Patent Publication Number: US-2022227404-A1

Title: Self-elevating platform

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     People frequently need to transport loads from one level to another. For example, people often need to move groceries or other goods from a sidewalk up a flight of stairs to a house. Conventional transport equipment, such as carts or hand trucks, are frequently used, but typically need to be pulled up the stairs by a user. The amount of weight that can be moved in this manner is limited by the strength of the user. 
     It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented. 
     SUMMARY 
     Technologies are disclosed for a self-elevating platform that can move a load between two surfaces that are separated horizontally and can be at different vertical levels. The disclosed technologies can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously and maintain stability of the platform while raising or lowering a load platform. 
     Examples of the disclosed technology concern systems and carts for carrying a payload from one surface to another. Examples of the disclosed technology generally include a main body structure, a payload platform for carrying a payload that is attached to the main body and a main lift attached to the main body that can be actuated to retract and extend to lower or raise the main body, where the main lift includes main wheels. 
     In certain examples, extensible support beams are connected to the main body that can be actuated to extend in forward and backward directions with respect to the main body and the extensible support beams can support a weight of the cart or system. In some examples, a front height support is connected to the extensible support beams so that the front height support can be extended forward with respect to the main body, the front height support having front wheels and being capable of supporting at least part of the weight of the cart or system. 
     A back height support can be coupled to the extensible supports beams such that it can be extended backward with respect to the main body. The back height support also having back wheels and being capable of supporting the weight of the cart or system in cooperation with the first height support. The back height support can be configured to be actuated to vertically extend or retract the back wheels of the back height support. 
     Examples of the disclosed technology include a controller module that can actuate the main lift, the extensible support beams and the second height support. The controller module can perform methods for self-elevating platform control from an initial surface to a destination surface. 
     One example of the method for platform control can extend the extensible support beams forward to position the front wheels of the first height support over the destination surface and extend the rear height support until the back wheels contact the initial surface. The main lift can be retracted and the main body shifted forward on the extensible support beams. The main lift can be extended until the main wheels contact the destination surface. The back height support can be retracted and the extensible support beams can be retracted. 
     In certain examples, one or more of the front or back wheels can be actuated by the controller module to move the system or cart forward or backward. 
     In particular examples, the front height support can be actuated by the controller module to vertically extend or retract the front wheels. The controller module can be configured to extend the front height support until the front wheels contact the destination surface. 
     In some examples, when the destination surface is at a lower level than the initial surface, the method for self-elevating platform control can include extending the extensible support beams in the back direction to position the back wheels over the destination surface, retracting the main lift, and extending the back height support until the back wheels contact the destination surface. In these examples, the method can also include shifting the main body in the backward direction on the extensible support beams, extending the main lift until the main wheels contact the destination surface after the system has been moved in the backward direction until the main wheels are positioned above the destination surface, retracting the back height support, and retracting the extensible support beams. 
     The extensible support beams, in some examples, can include a first set of extensible support beams that are connected to the front height support and slidably connected to the main body, e.g. using linear guides, to permit lateral motion in the forward and backward directions and vertical support. A first actuator can be coupled between the front height support and the main body and configured to apply force in the forward and backward directions. A second set of extensible support beams can be connected to the second height support and slidably coupled to the main body, e.g. using linear guides, to permit lateral motion in the forward and backward directions and vertical support. A second actuator can be connected between the back height support and the main body and configured to apply force in the forward and backward lateral directions. 
     In various examples, the load platform can be a cargo box, a platform, a person carrier or a cargo box have a side that can be lowered to facilitate removal of items. 
     In many examples, the main lift can include a power actuator capable of lifting and lowering the weight of the system and the front and back height supports are configured to simply maintain height support of the weight of the system. 
     Certain examples of the disclosed technology can be configured to climb or descend intermediate steps between an initial surface and a destination surface. In some of these examples, a vertical stabilizer can be attached to the main lift and configured to be actuated to vertically extend and retract a first set of the main wheels to stabilize the main lift on two different surfaces at different levels. 
     In some of these examples, relating to climbing upward when the system is positioned on an initial surface with at least first, second and third step surfaces, where the first step surface is higher than the initial surface, the second step surface is higher than the first step surface, and the third step surface is higher than the second step surface, the method for self-elevating platform control can include shifting the main body in the forward direction on the extensible support beams until the first set of main wheels are above the first step surface and a second set of main wheels are above the initial surface, extending the main lift until the first set of main wheels contacts the first step surface, adjusting the vertical stabilizer until the second set of main wheels contacts the initial surface, extending the main lift to raise the main body up from the first step surface. 
     These examples can also include shifting the main body in the forward direction on the extensible support beams until the first set of main wheels are above the first step surface and the second set of main wheels are above the second step surface and extending the main lift until the first set of main wheels contacts the second step surface. If the second set of mains wheels is not in contact with the first step surface, these examples can also include adjusting the vertical stabilizer until the second set of main wheels contacts the first step surface, extending the main lift to raise the main body up from the second step surface, retracting the extensible support beams to move the second height support in the forward direction until the second height support is adjacent to the main lift and above the first step surface, and extending the second height support until the second wheels contact the first step surface. 
     In further examples, the method for self-elevating platform control can include extending the front height support until the front wheels make surface contact and determining whether the contacted surface is the third step surface. If the third step surface is determined to be the contacted surface, then these further examples can include retracting the main lift, retracting the vertical stabilizer to retract the second set of main wheels, shifting the main body in the forward direction on the extensible support beams until the first and second sets of main wheels are above the third step surface, extending the main lift to raise the main body up from the third step surface, retracting the front height support to an inactive position, retracting the back height support to an inactive position, and retracting the extensible support beams to move the back height support in the forward direction until the back height support is adjacent to the main lift. 
     In particular examples, the system can include sensors configured to sense surfaces proximate to the system, and determining whether the contacted surface is the third step surface involves using sensor data from the sensors to determine whether the contacted surface is the third step surface. 
     In other examples, relating to descending when the system is positioned on the initial surface, the first step surface is lower than the initial surface, the second step surface is lower than the first step surface, and the third step surface is lower than the second step surface, the method for self-elevating platform control can include retracting the main lift to lower the main body towards the initial surface, extending the front height support until the front wheels contact the initial surface, extending the extensible support beams with the back height support, extending the back height support until the back wheels contact the second step surface, shifting the main body in the backward direction on the extensible support beams until the first set of main wheels are above the first step surface and the second set of main wheels are above the second step surface. 
     These example can also include a first retracting of the vertical stabilizer, extending the main lift until the first set of main wheels contacts the first step surface, adjusting the vertical stabilizer until the second set of main wheels contact the second step surface, retracting the extensible support beams with the front height support until the front height support is adjacent to the main lift, retracting the front height support, retracting the back height support, retracting the main lift, extending the front height support until the first wheels contact the first step surface, extending the extensible support beams with the back height support, extending the back height support until the back wheels contact the third step surface, shifting the main body in the backward direction on the extensible support beams until the first set of main wheels are above the second step surface and the second set of main wheels are above the third step surface, a second retracting of the vertical stabilizer, and extending the main lift until the first set of main wheels contacts the second step surface. 
     In certain ones of these examples, when the third step surface may be the destination surface, the method for self-elevating platform control can include determining whether the third step surface is the destination surface and, if the third step surface is determined to be the destination surface, then extending the main lift to contact the third step surface, retracting the back height support, retracting the front height support, and retracting the extensible support beams to move the front height support in the forward direction until the front height support is adjacent to the main lift. 
     In other examples relating to descending multiple steps when the system is positioned on the initial surface, the first step surface is lower than the initial surface, the second step surface is lower than the first step surface, and the third step surface is lower than the second step surface, the method for self-elevating platform control can include retracting the main lift until the front wheels of the front height support contact the initial surface, extending the extensible support beams with the back height support, and extending the back height support until the back wheels contact the second step surface. 
     These examples can also include shifting the main body in the backward direction on the extensible support beams until the first set of main wheels are above the first step surface and the second set of main wheels are above the second step surface, a first retracting of the vertical stabilizer, extending the main lift until the first set of main wheels contacts the first step surface, adjusting the vertical stabilizer until the second set of main wheels contact the second step surface, retracting the extensible support beams with the front height support until the front height support is adjacent to the main lift, retracting the back height support to an inactive position, and retracting the main lift until the front wheels of the front height support contact the second step surface. 
     These examples can further include extending the extensible support beams with the back height support, extending the back height support until the back wheels contact the third step surface, shifting the main body in the backward direction on the extensible support beams until the first set of main wheels are above the second step surface and the second set of main wheels are above the third step surface, a second retracting of the vertical stabilizer, extending the main lift until the first set of main wheels contacts the second step surface, adjusting the vertical stabilizer until the second set of main wheels contact the third step surface, extending the extensible support beams with the back height support, shifting the main body in the backward direction on the extensible support beams until the first and second sets of main wheels are above the third step surface, a third retracting of the vertical stabilizer, extending the main lift until the first and second sets of main wheels contact the third step surface, and retracting the extensible support beams with the front height support until the first height support is adjacent to the main lift. 
     In another example of a self-elevating platform cart for traversing a barrier in accordance with the disclosed technology, the method for self-elevating platform control, when an initial surface is on one side of a raised or recessed barrier and a destination surface is on another side of the barrier, involves extending the extensible support beams in the forward direction to position the front wheels over the destination surface, extending the front height support until the front wheels contact the initial surface, extending the back height support until the back wheels contact the initial surface, retracting the main lift, shifting the main body in the forward direction on the extensible support beams, extending the main lift after the system has been moved in the forward direction until the main wheels are positioned above the destination surface, retracting the back height support, retracting the extensible support beams with the back height support until the back height support is adjacent to the main lift, and retracting the front height support. 
     In still another example of a self-elevating platform cart for transporting a load onto a raised platform in accordance with the disclosed technology, the cart has a fixed support beam connected to the main body and configured to support a weight of the system. A front height support with front wheels is connected to a first end of the fixed support beam. A combined vertical height of the fixed support beam, the main lift and the first height support is constructed to be greater than an anticipated height of a top surface of the raised platform and a combined vertical length of the front wheels and the front height support is selected such that the main lift can retract the main wheels to at least the anticipated height of the top surface of the raised platform. A back height support with back wheels is also attached to a second end of the fixed support beam. The second height support is constructed to support the system at a height such that the main lift can retract the main wheels to at least the anticipated height of the top surface of the raised platform. 
     In these examples of a self-elevating platform cart for transporting a load onto a raised platform, when an initial surface is adjacent to a raised platform and a destination surface is a top surface of the raised platform the method for self-elevating platform control, when the first wheels of the first height support contact the destination surface, retracting the main lift and, when the main wheels are positioned over the destination surface, extending the main lift. 
     In certain ones of these examples of a self-elevating platform cart for transporting a load onto a raised platform, the main lift is constructed to extend to lift the front and back wheels above the initial surface and the method for self-elevating platform control can further involve extending the main lift to lift the front and back wheels above the initial surface and retract the main lift until the front wheels contact the destination surface and the back wheels contact the initial surface. 
