Abstract: An intelligent vehicle charging system for charging a fleet of autonomous vehicles throughout a network of charging stations dispersed throughout a geographic area. The intelligent vehicle charging system includes a remote control system that is in operative communication with each of the autonomous vehicles in the fleet and each of the charging stations in the network. When an autonomous vehicle is in need of a power charge, or as directed by the remote control system, the remote control system will identify an available charging station, guide the autonomous vehicle to the charging station, verify that the autonomous vehicle has arrived at the charging station, initiate the power charging process, account and bill appropriate fees for the charging process, and log all associated activity. The remote control system is also capable of remotely and instantaneously terminating the power charging process to dynamically return a vehicle back to service.

Abstract: Aspects include a system that allows a microwave oven to intelligently self-choose the optimal cooking time for various items to prevent over/under cooking as well as overcoming cooking inconsistencies that are inherent in non-intelligent microwave ovens. Cooking time optimizations can be performed by controlling radio-frequency emission, cooking time, and/or rotation or movement of a turntable or platter within a microwave cavity of a microwave oven to more evenly heat the contents therein.

Abstract: A passive infra-red guidance system and method for augmenting operation of a vehicle on a roadway includes at least one forward-looking infra-red imaging sensor mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the vehicle's operational system. The system identifies the presence of one or more melting agents arranged on the roadway using thermal imaging to detect a thermal contrast between the portion(s) of the roadway surface treated with the one or more melting agents and the untreated portion(s) of the roadway surface, determines the left and right edges of the roadway using thermal imaging and determines the centerline of the travel lane in which the vehicle is travelling based on the identified melting agent(s). The system then compares the determined centerline of the travel lane with the actual position of the vehicle and identifies any adjustment needed for the vehicle's position based on the comparison.

Abstract: A passive infra-red guidance system and method for augmenting operation of a vehicle on a roadway includes at least one forward-looking infra-red imaging sensor mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the vehicle's operational system. The system identifies the presence of one or more melting agents arranged on the roadway using thermal imaging to detect a thermal contrast between the portion(s) of the roadway surface treated with the one or more melting agents and the untreated portion(s) of the roadway surface, determines the left and right edges of the roadway using thermal imaging and determines the centerline of the travel lane in which the vehicle is travelling based on the identified melting agent(s). The system then compares the determined centerline of the travel lane with the actual position of the vehicle and identifies any adjustment needed for the vehicle's position based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an Autonomous Vehicle Enhancement System (AVES) and method for monitoring and managing a virtual or existing fleet of autonomous vehicles in a transportation network and dispatching the autonomous vehicles to users. The AVES includes an AVES Central Operations Center (COC) that communicates with AVES vehicle equipment installed in the autonomous vehicles and AVES applications installed on computing devices accessible by the users. The AVES improves the operating efficiency of a transportation network by monitoring the condition of autonomous vehicles, optimizing the geographical distribution of the autonomous vehicles and optimizing assignment of the autonomous vehicles to users requesting services. The AVES COC monitors and controls the autonomous vehicles via the AVES vehicle equipment. The AVES COC communicates with the users via the AVES applications to provide services to the users.

Abstract: A direct truck assignment system, device and method that allows for efficient assignment of a driven or autonomous vehicle from amongst a group of available, unassigned delivery vehicles within a container loading area, and arranging the assignment and transportation of a container directly with the selected vehicle, eliminating the need for prior matching and assignment before the truck(s) arrive at the container loading area or the need for a third party intermediary in the delivery assignment and vehicle engagement processes.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is equipped with a beacon, preferably including a transmitter and receiver, or a transceiver, for bi-directional communication, which is programmed to interact with other beacons for the exchange of contextual travel information to assist in autonomous operation of the vehicle. Beacons may be stationary and positioned along a roadway such that a signal transmitted by such a stationary beacon can be received by a passing beacon-equipped vehicle, the operation of which can be adjusted depending on instructions received from the stationary beacon. The vehicle can also transmit information to the stationary beacon, which information can be used to assess traffic conditions to thereafter adjust information and alerts sent to other beacon-equipped vehicles. Beacons located within multiple vehicles may also interact to share information that may be used by individual vehicles to adjust or maintain the autonomous operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An airborne pathogen extraction system that provides for continuous airborne pathogen particle extraction from a specifically targeted area in a room or a specifically targeted area proximate to a user. The pathogenic particles are filtered and/or disinfected before the air is returned proximate to the originating location, or are directed an area away from the user(s). The airborne pathogen extraction systems and methods lower the chances of contagion or infection from airborne pathogens, such as viruses.

Abstract: An individualized vehicular charging mat includes a body defining two tire channels terminating at respective channel ends, and a wireless charging element arranged within or on top of the body. The two tire channels include respective entrances at a side edge of the body, and are separated by a track width for a particular vehicle make, model and model year(s). The wireless charging element is arranged at a location where the wireless charging element is configured to optimally charge a vehicle of the particular vehicle make, model and model year(s) when tires of the vehicle come to rest at the channel ends.

Abstract: A passive infra-red guidance system and method for augmenting operation of a vehicle on a roadway includes at least one forward-looking infra-red imaging sensor mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the vehicle's operational system. The system identifies the presence of one or more melting agents arranged on the roadway using thermal imaging to detect a thermal contrast between the portion(s) of the roadway surface treated with the one or more melting agents and the untreated portion(s) of the roadway surface, determines the left and right edges of the roadway using thermal imaging and determines the centerline of the travel lane in which the vehicle is travelling based on the identified melting agent(s). The system then compares the determined centerline of the travel lane with the actual position of the vehicle and identifies any adjustment needed for the vehicle's position based on the comparison.

