Abstract: This document describes a simulation system that simulates robots and other actors performing tasks in an area. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a graph representing a physical area. The graph includes area nodes that represent regions of the area that are traversed by a set of actors that perform tasks in the area and terminal nodes that represent regions of the facility where the actors perform the tasks. A set of agents that each include a model corresponding to an actor is identified. At least a portion of the agents includes models for robots that perform tasks in the area. The model of an agent represents durations of time for traversing area nodes and performing tasks are terminal nodes during simulations. A sequence of tasks being performed in the area is simulated using the graph and the set of agents.

Abstract: Embodiments may relate to a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may include a first portion that displays an image related to images of a location. The GUI may also include a second portion that displays an image related to detection and ranging information of the location. The two images may be linked such that an interaction with an object in one portion of the GUI causes changes in the other portion of the GUI. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.

Abstract: Techniques for optimal device position for wireless communication are described, and may be implemented via a mobile device to identify an orientation in which to place a mobile device to achieve optimum wireless signal. Generally, the described techniques enable the mobile device to be dynamically calibrated for wireless communication by identifying signal attributes at multiple different device positions, and enabling the mobile device to be placed at a position that exhibits optimum wireless signal. Further, wireless tasks to be performed on a mobile device can be placed into a task queue and executed when the mobile device is detected at a location and/or position that exhibits optimum wireless signal.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using sensor-based objection recognition and property condition monitoring techniques to automate and improve methods of navigating a property during a property tour. In some implementations, sensor data is received from one or more sensors that are located within a property. Property data that identifies characteristics of the property is received. A model of the property is generated. Authentication data that identifies users who are authorized to access the property is received. Data identifying a visiting user is received. The data identifying the visiting user is compared to the authentication data. The visiting user is determined to be authorized to access the property. Preference data that indicates preferences of the visiting user is accessed. A path to guide the user around the property is generated based on the model of the property and the preferences of the visiting user.

Abstract: Techniques for locating a user device in an indoor environment include receiving an indication of an acceleration event at a start position and a deceleration event associated with the user device. Based at least on the amount of time elapsed between the acceleration event and the deceleration event, a traveled distance of the user device may be determined. Additionally, sensor data collected from the user device between the acceleration event and the deceleration event may be used to determine the direction of travel of the user device. Following the determination of the traveled distance and the direction of travel, a finish position relative to the start position of the user device in the indoor environment may be mapped using an architectural plan associated with the indoor environment.

Abstract: A listing and locating application is shown and described. The listing and locating application will allow for products to be listed within a listing function. The application will be able to share lists among allowed users. The application will have a GPS system that will allow for the application to display localized maps. The localized maps will display the exact locations of products on the list. The products on the list will be correlated with coupons form the merchant shop. The application further will be enabled to display a direction to locate a specific area or the most direct route through a localized area.

Abstract: A vehicular communication system includes a wireless communication sensor at a vehicle equipped with the vehicular communication system for receiving wireless communication data from remote wireless communication devices. A global positioning system is operable to determine a geographical location of the vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) includes electronic circuitry and associated software that includes a processor for processing wireless communication data received by the wireless communication sensor and position information determined by the global positioning system. The ECU, responsive at least in part to determination that position information determined by the global positioning system is compromised, determines, via processing the received wireless communication data, distances to a plurality of the remote wireless communication devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing indoor navigation to emergency services are disclosed. The methods involve storing at least one electronic map of a facility and at least one annotation for the at least one electronic map. The at least one annotation can be representative of a service resource within the facility. The method also involves receiving a traversed area from at least one computing device within the facility during an event; determining a total traversed area based on the traversed area from each of the at least one computing device during the event; and providing the at least one annotation and the total traversed area within the at least one electronic map to be displayed on at least one graphical user interface.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology evaluate places that are familiar to a given user in order to provide contextualized location information about other places of interest. This may include evaluating the actual number of visits by the given user to one or more locations in a given geographical area. For instance, places that have been visited a sufficient number of times within a particular timeframe are identified as personal landmarks for that user. Thus, when the user searches for a specific place or otherwise requests results that fit a query, the system can use the personalized landmark information to help rank search results and to provide location cues to aid the user to quickly and efficiently arrive at the location of the search result. Personal landmarks are necessarily familiar to the user, and thus can reduce the number of turn-by-turn directions or simplify the graphical interface of the client device.

