Abstract: A mobile human interface robot including a drive system having at least one drive wheel driven by a corresponding drive motor, a localization system in communication with the drive system, and a power source in communication with the drive system and the localization system. The robot further including a touch response input supported above the drive system. Activation of the touch response input modifies delivery of power to the drive system to reduce a drive load of the corresponding drive motor of the at least one drive wheel white allowing continued delivery of power to the localization system.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot including a drive system having at least one drive wheel driven by a corresponding drive motor, a localization system in communication with the drive system, and a power source in communication with the drive system and the localization system. The robot further including a touch response input supported above the drive system. Activation of the touch response input modifies delivery of power to the drive system to reduce a drive load of the corresponding drive motor of the at least one drive wheel white allowing continued delivery of power to the localization system.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile robot to traverse a threshold includes detecting a threshold proximate the robot. The robot includes a holonomic drive system having first, second, and third drive elements configured to maneuver the robot omni-directionally. The method further includes moving the first drive element onto the threshold from a first side and moving the second drive element onto the threshold to place both the first and second drive elements on the threshold. The method includes moving the first drive element off a second side of the threshold, opposite to the first side of the threshold, and moving the third drive element onto the threshold, placing both the second and third drive elements on the threshold. The method includes moving both the second and third drive elements off the second side of the threshold.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot that includes a drive system, a controller in communication with the dive system, and an electronic display supported above the drive system and in communication with the controller. The controller includes a central processing unit, a general purpose graphics processing unit, and memory in electrical communication with the central processing unit and the general purpose graphics processing unit. Moreover, the controller has a display operating state and a driving operating state. The controller executes graphics computations on the general purpose graphics processing unit for displaying graphics on the electronic display during the display operating state; and the controller executes mobility computations on the general purpose graphics processing unit for issuing commands to the drive system during the driving operating state.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot that includes a base defining a vertical center axis and a forward drive direction and a holonomic drive system supported by the base. The drive system has first, second, and third driven drive wheels, each trilaterally spaced about the vertical center axis and having a drive direction perpendicular to a radial axis with respect to the vertical center axis. The robot further includes a controller in communication with the holonomic drive system, a torso supported above the base, and a touch sensor system in communication with the controller. The touch sensor system is responsive to human contact. The controller issues drive commands to the holonomic drive system based on a touch signal received from the touch sensor system.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot that includes a base defining a vertical center axis and a forward drive direction and a holonomic drive system supported by the base. The drive system has first, second, and third driven drive wheels, each trilaterally spaced about the vertical center axis and having a drive direction perpendicular to a radial axis with respect to the vertical center axis. The robot further includes a controller in communication with the holonomic drive system, a torso supported above the base, and a touch sensor system in communication with the controller. The touch sensor system is responsive to human contact. The controller issues drive commands to the holonomic drive system based on a touch signal received from the touch sensor system.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile robot to traverse a threshold includes detecting a threshold proximate the robot. The robot includes a holonomic drive system having first, second, and third drive elements configured to maneuver the robot omni-directionally. The method further includes moving the first drive element onto the threshold from a first side and moving the second drive element onto the threshold to place both the first and second drive elements on the threshold. The method includes moving the first drive element off a second side of the threshold, opposite to the first side of the threshold, and moving the third drive element onto the threshold, placing both the second and third drive elements on the threshold. The method includes moving both the second and third drive elements off the second side of the threshold.

Abstract: A mobile human interface robot that includes a drive system, a controller in communication with the dive system, and an electronic display supported above the drive system and in communication with the controller. The controller includes a central processing unit, a general purpose graphics processing unit, and memory in electrical communication with the central processing unit and the general purpose graphics processing unit. Moreover, the controller has a display operating state and a driving operating state. The controller executes graphics computations on the general purpose graphics processing unit for displaying graphics on the electronic display during the display operating state; and the controller executes mobility computations on the general purpose graphics processing unit for issuing commands to the drive system during the driving operating state.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to methods and apparatus for determining a variation of a calibration parameter of a pixel of the thermal sensor during operation of the imaging apparatus, after an initial calibration procedure. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to methods and apparatus for calculating a gain calibration parameter using first and second ambient temperature values and respective first and second resistance values for a pixel of a sensor. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to calculating an offset calibration parameter for at least one pixel using a gain of the at least one pixel between first and second times and an ambient temperature at a third time, wherein the pixel is exposed to both scene and ambient radiation at the third time.

Abstract: A cycling shoe and outsole with a rotatable cleat are disclosed. The outsole includes a thin, rigid outsole plate and a thin, flat, cleat support plate that partially extends beyond the perimeter border of the outsole plate. The cleat is configured to detachably attach to and release from a clipless pedal. A mechanism connects the cleat to the cleat support plate in a transversely off-center position, and in a manner which permits limited rotatability between the cleat and the support plate.

Abstract: A cycling shoe and outsole with a rotatable cleat are disclosed. The outsole includes a thin, rigid outsole plate and a thin, flat, cleat support plate that partially extends beyond the perimeter border of the outsole plate. The cleat is configured to detachably attach to and release from a clipless pedal. A mechanism connects the cleat to the cleat support plate in a transversely off-center position, and in a manner which permits limited rotatability between the cleat and the support plate.

Abstract: A cycling shoe with a convertible and adjustable cleat system is disclosed. The shoe includes and upper and a sole. A first removable disc has an outer surface formed of a material markable by contact with a bicycle pedal wherein the outer surface can be left with a mark indicative of the longitudinal and angular pedal position with respect to the shoe sole of the cyclist wearing the shoe. A second removable disc has an outer surface defining a cleat with a plurality of spaced grooves for engaging the pedal of a bicycle. A mechanism is provided for removably attaching the first and second discs to the sole in a plurality of rotational positions wherein the grooves of the second cleat are alignable in the angular position with respect to the sole as indicated on the markable material on the outer surface of the first disc. The present invention is also directed to a method for securing and aligning a pedal engaging cleat to a cycling shoe.

Abstract: An improved cleated cycling shoe is disclosed. The cleated cycling shoe of the present invention is intended to improve performance and eliminate the problems associated with traditional cycling shoes when used with quick release binding systems. The shoe may also be used with traditional toe strap/cleat binding systems. The shoe comprises an upper, a rigid outsole plate fixed to the upper, and two support straps fixed at one end to the upper, having their free end drawn around the upper through a loop integrally formed on the outsole plate and back across the upper where they are fastened by means such as a hook and loop fastener. The support straps further reduce play of the foot within the shoe, provide additional support for the foot, and prevent the upper from being pulled apart from outsole plate due to extreme upstroke forces.