Abstract: A shield system for an unmanned arial vehicle (AUV) is provided. The shield system includes inner shield members rigidly mounted to at least the rotor arms of the AUV and outer shield members shock mounted to the inner shield members. The shield system defines opening for sensors, payload or mechanical portions of the UAV.

Abstract: Inspection robots with independent drive module suspension are described. An example inspection robot may have a housing with a first connector on a first side of the housing, and a second connector on a second side of the housing. A first drive module, having at least one wheel and a first motor, may be operatively coupled to the first connector, and a second drive module, having at least one wheel and a first motor, may be operatively coupled to the second connector. The first and second drive modules may be coupled by a drive connector.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an active ride comfort tuning system that reactively and/or proactively alters a parameter of a system of the autonomous vehicle to mitigate or avoid interruptions to ride smoothness. For example, the comfort tuning system may alter a parameter of a drive system, suspension, and/or a trajectory cost function. The comfort tuning system may alter the parameter based at least in part on detecting and/or receiving a comfort indication, determined based on sensor data, user input, or the like.

Abstract: To reliably connect a device to be charged such as a robot and a charging device. There is provided a charging device including a charging stand having a charging terminal to be connected to a device to be charged and an engaging portion that performs positioning with the device to be charged, and a support member that supports the charging stand movably in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the charging stand can be moved in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to reliably connect the device to be charged such as a robot and the charging device.

Abstract: Provided is a drift car for children, including a car body, a driving system and a control system, the driving system includes a front wheel set, a rear wheel set and a motor set on the car body, the front wheel set includes a left front wheel and a right front wheel, and the rear wheel set includes a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel, the control system includes an on-board controller arranged in the car body, and the motor set includes a left motor and a right motor, in which the left motor is connected to the left front wheel or the left rear wheel, the right motor is connected to the right front wheel or the right rear wheel, and the left and right motors are both connected to the on-board controller; the controller system also includes a drift trigger switch connecting to the on-board controller.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of antennas and an integrated circuit chip coupled to the plurality of antennas, and is configured to process cellular signals received from the plurality of antennas in accordance with a cellular communication protocol and to process radio frequency identification (RFID) signals received from the plurality of antennas in accordance with an RFID protocol.

Abstract: A programmable robot includes a body, a pair of drive wheels rotatably coupled to the body, a pair of electric motors in the body for driving the drive wheels, a receiver unit configured to receive at least one wireless command from a programming device, a sensor configured to sense a surrounding environment of the programmable robot, and a controller operably connected to the receiver unit and the sensor, the controller configured to control operation of the electric motors in response to the at least one wireless command received from the receiver unit and a data signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: An automatic wall climbing type radar photoelectric robot system for damages of a bridge and tunnel structure, mainly including a control terminal, a wall climbing robot and a server. The wall climbing robot generates a reverse thrust by rotor systems, moves flexibly against the surface of a rough bridge and tunnel structure by adopting an omnidirectional wheel technology, and during inspection by the wall climbing robot, bridges and tunnels do not need to be closed, and the traffic is not affected. Bridges and tunnels can divide into different working regions only by arranging a plurality of UWB base stations, charging and data receiving devices on the bridge and tunnel structure by means of UWB localization, laser SLAM and IMU navigation technologies, a plurality of wall climbing robots supported to work at the same time, automatic path planning and automatic obstacle avoidance realized, and unattended regular automatic patrolling can be realized.

Abstract: A robot system has a follower robot and a leader robot. The follower robot follows the path of the leader robot using infrared (IR) signals. The follower robot follows the physical path and positioning of the leader robot. The leader robot is permitted to travel an arbitrary path or is controlled by a wireless transmitter. Relative robot positioning, being distance or direction can use an infrared system between respective robots.

Abstract: A convertible ducted fan engine and mounting system. The convertible ducted fan engine has a shroud encircling a mechanical fan. The convertible ducted fan engine includes a fluid-propulsion configuration in which the mechanical fan rotates freely with respect to the shroud to produce thrust through fluid flow, and a drive-wheel configuration in which the shroud rotates about the rotational axis. The mounting system includes at least one gimbal ring and may include a circular track system thereby enabling the convertible engine to be oriented in any direction.