     It should be appreciated that the above-described subject matter may also be implemented as a computer-controlled apparatus, a computer process, a computing system, or as an article of manufacture such as a computer-readable medium. These and various other features will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description and a review of the associated drawings. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. 
     This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended that this Summary be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same reference numbers in different figures indicate similar or identical items. 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of a side view of a self-elevating platform cart for moving a payload from a first level to a second level; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of an end view of the example of a self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is an architecture diagram showing an illustrative example of a controller module for a self-elevating platform cart; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of an extensible support beam with proximity sensors in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of wheel assembly with a driver motor and brake in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2D  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of a top view of an extensible support structure with actuators in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of a payload platform in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2F  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of a side view of a cargo box in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2G  is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the cargo box of  FIG. 2F  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2H  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of a side view of a person transport in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 2I  is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the passenger transport of  FIG. 2H  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of an operational step of an illustrative example a self-elevating platform cart in ascending to a higher level in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic diagram showing yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3F  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 3G  is a schematic diagram showing still more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of an operational step of an illustrative example a self-elevating platform cart in descending to a lower level in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4C  is a schematic diagram showing yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4F  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4G  is a schematic diagram showing a further operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4H  is a schematic diagram showing a yet further operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 4I  is a schematic diagram showing a yet still further operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 5A  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process for a self-elevating platform cart ascending to a higher level in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 5B  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process for a self-elevating platform cart descending to a lower level in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 5C  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for extension of a support of a self-elevating platform cart ascending to a higher level in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 5D  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for control of cart movement in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 5E  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for control of main lift extension in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 5F  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for extension of a support of a self-elevating platform cart descending to a lower level in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of another illustrative example a self-elevating platform cart configured to climb multiple steps in ascending to a higher level in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram showing an operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6F  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6G  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6H  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6I  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6J  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6K  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6L  is a schematic diagram showing still more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6M  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6N  is a schematic diagram showing more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6O  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6P  is a schematic diagram showing more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6Q  is a schematic diagram showing more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 6R  is a schematic diagram showing the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 6A  after having completed ascending multiple steps to higher level in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of another illustrative example a self-elevating platform cart configured to traverse multiple steps in descending to a lower level in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7C  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7F  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7G  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7H  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7I  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7J  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7K  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7L  is a schematic diagram showing still more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7M  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7N  is a schematic diagram showing more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7O  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7P  is a schematic diagram showing more operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 7Q  is a schematic diagram showing the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 7A  positioned on a lower target surface in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 8A  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process for a self-elevating platform cart ascending multiple steps to a higher level in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 8B  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process for a self-elevating platform cart descending multiple steps to a lower level in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 8C  control flow diagram showing additional operations of the illustrative example of a control process of  FIG. 8B  in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of another illustrative example a self-elevating platform cart configured to traverse a raised or recessed barrier in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic diagram showing an operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9C  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9F  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9G  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9H  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 9I  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 10  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process for a self-elevating platform cart traversing a raised or recessed barrier in accordance with the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of another illustrative example a self-elevating platform cart configured to load into a vehicle platform in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic diagram showing an operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 11A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 11C  is a schematic diagram showing another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 11A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 11D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 11A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 11E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 11A  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology; 
         FIG. 12  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process for a self-elevating platform cart to load onto a vehicle platform in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 13  is a computer architecture diagram illustrating an illustrative computer hardware and software architecture for a computing system capable of implementing aspects of the techniques and technologies presented herein; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a distributed computing environment capable of implementing aspects of the techniques and technologies presented herein; and 
         FIG. 15  is a computer architecture diagram illustrating a computing device architecture for a computing device capable of implementing aspects of the techniques and technologies presented herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed technology generally involves a self-elevating platform that can semi-autonomously or autonomously move a load, such as equipment on a platform, groceries in a cargo box, or a person in a personal carrier, between two surfaces separated by a horizontal distance, such as between a ground surface and a stair landing, a vehicle, or loading dock or from one side of a barrier to the other side. In one example, a main lift mechanism can be utilized to power lift or lower the load. Extensible support beams provide stability support for traversing between levels or surfaces. Supports attached to one or both extensible support beams can adjust to a height of a surface and provide support. 
     In general terms, the disclosed technology provides a system and method for moving loads between two surfaces. In one example, a load platform is attached to a main body of a cart that can carry a load, such as cargo, equipment or a person. The main body is supported by a main lift that can lift or lower the main body and the load platform. 
     A pair of extensible support beams are attached to the main body that can be extended laterally from the cart. Each of the extensible support beams has a support and the combination of the extensible support beams and supports can support the weight of the cart. At least one of the supports can be extended and retracted to contact a surface, such as a ground level surface or landing surface. 
     To raise a load from a lower surface to a higher surface, one of the extensible support beams is extended and its attached support extended to contact the higher surface. The support of the other extensible support is extended to contact the lower surface. In another example, the attached support can be a fixed support and the main lift can be lowered to bring the attached support into contact with the higher surface. 
     The main lift is retracted and, using coordinated actuation of the extensible support beams, the main body, main lift and load platform are moved towards the support in contact with the higher surface. 
     At this point, the cart can be moved forward on wheels attached to the supports to a position where the main lift is above the landing surface. The main left can be extended to lift the main body, main lift and load platform to a normal height for transportation. The support in contact with the lower surface can be retracted and its extensible support retracted. The cart can then be moved forward. 
     Descending from the higher level surface to the lower level surface can be performed by inverting the operations described above. 
     Note that the main lift can have wheels attached to move the cart in some examples. In certain examples, the supports and extensible support beams can be configured and controlled to maintain the supports in a recessed position with respect to the main body. 
     Alternatively, in some examples, the cart can be moved on the wheels of the supports. In particular examples, the wheels of the main lift or supports can include motors that can be actuated to autonomously move the cart. The wheels can also include brake mechanisms to prevent the wheels from moving during certain operations of the cart. 
     In some examples, the cart can be configured to traverse a raised barrier, such as a speed bump, or a recessed barrier, such as a gully or ditch, where the cart can move the load from the surface on one side of the barrier to the surface on another side of the barrier. In these examples, the main lift with the cart body and payload is raised and moved over the barrier, such as a speed bump, gutter, or vehicle bumper. 
     In certain examples, a cart in accordance with the disclosed technology can be configured to climb an indefinite number of multiple steps to traverse from one surface to another. In these examples, a vertical stabilizer is disposed within the main lift that can stabilize the main lift in a position straddling two of the multiple surfaces, e.g. two adjacent steps. 
     One technical advantage of certain aspects of the self-elevating platform of the disclosed technology is that the platform can be implemented with using a single power lift disposed as the main lift. The supports need not be configured to lift the weight of the cart because they only need to support the weight of the cart when it is ascending or descending. 
     Another technical advantage is the flexibility of the load platform structure. In one example, the load platform can be a simple planar surface, such as for equipment or other carts. In another example, the load platform can be a cargo box, such as a box for groceries, with sides that can be dropped to facilitate for loading and unloading the contents of the cargo box. In still another example, the load platform can be a carrier configured to carry a person, such as a hospital bed type configuration or wheel chair type configuration. 
     Still another technical advantage is that the disclosed technology can facilitate movement of a person between surfaces where no facility for disability access is provided. 
     Other technical effects other than those mentioned herein can also be realized from implementation of the technologies disclosed herein. 
     As will be described in more detail herein, it can be appreciated that implementations of the techniques and technologies described herein may include the use of solid state circuits, digital logic circuits, computer components, and/or software executing on one or more input devices. Signals described herein may include analog and/or digital signals for communicating a changed state of the data file or other information pertaining to the data file. 
     While the subject matter described herein is presented in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with the execution of an operating system and application programs on a computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that other implementations may be performed in combination with other types of program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the subject matter described herein may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including multiprocessor systems, mainframe computers, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, hand-held devices, and the like. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific configurations or examples. Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, aspects of a device, system, and computer-implemented methodologies relating to a self-elevating platform will be described. As will be described in more detail below with respect to the figures, there are a number of applications and services that may embody the functionality and techniques described herein. 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of an illustrative example of a self-elevating platform cart or cart  100  for moving a payload from a first level to a second level. The system  100  includes a payload platform  110  for supporting a load that is attached to a main body  120 , which can be a frame, chassis or similar structure that provides structural integrity for the system  100 . 
     Extensible support beams  130  are attached to main body  120  and supports  160  and  170  are attached to the extensible support beams  130 . Extensible support beams  130  can be actuated to extend supports  160  and  170  in opposing lateral directions from the main body  120 . Extensible support beams  130  and supports  160  and  170  are configured to support a weight of system  100  during operation. In some examples, supports  160  and  170  include wheels  162  and  172  accordingly. In other examples, wheels  162  and  172  may be replaced with fixed supports. 
     Main lift  140  is attached to main body  120  and can be configured for lift power sufficient to raise and lower the weight of the system  100 . Main lift  140  can include wheels  142  that allow the system  100  to move in order to transport the load. 
     Controller  180  is a computerized control system configured to actuate extensible support beams  130 , main lift  140  and supports  160  and  170 . In some examples, controller  180  may be capable of actuating some or all of the wheels  142 ,  162  and  172 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram showing an end view of an illustrative example of the self-elevating platform cart  100  of  FIG. 1A . In the perspective of  FIG. 1B , support  160  is visible, but support  170  is not visible owing to being positioned on an opposite side of system  100 . Note that in this example, support  160  includes wheels  162 A and  162 B and main lift  140  includes wheels  142 A and  142 C that are visible from the perspective shown. Also note that extensible support beams  130  can be extended and support  160  extended such that wheels  162 A and  162 B contact a surface, such as a walkway, floor or landing. 
     Note that the schema illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  can be varied in accordance with the disclosed technology. For example, main body  120 , extensible support beams  130  and supports  160  and  170  can be configured such that main body  120  may not be visible in the perspectives shown. In other examples, system  100  can be configured such that supports  160  and  170  can be retracted into recesses formed within the configuration of system  100  when not in operation. 
       FIG. 2A  is an architecture diagram showing an illustrative example of a controller module  180  for a self-elevating platform cart. In this example, controller module includes an onboard computer  200  connected to local network or bus  202  through which it can interface with other components of the module. 
     Onboard computer  200  communicates with user interface  204  to display information, such as operational status or battery power level, to a user and receive commands, such as an ascend command to initiate a process for ascending levels or a descend command to initiate a process for descending levels. Onboard computer  200  communicates with transceiver  206  to send and receive data via a network, for example. 
     In this example, onboard computer  200  interfaces with active elements in self-elevating system  100  to move the system between surfaces. Motor control  208 A can, in certain examples, control motors in wheels  142 ,  162  or  172  to move the system  100 . Note that motor control  208 A may monitor current drawn in certain motors to detect surface contact. Actuator outputs  208 B control actuators that, in this example, extend and retract extensible support beams  130 , supports  160  and  170 , or height supports. 
