Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of assessing driving performance using route scoring, driving data indicative of operation of a vehicle while the vehicle was driven on a driving route may be received. Road infrastructure data indicative of one or more features of the driving route may also be received. A route score for the driving route may be calculated using the road infrastructure data, and a driving performance score for a driver of the vehicle may be calculated using the driving data and the route score for the driving route. Data may be sent to a client device via a network to cause the client device to display the driving performance score and/or a ranking based on the driving performance score, and/or the driving performance score may be used to determine a risk rating for the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing vehicular driver alerts. In various aspects a vehicle operating environment may be monitored by one or more sensors associated with a first vehicle operating within the vehicle operating environment. The first vehicle may be determined to be in proximity to a second vehicle based upon sensor data obtained from the one or more sensors. An identifier associated with the second vehicle may be determined based upon the sensor data and the identifier may be used to receive evaluation data associated with the second vehicle. The evaluation data may indicate a quality level associated with operation of the second vehicle. Based upon the evaluation data, it may be determined that the second vehicle is associated with a heightened risk of a vehicle accident. A warning regarding the heighted risk may be generated and presented, by an output device, to a vehicle operator of the first vehicle.

Abstract: Empirically modulated antenna systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An empirically modulated antenna system includes an antenna and a controller programmed to control the antenna. The antenna includes a plurality of discrete scattering elements arranged in a one- or two-dimensional arrangement. A method includes modulating operational states of at least a portion of a plurality of discrete scattering elements of the antenna in a plurality of different modulation patterns. The plurality of different modulation patterns includes different permutations of the discrete scattering elements operating in different operational states. The method also includes evaluating a performance parameter of the antenna responsive to the plurality of different empirical one- or two-dimensional modulation patterns. The method further includes operating the antenna in one of the plurality of different one- or two-dimensional empirical modulation patterns selected based, at least in part, on the performance parameter.

Abstract: In an embodiment, movement-data is gathered with one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS receivers, etc.) during a driver's driving session. A score may be calculated for the driving session, and the driver's progress is evaluated by a driver-evaluation system. A driving session report or graphical user-interface (GUI) is generated with a computer processor and displayed at a display device. The displayed report or GUI includes a graphic representing the driver's progress relative to historical data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a vehicle-to-vehicle traffic alert and updating a vehicle-usage profile. Various aspects include detecting, via one or more processors associated with a first vehicle, that an abnormal traffic condition exists in an operating environment of the first vehicle. An electronic message is generated and transmitted wirelessly, via a vehicle-mounted transceiver associated with the first vehicle, to alert a nearby vehicle of the abnormal traffic condition and to allow the nearby vehicle to avoid the abnormal traffic condition. The first vehicle receives telematics data regarding operation of the nearby vehicle after the nearby vehicle received the electronic message, and transmits the telematics data to a remote server for updating a vehicle-usage profile associated with the nearby vehicle.

Abstract: A determined object wave can be approximately formed by applying a modulation pattern to metamaterial elements receiving RF energy from a feed network. For example, a desired object wave at a surface of an antenna is selected to be propagated into a far-field pattern. A computing system can compute an approximation of the object wave by calculating a modulation pattern to apply to metamaterial elements receiving RF energy from a feed network. The approximation can be due to a grid size of the metamaterial elements. Once the modulation pattern is determined, it can be applied to the metamaterial elements and the RF energy can be provided in the feed network, causing emission of the approximated object wave from the antenna.

Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.

Abstract: The invention compensates for abnormal operating temperatures and/or abnormal behaviors of a holographic metasurface antenna (HMA) that is generating a beam based on a holographic function. The HMA is characterized with different holographic functions for a plurality of operating temperatures and a plurality of behaviors during the manufacturing process. The characterization of the HMA identifies different hologram functions that cause the HMA to generate more or less heat or exhibit more or less abnormal behavior while generating equivalent beams. Further, or more characterizations of a hologram function may be performed remotely after the HMA is installed in a real world environment. An operating temperature and/or a temperature gradient may be detected by temperature sensors physically located on a circuit board for the HMA.

