Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques in which a first user in an environment scans visual indicia associated with an item, such as a barcode, before handing the item to a second user. One or more computing devices may receive an indication of the scan, retrieve image data of the interaction from a camera within the environment, identify the user that received the item, and update a virtual cart associated with the second user to indicate addition of the item.

Abstract: A lighting-effect coordinated playback method for an ambient lamp includes: obtaining a target lighting-effect including at least one sub-frame lighting-effect to be played by multiple light strips, and determining a lighting-effect coordination mode and a sub-frame duration of the target lighting-effect; determining a light strip group to which each light strip belongs according to the lighting-effect coordination mode, and determining a refresh time slot of each light strip relative to the sub-frame duration according to a total number of lighting units of the light strip contained in each light strip group; and according to the corresponding refresh time slot of each light strip, sending frame-slice control data of each frame slice of the light strip corresponding to the frame lighting-effect to the corresponding light strip at intervals, so as to control the light units of each corresponding light strip to coordinately complete playback of the sub-frame lighting-effect.

Abstract: A construction lifting device and a leaping method for a construction lifting device. The leaping method includes erecting a top crossbeam above a target floor in a shaft; connecting a host platform of the construction lifting device to the top crossbeam by a drive device; raising a car of the construction lifting device close to the host platform and fixedly connecting the car to the host platform; and activating the drive device to lift the host platform to the target floor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use of a reference image to detect a road obstacle are described. A computing device configured to control a vehicle, may be configured to receive, from an image-capture device, an image of a road on which the vehicle is travelling. The computing device may be configured to compare the image to a reference image; and identify a difference between the image and the reference image. Further, the computing device may be configured to determine a level of confidence for identification of the difference. Based on the difference and the level of confidence, the computing device may be configured to modify a control strategy associated with a driving behavior of the vehicle; and control the vehicle based on the modified control strategy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining one or more behavior models used by an autonomous vehicle to predict the behavior of detected objects. The autonomous vehicle may collect and record object behavior using one or more sensors. The autonomous vehicle may then communicate the recorded object behavior to a server operative to determine the behavior models. The server may determine the behavior models according to a given object classification, actions of interest performed by the object, and the object's perceived surroundings.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate generally to autonomous vehicles. The features described improve the safety, use, driver experience, and performance of these vehicles by performing a behavior analysis on mobile objects in the vicinity of an autonomous vehicle. Specifically, the autonomous vehicle is capable of detecting nearby objects, such as vehicles and pedestrians, and is able to determine how the detected vehicles and pedestrians perceive their surroundings. The autonomous vehicle may then use this information to safely maneuver around all nearby objects.

Abstract: Methods and devices for actively modifying a field of view of an autonomous vehicle in view of constraints are disclosed. In one embodiment, an example method is disclosed that includes causing a sensor in an autonomous vehicle to sense information about an environment in a first field of view, where a portion of the environment is obscured in the first field of view. The example method further includes determining a desired field of view in which the portion of the environment is not obscured and, based on the desired field of view and a set of constraints for the vehicle, determining a second field of view in which the portion of the environment is less obscured than in the first field of view. The example method further includes modifying a position of the vehicle, thereby causing the sensor to sense information in the second field of view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for optimizing one or more object detection parameters used by an autonomous vehicle to detect objects in images. The autonomous vehicle may capture the images using one or more sensors. The autonomous vehicle may then determine object labels and their corresponding object label parameters for the detected objects. The captured images and the object label parameters may be communicated to an object identification server. The object identification server may request that one or more reviewers identify objects in the captured images. The object identification server may then compare the identification of objects by reviewers with the identification of objects by the autonomous vehicle. Depending on the results of the comparison, the object identification server may recommend or perform the optimization of one or more of the object detection parameters.

Abstract: A system and method include scanning a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device through a range of orientations corresponding to a scanning zone while emitting light pulses from the LIDAR device. The method also includes receiving returning light pulses corresponding to the light pulses emitted from the LIDAR device and determining initial point cloud data based on time delays between emitting the light pulses and receiving the corresponding returning light pulses and the orientations of the LIDAR device. The initial point cloud data has an initial angular resolution. The method includes identifying, based on the initial point cloud data, a reflective feature in the scanning zone and determining an enhancement region and an enhanced angular resolution for a subsequent scan to provide a higher spatial resolution in at least a portion of subsequent point cloud data from the subsequent scan corresponding to the reflective feature.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a database configured to store information of a customer where the information includes a default payment method, a communication system configured to communicate with an autonomous vehicle and with a device of the customer, where the device includes a display screen having a button to summon an autonomous vehicle, at least one processor, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the delivery system to receive an indication via the communication system that the button on the device of the customer has been clicked, and instruct the autonomous vehicle to travel to a location of the customer.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode may operate a sensor to determine an environment of the vehicle. The sensor may be configured to obtain sensor data of a sensed portion of the environment. The sensed portion may be defined by a sensor parameter. Based on the environment of the vehicle, the vehicle may select at least one parameter value for the at least one sensor parameter such that the sensed portion of the environment corresponds to a region of interest. The vehicle may operate the sensor, using the selected at least one parameter value for the at least one sensor parameter, to obtain sensor data of the region of interest, and control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the sensor data of the region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method include scanning a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device through a range of orientations corresponding to a scanning zone while emitting light pulses from the LIDAR device. The method also includes receiving returning light pulses corresponding to the light pulses emitted from the LIDAR device and determining initial point cloud data based on time delays between emitting the light pulses and receiving the corresponding returning light pulses and the orientations of the LIDAR device. The initial point cloud data has an initial angular resolution. The method includes identifying, based on the initial point cloud data, a reflective feature in the scanning zone and determining an enhancement region and an enhanced angular resolution for a subsequent scan to provide a higher spatial resolution in at least a portion of subsequent point cloud data from the subsequent scan corresponding to the reflective feature.