Abstract: A method is provided to generate a route between an origin and a destination using historical travel times between segments of a road network map. Methods may include accessing a memory configured to store road network data segmented into tiles represented by quadkeys; determining a travel time between any two quadkeys of the stored road network data; receiving an origin and a destination within a road network corresponding to the road network data; calculating a route between the origin and the destination using the travel time between quadkeys that can be traversed from the origin to the destination; generating route guidance for the route between the origin and the destination; and providing the route guidance to a user indicating the route between the origin and the destination. The travel time between any two quadkeys may be determined based on historical travel times between the respective two quadkeys.

Abstract: A software application and system may be configured to enable a smartphone or other device to be used by a visually impaired person to receive voice navigation guidance during a directed exploration of an area. Directed exploration uses combinations of location data, directional data, and orientation data from the configured device to determine a direction that user wishes to explore, and only providing narrated results for streets, businesses, and other points of interest in that direction. The system may also utilize sets of wireless indicators positioned within indoor areas to provide accurate positioning to particular locations and floors within buildings.

Abstract: A method, performed by at least a first apparatus, is disclosed, comprising: automatically and repeatedly obtaining, at said first apparatus, information representative of an ambient pressure at said first apparatus; and automatically and repeatedly sending or triggering sending, by said first apparatus, at least a part of said obtained information representative of an ambient pressure at said first apparatus. A method, performed by at least a second apparatus, is disclosed, comprising: obtaining information representative of an ambient pressure at a first apparatus sent by said first apparatus and received at a device; and estimating an ambient pressure at said device at least based on said information representative of an ambient pressure at said first apparatus.

Abstract: A navigation system using Visible Light Communications (VLC), the associated transmitters and receivers, the navigation system comprising a plurality of VLC transmitters (201 to 207) and one or more GNSS receiver (430), each of the VLC transmitters being configured to transmit a positioning signal comprising a navigation message including time information, where the time information is a transmission time of a specific part of said navigation message derived from a GNSS reference time. The receivers (221) according to the invention are configured to calculate a position from either VLC pseudo ranges, GNSS pseudo ranges, or a combination thereof. The associated methods for transmitting positioning signals in a navigation system according to the invention, and for determining a position from a plurality of positioning signals transmitted by said navigation system.

Abstract: Determining contexts of mobile devices. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine two estimated positions of a mobile device that respectively correspond to first and second locations at first and second times, acquire sets of terrain or structural information for first and second areas that respectively include the first and second estimated positions, use the acquired sets of information and the estimated positions to determine if the mobile device was within a structure at the first and second times, determine one or more values that are indicative of vertical movement by the mobile device during a period of time between the first time and the second time, compare the one or more values to one or more threshold conditions, and determine a context of the mobile device based on the comparison.

Abstract: In a taxi dispatch control system and method for taxi dispatching, the system comprising customer terminal, driver's terminal, and a management server owned by a taxi managing company. The customer terminal sends a dispatch request to the management server (S1), the management server creates a passenger information list not dispatching based on the dispatch request from the customer terminal (S2). The driver's terminal which the driver worker signed accession to the taxi dispatch service can browse the passenger information list not dispatching. After browse the passenger information list not dispatching, driver worker can send a notice of wish to pick up customer as a will indication from the driver's terminal (S9). The driver worker can work by receiving dispatch requests at their own convenient time and reduce the useless waiting time of driver worker.