Abstract: In a network of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, an alert may be triggered when one of the vehicles switches from autonomous to manual mode. The alert may be communicated to nearby autonomous vehicles so that drivers of those vehicles may become aware of a potentially unpredictable manual driver nearby. Drivers of autonomous vehicles who may have become disengaged (e.g., sleeping, reading, talking, etc.) during autonomous driving may become re-engaged upon noticing the alert. A re-engaged driver may choose to switch his/her own vehicle from autonomous to manual mode in order to appropriately react to an unpredictable nearby manual driver. In additional or alternative embodiments, the alert may be triggered or intensified when indications of impairment of a nearby driver or malfunction of a nearby vehicle are detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time detection and mitigation anomalous behavior of a remote vehicle are provided, e.g., vehicle behavior that is consistent with distracted or unexpectedly disabled driving. On-board and off-board sensors associated with a subject vehicle may monitor the subject vehicle's environment, and behavior characteristics of a remote vehicle operating within the subject vehicle's environment may be determined based upon collected sensor data. The remote vehicle's behavior characteristics may be utilized to detect or determine the presence of anomalous behavior, which may be anomalous for the current contextual conditions of the vehicles' environment. Mitigating actions for detected remote vehicle anomalous behaviors may be suggested and/or automatically implemented at the subject vehicle and/or at proximate vehicles to avoid or reduce the risk of accidents, injury, or death resulting from the anomalous behavior. In some situations, authorities may be notified.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices that provide a therapeutic solution to alleviate the pain and discomfort of phantom limb syndrome are disclosed. The methods and systems of the present invention generally comprise capturing data from recording devices operably coupled to a processor and/or computing device, the recording devices configured to capture data associated with intact portions of a missing limb, one or more intact limbs and/or portions of the environment surrounding the missing limb, identifying the data captured, generating a three-dimensional virtual image of the missing limb and the surrounding environment from the data captured, and displaying the three-dimensional virtual image and the portions of the surrounding environment to the amputee such that the missing limb appears intact. The present invention advantageously provides a therapeutic and more immediate solution to alleviate the pain and discomfort from phantom limb syndrome.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a quality of driving of a vehicle is presented. Information indicating at least one driving condition may be received from at least one driving condition information indicating device. The at least one driving condition may be different from each of a plurality of driving metrics, and may affect a relationship between the quality of driving and at least one of the plurality of driving metrics. Information indicating the at least one driving metric may be received. At least one indication of the quality of driving of the vehicle may be determined based on the information indicating the at least one driving metric and the received information from the at least one driving condition information indicating device. The at least one indication of the quality of driving may be provided to at least one of the driver, a driving instructor, or an insurance provider.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pediatric nutritional compositions including galacto-oligosaccharide and human milk oligosaccharide or a precursor thereof. Further, the nutritional compositions may include GOS in combination with a first human milk oligosaccharide or precursor thereof and a second human milk oligosaccharide or precursor thereof. The disclosed nutritional compositions advantageously modify gut microbiome and improve select markers of immunity, brain structure, and gut function.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for generating or adjusting an insurance policy is provided. With an insurance customer's permission, data regarding several factors associated with the customer may be received via wireless communication from their mobile device, vehicle controller, or smart home controller. The data may be related to (i) the customer's home, (ii) an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, and/or (iii) home and vehicle features, maintenance history, and/or repairs performed to each over time. Risk levels may be determined using the data received. Aspects of one or more insurance policies (auto, home, life, etc.) may be adjusted based upon the risk levels. An updated insurance discount may be transmitted to the customer's mobile device via wireless communication for their review and approval. As a result, insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse insurance customers.

Abstract: Active comfort controlled bedding systems and processes of operating the bedding systems generally include a variable firmness control. The active comfort controlled bedding system can include a control unit in electrical communication with a signal generating layer configured to generate heat and alter a firmness property of at least one viscoelastic foam layer, wherein the amount of heat is based on a decrease of the glass transition temperature as a function of the percentage of humidity in the environment. In other embodiments, the bedding system is provided with at least one foam layer comprising a phase change material stratified in a foam structure of the at least one foam layer; and the at least one foam layer is heated to a temperature greater than a melt temperature of the paraffin wax to soften the at least one foam layer. In other embodiments, ambient humidity conditions can be changed.

Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving wireless signals through a physical barrier, such as walls or windows, to wireless computing devices that are located internal to a structure that is formed in part by the physical barrier. The wireless signals are millimeter waveforms with gigahertz frequencies that are communicated with 5G communication protocols by one or more remote base station nodes located external to the physical barrier. One or more external antennas are configured to communicate RF wireless signals with HMA waveforms to remote wireless base station. In one or more embodiments, the RF wireless signals are amplified and communicated bi-statically through the window barrier between customer premises equipment and an authorized remote wireless base station.

Abstract: Empirically modulated antenna systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An empirically modulated antenna system includes an antenna and a controller programmed to control the antenna. The antenna includes a plurality of discrete scattering elements arranged in a one- or two-dimensional arrangement. A method includes modulating operational states of at least a portion of a plurality of discrete scattering elements of the antenna in a plurality of different modulation patterns. The plurality of different modulation patterns includes different permutations of the discrete scattering elements operating in different operational states. The method also includes evaluating a performance parameter of the antenna responsive to the plurality of different empirical one- or two-dimensional modulation patterns. The method further includes operating the antenna in one of the plurality of different one- or two-dimensional empirical modulation patterns selected based, at least in part, on the performance parameter.

Abstract: Human operators of autonomous vehicles may exhibit varying levels of operating proficiencies and may respond differently to changing road conditions or requests from the vehicle to assume more or less control over navigation. A system for assessing driver capability of an autonomous vehicle assesses human operator capabilities in a variety of circumstances to assemble a driving capability profile of the human operator. The autonomous vehicle may rely on the driving capability profile as well as an environmental profile and human operator parameters describing the environment surrounding the vehicle and an alertness level of the human operator, respectively. The vehicle may condition requests to increase or decrease driving responsibilities of the human operator depending on the driving capability profile in combination with the environmental profile and/or the human operator parameters.