A self-service kiosk includes a housing and an imaging device in a key fob receptacle in the housing. The imaging device captures an image of a master key fob placed in the receptacle. The kiosk includes a key fob dispenser having a dispensing slot to receive a duplicated key fob and a dispensing mechanism to dispense the duplicated key fob into the dispensing slot. The kiosk also includes a processor that receives an image from the imaging device, and detects a presence of the master key fob in the key fob receptacle based on an analysis of the received image. Upon detecting the presence of the master key fob, the processor reads codes stored on the master key fob, writes the codes on a blank key fob to generate the duplicated key fob, and causes the dispensing mechanism to dispense the duplicated key fob in the dispensing slot.

An information processing apparatus disclosed has a controller configured to execute the processing of, when a first vehicle body unit on which a first vending machine is mounted is laid at a specific place, determining a time for maintenance defined as a time to perform maintenance of the first vending machine, and sending a replacement command to a chassis unit that is configured in such a way as to be capable of travelling autonomously and being coupled to and separated from a vehicle body unit, as per the time for maintenance. The replacement command is a command to transport a second vehicle body unit on which a second vending machine is mounted to the specific place and retrieve the first vehicle body unit from the specific place.

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.

A computer implemented data processing method, system and device for making seating changes at a venue, the method comprising: acquiring seat change requests from users, wherein the seat change request comprises location data regarding a location change and fee data regarding a fee change; selecting a first seat change request of a first user, wherein the first seat change request has a highest change fee; determining one or more matching seat change requests corresponding to the first seat change request based on a predetermined matching policy; and executing the first seat change request and the one or more matching seat change requests. By the present invention, seating change requests can be obtained for a centralized computer match arrangement, thereby enhancing users' convenience by enabling multi-user participation in making seating changes.

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with computerized item rental using beacons are described. In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining a data structure mapping user identifiers to beacon identifiers associated with rental items being rented by corresponding users. The example method may also receiving a beacon signal from a beacon device associated with a rental time. The example method may also include querying the data structure using a beacon identifier extracted from the beacon signal to determine if the rental item is rented or available for rent. The example method may also include creating an entry within the data structure to indicate that the rental item is now being rented.

A collection, charging and distribution machine collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machine employs electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The machine determines a first number of devices to be rapidly charged, employing charge from a second number of devices identified to sacrifice charge. Thus, some devices may be concurrently charged via current from the electrical service and current from other devices, to achieve rapid charging of some subset of devices. The devices that sacrifice charge may later be charged. Such may ensure availability of devices for end users.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. By default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from accepting a charge unless it receives authentication information from an authorized collection, charging and distribution machine, other authorized charging device, or other authorized device that transmits the authentication credentials. Also, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from releasing energy unless it receives authentication information from an external device to which it will provide power, such as a vehicle or other authorization device.

A management method includes selecting a consumption object among a plurality of consumption objects through a network by a consumer. The consumer is then guided to input an identification information including at least one biological feature of the consumer. The consumer is guided to execute an electronic payment to pay the charge when the identification information is complete. An order packet including the identification information and the consumption object is sent to a management end after the electronic payment. An authorization information is generated based on the identification information after the management end confirms the order packet is correct. The consumer reaching the consumption object inputs a real-time unlocking information. A solid electronic lock mounted to the consumption object is unlocked when the real-time unlocking information matches with the authorization information. The solid electronic lock remains locked when the real-time unlocking information does not match with the authorization information.

This invention relates to a system and process for dynamic rental pricing of inventory at sporting and entertainment facilities, namely multi-level, multi-bay golf entertainment facilities. In one aspect, the invention electronically provides for a predetermined reduced price for guests to continue to utilize inventory after their original purchased time has expired using an algorithmic process based on a real-time waitlist and/or future inventory usage based on reservations, group events, etc. In another aspect, the invention electronically adjusts inventory pricing in real-time based on the percent of inventory that is reserved versus available for a given day, date and/or time of day.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Locations of collection, charging and distribution machines having available charged portable electrical energy storage devices are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a navigation system of a user's vehicle. The locations are indicated on a graphical user interface on a map relative to the user's current location. The user may select particular locations on the map to reserve an available portable electrical energy storage device at a particular collection, charging and distribution machine location. The collection, charging and distribution machine locations displayed may also be based on a physical distance or driving time from the current location of the user mobile device or vehicle.