Abstract: An electronic voting machine obtains session information in an encrypted state for conducting a voting session. The voting machine decrypts the session information using a decryption key that is specific to the voting machine. A ballot provided in the session information may then be presented in a user interface through which votes are received. The session information also includes an encryption key for a specific tabulation machine associated a priori with the voting session, as well as one or more datastores. The voting machine encrypts the votes with the encryption key and sends the votes in an encrypted state to the one or more datastores. The tabulation machine may then retrieve the votes from the location(s) and decrypt them using a corresponding private key.

Abstract: A method for detecting staining on a media item, the method comprising: capturing (22) a digital image of the media item, the digital image comprising a plurality of pixels representing colour information of the media item; comparing (30) the captured digital image to a reference image, wherein comparing the captured digital image to the reference image comprises: generating a histogram for each of a plurality of kernel patches of the captured digital image, wherein each of the plurality of kernel patches of the captured digital image covers an area of the captured digital image, such that the entire captured digital image is covered by the plurality of kernel patches; comparing (40) the histogram for each of the plurality of kernel patches of the captured digital image to a histogram of a corresponding kernel patch of the reference image to generate a distance metric; and based on the generated distance metrics, determining if staining is present on the media item.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with wireless payment or account verification or authorization for purchases made from a vending machine via a customer's mobile device.

Abstract: A cup dispenser for a beverage vending machine and comprising a magazine rotatably mounted about a rotation axis and provided with a plurality of columns arranged around the rotation axis and each adapted to store a respective stack of cups and provided with a respective release device operable to dispense individual cups. The cup dispenser further comprises a first actuator to rotate the magazine about the rotation axis and selectively bring the columns in a fixed cup dispensing station, a second actuator to operate the release device of the column in the dispensing station, a power takeoff powered by the second actuator, and a third actuator operable to selectively move the power takeoff to and from an engagement position, in which the power takeoff is kinematically coupled with a power input of the release device in the dispensing station.

Abstract: A system includes a game device. A non-gambling game including a transition point is conducted on the game device. When a transition point is reached, a gambling game that is logically independent of the non-gambling game is conducted. The gambling game produces a gambling game outcome independent of the non-gambling game.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that provides a secure and easily auditable drawing for a contest winner. The disclosed method includes A) computing a participant hash for each participant, B) selecting a portion of the participant hash, C) determining a participant numerical value based on the portion of the participant hash for each participant, D) selecting an external information source, E) determining an external hash based on the external source of information, F) selecting a portion of the external hash, G) determining an external numerical value based on the portion of the external hash and H) determining a contest winner by comparing the participant numerical values with the external numerical value.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided to enable casino operators to provide printed tangible items for patron uses, such as lottery tickets. Such embodiments accept tangible indicators of financial consideration from patrons, such as currency or tickets associated with certain verifiable values, such as valid and winning lottery tickets and other forms of consideration which a patron can provide to a casino in exchange for one or more points.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to a gaming device including a memory, a processor, a display, and a call tower including a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, and a call tower display screen and/or a plurality of external lights located at an outer area of a front surface of the gaming device, forming a u-shape with a left side, a right side, and a bottom each comprising a light column. The gaming device includes a processor which presents a game via the display.

Abstract: A new investment-type of online game and/or software app that guarantees a payoff of $500.00 a month from a small, one-time initial investment and compliance of the rules. The payoff odds may increase incrementally the more one recruits others to play the game to provide consumers a new and exciting game that increases the opportunities for financial improvement in today's uncertain economy.

Abstract: In the present invention, a player makes a basic bet, chooses whether to make an additional bet on an additional bet element, and executes, by utilizing a control unit, the following steps: allocating a fixed proportion of an amount of the basic bet and an amount of the additional bet to be accumulated into a payoff value; choosing to perform an additional raising game flow or a basic game flow according to the presence or absence of the additional bet; in the absence of the additional bet, performing, by the control unit, the basic game flow to generate a basic payment value; in the presence of the additional bet, performing, by the control unit, the additional raising game flow to generate an additional raising payment value; and when a game result generated by a game host conforms to the bet of a player, giving the value to the player.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented for operating a generalized progressive gaming system which offers a common progressive jackpot for a various games with different sets of winning hands and different denominations. The generalized progressive system represents a jackpot in terms of probability and adds a normalizing random event to a player's bet and the hand player receives. In order to win a jackpot the player must receive a qualified hand and a combined probability of these two events, namely a hand and a normalizing random event, must be smaller than a required value. Any qualified hand can win the jackpot. Handling of various denominations is proposed. Generalized progressive system apparatus is also provided that includes a display, a user interface, a processor and a server.

