Abstract: Techniques are described herein to allow for the utilization of digital currencies in a resource efficient manner, through a physical action blockchain. The physical action blockchain allows for mining/minting of digital currency based on transactions and/or physical actions performed in the real world.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein to allow for the utilization of digital currencies in a resource efficient manner, through a physical action blockchain. The physical action blockchain allows for mining/minting of digital currency based on transactions and/or physical actions performed in the real world.

Abstract: An autonomous drone is programed with the geo-location of one or more remote sensors, and the autonomous drone then flies to each of the remote sensors to acquire a most recent sensing data record, and then return to a base where the most recent data record for each remote sensor can be transferred to a computing system. Upon arriving at the location of each remote sensor, the drone causes the remote sensor to activate a local area radio transceiver so that a communication link can be established between the drone and the remote sensor.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein to allow for the utilization of digital currencies in a resource efficient manner, through a labor-based blockchain. The labor-based blockchain allows for verification of physical labor. Such a blockchain thus allows for verification of physical labor utilizing data appended to the blockchain or referenced by the blockchain.

Abstract: Described herein is a relationship based fulfillment system. Such a system may provide on-demand product fulfillment by personal and/or social contacts of a purchaser. The system may utilize the personal contacts and/or relationships of a user, as indicated through various contact databases or social groups of the user, to connect the user to various potential partners for providing relationship based fulfillment of products that are purchased by the user or performance of other relationship based services. Furthermore, the system described herein may allow for the utilization of one or more currencies, such as cryptocurrencies, within the system. Techniques are described herein to allow for the utilization of such currencies in a resource efficient manner.

Abstract: Described herein is a relationship based fulfillment system. Such a system may provide on-demand product fulfillment by personal and/or social contacts of a purchaser. The system may utilize the personal contacts and/or relationships of a user, as indicated through various contact databases or social groups of the user, to connect the user to various potential partners for providing relationship based fulfillment of products that are purchased by the user or performance of other relationship based services.

Abstract: Described herein is a relationship based fulfillment system. Such a system may provide on-demand product fulfillment by personal and/or social contacts of a purchaser. The system may utilize the personal contacts and/or relationships of a user, as indicated through various contact databases or social groups of the user, to connect the user to various potential partners for providing relationship based fulfillment of products that are purchased by the user or performance of other relationship based services.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting video and image files processes from original files to detect skin tones of persons appearing in the media. Pixels determined to contain skin tones are blurred or blacked out, and the pixel locations and their original color values are stored in a metadata file. The metadata file is encrypted and stored with the redacted video file. Thereafter, when an authorized person wants to see an unredacted version of the video, the system decrypts the metadata and reconstituted the video, replacing the redacted pixels with their original color values, and inserting a unique watermark into the video that identifies the requesting person. The watermarked video is then provided to the requesting person.

Abstract: A surveillance system includes a lower definition video camera and a higher definition video camera. The higher definition video is not recorded, generally, but video produced by the lower definition video camera is processed and compared to predefined videographic patterns to determine whether one or more events corresponding to the predefined videographic patterns has occurred. Likewise, inputs from other sources, such as audio, can be evaluated to determine if any predefined events have occurred. Upon determining that a predefined or triggering event has occurred, then video from the higher definition camera is recorded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to allowing a more secure initial, and continuous authentication of virtual private network (VPN) tunneling. The device of the present invention contains its own microprocessor and operating system which connects to the host system via a universal serial bus (USB) or another coupling mode. The present invention involves executing and storing of the VPN software, certificates, credentials and sensors on the device, which allows for more security and manageability as opposed to executing the VPN on the host system. The device continuously authenticates the presence of the user via biometrics or the presence of second device, including a smartphone, a smartwatch, an NFC ring or a custom device with a microprocessor, via Quick Response (QR) Codes, Near-Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) proximity authentication to activate or deactivate the VPN tunnel.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting video and image files processes from original files to detect skin tones of persons appearing in the media. Pixels determined to contain skin tones are blurred or blacked out, and the pixel locations and their original color values are stored in a metadata file. The metadata file is encrypted and stored with the redacted video file. Thereafter, when an authorized person wants to see an unredacted version of the video, the system decrypts the metadata and reconstituted the video, replacing the redacted pixels with their original color values, and inserting a unique watermark into the video that identifies the requesting person. The watermarked video is then provided to the requesting person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating traffic condition diagrams includes a computing system configured to receive an input that indicates a roadway location. The system uses overhead images, ground level images, or both, that are available in publicly accessible databases to identify roadway and related features for depiction in the traffic condition diagram. Features and their locations are identified and corresponding graphical artifacts are selected for inclusion in the traffic condition diagram. Independently sourced images such as that acquired by a drone dispatched to the roadway location can be used to validate or verify the results of processing the overhead and/or ground level images.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to allowing a more secure initial, and continuous authentication of virtual private network (VPN) tunneling. The device of the present invention contains its own microprocessor and operating system which connects to the host system via a universal serial bus (USB) or another coupling mode. The present invention involves executing and storing of the VPN software, certificates, credentials and sensors on the device, which allows for more security and manageability as opposed to executing the VPN on the host system. The device continuously authenticates the presence of the user via biometrics or the presence of second device, including a smartphone, a smartwatch, an NFC ring or a custom device with a microprocessor, via Quick Response (QR) Codes, Near-Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) proximity authentication to activate or deactivate the VPN tunnel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for orbit and attitude control of nanosatellites are provided. A spacecraft can be equipped with a plurality of pulsed ablative thrusters (PAT), mounted on at least one of the spacecraft body orientations. The PATs are integrated with the spacecraft structure. The actual spacecraft attitude is measured by a sensor and compared with the desired thrust direction. In order to reduce attitude errors, a control system is used to determine the firing sequence of thrusters. During maneuvering the thrusters are continuously being fired. To conserve energy a thrust switch control is utilized, selecting a single PAT to be fired each pulse. The result of this operation is that the attitude of the spacecraft is adjusted continuously. Therefore, thrust deviation from a selected path can be minimized during orbital maneuvering.

Abstract: A system for verifying the presence and identity of a user on a remote computer having a server connected to a network, the network being connected to one or more remote computers. The system further includes a microcontroller connected to the remote computer by means such as USB, and registered with the server. The USB microcontroller is authenticated upon being inserted into a remote computer and is continuously authenticated thereafter until the user disconnects the USB microcontroller from the computer. When the proper authentication is satisfied, the system runs a secure web browser that is used to access websites that may have a user's confidential and sensitive data. Upon disconnecting the USB device, the secure web browser closes and none of the session data is stored locally on the computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for orbit and attitude control of nanosatellites are provided. A spacecraft can be equipped with a plurality of pulsed ablative thrusters (PAT), mounted on at least one of the spacecraft body orientations. The PATs are integrated with the spacecraft structure. The actual spacecraft attitude is measured by a sensor and compared with the desired thrust direction. In order to reduce attitude errors, a control system is used to determine the firing sequence of thrusters. During maneuvering the thrusters are continuously being fired. To conserve energy a thrust switch control is utilized, selecting a single PAT to be fired each pulse. The result of this operation is that the attitude of the spacecraft is adjusted continuously. Therefore, thrust deviation from a selected path can be minimized during orbital maneuvering.