Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes a processing circuit having programmed instructions to: determine a cart location of a shopping cart that is moved by a customer and used for transportation of a merchandise purchased by the customer; and provide a notification for promoting a return of the shopping cart to a return area for returning the shopping cart in response to a determination that (i) the shopping cart is located in a place outside of the return area and (ii) a stay time of the shopping cart at the place outside the return area exceeds a threshold length of time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing data associated with wearable articles for an electronic transactions platform includes receiving wearable article data describing wearable articles made available for physical shipment to users via electronic interactions; generating a user interface and causing display of the user interface depicting one or more of the wearable articles; receiving a selection of a wearable article of the displayed one or more wearable articles via the user interface; determining a listed amount for the selected wearable article; determining a borrow period to borrow the selected wearable article and a borrow amount at least based on the determined listed amount to borrow the selected wearable article during the borrow period; determining a daily amount to keep the borrowed wearable article; and monitoring the borrowed wearable article to determine whether a return notification for the borrowed wearable article has been received within the borrow period.

Abstract: A bicycle storage assembly includes a vertically oriented track. A carriage is movable on the track from a loading position to a storage position, the storage position being elevated above the loading position. The carriage holds a tire and wheel assembly of the bicycle above the other in a storage, elevated position. In a first aspect the carriage comprising a pair of clamping members being devoid of any element that extends over an inside circumferential surface of a rim of the front or rear tire and wheel assembly in the storage position. A second aspect has nested enclosures to reduce storage space. A third aspect includes a movable member coupled to the carriage. The movable member inhibits removal of the bicycle in the storage position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing an inventory of articles includes receiving, by a transfer processor, article information associated with the articles, and identifying, by the transfer processor, one of the articles based on an article identifier. The method also includes retrieving article information based on the identifier, the article information including care information for the one of the articles, and, when the identified article is an article requiring special care, a special care requirement is included in the care information, and preparing the article for transfer based on the care information.

Abstract: A method for identifying counterfeit coins, comprising receiving surface image data and edge image data of the coin at a processor. Identifying a plurality of defects using the processor. Comparing each of the plurality of defects to a database of known authentic coin image data defects to determine whether the coin is authentic.

Abstract: An information security system prevents unauthorized access to resources of an information system. The information security system includes a fingerprint scanner that provides fingerprint data, a radio transceiver that stores encrypted data including fingerprint data from authorized users in a first portion and second data in a second portion, and a hub device that receives the encrypted data and the fingerprint data associated with the scanned fingerprint of a user, decrypts the first portion of the encrypted data to provide decrypted fingerprint data, compares the decrypted fingerprint data with the fingerprint data associated with the scanned fingerprint of the user, identifies the user as an authorized user when the decrypted fingerprint data matches the fingerprint data associated with the scanned fingerprint of the user, and provides the second data to the third party device via the second data interface when the user is identified as the authorized user.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine to be utilized as a recycled material collection device. The reverse vending machine is comprised of a housing having an aperture disposed therethrough, the aperture configured to receive a plurality of recyclable materials from a user. A ducting system is in fluid communication with the aperture and a vacuum system to draw the plurality of recyclable materials to an auger system configured to compact the recyclable materials and dispose the recyclable materials into a reservoir.

Abstract: A lockout device that can be used independently and/or through a connected system that provides information and warnings of conventional lockout tag, while also able to actively provide information to a user and any other individual or device through a network in the system. The lockout device is paired with a user and enables audible and/or visual warnings to ensure notice of the lockout device as well as warnings to the user through the network of possible tampering.

Abstract: Devices and systems for use with a watercraft, and methods for using the same. The system includes a watercraft device for attachment to, or incorporation into, a watercraft. The watercraft device having a first watercraft lock component configured to couple with at least one second watercraft lock component, a docking station having a second watercraft lock component configured to couple with the first watercraft lock component, as well as at least one microcontroller and at least one wireless communication component within at least one of the watercraft device and docking station. The watercraft lock components, when coupled together, are configured to be placed in at least one of a locked state and an unlocked state by the at least one microcontroller, which is configured to place the watercraft lock components in an unlocked state in response to a signal received by the at least one wireless communication component.

