Abstract: A portable electronic wireless lock for ensuring the safety of goods, including humanly consumable goods. The lock is controlled by a smartphone, which also acts as a communications hub between the lock and a truckload owner or supervisor. According to the present invention, a truck driver uses a smartphone to interface between a trailer payload supervisor and the payload lock itself, to ensure the safety of the transported goods and comply with regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (“FSMA”). An electronic lock may, according to the present invention, interface electronically to a smartphone, so that while in motion, the smartphone ensures that the lock remains locked and controls its operation. Alternatively, such an electronic lock may be designed to permit only a limited number of locking cycles initiated by a truck driver until a loading supervisor intercedes in compliance with FSMA.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods, and devices for vehicle mode detection based on acceleration data and location data during a trip detected by mobile devices in a vehicle. According to some examples, location data will be compared to known routeway data to detect a vehicle mode. In other examples acceleration data will be used to calculate the consistency of vehicular velocity during a trip to detect a vehicle mode. In some additional aspects, multiple analyses will be performed on the same data sets to check for false positives with vehicle mode detection.

Abstract: A system for identifying and reporting traffic events is presented. Position and motion data from two or more vehicles are uploaded to a data center. The system identifies an accident between first and second vehicles by correlating the motion and position information of the first vehicle with the motion and position information of the second vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for calculating probabilities of service interruptions based on fault event indications. Instances of fault event indications are filtered to remove duplicate indications for the same fault event. Then a probability of the fault event indication causing a service interruption is calculated by dividing a number of service interruptions caused by instances of the fault event indication by the number of fault event indications. In the event that a particular fault event indication is associated with a high probability of causing a service interruption, a message can be automatically generated and transmitted upon receipt of a future instance of the service interruption. The message can provide information related to short-term solutions to address the fault event, long-term solutions to address the fault event, and parts and tools for addressing the fault event.

Abstract: An information providing system of a vehicle includes a portable terminal that captures a picture of an inquiry target of an apparatus and equipment of the vehicle and transmits the captured picture, a recognition unit that recognizes the inquiry target indicated by the picture transmitted from the portable terminal, a processing unit that has a plurality of pieces of explanation information for explanation of the apparatus and the equipment, and selects and transmits the explanation information corresponding to the inquiry target recognized by the recognition unit, and a display unit that is provided in the vehicle to display the explanation information transmitted from the processing unit.

Abstract: Delivery parcel detection systems can be configured to unlock a door of a building to enable a delivery person to place the delivery parcel inside the building. The door can include a lock system configured to impede unauthorized entry into the building. Methods can include receiving a code configured to enable unlocking the door.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computerized method comprising: communicating access details of the facility from the mobile device to the facility for a first authentication process, the mobile device located in the vicinity of the facility initially in a secured state for preventing access thereto; receiving a request notification on the mobile device in response to positive authentication of the access details from the first authentication process, the request notification comprising a request for biometric data of the user; receiving an input of the biometric data on the mobile device; and communicating the biometric data from the mobile device to a host server for a second authentication process, wherein the facility is configured to change from the secured state to an unsecured state in response to positive authentication of the biometric data from the second authentication process, thereby providing, to the user, access to the facility.

Abstract: It is presented an access control device for considering whether a portable key device is located inside or outside a barrier. The access control device comprises: a first antenna being configured to be directed towards the outside of the barrier with a first antenna lobe; a second antenna being configured to be directed towards the inside of the barrier with a second antenna lobe, a gain towards the outside by the second antenna is greater than a gain towards the inside by the first antenna, and the signal strength N from the portable key device using the second antenna is greater than using the first antenna at all positions of the portable key device on the inside; and a determiner arranged to consider the portable key device to be located on the outside of the barrier only when a first signal strength of a radio signal from the portable key device received by the first antenna is greater than a second signal strength of a radio signal from the portable key device received by the second antenna.

Abstract: A system includes a portable locker including a container that may receive and store items and a first lock coupled to the container and that may lock the container to block access to the stored items. The first lock includes a detector that may receive a wireless signal, and receiving the wireless signal causes the first lock to lock or unlock. The system also includes a restraint coupled to the container and includes a second lock. The second lock may secure the portable locker to a rider of an amusement park ride.

Abstract: Various arrangements for determining and setting an authorization level for an unknown person are presented. Facial recognition may be performed on a received video stream. An authorized user may be recognized in the video feed. Additionally, an unknown person may be identified in the video feed. A provisional authorization level may be granted for the unknown person based on proximity between the unknown person and the authorized user in the received video stream.