Abstract: Processes are provided for dynamically sorting and storing items in a warehouse without the need for presorting items and without delaying or negatively impacting the efficiency of operators in the warehouse. Items are individually scanned and placed in totes of a tote-array provided on a mobile robot. An optimized route is calculated based on the items in the tote-array, and the robot navigates to a first location on the route. When the item has been put away, a replacement item is placed in the just-emptied tote of the tote-array, and an updated route is calculated. A robot capable of navigating to predefined locations for storing items is a warehouse is provided.

Abstract: A device control system, method, and apparatus are provided. The system includes a control device and at least two battle game devices. The control device is configured to: establish a connection to a first battle game device, and send a control instruction to the first battle game device during a battle game according to a received external control operation. The first battle game device is configured to battle according to the control instruction. The second battle game device is configured to: obtain a relative position of the first battle game device during the battle game, and automatically battle according to the relative position.

Abstract: A single-wire transmission method, a chip and a communication system are disclosed, wherein the single-wire transmission method comprises: receiving X sets of data to be transmitted, a trigger flag before each set of data to be transmitted and an end flag after each set of data to be transmitted through a single line, wherein X is a positive integer greater than 0, and each set of data to be transmitted is represented by the number of transition edges; confirming the trigger flag; counting the transition edge after confirming the trigger flag to obtain a number of the transition edges, performing a decoding process according to the number of the transition edges until the end flag is received, wherein the transition edges are recounted and the decoding process is re-performed after the end flag is received each time. The data transmission time is shorter, which improves the data transmission efficiency.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device according to an aspect is connected to a flight device. The mobile electronic device includes a communication unit that communicates with the flight device, and a controller that executes a predetermined function. When connected to the flight device, the controller changes the predetermined function when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A system includes a UAV with at least three rotors, a flight controller on the UAV, and a pistol-grip-style transmitter to receive operator input for controlling the UAV. The transmitter includes (1) a speed trigger for controlling a linear speed of the UAV, (2) a steering wheel for performing left or right turns by the UAV, (3) an altitude slider for controlling a flying altitude of the UAV, and (4) a communication interface to send control signals indicating relative positions of the speed trigger, the steering wheel, and the altitude slider. The flight controller includes a processor to receive, from the transmitter, the control signals indicating the relative positions of the speed trigger, the steering wheel, and the altitude slider. The processor adjusts, in response to the control signals, a rotational speed of each rotor independently to implement the operator input for forward-facing flight.

Abstract: A method and system involve a controller receiving from a phone an orientation signal indicative of an orientation of the phone and adjusting an object according to the orientation of the phone. The controller may select one of the parts of the object according to an initial orientation of the phone and adjust the selected part of the object in correspondence with the orientation of the phone as the orientation of the phone changes. The selected part may be selected in response to the phone being in the proximity of the selected part. The controller may receive from the phone a control signal indicative of a user input to the phone and adjust the object according to the user input. The object may be a vehicle seat having a first part in the form of a seat bottom and a second part in the form of a seat back.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a processor configured to: receive a first haptic effect signal, the first haptic effect signal based at least in part on a haptic event and adapted to cause a first haptic effect to be output by a first haptic output device to a first user, determine a second haptic effect based at least in part on the first haptic effect and a characteristic independent of the haptic event, generate a second haptic effect signal based at least in part on the second haptic effect, and transmit the second haptic signal to a second haptic output device. In the illustrative system, the second haptic output device is in communication with the processor, and the second haptic output device is configured to receive the second haptic effect signal and output the second haptic effect to a second user.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV may include a motor controller. The UAV may further include a motor connected to the motor controller. The UAV may further include an arm connected between the motor controller and the motor. The UAV may further include a plurality of electronic speed control components integrated within the arm, the electronic speed control components configured to control the speed of the motor.