Abstract: A code reading device including: an article placement surface on which an article is placed; at least one code reading unit that optically reads a code attached to the article; and a motion unit that causes the article to swivel and/or rotate on the article placement surface, the code reading device being configured to read the code with the code reading unit while causing the article to swivel and/or rotate on the article placement surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vending system for renting carts or strollers. The methods comprise: performing tag read operations or barcode scan operations by a device disposed at a lock mechanism of the vending system to obtain a unique identifier for a cart or stroller; selecting, by a computing device of the vending system, an image from a plurality of pre-stored images based on the unique identifier; displaying, by the computing device, the selected image along with other images as part of a graphical user interface facilitating cart or stroller rental; receiving, by the computing device, at least one user input for renting a cart or stroller associated with one of the displayed images; and performing operations by the computing device to cause a release of the lock mechanism that is locking the rented cart or stroller to the vending system.

Abstract: An optically readable tag and methods and systems for decoding the optically readable tag are disclosed. The optically readable tag comprises: a border region having an indicative shape; and an encoding region, defined by the border region, the encoding region comprising a plurality of encoding shape objects, wherein data is encoded by relative sizes of the encoding shape objects.

Abstract: A power supply unit for supplying power to a device has a rechargeable, main battery; a charging arrangement for charging the main battery; a non-rechargeable back-up battery; load terminals for connection to a load; and a control unit for controlling supply of power to the load primarily from the main battery and secondarily from the back-up battery. The device is, in particular, a single bay, stand alone parking meter. In the event that the main battery runs low, the control unit is configured to supply power to the load from both the main battery and the back-up battery or only from the back-up battery. The back-up battery is easily replaceable, and the power supply unit has a bay, with connectors for receiving the back-up battery. The main battery is charged from solar panels. A communication device is provided to communicate status messages wirelessly to a control system.

Abstract: Methods of managing virtual resources within a virtual world are described which use a device comprising a connecting element to which one or more smart beads can be attached. A smart bead represents either a virtual resource in the virtual world or an action on a virtual resource in the virtual world. The device is arranged to detect and identify which smart beads are attached to the connecting element and to autonomously update quantities of one or more virtual resources based on combinations of virtual resources and/or actions on virtual resources, where at least one of the virtual resources or actions in any combination is represented by a detected smart bead. In an embodiment, the device is a fashion item such as a wearable device.

Abstract: A ticket redemption game having an upright cabinet. The upright cabinet houses a cylindrical drum which may be rotated through the use of a control by at least one electric motor. In the interior of the cylindrical drum are a plurality of balls. When the drum is rotated, the plurality of balls is moved from a low point to an apex of the cylindrical drum along an interior circumference of the cylindrical drum by the aid of traction elements.

Abstract: A meter apparatus and method of operating a removable meter apparatus are described. The meter apparatus includes a tag associated with unique tag identification information and configured to be permanently affixed to a location housing at a unique physical location, and includes a removable meter unit configured to mate with the location housing and receive the tag identification from the tag and report the tag identification to a data manager configured to associate an identifier of the removable meter unit with the tag identification and unique physical location, and associate configuration information for the physical location with the removable meter unit and the tag identification. The unique physical location can comprise a single-space parking location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for a pile-free parking management system and method comprising: an information manager which receives parking sensing information and locking information, and determines if a vehicle is properly parked and returned. The system comprises a plurality of sensing units each with a sensor and a sensing object installed onto and paired with a parking location and a vehicle. These sensing units are activated only when the sensor is aligned with the sensing object within a predetermined proximity of each other. Either the sensors and/or the sensing objects are installed at a parking location in a strategic and organized fashion. This system and method aim to maximize vehicle-parking capacity, and ensures orderly parking at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus management system managing an apparatus through an information terminal includes a transmission part configured to transmit terminal information identifying the information terminal and apparatus information identifying the apparatus, a reception part configured to receive the terminal information and the apparatus information, an authentication part configured to determine whether the received terminal information and apparatus information match one of registered combinations of terminal information and apparatus information, and a notification part configured to transmit apparatus management information to the information terminal when the authentication part determines that the received terminal information and apparatus information match one of the registered combinations of terminal information and apparatus information.

