Abstract: The system, devices and methods disclosed herein enable autonomous operation of robots around known and unknown obstacles on a property. A robot includes an optical marker disposed to be visible in a top-view image of the robot, a receiver configured to receive a top-down image of an area of interest surrounding the robot within a property, and a processor configured to distinguish the robot from structural features on the property based on an image of the optical marker. A position and an orientation of the robot and the structural features relative to the property is determined based on the top-down image. Among the structural features, a subset of features classified as obstacles inhibiting an operation of the robot as the robot moves within the area of interest is determined. An operating path for the robot within the area of interest so as to avoid the obstacles is then determined.

Abstract: The system, devices and methods herein enable autonomous and tele-operation of tele-operated robots for maintenance of a property around known and unknown obstacles. A method may include using an unmanned aerial vehicle for obtaining additional data relating to the property and obstacles within the property and plan a path around the obstacles using data from sensors on-board the tele-operated robot and the aerial image. A method may also provide optimization of total time needed for performing the property maintenance and the labor costs in situations where manual intervention is needed for navigating the tele-operated robot around obstacles on the property or for removing obstacles on the property.

Abstract: A novel modular thermal insulator is disclosed. The insulator comprises a pliable, thermally insulated container and a one-piece, self-standing, pliable shell. The container includes a front wall, rear wall, left wall, right wall, and bottom wall defining an interior compartment preferably lined with a thermoplastic polyurethane coated nylon. The container also includes a top cover pivotally connected to the rear wall. Each wall and top cover of the container is preferably thermally insulated using high-density open-cell foam insulation. Each wall of the shell defines a form-fitting receptacle for frictionally receiving the container. The shell is preferably comprised of a fabric material capable of being embroidered with, for example, a logo, name, or other indicia. The front wall, rear wall, left wall, right wall, and bottom wall of the container are slid into the receptacle of the shell and held in place by frictional engagement.

Abstract: The system, devices and methods disclosed herein enable autonomous and tele-operation of tele-operated robots for maintenance of a property around known and unknown obstacles. A method may include using an unmanned aerial vehicle for obtaining additional data relating to the property and obstacles within the property and plan a path around the obstacles using data from sensors on-board the tele-operated robot and the aerial image. A method may also provide optimization of total time needed for performing the property maintenance and the labor costs in situations where manual intervention is needed for navigating the tele-operated robot around obstacles on the property or for removing obstacles on the property.

Abstract: A method to enable autonomous and tele-operation of tele-operated robots for maintenance of a property around known and unknown obstacles may include using an unmanned aerial vehicle for obtaining additional data relating to the property and obstacles within the property and plan a path around the obstacles using data from sensors on-board the tele-operated robot and the aerial image. A method may also provide optimization of total time needed for performing the property maintenance and the labor costs in situations where manual intervention is needed for navigating the tele-operated robot around obstacles on the property or for removing obstacles on the property. Embodiments further include systems and devices practicing the method.

Abstract: The system, devices and methods disclosed herein enable autonomous and tele-operation of tele-operated robots for maintenance of a property around known and unknown obstacles. A method may include using an unmanned aerial vehicle for obtaining additional data relating to the property and obstacles within the property and plan a path around the obstacles using data from sensors on-board the tele-operated robot and the aerial image. A method may also provide optimization of total time needed for performing the property maintenance and the labor costs in situations where manual intervention is needed for navigating the tele-operated robot around obstacles on the property or for removing obstacles on the property.

Abstract: An athletic pace signaling system includes a plurality of light generating modules and a control assembly in communication with the plurality of light generating modules. The control assembly includes a control circuit configured to store a predetermined pace and to cooperatively control the plurality of light generating modules such that each module projects a light associated with a training pace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a self-stabilized luggage assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes coupling a first piece of luggage in contact with a second piece of luggage using an adjustable stabilizer configured to couple a handle on the first piece of luggage to a handle on the second piece of luggage while wheels on the bottom of the first and second pieces of luggage remain on the ground when the first and second pieces of luggage are tilted, upright, moving, and stationary. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a self-stabilized luggage assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes coupling a first piece of luggage in contact with a second piece of luggage using an adjustable stabilizer configured to couple a handle on the first piece of luggage to a handle on the second piece of luggage while wheels on the bottom of the first and second pieces of luggage remain on the ground when the first and second pieces of luggage are tilted, upright, moving, and stationary. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An athletic pace signaling system includes a plurality of light generating modules and a control assembly in communication with the plurality of light generating modules. The control assembly includes a control circuit configured to store a predetermined pace and to cooperatively control the plurality of light generating modules such that each module projects a light associated with a training pace.

Abstract: A luggage assembly includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. An attachment member is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage so that the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary.

Abstract: A painting system is described herein for producing artwork. In one implementation, the painting system operates by receiving an input image of any type from any source. The painting system then imports the input image into a painting mechanism. Thereafter, the painting system allows a user to produce artwork by modifying the input image, as if the input image constituted paint that the user applied in manual fashion using the painting mechanism. This technology facilitates the production of artwork, as the user can leverage an already-existing image in producing the artwork.

Abstract: A wristwatch-engaged ATIS letter designation device and method is provided for employment by users to provide a visual reminder of a designated letter chosen earlier from a group including a plurality of said letters. The system, being wristwatch worn and easily activated, provides an easy way to remember letter designations for subsequent recall minutes or hours later.

Abstract: A graphics system is described for simulating the interaction of two or more types of media on a simulated canvas. The graphics system performs this task by consulting a media adhesion matrix which determines a type of behavior that is produced when an attempt is made to add a new medium over the top of an existing medium. In one scenario, the new medium is a watercolor medium which does not apply over a hydrophobic media (such as an oil medium), but may tunnel under such hydrophobic medium in a flow layer during a simulation operation. Various provisions are also disclosed herein to improve the efficiency of the simulation operation.

Abstract: A pay-per-use or pay-as-you-go computer uses a secure memory to store individual unique program identifiers. Each unique program identifier is associated with a particular hardware or software component, or service, or the entire computer available to a user. By combining the unique program identifier with a computer hardware identifier uniquely identified transactions may be tracked for both billing and reconciliation. Certificates associated with each unique program identifier, and coupled to the hardware identifier, provide a cryptographic basis for mutual verification of messages, requests, configuration instructions, and provisioning.

Abstract: A base support to support a bag can include a bottom, a back, and a pair of side portions each coupled to the back at curved joints. A plurality of reinforcement ribs can be configured along the bottom, back, and side portions to resist bending. The base support is formed from a single piece of material without corners and/or seams. The base support back portion, bottom portion, and side portions blend smoothly into one another and the base support is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the travel bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a self-stabilized luggage assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes coupling a first piece of luggage in contact with a second piece of luggage using an adjustable stabilizer configured to couple a handle on the first piece of luggage to a handle on the second piece of luggage while wheels on the bottom of the first and second pieces of luggage remain on the ground when the first and second pieces of luggage are tilted, upright, moving, and stationary. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A luggage assembly includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. An attachment member is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage so that the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary.