Abstract: Packaging for visually impaired and blind user is disclosed. In one embodiment, a package includes an exterior surface, a first sub-component package, and a second sub-component package. The first sub-component package and the second sub-component package are enclosed by the exterior surface in an interior region of the package. The package further includes a first non-visual message element associated with the first sub-component package, and a second non-visual message element associated with the second sub-component package. The non-visual message elements may be configured as tactile and/or audio non-visual message elements. In some embodiments, wireless signal emitter devices are provided within the package to actuate one or more speaker devices to thereby play auditory signals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an automated mailbox system. The automated mailbox system includes a personal device configured to manage a robot. The robot includes a base that forms a foundation for the robot and is coupled to a post. The robot includes a mailbox having a door. The mailbox is configured to receive documents when in the open position. The robot includes a transportation component that moves the robot in multiple directions among multiple locations. The transportation component is configured to move the robot in a first direction to a first location.

Abstract: A tactile fur sensing system and a method of operating thereof allow early detection of an impending contact with an object. A plurality of filaments or threads are positioned on a zone or area of a surface of robotic device in a cost-effective manner. One or more sensors are configured to detect electrical resistance and/or displacement of the plurality of filaments or threads. A processor determines that there is contact with an object based on the detected electrical resistance and/or displacement. The detection of electrical resistance can be based on adjustable baseline values and/or adjustable threshold values. A plurality of nubs may alternatively or in addition be positioned on a surface area. Each nub has an outer cast or protection layer defining a cavity therein. At least a portion of a sensor for detecting resistance and/or displacement is positioned within the cavity of the nub.

Abstract: User-worn devices, systems containing such user-worn devices, and methods of assisting a user in an emergency are disclosed. A user-worn device includes a processing device and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium. The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium includes one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to receive an input from a building system, determine that the input corresponds to an emergency, determine a response protocol for responding to the emergency, provide directions to a user, and provide tracking information regarding the location of the user inside the building. The input is only received when the user-worn device is located within a building having the building system. The directions guide the user to a location.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method implemented on a computing device for supplementing a live broadcast displayed at a client device. The computing device analyzes descriptive information for the live broadcast and generates first keywords related to the live broadcast from the descriptive information. The computing device receives a plurality of live information streams independent from the live broadcast, and automatically without user intervention, extracts second keywords from the plurality of events. The computing device determines the relevance of each event in the plurality of events to the live broadcast by correlating the first keywords generated from the descriptive information of the live broadcast and the second keywords extracted from the plurality of events, thereby selecting a subset of the plurality of events. Information representing the subset of events is formatted for display.

Abstract: A wearable smart device is configured to be positioned on and external to a robot having a robot sensor for sensing robot data and a robot input/output port. The wearable smart device includes a device sensor capable of detecting device data corresponding to an environment of the wearable smart device. The wearable smart device also includes a device input/output port. The wearable smart device also includes a device processor coupled to the robot sensor via the robot input/output port and the device input/output port. The device processor is also coupled to the device sensor and configured to control the robot based on the robot data and the device data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for calibrating a camera using a calibration target apparatus that contains at least one fiducial marking on a planar surface. The set of all planar markings on the apparatus are distinguishable. Parameters of the camera are inferred from at least one image of the calibration target apparatus. In some embodiments, pixel coordinates of identified fiducial markings in an image are used with geometric knowledge of the apparatus to calculate camera parameters.

Abstract: A smart necklace includes a body defining at least one cavity and having a neck portion and first and a second side portions. The necklace includes a pair of stereo cameras that is configured to detect image data including depth information corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart necklace. The necklace further includes a positioning sensor configured to detect positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart necklace. The necklace includes a non-transitory memory positioned in the at least one cavity and configured to store map data and object data. The smart necklace also includes a processor positioned in the at least one cavity, coupled to the pair of stereo cameras, the positioning sensor and the non-transitory memory. The processor is configured to determine output data based on the image data, the positioning data, the map data and the object data.

Abstract: Vision-assist systems including user eye tracking cameras are disclosed. A vision-assist system includes a processor, a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, a user eye tracking camera communicatively coupled to the processor, an environment camera communicatively coupled to the processor, a feedback device communicatively coupled to the processor, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory module that, when executed by the processor, cause the vision-assist system to receive environment image data from the environment camera, determine a location of an individual speaking to a user based on the environment image data, receive user eye tracking image data from the user eye tracking camera, determine a pose of the user's eyes based on the user eye tracking image data, and provide feedback to the user with the feedback device based on the location of the individual speaking to the user and the pose of the user's eyes.

Abstract: A method is described for supplementing a live broadcast. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors to perform the method. The server system receives first keywords related to the live broadcast. The server system then receives a plurality of input streams, wherein each input stream includes a plurality of events. The server system then extracts second keywords from the plurality of events. The server system then determines the relevance of each event in the plurality of events to the live broadcast by correlating the first and second keywords. The server system then transmits the relevant events to a client device.