Abstract: A dynamic positioning control system having a transparent or semi-transparent substrate, an image processor, and one or more image-generating elements operatively connected to the image processor configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of images within an overall image-generating-capable field area of the substrate is provided. A dynamic positioning control system having a transparent or semi-transparent substrate, a dimming controller, and a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to the dimming controller configured to dim one or more areas on or within the substrate within an overall electrochromic dimming-capable field area is also provided. The image processor and the dimming controller may be separate elements or may be a single controller.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system for allowing an electric vehicle to automatically recognize the presence of, and communicate to properly equipped public or private wireless electric vehicle charging station(s) in order to automatically effectuate a partial or complete charging sequence at available opportunities in order to attain a fully charged power pack at all or most times. The vehicle charging system being configured to optimize the charging session with virtually any type of electric vehicle capable of wireless charging.

Abstract: A direct vehicle engagement system, device and method that allows end-users to select a driven or autonomous vehicle from amongst a group of available, unassigned vehicles within a geographical area, and arrange an extemporaneous trip directly with the selected vehicle, eliminating the need for the involvement of a Central Operations Center or third party intermediary in the trip assignment and vehicle engagement processes.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an Autonomous Vehicle Enhancement System (AVES) and method for monitoring and managing a virtual or existing fleet of autonomous vehicles in a transportation network and dispatching the autonomous vehicles to users. The AVES includes an AVES Central Operations Center (COC) that communicates with AVES vehicle equipment installed in the autonomous vehicles and AVES applications installed on computing devices accessible by the users. The AVES improves the operating efficiency of a transportation network by monitoring the condition of autonomous vehicles, optimizing the geographical distribution of the autonomous vehicles and optimizing assignment of the autonomous vehicles to users requesting services. The AVES COC monitors and controls the autonomous vehicles via the AVES vehicle equipment. The AVES vehicle equipment and the AVES applications installed on the computing devices communicate with each other to fulfill user request for services.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is equipped with a beacon, preferably including a transmitter and receiver, or a transceiver, for bi-directional communication, which is programmed to interact with other beacons for the exchange of contextual travel information to assist in autonomous operation of the vehicle. Beacons may be stationary and positioned along a roadway such that a signal transmitted by such a stationary beacon can be received by a passing beacon-equipped vehicle, the operation of which can be adjusted depending on instructions received from the stationary beacon. The vehicle can also transmit information to the stationary beacon, which information can be used to assess traffic conditions to thereafter adjust information and alerts sent to other beacon-equipped vehicles. Beacons located within multiple vehicles may also interact to share information that may be used by individual vehicles to adjust or maintain the autonomous operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A passive infra-red guidance system and method for augmenting operation of a vehicle on a roadway includes at least one forward-looking infra-red imaging sensor mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the vehicle's operational system. The system identifies the presence of one or more melting agents arranged on the roadway using thermal imaging to detect a thermal contrast between the portion(s) of the roadway surface treated with the one or more melting agents and the untreated portion(s) of the roadway surface, determines the left and right edges of the roadway using thermal imaging and determines the centerline of the travel lane in which the vehicle is travelling based on the identified melting agent(s). The system then compares the determined centerline of the travel lane with the actual position of the vehicle and identifies any adjustment needed for the vehicle's position based on the comparison.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle mode regulator system and method comprise transmitting authorization signals from autonomous driving infrastructure on a roadway to a controller module to authorize or inhibit operation of a vehicle in different levels of automation. The controller module controls the level of automation under which the autonomous driving system of the vehicle operates based on the signals received from the autonomous driving infrastructure. In this regard, the controller module can prevent the autonomous driving system of the vehicle from operating in certain levels of automation unless appropriate authorizations signals are received. Similarly, the controller module can permit or even require operation of the vehicle in certain levels of automation upon receipt of certain authorization signals.

Abstract: A passive infra-red guidance system and method for augmenting operation of a vehicle on a roadway includes at least one forward-looking infra-red imaging sensor mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the vehicle's operational system. The system identifies the presence of one or more melting agents arranged on the roadway using thermal imaging to detect a thermal contrast between the portion(s) of the roadway surface treated with the one or more melting agents and the untreated portion(s) of the roadway surface, and then determines the centerline of the travel lane in which the vehicle is travelling based on the identified melting agent(s). The system then compares the determined centerline of the travel lane with the actual position of the vehicle and identifies any adjustment needed for the vehicle's position based on the comparison.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system for allowing an electric vehicle to automatically recognize the presence of, and communicate to properly equipped public or private wireless electric vehicle charging station(s) in order to automatically effectuate a partial or complete charging sequence at available opportunities in order to attain a fully charged power pack at all or most times. The vehicle charging system being configured to optimize the charging session with virtually any type of electric vehicle capable of wireless charging.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle mode regulator system and method comprise transmitting authorization signals from autonomous driving infrastructure on a roadway to a controller module to authorize or inhibit operation of a vehicle in different levels of automation. The controller module controls the level of automation under which the autonomous driving system of the vehicle operates based on the signals received from the autonomous driving infrastructure. In this regard, the controller module can prevent the autonomous driving system of the vehicle from operating in certain levels of automation unless appropriate authorizations signals are received. Similarly, the controller module can permit or even require operation of the vehicle in certain levels of automation upon receipt of certain authorization signals.