the second symbol positions that move through the game outcome region. For each simulated reel that has stopped moving, each of the second symbol positions located within the game outcome region are filled with the reel symbol corresponding to the background symbol. An award is provided based on the symbols in the game outcome region.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating a wagering game session for presentation of wagering game content. The operations can further include scanning a coded identifier during the wagering game session. The coded identifier indicates a characteristic associated with activity, events, achievements, etc. performed or attained prior to initiation of the wagering game session. For instance, the coded identifier can be a two-dimensional barcode generated in response to online activity (e.g., in response to progress attained in an online game). In some embodiments, the characteristics indicate information about the activity. The operations can further include adapting the wagering game content during the wagering game session based, at least in part, on the characteristic indicated in the coded identifier, such as providing gaming rewards and bonus games, adding funds, unlocking content, modifying wagering game content, etc.