Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method of determining displacement information, comprising receiving (520) image data (485) comprising first pixel data (610) corresponding to movement of a scanning apparatus (130), with respect to at least one object, in a first direction and a second pixel data (620) corresponding to movement of the scanning apparatus (130) in a second direction, and determining (520) displacement information indicative of a displacement of at least a portion of the second pixel data (620) with respect to the first pixel data (610) by minimising a cost function indicative of a similarity between the first and second pixel data.

Abstract: Autonomous ground vehicles (“AGVs”) receive items from transportation vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks) for delivery to specified locations (e.g., user residences, etc.). The AGVs may travel along travel paths to and from the delivery locations to deliver the items, and may be equipped with access mechanisms (e.g., which transmit remote control signals) to open and close access barriers (e.g., garage doors, etc.) that are encountered along the travel paths. Transportation vehicles may transport items from materials handling facilities, and the AGVs may travel to meeting locations to meet the transportation vehicles to receive the items for delivery.

Abstract: A modular sorting station includes a frame defining an inbound bay and an outbound bay, each of the bays being sized to receive an inventory holder containing inventory. A robotic grasper is mounted to the frame and positioned above one of the inbound and outbound bays and operable to transfer inventory items from the inbound bay to the outbound bay, and a sensor mounted to one of the frame or robotic grasper and operable to identify inventory at the inbound bay when the inventory holder is present in the inbound bay. The frame is sized and arranged to align with a material handling grid and permit drive units to transport inventory holders into and out of the inbound bay and/or outbound bays while moving along the material handling grid; and the frame is portable such that the modular sorting station can be moved as a modular unit for deployment.

Abstract: Autonomous ground vehicles (“AGVs”) receive items from transportation vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks) for delivery to specified locations. After the items are received, the AGVs may navigate along travel paths to delivery locations (e.g., at user residences) to deliver the items. The AGVs may include navigation systems and sensors (e.g., imaging sensors, distance detection sensors, etc.) to assist with the navigation, and may include locking mechanisms that lock the storage compartments of the AGVs while travelling.

Abstract: Autonomous mobile robots include transfer systems that may receive multiple items for delivery to one or more destinations. The transfer systems may be specifically configured to detect and identify items that are placed on loading surfaces, and to independently discharge specific items at selected destinations or to selected recipients. The transfer systems feature loading surfaces that may be defined by a plurality of independently operable conveyors to receive or discharge items, by independently operable floors that allow items to pass therethrough, or by independently operable diverters for detecting and expelling items therefrom. The transfer systems may receive items from, or discharge items to, one or more humans, other robots, or other systems such as conveyors, chutes, robotic arms or other mechanical implements or effectors, and be aligned at any angle or provided at any height, as desired.

Abstract: A method (200) and apparatus (1100) for generating quantitative data for biliary tree structures from volumetric medical imaging scan data. The method comprises performing segmentation (230; 300) of a volume of the medical imaging scan data to identify tubular biliary structures within the volume of the medical imaging scan data; for at least one segmented tubular biliary structure within the volume of the medical imaging scan data, computing (240; 800) at least one set of quantitative structural parameters for at least one location along the length of the tubular biliary structure; and outputting (250) quantitative biliary tree data comprising the at least one set of quantitative structural parameters for the at least one segmented tubular biliary structure.

Abstract: Methods for verifying and updating node software for a plurality of wireless nodes for a mobile fleet are disclosed. The methods provide for batch verification and updating of node software using a randomized standoff period for each wireless node without individual check-in assignment by the server.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for an end effector for automated identification and handling of an object. The end effector includes an end effector that can be positioned over a pick point of an overpackage in which a desired object is location using sensors. Using the location information, the end effector can identify a path to the pick point and detect whether the pick point is engaged by detecting environmental changes at the end effector.