Abstract: A suspicious person report system includes: a biometric sensor detecting biometric data of a person in a first region; a presuming unit calculating, from the biometric data, a stress index and presuming that the person is a suspicious person when the calculated stress index is higher than a reference value; a first camera acquiring first image data of the person in the first region; a second camera acquiring second image data of the person in a second region, the second region being a route after the first region before a third region; a monitoring unit checking the second image data with the first image data corresponding to the suspicious person to thereby track the suspicious person in the second region and determine whether the suspicious person enters the third region; and a warning unit emitting a warning when the monitoring unit determines that the suspicious person enters the third region.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a key from a key kiosk disposed at a realtor's office near a real property based on a showing appointment scheduled with a showing scheduling system. The appointment, including a date and time, as well as an authorized user is communicated from the showing scheduling system to the key kiosk. The user then authenticates herself or himself to the kiosk at the appropriate time, and the key is dispensed. The kiosk authenticates the user by scanning a QR code or using the physical location of the user. The kiosk will not dispense the key if the user has a different key that is checked out, but not returned yet. The key can be returned to the kiosk where it is dispensed, or a different key kiosk. The kiosk also dispenses a single common key when the user shows multiple properties.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires a number of objects lining up in a queue when a target object targeted for measuring a queuing time enters the queue, a first detection unit that detects an object exiting the queue, and a measurement unit that measures, as a queuing time of the target object in the queue, a period from a time when the target object enters the queue to a time when a number of objects corresponding to the number acquired by the acquisition unit are detected by the first detection unit after the target object enters the queue.

Abstract: Provided is a smart package. The smart package may include a body portion having an inner volume. A door may be coupled to the body portion, wherein the door is moveable between a closed and an open position. In the closed position the door restricts access to the inner volume of the body portion. In the open position, an opening to the inner volume is exposed for access to the inner volume. The smart package may also include a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device controls and monitors operation of the smart package, such as monitoring the status of the contents and the environment of the inner volume of the smart package. The smart package may also include a modular adapter coupled to an outer surface of the body portion, wherein the modular adapter is configured to releasably connect to an output of a delivery vehicle system.

Abstract: A control device for operating a rotary button of a door lock disposed on a door leaf, and includes a casing unit and a control unit. The casing unit includes a carrying module corresponding in position to the rotary button, and a supporting module mounted to the door leaf and movable relative to the carrying module in at least one of two directions perpendicular to each other. The control unit includes an operating mechanism associated with the rotary button, a transmission mechanism associated with the operating mechanism, and a driving mechanism associated with the transmission mechanism, and capable of receiving a wireless signal to actuate the operating mechanism via the transmission mechanism, so as to operate the rotary button.

Abstract: Delivery parcel detection systems can include a remote computing device and a doorbell configured to detect a delivery parcel. Methods of enabling a door to be unlocked to allow access to a delivery person may include sending a digital key to a remote computing device. Methods may include ways to ensure security of the building.

Abstract: A lockable receptacle, including a housing having five walls and an opening, a first door disposed on the housing to close the opening of the housing, a locking mechanism to lock the first door, and a camera connected to the locking mechanism to unlock the locking mechanism in response to an authorized user being recognized by the camera.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for processing a banknote. The method includes providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; directing an excitation source at the identified location; illuminating the at least security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source. Further the process includes the step of analyzing the shape and size of each object within an image during the search phase to determine if the object has the expected physical attributes of the real feature.

Abstract: A bill softness recognition method and a bill softness recognition device are provided. The method includes: receiving bills; extracting and separating the bills to make the bills enter a bill channel in a separated manner; capturing a single-bill image and a bill background image of each of the extracted bills; rolling the extracted bill to make the bill press a plurality of prearranged force sensors; acquiring effective force signals fed back from the force sensors; acquiring an inclination angle of the bill based on the single-bill image and the bill background image; determining, based on the inclination angle, the force sensor that is pressed by the bill as an effective force sensor; and judging whether the effective force signal of the effective force sensor meets a preset softness condition, and determining the bill as a soft bill if the effective force signal meets the preset softness condition.

Abstract: An example cart inventory system and associated methods are described. The example cart inventory system includes a cart and a detection system. The cart includes a frame, and a shelf movably mounted to the frame and configured to be positioned between an extended position and a folded position. A top surface and a rear surface of the shelf include first and second identifiers, respectively. The detection system is configured to detect the first identifier when the shelf is in the extended position and detect the second identifier when the shelf is positioned in the folded position. In the extended position, the top surface is oriented upwards relative to horizontal and the rear surface is disposed against the frame. In the folded position, the rear surface is oriented upwards relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A climate-controlled vending machine is monitored using data analytics. The climate-controlled vending machine includes a primary storage unit for storing two or more items. A first slot of an item is determined to be available within a secondary storage unit of the climate-controlled vending machine. The secondary storage unit is a climate-controlled unit. A first item, of the two or more items within the primary storage unit, is transferred to the first slot of the secondary storage unit. The first item within the first slot of the secondary storage unit is altered to a first condition. A selection from a first user is received. In response to the reception of the selection of the first item, the first item is dispensed to the user from a dispensary unit, wherein the item is being of the first condition. The first slot is replenished with a replacement item from the primary storage.

