Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for identifying, on an autonomous vehicle which is traveling, a loss of a primary location system, and activating a secondary location system. The secondary location system performs a radio frequency sweep of a geographic area around the autonomous vehicle to identify radio frequency beacons, compares the radio frequency beacons to known ground stations, performs a visual scan of the geographic area to identify visual beacons, each visual beacon having a particular visual frequency, and compares the particular visual frequency of each of the visual beacons to known visual beacons. The secondary location system then identifies a current location of the autonomous vehicle by triangulating the verified radio frequency beacons and the verified visual beacons and the autonomous vehicle generates a route to a stopping location based on the current location produced by the secondary location system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for intrusion protection on autonomous vehicles. As threats are detected, the nature of the threat is analyzed. A tiered response to the threat is then implemented, with an ultimate implementation including putting the autonomous vehicle in a “turtle” mode, and intermediate implementations including isolation of various subsystems. As the threats are identified and the autonomous vehicle implements the tiered responses, the autonomous vehicle records data regarding the efficiency the responses in diminishing the threat, then modifies the code which forms the autonomous algorithms such that, over time, the autonomous vehicle improves how it recognizes and responds to threats.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for performing a supply chain verification using blockchain. As packages proceed through the supply chain, data associated with each package is uploaded to respective blockchains such that a non-corruptible record can be maintained of how each individual blockchain was processed. This can require gathering current sensor data, comparing it to data previously stored in the blockchain, and if there is a difference, updating the blockchain with a new block. The updated blockchain can then be distributed to databases, other packages/devices, etc., on a distributed ledger.

Abstract: A window unit for receiving a package from an aerial vehicle to a window of a building. The window unit includes a frame and a net. The frame is coupled to a building wall and a window ledge. The net is coupled within the frame. The net receives delivery of the package. The window unit includes sensors and communication devices to confirm alignment of the package and effectuate delivery of the package. The window unit includes a release device for releasing the frame or net if there is a snag with the package or aerial vehicle. A method of delivering a package to the window unit includes confirming the package is aligned with the net prior to release of the package from the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording codes in a distributed environment are provided. A first node receives data including at least one code from a code generation computing device via a network. The first node adds a first new block to a first cryptographically verifiable encrypted ledger, the first block containing the at least one code. The first node adds a second new block to a second cryptographically verifiable, the second block containing the at least one code. The first node or a second node retrieves the at least one code from the second cryptographically verifiable unencrypted ledger. The first node or the second node analyzes the at least one code pursuant to a set of rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing invalid reverse transactions in a distributed environment is provided in which a first block is added to a first cryptographically verifiable ledger containing a transaction identifier and an executable program for preventing a reversal of a transaction. A second block is added to a second unencrypted ledger and contains a flag indicating that the transaction identifier is invalid and a reference to the first block. A notification that the transaction associated with the transaction identifier is being reversed can be received and execution of the executable program for preventing a reversal of the transaction can be triggered. In response to execution of the executable program, the reversal of the transaction associated with the transaction identifier is prevented.

Abstract: A system and a method for retrieving a package delivered by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The system includes a receiving structure mounted to and extending from a wall of a building, the receiving structure being configured to receive the package delivered by the UAV; and a transport system configured to transport the package from the receiving structure located outside of the building to a location inside of the building. The receiving structure includes a platform configured to support a weight of the UAV and the package carried by the UAV, and a trap door mounted to the platform configured to open and close an opening leading to the transport system.

Abstract: A method for tracking an item in a distributed environment is provided. At least one node in a network adds a new block to a first cryptographically verifiable ledger represented by a first sequence of blocks that is stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The new block added to the first cryptographically verifiable ledger contains a component identifier and a hash of a previous block in the first sequence of blocks. The at least one node in the network adds a new block to a second cryptographically verifiable ledger represented by a second sequence of blocks that is stored in the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The new block added to the second cryptographically verifiable ledger contains a destination identifier, the first sequence of blocks, and a hash of a previous block in the second sequence of blocks.