Abstract: An optical-based aerial gaming system comprises: a multirotor unmanned flying device comprising: a main body; a plurality of propulsion units, a wireless receiver configured to receive data via radio communication; a wireless transmitter configured to send data via radio communication; one or more light generators configured to project laser or infrared light from the unmanned flying device; and one or more light sensors configured to detect laser or infrared light projected by a separate unmanned flying device; and a remote control unit comprising: a wireless transmitter configured to send data via radio communication; and a wireless receiver configured to receive data via radio communication, wherein the unmanned flying device is configured to transmit to the remote control unit, using the wireless transmitter of the unmanned flying device, at least a portion of encoded data of the detected laser or infrared light.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to determining prices for a protection extension in an online game. The protection extension may be implemented, for example, after a user's beginning protection and/or any other in-game protection period has ceased. The protection extension may be dynamically priced for individual users. The protection extension may be priced, for example, based on the user's power and/or strength in a game, and/or based on other factors. For example, the stronger the user is in the game, the more expensive the extension of protection, and the weaker the user is in the game, the cheaper the extension of protection. This may provide an opportunity for a less experienced player to build up their strength in a game, thus promoting further player engagement. Individualizing the price of protection extensions may provide other enhancements.

Abstract: A discharge platform comprises an air propulsion mechanism that propels the discharge platform through the air. The discharge platform also comprises a special effect storage device that stores a special effect and is operably connected to the discharge platform. Further, the discharge platform comprises a processor. In addition, the discharge platform comprises an air delivery special effect mechanism that discharges a special effect from the special effect storage device toward a destination after receiving an instruction from the processor and during propulsion of the discharge platform through the air by the air propulsion mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic remote control gaming are disclosed. In one embodiment a portable multifunction device receives information from a remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device can be operable as a remote control for the remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or another suitable electronic device. The portable multifunction device can determine a haptic effect based at least in part on the information received from the remotely controllable device. The portable multifunction device may generate a signal configured to cause an actuator to output the determined haptic effect. The portable multifunction device can output the signal.

Abstract: A toy is controlled by a smart device with wireless communication network connection capability, a display screen and programmed to generate optical control signals transmitted through the screen. The toy includes a main body, a control circuit, a holder configured to receive and releasably hold the smart device, and an optical signal receiver supported facing the display screen of the smart device in the holder and operably connected with the control circuit. The control circuit responds to optical control signals transmitted through the screen and detected by the optical signal receiver to control at least one operation of the toy.

Abstract: A gaming system for enabling three-dimensional game play of remote-control craft controlled by a controller, each craft including a communication system with both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) capabilities. The system can include a plurality of hovering remote-control flying craft each controlled by a handheld controller, and further may include at least one additional game accessory elements, such as a puck, a ground station or a gun. Each pairing of craft and controllers communicate via an RF protocol that transmits at least control communications between the controller and the craft based on pair identification information in an RF communication protocol. The craft and game-accessory elements also communicate via at least an IR protocol that communicates game-play information. Selectable pairs of craft and controllers may be assigned to different teams for playing multiplayer team games based on team identification information in the RF communication protocol.

Abstract: A haptic feedback remote control device provides control signals to a toy device, such as a car, boat, plane, etc., to control the toy's operation. The remote control device includes a housing and at least one control for manual manipulation by the user, where control signals representing the manipulation are sent to the toy, preferably transmitted wirelessly. An actuator outputs forces on the housing and/or on a control in response to actuator signals. A controller provides the actuator signals based on the manual manipulation of the control by the user, or based on status signals from the toy indicating the toy's actions or interactions, or based on both. In one embodiment, the actuator moves an inertial mass to provide inertial sensations on the housing. The information received from the toy device can include information from a contact sensor or inertial sensor on the toy device.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to determining prices for a protection extension in an online game. The protection extension may be implemented, for example, after a user's beginning protection and/or any other in-game protection period has ceased. The protection extension may be dynamically priced for individual users. The protection extension may be priced, for example, based on the user's power and/or strength in a game, and/or based on other factors. For example, the stronger the user is in the game, the more expensive the extension of protection, and the weaker the user is in the game, the cheaper the extension of protection. This may provide an opportunity for a less experienced player to build up their strength in a game, thus promoting further player engagement. Individualizing the price of protection extensions may provide other enhancements.