Abstract: The present application provides an intake mechanism for a product into a merchandiser. The intake mechanism may include an input tray, a reciprocating assembly to maneuver the input tray, an identification module, and an input control system. The input control system permits access to the merchandiser as the input tray is maneuvered by the reciprocating assembly if the product is identified by the identification module.

Abstract: A pay-per-use receptacle, suitable for use in an attended or unattended manner, especially at a trash or waste disposal facility. The receptacle is a generally box-like enclosure, having a payment terminal for receiving a payment and an access door on the front surface for receiving a bag of material (such as trash) after a payment is made. The bag of material is placed on a generally horizontal surface of a rotatable bin, positioned immediately inside the access door. Upon closing the access door, the rotatable bin rotates, thereby moving the deposited bag to a discharge position above a chute guide. The bag is urged from the rotatable bin by the motion of the bin and gravity, and falls downwardly and outwardly through an opening in the rear of the receptacle, into an external bin, dumpster, or compactor. Also disclosed is an ornamental design for a pay-per-use receptacle, and a process for controlling the operations thereof.

Abstract: A parking meter is described that comprises components for providing parking meter functionality and a display for displaying parking information and a metal housing for protecting the parking meter components from an environment that has a display aperture through which the display is visible. The parking meter also comprises an antenna for a contactless payment reader arranged in or on the parking meter in close proximity to the display.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for simulating gameplay of a live event and placing wagers or non-wager submissions concerning an outcome of a simulation. The systems incorporate statistical data, event information, and user modifications to create the simulation.

Abstract: In a game event a first set of game symbols are displayed in a game symbol display area, at least one prize is displayed in a prize display area, and an expanded second set of game symbols having at least one game symbol located in the prize display area is displayed. A winning game outcome may be declared if at least one game symbol located in the prize display area contacts at least one prize which is displayed in the prize display area. The game event may be presented via a uniquely configured gaming machine or system in which the game symbols and prizes are generated and displayed as graphical elements on a video display. The game event may be presented as or as part of a wagering event.

Abstract: A multi-reel game device enables a user to control a betting amount. The multi-reel game device includes at least two reel games respectively including reel display windows and displayed on a single screen, each of the reel display windows displaying at least one reel symbol in three or more rows and three or more columns, and a controller simultaneously spinning reels of the reel display windows when the betting amount is m selected through input buttons, stopping the reels after a predetermined time, and allotting a winning score according to a dividend rate when more than a predetermined number of identical symbols of the stopped reels of the reel display window are determined to be included in a predetermined winning line. Thus, the present invention has an effect to enhance interest in and enjoyment of a game because a player can play multiple reel games simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for implementing an incrementing feature in gaming devices. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to generate a game outcome in response a wager and determine if an incrementing symbol is present on a game grid when the generated game outcome is shown on a display of the gaming device. When the incrementing symbol is present, a processor is further operable to increment the incrementing symbol while maintaining at least the initial position of the incrementing symbol in the game grid during a subsequent game event.

Abstract: A disadvantage of existing betting operations is the implementation of fixed odds and pari-mutuel betting on specific and dedicated systems. This results in higher acquisition and maintenance costs as compared with a single system. According to the present invention, a single system allows both fixed odds and pari-mutuel betting to be offered on a single system wherein the system effects a computer-implemented method of wagering, including: receiving, via a communications network, a wager from a customer in respect of a wagered event and a wagered product; storing the wager, in an electronic data store, and associating the wager with the wagered event, the wagered product and a customer account, wherein the computer system manages the electronic data store, having stored therein, a plurality of events, a plurality of products and a plurality of customers, all of which are independently defined.

Abstract: A detection system including a control device detecting fraud performed in a game table by using a result of an image analysis performed by an image analyzing device is included. A substitute currency for gaming used for this detection system has a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers having different colors are stacked, a coloring layer is included at least in the middle, and white layers or thin-color layers (may be layers having a color thinner than that of the coloring layer; not illustrated in the drawing) are stacked on both sides of the coloring layer disposed in the middle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for transferring funds from a financial institution account to a cashless wagering account and then to an electronic gaming machine without utilizing any physical forms of currency.