     Onboard computer  200  interfaces with positions sensors  210  to determine positions of some components of system  100 . For example, position sensor inputs  210 A may receive signals indicating a position of extensible support beams  130 , main lift  140 , or supports  160  and  170  that can be utilized in control processes for traversing between two surfaces. Position sensor inputs  210 A may also receive signals from one or more level detectors to detect a horizontal level of system  100  to detect leveling problems or instability or adjust a level of the system. 
     Pressure sensor inputs  210 B can interface with pressure sensors mounted, for example, in wheels  142 ,  162  or  172  to determine when the wheels have contacted a surface. Current or voltage sensor inputs  210 C can receive voltage and current measurements from components of system  100 , such as a power motor in main lift  140 , which can, in some examples, be utilized to detect surface contact. 
     Onboard computer  200  can interface with proximity sensors  212  to determine relative positions of surfaces or objects. For example, laser sensor  212 A can utilize lasers positioned on components of system  100 , such as extensible support beams  130 , to detect proximity to a surface and distance to the surface. Similarly, in some examples, radar sensor  212 B may utilize radar signals to detect proximity and distance of components of system  100  and surfaces. In certain examples, camera  212 C can be utilized to detect and measure distance to surfaces and objects through optical recognition. In some examples, optical sensor  212 D can utilize other optical signals to detect proximity and distance. 
       FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of an extensible support beam  222  with proximity sensors  224  and  226  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology. In this example, proximity sensors  224  and  226  are attached to distal ends of extensible support beam  222 , such as a beam in extensible support beams  130 , and configured to detect the proximity to surfaces of the distal ends of beam  222 . For example, when an actuator extends beam  222 , proximity sensor  224  may detect a landing surface and determine a distance to the surface for use in a control process for system  100 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative example of wheel assemblies  142 ,  162 , or  172  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology that include a strut  230  that attaches the wheel assembly to main lift  140 , support  160 , or support  170 , respectively. A motor  232  can be activated to drive axle  234  of wheel  236 . A brake mechanism  238  can be included to apply braking force to wheel  236  to prevent rotational movement of the wheel. 
       FIG. 2D  is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an illustrative example of an extensible support structure  240  with actuators  250  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology. In this example, components of extensible support beams  130  are attached to frame components for main body  110  and supports  160  and  170 . 
     In this example, sliding beams  246  are components of extensible support beams  130 . Each of support beams  246  is attached to a side frame  244 , such as through a linear guide, to permit the beams  246  to be extended or retracted by an actuator  250 . 
     For example, beam  246 A is attached to support  160  via mounting  252 A and beam  246 C is attached to support  160  via mounting  252 D. Beam  246 A is engaged with side frame  244 A via linear guide  252 E and beam  246 C is engaged with side frame  244 B via linear guide  252 F. Actuator  250 A is attached to height support  160  via mounting  252 B and is attached to end frame  242 B via mounting  252 H. In this configuration, actuator  250 A can be actuated to horizontally extend or retract the position of support  160  under control of controller module  180 . 
     Similarly, beam  246 B is attached to support  170  via mounting  252 G and beam  246 D is attached to support  170  via mounting  252 K. Beam  246 B is engaged with side frame  244 B via a linear guide and beam  246 D is engaged with side frame  244 B via a linear guide, where the linear guides are obscured in this perspective of the example. Actuator  250 B is attached to height support  170  via mounting  252 I and is attached to end frame  242 A via mounting  252 C. In this configuration, actuator  250 B can be actuated to horizontally extend or retract the position of support  170  under control of controller module  180 . 
     Examples of suitable linear guides can include ball bearing carriages and linear guide rails and linear motion slide rails and similar devices well known to those of ordinary skill in the art who will appreciate that a variety of devices can be adapted to use in the disclosed technology. For example, accordion style folding beams can be utilized in place of the linear guides in certain alternative examples. 
       FIGS. 2E-I  illustrate a variety of examples structures that can be employed as the payload platform  110  for system  100  in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology.  FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram showing a substantially planar payload platform  260  that may permit objects, such as equipment, boxes or pallets, to be placed on platform  260  for transport. 
       FIG. 2F  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a cargo box  262  with a front side  264  that can be dropped to facilitate loading or unloading of the box.  FIG. 2G  shows a top view of the cargo box  100  of  FIG. 2F  with a side  266  that can also be dropped to facilitate loading or unloading of the box. 
       FIG. 2H  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a passenger transport  270  that can carry a passenger. In this example, passenger transport includes back rest  272  and foot rest  274 , which can be configured to be adjustable to allow passenger entry and exit, e.g. foot rest  274  lowered to accommodate the passenger.  FIG. 2I  is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the passenger transport of  FIG. 2H  that illustrates side rails  276 A and  276 B that can be dropped to facilitate loading or unloading a passenger, such as a patient or someone requiring assistance to get in or out of their bed. 
     A variety of loading platforms  110  can be readily utilized with the disclosed technology to adapt the system to specific applications. 
       FIGS. 3A-G  illustrate an example of operational steps involved in ascending from an initial surface to a destination surface in an example of a self-elevating platform cart  300  in accordance with the disclosed technology. In this example, the destination surface is at a higher level than the initial surface. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-G , the initial surface is a walkway or floor and the destination surface is a top surface of landing  404 . 
     Note that the system  300  is shown at an initial height, which could be a predetermined height relating to a height suitable for movement of the system during transportation or a height suitable for a general user or a specific user. In this example,  FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of an operational step  310  wherein support  160  is extended such that wheel  162 A makes contact with the initial surface. 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of an operational step  312  wherein extensible support beams  130  extend support  170  such that wheel  172 A makes contact with the destination surface, which is a top surface of a stair landing  304  in the illustrated example. Note that an additional operation to extend support  170  to contact the destination surface may be performed if the initial height of the system results in wheel  172 A not contacting the landing surface when extensible support  130  is extended. Alternatively, main lift  140  can be retracted to bring support  170  into contact with the destination surface in which case height support  170  can be a fixed position support member. Similarly, support  170  may be retracted and/or main lift  140  extended to provide additional space for wheel  172 A to contact the destination surface. 
       FIG. 3C  is a schematic diagram showing yet another operational step  314  of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  to retract main lift  140 . Note that extensible support beams  130  and supports  160  and  170  can support the weight of the system  300  when main lift  140  is retracted. Also note that, in this example, main lift  140  is retracted to an extent such that wheels  142 A and  142 B are at a height corresponding to the destination surface. Also note that additional operations may be performed to apply braking force to wheels  162  and  172  to maintain a position of system  300 . 
       FIG. 3D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step  316  of the self-elevating platform cart  300  of  FIG. 3A  to shift main body  120  along with load platform  110  and main lift  140  in a direction towards support  170 . Operation  316  can, in one example, be performed through coordinated activation of actuators in extensible support beams  130 . For example, based on the structure  240  shown in  FIG. 2D , actuator  250 A can be controlled to apply force to support  160  to extend beams  246 A and  246 C while actuator  250 B is controlled to apply force to support  170  to retract beams  246 B and  246 D. 
       FIG. 3E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step  318  of the self-elevating platform cart of  FIG. 3A  wherein the system  300  is moved in the direction of support  170  such that wheels  142  of main lift  140  contact the destination surface. Note that in some examples, braking force applied to wheels  162  and  172  is released to permit movement  318 . Also note that, in particular examples, motors, such as motor  232  in  FIG. 2C , in one or more of wheels  162  and  172  can be actuated to move system  300  forward. In more simplified examples, a user can push system  300  forward. 
       FIG. 3F  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step  320  of the self-elevating platform cart  300  of  FIG. 3A  wherein main lift  140  is extended to raise system  300 , such as to its initial height. Note that, in some examples, a braking force may be applied to wheels  142  to maintain a position of system  300  on the destination surface. Further note that many of the illustrated operations can be performed in an altered order in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
     Also note that, in some examples, main lift  140  may be the only power lifting device of system  300 . In these examples, supports  160  and  170  may be simplified because they are not required to raise the weight of system  300 , which may result in lower overall cost and complexity for system  300 . Simpler implementations for supports  160  and  170  may also provide for additional stability and levelness as well as reduced processing for synchronization because they are not lifting devices. 
       FIG. 3G  is a schematic diagram showing still more operational steps  322  and  324  of the self-elevating platform cart  300  of  FIG. 3A . At  322 , extensible support beams  130  are retracted and, at  324 , support  160  is retracted. At this point, system  300  can be moved on the higher landing surface. 
       FIGS. 4A-I  are schematic diagrams showing an example of operational steps involved in descending from an initial surface, i.e. a higher level surface, which is a top surface of landing  404  in this example, to a destination surface, which is a lower level surface, such as a walkway or floor in this example, in an example of a self-elevating platform cart  400  in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
       FIG. 4A  shows operational step  410  wherein support  160  is lowered in preparation for contact with the destination surface.  FIG. 4B  shows operational step  412  wherein extensible support beams  130  are extended such that support  160  is positioned above the destination surface.  FIG. 4C  shows operational step  414  wherein main lift  140  is retracted to lower system  400  such that wheels  162  of height support  160  contact the destination surface and the wheels  172  of height support  170  contact the initial surface. 
     In the example shown, height supports  160  and  170  are aligned such that they each make contact with their respective surfaces at the same time. In other examples, the main lift can be retracted to lower system  400  until wheels  172  contact the initial surface and then height support  160  can be extended until wheels  162  contact the step surface. Other variations of these operations are also possible without departing from the disclosed technology. 
       FIG. 4D  shows operational step  416  wherein extensible support beams  130  are actuated to shift main body  120  along with load platform  110  and main lift  140  in a direction towards support  170 .  FIG. 4E  is a schematic diagram showing still yet another operational step  418  of moving self-elevating platform cart  400  in a direction towards support  170  such that wheels  142  of main lift  140  are positioned above the destination surface.  FIG. 4F  shows operational step  420  wherein main lift  140  is extended such that wheels  142  contact the destination surface. 
       FIG. 4G  is a schematic diagram showing a further operational step  422  wherein extensible support  130  is retracted along with support  170 .  FIG. 4H  is a schematic diagram showing a yet further operational step  424  of the self-elevating platform cart to retract support  160 .  FIG. 4I  is a schematic diagram showing an alternative operational step of the self-elevating platform cart wherein support  170  is extended to make contact with the destination surface. The choice of whether supports  160  and  170  are retracted or extended during movement of system  400  for transportation is a matter of design choice and both are consistent with the disclosed technology. 
     Note that in some simplified examples of a self-elevating platform cart according to the disclosed technology, one of the supports  160  or  170  can be replaced with a fixed support with an attached wheel  162  or  172 , respectively. In some examples where the system is designed for movement to a predetermined height, the length of the fixed support can be selected to accommodate the predetermined height. In other examples, main lift  140  can be controlled to bring the wheel attached to the fixed support into contact with a destination or initial surface, depending on whether the system is ascending or descending from the initial surface to the destination surface. The elimination of one of the supports may lower the cost and complexity of the system in these examples. 
