Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a flight plan request for a drone. The flight plan request comprises a drone identity, departure information, and arrival information. The method further comprises constructing a modified flight plan for the drone based on the flight plan request, wherein the modified flight plan represents an approved, congestion reducing, and executable flight plan for the drone, and the modified flight plan comprises a sequence of four-dimensional (4D) cells representing a planned flight path for the drone. For each 4D cell of the modified flight plan, the method further comprises attempting to place an exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, and in response to a failure to place the exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, rerouting the modified flight plan around the 4D cell to a random neighboring 4D cell.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method that includes generating, by a processor, a topic graph by converting information to topic nodes and edges in the topic graph. Bridges from a given topic node are provided to a neighbor node based on a weight assignment. The bridges are converted to an electronic form of communication. The processor orders suggested paths based on a determined distance from at least one other topic node to a topic goal node via an earliest topic node on each suggested path. The determined distance is found by a first search of the topic graph.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method comprising receiving a task set comprising multiple tasks, receiving operational information identifying one or more operating characteristics of multiple drones, and obtaining an initial heuristic ordering of the multiple tasks based on the operational information and the climate information. Each task has a corresponding task location. The method further comprises scheduling the multiple tasks to obtain a final ordering of the multiple tasks. The final ordering represents an order in which the multiple tasks are scheduled, and the final ordering may be different from the initial heuristic ordering.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for dynamic, cognitive hybrid positioning within an indoor environment includes: receiving fingerprinting training data corresponding to the indoor environment, trilateration data corresponding to the indoor environment, triangulation data corresponding to the indoor environment, or a combination of the fingerprinting training data, the trilateration data, and/or the triangulation data; estimating a layout of the indoor environment based at least in part on the fingerprinting training data; classifying at least some areas of the estimated layout according to one of a plurality of predetermined area types; and determining an optimum positioning technique to utilize for each area of the estimated layout, wherein the optimum positioning technique is determined based at least in part on the area type.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a multi-dimensional data structure partitioned into cells utilizing a tree data structure (“tree”) comprising intervals for each dimension of a multi-dimensional space. To partition an interval for a node of the tree into multiple subintervals, multiple leaf nodes (“leaves”) are generated, each leaf descending from the node. To merge multiple intervals for multiple nodes of the tree, a parent node (“parent”) and multiple leaves descending from the parent are generated, the parent and the leaves are time constrained, and the leaves are scheduled for a merger. When transient data in cells included in a list that corresponds to a leaf scheduled for merger expires, each cell in the list is converted into a cell for inclusion in a different list corresponding to a parent of the leaf, each leaf of the parent removed, and the parent turned into a leaf.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for dynamic, cognitive hybrid positioning within an indoor environment includes: receiving fingerprinting training data corresponding to the indoor environment, trilateration data corresponding to the indoor environment, triangulation data corresponding to the indoor environment, or a combination of the fingerprinting training data, the trilateration data, and/or the triangulation data; estimating a layout of the indoor environment based at least in part on the fingerprinting training data; classifying at least some areas of the estimated layout according to one of a plurality of predetermined area types; and determining an optimum positioning technique to utilize for each area of the estimated layout, wherein the optimum positioning technique is determined based at least in part on the area type.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a weather model based on predicted weather conditions for an air traffic control zone. A hash table comprising multiple hash entries is maintained. Each hash entry comprises a timestamped predicted weather condition for a cell in the zone. A flight plan request for a drone is received. The request comprises a planned flight path for the drone. For at least one cell on the planned flight path, same latitude or same longitude cells, whichever is most closely orthogonal to a direction of the planned flight path, are heuristically probed. Weather conditions for the at least one cell are estimated based on predicted weather conditions for the same latitude or same longitude cells. An executable flight plan is generated if the planned flight path is feasible based on the estimated weather conditions; otherwise, a report including an explanation of infeasibility is generated instead.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising a body including a cavity for storing one or more packages, and a conveyor belt disposed above a top surface of the body. The belt is shaped to receive one or more packages, and the belt is controllable to rotate a package placed on the belt either from the top surface to the cavity for storage or from the cavity to the top surface for dispatch. A package comprises at least one of a drone and a payload transported by the drone. The apparatus further comprises a landing mechanism for stabilizing a drone landing on the apparatus.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, computer program products, and computer-implemented methods for cognitive fingerprinting of an indoor location are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the inventive concepts includes: determining calibration information for using a sensing device within an indoor environment; generating instructions corresponding to one or more suggested location sensor placements throughout the indoor environment based at least in part on the calibration information; and issuing the instructions corresponding to the one or more suggested location sensor placements via the sensing device while a user operating the sensing device navigates the indoor environment. Additional features and embodiments of the inventive concepts are also described in this disclosure.