Abstract: A method for incorporating game play into a transaction for the sale of a product or service using a point-of-sale system. The system includes a tablet computer that accepts an order placed by a patron and offers the patron a chance to play a game to earn a discount off of the purchase price. The system includes at least one computer having a memory and processor. The memory includes gaming software that provides game logic for playing and determining an outcome of the game and a database that stores information including games played and patron's performance. The processor accesses the gaming software, transmits to the tablet information pertaining to the game, and adjusts difficulty of winning the game based on patron's performance. The processor determines an outcome and a discount is applied to the purchase price of the product when the outcome is winning.

Abstract: An adaptive wagering system is disclosed. The adaptive wagering system has an interactive controller, a skill bonus controller, and a process controller constructed to communicate with the interactive controller and the skill bonus controller. The adaptive wagering system also has an enclosure constructed to mount a user input device operatively connected to the interactive controller, a user output device operatively connected to the interactive controller, a credit input device operatively connected to the process controller, and a credit output device operatively connected to the process controller.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine including an interactive processing device, a process controller and a wager controller that operate together to provide an interactive application, trigger a wager request based on user input, generate application resources based on a wager result, allow application resource management by a user, determine updated application resources, and generate a bonus item event based on the user selected application resources.

Abstract: A gaming system may include a gaming machine having a monetary input device, a wager input device, and a processor may be coupled to the wager input device and a memory device. The processor may establish a credit balance based on the monetary value, decrease the credit balance by the selected wager, and present the wagering game at an interface. The wagering game may include a jackpot winnable based on an outcome of the wagering game. A game server may transmit content for the wagering game to the gaming machine. The game server may also determine a plurality of parameters relating to the jackpot, track a turnover of the gaming machine, and change a parameter of the plurality of parameters in response to comparison of the turnover to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are described herein for initiating a second round for a game. A round of the game can comprise: a) pseudo-randomly generating a set of game piece symbols, b) matching a game piece symbol to one or more symbols in the pseudo-random set of possible winning combinations of symbols, c) indicating to the user that the one or more symbols in the pseudo-random set of possible winning combinations of symbols have matched, and d) if all symbols in a possible winning combination of symbols are matched, awarding the user the corresponding payout value of the possible winning combination of symbols. A second round of the game can be offered; if accepted, at least one of the possible winning combinations of symbols with a lowest corresponding payout value that has not yet matched can be removed from the set of possible winning combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Games of chance are disclosed. In a general embodiment, collections of objects used in the game are defined. The values of objects of the collection are ranked according to a predefined hierarchy. A first object collection is assigned to a Player party. The Dealer accepts a wager from the Player on certain outcomes of random selections of a subset of the collection of objects corresponding to high value objects. A random selection of a subset of objects is made. The subset is compared to predefined high value objects. If there is no matching relationship between the subset and the high value objects, the wager is retained by the Dealer. If there is a matching relationship but not reaching a threshold level of matching, the Dealer pays funds to the Player. If the matching exceeds a threshold level, the Player may accept the payout or wager further.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for combining reels in gaming devices. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to display a plurality of game elements in a grid that display game symbols from a plurality of reels according to random game outcome in response to a game initiation signal. When one or more predefined game conditions are satisfied, one or more rows or columns of game elements in the grid are moved to share game element locations of another row or column in the grid. In some instances, one or more of the symbols that left their respective game elements are replaced with additional game symbols. The resulting grid may then be evaluated to determine prizes associated with winning symbol combinations, including using one or both of the symbols combined in the single game element in the winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: Briefly, example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, using one or more computing devices to facilitate and/or support one or more operations and/or techniques for instant bank account crediting via a bill-validating depositing system, such as a smart safe, for example.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for detecting ATM skimmers based upon radio frequency (RF) signal. In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments include a system for detecting ATM skimmers including a memory storing instructions and one or more processors that execute the instructions to perform one or more operations for detecting ATM skimmers. The operations may include, for example, receiving radio frequency (RF) signal data corresponding to one or more RF signals detected by an antenna located within communication range of the ATM. The operations may also include determining one or more unidentified RF signals of the detected ATM RF signals that differ from one or more baseline RF signals.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein provide the ability to communicate alarm events on a premises to client devices remotely located with respect to the premises. In one example, a monitoring device extracts a sound originating from the premises, wherein the sound is detected by microphones of a microphone array. The monitoring device performs pattern matching to identify an alarm event associated with the extracted sound, and determines a location of the alarm event within the premises based on information obtained individually by the microphones of the microphone array. The monitoring device communicates the alarm event and the location of the alarm event to a client device remotely located with respect to the premises.