       FIG. 5A  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process  500  for a self-elevating platform cart, e.g. a cart, ascending from an initial surface to a destination surface, where the destination surface is at a higher level than the initial surface, such as ascending from a walkway or floor to a stair landing. 
     At  502 , an extensible support, e.g. extensible support  130 , is extended with a front height support, e.g. support  160 , such that the support is positioned above the destination surface with a wheel in contact with the destination surface. Note that, as discussed above, the support may be extended or retracted in order to accommodate the destination surface and place a wheel on the support in contact with the destination surface. 
     Also note, as discussed above, that main lift  140  may also be utilized to control the relative position of the support to accommodate the destination surface. Further note that a braking force may be applied to the wheels of the support in some examples. 
     Note that contact with a surface can be detected in a number of ways, such as through a pressure sensor in a wheel of the support, a current sensor measuring current drawn by an actuator for the support, a proximity sensor mounted on the support, an acoustic or sonar sensor, or an optical sensor. It will be appreciated that a variety of approaches are suitable for detecting contact with a surface that can be utilized in the disclosed technology. 
     At  504 , a rear height support, e.g. support  170 , is extended such that a wheel attached to the rear height support contacts the initial surface. The front and rear height supports are positioned, at this point, to support the weight of the self-elevating platform cart. 
     At  506 , the main lift, e.g. main lift  140 , is retracted sufficiently to accommodate the destination surface, e.g. such that wheels on the main lift are at the same level as the destination surface or higher than the destination surface. At  508 , the main body, e.g. main body  120 , of the cart along with the load platform, e.g. platform  110 , and the main lift is moved forward toward the front height support. 
     At  510 , the cart is moved forward in the direction of the front height support so that the wheels on the main lift are in contact with the destination surface or above the destination surface. If the wheels on the main lift are above the destination surface, then the main lift may be lowered so the wheels of the main lift contact the destination surface. Note that the cart can be moved using one or more motors to drive at least some of the wheels of the supports. 
     At  512 , the main lift is extended to lift the cart to its initial height. Note that a braking force can be applied to one or more of the wheels of the main lift to prevent the cart from rolling. At  514 , the rear height support is retracted. At  516 , the extensible support with the rear height support is retracted. At this point, the cart can be moved on the destination surface. 
       FIG. 5B  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process  520  for a self-elevating platform cart, e.g. a cart, descending from an initial surface to a destination surface, where the destination surface is at a lower level than the initial surface, such as descending from a stair landing to a walkway or floor. 
     At  522 , an extensible support, e.g. extensible support  130 , is extended with a front height support, e.g. support  160 , such that the support is positioned above the destination surface. At  524 , a main lift of the cart is retracted to lower the cart, e.g. until wheels  172  contact the initial surface. In some examples, a rear height support, e.g. support  170 , can be extended until wheels  172  contact the initial surface. At  525 , the front height support is extended until a wheel on the support contacts the destination surface. 
     At this point, the front and rear height supports are in position to support the weight of the cart. Note that a braking force can be applied to one or more wheels of the supports to prevent the cart from rolling. Also note that, in some examples, the rear height support may be replaced with a fixed support and the main lift lowers until a wheel of the fixed support contacts the initial surface. 
     At  528 , the main body along with load platform  110  and main lift  140  are moved forward toward the front height support, which can be performed through coordinated actuation of the extensible support beams. 
     At  530 , the cart is moved forward to a position where wheels on the main lift are above the destination surface. At  532 , the main lift is extended until the wheels on the main lift contact the destination surface. At  534 , the extensible support with the rear height support is retracted. At  536 , the front height support can be retracted. At this point, the cart is ready to be moved on the destination surface. 
       FIG. 5C  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example for a process for step  502  of  FIG. 5A  for extension of a support of a self-elevating platform cart ascending to a destination surface where a sensor is utilized to detect the destination surface in accordance with the disclosed technology. For example, this process may be employed with the example of  FIG. 2B  where a proximity sensor  224  or  226  is attached to a distal end of extensible support beam  222  and used to detect a surface. 
     At  550 , in this example, extension of an extensible support with the front height support is started. At  552 , scanning is performed, such as using a proximity sensor, laser detector or optical detector, to detect the destination surface, e.g. a stair landing. Scanning continues until, at  554 , the destination surface is detected and control branches to  556  to halt extension of the extensible support. 
     At  560 , extension of the front height support is started. At  562 , sensors, such as a pressure sensor or actuator current sensor, are monitored to detect contact of the front height support wheels with the destination surface. When contact is detected at  564 , control branches to  566  to halt extension of the front height support. At this point, the wheels of the front height support are in contact with the destination surface. 
       FIG. 5D  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for step  510  of  FIG. 5A  for control of cart movement in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with the disclosed technology. At  560 , wheels on one or more of the main lift, the front height support or the rear height support are activated to drive the wheels and move the cart forward. 
     At  562 , sensors can scan for a position of the cart. For example, position encoders can detect a position of the cart or a distance that the cart has moved. In another example, proximity or optical sensors can scan for an object that the cart is moving towards. In still another example, user input can be monitored for a control command from a user to stop movement of the cart. 
     At  564 , when an end position is reached, such as travelling a predetermined distance, detecting an object in front of the cart or receiving a stop command, control branches to  566  to deactuate the wheels to stop movement. Brakes on the wheels can also be applied to help stop movement and maintain position of the cart. 
       FIG. 5E  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for the step  532  of  FIG. 5B  for control of main lift extension in a self-elevating platform cart in accordance with the disclosed technology. At  570 , extension of the main lift is started. 
     At  572 , sensor, such as pressure sensors or motor current sensors, are monitored to detect contact with a destination surface. When contact is detected at  574 , control branches to  576  to halt extension of the main lift. 
       FIG. 5F  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a process for step  522  of  FIG. 5B  for extension of a support of a self-elevating platform cart descending to a destination surface where a sensor is utilized to detect the destination surface in accordance with the disclosed technology. For example, this process may be employed with the example of  FIG. 2B  where a proximity sensor  224  or  226  is attached to a distal end of extensible support beam  222  and used to detect a surface. 
     At  580 , extension of an extensible support with the front height support is started. At  582 , scanning is performed, such as using a proximity sensor, laser detector or optical detector, to detect the destination surface, e.g. a stair landing. Scanning continues until, at  584 , the destination surface is detected and control branches to  586  to halt extension of the extensible support. 
     Note that in the case of descending, detection of the destination surface can be complicated if there are multiple intervening surfaces, e.g. step treads, that are lower than the initial surface, but above the destination surface. In one example, an extensible support with a sensor at its distal end can be extended and the distance of extension measured until a surface with sufficient area for the cart to land is detected. If an operational limit of the extensible support is reached within detecting a surface with sufficient area, the descending operation can be terminated. 
     At  588 , extension of the front height support is started. At  590 , sensors, such as a pressure sensor or actuator current sensor, are monitored to detect contact of the front height support wheels with the destination surface. When contact is detected at  592 , control branches to  594  to halt extension of the front height support. At this point, the wheels of the front height support are in contact with the destination surface. 
       FIGS. 6A-R  are schematic diagrams showing a side view of another example a self-elevating platform cart  600 , such as a cart, configured to climb multiple steps in ascending to a higher level in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology. Cart  600  is similar to previous examples  300  and  400 , but includes a vertical stabilizer  644  in main lift  640 . Vertical stabilizer  644  can be extended and retracted to stabilize the main lift  640  and cart  600  on intermediate steps of a stairway, for example, or to account for height differences between the levels of the front  642 A and rear  642 B wheels of the main lift  640 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows an operational step  6 B- 1  wherein extensible support beams  630  extend support  670  such that wheel  672 A makes contact with the destination surface, which is a top surface of a stair tread  604  in the illustrated example.  FIG. 6B  also shows an operational step  6 B- 2  wherein support  660  is extended such that wheel  662 A makes contact with an initial surface. 
       FIG. 6C  is a schematic diagram showing yet another operational step  6 C- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  to retract main lift  640 . Note that operations may be performed to apply braking force to wheels  662  and  672  to maintain a position of system  600  during this operation. 
       FIG. 6D  is a schematic diagram showing still another operational step  6 D- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  to shift main body  620  along with load platform  610  and main lift  640  in a direction towards support  670 . Additional sensors may be utilized to detect intermediate steps  602  and  604  in order to position a front wheel  642 A on step  602  and rear wheel  642 B over the initial surface. 
     Note that wheel  642 A of main lift  640  is in contact with a top surface of intermediate step  602 . As discussed above with regard to other examples, main lift  640  can be controlled to make contact with a surface. 
       FIG. 6D  also shows operational step  6 D- 2  wherein vertical stabilizer  644  is actuated to extend towards the initial surface until rear wheel  642 B makes contact with the initial surface. Note that both  642 A and  642 B represent multiple wheels that can be provided for stability of main lift  640 . 
       FIG. 6E  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 E- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein extensible support  630  is retracted to bring rear height support  660  toward main lift  640 . 
       FIG. 6F  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 F- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein main lift  640  is extended to raise system  600  to place it at a height for taking a next step. Note that main lift  640  is securely supported on two different levels, e.g. the initial surface and the tread for step  602 , through the contact of wheel  642 A with the intermediate surface and the extension of wheel  642 B by vertical stabilizer  644  to contact the initial surface. 
       FIG. 6G  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 G- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein rear height support  660  is further extended to place wheel  662 A in contact with the initial surface. 
       FIG. 6H  is a schematic diagram showing operational steps  6 H- 1  and  6 H- 2  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A . At  6 H- 1 , extensible beam  630  is extended to position front height support  670  over a next surface, e.g. the top surface of landing  606 . At  6 H- 2 , front height support is extended until wheel  672 A makes contact with the next surface. At this point, rear height support  660  and front height support  670  can support the weight of cart  600 . In certain examples, main lift  640  can be lowered to bring support  670  into contact with the destination surface and step  6 H- 2  may be eliminated. 
       FIG. 6I  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 I- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein main lift  640  is retracted, as shown in  FIG. 6J . 
       FIG. 6J  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 J- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein the main body  620  along with the load platform  610  and main lift  640  are moved forward towards the front height support  670  through coordinated action of extensible support beams  630  such that wheel  642 A contacts the tread surface of step  604  and wheel  642 B contacts the tread surface of step  602 , as shown in  FIG. 6K . Note that if the steps are not uniform in height, vertical stabilizer  644  may retract or extend to place wheel  652  in contact with the surface of step  602 . 
       FIG. 6K  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 K- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein rear height support  660  is retracted, as shown in  FIG. 6L . 
       FIG. 6L  is a schematic diagram showing operational steps  6 L- 1  and  6 L- 2  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A . At  6 L- 1 , extensible support  630  retracts rear height support  660  and, at  6 L- 2 , extends front height support  670  in preparation for ascending to the surface of landing  606 , i.e. the destination surface, as shown in  FIG. 6M . 
       FIG. 6M  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 M- 1  and of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein main lift  640  is extended, as shown in  FIG. 6N . 