Abstract: A system for an electronic gambling device output has been developed. The system includes, a first computing device with slot machine game logic circuitry that generates an output signal that is content tested and approved by a gaming regulatory authority for output by the slot machine. It also includes a second computing device that is external to the slot machine. This device controls the tested output content and output content that has not been tested by the gaming regulatory authority. The untested output content replaces or supplements the tested output content.

Abstract: A balanced deck includes a first set of value cards and a second set of draw cards. The first set includes multiple subsets of value cards, each subset of value cards defined by a specific value out of multiple values. The second set of draw cards includes multiple draw cards, the second set including multiple subsets of draw cards, each subset of draw cards defined by respective instruction to draw a specific number of additional cards that is different from the respective instruction of each other subset of draw cards. The first set of cards and the second set of cards are shuffled together to form the balanced deck.

Abstract: A balanced deck includes multiple subsets of value cards, each subset defined by a specific value out of multiple values, and multiple subsets of draw cards, each subset defined by a respective instruction to draw a specific number of additional cards that is different from the respective instruction of each other subset of draw cards. The first set of cards and the second set of cards are shuffled together to form the balanced deck. In use, a player can draw one or more initial cards from the deck, draw one or more additional cards from the deck based on an instruction on a draw card, and determine a score by adding one or more values associated with any drawn value cards from among the initial cards and additional cards, and/or by grouping value cards into pairs, sets of three or more, or a sequential numerical set of value cards.

Abstract: A vehicle messaging method (600) and system (100) can include any number of data sources (101-103), an interface (104) that formats messages and addresses from the data sources, and a corresponding number of messaging servers (111-113) that receive targeted messages intended for a predetermined subset of subscribers associated with a vehicle identification number (VIN). Each messaging server can include a corresponding controller (121-123) programmed to assign (604) targeted messages to a predetermined channel and encode (606) the addresses of the targeted messages to the predetermined subset of subscribers using a VIN or portion thereof. The controller can be further programmed to transfer (608) the targeted messages and addresses to a satellite uplink (107) and satellite (110) via a messaging uplink interface (106) for retransmission and reception by a plurality of selective call receivers 109 addressable individually using a predetermined VIN or portion thereof.

Abstract: A somatosensory feedback system may include at least one somatosensory feedback device to, when actuated, invoke a sensation in a user. The somatosensory feedback system may instruct the at least one somatosensory feedback device to actuate to indicate a passage of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing haptic effects based on information complementary to multimedia content. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving multimedia data comprising multimedia content and complementary data, wherein the complementary data describes the multimedia content, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the complementary data, and outputting the haptic effect while playing the multimedia content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering alerts, notifications and messages, to and, if configured, responses from one to many users wearing technology designed for single and/or multiple media types, utilizing one to many non-primary communication pathways enabled are contemplated in which (a) a primary communication channel pathway, (b) a primary or non-primary control channel(s) is established, by wireless receiver and/or wired connection to a group of users, that (b) then allows an activation method type to provide an alert/notification/message method to one-to-many persons (i.e., users) and/or, one-to-many devices in an addressable manner that establishes a non-primary communication channel path that is parallel and unknown to the primary communication channel path. The overall method consists of a router function and media delivery routing technology that are actively listening on a primary communication/control pathway or a non-primary control channel.

Abstract: A door/window opening detector including an antenna having at least a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency associated therewith, the second resonant frequency being different from the first resonant frequency, the antenna having the first resonant frequency when in proximity to a door/window having a given dielectric constant and the second resonant frequency when not in proximity to a door/window having the given dielectric constant, and an alarm indication generator operable, in response to receiving an indication that a resonant frequency of the antenna has changed from the first resonant frequency to the second resonant frequency, for generating an alarm indication of opening of the door/window.

Abstract: A tracker apparatus, and method thereof for tracking deployable units are provided. The tracker apparatus includes a first sensor group having a first power consumption profile; a second sensor group having a second power consumption profile; a communication circuit having a first network interface for communicating with a control server; an energy storage; a processing circuity; and a memory, wherein the memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processing circuity, configure the tracker apparatus to: trigger the processing circuity to awaken from a low power mode, in response to a first input from a first sensor of the first sensor group exceeding a first threshold; activate a second sensor of the second sensor group in response to the first input corresponding to an unauthorized movement; and activate a tracking mode of the tracker apparatus, in response to a second input from the second sensor corresponding to an unauthorized movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for enforcing at least one rule within a geofence. The rule is enforced by a fencing agent on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The geofence is defined by a plurality of geographic designators, with the plurality of geographic designators each being associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address, preferably an IPv6 address.

