Abstract: Authentication method and systems using RFID-enabled payment cards are disclosed herein where a server receives a request corresponding to authorization of a payment associated with a payment card from an electronic terminal. The server identifies an electronic device of a user associated with the payment card. The server then transmits an instruction to the electronic device to cause an RFID reader of the electronic device to determine whether an RFID tag corresponding to the payment card is located within a predetermined proximity to the electronic device. When the payment card is located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a first authentication protocol. Moreover, when the payment card is not located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a second authentication protocol, wherein the second authentication protocol is more restrictive than the first authentication protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing smart devices associated with a multi-family residential property are disclosed. Control or management of smart devices may be provided by a smart thermostat hub that includes one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The smart thermostat hub also includes a first communication interface configured to communicatively couple the smart thermostat hub to a low-power, wide area network (LPWAN) communication link and a second communication interface configured to communicatively couple the smart thermostat hub to a wireless network via a wireless communication link. The wireless network is communicatively coupled to a set of one or more smart devices. The one or more processors are configured to initialize a connection between the second communication interface and the property management platform via the second communication interface.

Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for physically exchanging a force with a user in an environment local to the user. A connection element connects to a user's body member and a linkage between the connection element and ground. The linkage includes means for powering at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to ground and means for maintaining at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to ground free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. Other aspects of the invention include a two actuator counter-balance for controlling a point on a link. The invention also includes apparatus for establishing a virtual, switch, which presents to the user the force and displacement relationship of a spring switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining forces to be applied to a user through a haptic interface. The method includes the steps of generating a representation of an object in graphic space, sensing the position of the user in real space and calculating a force to be applied to a user in response to the user's haptic interface and the user's fiducial object. The user's fiducial object represents the location in graphic space at which the user's haptic interface would be located if the haptic interface could not penetrate the surfaces of virtual objects. In one embodiment, the method calculates a stiffness force to be applied to the user. In other embodiments, the method calculates damping and friction forces to be applied to the user. In one embodiment the step of generating a representation of an object in graphic space includes defining the object as a mesh of planar surfaces and associating surface condition values to each of the nodes defining the planar surfaces.

Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a virtual object stored within a computer. The systems and methods allow virtual object modifications that are otherwise computationally inconvenient. The virtual object is represented as a volumetric representation. A portion of the volumetric model is converted into an alternative representation. The alternative representation can be a representation having a different number of dimensions from the volumetric representations. A stimulus is applied to the alternative representation, for example by a user employing a force-feedback haptic interface. The response of the alternative representation to the stimulus is calculated. The change in shape of the virtual object is determined from the response of the alternative representation. The representations of the virtual object can be displayed at any time for the user. The user can be provided a force-feedback response. Multiple stimuli can be applied in succession.

Abstract: A six degree of freedom force reflecting haptic interface includes three powered axes and three free axes, all of which are tracked so that the position of a user connection element in the work volume can be determined. The interface includes cable drives with polymer composite or metallic cables, automatic cable tensioning devices, and grounded actuator capstans. A nested hub and transfer drive provide a compact, weight balanced interface. User comfort and safety features are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for physically exchanging a force with a user in an environment local to the user. A connection element connects to a user's body member and a linkage between the connection element and ground. The linkage includes means for powering at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to ground and means for maintaining at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to ground free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. Other aspects of the invention include a two actuator counter-balance for controlling a point on a link. The invention also includes apparatus for establishing a virtual, switch, which presents to the user the force and displacement relationship of a spring switch.

Abstract: A multi-function force reflecting haptic interface including various sub-assemblies is disclosed. The sub-assemblies include multiple function user interfaces, a user interface docking station for setting the interface to a home position, temperature monitoring and control systems, and various kinematic cable drive systems.

Abstract: A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.

Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.

Abstract: A fastener for securing objects to a slat floor, having a self-centering and self-aligning capability. A first embodiment comprises a body formed of a durable material and having a top surface, a lower surface, at least one side surface, and a central hole extending between the top surface and the lower surface. A second embodiment comprises a body formed of a durable material and having a top surface, a lower surface, at least one side surface, and a central hole extending between the top surface and the lower surface, wherein the top surface of the body has a flat central surface and two sloping upper surfaces starting adjacent to the flat central surface and angling downward toward either end of the body, and a lower fastener component that is coaxial with the central hole.

Abstract: A mat for protecting a floor in an animal confinement pen. The mat is formed of a durable material which is corrosion and abrasion resistant, impact absorbing, and fluid impermeable, and has a plurality of protrusions disposed on an upper surface of the mat, with the plurality of protrusions being regularly spaced and functioning to provide traction to animals but without accumulating debris on the mat, and also having a plurality of grooves disposed on the upper surface of the mat, with the plurality of grooves being spaced regularly apart and extending between opposite edges of the mat, and having a beveled edge extending around a perimeter of the mat so that animals may not be able to chew on the mat.