Abstract: A slow-release silk thread and a method for preparing the slow-release silk thread are provided. The slow-release silk thread includes a substrate layer, a slow-release layer, and a protective layer. The slow-release layer is provided between the substrate layer and the protective layer. The slow-release layer includes porous microspheric particles in which a functional agent is adsorbed. The slow-release silk thread obtains a composite structure through the method and realizes slow release of the functional agent by taking advantage of an adsorption performance of a special granular powder, thereby prolonging effective duration of the functional agent.

Abstract: This application discloses a packet loss data error correction method and apparatus in dual-transmit mode, a device, and a system. The method includes: step S100: driving a first Bluetooth playing device to establish an information exchange link with a second Bluetooth playing device; step S200: controlling the first Bluetooth playing device to exchange link information with the second Bluetooth playing device; step S300: controlling the first Bluetooth playing device to receive first current audio data that is sent to the first Bluetooth playing device by an audio source device; step S400: sending a first forwarding request to the second Bluetooth playing device a preset time interval after a local link subevent anchor; and step S500: receiving the first current audio data that is forwarded by the second Bluetooth playing device. It can improve communication quality of dual Bluetooth playing devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods for inhibiting cell proliferation and protein synthesis utilizing an antagonist of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase 2 (NADK2). In some aspects, these methods are used to treat a disease such as cancer or a disorder such as a fibrotic disorder. Further provided herein are compositions comprising a nutrient-deficient cell culture medium and an antagonist of NADK2.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining sensor degradation by actively controlling an autonomous vehicle. Determining sensor degradation may include obtaining sensor readings from a sensor of an autonomous vehicle, and determining baseline state information from the obtained sensor readings. A movement characteristic of the autonomous vehicle, such as speed or position, may then be changed. The sensor may then obtain additional sensor readings, and second state information may be determined from these additional sensor readings. Expected state information may be determined from the baseline state information and the change in the movement characteristic of the autonomous vehicle. A comparison of the expected state information and the second state information may then be performed. Based on this comparison, a determination may be made as to whether the sensor has degraded.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle is tested using virtual objects. The autonomous vehicle is maneuvered, by one or more computing devices, the autonomous vehicle in an autonomous driving mode. Sensor data is received corresponding to objects in the autonomous vehicle's environment, and virtual object data is received corresponding to a virtual object in the autonomous vehicle's environment. The virtual object represents a real object that is not in the vehicle's environment. The autonomous vehicle is maneuvered based on both the sensor data and the virtual object data. Information about the maneuvering of the vehicle based on both the sensor data and the virtual object data may be logged and analyzed.

Abstract: A method, circuit, audio playback device, and system of sending and receiving Bluetooth packet loss data is disclosed. The method includes: step S100, receiving a forwarding request sent by a second audio playback device in a receiving state; step S200, monitoring the retransmission information of an audio source device retransmitting current audio data on Link 1 according to the forwarding request; step S300, determining whether the retransmission information is monitored; step S400, switching from the receiving state to a sending state; and step S500, forwarding the current audio data to the second audio playback device through Link 2 in accordance with the time sequence of the audio source device retransmitting the current audio data. The signal can be provided to the second audio playback device from different locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an autonomous vehicle. According to one aspect, the autonomous vehicle may track the trajectories of other vehicles on a road. Based on the other vehicle's trajectories, the autonomous vehicle may generate a pool of combined trajectories. Subsequently, the autonomous vehicle may select one of the combined trajectories as a representative trajectory. The representative trajectory may be used to change at least one of the speed or direction of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and devices for actively modifying a field of view of an autonomous vehicle in view of constraints are disclosed. In one embodiment, an example method is disclosed that includes causing a sensor in an autonomous vehicle to sense information about an environment in a first field of view, where a portion of the environment is obscured in the first field of view. The example method further includes determining a desired field of view in which the portion of the environment is not obscured and, based on the desired field of view and a set of constraints for the vehicle, determining a second field of view in which the portion of the environment is less obscured than in the first field of view. The example method further includes modifying a position of the vehicle, thereby causing the sensor to sense information in the second field of view.