Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to improving security of radio frequency (RF) backscattered communication. In one example, a RF device includes a primary RF signal receiver, a secondary signal receiver, a signal mixer, and a transmitter. The primary RF signal receiver is configured to receive a RF carrier signal sent from a base station. The secondary signal receiver is configured to receive a masking signal from the base station. The signal mixer is configured to generate a response signal based at least on the RF carrier signal and generate a mixed signal by mixing the response signal and the masking signal. The transmitter is configured to broadcast the mixed signal, via backscattering, as a masked backscattered signal.

Abstract: An aerial robot system may include an aerial robot having an airframe, a piezo actuator, a wing connected to the piezo actuator, and a photovoltaic cell. The system may further include a laser source configured to emit a laser beam oriented toward the photovoltaic cell for conversion by the photovoltaic cell into electrical energy. The aerial robot may further include a boost converter connected to the photovoltaic cell and configured to raise a voltage level of the electrical energy, and a signal generator connected to the boost converter and configured to generate an alternating signal. The piezo actuator is connected to the signal generator to move according to the alternating signal to cause the wing to move in a flapping motion to generate aerodynamic force that moves the robot. Methods for manufacturing aerial robots and corresponding electronics are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting power across a room or space are disclosed herein. One such system is comprised of a power receiving element positioned to receive wireless power transfer, comprised of a power receiving cell and a retroreflector positioned proximate the power receiving cell, and a power transmission element configured to wirelessly transmit power towards the power receiving element. The power transmission element includes an optical power transmitter configured to emit a first laser beam with a first power density towards the receiving cell, a guard beam emitter positioned proximate the optical power transmitter and configured to emit a second laser beam with a second power density towards the retroreflectors, a light detector positioned proximate the guard beam emitter and configured to detect light reflected by the retroreflectors, and an interlock system configured to interrupt power transmission when a decrease in light incident from the retroreflectors is detected.

Abstract: An aerial robot system may include an aerial robot having an airframe, a piezo actuator, a wing connected to the piezo actuator, and a photovoltaic cell. The system may further include a laser source configured to emit a laser beam oriented toward the photovoltaic cell for conversion by the photovoltaic cell into electrical energy. The aerial robot may further include a boost converter connected to the photovoltaic cell and configured to raise a voltage level of the electrical energy, and a signal generator connected to the boost converter and configured to generate an alternating signal. The piezo actuator is connected to the signal generator to move according to the alternating signal to cause the wing to move in a flapping motion to generate aerodynamic force that moves the robot. Methods for manufacturing aerial robots and corresponding electronics are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting power across a room or space are disclosed herein. One such system is comprised of a power receiving element positioned to receive wireless power transfer, comprised of a power receiving cell and a retroreflector positioned proximate the power receiving cell, and a power transmission element configured to wirelessly transmit power towards the power receiving element. The power transmission element includes an optical power transmitter configured to emit a first laser beam with a first power density towards the receiving cell, a guard beam emitter positioned proximate the optical power transmitter and configured to emit a second laser beam with a second power density towards the retroreflectors, a light detector positioned proximate the guard beam emitter and configured to detect light reflected by the retroreflectors, and an interlock system configured to interrupt power transmission when a decrease in light incident from the retroreflectors is detected.

Abstract: A method and a system to promote a publication are provided. In example embodiments, data is received from a user that is used to create a publication for placement on a networked-based system. An indication to promote the publication on the networked-based system is received. A user interface through which the user selects an option to promote the publication on the network-based system is presented. The publication is published on the network-based system, whereby the publication is promoted based on the option selected to promote the publication.

Abstract: A method and a system to promote a publication are provided. In example embodiments, data is received from a user that is used to create a publication for placement on a networked-based system. An indication to promote the publication on the networked-based system is received. A user interface through which the user selects an option to promote the publication on the network-based system is presented. The publication is published on the network-based system, whereby the publication is promoted based on the option selected to promote the publication.

Abstract: A method and a system to publish a promotion at a point-of-sale are provided. For example, a preliminary selection associated with a purchase from a user may be received. A promotion may be published to the user at a point-of-sale associated with the purchase after the user makes the preliminary selection and before the user finalizes the purchase. The promotion may be based on at least one attribute of past transactions and the preliminary selection.

Abstract: A method and system for customer service, comprising enabling a customer to provide a request for service, receiving the request for service from the customer and providing a website that enables a service provider to view the request for service, interactively chat about the request for service with other service providers, and respond to the request for service by creating and sending an offer of service to the customer and enabling the customer to accept the offer of service.

Abstract: A method and a system to publish a promotion at a point-of-sale are provided. For example, a preliminary selection associated with a purchase from a user may be received. A promotion may be published to the user at a point-of-sale associated with the purchase after the user makes the preliminary selection and before the user finalizes the purchase. The promotion may be based on at least one attribute of past transactions and the preliminary selection.

Abstract: A method and system to publish a promotion at a point-of-sale are provided. For example, a preliminary selection associated with a purchase from a user may be received. A promotion may be published to the user at a point-of-sale associated with the purchase after the user makes the preliminary selection and before the user finalizes the purchase. The promotion may be based on at least one attribute, where the at least one attribute is selected from a group including a user attribute and an attribute associated with the preliminary selection.

Abstract: A method and system for customer service, comprising enabling a customer to provide a request for service, receiving the request for service from the customer and providing a website that enables a service provider to view the request for service, interactively chat about the request for service with other service providers, and respond to the request for service by creating and sending an offer of service to the customer and enabling the customer to accept the offer of service.

Abstract: A method of entering into and performing a service agreement, comprising maintaining a provider account database comprising records for service providers; providing a website that enables a customer to interactively select a service provider from the provider account database; enabling said service provider to provide an electronic estimate form that includes a description of work to be perform and an estimated price; enabling said customer to accept or reject said price estimate; enabling said service provider to submit a bill for work performed following acceptance of said price estimate; enabling said customer and said service provider to exchange messages via interactive chat wherein said chat is in reference to exchanged forms and bill data; and electronically obtaining money from the customer and transferring the money to an account from which the service provider is paid.

Abstract: A method and a system publish a promotion at a point-of-sale. For example, a preliminary selection associated with a purchase from a user may be received. A promotion may be published to the user at a point-of-sale associated with the purchase after the user makes the preliminary selection and before the user finalizes the purchase. The promotion may be based on at least one attribute, where the at least one attribute is selected from a group including a user attribute and an attribute associated with the preliminary selection.