Abstract: A video monitoring method that involves determining motion changes in a set of video frames to find potential objects is described. One or more bounding boxes are defined around the potential objects. These bounding boxes are spatially and temporally filtered to eliminate potential object candidates, with only potential objects in the bounding boxes remaining after filtering being classified or identified.

Abstract: Cloud based systems and methods for locating a peace breaker can include a microprocessor receiving a triggering event signal from a sensor indicative of a peace breaker carrying out a peace breaker triggering event, the microprocessor transmitting an activation signal to a first camera to capture a first video data stream or a first image of the peace breaker, the microprocessor receiving the first video data stream or the first image and extracting first identifying information of the peace breaker therefrom, the microprocessor transmitting the first identifying information to a cloud based server device, the cloud based server device comparing the first identifying information with peace breaker information stored in a memory device of the cloud based server device, and the cloud based server device identifying a location of the peace breaker.

Abstract: An anti-theft hangtag is revealed. The anti-theft hangtag is used for packing tools with circular grooves. The hangtag includes a hanging portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion consists of a receiving portion and antitheft members. The antitheft members are arranged at one end of the receiving portion with an opening. The antitheft members are used to clamp the tool and preventing the tool from being removed from the hangtag.

Abstract: An Emergency Message Alert System is disclosed. The Emergency Message Alert System may be attached to a television that is placed in a public place such as in an airport. The Emergency Message Alert System monitors television broadcasts and other sources for emergencies that may affect the local area. When the Emergency Message Alert System detects an emergency that affects the nearby area, the system becomes activated and will alert people that an emergency is occurring by displaying a message or flashing LEDs on a front display. When activated, this system will direct the people to watch the information being presented on the accompanying television monitor.

Abstract: A method and system that allows healthcare providers to monitor disabled, elderly or other high-risk individuals to prevent or reduce falls and/or mitigate the impact of a fall by delivering automated notification of “at risk” behavior and falls by such an individual. Two systems are used to identify patients—a skeletal tracking system that identifies patients by biometric indicators and a virtual blob detection system. In the virtual blob system, the monitored individual is virtually represented as a blob object of at least a specific size by a computerized monitoring system, and such system detects and alerts when the blob object enters or crosses into a virtually defined or designated blob detection zone and remains in the zone for at least a predetermined period of time. These systems may be used concurrently and conflicts between the systems may be resolved.

Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosed implementations, a device includes one or more motion sensors for sensing motion of the device and providing activity data indicative of the sensed motion. The device also includes one or more processors for monitoring the activity data, and receiving or generating annotation data for annotating the activity data with one or more markers or indicators to define one or more characteristics of an activity session. The device also includes one or more feedback devices for providing feedback, a notice, or an indication to a user based on the monitoring. The device further includes a portable housing that encloses at least portions of the motion sensors, the processors and the feedback devices.

Abstract: An occupancy or vacancy indicating system comprising: one or more indicating modules for indicating occupancy or vacancy of one or more areas of a space; and a setting means for setting a status of the indication modules, the status being indicative of the occupancy or vacancy of said one or more areas, wherein the setting means is operable for setting the status of indicating modules from a remote location relative to the one or more areas by transmitting one or more signals to the indicating module sensing means for sensing an indication of occupancy or vacancy, as indicated by a user during use in the one or more areas.

Abstract: A system and method for providing rear seat monitoring within a vehicle that include activating a vehicle camera system to capture images of at least one rear seat of the vehicle. The system and method also include determining if at least one rear seat passenger is located within the at least one rear seat of the vehicle. The system and method additionally include determining that an ignition of the vehicle is disabled. The system and method further include providing at least one type of alert upon determining that the ignition of the vehicle is disabled.

Abstract: A method system, and non-transitory computer readable medium for cabin activity detection. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the method includes receiving first sensor data at a cabin activity detection device from a first sensor of a plurality of sensors; performing, by the cabin activity detection device, local analysis of the first sensor data to make a determination that a condition is met; and performing a first local action based on the determination that the condition is met.

Abstract: An alarm and monitoring system including a primary device and at least one secondary device, the alarm and monitoring system including at least one controller configured to: determine whether at least one alarm event is set; establish a wireless communication between a primary device and the secondary device, when it is determined that the alarm event has been set; transmit an alarm event signal including alarm information from the primary device to the secondary device in accordance with the alarm event that is determined to have been set; generate an alarm signal by the secondary device in accordance with at least the alarm information; and render the generated alarm signal on a rendering device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an aircraft personal safety device can include an RF signaling device configured to monitor a state or condition of the aircraft personal safety device, and a management device configured to determine the state or condition of the aircraft personal safety device based on communication with the RF signaling device. The method can include associating the RF signaling device with the aircraft personal safety device, and monitoring the state or condition of the aircraft personal safety device by using the management device to receive information from the RF signaling device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for finding a parked vehicle in a parking structure, wherein a parked position of the vehicle is stored in a parking structure, a mobile terminal is coupled to the parking structure in order to provide a radio transmission path, navigation to the parked vehicle is requested from the parking structure using the mobile terminal, and the parking structure produces light trajectories in order to navigate a user to the parked position of the vehicle.