Abstract: A mobility device rental system that is operable to facilitate the rental of a plurality of mobility assistance devices. The mobility device rental system includes a plurality of rental terminals that are installed at publicly accessible locations. The rental terminals include at least one receiving stall so as to accommodate at least one wheelchair therein. A locking member is secured within the receiving stall so as to retain the mobility assistance device until rental thereof. An operating software is provided that is accessible via the Internet or software application wherein the operating software facilitates the rental process of a mobility assistance device. The rental terminals further include control tags configured to assist in tracking of the mobility assistance devices and maintaining an inventory thereof. The rental terminals include computing devices having graphical displays that are operable to facilitate the rental and return of a mobility assistance device.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods characterize indoor air quality in a particular building having multiple locations therein. The system comprises a back-end data center, at least one indoor air quality sensor located inside the particular building, and a graphical display device. The indoor air quality sensor(s) transmits time-stamped air quality readings collected by it to the data center via a computer network. The data center computes spatiotemporal air quality measures for the particular building based on the time-stamped air quality readings from the indoor air quality sensor(s) and transmits the computed spatiotemporal air quality measures to the graphical display device for display to the user/resident.

Abstract: Enables an interactive jewelry vending machine configured to enable users to quickly and conveniently purchase jewelry. The interactive jewelry vending machine allows users to view a rendition of the jewelry on their person with images taken by the camera and displayed on the point of sale system. Through a wireless communication system, users may check the inventory of each vending machine and purchase products remotely. The wireless communication system also provides additional security for the interactive jewelry vending machine by relaying alarm signals during break in attempts and sending out position signals when movement of the interactive jewelry vending machine is detected. An internal battery may power the wireless communication system when the interactive jewelry vending machine is no longer connected to an external power source.

Abstract: A mobile deposit kit for use with a mobile deposit application of a mobile device provides a container having (1) a top, a bottom, and a back, and further includes two sides each adjoining to the top, the bottom, and the back, (2) at least one series of fasteners along back and the two sides at a specified distance from the bottom, (3) a tray supported by the fasteners, and including (a) a base, (b) a stencil, and (c) an opening within the stencil corresponding to specified check measurements, (4) an opening in the top sufficiently sized to correspond to a camera lens of a mobile device, and wherein the top includes outline markings for placement of the mobile device, whereby the mobile device is utilized for securing at least one check image for use in a mobile deposit application.

Abstract: A system for receiving and auditing objects according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing having a front panel, a receiving area, an auditing area, and a drop chute, wherein the receiving area includes a shelf, the front panel includes an opening, a door assembly having a pushing wall and a second pushing wall and assembly moveable between an open position in which an object can be inserted through the opening and into the receiving area, and a closed position in which the door assembly prevents access to the receiving area, wherein the pushing wall moves the object from the shelf into the auditing area as the door assembly closed; and a control system coupled to a camera and switch, wherein the door assembly activates the switch when it is in the closed position, the control system images the object with the camera in response to switch activation.

Abstract: Various prison services are rendered more efficient by providing inmates access to portable electronic devices in a controlled and regulated manner. A dispenser is employed to control and monitor the checking out and return of portable electronic devices and to communicate with such devices during use by inmates to monitor inmate use and ensure the portable electronic devices are only used by inmates as authorized.

Abstract: A paper sheet handling device that facilitates removal of paper sheets blocked on a conveying path. The device includes a safe casing internally provided with a paper sheet storage box; a processing unit capable of being pulled out from, or stowed in, a main device; a conveying section coupled to the processing unit, and that forms a conveying path; a handover section coupled to a top plate of the safe casing to hand over the sheets between the storage box and the conveying path; and a positioning section that positions for connecting the handover section and the conveying path together when the processing unit is being stowed in the main device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising receiving, based on a unique identifier of an identification device in a room, clinical information of a first patient present in the room, receiving a unique identifier from an identification device associated with a garment worn by a health care professional in the room, receiving a history of the garment based on the unique identifier, and upon determining that the history of the garment violates a predefined rule, outputting a notification of the violation.

Abstract: A bicycle tracking system for a bicycle rental system includes a number of bicycles each including a bicycle computer configured to record and transmit trip data information. The bicycle computer transmits the trip data to at least one communication hub that is part of the rental system. The communication hub is located at a bicycle rental kiosk. The kiosk includes a parking rack for securely storing a number of bicycles and includes a kiosk radio head configured to receive the trip data from the computer. The kiosk further includes a kiosk computer configured to transmit the trip data to a server, which may provide a user of the system with the trip data in the form of a route map. The system is configured to aggregate the user's trip data from ride-to-ride to provide the user with his or her ride statistics.