Abstract: Embodiments may relate to a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may include a first portion that displays an image related to images of a location. The GUI may also include a second portion that displays an image related to detection and ranging information of the location. The two images may be linked such that an interaction with an object in one portion of the GUI causes changes in the other portion of the GUI. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using sensor-based objection recognition and property condition monitoring techniques to automate and improve methods of navigating a property during a property tour. In some implementations, sensor data is received from one or more sensors that are located within a property. Property data that identifies characteristics of the property is received. A model of the property is generated. Authentication data that identifies users who are authorized to access the property is received. Data identifying a visiting user is received. The data identifying the visiting user is compared to the authentication data. The visiting user is determined to be authorized to access the property. Preference data that indicates preferences of the visiting user is accessed. A path to guide the user around the property is generated based on the model of the property and the preferences of the visiting user.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the creation, dissemination and fulfillment of supply lists includes a central controller that receives native supply lists from supply requestors. The controller uses intelligent matching to classify and translate individual items from each native supply list into an electronic supply list on a standardized platform, the electronic supply list including a UPC for each requested item as well as any personalized content. The electronic supply list is then rendered accessible not only to purchasers responsible for ordering the supplies but also retailers designated to sell the supply items. The use of UPCs allows for direct list fulfillment by a purchaser in communication with the central controller. Through a one-click initiation process, the purchasing party is redirected to the e-commerce site for the retailer, with the UPCs for the items in the electronic class list automatically extracted by the controller and loaded into a virtual shopping cart.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a radio map of an indoor venue using survey data collected by a survey device positioned throughout the venue, the radio map including a boundary; receiving harvest data from a mobile device, wherein at least some of the harvest data are obtained by the mobile device while the mobile device is positioned at locations that are outside of the boundary; determining, based on the harvest data, a trajectory of the mobile device, wherein at least some of the trajectory resides outside of the boundary; identifying one or more locations on or proximate to the trajectory; and extending the radio map using the survey data and the one or more identified locations, wherein the extended radio map is defined at least in part by an extension of the boundary to encompass the one or more identified locations.

Abstract: A method of tracking a service queue using a single-point signal monitor in which at least one customer carries a wireless device may include: receiving a received signal strength from the wireless device as a trace; identify first segments of the trace containing mostly positive sloped received signal strength; identify second segments of the trace containing mostly negative sloped received signal; extract attributes from the first and second segments as child variables for two parent nodes in a Bayesian Network in which the two parent nodes respectively model a beginning of service and a leaving period for a service queue; and inputting the extracted attributes into Bayesian Network; and determining a beginning of service and leaving period using the Bayesian Network. The method may also include determining critical time points in a trace using a K-L divergence technique.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping and navigation are provided. In implementations, the systems and methods perform operations including receiving, via a network, a message from a messaging application of a mobile device of a user requesting a map of a mapped area. The operations also include generating the map of the mapped area displaying an icon indicating a location of the user. Further, the operations include sending, via the network, the map to the messaging application of the mobile device.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a computing device (104) and method intended to provide fine-grained continuous location tracking for non-real time uses (e.g., for retracing the movement of office employees). As per the subject matter, the knowledge of an office layout is combined with the application of particle filters (PFs) over inertial tracking (using compass, accelerometer and gyroscope sensors) data. Viterbi-based path-likelihood maximization is integrated with PF framework to progressively reduce the uncertainty in the movement track of an individual computing device (104).

Abstract: In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may receive at least one signal from a second wireless device, the at least one signal including one or more of RTP information or inertial sensor information. The apparatus may determine at least one AoA measurement and at least one RTP measurement associated with the at least one signal received from the second wireless device. The apparatus may determine a path of trajectory of the second wireless device based at least in part on the at least one AoA measurement, the at least one RTP measurement, and the inertial sensor information.

Abstract: A lighting control apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments includes: a touch screen configured to display a first graphic user interface in order to provide a VLC (Visible Lighting Communication) service; and a controller configured to perform visible lighting communication with at least one lighting in order to provide the VLC service selected through the first graphic user interface, wherein the VLC service may include a lighting registration service, and wherein the controller may receive unique address information of a first lighting transmitted through the visible lighting communication from the first lighting to be registered, and may register the first lighting using the received unique address information.