Abstract: An investigation assist device is connected to cameras installed at a plurality of intersections respectively. The investigation assist device has a processor and a storage that records road map information including the plurality of intersections and captured video of each camera in association with camera information and intersection information. The processor extracts camera information of intersections adjacent to a first point where an event occurred according to an information input including information on the first point and feature information of a vehicle having caused the event. The processor retrieves a vehicle satisfying the feature information of the vehicle using a captured video of a camera specified by the extracted camera information. The processor analyzes feature information of the retrieved vehicle.

Abstract: An investigation assist device is connected to cameras installed at a plurality of intersections respectively so as to communicate with the cameras. The investigation assist device includes a processor and a storage that records road map information including the plurality of intersections and captured video of each of the cameras in association with camera information and intersection information. The processor retrieves a vehicle using the captured video of each of the cameras installed at one or more intersections within a predetermined distance range from the intersection where the event has occurred, based on input information including date and time information when the event has occurred, the intersection information where the event has occurred, and the feature information of the vehicle having caused the event, the captured videos corresponding to the date and time information.

Abstract: An turn detection system is configured to determine headings or a course of a vehicle over a period of time and evaluate whether the vehicle has registered a turn based on these headings/course. In some arrangements, upon detecting a turn, sensor data may be collected to determine one or more characteristics or attributes of the turn. Such data may indicate a loss event associated with the turn and be used to calculate a probability or risk of loss given the various characteristics of the turn. These probabilities may further be applied to determine various costs and premiums.

Abstract: An object acquisition system is provided for acquiring objects, for example, trucks, passenger automobiles, buses, etc. on large surfaces, such as parking areas. The system comprises an acquisition device having a fastening unit for fastening the data acquisition unit on a fastening object, a pivot motorconnected to the fastening unit, a pivot arm, which is coupled at one end to the pivot motor such that the pivot arm is pivotable by means of the pivot motor about an axis of rotation, a control unit for controlling the pivot motor, and a data acquisition unit for acquiring object information, wherein the data acquisition unit is attached spaced apart from the axis of rotation on the pivot arm. Furthermore, the system comprises a computation unit for computing a 3D dataset from the data of the data acquisition unit and data with respect to the movement of the pivot motor.

Abstract: A method, a device and a system for processing startup of a preceding vehicle, wherein, the method for processing startup of a preceding vehicle is applicable to the system for processing startup of a preceding vehicle, the system includes a video sensor and a gravity sensor. The method includes: collecting images in front of a vehicle head of a current vehicle by the video sensor and collecting acceleration information of the current vehicle by the gravity sensor (S102); determining a running state of the current vehicle based on image features in the images in front of the vehicle head and/or the acceleration information (S104); acquiring a movement path of a target object in the images in front of the vehicle head when the running state of the current vehicle is a stationary state (S106); determining whether to generate a reminder for reminding the current vehicle to startup based on the movement path of the target object (S108).

Abstract: A method for distributing parking location information via a social platform to community members of the social platform to enable community members to acquire a parking spot, wherein a community of street parking motorists who alternately need or have parking spot information is created, community members simultaneously broadcast parking spot information (Beacons) and parking spot requests, where a single motorist who will soon be relinquishing his/her spot is matched to another motorist within a target radius who has requested a parking spot, and where a community member can monitor a dashboard that reflects real time matchmaking activity based on several factors including tier association, spot/profile alignment and queue entry order such that participating members can equitably and efficiently disseminate parking location information in a timely manner.

Abstract: A warning system which includes at least one sensor operable for detecting one or more objects in a detection area of a high-traffic area, at least one communication device in electrical communication with the sensor, and at least one warning device in electrical communication with the communication device. At least one warning alert is produced by the warning device, and the communication device commands the warning device to produce the warning alert when the sensor detects a potential collision between at least one virtual road user and at least one vehicle. The warning alert may be one of several types of alerts, such as, but not limited to, an audible sound warning, a visual warning, or a haptic warning. The warning alert may be a plurality of warning alerts, such that warning device is operable for producing more than one of the plurality of warning alerts simultaneously.