Abstract: A system for an automated dispensing and retrieval kiosk for recorded media includes a kiosk having a plurality of vertical racks arranged in a circular formation, each vertical rack configured for storing a plurality of recorded media. A customer interface allows a customer to select or return a recorded media. A robotic element delivers the selected recorded media from the vertical racks to a media output, at the customer interface. The element also delivers a returned recorded media from a media input at the customer interface to the vertical racks. A computer controls operation of the kiosk, and an internet interface connects the kiosk to the Internet. The kiosk may communicate with a central server and/or other kiosks of a group, to locate a requested recorded media within a kiosk of the group. Once located within the group, the requested media may be reserved for customer pick-up.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a reading device such as a card reader operative to read data from user cards corresponding to preexisting financial accounts. Data read from the data bearing records is compared to stored data to cause a determination to be made concerning whether the data read corresponds to a financial account on which a transaction is authorized to be conducted through the machine. The machine includes at least one 3D printer that is operable to produce an article corresponding to a configuration selected by the user of the machine. The article is usable to accomplish financial transfers on the user's financial account, such as the purchase of goods or services.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular vehicle system, having an electric vehicle (2, 2?), in particular a lightweight electric vehicle, and at least one module (3, 120) which can be connected to the electric vehicle (2, 2?). The electric vehicle (2, 2?) has at least one on-board power supply system (13, 101) for supplying energy to an electrical drive unit (114), one or more interfaces (4, 114) which are connected to the on-board power supply system (13, 101) and are intended for connecting at least one module (3, 120), and a first locking means (9) which is arranged on the interface (4, 4?, 114).

Abstract: Various prison services are rendered more efficient by providing inmates access to portable electronic devices in a controlled and regulated manner. A dispenser is employed to control and monitor the checking out and return of portable electronic devices and to communicate with such devices during use by inmates to monitor inmate use and ensure the portable electronic devices are only used by inmates as authorized.

Abstract: A paper sheet handling device that facilitates removal of paper sheets blocked on a conveying path. The device includes a safe casing internally provided with a paper sheet storage box; a processing unit capable of being pulled out from, or stowed in, a main device; a conveying section coupled to the processing unit, and that forms a conveying path; a handover section coupled to a top plate of the safe casing to hand over the sheets between the storage box and the conveying path; and a positioning section that positions for connecting the handover section and the conveying path together when the processing unit is being stowed in the main device.

Abstract: A digital media rental and return kiosk includes a store arranged to store physical digital media items. The kiosk further includes a user interface (i) having a dispense and return slot, and (ii) arranged to enable a customer to interact with the kiosk to either rent a digital media item or return a digital media item through the slot. The kiosk also includes a delivery system arranged to (i) transport a digital media item to be rented from the store to the slot, and (ii) transport a digital media item to be returned from the slot to the store. The kiosk further includes a gate mechanism including a gate which is (i) movable from a closed position to a first opened position to allow a digital media item to be rented to be dispensed through the slot to a customer, and (ii) movable from the closed position to a second opened position which is different from the first opened position to allow a digital media item to be returned to be inserted through the slot by the customer.

Abstract: A vending machine comprising two or more compartmentalized storage units (CSUs), each comprising a compartment array configured for accommodating items in different compartments of the grid. The items are independently accessible; a retrieval system configured for accessing the compartments to retrieve an item and providing it to a desired location within the vending machine, other than its respective compartment; a controller associated with an items map indicative of the content and location of the items within the compartment array of the CSU.

Abstract: Various prison services are rendered more efficient by providing inmates access to portable electronic devices in a controlled and regulated manner. A dispenser is employed to control and monitor the checking out and return of portable electronic devices and to communicate with such devices during use by inmates to monitor inmate use and ensure the portable electronic devices are only used by inmates as authorized.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the dispensing and collection of objects in urban environments. More particularly, the disclosure provides systems and methods for dispensing and collecting helmets. The disclosure provides a self-sufficient, high-capacity, helmet dispensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes solar panels that provide the system with the requisite power needed to power the system. In some implementations, the system includes a vandal resistant return mechanism for the helmets. The system may also include communication modules, which may transmit system information to a backend server.