Abstract: Determining a vertical location of a hand-held computing device. At least some of the example embodiments are computer-implemented methods including: generating an estimate of expected vertical location based on items of beacon data received from beacons by a radio receiver of the hand-held computing device, generating an error covariance of the estimate of expected vertical location based on the items of beacon data, calculating a level normalized change based on measurements of barometric pressure by a pressure sensor of the hand-held computing device, calculating the vertical location of the hand-held computing device based on the level normalized change, the error covariance of the estimate of expected vertical location, and the estimate of expected vertical location, and activating a relevant map for a level comprising the vertical location and displaying the vertical location on a display device of the hand-held computing device.

Abstract: A method and system localizing a mobile device along a pedestrian route traversed in an indoor area, the mobile device including a processor and a memory.

Abstract: A method of tracking a service queue using a single-point signal monitor in which at least one customer carries a wireless device may include: receiving a received signal strength from the wireless device as a trace; identify first segments of the trace containing mostly positive sloped received signal strength; identify second segments of the trace containing mostly negative sloped received signal; extract attributes from the first and second segments as child variables for two parent nodes in a Bayesian Network in which the two parent nodes respectively model a beginning of service and a leaving period for a service queue; and inputting the extracted attributes into Bayesian Network; and determining a beginning of service and leaving period using the Bayesian Network. The method may also include determining critical time points in a trace using a K-L divergence technique.

Abstract: A computer is programmed to detect requests for a host vehicle to drive to various destinations. The computer is further programmed to send request notifications of the requests to the user devices of an owner of the host vehicle and, under certain conditions, a user of the host vehicle. The computer is further programmed to receive communications from the user devices confirming or denying the request notifications, and to instruct the host vehicle to drive or to not drive to requested destinations based on the received communications.

Abstract: A method and a system of providing, for display at a mobile computing device, a pedestrian route associated with an indoor facility. The method comprises localizing the mobile computing device at a first position of the indoor facility, determining a credential associated with the mobile computing device, and communicating, for display at the mobile computing device, the pedestrian route from the first position to at least a second position of the indoor facility, the pedestrian route determined at least partly based on the credential.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for commissioning light fixtures. One method may include receiving, at a mobile device, an encoded light signal from a light fixture in a plurality of light fixtures. The encoded light signal may be decoded to obtain an identifier associated with the light fixture, and a correspondence between the identifier and a plurality of locations of the plurality of light fixtures may be determined.

Abstract: In one embodiment, such a method may include receiving a visible light signal by a sensor of a terminal device from a transmitter which transmits the visible light signal by a light source changing in luminance. The terminal device may transmit a request signal for requesting content associated with the visible light signal, from the terminal device to a server, and receive a content from the server. The content may include time points and data to be reproduced at the time points. Thereafter the terminal device may reproduce data included in the content and corresponding to a time point of a clock included in the terminal device.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for dynamically optimizing inventory picking paths within a physical store. The system performs operations including receiving merchandise requests from customers, providing the merchandise requests to merchandise pickers, and receiving, from the merchandise pickers, picking data identifying picking paths executed by the merchandise pickers when picking items within the physical store to fulfill the merchandise requests. The operations further include analyzing the merchandise requests and the picking data to identify an algorithm suitable for determining an optimized picking path, and, in response to receiving a new online merchandise request, applying the algorithm to determine an optimized picking path for fulfilling the new online merchandise request. The optimized picking path is provided to at least one of the merchandise pickers.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for light-based communication. One representative embodiment involves a messaging system that includes multiple messaging units at different locations within a commercial space, with each of such messaging units including: a light-emitting diode (LED); and a messaging/modulation controller coupled to the LED and configured to turn the LED on and off so as to broadcast a digital message, with each of the messaging units configured to broadcast a different digital message, including substantive content that is different from what is broadcast by the other messaging units.