Abstract: A system includes a wearer role identification device, a garment comprising a dynamically modifiable display, a hardware controller for adjusting the dynamically modifiable display, and a database storage device. The wearer role identification device identifies a role of a wearer of the garment wherein the role defines abilities of the wearer. The hardware controller adjusts an appearance of the dynamically modifiable display based on the role of the wearer changing from a first role to a second role. The database storage device contains a real-time role of the wearer of the garment, wherein the wearer role identification device retrieves the real-time role of the wearer of the garment as a real-time input to the hardware controller for adjusting the dynamically modifiable display, wherein the wearer of the garment holds multiple roles, and wherein the dynamically modifiable display presents visual images that simultaneously represent the multiple roles.

Abstract: A haptic effect enabled system generates a haptic effect using an electric potential responsive fluid. A haptic enabled apparatus includes a fluid and a substrate. The fluid is responsive to an electric field. The substrate is at least partially flexible and defines a channel. The fluid is positioned within at least a portion of the channel. A portion of the substrate proximal to the fluid is stiffer than a portion of the substrate spaced from the fluid, thereby creating a haptic effect.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a device housing and a haptic actuator carried by the device housing and that includes a haptic actuator housing and a field member movable within the haptic actuator housing. The electronic device may also include a motion sensor carried by the device housing to sense motion of the field member, an audio sensor carried by the device housing to sense audio noise from the haptic actuator, and a controller coupled to the haptic actuator, the motion sensor, and the audio sensor. The controller may be configured to drive the haptic actuator based upon sensed motion of the field member and audio noise from the haptic actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an instant multimedia interaction system with tactile experience and a method thereof. In the system, a tactile device is installed on a back surface of a handheld device, and the handheld device and the tactile device are communicated with each other. The handheld device may receive a tactile control instruction from a remote device and transmit the tactile control instruction to the tactile device. Each of tactile components of a tactile assembly is controlled to extend or retract according to the tactile control instruction. The tactile device provides tactile experience while the user uses the handheld device. Therefore, the technical effect of providing instant multimedia interaction with tactile experience may be achieved.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are disclosed. The system includes a command module that generates haptic commands; a haptic actuator; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage in response to a first haptic command and applies a second driving voltage in response to a second haptic command. The apparatus includes a haptic actuator; a DC power supply; a first power supply circuit that outputs a first DC voltage; a second power supply circuit that outputs a second DC voltage higher than the first DC voltage; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage; and a controller that designates an operating mode. The method includes generating a first haptic command and a second haptic command; applying a first driving voltage to a haptic actuator; and applying a second driving voltage to the haptic actuator.

Abstract: A system includes a processor, an audio display, and a haptic peripheral including a haptic output device. The audio display includes a speaker and a headphone connector. The haptic output device is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the haptic peripheral in response to the control signal from the processor. The processor is configured to vary the control signal for the haptic output device depending on an audio output accessory connectivity status of the audio display such that the haptic output device generates and applies a first haptic effect if the audio display is connected to an audio output accessory in order to output audio through the headphone connector and the haptic output device generates and applies a second haptic effect if the audio display is not connected to an audio output accessory in order to output audio through the speaker.

Abstract: Tamper-respondent assemblies and methods of fabrication are provided which include a multi-layer stack having multiple discrete component layers stacked and electrically connected together via a plurality of electrical contacts in between the component layers. Further, the tamper-respondent assembly includes a tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure embedded within the multi-layer stack. The tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure includes at least one tamper-respondent sensor embedded, at least in part, within at least one component layer of the multiple discrete component layers of the multi-layer stack. The tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure defines a secure volume within the multi-layer stack. For instance, the tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure may be fully embedded within the multi-layer stack, with monitor circuitry of the tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure residing within the secure volume within the multi-layer stack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The base includes a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The security system also includes a controller operably coupled to the base and a key configured to wirelessly communicate with the base and/or controller. The sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with the base.

Abstract: A multi-area passive infrared sensor (PIF) produces a two-dimensional image formed of a grid of squares corresponding to adjacent elementary areas of an area to be monitored, with, for each square, a respective heat signal. The squares of the grid are classified into authorized and secured squares, and the device produces, for each square, an indicator of presence/absence of a target. In the presence of a detected target in at least one square, the processor conditionally delivers an alert as a function of i) the position on the grid of the detected target and ii) of the classification into authorized or secured square of the square in which this target is detected. A data memory stores a history of the states of the grid, and the processor performs a tracking of the target by an algorithm based on adjacent squares, based on this history.