Abstract: Mobile localization of an object having an object positional frame of reference using sparse time-of-flight data and dead reckoning can be accomplished by creating a dead reckoning local frame of reference, including an estimation of object position with respect to known locations from one or more Ultra Wide Band transceivers. As the object moves along its path, a determination is made using the dead-reckoning local frame of reference. When the object is within a predetermine range of one or more of the Ultra Wide Band transceivers, a “conversation” is initiated, and range data between the object and the UWB transceiver(s) is collected. Using multiple conversations to establish accurate range and bearing information, the system updates the object's position based on the collected data.

Abstract: A system for interaction with a the environment includes an initial manipulation module operable to orient a device in a general direction of a surface of an object and a range control module operable to converge the device and the surface. Once the device and surface are in the proximity of each other a contact sensor detects when physical contact between the surface and the device occurs. Thereafter, a proprioception module measures normal force disparities between the surface and device motion actuators and finally, an exteroception module to measure translational resistance disparities between relative motion of the surface and the device. The system uses these disparity measurements and actuator positions to modify the manipulation of the device.

Abstract: A unified collaboration environment is formed by establishing a local workspace positional frame of reference using a plurality of UWB transceivers. With a frame of reference established a communication link is established between each of the workspaces, and a collaboration module to establish a peer-to-peer network. Data is received from each of the workspaces including the local workspace frame of reference, the set of available assets and workspace behavior (tasks). The collaboration module crafts a unified collaboration environment by transforming the local workspace into a collaborative positional frame of reference. A user, through a user interface, can offer real-time input to a virtualized version of the workspace to augment actions within the workspace environment.

Abstract: Disparate positional data derived from one or more positional determinative resources are fused with peer-to-peer relational data to provide an object with a collaborative positional awareness. An object collects positional determinative information from one or more positional resources so to independently determine its spatial location. That determination is thereafter augmented by peer-to-peer relational information that can be used to enhance positional determination and modify behavioral outcomes.

Abstract: Recursive constellations of Ultra-Wide Band (“UWB”) transceivers are optimized based on a desired functionality or objective. By structuring transceivers of an UWB network into a plurality of subsets or constellations of UWB nodes each constellation can be optimized for a particular purpose while maintaining connectivity and cohesiveness within the overarching network. Implementations of specific functionality can be applied to Intra-Vehicle, Inter-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure constellations resulting in localized optimizations while maintaining a cohesive and coherent UWB network.

Abstract: A system and method to identify optimal vehicular movement based on reactive and deliberative components is described. Modifiable use conditions, such as speeding, excessive idling, gear selection, acceleration and deceleration profiles, as well as optimal path determination and follow distance are identified and optimized based on a reactive interaction between the vehicles and infrastructure on a real-time basis. Using active positioning tags placed within the environment and/or attached to each vehicle a vehicle's position can be determined relative to other proximal vehicles or relative to its environment. With such information a vehicle's path can be optimized.

Abstract: Disparate positional data derived from one or more positional determinative resources are fused with peer-to-peer relational data to provide an object with a collaborative positional awareness. An object collects positional determinative information from one or more positional resources so to independently determine its spatial location. That determination is thereafter augmented by peer-to-peer relational information that can be used to enhance positional determination and modify behavioral outcomes.

Abstract: Changes and anomalies in multi-modal data are detected, collected and abstracted into understandable and actionable formats utilizing, for example, color, intensity, icons and texture creating a rendition of current and developing situations and events. Changes and anomalies in multi-modal sensor data are detected, aggregated, abstracted and filtered using case-based reasoning providing a tractable data dimensionality. From this collection of data situations are recognized and presented in a means so as to assist a user in accessing an environment and formulate the basis a recommended course of action.

Abstract: An Adaptive Positioning System provides a method for directing and tracking position, motion and orientation of mobile vehicles, people and other entities using multiple complementary positioning components to provide seamless positioning and behavior across a spectrum of indoor and outdoor environments. The Adaptive Positioning System (APS) provides for complementary use of peer to peer ranging together with map matching to alleviate the need for active tags throughout an environment. Moreover, the APS evaluates the validity and improves the effective accuracy of each sensor by comparing each sensor to a collaborative model of the positional environment. The APS is applicable for use with multiple sensors on a single entity (i.e. a single robot) or across multiple entities (i.e. multiple robots) and even types of entities (i.e. robots, humans, cell phones, cars, trucks, drones, etc.).

Abstract: A system and its associated methodology for distributed positioning and collaborative behavioral determination among a group of objects, interactive tags associated with each of a plurality of objects provide to each object relative positional data and state information regarding the other nearby objects. Using this information, each object develops a spatial awareness of its environment, including the position and action of nearby objects so as to, when necessary, modify its behavior to more effectively achieve an objective.

