Abstract: In one aspect, an example method includes (i) obtaining a set of user attributes for a user of a content-presentation device; (ii) based on the set of user attributes, obtaining structured data and determining a textual description of the structured data; (iii) transforming, using a text-to-speech engine, the textual description of the structured data into synthesized speech; and (iv) generating, using the synthesized speech and for display by the content-presentation device, a synthetic video of a targeted advertisement comprising the synthesized speech.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes receiving video content comprising a first data portion comprising parameters that control a visual appearance of frames of video content presented by a content-presentation device. The content-presentation device is communicatively coupled to a light unit that is (i) present in a viewing area of the content-presentation device and (ii) configured to provide ambient light in the viewing area. The method also includes extracting, from the received video content, a second data portion, separate from the first data portion, specifying one or more light control parameters that a controller associated with the light unit is configured to interpret as instructions for controlling the light unit. The method also includes transmitting the extracted second data portion to the controller to facilitate the controller controlling the light unit according to the specified one or more light control parameters.

Abstract: A RADAR system and associated methods are used to detect obstacles obscured from view when backing a trailer. An autonomous tractor is equipped with a rear facing RADAR device that has a field-of-view under the trailer and is configured to output RADAR returns from reflections. A controller of the tractor classifies RADAR returns from the RADAR device according to a number of reflections by a dock wall and a trailer face (e.g., a back end of the trailer) of a corresponding RADAR beam. The RADAR returns are correlated based on distance, and distance of a RADAR return from an obstacle is corrected based on the number of reflections. Advantageously, by processing RADAR returns from both direct and reflected RADAR beams, the controller is able to detect obstacles hidden behind the trailer and flag the obstacles as a hazard.

Abstract: In embodiments, a method positions and aligns an autonomous tractor coupling with an articulated trailer located in a pick-up spot. A staging path that terminates at a staging point corresponding to the pick-up spot is determined, and the tractor is controlled to follow the staging path to the staging point and then couple with the trailer. In embodiments, a method positions and aligns an autonomous tractor coupled to an articulated trailer in preparation for the tractor to reverse the trailer into a drop-off spot. A staging path having a shape and a staging point is determined, and the autonomous tractor is controlled to follow the staging path to the staging point. The staging path is shaped such that, after following the staging path to the staging point, the tractor and trailer are positioned for reversing into the drop-off spot.

Abstract: An integrated indoor and outdoor positioning system and method. A first communication unit aperiodically emits an ultrasonic signal. A second communication unit receives the ultrasonic signal and transmits an identification signal in response to receiving the ultrasonic signal. One of the two communication units is placed at a predetermined position and the other of the two communication units is placed with an object. Identification information obtained from the identification signal is used to determine position information indicating that the object is at the predetermined position. The first communication unit is placed at the predetermined position and the second communication unit accompanies the object. Alternatively, the first communication unit accompanies the object and the second communication unit is placed at the predetermined position.