Abstract: Provided is a location tracking system and a method of operating the location tracking system. The location tracking system selects either an indoor location tracking mode or an outdoor location tracking mode according to whether a user is currently indoors or outdoors and tracks the location of the user. The location tracking system tracks an indoor location of the user using access point (AP) signal intensity information and a step detection technique when tracking the location of a user in the indoor location tracking mode, and tracks the outdoor location of a user using a global positioning system (GPS) and a step detection technique when tracking the location of the user in the outdoor location tracking mode.

Abstract: An occurrence of an emergency situation pertinent to people presently located within a venue can be identified. Responsive to identifying the emergency situation pertinent to the people located within the venue, location specific emergency information can be automatically communicated to a first mobile device. The location specific emergency information can describe an emergency plan for exiting the venue from a present location of the first mobile device within the venue. The location specific emergency information can be configured to be presented by the first mobile device to a user of the first mobile device to safely guide the user from the present location to an exit of the venue.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for tracking position of a mobile device within a venue. In an aspect, the mobile device obtains a plurality of light source identifiers and a plurality of location identifiers corresponding to a plurality of light sources within the venue, determines a first position of the mobile device within the venue, the first position having a first position accuracy, determines a subset of the plurality of light source identifiers corresponding to a subset of the plurality of light sources based on a location of each light source in the subset of light sources being within a threshold distance of the first position, demodulates a fragment of a light source identifier, and determines a second position of the mobile device based on one or more location identifiers corresponding to the light source, the second position having a greater position accuracy than the first position accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for fusion of sensor and map data using constraint based optimization. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method may include obtaining tracking data for a tracked subject, the tracking data including data from a dead reckoning sensor; obtaining constraint data for the tracked subject; and using a convex optimization method based on the tracking data and the constraint data to obtain a navigation solution. The navigation solution may be a path and the method may further include propagating the constraint data by a motion model to produce error bounds that continue to constrain the path over time. The propagation of the constraint data may be limited by other sensor data and/or map structural data.

Abstract: Improving a perception of an augmented reality object is disclosed. A new location of an observing platform is received. A filtered location of the observing platform is determined based at least in part on the new location in a manner that reduces a rate of change of a rendering location of the augmented reality object. A new relative position of the augmented reality object is calculated based at least in part on the filtered location. A display of the observing platform is updated using the new relative position.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a mobile device is provided. Such a method includes receiving an interior map, determining a first location to be an absolute location of a mobile communication device, locating the absolute location at a first position on the interior map, relocating the mobile communication device to a second location, estimating the second location of the mobile communication device based on an output of one or more sensors and modifying, using a computer-based system, the estimated second location based on a comparison of the estimated second location to the interior map.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable a customer to quickly search additional information (e.g., product variations, sizes, price and availability) related to a specific product. For example, the customer can request additional information of a specific product by submitting an image of the specific product from a computing device. In one embodiment, location of the customer can be determined based on the image submitted by the customer. Product features can be extracted from the image according to various imaging processing and text recognition algorithms and then used to match products that are within view of the customer. A search results with additional information of the specific product can be provided to the computing device for presentation to the customer.

Abstract: Techniques for indoor location-finding are described herein. Inside buildings, anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field may be caused by the buildings' structures. These anomalies tend to be location specific and temporally stable. Accordingly, a database or map may be constructed of field strength measurements, and made available to clients, either online (e.g., through cloud services) or offline. As a user carrying a portable device walks within a building, magnetic field measurements may be made. The measurements may be configured in as vectors and compared to the database. A specific location may be indicated by anomaly information seen in both the vector(s) and database. Optionally, techniques may be combined with a particle filter that may be operated step-by-step as the user moves within the building. In another option, fusion with Wi-Fi signals may be performed, such as with a two-pass bidirectional particle filtering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a geographic location of a mobile device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes determining a geographic location of the mobile device. The method also includes storing the determined geographic location in a geographic location history in a local memory of the mobile device. The geographic location of the mobile device is determined and stored in the geographic location history at a first time interval. The method also includes providing the geographic location history to a server at a second time interval. The second time interval is longer than the first time interval.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided which may be implemented to estimate a trajectory of a mobile device within an indoor environment. In some embodiments, the trajectory may be estimated without the use of any signal-based positioning information. For example, a mobile device may estimate such a trajectory based, at least in part, on one or more sensor measurements obtained at the mobile device, and further affect the estimated trajectory based, at least in part, on one or more objects identified in an electronic map of the indoor environment.

Abstract: A method and a lighting device for providing a Location Based Service (LBS) service providing a Location Based Service (LBS) based on Visible Light Communication (VLC) is provided. The method includes receiving, by at least one light source, data from a coordinator, the data including identification information of the at least one light source that corresponds to location information of the at least one light source, which is used by a terminal to identify a location of the at least one light source; and transmitting, by the at least one light source, the data to the terminal in a VLC signal.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining a direction in which a computing device is being transported by a user who is walking, running, or otherwise moving relative to a direction in which the device is being held. Acceleration data may be collected by accelerometers of the device during a time window, and transformed to determine a rotated acceleration along one or more candidate directions. The rotated acceleration is transformed to a frequency domain, and a peak power is determined within the frequency transformed acceleration data for each candidate direction. The peak powers are compared across multiple candidate directions, and the candidate direction having a higher peak power may be designated as a movement direction of the device relative to the device orientation. A gross movement direction may be determined based on magnetometer data, and may be employed for navigation or other applications.

Abstract: A system and method for locating, tracking, and/or monitoring the status of personnel and/or assets (collectively “trackees”), both indoors and outdoors, is provided. Tracking data obtained from any number of sources utilizing any number of tracking methods may be provided as input to a mapping application. The mapping application generates position estimates for trackees using a suite of mapping tools to make corrections to the tracking data. The mapping application further uses information from building data, when available, to enhance position estimates. Indoor tracking methods including sensor fusion methods, map matching methods, and map building methods may be implemented compute a more accurate tracking estimate for trackees. Outdoor tracking methods may be implemented to enhance outdoor tracking data by combining tracking estimates such as inertial tracks with magnetic and/or compass data if and when available, and with GPS, if and when available.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for accurately identifying a moving thing motion activity (MTMA) associated with a mobile thing (MT) using sensor data from one or more sensors associated with a wireless communication device (WCD) transported by the MT so as to enable or initiate a further one or more activity based actions. One such method, among others, comprises: (a) receiving first and second data from one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, etc.) associated with a wireless communication device (WCD) transported by a mobile thing (MT), the first and second data indicative of movement of the WCD; (b) determining reference data that defines a reference framework from the first data; (c) normalizing the second data with the reference data so that the second data can be analyzed in the reference framework; and (d) identifying an MTMA associated with the MT based upon the normalized second data.

Abstract: Apparatus for orientating a user in a space wherein the space comprises a plurality of zones of which only certain zones constitute functional zones wherein each functional zone includes a first type device containing information relating to the position of the zone in the space and wherein the first type device is reactive to the presence of a second type device associated with the user to provide the user with the information to determine the orientation of the user in the space. A method of orientating the user within the space and guiding the user toward one or more features in the space is also disclosed.

Abstract: A navigational aid for use primarily by the visually impaired in the form of a virtual walking stick, comprising a location sensor and an inertial measurement unit, which can provide angle-dependent navigation directions to a user, and which can be used to record the three-dimensional locations of new objects of interest for later uploading and integration into a global map set of the region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a user inside a building, wherein the user has a user carried device and the device is provided with a direction sensor and a movement sensor. The method includes providing the user carried device with a vector map of the building, wherein the vector map includes vectors and nodes representing possible movement paths for the user in the building; determining a starting point in the vector map, receiving movement information from the movement sensor, receiving direction information from the direction sensor, receiving a magnetic field map at the user carried device, wherein the magnetic field is detectable by the user carried device, and estimating a new position of the user based on the vector map, the movement information, the direction information and the property map.