Abstract: The present invention supports the control of a plurality of controlled devices. With three dimensional accelerometer components, detection of a user action on a remote controller and the orientation of the remote controller are viable through small electronic devices. Aspects of the invention are based on the three dimensional accelerometer components to provide a remote controller that can detect the user action. Based on the user action, the remote controller transmits a signal to the controlled device which conveys the corresponding command. A selected controlled device may be matched to the remote controller. The remote controller and controlled device may also support a learning mode, in which the controlled device sends a list of supported commands to the remote controller. The remote controller then matches an associated action with each command in the command list.

Abstract: A self-propelled device operates to interpret an input corresponding to a set of actions that are performed on a controller device.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for communicating with a first peripheral device, of a plurality of peripheral devices, using a touch-sensitive system that has a processor and a touch surface. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method includes detecting, using the processor, a plurality of touches on the touch surface of the touch-sensitive system that are made by the first peripheral device. The method further includes identifying, using the processor, the first peripheral device based on the plurality of touches on the touch surface of the touch-sensitive system that are made by the first peripheral device. The method additionally includes communicating data, using the processor, to a receptive circuit of the first peripheral device in response to the identifying of the first peripheral device.

Abstract: A portable device includes a case having wall portions, a battery arranged within the case, and a polymer membrane arranged between at least one of the wall portions and the battery. The polymer membrane couples the battery to the at least one of the wall portions. The polymer membrane has a property of elastically changing at least one of the thickness and the length in a planar direction by being deformed in response to voltage application and restoring its original shape in response to the stoppage of the voltage application. The battery is caused to reciprocate by applying a voltage that changes periodically to the polymer membrane.

Abstract: A robotic system is integrated with one or more mobile computing devices. Physical configurations of individual components of the system in physical space, or agents, under control of a user or users, are duplicated in a representation in virtual space. Some degree of real-time parity is maintained between the physical and virtual spaces, so as to implement a virtual environment that mirrors the physical one. Events occurring within one environment can directly influence and bear consequence on the course of events occurring within the other environment. Elements of virtual space thereby become truly interdependent and unified on a peer footing with elements in physical space. In at least one embodiment, the system is implemented as an application in entertainment, such as the manifestation of a video game in physical space.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a transmit controller compatible with an auxiliary user interface device is provided. The transmit controller has a memory with operational parameters, a control user interface, an auxiliary user interface connector, and a transmit controller processor. The transmit controller processor is configured to transmit the operational parameters to the auxiliary user interface device and modify the operational parameters in accordance with a parameter instruction from the auxiliary user interface device. The transmit controller processor is further configured to receive a control instruction from the control user interface, determine an output signal based on the control instruction and the one or more operational parameters, and transmit the output signal to the model vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control assembly including a remote control unit and a toy vehicle. The remote control unit is a four function device that provides forward, reverse, forward-left, and forward-right inputs such that the selection of one input will cause the vehicle to move in a forward direction, the selection of a second input will cause the vehicle to move in reverse direction, the selection of a third input will cause the vehicle to move forward and left, and selection of the fourth input will cause the vehicle to move forward and right.

Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.

Abstract: A remote control vehicle is presented that has a telemetry sensor, which detects wheel rotation, and a track sensor that reads track indicators found on a track over which the vehicle is driven. The vehicle receives commands from a mobile device to control its operation. Wheel rotation data and track sensor data are transmitted from the vehicle back to the mobile device for storage along with the commands that were transmitted to the vehicle. The commands, rotation data, and track sensor data are transmitted to a server computer over a wide area network, and thereafter shared with another user as run data. When downloaded by the other user, the run data can be used to compare the other user's ability to control their vehicle with the run data. The run data can further be used to control the other user's vehicle.