Abstract: Self-service parcel terminal for storing parcels of different sizes high up in the terminal comprises means for loading postal parcels, loading parcels of varying sizes to the door, measuring and weighing parcels, inserting parcels, storing and delivering parcels. The self-service parcel terminal is also suitable for using as a vending machine, mailbox, storage locker, for delivering goods from e-stores, etc. Gripping mechanism and lift system are used for moving parcels in the terminal, which allows to move parcels in groups or as single items between the shelves and the slot for inserting/delivering parcels.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter.

Abstract: An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of stacked currency bills into a currency handling device. The apparatus may comprise an input receptacle being configured to receive a plurality of stacked currency bills, the receptacle having a first side and a second opposing side, a front end, and an opposing back end. The apparatus further may comprise a first paddle rail disposed adjacent the first side and a first paddle assembly slidably coupled to the first paddle rail, the first paddle assembly having a portion configured to contact a stack of a plurality of bills residing in the input receptacle.

Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.

Abstract: A control assembly for controlling rotation of a turnstile, includes a torque-restoring mechanism (13) with springs (20), a motion converting transmission with a multiplying gearing (56, 57) converting a rotation of the turnstile over 120° into a rotation of the rotary shaft entering the hydraulic damper (26) over 180°. The hydraulic damper (26) has two pistons mounted onto a single piston rod. A cam or crank mechanism converts rotation of the rotary shaft into reciprocating motion of the two pistons. The first piston damps the rotary movement of the turnstile when moving in one direction while the other piston damps this movement when the pistons move in the other direction, therefore damping the turnstile in both directions. A motion converting transmission in combination with a double-piston mechanism avoids any loss of hydraulic fluid, while achieving a gradually increasing damping force to effectively stop the rotation of the turnstile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a recyclable product is disclosed herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes: a structure defining an interior cavity, the structure having a plurality of walls; a bottle return mechanism for determining when a bottle has been received within the interior cavity, comprising: an elongated cylinder providing a passage into the interior cavity, the elongated cylinder having an inlet opening proximate to an exterior of the enclosed structure and an outlet opening proximate to the interior cavity; a bottle return mechanism configured to provide an output when a bottle has been inserted into the elongated cylinder; and a dispensing rack secured to one of the walls of the enclosure.

Abstract: A user pay waste disposal container, having a waste receiving compartment; a waste entry door into the waste receiving compartment; locking means for reversibly locking the waste entry door; and payment means for unlocking the waste entry door. The container may have a waste storage compartment adjacent the waste receiving compartment; and waste transfer means for transferring the waste from the receiving compartment to the storage compartment. A waste disposal system and method using the user pay containers distributed in a network of locations accessible to users for waste disposal.

Abstract: A card-handling device reads a suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card-handling device. Reading of the cards is effected after the cards have been received into a card holding area and before the cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the card-handling device for use. The read suit and rank are then sent to a processor, wherein the processor identifies whether any card is a card that should be rejected from the card-handling device and the card-handling device then rejecting that card from the card-handling device.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus is arranged to receive items of currency and classify each into at least one class. Each class of currency items is stored and managed by the money handling apparatus in order to be able to extract the received items. In some implementations, the money handling apparatus is arranged to receive items of currency, store items of currency, receive at least one service media, and transport at least one stored currency item to a removable storage unit in a specified sequence or order.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for social and retail hotspots are provided.

Abstract: Transaction processing in an offline environment for a prepaid product comprising a portable consumer device includes responding to presentation of the prepaid product at a reader for offline processing by initiating operation of the prepaid product, receiving data from the prepaid product at the reader that indicates the prepaid product is associated with a prepaid account balance, determining that the prepaid product is in a negative balance condition, and taking preventive action in response to the negative balance condition such that future acceptance of the prepaid product at a reader is prevented.

Abstract: A portable consumer device includes a base, and a computer readable medium on the base. The computer readable medium comprises code for an issuer verification value and a supplemental verification value. The issuer verification value is used by an issuer to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an on-line transaction and the supplemental verification value is used to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an off-line transaction.

Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.