Abstract: Cognitive, progressive methods, systems, and computer program products for guiding users throughout a deployment process involving deploying location sensors throughout an indoor environment based on real-time detection of signals from deployed location sensors and/or distances between location sensors are disclosed, according to various embodiments. The inventive concepts allow real-time sensing and adjustment to the nature of the environment, such as geometry, signal interference, etc. based on sensor readings detected by a user using a sensing device. Additional embodiments include generating a map of the environment based on training data including location sensor signal measurements, identifying information, and location information and static data regarding location sensors deployed throughout the environment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system, computer product, and method for identifying a potential travel companion. A travel companion application is provided for installation on a remote subscriber computer. Upon entering travel data for a specified trip, a remote server accesses a memory databank of travel companion recommendations and compares the recommendations with the travel data in order to determine whether there exists matching travel data with a potential travel companion. In response to the matching identification, a formatted travel alert is communicated over a wireless communication channel to a destination address. The alert activates an application that both causes display of the alert on a remote device, and provides a URL with connection to the associated data source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for cognitive fingerprinting of an indoor location is disclosed, and includes: determining calibration information for using a sensing device within an indoor environment; generating instructions corresponding to one or more suggested location sensor placements throughout the indoor environment based at least in part on the calibration information; and issuing the instructions corresponding to the one or more suggested location sensor placements via the sensing device while a user operating the sensing device navigates the indoor environment. Corresponding computer program product and system embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cognitive, progressive methods, systems, and computer program products for guiding users throughout a deployment process involving deploying location sensors throughout an indoor environment based on real-time detection of signals from deployed location sensors and/or distances between location sensors are disclosed, according to various embodiments. The inventive concepts allow real-time sensing and adjustment to the nature of the environment, such as geometry, signal interference, etc. based on sensor readings detected by a user using a sensing device. Additional embodiments include generating a map of the environment based on training data including location sensor signal measurements, identifying information, and location information and static data regarding location sensors deployed throughout the environment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for dynamic, cognitive hybrid positioning within an indoor environment includes: receiving fingerprinting training data corresponding to the indoor environment, trilateration data corresponding to the indoor environment, triangulation data corresponding to the indoor environment, or a combination of the fingerprinting training data, the trilateration data, and/or the triangulation data; estimating a layout of the indoor environment based at least in part on the fingerprinting training data; classifying at least some areas of the estimated layout according to one of a plurality of predetermined area types; and determining an optimum positioning technique to utilize for each area of the estimated layout, wherein the optimum positioning technique is determined based at least in part on the area type.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a flight plan request for a drone. The flight plan request comprises a drone identity, departure information, and arrival information. The method further comprises constructing a modified flight plan for the drone based on the flight plan request, wherein the modified flight plan represents an approved, congestion reducing, and executable flight plan for the drone, and the modified flight plan comprises a sequence of four-dimensional (4D) cells representing a planned flight path for the drone. For each 4D cell of the modified flight plan, the method further comprises attempting to place an exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, and in response to a failure to place the exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, rerouting the modified flight plan around the 4D cell to a random neighboring 4D cell.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a flight plan request for a drone. The flight plan request comprises a drone identity, departure information, and arrival information. The method further comprises constructing a modified flight plan for the drone based on the flight plan request, wherein the modified flight plan represents an approved, congestion reducing, and executable flight plan for the drone, and the modified flight plan comprises a sequence of four-dimensional (4D) cells representing a planned flight path for the drone. For each 4D cell of the modified flight plan, the method further comprises attempting to place an exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, and in response to a failure to place the exclusive lock on behalf of the drone on the 4D cell, rerouting the modified flight plan around the 4D cell to a random neighboring 4D cell.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method that includes generating, by a processor, a topic graph by converting information to topic nodes and edges in the topic graph. Bridges from a given topic node are provided to a neighbor node based on a weight assignment. The bridges are converted to an electronic form of communication. The processor orders suggested paths based on a determined distance from at least one other topic node to a topic goal node via an earliest topic node on each suggested path. The determined distance is found by a first search of the topic graph.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method that includes obtaining information including profile information and current event information. A processor generates a topic graph by converting the information to topic nodes in the topic graph. The processor determines a weight assignment for each topic node based on ratios of sums of weights of edges from topic nodes. Bridges are provided from a given topic node to a neighbor based on the weight assignment.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a multi-dimensional data structure partitioned into cells utilizing a tree data structure (“tree”) comprising intervals for each dimension of a multi-dimensional space. To partition an interval for a node of the tree into multiple subintervals, multiple leaf nodes (“leaves”) are generated, each leaf descending from the node. To merge multiple intervals for multiple nodes of the tree, a parent node (“parent”) and multiple leaves descending from the parent are generated, the parent and the leaves are time constrained, and the leaves are scheduled for a merger. When transient data in cells included in a list that corresponds to a leaf scheduled for merger expires, each cell in the list is converted into a cell for inclusion in a different list corresponding to a parent of the leaf, each leaf of the parent removed, and the parent turned into a leaf.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method comprising maintaining a multi-dimensional data structure partitioned into cells utilizing a tree data structure (“tree”) comprising intervals for each dimension of a multi-dimensional space. To partition an interval for a node of the tree into multiple subintervals, multiple leaf nodes (“leaves”) are generated, each leaf descending from the node. To merge multiple intervals for multiple nodes of the tree, a parent node (“parent”) and multiple leaves descending from the parent are generated, the parent and the leaves are time constrained, and the leaves are scheduled for a merger. When transient data in cells included in a list that corresponds to a leaf scheduled for merger expires, each cell in the list is converted into a cell for inclusion in a different list corresponding to a parent of the leaf, each leaf of the parent removed, and the parent turned into a leaf.