       FIG. 6N  is a schematic diagram showing operational steps  6 N- 1  and  6 N- 2  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A . At  6 N- 1 , rear height support  660  is extended until wheel  662 A contacts the tread surface of step  602 , as shown in  FIG. 6O . At  6 N- 2 , front height support  670  is extended until wheel  672 A contacts the top surface of landing  606 , as shown in  FIG. 6O . 
       FIG. 6O  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 O- 1  and of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein main lift  640  is retracted, as shown in  FIG. 6P . 
       FIG. 6P  is a schematic diagram showing operational steps  6 P- 1  and  6 P- 2  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A . At  6 P- 1 , vertical stabilizer  644  retracts wheel  642 B so that wheels  642 A and  642 B are at the same level. At  6 P- 2 , main body  620  along with the load platform  610  and main lift  640  are moved forward towards the front height support  670  such that wheels  642 A and  652 B contact the surface of landing  606 , as shown in  FIG. 6Q . 
       FIG. 6Q  is a schematic diagram showing operational steps  6 Q- 1 ,  6 Q- 2  and  6 Q- 3  of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A . At  6 Q- 1 , rear height support  660  is retracted. At  6 Q- 2 , extensible support  630  retracts with rear height support  660 . At  6 Q- 3 , front height support  670  retracts. 
       FIG. 6R  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  6 R- 1  and of the self-elevating platform cart  600  of  FIG. 6A  wherein main lift  640  is extended to the initial height of system  600 . At this point, system  600  is ready for movement at the level of the surface of landing  606 . 
     The steps of  FIGS. 6A-R  can essentially be inverted in order to descend multiple steps as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-P .  FIGS. 7A-P  are schematic diagrams showing a side view of another example a self-elevating platform cart  700 , such as a cart, configured to descend multiple steps in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology. Cart  700  is similar to previous example  600  wherein vertical stabilizer  744  can be extended and retracted to stabilize the main lift  740  and cart  700  on intermediate steps of a stairway, for example. 
       FIG. 7A  shows an operational step  7 A- 1  wherein main lift  740  is retracted to lower cart  700  toward the initial surface, e.g. a top surface of landing  706 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows operational steps  7 B- 1 ,  7 B- 2 ,  7 B- 3  and  7 B- 4 . At  7 B- 1 , extensible support beams  730  extend support  760  such that wheel  762 A is position over step  702 . At  7 B- 2 , support  770  is extended until wheel  772 A contacts the initial surface, e.g. the surface of landing  706 . At  7 B- 3 , support  760  is extended until wheel  772 A makes contact with the surface of step  702 , e.g. the tread of stair step  702 . At  7 B- 4 , extensible support beams  730  are actuated to shift main body  720  with load platform  710  and main lift  740  towards support  760  to position wheel  742 B above step  702  and wheel  742 A above step  704 . 
       FIG. 7C  shows operational steps  7 C- 1  and  7 C- 2 . At  7 C- 1 , main lift  740  is extended until wheel  742 A contacts the surface of step  704 . At  7 C- 2 , vertical stabilizer  744  extends wheel  742 B until the wheel contacts the surface of step  702 . 
       FIG. 7D  shows operational step  7 D- 1  wherein extensible support beams  730  retract to move support  770  towards main lift  740 . 
       FIG. 7E  shows operational steps  7 E- 1 ,  7 E- 2  and  7 E- 3 . At  7 E- 1 , support  760  is retracted and, at  7 E- 2 , support  770  is retracted. At  7 E- 3 , main lift  740  retracts to lower cart  700 . Note that supports  760  and  770  can retract either before the main lift retracts or simultaneously. 
       FIG. 7F  shows operational step  7 F- 1  wherein extensible support beams  730  extend to position height support  760  above the destination surface with sufficient horizontal spacing from step  702  to accommodate main lift  740 . In certain examples, the spacing can be a width of steps  702  and  704  and horizontal movement of the height support  760  by extensible support beams  730  can be iterated. 
       FIG. 7G  shows operational step  7 G- 1  wherein height support  760  is extended until wheel  762 A contacts the destination surface. At this point, height supports  760  and  770  can support the weight of cart  700 . 
       FIG. 7H  shows operational step  7 H- 1  wherein extensible support beams  730  are actuated to shift main body  720  with load platform  710  and main lift  740  towards height support  760  to position wheel  742 B over the destination surface and wheel  742 A over the surface of step  702 . 
       FIG. 7I  shows operational step  7 I- 1  wherein main lift  740  is extended until wheel  742 A contacts the surface of step  702  and the wheel  742 B contacts the destination service. Vertical stabilizer  744  may extend or retract wheel  742 B in order to accommodate differences in the step height between steps  702  and  704 . 
       FIG. 7J  shows operational step  7 J- 1  wherein extensible support beams  730  retract to move height support  770  towards main lift  740  and wheel  772 A is positioned above the surface of step  704 . 
       FIG. 7K  shows operational step  7 K- 1  wherein height support  770  extends until wheel  772 A contacts the surface of step  704 . 
       FIG. 7L  shows operational step  7 L- 1  wherein extensible support beams  730  extend to move height support  760  over the destination surface to a distance far enough that main lift  740  can fit between height support  760  and step  702 . 
       FIG. 7M  shows operational step  7 M- 1  wherein extensible support beams  730  actuate to shift main body with load platform  710  and main lift  740  towards height support  760  until wheel  742 A is positioned above the destination surface. 
       FIG. 7N  shows operational step  7 N- 1  wherein vertical stabilizer  744  retracts wheel  742 B so that wheels  742 A and  742 B are at the same level. 
       FIG. 7O  shows operational step  7 O- 1  wherein main lift  740  extends until wheels  742 A and  742 B contact the destination surface. 
       FIG. 7P  shows operational steps  7 P- 1 ,  7 P- 2  and  7 P- 3 . At  7 P- 1 , extensible support beams  730  retract to move height support  770  towards main lift  740 . At  7 P- 2 , height support  760  is retracted. At  7 P- 3 , height support  770  is retracted. At this point, cart  700  is ready to be moved on the destination surface as illustrated in  FIG. 7Q . 
       FIG. 8A  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process  800  for a self-elevating platform cart, e.g. system  600  of  FIG. 6A , ascending multiple steps to a higher level in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
     At  804 , an extensible support, e.g. extensible support  630 , with a front height support, e.g. height support  670 , is extended forward to position the front height support above a second surface, e.g. step  604 , above the initial surface. 
     Note that, in some examples, system  600  may utilize a sensor to detect the second surface and a first surface intermediate to the first and second surface. In other examples, system  600  may be configured to extend the extensible support beams based on predetermined dimensions for the surfaces, e.g. standard sized stairs. 
     At  806 , the front height support, e.g. height support  670 , can be extended to contact the second surface. In some examples where a fixed front height support is utilized for height support  670 , step  806  can be eliminated or replaced by partial retraction of the main lift to bring the front height support into contact with the second surface. At  807 , a rear height support, such as rear height support  660 , is extended to contact an initial surface, such as a walkway or floor surface. 
     At this point, the front and rear height supports can support the weight of the self-elevating platform cart and, at  808 , a main lift, e.g. main lift  640 , is retracted. At  809 , in this example, a vertical stabilizer, e.g. vertical stabilizer  644 , may be retracted to bring main lift wheels, e.g. wheels  642 A and  642 B, on the main lift to a shared planar level. 
     At  810 , a main body, e.g. main body  620 , is moved forward on the extensible support beams along with the main lift and a load platform, e.g. load platform  610 . Also note that, in some of these examples, the main lift may be sized such that it spans two adjacent steps. 
     At  812 , the main lift is extended to contact a surface intermediate to the first and second surfaces, e.g. step  602 , such as with a wheel attached to the main lift, e.g. wheel  642 A. At this point, in some examples, a determination can be made, at  820 , as to whether there are more levels to climb. 
     For example, if wheel  642 A contacts a surface and wheel  642 B does not contact a surface while not extended by vertical stabilizer  644  or does contact a surface while extended, then this state can indicate that more steps remain to be climbed. In other examples, sensors, such as proximity or optical sensors, can be utilized to identify the presences of surfaces for use in determining whether more levels remain. If more levels remain, control branches to  814 . 
     However, if both wheel  642 A and wheel  642 B contact a surface, then this state can indicate that the destination surface has been reached. In other examples, one or more sensors can be utilized to make a determination that the destination surface has been reached. If no more levels remain, then control branches to  822 . 
     At  814 , on a first pass through the control loop of process  800 , a vertical stabilizer, e.g. vertical stabilizer  644 , in the main lift is extended to contact a surface, e.g. vertical stabilizer  644  is extended until wheel  642 B contacts the initial surface. On subsequent passes through process  800 , the vertical stabilizer may retract or extend to adjust to variations in surfaces or to level the cart system. 
     At this point, the main lift is in stable contact with the first and second surfaces and, at  816 , the main lift is extended to raise the main body. At  818 , the extensible support is actuated to retract the rear height support towards the main lift. It some examples, the rear height support can be retracted from the surface it was in contact with. Control then branches to  804  to climb to the next level. 
     If the destination surface has been reached, at  820 , then, at  824 , the main lift is extended to raise the main body. At  826 , the front height support is retracted and, at  828 , the rear height support is retracted. In certain examples where the front height support is a fixed length component, step  826  can be omitted. At this point, the self-elevating platform cart is ready for movement on the destination surface. 
     As noted above, some of the steps of process  800  can include applying braking force to wheels of the self-elevating platform cart to prevent rolling while climbing. Also, some examples can utilize one or more of a variety of sensors to make determinations and adjust position and movement during some of the steps of process  800 . In some simpler examples, the system may be configured to ascend standardized stairs and the process  800  may utilize expected standard measurements to control position and movement of components during some steps. A variety of approaches can be taken that are consistent with the disclosed technology. 
       FIG. 8B  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process  830  for a self-elevating platform cart, such as system  700  in  FIG. 7A , descending multiple steps to a lower level in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
     At  832 , a main lift, e.g. main lift  740 , is retracted to lower a main body, e.g. main body  720 . At  834 , a front height support, e.g. height support  770 , is extended to make contact with an initial surface, e.g. a top surface of landing  706 . As noted above with respect to step  806 , in examples wherein the front height support is a fixed length component, this step can be performed by retracting the main lift  740  to contact the top surface of landing with wheels  772  of front height support  770 . 
     At  836 , an extensible support, e.g. extensible support  730 , is extended with a rear height support, e.g. height support  760 , to position a wheel of the rear height support, e.g. wheel  762 A, above a first surface, e.g. a top surface of step  702 , that is two levels below the initial surface. At  838 , the rear height support is extended until its wheel contacts the first surface. 
     Note that the references to front and rear height supports of system  700  as used here are utilized to be consistent with the components of system  600 . This approach is utilized because the rear height support, e.g. height support  660  and  760 , may be configured to have a greater range of motion than the front height support, e.g. height support  670  and  770 , which may lower cost and complexity in some examples. In this example, the system  600  can be viewed as moving backwards while descending. In other examples, system  600  can include additional or different height supports to provide for different motion orientations while descending. 
