Abstract: A distance measuring system and method employing a laser distance sensor may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a laser distance sensor may acquire accurate distance measurements with a short baseline.

Abstract: A distance measuring system and method employing a laser distance sensor may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a laser distance sensor may acquire accurate distance measurements with a short baseline.

Abstract: A multi-function robotic device may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect, a multi-function robotic device may be selectively configurable to perform a desired function in accordance with the capabilities of a selectively removable functional cartridge operably coupled with a robot body. Localization and mapping techniques may employ partial maps associated with portions of an operating environment, data compression, or both.

Abstract: A multi-function robotic device may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect, a multi-function robotic device may be selectively configurable to perform a desired function in accordance with the capabilities of a selectively removable functional cartridge operably coupled with a robot body. Localization and mapping techniques may employ partial maps associated with portions of an operating environment, data compression, or both.

Abstract: A multi-function robotic device may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect, a multi-function robotic device may be selectively configurable to perform a desired function in accordance with the capabilities of a selectively removable functional cartridge operably coupled with a robot body. Localization and mapping techniques may employ partial maps associated with portions of an operating environment, data compression, or both.

Abstract: A scanner powered by the limited power available on a peripheral bus. In particular, the scanner can operate within the 2.2 watts provided over a USB connector. The scanner of the present invention uses a contact image sensor (CIS) which uses optics to distribute light from each light emitter to multiple pixel positions, preferably using a single LED for each color. An electric motor for driving the platen uses rare earth magnets to limit the power required. Instead of the traditional method of biasing the CIS scanner against the platen with a spring, the platen itself is spring-biased. The moveable spring biasing of a platen is possible because a worm drive motor is used allowing a helical thread on the worm drive to contact the platen gears as they move up and down as biased. Preferably, the helical thread of the worm gear has a single point of contact with a gear on the platen, further limiting the friction and allowing the platen to move up and down with respect to the stationary motor.