Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system that determines driving performance by a vehicle operator for simulated driving of a simulated vehicle in a simulation engine. Individual vehicle event scenarios correspond to vehicle events. Individual simulation scenarios correspond to individual vehicle event scenarios. A vehicle operator, e.g., an autonomous driving algorithm, operates the simulated vehicle in the simulation engine for a set of simulation scenarios. One or more metrics quantify the performance of the vehicle operator based on simulated results.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining physical conditions of a battery, such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), quality of construction, defect, or failure state include driving two or more acoustic signals of two or more amplitudes, each acoustic signal having two or more frequencies, into the battery and detecting vibrations generated in the battery based on the two or more acoustic signals. Nonlinear response characteristics of the battery for the two or more acoustic signals are determined from the detected vibrations. The physical conditions of the battery are determined based at least in part on the nonlinear response characteristics, using nonlinear acoustic resonance spectroscopy (NARS) or nonlinear resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (NRUS).

Abstract: Images captured by a camera system of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be used to determine a weather condition in an environment of the UAV. The camera system of the UAV can capture one or more images, and a characteristic of at least one image of the one or more images can be determined from image data associated with the at least one image. A weather condition of the environment of the UAV can be determined based at least in part on the characteristic of the at least one image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring temperature characteristics of a battery include one or more transducers coupled to the battery for transmitting and/or receiving sound waves through at least a portion of the battery. A temperature measurement unit is provided to determine a time-of-flight of sound waves through at least the portion of the battery based on transmitted and received sound waves through at least the portion of the battery, and to determine temperature characteristics of at least the portion of the battery based on the time-of-flight.

Abstract: A location marker that may be used to provide information to a vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The location marker may include a plurality of retroreflectors that may form a pattern readable by a vehicle or other device. The pattern may be read to extract an identifier of a location, such as an address or an identifier of a person. A global positioning system (GPS) device may transmit a general location of the location marker to the vehicle, while the location marker may provide a unique visual location identifier to a device within visual range of the location marker. In some embodiments, the location marker may also include lights that may be individually sequenced on and off at different times to create a time domain signal sequence that is readable by the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting camera calibration data using wearable devices are described. An augmented reality interface may be provided at a wearable device. Directions for a user to present a calibration target to a camera may be presented at the augmented reality interface. Calibration data collected by the camera viewing the calibration target may be received. Existing calibration data for the camera may be validated based at least in part on the collected calibration data.

Abstract: A configurable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may include swappable components that may be selectable to configure a customized UAV just prior to deployment of the UAV that is configured to deliver a package to a destination. The UAV may include a plurality of ports that may accept swappable components. The ports may be coupled to a logic board to enable control of the swappable components. The ports and swappable components may enable quick replacement of a malfunctioning components, such as an image sensor, which may avoid subjecting a UAV to significant downtime for service. The malfunctioning component may then be serviced after the UAV is readied for a subsequent flight or deployed on a subsequent flight.

Abstract: A mobile calibration room may be used for calibrating one or more sensors used on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A system can include folding or collapsible walls to enable the system to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the system can comprise a calibration room including one or more 2D or 3D targets used to calibrate one or more sensors (e.g., cameras) on a UAV. The system can include a turntable to rotate the UAV about a first axis during calibration. The system can also include a cradle to rotate the UAV around, or translate the UAV along, a second axis. The turntable can include a frame to rotate the UAV around a third axis during calibration. The mobile calibration room can be coupled to a vehicle to enable the mobile calibration room to be moved between locations.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an object awareness guidance to clear a landing space may be provided. For example, during delivery an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may capture an image of a potential landing zone and identify one or more objects in the image that may impede or obstruct delivery of the item in the potential landing zone. The UAV may be configured to generate and provide instructions to a user device to move or remove the identified one or more objects from the potential landing zone thereby creating a safe and unobstructed landing zone to deliver the item.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer-implemented method for designing a drivetrain using computer aided engineering. The method comprises the steps of: a) receiving a selection of a certification test from a plurality of certification tests; b) receiving a parametric description of the drivetrain; c) receiving a selection of one or more analysis types appropriate for the selected certification test and the parametric description; d) providing a certification test model of the drivetrain based on the selected certification test, the parametric description, and the one or more analysis types; e) simulating performance of the drivetrain using the certification test model; and f) determining an indication of compliance of the drivetrain with the certification test based on the simulated performance.