Abstract: A first determination unit provisionally determines collision or non-collision between a vehicle and another vehicle on the basis of positional information of the vehicle and positional information of the other vehicle. A second determination unit changes a determination result to collision when the provisional determination result has been collision N times in succession and when the determination result was previously non-collision, and changes the determination result to non-collision when the provisional determination result has been non-collision M times in succession and when the determination result was previously collision. Here, N is smaller than M. N and M are positive integral numbers.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product controls operations of a vehicle based on a condition of cargo being transported. One or more processors receive output from a camera on a first cargo vehicle, wherein the output from the camera describes a movement of cargo caused by movement of the first cargo vehicle. The processor(s) determine, based on the output from the camera, that the movement of the first cargo vehicle has caused cargo in the first cargo vehicle to shift beyond a predetermined amount, and transmit instructions to a second cargo vehicle to adjust initial cargo loading operations on the second cargo vehicle based on determining that the movement of the first cargo vehicle has caused the cargo to shift beyond the predetermined amount in the first cargo vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle monitoring devices, vehicle monitoring management devices, and vehicle monitoring systems are described. According to one aspect, a vehicle monitoring device includes first circuitry configured to communicate with a vehicle being monitored and to receive information regarding the vehicle at a plurality of moments in time, second circuitry coupled with the first circuitry and configured to generate a plurality of messages, wherein individual ones of the messages include the information regarding the vehicle which was received at one of the plurality of moments in time and timing data which is indicative of timing of the vehicle data according to an independent timing protocol which is utilized by the vehicle monitoring device and another device which is remote from the vehicle monitoring device, and wherein the first circuity is configured to communicate the plurality of messages externally of the vehicle monitoring device.

Abstract: A system for guiding a driver of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a light sensor configured to detect light; and a processor configured to determine a position of vehicle on a roadway based on a characteristic of the detected light.

Abstract: A method includes accessing historical data including timestamped meteorological data and flight path data. The timestamped meteorological data indicates meteorological conditions detected in each of a plurality of geographic regions. The flight path data indicates air traffic volume in each of the plurality of geographic regions during particular time periods. The method also includes, based on the historical data, identifying at least one meteorological condition and at least one time period corresponding to higher than threshold air traffic volume in a particular geographic region of the plurality of geographic regions. The method further includes generating a filter criterion based on the particular geographic region, the at least one meteorological condition, and the at least one time period. The method also includes generating a flight plan based on a portion of the historical data that satisfies the filter criterion.

Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for pilot alertness and awareness of target aircraft and target obstacle that are flying within a proceeding flight path collision. Transmitted guiding sound signals consisting of three dimensional effects and tonal sounds are generated by a flight unit, and sent to the pilot's headset for the desired purpose of directing the pilot's head position to locate the target aircraft and target obstacle. The flight unit processes time of collision from received target aircraft broadcast, and contain at least GPS data and target obstacle information from stored navigational maps. The flight unit further receives the pilot's head position through means of a head tracker. Furthermore, the flight unit is able to perform the functions of, storing piloted flight information, voice language instruction, flight assisted notification, and communicating with one or multiple mobile devices such for the information to be displayed visually, and is upgradable remotely.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for aircraft stand management are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive information associated with arriving and departing flights at an airport, determine, using the received information, whether a conflict exists at a parking stand of the airport assigned to an aircraft, generate, using the received information, an airfield parking stand analysis, including a time chart for the parking stand and a list of different parking stands to assign to the aircraft in response to a conflict existing at the parking stand, and a user interface to display the airfield parking stand analysis in a single integrated display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a test environment on a mobile device. The method includes modifying device functionality to a locked state prior to a testing phase; providing a test to the user within the testing phase; and modifying device functionality to an unlocked state at the conclusion of the testing phase. A system for controlling a test environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods and systems for monitoring and treating individuals with sensory processing issues (e.g., individuals with autism). In some embodiments, methods involve measurement of environmental conditions (e.g., sound, light, location, time of day, air quality, odors, radiation, magnetic field strength, temperature, humidity, pollutants, etc.) that are sensory inputs affecting an individual's ability to perform tasks and behave in a desired way; implementing interventions based on the measured conditions to help the individual improve performance and behavior; monitoring the extent of improvement resulting from the interventions; and modifying the interventions based on the extent of improvement. Systems configured for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to interactive training, and in particular, to methods and systems for computerized interactive skill training. An example embodiment provides a method and system for providing skill training using a computerized system. The computerized system receives a selection of a first training subject. Several related training components can be invoked, such as reading, watching, performing, and/or reviewing components. In addition, a scored challenge session is provided, wherein a training challenge is provided to a user via a terminal, optionally in video form.