Abstract: A fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) includes a first module (100), a second module (100) and a third module, (100) each having a top member (120) and a first thruster (130) affixed thereto. Each module (100) is laterally coupled to each other. A fourth module (100) has a bottom that is affixed to the top members (120) of the first module (100), the second module (100) and the third module (100) so as to form a tetrahedral structure. A power source (220) supplies power to the first thrusters (130). A control circuit (222) controls the unmanned aircraft system so as to cause the fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) to fly in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) includes a first module (100), a second module (100) and a third module, (100) each having a top member (120) and a first thruster (130) affixed thereto. Each module (100) is laterally coupled to each other. A fourth module (100) has a bottom that is affixed to the top members (120) of the first module(100), the second module (100) and the third module (100) so as to form a tetrahedral structure. A power source (220) supplies power to the first thrusters (130). A control circuit (222) controls the unmanned aircraft system so as to cause the fractal unmanned aircraft system (200) to fly in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for passive stabilization of a wheeled object by employing secondary wheels rotating about secondary axes offset from a common axis of a primary set of wheels, where the secondary wheels are positioned such that tilting of the object during rolling causes one of the secondary wheels to contact the surface and counteract tilting tendencies. The offset of the secondary axes can include angular, vertical, and/or horizontal components.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining position relative to a stereographic pattern generator including capturing an image of a stereographic pattern from a known stereographic pattern generator with a viewer. The location of portion of the stereographic pattern is determined relative to the stereographic pattern generator is then determined with a processor. The location information is used to find the orientation of the viewer relative to the pattern generator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining position relative to an interference pattern generator including capturing an image of an interference pattern from a known fringe pattern generator with a viewer. The phase of the interference pattern is then determined with a processor and the phase information is used to find the orientation of the viewer relative to the fringe pattern generator. The distance to the fringe pattern generator is also found based on the interference pattern and position data relative to the fringe pattern generator is derived.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for passive stabilization of a wheeled object by employing secondary wheels rotating about secondary axes offset from a common axis of a primary set of wheels, where the secondary wheels are positioned such that tilting of the object during rolling causes one of the secondary wheels to contact the surface and counteract tilting tendencies. The offset of the secondary axes can include angular, vertical, and/or horizontal components.