Abstract: Mobile localization of an object having an object positional frame of reference using sparse time-of-flight data and dead reckoning can be accomplished by creating a dead reckoning local frame of reference, including an estimation of object position with respect to known locations from one or more Ultra Wide Band transceivers. As the object moves along its path, a determination is made using the dead-reckoning local frame of reference. When the object is within a predetermine range of one or more of the Ultra Wide Band transceivers, a “conversation” is initiated, and range data between the object and the UWB transceiver(s) is collected. Using multiple conversations to establish accurate range and bearing information, the system updates the object's position based on the collected data.

Abstract: Using distributed positioning, collaborative behavioral determination, and probabilistic conflict resolution objects can independently identify and resolve potential conflicts before the occur. In one embodiment of the invention, interactive tags and other sensor resources associated with each of a plurality of objects provide among the objects relative positional data and state information. Using this information each object develops a spatial awareness of its environment, including the positional and action of nearby objects so as to, when necessary, modify its behavior to more effectively achieve an objective and resolve potential conflicts.

Abstract: A system for interaction with a the environment includes an initial manipulation module operable to orient a device in a general direction of a surface of an object and a range control module operable to converge the device and the surface. Once the device and surface are in the proximity of each other a contact sensor detects when physical contact between the surface and the device occurs. Thereafter, a proprioception module measures normal force disparities between the surface and device motion actuators and finally, an exteroception module to measure translational resistance disparities between relative motion of the surface and the device. The system uses these disparity measurements and actuator positions to modify the manipulation of the device.

Abstract: Using distributed positioning, collaborative behavioral determination, and probabilistic conflict resolution objects can independently identify and resolve potential conflicts before the occur. In one embodiment of the invention, interactive tags and other sensor resources associated with each of a plurality of objects provide among the objects relative positional data and state information. Using this information each object develops a spatial awareness of its environment, including the positional and action of nearby objects so as to, when necessary, modify its behavior to more effectively achieve an objective and resolve potential conflicts.

Abstract: A system for interaction with a the environment includes an initial manipulation module operable to orient a device in a general direction of a surface of an object and a range control module operable to converge the device and the surface. Once the device and surface are in the proximity of each other a contact sensor detects when physical contact between the surface and the device occurs. Thereafter, a proprioception module measures normal force disparities between the surface and device motion actuators and finally, an exteroception module to measure translational resistance disparities between relative motion of the surface and the device. The system uses these disparity measurements and actuator positions to modify the manipulation of the device.

Abstract: A system and method to identify optimal vehicular movement based on reactive and deliberative components is described. Modifiable use conditions, such as speeding, excessive idling, gear selection, acceleration and deceleration profiles, as well as optimal path determination and follow distance are identified and optimized based on a reactive interaction between the vehicles and infrastructure on a real-time basis. Using active positioning tags placed within the environment and/or attached to each vehicle a vehicle's position can be determined relative to other proximal vehicles or relative to its environment. With such information a vehicle's path can be optimized.

Abstract: Changes and anomalies in multi-modal data are detected, collected and abstracted into understandable and actionable formats utilizing, for example, color, intensity, icons and texture creating a rendition of current and developing situations and events. Changes and anomalies in multi-modal sensor data are detected, aggregated, abstracted and filtered using case-based reasoning providing a tractable data dimensionality. From this collection of data situations are recognized and presented in a means so as to assist a user in accessing an environment and formulate the basis a recommended course of action.

Abstract: A system and method to identify fuel consumption optimization based on reactive and deliberative components is described. Modifiable use conditions, such as speeding, excessive idling, gear selection, acceleration and deceleration profiles, which all represent opportunities for fuel savings, are identified and optimized for minimal fuel consumption based on a reactive interaction with the vehicle on a real-time basis. Deliberative analysis of historical data linked to a specific location or route is also conducted to arrive at a historical optimal fuel consumption profile. Similar historical fuel consumption profiles for the same route in question from other nearby vehicles are collected and analyzed to determined a more robust deliberative component of optimal fuel consumption. The reactive and deliberative components are optimized fuel consumption are merged to form a recommended profile for optimal fuel consumption.

Abstract: Robotic payloads are abstracted to provide a plug-and-play system in which mission specific capabilities are easily configured on a wide variety of robotic platforms. A robotic payload architecture is presented in which robotic functionalities are bifurcated into intrinsic capabilities, managed by a core module, and mission specific capabilities, addressed by mission payload module(s). By doing so the core modules manages a particular robotic platform's intrinsic functionalities while mission specific tasks are left to mission payloads. A mission specific robotic configuration can be compiled by adding multiple mission payload modules to the same platform managed by the same core module. In each case the mission payload module communicates with the core module for information about the platform on which it is being associated.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to an augmented virtuality system are disclosed. A method of operating an augmented virtuality system may comprise displaying imagery of a real-world environment in an operating picture. The method may further include displaying a plurality of virtual icons in the operating picture representing at least some assets of a plurality of assets positioned in the real-world environment. Additionally, the method may include displaying at least one virtual item in the operating picture representing data sensed by one or more of the assets of the plurality of assets and remotely controlling at least one asset of the plurality of assets by interacting with a virtual icon associated with the at least one asset.