Abstract: A slim, two-sided remote controlled toy vehicle with high speed, high maneuverability and high shock and crash resistance. A remote control scheme based on digital signals embedded in infrared beams allows improved control and high-speed terrestrial and aerial stunt capabilities. The toy intelligently implements infrared communication, on board micro-control units, flip sensors, sounds, lights and other pre-programmed actions. Various stunt accessories are also provided, to increase the play value of the toy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the position of a vehicle on a track so as to provide a slotless racing vehicle game is described. The method involves measuring the lateral position of the vehicle on the track so as to minimize the distance with a user defined lateral position. A measured velocity of the vehicle is then feedback to a steering servo in order to stabilize the vehicle's position at the desired lateral position. In particular, the gain of a controller that generates the input signal for the steering servo is varied with the reciprocal of the square of the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An interactive control system and method, comprising providing a client program on a handheld or portable electronic device employing a wireless mode to obtain data from a cloud server, establishing a wireless data connection between the handheld or portable electronic device and an accessory device, using the wireless connection to establish direct communication between the handheld or portable electronic device and the accessory device, and then using the wireless connection for the handheld or portable electronic device to then transfer data previously obtained from the cloud server to the accessory device.

Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.

Abstract: A tablet computer using motion sensors controls a remote controlled toy. A camera of the tablet computer acquires an image of the toy and the environment in which the toy is played with. The tablet computer then substitutes the image of the environment with a virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment is continuously adjusted using a parameter of the environment. For example, where the environment is a room with a wall and a doorway, the virtual environment may be a battlefield having a forest in place of the wall and a road through the forest in place of the doorway.

Abstract: A robotic system is integrated with one or more mobile computing devices. Physical configurations of individual components of the system in physical space, or agents, under control of a user or users, are duplicated in a representation in virtual space. Some degree of real-time parity is maintained between the physical and virtual spaces, so as to implement a virtual environment that mirrors the physical one. Events occurring within one environment can directly influence and bear consequence on the course of events occurring within the other environment. Elements of virtual space thereby become truly interdependent and unified on a peer footing with elements in physical space. In at least one embodiment, the system of the present invention is implemented as an application in entertainment, such as the manifestation of a video game in physical space.

Abstract: A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The system further includes a marionette with a body and articulatable appendages attached to the body. The body and appendages are supported with tether lines extending between the marionette and the UAVs. Then, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans to position and articulate the marionette within a display air space. In some embodiments, the UAVs each is a multicopter, and each of the multicopters includes a local controller operating to move the multicopter through a series of way points defined by the flight plan associated with the multicopter.

Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that is capable of assuming a plurality of different lateral positions while traveling along the surface. The mobile agent includes a drive motor, an imaging system, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller. The mobile agent is adapted to detect the markings as the mobile agent travels along the surface, to ascertain a current lateral position of the mobile agent with respect to the surface, and to maintain a substantially consistent lateral position of the mobile agent with respect to the surface (for example to follow a lane). A basestation may be provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. An action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and wirelessly communicated to the mobile agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a plurality of detachable components from a transmitter unit used to control radio controlled (RC) models. Specifically, a steering unit and a grip unit may be coupled and decoupled from the main upper body unit comprising the transmitter. When coupling the steering unit to the upper body, guide projections on the steering unit are inserted into a corresponding number of groove guides defined within the upper body unit. A shutter stopper locks the guide grooves and prevents the guide projections from moving. The grip unit is similarly coupled to the upper body unit by means of a locking claw which maintains the grip unit in a fixed position until a release button is actuated by a user. The transmitter unit comprises the ability of providing for a number of different operational configurations, thus accommodating the needs and preferences of each user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model vehicle having a motor and electronic speed control for driving and braking driven wheels, combined with a separate braking system for non-driven wheels. A controller and a method of operation are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a remote controlled drawing toy can be provided that allows a user to operate a drawing unit that couples drawing implements. For example, such a drawing unit can be used outdoors on sidewalks and driveways.