     At  840 , the main body is moved forward on the extensible support beams toward the rear height support. At  841 , a vertical stabilizer, e.g. vertical stabilizer  744 , may be retracted to bring main lift wheels, e.g. wheels  742 A and  742 B, on a main lift, e.g. main lift  740 , to a shared planar level. At  842 , the main lift is extended to contact an intermediate surface, e.g. wheel  742 A contacts a top surface of step  704 . At this point, in some examples, a determination can be made, at  850 , as to whether there are more levels to descend. 
     For example, if wheel  742 A contacts a surface and wheel  742 B does not contact a surface, then this state can indicate that more steps remain to be climbed. In other examples, sensors, such as proximity or optical sensors, can be utilized to identify the presences of surfaces for use in determining whether more levels remain. If more levels remain, control branches to  844 . 
     However, if both wheel  742 A and wheel  742 B contact a surface, then this state can indicate that the destination surface has been reached. In other examples, one or more sensors can be utilized to make a determination that the destination surface has been reached. If no more levels remain, then control branches to  852 . 
     At  844 , on a first pass through the control loop of process  830 , the vertical stabilizer, e.g. vertical stabilizer  744 , in the main lift is extended to contact the first surface, e.g. vertical stabilizer  744  is extended until wheel  742 B contacts the first surface. 
     At this point, the main lift is in stable contact with the first and second surfaces. At  846 , the extensible support is actuated to retract the front height support towards the main lift. In some examples, at  870 , the front height support can be retracted and, at  872 , the rear height support can be retracted. As noted above, in examples wherein the front height support is a fixed length component, step  870  can be omitted. Control continues to  832  to retract the main lift to descend to the next level. 
     If the destination surface has been reached, at  850 , then control branches to  860  in  FIG. 8C . At  860 , the main lift is extended to make contact with the destination surface. At  862 , the rear height support is retracted and, at  864 , the front height support is retracted. At  868 , the extensible support beams are retracted towards the main lift. At this point, the self-elevating platform cart is ready for movement on the destination surface. 
       FIGS. 9A-I  are schematic diagrams showing a side view of another example of a self-elevating platform cart  900  configured to traverse a raised  902 A or recessed  902 B obstacle. The example  900  is similar to the examples illustrated above. However, in this example, the initial surface is on one side of the obstacle  902  and the destination surface is at approximately the same level, but on the other side of obstacle  902 . Examples of obstacles can include speed bumps, curbs, gutters or ditches. 
       FIG. 9A  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of self-elevating platform cart  900  configured to traverse a barrier  902  in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosed technology. System  900  stands on an initial surface on one side of barrier  902 . 
       FIG. 9B  is a schematic diagram showing an operational step  9 B-lof the self-elevating platform cart  900  wherein extensible height support  930  is extended so that wheel  972 A of front height support  970  is positioned above the destination surface on the other side of barrier  902  from the initial surface. 
       FIG. 9C  is a schematic diagram showing other operational steps of the self-elevating platform cart  900 . At  9 C- 1 , rear height support  960  is extended until wheel  962 A contacts the initial surface. At  9 C- 2 , height support  970  is extended until wheel  972 A contacts the destination surface. 
     At this point, supports  960  and  970  can support the weight of system  900 .  FIG. 9D  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  9 D- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  900  wherein main lift  940  is retracted. 
       FIG. 9E  is a schematic diagram showing step  9 E- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  900  moving forward in the direction of height support  970  such that a distance between barrier  902  and height support  970  can accommodate main lift  940 . In some examples, the motion of step  9 E- 1  can be performed by actuating motors on one or more of wheels  962  and  972 . In simplified examples, system  900  can be moved manually. 
       FIG. 9F  is a schematic diagram showing still operational step  9 F- 9  of the self-elevating platform cart  900  wherein extensible support  930  is actuated to shift main body  920  along with load platform  910  and main lift  940  toward height support  970  and clear of barrier  902 . 
       FIG. 9G  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  9 G- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  900  wherein main lift  940  is extended until wheels  942  contact the destination surface. 
       FIG. 9H  is a schematic diagram showing operational steps  9 H- 1  and  9 H- 2  of the self-elevating platform cart  900 . At  9 H- 1 , height support  960  is retracted and, at  9 H- 2 , height support  970  is retracted.  FIG. 9I  is a schematic diagram showing operational step  9 I- 1  of the self-elevating platform cart  900 , wherein extensible support  930  is retracted. At this point, system  900  is ready for movement on the destination surface side of barrier  902 . 
       FIG. 10  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process  1000  for self-elevating platform cart  900  to traverse barrier  902  in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
     At  1002 , a rear height support, e.g. height support  960 , is extended to contact the initial surface. At  1004 , an extensible support, e.g. extensible support  930 , is extended with a front height support, e.g. height support  970 . At  1006 , the front height support is extended until contact is made with a destination surface, e.g. height support  970  is extended until wheel  972  contacts the destination surface. 
     At  1008 , the main lift is retracted to a height sufficient to clear barrier  902 . At  1010 , extensible support beams are actuated to move the system forward, e.g. extensible support beams are actuated to shift main body  920  forward along with load platform  910  and main lift  940 . 
     At  1012 , the cart  900  is moved forward to clear the barrier, e.g. movement  9 E- 1  in the direction of height support  970  such that a distance between barrier  902  and height support  970  can accommodate main lift  940 . In some examples, the movement operation at  1012  can be performed by actuating motors on one or more of wheels, e.g. wheels  962  and  972 . 
     At  1014 , the main lift is extended to contact the destination surface, e.g. main lift  940  is extended until wheels  942  contact the destination surface. At  1016 , the rear height support is retracted. At  1018 , the extensible support is retracted with the rear height support. At  1020 , the front height support is retracted. At this point, system  900  is ready for movement on the destination surface. 
       FIGS. 11A-E  are schematic diagrams showing a side view of another example a self-elevating platform cart  1100 , such as a cart, configured to climb onto a vehicle platform  1102 , such as a vehicle trunk or truck bed, in accordance with certain examples of the disclosed technology. Cart  1100  is similar to the previous examples, but is simplified such that support beam  1130  is not an extensible support to which are attached height supports  1160  and  1170 . 
     Height supports  1160  and  1170  are also fixed devices that do not extend or contract in this example. The dimensions of supports  1160  and  1170  are selected to accommodate the height of the vehicle platform  1102  and permit main lift  1140  to retract sufficiently to clear a top surface of platform  1102 . In other words, a length of front height support  1170  is selected in order to clear the top surface or vehicle platform  1102  when main lift  1140  is extended and rear height support  160  and front height support  170  can support the cart  1100  at a height that permits main lift  1140  to clear the top surface of platform  1102  when retracted. 
     In some examples, such as when vehicle platform  1102  is a vehicle trunk, the length of front height support  1170  and the operational range of main lift  1140  can be selected to allow the main lift  1140  to be extended to a level that allows front height support  1170  to clear a barrier, such as a back bumper of a car. Main lift  1140  can then retract to bring wheel  1172 A of front height support  1170  into contact with the top surface, e.g. destination surface, of platform  1102 , and bring wheel  1162 A of rear height support  1160  into contact with an initial surface, e.g. a ground surface next to the vehicle. 
       FIG. 11A  shows an operational step  11 A- 1  wherein cart  1100  is moved forward to position front height support  1170  over the top surface of platform  1102 . As noted above, in some examples, main lift  1140  may be extended before moving cart  1100  forward to provide for front height support  1170  and wheel  1172 A to clear a bumper or other barrier. The movement of operational step  11 A- 1  can be performed by actuating motors or other drivers on one or more of wheels  1142  or  1162 . 
     At this point, front height support  1170  with wheel  1172  is in contact with the destination surface of platform  1102  and wheel  1162  of rear height support  1160  is in contact with the initial surface. Height supports  1160  and  1170  can now bear the weight of cart  1100 . 
       FIG. 11B  shows operational step  11 B- 1 , wherein main lift  1140  is retracted to provide for main wheels  1142  to be level with the top surface of platform  1102  and front height support wheel  1172 , as can be seen in  FIG. 11C . At this point, cart  1100  can be moved forward over the destination surface, e.g. the top surface of platform  1102 , as illustrated by operation  11 C- 1  in  FIG. 11C . Operation  11 C- 1  can be performed by actuating motors or drivers in one or more of wheels  1162  or  1172 . 
     Once the main wheels  1142  are in contact with the destination surface, as illustrated in  FIG. 11D , then the main lift  1140  can be extended at operation  11 D- 1 . Once main lift  1140  is extended such that wheel  1162  of rear height support  1160  can clear the platform  1102  or an additional barrier associated with platform  1102 , cart  1100  can be moved forward, e.g. farther into a trunk, back hatch or truck bed, at operation  11 E- 1 . 
       FIG. 12  is a control flow diagram showing an illustrative example of a control process  1200  for self-elevating platform cart  1100  to load onto a vehicle platform  1102  in accordance with the disclosed technology. 
     At  1202 , cart  1100  is moved forward to bring wheel  1172  into contact with the destination surface, e.g. the top surface of vehicle platform  1102 . As noted above, this operation can be performed by actuating motors or other drivers in one or more of wheels  1142  or  1162 . 
     At  1204 , main lift  1140  is retracted so that it can clear the destination surface, e.g. the top surface of vehicle platform  1102 . At this point, the main wheels  1142  are at a shared level with wheels  172  of front height support  1170 . At  1206 , cart  1100  is moved forward to bring main wheels  142  into contact with the destination surface. In some examples, operation  1206  can be performed by actuating motors or drivers in one or more of wheels  1142 ,  1162  and  1172 . 
     At this point, main wheels  1142  are in contact with the destination surface. At  1210 , the main lift is extended to raise cart  1100  along with rear height support  1160 . At  1212 , the cart can be moved forward on the destination surface. 
     Note that the example of  FIGS. 11A-E  and  12  represents a simplified system having no horizontal extensibility capability in support beam  1130  and no vertical extensibility in height supports  1160  and  1170 . Other examples can include a support beam having horizontal extensibility in a single direction relative to the main body  1120 . Certain examples can provide for vertical extensibility in one of the height supports. It will be readily appreciated that variations from the examples illustrated can be implemented that remain within the scope of the disclosed technology. 
     It will be readily appreciated that the disclosed technology enables complex and sophisticated self-elevating platform control to be configured and implemented. Many variations can be implemented that differ from the examples illustrated or go beyond the examples illustrated. 
     It should be appreciated that the utilization of self-elevating platform control with permissions control rules defined for a domain can provide a high degree of flexibility, complexity and variation in the configuration of implementations without departing from the teaching of the disclosed technology. 
     Computer Architectures for Control of Self-Elevating Carts 
     Note that at least parts of the processes of  FIGS. 5A-F ,  8 A-C and  10  may be implemented in one or more servers, such as computer environment  1200  in  FIG. 12 , or the cloud, and data defining the results of user control input signals translated or interpreted as discussed herein may be communicated to a user device for display. In still other examples, some operations may be implemented in one set of computing resources, such as servers, and other steps may be implemented in other computing resources, such as a client device. 