Abstract: A wearable smart device is configured to be positioned on and external to a robot having a robot sensor for sensing robot data and a robot input/output port. The wearable smart device includes a device sensor capable of detecting device data corresponding to an environment of the wearable smart device. The wearable smart device also includes a device input/output port. The wearable smart device also includes a device processor coupled to the robot sensor via the robot input/output port and the device input/output port. The device processor is also coupled to the device sensor and configured to control the robot based on the robot data and the device data.

Abstract: Apparatuses for providing a portable display, such as temporary signage or telepresence communication capabilities, as well as methods for providing a portable display are described. A portable display apparatus includes a base, a collapsible component extending from the base and a plurality of light emitting devices coupled to the collapsible component. The collapsible component is configured to transition from a collapsed position to an extended position. The plurality of light emitting devices are arranged in a movable configuration such that, when the collapsible component is in the extended position, the plurality of light emitting devices rotate around the collapsible component and selectively illuminate to provide a display.

Abstract: A method of operating a lighting device positioned in an environment that includes acquiring lighting data corresponding to an environment using one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices are communicatively coupled to a processor and a lighting device is positioned in the environment. The method further includes determining from the lighting data, by the processor, a lighting condition of the environment, acquiring presence data corresponding to a presence of one or more individuals in the environment using the one or more sensing devices, determining from the presence data, by the processor, a number of individuals present in the environment, and generating, by the processor, an actuation signal receivable by the lighting device to actuate the lighting device based on the lighting condition of the environment and the presence of both a registered individual and one or more additional individuals in the environment.

Abstract: A wearable neck device for providing environmental awareness to a user, the wearable neck device includes a flexible tube. A first stereo pair of cameras is encased in a left portion of the flexible tube and a second stereo pair of cameras is encased in a right portion of the flexible tube. A vibration motor within the flexible tube provides haptic and audio feedback to the user. A processor in the flexible tube recognizes objects from the first stereo pair of cameras and the second stereo pair of cameras. The vibration motor provides haptic and audio feedback of the items or points of interest to the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a lighting device positioned in an environment that includes acquiring lighting data corresponding to an environment using one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices are communicatively coupled to a processor and a lighting device is positioned in the environment. The method further includes determining from the lighting data, by the processor, a lighting condition of the environment, acquiring presence data corresponding to a presence of one or more individuals in the environment using the one or more sensing devices, determining from the presence data, by the processor, a number of individuals present in the environment, and generating, by the processor, an actuation signal receivable by the lighting device to actuate the lighting device based on the lighting condition of the environment and the presence of both a registered individual and one or more additional individuals in the environment.

Abstract: A smart necklace includes a first pod having a proximate connector and a component electrically coupled to the proximate connector that can receive input data or output data. The necklace also includes a second pod having a proximate connector and a component electrically coupled to the proximate connector that can receive input data or output data. The necklace also includes a curved main unit having a first connector removably, pivotably and electrically coupled to the proximate connector of the first pod and a second connector configured to be removably, pivotably and electrically coupled to the proximate connector of the second pod. The main unit also includes a mobile processor for receiving the input data from at least one of the first pod or the second pod, determining output data based on the input data, and outputting the output data via the first pod or the second pod.

Abstract: User-worn devices, systems containing such user-worn devices, and methods of assisting a user in an emergency are disclosed. A user-worn device includes a processing device and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium. The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium includes one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to receive an input from a building system, determine that the input corresponds to an emergency, determine a response protocol for responding to the emergency, provide directions to a user, and provide tracking information regarding the location of the user inside the building. The input is only received when the user-worn device is located within a building having the building system. The directions guide the user to a location.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising particles with a substantially non-hygroscopic inner crystalline core and an outer coating comprising at least one bioactive molecule. The invention also relates to methods of forming particles comprising a substantially non-hygroscopic inner crystalline core and an outer coating comprising at least one bioactive molecule.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a visual-assist robot includes a housing defining a base portion, an imaging assembly, a motorized wheel assembly positioned at the lower surface of the base portion, a processor disposed within the housing and communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly and the motorized wheel assembly, and a non-transitory memory device disposed within the housing. The imaging assembly generates image data corresponding to an environment, and at least a portion of the imaging assembly is configured to be disposed above the upper surface of the base portion. The non-transitory memory device stores machine-readable instructions that cause the processor to provide a drive signal to the motorized wheel assembly such that the motorized wheel assembly moves the visual-assist robot to a desired location within the environment, determine objects from the image data received from the imaging assembly, and transmit message data for receipt by a user.

Abstract: A capacitance sensitive proximity and touch-sensitive detection device having an XY electrode grid sensor, wherein a compensation matrix is created when the capacitance sensitive touchpad is installed within a PIN Entry Device (PED), wherein the compensation matrix enables the capacitance sensitive touchpad to compensate and be balanced for the operating environment of the PED, and wherein physical keys of a keypad can be also be individually identified as an actuated key by using a unique “key profile” for each key, and wherein the insertion of a foreign conductive and/or dielectric material such as an intruding sensor in proximity of the XY electrode grid sensor of the touchpad will cause an imbalance in the electrodes on the capacitance sensitive proximity and touch-sensitive detection device, thereby alerting detection circuitry that tampering has occurred with the PED.