Abstract: A system, method and medium for creating an automated shopping and nutrition performance scorecard are discussed. A mobile computing device receives a list of grocery items and supplementary items selected by a user which are transmitted to a nutritional analysis module. The nutritional analysis module retrieves nutritional content information for each item in the list of grocery items and the supplementary items. The nutritional content information is aggregated based on categories. The aggregated categories are transmitted to the mobile computing device and displayed on a graphical user interface. An indication representative of a deviance from a recommended value is displayed for each aggregated category. The GUI provides the user with grocery item recommendations to lower excessive aggregated categories and raise deficient aggregated categories.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine readable media are provided for delivery verification. Delivery of a package is initiated by a courier by submitting an action to a distributed ledger. The courier records video of the delivery of the package to a customer site. The video of the delivery of the package is sent to a blockchain referenced by the distributed ledger. The video of the delivery of the package is added to the blockchain. The customer captures any motion detected video of the package occurring after delivery of the package by the courier and this video is added to the blockchain.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for managing traffic one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system can comprise a first UAV including a processor, a memory and one or more sensors each in communication with the processor. The sensors can be configured to detect a secondary unmanned aerial vehicle approaching said primary unmanned aerial vehicle within a predetermined distance, and to create an area entirely surrounding the primary unmanned aerial vehicle that said secondary unmanned aerial vehicle is prohibiting from entering based on said one or more sensors. The processor can be capable of determining a route of said primary unmanned aerial vehicle to a geographical location based on a signal received from the one or more sensors that enters said area entirely surrounding primary unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving and securely storing a package in a solar powered storage unit until retrieval by an intended recipient. The storage unit opens automatically to receive packages from delivery vehicles and maintains the interior of the storage unit at a desired temperature. The storage unit only allows designated recipients access to the package.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and alerting a drone flying overhead are provided herein. The method includes acquiring a first data associated with a user device position; detecting a path corresponding to movement of the user device; receiving, from a server at the user device, drone data associated with a plurality of drones; filtering the drone data to obtain a second data associated with a drone position and a respective drone route which intersects with the path; predicting an intersection area; determining a distance between the user device position and the drone position based on the first data and the second data; determining whether a determined distance is equal to or less than a preset distance; and instructing a user to change the path or the speed of travel down a path when the determined distance is equal to or less than the preset distance.

Abstract: Methods and systems of utilizing a drone for a package delivery are provided. An example method can include: receiving, by a central server, a request from a customer device, the request comprising one or more ordered items and a delivery destination; determining, by a processor at a central server and based on the request, instructions of a flight mission for a drone at a distribution center; instructing a first control system at a distribution center to place the ordered items into a bag; loading the bag into one of a plurality of cargo bays; providing the instructions of the flight mission to a second control system to control the drone to navigate to the delivery destination; and controlling the drone by the second control system to automatically release the bag with the ordered items from the cargo bay, the cargo bay remaining with the drone.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for using multilayered authentication mechanisms, combined with hashing functions, to provide increased security and accuracy in identification of a user. One example is using facial biometric data as input to a hash function, and comparing that hash function output to previously stored hash function outputs to determine if the facial data captured matches that of a known user. Then, once a facial match is determined using the hashed values, a secondary confirmation is requested and/or received. If that secondary confirmation also matches stored data, the user is authorized to perform the transaction or access the restricted area.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle for delivering a package includes a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle, a package coupled to the securing point, and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system includes a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle; a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a bitter end at a second end, a securing point coupled to the lowering line between the first end and the second end, and the bitter end coupled to the aerial vehicle at a securing device. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location and the securing device is configured to release the bitter end to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.

Abstract: An autonomous wagon for receiving a package and transporting it to a storage unit for storage until retrieval by the recipient is described. The storage unit may include a heating or cooling mechanism for controlling the temperature in the interior of the storage unit that may be turned off when the storage unit is empty and turned on in response to a signal from a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle for delivering a package. The aerial vehicle having a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle. The package deployment system having a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle, a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a second end secured to a grasping device, and a cutting device coupled to one of the spool or the lowering line. The aerial vehicle also having a package coupled to the grasping device and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location. The cutting device is configured to sever the lowering line to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for providing increased security to sensitive data acquired by autonomous vehicles. This is done using a flexible classification and storage system, where information about the autonomous vehicle's mission is used in conjunction with sensor data to determine if the sensor data is necessary to the mission. When the sensor data, the location of the autonomous vehicle, and other data indicate that the autonomous vehicle has captured non-mission specific data, it can be deleted, encrypted, fragmented, or otherwise partitioned, with the goal of protecting that sensitive information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for iteratively planning autonomous vehicle missions with additional security. A system configured as disclosed herein generates a preliminary mission profile and a preliminary route for executing the mission. This information is transmitted to multiple third parties which can provide real-time updates regarding the proposed plan, and the system can iteratively update the proposed plan. In addition, the system can receive preliminary approval of the mission from regulatory bodies. Upon finalizing the plan, the system can receive an updated, final approval from the regulatory body, then store the mission and the mission-formation history in a blockchain on the autonomous vehicle. This blockchain can then be used for the execution of the mission.