     It should be understood that the methods described herein can be ended at any time and need not be performed in their entireties. Some or all operations of the methods described herein, and/or substantially equivalent operations, can be performed by execution of computer-readable instructions included on a computer-storage media, as defined below. The term “computer-readable instructions,” and variants thereof, as used in the description and claims, is used expansively herein to include routines, applications, application modules, program modules, programs, components, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Computer-readable instructions can be implemented on various system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based, programmable consumer electronics, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     Thus, it should be appreciated that the logical operations described herein are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance and other requirements of the computing system. Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to variously as states, operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. These operations, structural devices, acts, and modules may be implemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof. 
     As described herein, in conjunction with the FIGURES described herein, the operations of the routines (e.g. the processes of  FIGS. 5A-F ,  8 A-C and  10 ) are described herein as being implemented, at least in part, by an application, component, and/or circuit. Although the following illustration refers to the components of the processes of  FIGS. 5A-F ,  8 A-C and  10 , it can be appreciated that the operations of the routines may be also implemented in many other ways. For example, the routines may be implemented, at least in part, by a computer processor or a processor or processors of another computer. In addition, one or more of the operations of the routines may alternatively or additionally be implemented, at least in part, by a computer working alone or in conjunction with other software modules. 
     For example, the operations of routines are described herein as being implemented, at least in part, by an application, component and/or circuit, which are generically referred to herein as modules. In some configurations, the modules can be a dynamically linked library (DLL), a statically linked library, functionality produced by an application programing interface (API), a compiled program, an interpreted program, a script or any other executable set of instructions. Data and/or modules, such as the data and modules disclosed herein, can be stored in a data structure in one or more memory components. Data can be retrieved from the data structure by addressing links or references to the data structure. 
     Although the following illustration refers to the components of the FIGURES discussed above, it can be appreciated that the operations of the control processes of  FIGS. 5A-F ,  8 A-C and  10  may be also implemented in many other ways. For example, the routines may be implemented, at least in part, by a processor of another remote computer or a local computer or circuit. In addition, one or more of the operations of the routines may alternatively or additionally be implemented, at least in part, by a chipset working alone or in conjunction with other software modules. Any service, circuit or application suitable for providing the techniques disclosed herein can be used in operations described herein. 
       FIG. 13  shows additional details of an example computer architecture  1300  for a computer, such as onboard computer  200  and related components in  FIG. 2A , capable of executing the control processes described herein. Thus, the computer architecture  1300  illustrated in  FIG. 13  illustrates an architecture for a server computer, mobile phone, a PDA, a smart phone, a desktop computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, an on-board computer, a game console, and/or a laptop computer. The computer architecture  1300  may be utilized to execute any aspects of the software components presented herein. 
     The computer architecture  1300  illustrated in  FIG. 13  includes a central processing unit  1302  (“CPU”), a system memory  1304 , including a random access memory  1306  (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”)  1308 , and a system bus  1310  that couples the memory  1304  to the CPU  1302 . A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between sub-elements within the computer architecture  1300 , such as during startup, is stored in the ROM  1308 . The computer architecture  1300  further includes a mass storage device  1312  for storing an operating system  1307 , data (such as a operational and sensor data), and one or more application programs. 
     The mass storage device  1312  is connected to the CPU  1302  through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the bus  1310 . The mass storage device  1312  and its associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for the computer architecture  1300 . Although the description of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a solid-state drive, a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable media can be any available computer storage media or communication media that can be accessed by the computer architecture  1300 . 
     Communication media includes computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics changed or set in a manner so as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     By way of example, and not limitation, computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. For example, computer media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), HD-DVD, BLU-RAY, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer architecture  1300 . For purposes the claims, the phrase “computer storage medium,” “computer-readable storage medium” and variations thereof, does not include waves, signals, and/or other transitory and/or intangible communication media, per se. 
     According to various configurations, the computer architecture  1300  may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote computers through the network  1301  and/or another network (not shown). The computer architecture  1300  may connect to the network  1301  through a network interface unit  1314  connected to the bus  1310 . It should be appreciated that the network interface unit  1314  also may be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computer systems. The computer architecture  1300  also may include an input/output controller  1316  for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, mouse, game controller, television remote or electronic stylus (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). Similarly, the input/output controller  1316  may provide output to a display screen, a printer, or other type of output device (also not shown in  FIG. 13 ). 
     It should be appreciated that the software components described herein may, when loaded into the CPU  1302  and executed, transform the CPU  1302  and the overall computer architecture  1300  from a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computing system customized to facilitate the functionality presented herein. The CPU  1302  may be constructed from any number of transistors or other discrete circuit elements, which may individually or collectively assume any number of states. More specifically, the CPU  1302  may operate as a finite-state machine, in response to executable instructions contained within the software modules disclosed herein. These computer-executable instructions may transform the CPU  1302  by specifying how the CPU  1302  transitions between states, thereby transforming the transistors or other discrete hardware elements constituting the CPU  1302 . 
     Encoding the software modules presented herein also may transform the physical structure of the computer-readable media presented herein. The specific transformation of physical structure may depend on various factors, in different implementations of this description. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to, the technology used to implement the computer-readable media, whether the computer-readable media is characterized as primary or secondary storage, and the like. For example, if the computer-readable media is implemented as semiconductor-based memory, the software disclosed herein may be encoded on the computer-readable media by transforming the physical state of the semiconductor memory. For example, the software may transform the state of transistors, capacitors, or other discrete circuit elements constituting the semiconductor memory. The software also may transform the physical state of such components in order to store data thereupon. 
     As another example, the computer-readable media disclosed herein may be implemented using magnetic or optical technology. In such implementations, the software presented herein may transform the physical state of magnetic or optical media, when the software is encoded therein. These transformations may include altering the magnetic characteristics of particular locations within given magnetic media. These transformations also may include altering the physical features or characteristics of particular locations within given optical media, to change the optical characteristics of those locations. Other transformations of physical media are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present description, with the foregoing examples provided only to facilitate this discussion. 
     In light of the above, it should be appreciated that many types of physical transformations take place in the computer architecture  1300  in order to store and execute the software components presented herein. It also should be appreciated that the computer architecture  1300  may include other types of computing devices, including hand-held computers, embedded computer systems, personal digital assistants, and other types of computing devices known to those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that the computer architecture  1300  may not include all of the components shown in  FIG. 13 , may include other components that are not explicitly shown in  FIG. 13 , or may utilize an architecture completely different than that shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts an illustrative distributed computing environment  1400  capable of executing the software components described herein for self-elevating platform control. Thus, the distributed computing environment  1400  illustrated in  FIG. 14  can be utilized to execute many aspects of the software components presented herein. For example, the distributed computing environment  1400  can be utilized to execute one or more aspects of the software components described herein, such as optical recognition. Also, the distributed computing environment  1400  may implement components of the control processes discussed above. 
     According to various implementations, the distributed computing environment  1400  includes a computing environment  1402  operating on, in communication with, or as part of the network  1404 . The network  1404  may be or may include the network  1456 , described above. The network  1404  also can include various access networks. One or more client devices  1406 A- 1406 N (hereinafter referred to collectively and/or generically as “clients  1406 ”) can communicate with the computing environment  1402  via the network  1404  and/or other connections (not illustrated in  FIG. 14 ). In one illustrated configuration, the clients  1406  include a computing device  1406 A, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or other computing device; a slate or tablet computing device (“tablet computing device”)  1406 B; a mobile computing device  1406 C such as a mobile telephone, a smart phone, an on-board computer, or other mobile computing device; a server computer  1406 D; and/or other devices  1406 N, which can include a hardware security module. It should be understood that any number of devices  1406  can communicate with the computing environment  1402 . Two example computing architectures for the devices  1406  are illustrated and described herein with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . It should be understood that the illustrated devices  1406  and computing architectures illustrated and described herein are illustrative only and should not be construed as being limited in any way. 
     In the illustrated configuration, the computing environment  1402  includes application servers  1408 , data storage  1410 , and one or more network interfaces  1412 . According to various implementations, the functionality of the application servers  1408  can be provided by one or more server computers that are executing as part of, or in communication with, the network  1404 . The application servers  1408  can host various services, virtual machines, portals, and/or other resources. In the illustrated configuration, the application servers  1408  host one or more virtual machines  1414  for hosting applications or other functionality. According to various implementations, the virtual machines  1414  host one or more applications and/or software modules for control of a self-elevating platform cart. It should be understood that this configuration is illustrative only and should not be construed as being limiting in any way. 
     According to various implementations, the application servers  1408  also include one or more notification services  1420  and one or more position services  1422 . The notification services  1420  can include services for managing and maintaining a self-elevating platform cart, such as self-elevating systems  100 ,  300 ,  400 ,  600 ,  700  and  900  described above. The display services  1424  can include services for providing status information to a user via a user interface. The sensor services  1426  can include services for monitoring, processing and communicating sensor data for use in the control processes described above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the application servers  1408  also can host other services, applications, portals, and/or other resources. The other resources can include, but are not limited to, data encryption, data sharing, or any other functionality. 
     As mentioned above, the computing environment  1402  can include data storage  1410 . According to various implementations, the functionality of the data storage  1410  is provided by one or more databases or data stores operating on, or in communication with, the network  1404 . The functionality of the data storage  1410  also can be provided by one or more server computers configured to host data for the computing environment  1402 . The data storage  1410  can include, host, or provide one or more real or virtual data stores  1426 A- 1426 N (hereinafter referred to collectively and/or generically as “datastores  1426 ”). The datastores  1426  are configured to host data used or created by the application servers  1408  and/or other data. Aspects of the datastores  1426  may be associated with services for a self-elevating platform control process. Although not illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the datastores  1426  also can host or store web page documents, word documents, presentation documents, data structures, algorithms for execution by a recommendation engine, and/or other data utilized by any application program or another module. 
     The computing environment  1402  can communicate with, or be accessed by, the network interfaces  1412 . The network interfaces  1412  can include various types of network hardware and software for supporting communications between two or more computing devices including, but not limited to, the clients  1406  and the application servers  1408 . It should be appreciated that the network interfaces  1412  also may be utilized to connect to other types of networks and/or computer systems. 
     It should be understood that the distributed computing environment  1400  described herein can provide any aspects of the software elements described herein with any number of virtual computing resources and/or other distributed computing functionality that can be configured to execute any aspects of the software components disclosed herein. According to various implementations of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, the distributed computing environment  1400  may provide the software functionality described herein as a service to the clients using devices  1406 . It should be understood that the devices  1406  can include real or virtual machines including, but not limited to, server computers, web servers, personal computers, mobile computing devices, smart phones, and/or other devices, which can include user input devices. As such, various configurations of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein enable any device configured to access the distributed computing environment  1400  to utilize the functionality described herein for supporting a self-elevating platform control process, among other aspects. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , an illustrative computing device architecture  1500  for a computing device that is capable of executing various software components is described herein for supporting a self-elevating platform control process. The computing device architecture  1500  is applicable to computing devices that can support a self-elevating platform control process. In some configurations, the computing devices include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones, on-board computers, tablet devices, slate devices, portable video game devices, traditional desktop computers, portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks, ultra-portables, and netbooks), server computers, game consoles, and other computer systems. The computing device architecture  1500  is applicable to supporting some of the control functions for the onboard computer  200  in  FIG. 2A . 