Abstract: Described is an imaging component for use by an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) for object detection. As described, the imaging component includes one or more cameras that are configured to obtain images of a scene using visible light that are converted into a depth map (e.g., stereo image) and one or more other cameras that are configured to form images, or thermograms, of the scene using infrared radiation (“IR”). The depth information and thermal information are combined to form a representation of the scene based on both depth and thermal information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an extract derived from sugar cane, the process comprising: i) mixing a sugar cane derived product with ethanol to produce an extraction mixture comprising at least about 50% v/v ethanol; ii) allowing a precipitate to form in the extraction mixture; iii) removing the precipitate from the extraction mixture to obtain a super-natant; and iv) removing ethanol from the supernatant to produce the extract derived from sugar cane. The present invention further relates to extracts produced according to the process of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of such extracts in a method of lowering the available calorific value of a food or beverage, in treating or preventing disease, and as a nutritional supplement, dietary supplement, sports nutrition product, food coating or pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and system for verifying the content of items in a bin within a materials handling facility. In some implementations, a bin content verification apparatus may pass by one or more bins and capture images of those bins. The images may be processed to determine whether the content included in the bins has changed since the last time images of the bins were captured. A determination may also be made as to whether a change to the bin content was expected and, if so, if the determined change corresponds with the expected change.

Abstract: A system and method for linking a hash code to a portion of an image. A plurality of lattice points is selected in a multidimensional lattice to form a smallest enclosing region about a feature vector representing the portion of the image and a lattice point is determined from the selected plurality of lattice points according to a distribution criteria. The determined lattice point is common to the smallest enclosing region and a region of the lattice adjacent to the smallest enclosing region located within a query radius distance of the feature vector. When the feature vector is located within the query radius of a query vector the feature vector is considered a match. The method assigns the feature vector to the determined lattice point and stores a link between a hash code associated with the determined lattice point and the portion of the image.

Abstract: Interactive system provides training and assessments relating to joint stabilization capabilities and reaction-based performance for diverse populations. This system may enhance the subject's ability to generate and deliver power as a direct byproduct of properly timed decelerations originating with the effectors and supported by the verticality of the spine. Said decelerations also provide functional means for improving joint stabilization capabilities via improved co-contraction of the shoulder(s) joints and other anatomical locations on the subject. The resulting data may serve as the basis for predictive analytics relating to joint stabilization and the associated risk of orthopedic injuries. This system may also train/improve the dampening of internal forces resulting from aggressive weight bearing movements, and more effectively dissipate the force of received physical impacts.

Abstract: Aerial vehicles may include one or more directional sensors embedded into wings, rudders, ailerons, flaps or other control surfaces. When the aerial vehicles are operating in modes that do not require the use of such surfaces, a surface having a directional sensor embedded therein may be repositioned or reoriented to align the directional sensor toward an area or axis of interest, and information may be gathered from the area or axis of interest using the directional sensor. One or more safety lights, running lights or other illuminators may cast light of a desired color, frequency or wavelength toward the area or axis of interest. The directional sensors may include cameras, radar or laser sensors, or any other reorientable sensors.

Abstract: A method of treating a hyperproliferative disorder in a subject in need of such treatment, comprising administering to said subject, in combination, a treatment effective amount of: (a) a ceramide-increasing retinoid such as fenretinide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and (b) at least one (and in certain embodiments at least two) compounds selected from the groups consisting of (i) a non-18 carbon chain length L-threo-sphinganine(s) or pharmaceuticeutically acceptable salt thereof, (ii) glucosylceramide or glucosyl(dihydro)ceramide synthesis inhibitor(s), and (iii) sphingomyelin or dihydrosphingomyelin synthase inhibitor(s). Preferred L-threo-sphinganines are of carbon chain length 17 carbons, 19 carbons and 20 carbons. A preferred glucosylceramide or glucosyl(dihydro)ceramide synthesis inhibitor IS D-threo-1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol. A preferred sphingomyelin or dihydrosphingomyelin synthesis inhibitor is D-threo-1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol.

Abstract: An image processing system for identifying content within image data. The image processing system comprises a processor that is arranged to: arrange image data in a Markov random field (MRF); and calculate state upper bound values of pairs of variables in the image data that are associated with an edge. The calculation of the state upper bound values is performed by the processor assigning the maximum state values of all of the states of a first variable of the pair of variables to the states of a second variable of the pair of variables, identifying the first and second variables from the pair of variables based on a number of states within each of the first and second variables, and determining a single state solution for identifying content in the image data based on the calculation of the state upper bound values.

Abstract: Described is an aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”), that includes a plurality of sensors, such as stereo cameras, mounted along a perimeter frame of the aerial vehicle and arranged to generate a scene that surrounds the aerial vehicle. The sensors may be mounted in or on winglets of the perimeter frame. Each of the plurality of sensors has a field of view and the plurality of optical sensors are arranged and/or oriented such that their fields of view overlap with one another throughout a continuous space that surrounds the perimeter frame. The fields of view may also include a portion of the perimeter frame or space that is adjacent to the perimeter frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing a component, such as a battery, of a host device include transmitting one or more input acoustic signals into at least a portion of the host device, through input transducers coupled to the host device. One or more response signals generated in response to the one or more input acoustic signals are detected through recording transducers coupled to the host device. The one or more response signals are stored and compared with reference signals or datasets. One or more physical characteristics of the component or battery are analyzed based on the comparison.