Abstract: An automated control system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an input device. The UAV includes: a sensor, a receiver; and memory. The memory includes a task association data including one or more tasks for execution by the UAV. The input device includes a tagging block. The tagging block allows an operator to tag an object of interest and send a tag regarding the object of interest to the UAV, via the receiver, wherein the object of interest is located within a visual field of the UAV. The sensor processes data within the visual field and the input device is configured to communicate the object of interest from the visual field tagged by the operator. The task is selected from the task association data and the UAV executes the task with respect to the object of interest from the visual field.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for animal training, animal feeding, animal management, animal fitness, monitoring and managing animal food intake, remote animal engagement, behavioral training and animal entertainment are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for measuring a dog’s energy expenditures and/or movements, and providing signals to the dog to engage in activities or games to earn food. In one aspect, one or more of the dog’s activity level, age, weight, body mass, and/or other health information is utilized to determine an appropriate food intake level for the dog. By measuring the dog’s activity, the amount of calories the dog needs and/or has utilized may be determined. By encouraging activity by the dog, the dog’s health may improve, even if the dog’s weight remains unchanged. Among other embodiments disclosed herein, various mechanisms capable of moderating animal noise and/or behavior are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.

Abstract: An automated control system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an input device. The UAV includes: a sensor, a receiver; and memory. The memory includes a task association data including one or more tasks for execution by the UAV. The input device includes a tagging block. The tagging block allows an operator to tag an object of interest and send a tag regarding the object of interest to the UAV, via the receiver, wherein the object of interest is located within a visual field of the UAV. The sensor processes data within the visual field and the input device is configured to communicate the object of interest from the visual field tagged by the operator. The task is selected from the task association data and the UAV executes the task with respect to the object of interest from the visual field.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for animal training, animal feeding, animal management, animal fitness, monitoring and managing animal food intake, remote animal engagement, behavioral training and animal entertainment are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for measuring a dog's energy expenditures and/or movements, and providing signals to the dog to engage in activities or games to earn food. In one aspect, one or more of the dog's activity level, age, weight, body mass, and/or other health information is utilized to determine an appropriate food intake level for the dog. By measuring the dog's activity, the amount of calories the dog needs and/or has utilized may be determined. By encouraging activity by the dog, the dog's health may improve, even if the dog's weight remains unchanged. Among other embodiments disclosed herein, various mechanisms capable of moderating animal noise and/or behavior are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal including an object of interest represented in the image signal; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from an external agent, a task indication related to the object of interest, the task indication representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus with respect to the object of interest; and responsive to receipt of the task indication: detecting salient features of the object of interest within the image; storing, by the robotic apparatus, a task context, the task context comprising data pertaining to the salient features and data pertaining to the task indication; and commencing, by the robotic apparatus, the task with respect to the object of interest.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal; identifying an object of interest that is represented in the image signal, wherein the object of interest is identified by the robotic apparatus using the image signal based on irradiation of the object of interest by an external agent; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from the external agent, a task indication that is representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus. Responsive to receipt of the task indication, the method further includes saving a robotic context including information associating the task to be performed with the object of interest, and causing the robotic apparatus to perform the task with respect to the object of interest.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from an imaging device associated with a robotic apparatus, an image signal; identifying an object of interest that is represented in the image signal, wherein the object of interest is identified by the robotic apparatus using the image signal based on irradiation of the object of interest by an external agent; receiving, by the robotic apparatus from the external agent, a task indication that is representative of a task to be performed by the robotic apparatus. Responsive to receipt of the task indication, the method further includes saving a robotic context including information associating the task to be performed with the object of interest, and causing the robotic apparatus to perform the task with respect to the object of interest.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling attention and training of autonomous robotic devices. In one approach, attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. Responsive to receiving the additional signal, the robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task. The light guided attention system may influence the robot learning for subsequent actions.