     The computing device architecture  1500  illustrated in  FIG. 15  includes a processor  1502 , memory components  1504 , network connectivity components  1506 , sensor components  1508 , input/output components  1510 , and power components  1512 . In the illustrated configuration, the processor  1502  is in communication with the memory components  1504 , the network connectivity components  1506 , the sensor components  1508 , the input/output (“I/O”) components  1510 , and the power components  1512 . Although no connections are shown between the individual components illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the components can interact to carry out device functions. In some configurations, the components are arranged so as to communicate via one or more busses (not shown). 
     The processor  1502  includes a central processing unit (“CPU”) configured to process data, execute computer-executable instructions of one or more application programs, and communicate with other components of the computing device architecture  1500  in order to perform various functionality described herein. The processor  1502  may be utilized to execute aspects of the software components presented herein and, particularly, those that utilize, at least in part, secure data. 
     In some configurations, the processor  1502  includes a graphics processing unit (“GPU”) configured to accelerate operations performed by the CPU, including, but not limited to, operations performed by executing secure computing applications, general-purpose scientific and/or engineering computing applications, as well as graphics-intensive computing applications such as high resolution video (e.g.,  620 P,  1080 P, and higher resolution), video games, three-dimensional (“3D”) modeling applications, and the like. In some configurations, the processor  1502  is configured to communicate with a discrete GPU (not shown). In any case, the CPU and GPU may be configured in accordance with a co-processing CPU/GPU computing model, wherein a sequential part of an application executes on the CPU and a computationally-intensive part is accelerated by the GPU. 
     In some configurations, the processor  1502  is, or is included in, a system-on-chip (“SoC”) along with one or more of the other components described herein below. For example, the SoC may include the processor  1502 , a GPU, one or more of the network connectivity components  1506 , and one or more of the sensor components  1508 . In some configurations, the processor  1502  is fabricated, in part, utilizing a package-on-package (“PoP”) integrated circuit packaging technique. The processor  1502  may be a single core or multi-core processor. 
     The processor  1502  may be created in accordance with an ARM architecture, available for license from ARM HOLDINGS of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Alternatively, the processor  1502  may be created in accordance with an x86 architecture, such as is available from INTEL CORPORATION of Mountain View, Calif. and others. In some configurations, the processor  1502  is a SNAPDRAGON SoC, available from QUALCOMM of San Diego, Calif., a TEGRA SoC, available from NVIDIA of Santa Clara, Calif., a HUMMINGBIRD SoC, available from SAMSUNG of Seoul, South Korea, an Open Multimedia Application Platform (“OMAP”) SoC, available from TEXAS INSTRUMENTS of Dallas, Tex., a customized version of any of the above SoCs, or a proprietary SoC. 
     The memory components  1504  include a random access memory (“RAM”)  1514 , a read-only memory (“ROM”)  1516 , an integrated storage memory (“integrated storage”)  1518 , and a removable storage memory (“removable storage”)  1520 . In some configurations, the RAM  1514  or a portion thereof, the ROM  1516  or a portion thereof, and/or some combination of the RAM  1514  and the ROM  1516  is integrated in the processor  1502 . In some configurations, the ROM  1516  is configured to store a firmware, an operating system or a portion thereof (e.g., operating system kernel), and/or a bootloader to load an operating system kernel from the integrated storage  1518  and/or the removable storage  1520 . 
     The integrated storage  1518  can include a solid-state memory, a hard disk, or a combination of solid-state memory and a hard disk. The integrated storage  1518  may be soldered or otherwise connected to a logic board upon which the processor  1502  and other components described herein also may be connected. As such, the integrated storage  1518  is integrated in the computing device. The integrated storage  1518  is configured to store an operating system or portions thereof, application programs, data, and other software components described herein. 
     The removable storage  1520  can include a solid-state memory, a hard disk, or a combination of solid-state memory and a hard disk. In some configurations, the removable storage  1520  is provided in lieu of the integrated storage  1518 . In other configurations, the removable storage  1520  is provided as additional optional storage. In some configurations, the removable storage  1520  is logically combined with the integrated storage  1518  such that the total available storage is made available as a total combined storage capacity. In some configurations, the total combined capacity of the integrated storage  1518  and the removable storage  1520  is shown to a user instead of separate storage capacities for the integrated storage  1518  and the removable storage  1520 . 
     The removable storage  1520  is configured to be inserted into a removable storage memory slot (not shown) or other mechanism by which the removable storage  1520  is inserted and secured to facilitate a connection over which the removable storage  1520  can communicate with other components of the computing device, such as the processor  1502 . The removable storage  1520  may be embodied in various memory card formats including, but not limited to, PC card, CompactFlash card, memory stick, secure digital (“SD”), miniSD, microSD, universal integrated circuit card (“UICC”) (e.g., a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) or universal SIM (“USIM”)), a proprietary format, or the like. 
     It can be understood that one or more of the memory components  1504  can store an operating system. According to various configurations, the operating system may include, but is not limited to, server operating systems such as various forms of UNIX certified by The Open Group and LINUX certified by the Free Software Foundation, or aspects of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) architectures, such as MICROSFT AZURE from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. or AWS from Amazon Corporation of Seattle, Wash. The operating system may also include WINDOWS MOBILE OS from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., WINDOWS PHONE OS from Microsoft Corporation, WINDOWS from Microsoft Corporation, MAC OS or IOS from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., and ANDROID OS from Google Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. Other operating systems are contemplated. 
     The network connectivity components  1506  include a wireless wide area network component (“WWAN component”)  1522 , a wireless local area network component (“WLAN component”)  1524 , and a wireless personal area network component (“WPAN component”)  1526 . The network connectivity components  1506  facilitate communications to and from the network  1556  or another network, which may be a WWAN, a WLAN, or a WPAN. Although only the network  1556  is illustrated, the network connectivity components  1506  may facilitate simultaneous communication with multiple networks, including the network  1556  of  FIG. 15 . For example, the network connectivity components  1506  may facilitate simultaneous communications with multiple networks via one or more of a WWAN, a WLAN, or a WPAN. 
     The network  1556  may be or may include a WWAN, such as a mobile telecommunications network utilizing one or more mobile telecommunications technologies to provide voice and/or data services to a computing device utilizing the computing device architecture  1500  via the WWAN component  1522 . The mobile telecommunications technologies can include, but are not limited to, Global System for Mobile communications (“GSM”), Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) ONE, CDMA7000, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (“WiMAX”). Moreover, the network  1556  may utilize various channel access methods (which may or may not be used by the aforementioned standards) including, but not limited to, Time Division Multiple Access (“TDMA”), Frequency Division Multiple Access (“FDMA”), CDMA, wideband CDMA (“W-CDMA”), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (“OFDM”), Space Division Multiple Access (“SDMA”), and the like. Data communications may be provided using General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”), Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (“EDGE”), the High-Speed Packet Access (“HSPA”) protocol family including High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (“HSDPA”), Enhanced Uplink (“EUL”) or otherwise termed High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (“HSUPA”), Evolved HSPA (“HSPA+”), LTE, and various other current and future wireless data access standards. The network  1556  may be configured to provide voice and/or data communications with any combination of the above technologies. The network  1556  may be configured to or be adapted to provide voice and/or data communications in accordance with future generation technologies. 
     In some configurations, the WWAN component  1522  is configured to provide dual-multi-mode connectivity to the network  1556 . For example, the WWAN component  1522  may be configured to provide connectivity to the network  1556 , wherein the network  1556  provides service via GSM and UMTS technologies, or via some other combination of technologies. Alternatively, multiple WWAN components  1522  may be utilized to perform such functionality, and/or provide additional functionality to support other non-compatible technologies (i.e., incapable of being supported by a single WWAN component). The WWAN component  1522  may facilitate similar connectivity to multiple networks (e.g., a UMTS network and an LTE network). 
     The network  1556  may be a WLAN operating in accordance with one or more Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (“IEEE”) 802.11 standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and/or future 802.11 standard (referred to herein collectively as WI-FI). Draft 802.11 standards are also contemplated. In some configurations, the WLAN is implemented utilizing one or more wireless WI-FI access points. In some configurations, one or more of the wireless WI-FI access points are another computing device with connectivity to a WWAN that are functioning as a WI-FI hotspot. The WLAN component  1524  is configured to connect to the network  1556  via the WI-FI access points. Such connections may be secured via various encryption technologies including, but not limited to, WI-FI Protected Access (“WPA”), WPA2, Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), and the like. 
     The network  1556  may be a WPAN operating in accordance with Infrared Data Association (“IrDA”), BLUETOOTH, wireless Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), Z-Wave, ZIGBEE, or some other short-range wireless technology. In some configurations, the WPAN component  1526  is configured to facilitate communications with other devices, such as peripherals, computers, or other computing devices via the WPAN. 
     The sensor components  1508  include a magnetometer  1528 , an ambient light sensor  1530 , a proximity sensor  1532 , an accelerometer  1534 , a gyroscope  1536 , and a Global Positioning System sensor (“GPS sensor”)  1538 . It is contemplated that other sensors, such as, but not limited to, temperature sensors or shock detection sensors, also may be incorporated in the computing device architecture  1500 . 
     The I/O components  1510  include a display  1540 , a touchscreen  1542 , a data I/O interface component (“data I/O”)  1544 , an audio I/O interface component (“audio I/O”)  1546 , a video I/O interface component (“video I/O”)  1548 , and a camera  1550 . In some configurations, the display  1540  and the touchscreen  1542  are combined. In some configurations two or more of the data I/O component  1544 , the audio I/O component  1546 , and the video I/O component  1548  are combined. The I/O components  1510  may include discrete processors configured to support the various interfaces described below or may include processing functionality built-in to the processor  1502 . 
     The illustrated power components  1512  include one or more batteries  1552 , which can be connected to a battery gauge  1554 . The batteries  1552  may be rechargeable or disposable. Rechargeable battery types include, but are not limited to, lithium polymer, lithium ion, nickel cadmium, and nickel metal hydride. Each of the batteries  1552  may be made of one or more cells. 
     The power components  1512  may also include a power connector, which may be combined with one or more of the aforementioned I/O components  1510 . The power components  1512  may interface with an external power system or charging equipment via an I/O component. 
     In closing, although the various configurations have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended representations is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed subject matter. 
     Although some of the subject matter presented herein has been described in language specific to computer structural features, methodological and transformative acts, specific computing machinery, and computer readable media, it is to be understood that the subject matter set forth in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features, acts, or media described herein. Rather, the specific features, acts and mediums are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed subject matter. 
     The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example configurations and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.