| 09th week of 2016 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20160063727 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMAGE SCANNING - A method for image scanning by an electronic device is described. The method includes obtaining an image pyramid including a plurality of scale levels and at least a first pyramid level for a frame. The method also includes providing a scanning window. The method further includes scanning at least two of the plurality of scale levels of the frame at a plurality of scanning window locations. A number of scanning window locations is equal for each scale level of the at least two scale levels of the first pyramid level. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063728 | Intelligent Nanny Assistance - Methods and systems of an intelligent nanny assistant are described. A method may involve determining whether a subject of concern is approaching a predefined area of an environment. The method may also involve controlling one or more devices in the environment to provide information in a way that attracts the subject of concern to move away from the predefined area in response to a determination that the subject of concern is approaching the predefined area. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063729 | SURGICAL SIMULATION MODEL GENERATING METHOD, SURGICAL SIMULATION METHOD, AND SURGICAL SIMULATOR - A surgical simulation model generating method which includes a first process in which a computing unit acquires geometrical information of an organ from a medical image stored in a storage unit, including an image of the organ, and generates volume data for the organ; a second process in which, after the first process, the computing unit forms nodal points by meshing the organ represented by the generated volume data; a third process in which the computing unit generates a simulated membrane that covers the organ represented by the volume data meshed in the second process; and a fourth process in which the computing unit generates a simulated organ by drawing an imaginary line so as to extend from each nodal point formed on a surface of the organ represented by the volume data meshed in the second process in a direction that intersects the simulated membrane. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063730 | POSTURE DETECTION SYSTEM WITH RETROREFLECTOR COMPRISING A WIRE-MESHING - The general field of the invention is that of systems for detecting the posture of a moving object. The system may include a fixed electro-optical device of known orientation comprising an emission source, an image sensor and image analysis means, and an optical assembly comprising an optical retroreflector arranged on the moving object. The optical retroreflector of the system is an optical sphere of variable index comprising a transparent hemisphere and a reflecting hemisphere. It comprises a meshing comprising at least three opaque wires, of small thickness and known geometrical arrangement. The image of the retroreflector lit by the source forms a reflection the image sensor, said reflection comprising at least the two images of the shadow of one of the three wires. The image analysis means detect the orientation of the leak line given by said images, said orientation being representative of one of the parameters of the posture of the moving object. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063731 | TRACKING PROCESSING DEVICE AND TRACKING PROCESSING SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH SAME, AND TRACKING PROCESSING METHOD - To improve, when performing tracking of moving objects by using captured images taken by multiple cameras, the accuracy of the tracking process across the cameras, a tracking processing device includes: a storage unit that stores, for each camera, a plurality of pieces of intra-camera tracking information including image information of persons obtained from the captured images; a refining unit that performs refining of the plurality of pieces of intra-camera tracking information and thereby extracts pieces of inter-camera tracking information to be used in a process of tracking the persons across the multiple cameras; and an associating unit that, on the basis of the pieces of inter-camera tracking information, associates the persons in the captured images across the multiple cameras. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063732 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A BUILDING LOCATION BASED ON A BUILDING IMAGE - A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for determining a building location based on a building image. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving an image including at least one building, extracting building texture features from the image, and receiving reference building texture features. The method also includes determining, using a processor, building texture features comparisons between building texture features and reference building texture features which satisfy a predetermined match threshold and determining a matching building location based upon the building texture features comparision. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063733 | Optical Method for Characterising a Diffractive Surface and Apparatus for Implementing Such a Method - An optical method for characterizing a diffractive surface having a crystal grain structure, including the steps of: a) successively illuminating said surface with a plurality of light beams (Fi) having propagation directions inclined by a same angle Θ; relative to the normal to the surface and of which the projections on the surface form azimuth angles φ{umlaut over (ι)} that are different relative to a reference direction; b) acquiring an image of the surface corresponding to each of the light beams; and c) digitally processing images to obtain at least one item of information on at least one property of the surface chosen from: the grain structure, texture and level of ordering thereof. An optical head (TO) and apparatus for implementing such a method. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063734 | Automated Food Recognition and Nutritional Estimation With a Personal Mobile Electronic Device - A food recognition assistant system includes technologies to recognize foods and combinations of foods depicted in a digital picture of food. Some embodiments include technologies to estimate portion size and calories, and to estimate nutritional value of the foods. In some embodiments, data identifying recognized foods and related information are generated in an automated fashion without relying on human assistance to identify the foods. In some embodiments, the system includes technologies for achieving automatic food detection and recognition in a real-life setting with a cluttered background, without the images being taken in a controlled lab setting, and without requiring additional user input (such as user-defined bounding boxes). Some embodiments of the system include technologies for personalizing the food classification based on user-specific habits, location and/or other criteria. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063735 | IMAGE COMBINING APPARATUS, IMAGE COMBINING METHOD AND RECORDING MEDIUM STORING CONTROL PROGRAM FOR IMAGE COMBINING APPARATUS - The impression given by a background image is determined, wherein the background image represents the background of a location to be decorated with a picture frame into which a print has been inserted. A picture frame image that gives this impression is found. The image representing the print is corrected so as to give an impression closer to the impression that has been determined. The corrected image is combined with the found picture frame image and the resulting composite image is transmitted to a smartphone. When the composite image is checked and deemed suitable by the user, the print of the corrected image is inserted into an actual picture frame specified by the picture frame image and the picture frame with the inserted print is delivered to the user. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063736 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTEXT BASED IMAGE COMPRESSION - Techniques for compressing images based on context are provided. A first image and a second image may be identified for display on a client device. One or more contexts of the first image may be identified. One or more contexts of the second image may be identified. A first image quality for the first image may be determined based on the one or more contexts of the first image. A second image quality for the second image may be determined based on the one or more contexts of the second image. The first image may be compressed at the first image quality and the second image at the second image quality. The compressed first image and the compressed second image may be transmitted to the client device. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063737 | EXTENSION OF THE MPEG/SC3DMC STANDARD TO POLYGON MESHES - A system, method and computer program product to traverse a polygon mesh, partition the polygon mesh into a set of polygon fans based on the traversal order, and tessellate the set of polygon fans into triangles based on the traversal order. This transformation of the polygon mesh into a triangle mesh enables the polygon mesh to be compressed and decompressed using the SC3DMC standard. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063738 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS - An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes conversion circuitry, magnitude image generating circuitry and phase image generating circuitry. The conversion circuitry is configured to convert time-series k-space data into first time-series x-space data, the x-space representing a spatial position. The magnitude image generating circuitry is configured to generate a magnitude image from second time-series x-space data, the second time-series x-space data being acquired by applying a first filter to the first time-series x-space data. The phase image generating circuitry is configured to generate a phase image from third time-series x-space data, the third time-series x-space data being acquired by applying, to the first time-series x-space data, a second filter that is different from the first filter. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063739 | EXPLOITING SIMILARITY IN ADJACENT SLICES FOR COMPRESSED SENSING MRI - A method for reconstructing high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slices, including: receiving a thick MRI slice of bodily tissue acquired using a single MRI scan, wherein the thick slice has a high SNR; receiving two thin MRI slices of the bodily tissue acquired using a single MRI scan, wherein each of the two thin MRI slices has a low SNR; and reconstructing multiple high SNR thin slices of the bodily tissue using the thick slice and the two thin slices. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063740 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, RADIATION TOMOGRAPHY APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF PERFORMING IMAGE PROCESSING - An image processing apparatus and a radiation tomography apparatus capable of acquiring a tomographic image of high visibility are provided. The image processing apparatus initially generates a map m showing an extending direction of a linear structural object seen in an original image P | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063741 | Method and Apparatus for Estimating Scatter in a Positron Emission Tomography Scan at Multiple Bed Positions - A method is provided for estimating scatter in a positron emission tomography (PET) scan at multiple bed positions, the method comprising calculating a first scatter sinogram based on scatter data obtained at a first bed position, calculating a second scatter sinogram based on scatter data obtained at a second bed position, and deriving a third scatter sinogram for a third bed position between the first bed position and the second bed position, wherein the third scatter sinogram is derived from the first scatter sinogram according to a first percentage of overlap of the first bed position with the third bed position, and from the second scatter sinogram according to a second percentage of overlap of the second bed position with the third bed position | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063742 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED FRAME RATE UPCONVERSION IN ULTRASOUND IMAGING - Various embodiments include systems and methods for providing motion blur reduction to one or more three-dimensional (3D) images, and/or for improving accuracy of motion-compensated frame up-interpolations. The motion blur reduction may comprise application of iterative motion estimation, starting with an initial block size and with reduced block size in each iteration, with a final velocity vector being determined by summing displacement vectors from all iterations. Accuracy of motion-compensated frame up-interpolations may be improved by use of lower resolution frames (or portions of frames), which may be used in generating information used in enhancing motion related features or characteristics of motion-compensated frames. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063743 | LINE AND AREA CHART PERFORMANCE BY DATA FILTERING - Systems and methods are disclosed that, in various embodiments, improve chart performance by data filtering. In one aspect, the disclosed techniques allow all visible local maxima and minima to be rendered without having their values altered. In another aspect, the disclosed techniques filter data by skipping points evenly. In some embodiments, every horizontal pixel contains two points, so the line is visually uniform. This can dramatically enhance visualizations where data point intervals are uneven (e.g., having “mixed frequency”). Using a two point per pixel approach, the disclosed techniques ensure that a resulting simplified line looks almost identical to the original line by drawing at the limit of the screen resolution. The disclosed techniques allow for an algorithmic complexity of O(n), which is significantly faster than existing solutions. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063744 | Data Quality Test and Report Creation System - Embodiments relate to systems, devices, and computer-implemented methods for creating data quality tests and reports. A test creator interface for creating a test can be displayed for a user, and the user can select components of the test, select inputs for the components, and providing testing rules. Further, a report creator interface for creating a report template can be displayed for the user, and the user can provide instructions for displaying results of the test. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063745 | DELINEATION AND/OR CORRECTION OF A SMOOTH STIFF LINE IN CONNECTION WITH AN INDEPENDENT BACKGROUND IMAGE - A method includes displaying a background image on a display screen. The method further includes receiving, from an input device, a signal indicative of a free hand line being drawn over the background image. The signal includes coordinates of points of the free hand line with respect to the display screen. The free hand line is independent of content represented in the background image. The method further includes storing the signal in a storage device. The method further includes generating a smooth stiff line based on the stored signal. The method further includes displaying the smooth stiff line over the background image. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063746 | IMAGE COMBINING APPARATUS, IMAGE COMBINING METHOD AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR STORING IMAGE COMBINING PROGRAM - A template image is found and a target image is combined with a combining area of the found template image. The template image found has first template image analysis information, which is of a type identical with that of first target image analysis information in target image analysis information consisting of the brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, color balance and spatial frequency of the target image, and for which the degree of resemblance is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and moreover has second template image analysis information, which is of a type identical with that of second target image analysis information in target image analysis information, and for which the degree of resemblance is less than a second threshold value. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063747 | METHOD TO CREATE DISPLAY SCREENS FOR A CONTROLLER USED IN A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A controller for controlling components in a building automation system including a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor, a memory operably coupled to the processor, and executable software stored in the memory, the executable software operable to display at least one textual element on the display, wherein the at least one textual element is sized based a maximum character parameter. A method of operating a software module configured to create display elements for a controller, the method including operating the module to: create at least one textual element, place at least one character within the at least one textual element to form a word, select at least one support language for the at least one textual element, determine a maximum character parameter, and size the at least one textual element based at least in part on the maximum character parameter. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063748 | DISPLAYING METHOD OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE THEREOF - An operating method of an electronic device is provided. The method includes determining whether a present point in time corresponds to a predetermined period or event, obtaining a content associated with the predetermined period or event, and providing the content as at least a part of a user interface displayed on a user interface screen of the electronic device. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063749 | BLEND MODES FOR MINERALOGY IMAGES - Optimized blending mode for mineralogy images. A luminosity value is determined for a pixel in a base layer or top layer mineralogy image. An image weighting value is determined from the luminosity value and an optional mixing parameter. A multiply value is determined by multiplying the base and top layer pixel values. An overlay value is determined from twice the multiply value if the value of one of the base layer or top layer pixel values is over a threshold, otherwise it is determined by inverting twice the product of the inverted top layer pixel value with the inverted base layer pixel value. A blended image pixel value is determined by adding the multiply value weighted with the image weighting value and the overlay value weighted with the inverted image weighting value. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063750 | Stop-Motion Video Creation From Full-Motion Video - In embodiments of stop-motion video creation from full-motion video, a video of an animation sequence is filmed with a video camera that captures an animation object and manipulations to interact with the animation object. Motion frames of the video are determined, where the motion frames depict motion as the manipulations to interact with the animation object. The motion frames may also depict other motion, other than the manipulations to interact with the animation object, where the other motion is also captured when the video is filmed. The motion frames that depict the motion in the video are discarded, leaving static frames that depict the animation object without any detectable motion. A frame sequence of the static frames can then be generated as a stop-motion video that depicts the animation object to appear moving or created without the manipulations. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063751 | ANIMATION ENGINE FOR BLENDING COMPUTER ANIMATION DATA - Computer-generated images are generated by evaluating point positions of points on animated objects in animation data. The point positions of the points are used by an animation system to determine how to blend animated sequences or frames of animated sequences in order to create realistic moving animated characters and animated objects. The methods of blending are based on determining distances or deviations between corresponding points and using blending functions with varying blending windows and blending functions that can vary from point to point on the animated objects. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063752 | RENDERING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A rendering method includes receiving resolution information including an optimal resolution for rendering images constituting a frame, a number of multi-samples, and resolution factors of the respective images, rendering the images at the optimal resolution, and adjusting a resolution of each of the rendered images based on the resolution factors and the number of multi-samples. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063753 | Ray Tracing System Architectures and Methods - Aspects comprise systems implementing 3-D graphics processing functionality in a multiprocessing system. Control flow structures are used in scheduling instances of computation in the multiporcessing system, where different points in the control flow structure serve as points where deferral of some instances of computation can be performed in favor of scheduling other instances of computation. In some examples, the control flow structure identifies particular tasks, such as intersection testing of a particular portion of an acceleration structure, and a particular element of shading code. In some examples, the aspects are used in 3-D graphics processing systems that can perform ray tracing based rendering. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063754 | System and Method for Detecting a Structural Opening in a Three Dimensional Point Cloud - A method for detecting an opening in a structure represented by a three-dimensional point cloud may include the steps of: (1) creating a three-dimensional point cloud map of a scene, the three-dimensional point cloud map including a plurality of points representing a ground plane and the structure upon the ground plane, (2) identifying an absence of points within the plurality of points representing the structure, and (3) determining whether the absence of points represents the opening in the structure. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063755 | SIMULTANEOUS ITEM SCANNING IN A POS SYSTEM - A plurality of items is positioned in a volume scanned by a three-dimensional non-optical imaging system. The imaging system generates a three-dimensional voxel image of the volume. Voxel regions are identified and surfaces of voxel regions are analyzed to identify a symbol printed thereon. The symbols are resolved into product identifiers, which are then added to a transaction and payment for the transaction is processed. The imaging system may be a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, computed tomography (CT) scanning system, terahertz (T wave) imaging system, or other imaging system. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063756 | Method And Device For Displaying Picture, And Storage Medium Therefore - The disclosure discloses a method and device for display a picture, relates to the field of electronic information and is intended to address the problems of a long modeling period of time and inefficient modeling when the picture is three-dimensionally displayed. Particularly the method includes: obtaining at least one picture sequence number, wherein a picture sequence number corresponds to a picture; substituting the at least one picture sequence number into a preset set of equations to calculate location information of at least one picture, wherein the preset set of equations is a set of equations created in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate system, and location information of a picture corresponds to a picture sequence number; and displaying the at least one picture according to the location information of the at least one picture. The disclosure is applicable to display of a picture. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063757 | System and Method for Remote Shadow Rendering in a 3D Virtual Environment - A method for rendering shadows in a 3D virtual environment includes generating a depth rasterization map corresponding to a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional virtual environment and a shadow interval map with reference to the depth map and a predetermined path of a light source in the environment that casts light onto at least one object in the plurality of objects that generates a shadow in the three-dimensional virtual environment with a server computing device. The method includes transmitting the shadow interval map from the server to a client and generating, with a processor in the client, a graphical depiction of the virtual environment including at least one shadow generated with reference to the shadow interval map, the at least one shadow corresponding to the light source and the plurality of objects in the virtual environment. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063758 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICE FOR SHADING VOLUME-RENDERED IMAGES WITH MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES - A method, system and medical imaging device include accessing a 3D medical imaging dataset and generating a volume-rendered image from the 3D medical imaging dataset. Generating the volume-rendered image includes calculating a shading for the volume-rendered image based on a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source. The second light source and the third light source are both positioned differently than the first light source. The method, system, and medical imaging device also include displaying the volume-rendered image. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063759 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR CORRECTING AN INERPOLATION COEFFICIENT FOR STEREO MATCHING - An apparatus for correcting an interpolation coefficient for stereo matching includes: an interpolation coefficient generator configured to generate an interpolation coefficient λ; a correction value calculator configured to calculate a parameter and a weight value based on a position of an object in an image; and an interpolation coefficient corrector configured to correct the generated interpolation coefficient by multiplying the calculated parameter and the calculated weight value by the generated interpolation coefficient. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063760 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RENDERING QUALITY - Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling rendering quality. The method for controlling rendering quality includes a thermal sensor sensing a temperature of a chip, a hull shader determining a level of detail (LOD) based on the temperature; and a tessellator tessellating segments that are divided according to the level of detail. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063761 | COMMUNICATION OF SPATIAL INFORMATION BASED ON DRIVER ATTENTION ASSESSMENT - The disclosure includes a system and method for spatial information for a heads-up display. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the system to: receive object data about an object, determine a vehicle path for the vehicle, estimate a danger index for the object based on the vehicle data and the object data, detect a user's gaze, determine whether the user sees the object based on the user's gaze, identify a graphic that is a representation of the object, and position the graphic to correspond to the user's eye frame. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063762 | MANAGEMENT OF CONTENT IN A 3D HOLOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT - Methods for managing content within an interactive augmented reality environment are described. An augmented reality environment may be provided to an end user of a head-mounted display device (HMD) in which content (e.g., webpages) may be displayed to the end user using one or more curved slates that are positioned on a virtual cylinder that appears body-locked to the end user. The virtual cylinder may be located around the end user with the end user positioned in the middle of the virtual cylinder such that the one or more curved slates appear to be displayed at the same distance from the end user. The position and size of each of the one or more curved slates may be controlled by the end user using head gestures and a virtual pointer projected onto the virtual cylinder. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063763 | IMAGE PROCESSOR AND INFORMATION PROCESSOR - An image processor according to the present embodiment is an image processor for processing an image of an object visible through a transparent display. The image processor includes an acquisition unit and a controller. The acquisition unit acquires display information corresponding to the object and obtained by performing recognition processing on the image. The controller displays, on the transparent display, the display information. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063764 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - An image processing apparatus includes: a setting unit that sets, when a setting instruction has been received from a user, a reference plane for arranging a virtual object in the real space, according to a detected first posture information of a photographing unit that photographs a real space; a deriving unit that derives a first relative direction of the reference plane to a photographing direction of the photographing unit; a first calculating unit that calculates second posture information of the reference plane located in the first relative direction; and a display control unit that performs control of displaying a superimposed image, in which an object image of a drawn virtual object in a posture of the second posture information is superimposed at an area corresponding to the reference plane in a real-space image taken by the photographing unit, on a display unit. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063765 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing apparatus includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires a document image; a first reception unit that receives specification of a display region of the document image on a screen of a display unit; an arrangement unit that calculates a virtual region corresponding to the specified display region in a virtual three-dimensional space; and a display control unit that performs control to display, on the display unit, a superimposition image formed by superimposing a background image and a two-dimensional document image obtained by projecting a three-dimensional document image formed by arranging the document image in the calculated virtual region onto a two-dimensional space visually recognized from a predetermined viewpoint position as a preview image estimating a print result of the document image. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063766 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE NOTIFICATION INFORMATION BASED ON MOTION - Various embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling notification information based on a user's movement in a virtual reality environment. The method comprises displaying a virtual reality (VR) content execution screen; displaying a notification icon on at least a portion of the VR content execution screen when a notification is received; determining that a position of a user's sight line reaches a position at which the notification icon is displayed; and displaying notification information corresponding to the notification icon on the VR content execution screen. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063767 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING VISUAL REALITY SERVICE AND APPARATUS FOR THE SAME - According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method and an electronic device for providing a Virtual Reality (VR) service by the electronic device are provided. The method includes: determining whether the electronic device is connected with a Head-Mounted Device (HMD); if the electronic device is connected with the HMD, determining whether a user is wearing the HMD while the electronic device is connected with the HMD; and if the user is wearing the HMD while the electronic device is connected with the HMD, switching an operation mode of the electronic device to a first operation mode in which the electronic device provides the VR service to the user. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063768 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION FOR REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLES WITH SUPERIMPOSED 3D IMAGERY - The present invention provides a system and method of utilizing superimposed 3D imagery for remotely operated vehicles, namely 3D, reconstructed images of the environment of the ROV. In another aspect, it includes generating a virtual video of 3D elements in the operation environment, synchronizing the angle and position of the camera of a virtual video with the angle and position of a real camera, superimposing the virtual video and the real video from the real camera; superimposing these video feeds such that one is manipulated to show transparencies in areas of less interest, in order to show through the other video. It furthermore may include superimposing information, whether graphic, textual or both on to the hybrid virtual-real 3D imagery. The subject invention is also networked, such that the immersive visual interface described above accessible to a plurality of users operating from to plurality of locations. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063769 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR GENERATING FRANKING IMPRINT DATA FOR A MAIL ITEM - A method of processing a batch of mail items to be shipped includes the generation of imprint data for a plurality of imprints each to be printed on a mail item of the batch of mail items, the imprint data including third party imprint data. In an online marketplace portal providing step, an online marketplace portal is provided for reaching an agreement on the third party imprint data between a franking system user operating a franking system, in particular a franking machine, for generating the plurality of imprint and a print service requesting party specifying the third party imprint data In a third party imprint data specification step, the print service requesting party specifies the third party imprint data via the online marketplace portal. In a franking batch specification step, the franking system user provides batch information on the batch of mail items via the online marketplace portal. In an agreement step, via the online marketplace portal, an agreement is reached between the print service requesting party and the franking system user on the inclusion of the third party imprint data into the imprint data. Finally, in a batch processing step, the batch of mail items is processed through the franking system, wherein each mail item of the batch of mail items is provided with an imprint as a function of the imprint data including the third party imprint data. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063770 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR TRANSFERRING DATA FROM DELIVERY ITEMS TO LABELS FOR APPLICATION OF THE LABELS ONTO THE DELIVERY ITEMS - Systems, methods, and computer readable media for transferring data from a delivery item to a label for application of the label onto the delivery item are disclosed. In some aspects, the system can include a camera configured to capture an image of the data on the delivery item, a control computer including at least one hardware processor and memory, the control computer being configured to process the image of the data, integrate the image of the data into a label template, and to generate a print file from the label template, and at least one label applicator disposed after the camera relative to a direction of travel of the delivery item on a conveyor, the at least one label applicator being configured to print the label including the data contained in the print file and apply the printed label onto a top surface of the delivery item. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063771 | DISTANCE TO EMPTY ENERGY COMPENSATION - A method of estimating distance to empty (DTE) for a vehicle includes, in response to detecting an energy loss condition expected to be present during an initial portion of a drive cycle for a period of time needed for a current temperature or pressure associated with the vehicle to achieve a steady state, outputting a DTE. The DTE is based on an amount of drive energy available and an energy loss factor associated with the energy loss condition that accounts for conversion of some of the drive energy to heat as the current temperature or pressure increases to the steady state. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063772 | Instantaneous Status To Target Gauge For Vehicle Application - A vehicle includes a display and a controller that operates the display. A first icon representing a reference energy consumption value based on a predetermined target energy consumption rate is displayed. A second icon representing a present energy consumption value is displayed. The icons are positioned relative to one another based on a difference between the reference energy consumption value and the present energy consumption value. A numerical scale may be displayed having values associated with the first and second icons. A vehicle having a hybrid powertrain including a traction battery may display an effective electric distance traveled that is based on a ratio of power supplied by the traction battery to total power supplied by the powertrain. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063773 | Apparatus and System for Generating Emergency Vehicle Record Data - A first illustrative embodiment includes a restraint control module includes a transceiver in communication with a vehicle computer system, wherein the vehicle computer system is configured to communicate with a mobile device. The restraint control module also includes a processor in communication with the transceiver. The processor is configured to record an event data record, receive vehicle information from one or more vehicle sensors, determine an emergency vehicle event based upon the vehicle information and a pre-defined threshold, send the event data record to the mobile device via the vehicle computer system when an emergency vehicle event has occurred, and instruct the mobile device to send the event data record to an emergency-service provider. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063774 | Systems and Methods for Recommending Repair Facilities to a User Based on Repair Validation/Coaching Data - Systems and methods for recommending repair facilities to a user based on repair validation/coaching data are disclosed. In one implementation, a repair facility recommendation system receives repair information from a user regarding damage to an automobile, the repair information received via a graphical user interface rendered on a webpage. The repair facility recommendation system identifies a repair facility verified to repair the damage to the automobile based on the repair information and verification information from a verification module, the verification information comprising evaluation information based on evaluation of technicians performing repairs of automobiles at repair facilities. The repair facility recommendation system then provides information regarding the identified repair facility to the user via the graphical user interface. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063775 | DISTRIBUTED VEHICLE EVENT RECORDER SYSTEMS HAVING A PORTABLE MEMORY DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM - Data transfer systems for vehicle event recorders are provided as: a vehicle event recorder, a vehicle event recorder resident memory, and upload module in conjunction with, a communication port suitable for coupling with, a portable memory device, a server computer datastore, a server download module in conjunction with, a similar cooperating communications port. The portable memory device is arranged to operably couple with the communications ports of both the vehicle event recorder and the server computer and to be repeatedly moved between the two. The upload/download modules are arranged to transfer data to/from the portable memory in an orderly fashion in which no files are removed from the vehicle event recorder resident memory without first having been successfully transferred to the server computer datastore. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063776 | Method and Apparatus for Event Data Recording Activation and Logging - A system includes a processor configured to detect a condition indicating that event data recording (EDR) should begin. The processor is further configured to begin and continue event data recording for a predetermined amount of time following the condition. Also, the processor is configured to save data recorded by the event data recording, if the predetermined amount of time has passed, and no severe incident has been detected. The processor is further configured to upload the data to a remote system once a connection with the remote system can be established. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063777 | WEARABLE KEY FOB - A wearable key fob is disclosed herein. The wearable key fob includes a wrist band including a slot and a key fob including a charging tab that fits into the slot of the wrist band; wherein the key fob is configured for vehicle operability and monitoring a user's health. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063778 | Proximity security system and method for industrial door openers - A system and method for controlling industrial doors using smart devices that must be within a predetermined distance from the door to operate the door. A beacon such as a BLE device is placed near the door. A smart device also contains a BLE capable or other similar module. The smart device communicates with the door controller using conventional wireless technologies, either directly or through a central computer. The smart device is able to determine its distance from the door controller using the two paired devices. If the smart device is within a predetermined distance from the door, and if all other criteria for allowing access are met, the controller operates the door. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063779 | LOGGING ACCESS ATTEMPTS TO AN AREA - Logging events associated with accessing an area includes recording an event associated with accessing the area to provide an event recording and authenticating at least the event recording to provide an authenticated recording. Recording an event may include recording a time of the event. Recording an event may include recording a type of event. The event may be an attempt to access the area. Recording an event may include recording credentials/proofs used in connection with the attempt to access the area. Recording an event may include recording a result of the attempt. Recording an event may include recording the existence of data other than the credentials/proofs indicating that access should be denied. Recording an event may include recording additional data related to the area. Authenticating the recording may include digitally signing the recording. Authenticating at least the event recording may include authenticating the event recording and authenticating other event recordings to provide a single authenticated recording. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063780 | Methods, Software, and Systems for Providing Policy-Based Access - Methods, software, apparatus, and systems for policy-based access control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for providing policy-based access to a policy-controlled resource for a user, comprising: detecting an electronically encoded signal from a computer-controlled electronic access control service at a user-controlled computer-controlled electronic communications device proximate to the user; receiving an electronically encoded compliance query from the computer-controlled electronic access control service at the computer-controlled electronic communications device; determining an electronically encoded response to the electronically encoded compliance query using an electronically encoded, computer-controlled process on the computer-controlled computation device; and returning the electronically encoded response to the computer-controlled electronic access control service using the computer-controlled computation device. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063781 | Self-Service Terminal (SST) Safe and Methods of Operating a Lock for the SST Safe - A Self-Service Terminal (SST) safe that includes a lock drive adapted and configured to i) operate inside the SST safe, ii) receive a wireless code sent from outside the SST safe, and iii) determine whether to lock or unlock the SST safe from inside the SST safe in response to the wireless code, and wherein the wireless code is cryptographically secured and authenticated prior to any unlock or lock operation. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063782 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES AND THE LIKE - A lock management system for using a portable device to manage a lock for bicycles, motorcycles and the like is disclosed. The lock comprising a wireless communicating module, configured for establishing a wireless connection with the portable device, and receiving an instruction associated with an access credential from the portable device through the wireless connection; and a control module, coupled to the wireless communicating module and configured for determining whether the access credential provides a right to control the lock based on the instruction received by the wireless communicating module, and controlling the lock according to the instruction from the portable device if the access credential provides the right to control the lock. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063783 | Proximity Security System and Method for Industrial Door Openers - A system and method for controlling industrial doors using smart devices that must be within a predetermined distance from the door to operate the door. A beacon such as a BLE device is placed near the door. A smart device also contains a BLE capable or other similar module. The smart device communicates with the door controller using conventional wireless technologies, either directly or through a central computer. The smart device is able to determine its distance from the door controller using the two paired devices. If the smart device is within a predetermined distance from the door, and if all other criteria for allowing access are met, the controller operates the door. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063784 | PORTABLE DEVICE FOR SMART ENTRY - A portable device for smart entry for locking and unlocking a door includes an electronic circuit, battery, and a controller. The electronic circuit is configured to perform wireless communication for locking and unlocking the door. The battery is configured to supply electric power to the electronic circuit. The controller configured to control the wireless communication. The controller is configured to shut off conduction of electric current between the battery and the electronic circuit when the controller determines that a remaining capacity of the battery is equal to or lower than a reference value. The controller is configured to resume conduction of electric current between the battery and the electronic circuit when a particular operation on the portable device is detected after the conduction is shut off. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063785 | METHOD FOR THE AUTHENTICATION OF AT LEAST ONE FIRST UNIT ON AT LEAST ONE SECOND UNIT - A method for unilaterally or mutually authenticating at least one first unit, especially a mobile device, on at least one second unit, especially a field device, within a plant, especially in the area of process automation technology, with a communication line, preferably a wireless communication line, in place between the first unit and the second unit, comprising the steps of: establishing a security policy, with the security policy including rules for granting access of the first unit on the basis of at least one unlock key, and information to check the unlock key for validity; providing the security policy to the second unit; generating an unlock key for the first unit and providing the unlock key at the first unit; transfer of the unlock key from the first unit to the second unit and verification of the unlock key by the second unit using the security policy and, if applicable, granting access. Furthermore, a computer program product executes the method and a machine-readable data carrier includes the computer program product. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063786 | SMARTPHONE ENABLED PASSIVE ENTRY GO SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a method is disclosed in which the signal strength of a wireless connection is evaluated to determine a proximity of a portable electronic device relative to a vehicle. Based on the determined proximity of the portable electronic device, one or more doors of the vehicle are unlocked. A push button ignition of the vehicle is also enabled based on a determination that the portable electronic device is located within the vehicle. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063787 | REAL TIME AND DYNAMIC VOTING - Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the solicitation of user input while allowing for dynamic changes to that input while concurrently ranking the same. Ranking occurs in real-time and allows for a user to alter their contribution or vote until the close of a contribution period allowing real-time influences to be taken into account. Contributions may be provided in response to or as a part of a template driven nomination process. Solicitations of input may occur in the context of a pre-defined slate of options for voting, nominating certain options for a subsequent or concurrent voting process, or choosing/suggest more than one option such as the best of a slate of options or the individual ranking of a slate of options. Embodiments of the present invention capture all user nominations or suggestions while simultaneously providing the real-time ranking and dynamic re-ranking of those nominations or suggestions. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063788 | Convertible Gaming Device - A device for selecting a random order of sequential alphanumeric indicia such as numbered balls from a set of a selected quantity, including a blower assembly disposed in a housing that, upon selective activation of an on-off switch, circulates air through an airflow tube into a casing cavity to push a single numbered ball contained within a cavity of a transparent casing disposed atop the housing into an upper chamber of a ball-receiving tube having a tube cover with first and second positions. In the second position, the ball is allowed to pass into a smaller transparent casing to stop and display the randomly selected ball. Furthermore, the ball blower device is convertible into a lectern after the large transparent casing is removed from the housing. Progress among players can be tracked using a numeric grid. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063789 | Currency Inspection Using Mobile Device and Attachments - Currency inspection using mobile devices and attachments are provided herein, as well as methods of use. In some embodiments, an apparatus may be configured to provide selections of currencies to a user via a display of the apparatus, obtain currency attributes for a selected currency, receive currency parameters for suspect currency using a currency evaluation device that is communicatively coupled with the apparatus, the currency evaluation device having a sensor array that comprises one or more sensors that are each configured to determine at least one currency parameter, compare the currency parameters for the suspect currency to the currency attributes, and output a warning message if the suspect currency is potentially counterfeit. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063790 | AUTHENTICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention provides an authentication apparatus operative to determine the authenticity of a polymer film, comprising an optically-based measuring arrangement operative to measure a first effect influenced by a birefringence characteristic of said film and a second effect influenced by another optical characteristic of said film, and wherein said apparatus is operative to: compare a value, or range of values, representative of said first effect with a value, or range of values representative of a specified first effect corresponding to a predetermined birefringence characteristic of an authentic polymer film; compare a value, or range of values, representative of said second effect with a value, or range of values representative of a specified second effect corresponding to a predetermined other optical characteristic of an authentic polymer film; and output an authenticity signal indicative of authenticity or otherwise of said film based upon one or both of said comparisons. There are also provided one or more methods of determining the authenticity of a polymer film. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063791 | Apparatus and Method for Checking Value Documents, in Particular Bank Notes, and Value-Document Processing System - An apparatus and method for checking value documents, in particular bank notes, and a value-document processing system having at least one sensor for capturing an electromagnetic radiation. Transmitted by a value document and generating corresponding first sensor signals and for capturing an electromagnetic radiation remitted by the value document and generating corresponding second sensor signals, and an evaluation device for checking whether the value document has a foreign object. In particular adhesive tape, taking into account the first and second sensor signals which correspond to the electromagnetic radiation respectively transmitted or remitted in the region of the edge of the value document. The apparatus and method prevent a deformation in the region of the edge of a value document from being identified as a foreign object. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063792 | BANKNOTE PROCESSING DEVICE AND CIRCULATING CASH BOX MECHANISM THEREOF - A recycling cash box mechanism of a banknote processing device includes a box body and a transmission mechanism configured to be connected to the box body, the transmission mechanism includes a banknote receiving vane wheel configured to be located at a banknote dispensing/receiving port of the recycling cash box mechanism, and a banknote dispensing roller wheel configured to be located opposite to a banknote stacking plate of the box body, and the banknote dispensing roller wheel is configured to be located at a lateral portion of the banknote receiving vane wheel to form a banknote blocking mechanism. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063793 | PAPER MONEY HANDLING APPARATUS - Provided is a paper money handling apparatus of which the security of a paper money process unit is improved, the jam is easily removed, and the layout is easily changed while the operability thereof is ensured. The paper money handling apparatus includes a repository, a temporary storage container, and a money deposit/withdrawal slot. The repository is provided inside a safe so as to store paper money therein. The temporary storage container is provided inside the safe so as to temporarily store deposited paper money therein during a transaction. The money deposit/withdrawal slot serves as an entry/exit opening of a paper money passageway provided at the upper part of the safe so as to communicate with the repository and the temporary storage container. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063794 | BILL RECOGNIZING AND COUNTING APPARATUS - A bill recognizing and counting apparatus includes an operation unit that receives setting of bill processing modes including a denomination mode, a counting mode, a different-denomination recognition mode, and an authenticity determination mode; a feeding and transporting mechanism; and a control unit that performs control for changing a processing speed according to the bill processing mode. When the bill processing mode is in the counting mode, the different-denomination recognition mode, or the authenticity determination mode, the control unit increases the processing speed by setting the feeding and transporting mechanism to a higher speed than the speed set in the denomination mode. The increase in speed is in accordance with a reduced time necessary to process a reduced amount of data associated with the denomination mode. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063795 | Gaming Center Allowing Switching Between Games Based Upon Historical Results - A gaming system comprising a plurality of betting terminals and a computer server comprising: a plurality of betting terminals for selecting and playing one or more live casino game(s) being played at a plurality of tables; each of the plurality of betting terminals has at least one first portion of a first screen for displaying the one or more live-casino game(s) to said player wherein the one or more live casino game(s) is a game offered in at least one casino resort, wherein a results history for each table is displayed in at least one first portion of a first screen to provide a results history display, and a switching mechanism for selecting, switching and playing one or more casino slot machine game(s) adapted to allow the player to switch between the live casino games according to at least the results history display for each table. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063796 | WAGERING ON EVENT OUTCOMES DURING THE EVENT - Methods and systems are provided for managing a wagering system. In one exemplary embodiment, state information of a live event such as a sports game may be received in real time. During the event, a plurality of possible future states of the event and their associated probabilities (and odds) may be determined based on the state information, historical information, and current in-game information. A betting market is created for betting on the possible future states at determined odds. The betting market is closed, and winning and losing bets are resolved based on updated state information. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063797 | PROJECT EGM DISPLAY ONTO MOBILE DEVICE - A gaming system including electronic gaming machines (EGMs) compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. EGMs within the gaming system can be configured to establish communications with portable electronic devices. After communications are established, the EGMs can be configured to determine input and output capabilities of the portable electronic devices and instantiate temporary peripherals. A temporary peripheral instantiated on an EGM can be used to send output to the portable electronic device and/or receive input from the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, input from a temporary peripheral can be used to affect a state of a wager-based game played on the EGM. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063798 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING A GAME INTERFACE OF AN ONLINE GAME - In accordance with some embodiments, a system for facilitating a card game provide for outputting a game interface which includes a plurality of card positions into which cards are placed, the card positions being configured in a triangle configuration, wherein the plurality of card positions include at least one subset of card positions within the triangle configuration, each of the at least one subset arranged in a respective sub-triangle located within the triangle configuration into which the plurality of card positions are arranged. A plurality of cards are dealt for a game event and placed into the card positions. If the plurality of dealt cards includes a first winning combination of cards, a prize is awarded to the player. In some embodiments, a prize is also awarded for any sub-combination of cards in a subset of card positions that qualifies as a winning card combination. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063799 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR FACILITATING A ROULETTE GAME - In accordance with some embodiments, a gaming apparatus provides for facilitating a roulette game which allows for wagering on multi-spin wagers, wherein a win result of the multi-spin wager is dependent on a plurality of independently-determined results of the roulette game, and further wherein the wager defines a predetermined relationship the plurality of independently-determined results must bear to one another in order for the player to win the wager. The gaming apparatus is, in accordance with some embodiments, operable to modify a graphical user interface to indicate progress in a game instance of the multi-spin wager. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063800 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REWARDING PLAYERS - A gaming system and method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer which stores player-useable points at a network-accessible location, awards a personal points multiplier to a player, and applies the personal points multiplier to at least some of the points. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063801 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING DUAL SYMBOL GAME FUNCTIONALITY - The game machine comprising a display and a controller is provided. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol cells displayed in a grid. The grid defines a plurality of columns, each with an associated reel, an associated reel strip, a plurality of symbol positions, and each symbol position populated by a game symbol. The controller is configured to initiate a game and detect a trigger condition. In response the trigger condition the control then establishes a number of symbols in a set of symbols, selects a set of symbols based on the established number of symbols, with the set of symbols including a plurality of game symbols, and replaces each of the symbols in a plurality of symbol positions on at least one of the reel strips with the selected set of symbols. The controller then establishes a predetermined combination of symbols within the grid. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063802 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING DYNAMIC POSITION FUNCTIONALITY - The game machine comprising a display device and a controller is provided. The display device is configured to display a game. The controller is configured to display a plurality of reels, the reels reach displaying a plurality of symbols. Each reel includes at least one activation zone with each activation zone have at least one symbol. The controller is configured to determine the number of symbols within the activation zone, randomly determine an outcome of the game, and display the outcome of the game including the activation zone. The activation zone includes a determined number of symbols. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063803 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME SHIFTED FROM NORMAL GAME AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING GAMING MACHINE - A slot machine | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063804 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH DYNAMIC SYMBOL STACKING - A gaming machine that includes a game of chance operable upon a wager by a player, a display, and a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance, wherein each of the plurality of reels include a defined plurality of positions to generate a symbol on the display. The gaming machine further including a processor programmed to provide the game of chance on the gaming machine, determine that at least two symbols generated on one of the plurality of reels are a designated symbol, and based on the determining, lock a position of the one of the plurality of reels for at least one additional generation of symbols on the other of the plurality of reels. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063805 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A PARTIAL SELECTABLE SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators adapted to generate a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. In one embodiment, a player selects a first symbol position, the selected symbol position is activated and the gaming device reveals whether a terminator is associated with the selected symbol position. In this embodiment, the player continues selecting symbol positions (and the gaming device continues activating the selected symbol positions) until a terminator is revealed to be associated with a selected symbol position. After a terminator is revealed, the gaming device randomly generating a symbol at each of the activated symbol positions. The gaming device determines an outcome based on the symbols or combinations of symbols generated at the activated symbol positions and provides the player the determined outcome. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063806 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH RANDOMIZED CLUMPING OF SYMBOLS - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063807 | Player Information Delivery - A console is described, having display means, and game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game in which one or more symbols are randomly selected as a combination of symbols and displayed on the display means. If a winning combination results, the machine awards a prize. In some circumstances, the console will display an animated character to communicate information to the player. The character is independent of and appears asynchronously with respect to the game being played and is arranged to appear super imposed over any game screen currently displayed at the time the character is displayed. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063808 | ENHANCED GAMING DISPLAY THROUGH PERSONAL GAMING DEVICE - Gaming machines and methods for transmitting hidden elements to a portable electronic device are described. The gaming machine includes a cabinet, a display, and a user input mechanism. The gaming machine further includes an interface, wherein the interface is configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device. The gaming machine includes a game controller. The game controller is configured to provide game play of a wager-based game, including generating gaming information including a hidden element. The game controller is further configured to display at least a portion of the gaming information to the player through the display, wherein the hidden element is not displayed. The game controller is configured to facilitate a data connection between the gaming machine and the portable electronic device through the interface. The game controller is further configured to transmit the hidden element to the portable electronic device. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063809 | BEAT SYNCHRONIZATION IN A GAME - Systems and methods for synchronizing beats in a game include predicting when beats of the music currently playing in the game will occur. The playing of sound effects, music transitions, or the like that are triggered by in-game events may be synchronized with the predicted beats of the currently playing music. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063810 | Universal Overlay Games in an Electronic Gaming Environment - A method is disclosed herein for displaying winning and non-winning game results in a traditional gaming environment. The system uses an overlay game to present an entertaining display to a player upon the occurrence of a win or trigger event. An overlay game has limited capabilities and additionally is engineered to be usable on a variety of gaming machines. To be usable on a variety of gaming machines, the overlay game is intentionally kept simple; in one case, it comprises a visual display that is shown to a player upon the occurrence of a trigger event. In another embodiment, it requires a simple button press to start the overlay game. The overlay games are downloaded on an as-needed basis, run on the gaming machine, and then discarded. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063811 | Systems and Methods Related to Tracking Game Points - Systems and methods related to a video game loyalty program include storage of points separate and apart from a user identification device, such as a magnetic stripe card, which preferably contains only a unique identifier. Separate loyalty accounts associated with the same unique identifier may be set up and maintained at separate geographic locations, such as at different buildings, restaurants, taverns, etc. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063812 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR CONDUCTING A WAGERING GAME - A method and device for conducting a wagering game includes receiving an ante wager. A player hand of game pieces is dealt and a final player hand is formed by selecting the game pieces with matching rank indicia from the player hand. The final player hand is evaluated by comparing the final player hand to a standard, such as a pay table, a final dealer hand, and/or final player hands of other players. Payouts are issued if the final player hand is a winning hand based on the evaluation. Optionally, side wagers may be offered on the constitution of the final player hand. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063813 | PROCESSING CREDIT-RELATED EVENTS IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - Embodiments include a method for presenting a credit balance affected by a plurality of wagering games. The method can include detecting wager amounts and win amounts associated with a plurality of wagering games conducted via a wagering game machine. The method can include presenting, on a display device of the wagering game machine, graphical identifiers indicating an order in which the wager amounts will decrease a credit balance and the win amounts will increase the credit balance. The method can include according to the order, increasing the credit balance on the display device by each of the win amounts and decreasing the credit balance on the display device by each of the wager amounts. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063815 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD - A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063816 | INTEGRATED LOYALTY PROGRAM AND GAME MECHANIC - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for an integrated loyalty program and game mechanic. When a customer makes a purchase of physical products from a merchant, membership in the merchant's loyalty program can be rewarded with a digital (virtual) asset for use in a computer game. The merchant can also advertise digital assets as loyalty program rewards in the game to persuade customers to purchase physical products from the merchant. In one aspect, the game is maintained by the merchant. In another aspect, the merchant enters into a partnership with an owner of a third party game. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063817 | WAGERING GAME MACHINE HAVING ENHANCED ELIGIBILITY FOR PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - A gaming system includes game logic circuitry for a wagering game which awards one or more progressive jackpots upon the occurrence of a progressive jackpot triggering event. The game logic circuitry also operates the wagering game to grant progressive jackpot eligibility for one or more progressive jackpot awards for a player wagering an amount which would otherwise deny the player eligibility for the one or more of the progressive jackpot awards. As a result of maintaining progressive jackpot eligibility with the reduced wagering amount, one or more winning combinations in the pay table of the wagering game are removed or reduced. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063818 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION ABOUT NETWORKED GAMING MACHINES TO PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS - On a network of electronic gaming machines, data regarding the performance of the machines or the players of the machines is collected and processed to make predictions of future jackpots and recommendations of games to play. The predictions and recommendations are delivered via at least one virtual persona that communicates with players or potential players via displays in a casino or on a web browser, via smartphone. Players can conduct conversations with the persona using cellular telephone, text messaging, or other types of Internet communications. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063819 | WAGERING GAME SYSTEM WITH PAUSING FEATURE - A gaming system includes one or more controllers and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more controllers, cause the gaming system to initiate a wagering game to be played via a gaming machine and in response to a pause event, temporarily pause the wagering game-in-progress, prior to revealing a final outcome of the wagering game. While the game-in-progress is paused, the one or more controllers allow the gaining machine to participate in a community event along with a plurality of other gaming machines and in response to an end-pause event associated with the community event, reinstate the paused game-in-progress at the gaming machine. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063820 | METHODS OF PLAYING WAGERING GAMES AND RELATED SYSTEMS - A card game is played against a pay table, wherein a player receives a partial hand that is preferably completed by community cards, but may be completed by cards dealt directly to a hand or a combination of cards dealt directly to a hand and at least one community card or wild card. After placement of an ante wager, each player will have an opportunity to place a game wager before receiving another card for the player's hand (whether dealt directly to the player or as a community card revealed to all players). At least some or all game wagers may be an amount within a range of multiples of the player's ante wager, such as one times, two times, three times, four times, or five times the amount of the ante wager. The range of wagers may remain the same or vary with the number of dealt cards or community cards revealed to the players. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063821 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR IDENTIFYING OBJECTS - In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modeled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063822 | SWITCHING DEVICE, RECEIVING DEVICE AND METHOD - A switching device, particularly a circuit breaker, is disclosed for interrupting at least one electrical circuit. The switching device has various operating information that is signaled mechanically and is captured mechanically via at least one module and made available via signaling contacts. The module is embodied such that the mechanical signaling energy is converted into electric power and this electric power is supplied to a radio module in order to send the signaled operating information via a radio message. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063823 | MULTICOLOR SIGNAL LIGHT AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a multicolor signal light and a controlling method thereof. The multicolor signal light includes: a multicolor layer, comprising a plurality of lights being capable of lighting multicolor lights and arranged in a certain pattern; a single control signal line for receiving a control signal from a controller outside; a processor for controlling the multicolor layer to light in a different mode and in a different color according to the control signal received by the single control signal line; and power supply terminals for receiving power supply voltage from outside. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063824 | EMERGENCY FLASHING LIGHT SYSTEM - A light flashing system is provided that fits over an existing conventional light switch in order to convert the conventional light switch into a remotely controlled light switch providing repeated, flashing, operation of an associated light. Manual operation is also a possible. The system provides emergency flashing operation of a residence external light through remote initiation of a user. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063825 | Semantic Framework for Variable Haptic Output - Methods and apparatus organize a plurality of haptic output variations into a cohesive semantic framework that uses various information about the alert condition and trigger, application context, and other conditions to provide a system of haptic outputs that share characteristics between related events. In some embodiments, an event class or application class provides the basis for a corresponding haptic output. In some embodiments, whether an alert-salience setting is on provides the basis for adding an increased salience haptic output to the standard haptic output for the alert. In some embodiments, consistent haptics provide for branding of the associated application class, application, and/or context. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063826 | Haptic Notifications - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a haptic actuator or a device having a haptic actuator that is capable of producing short, sharp and crisp pulses in a short amount of time. | 2016-03-03 |
| 20160063827 | Semantic Framework for Variable Haptic Output - Methods and apparatus organize a plurality of haptic output variations into a cohesive semantic framework that uses various information about the alert condition and trigger, application context, and other conditions to provide a system of haptic outputs that share characteristics between related events. In some embodiments, an event class or application class provides the basis for a corresponding haptic output. In some embodiments, whether an alert-salience setting is on provides the basis for adding an increased salience haptic output to the standard haptic output for the alert. In some embodiments, consistent haptics provide for branding of the associated application class, application, and/or context. | 2016-03-03 |