Abstract: An intermediary device may be configured to allow an authorized visitor to access a secure facility (such as a home) on behalf of an owner. The intermediary device may generate an authenticator and provide the authenticator to a service provider, who may then present the authenticator to the intermediary device upon arriving at the facility. The intermediary device may unlock or open, or lock and close, any doors within the facility as necessary in order to grant access to a specific portion of the facility and restrict access to other portions of the facility. The intermediary device may also capture, or cause the capture of, images or other data regarding actions taken by the service provider, and establish a communications channel with the owner for the exchange of information or data regarding such actions, or any events or conditions of the facility.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

Abstract: A method of providing a quantitative volumetric assessment of organ health or a quantitative map of an organ. The method comprises obtaining a volumetric map of organ health comprising information defining a state of tissue health across at least part of an organ, receiving an input defining at least one organ section, determining an assessment organ volume based at least partly on the at least one defined organ section, calculating an organ-viability measure for the assessment organ volume based at least partly on information within the volumetric map defining the state of tissue health across the organ volume, and outputting an indication of the organ-viability measure.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a particulate solid biomass material to a high quality bio-oil in high yield. The process comprises a pretreatment step and a pyrolysis step. The pretreatment comprises a step of at least partially demineralizing the solid biomass, and improving the accessibility of the solid biomass by opening the texture of the particles of the solid biomass. In a preferred embodiment the liquid pyrolysis product is separated into the bio-oil and an aqueous phase, and the aqueous phase is used as a solvent in the demineralization step and/or in the step of improving the accessibility of the solid biomass by opening the texture of the particles of the solid biomass.

Abstract: Autonomous ground vehicles (“AGVs”) receive items from transportation vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks) for delivery to specified locations. After the items are received, the AGVs may navigate along travel paths to delivery locations (e.g., at user residences) to deliver the items. The AGVs may include navigation systems and sensors (e.g., imaging sensors, distance detection sensors, etc.) to assist with the navigation, and may include locking mechanisms that lock the storage compartments of the AGVs while travelling.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be deployed to areas where an item is in demand, and configured to fulfill orders for the item received from the areas. The autonomous vehicles are loaded with the item and dispatched to the area under their own power or in a carrier. When an order for the item is received, an autonomous vehicle delivers the item to a location in the area. Autonomous vehicles may also be equipped with a 3D printer or other equipment and loaded with materials for manufacturing the item. When an order for the item is received, the autonomous vehicle manufactures the item from such materials, and delivers the item. Autonomous vehicles may be configured for collaboration, such as to deliver or manufacture items in multiple stages and to transfer the items between vehicles. Autonomous vehicles may also be configured to automatically access locations in the area, e.g., using wireless access codes.

Abstract: Autonomous ground vehicles (“AGVs”) containing ordered items travel (e.g., from materials handling facilities, etc.) to pickup areas (e.g., on a street, in a parking lot, inside a store, etc.) where users may retrieve the ordered items from the AGVs. In various configurations, an AGV may have a single storage compartment or may have multiple storage compartments, and multiple AGVs may congregate at a pickup area which may include various facilities/services for the AGVs (e.g., a charging station, a common control station for the AGVs, etc.). Multiple AGVs at a pickup area may be arranged in a particular configuration (e.g., according to a particular order, stacked, etc.), and the configuration may be changed (e.g., when a new AGV arrives and/or when an AGV departs, such as after an ordered item is retrieved from an AGV which then leaves the pickup area to return to a materials handling facility, etc.).

Abstract: A method (200) and apparatus (1100) for generating quantitative data for biliary tree structures from volumetric medical imaging scan data. The method comprises performing segmentation (230; 300) of a volume of the medical imaging scan data to identify tubular biliary structures within the volume of the medical imaging scan data; for at least one segmented tubular biliary structure within the volume of the medical imaging scan data, computing (240; 800) at least one set of quantitative structural parameters for at least one location along the length of the tubular biliary structure; and outputting (250) quantitative biliary tree data comprising the at least one set of quantitative structural parameters for the at least one segmented tubular biliary structure.

Abstract: Processes for making a catalytic system and catalytic systems for converting solid biomass into fuel or specialty chemical products, or for upgrading bio-oils are described. The catalyst system may comprise a non-zeolitic matrix with a hierarchical pore structure ranging from 300 to about 104 Angstrom pore size, a zeolite, such as MFI-type or IM-5 zeolite, and a binder.