Abstract: An optical beacon may include a housing, an optical emitter at least partially disposed within the housing, and an optical identifier generator optically coupled to the optical emitter. Light incident on the optical identifier generator may be shaped into at least one optical identifier. The optical identifier may be associated with an action capable of being carried out by a robotic cleaner such that detection of the optical identifier by the robotic cleaner causes the robotic cleaner to carry out the action.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a body, one or more driven wheels configured to urge the body across a surface to be cleaned, one or more distance sensors disposed at least partially within the body such that the one or more distance sensors face the surface to be cleaned and a processor. The one or more distance sensors may be configured to output a measure of a detection distance that extends in a direction of the surface to be cleaned. The processor may be configured to determine whether an abnormality has been detected based, at least in part, on the measure of the detection distance and may be configured to determine a first velocity estimate based, at least in part, on the detection of the abnormality.

Abstract: A wearable biofluid volume and composition system includes a microfluidic flexible fluid capture substrate having a microfluidic channel configured as a sweat collection channel and is configured to be worn on a human body and to collect and analyze biofluid. The microfluidic flexible fluid capture substrate further has a plurality of conductive traces and electrodes. An electronic module is attached to the microfluidic flexible fluid capture substrate and is configured to measure and analyze data from the biofluid collected by the microfluidic flexible fluid capture substrate and to transmit the analyzed data to a smart device.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to a time of flight (ToF) sensor arrangement that may be utilized by a robot (e.g., a robot vacuum) to identify and detect objects in a surrounding environment for mapping and localization purposes. In an embodiment, a robot is disclosed that includes a plurality of ToF sensors disposed about a housing of the robot. Two or more ToF sensors may be angled/aligned to establish overlapping field of views to form redundant detection regions around the robot. Objects that appear therein may then be detected by the robot and utilized to positively identify, e.g., with a high degree of confidence, the presence of the object. The identified objects may then be utilized as data points by the robot to build/update a map. The identified objects may also be utilized during pose routines that allow the robot to orient itself within the map.

Abstract: A beacon for a robotic cleaner may include a housing and an optical indicium having an optical pattern. The optical indicium may be coupled to the housing and be viewable by a camera of the robotic cleaner. After observing the optical indicium, the robotic cleaner may be caused to carry out an action associated with at least a portion of the optical pattern.

Abstract: An optical flow simulator includes a disk, a stepper motor, and a microcontroller. The disk has a color distribution varied along a path on the disk. The stepper motor is configured to rotate a spindle, and the spindle is coupled to the disk. The microcontroller controls the stepper motor such that the spindle and the disk rotate a predefined rotational velocity. The color distribution produces a simulated optical signal responsive to rotation of the disk and the predefined rotational speed.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a body, one or more driven wheels configured to urge the body across a surface to be cleaned, one or more distance sensors disposed at least partially within the body such that the one or more distance sensors face the surface to be cleaned and a processor. The one or more distance sensors may be configured to output a measure of a detection distance that extends in a direction of the surface to be cleaned. The processor may be configured to determine whether an abnormality has been detected based, at least in part, on the measure of the detection distance and may be configured to determine a first velocity estimate based, at least in part, on the detection of the abnormality.

Abstract: A mobile device includes one or more electronic circuits that control the operation of the device. The electronic circuit can be connected to a power source by a switch that can be maintained in the open position when the device is being shipped and stored prior to use. The act of taking the mobile device out of the package can include manipulating the mobile device to cause the switch to close connecting the electronic circuit to the power source to begin operation. In accordance with some embodiments, the switch can include a magnetic switch that is maintained in the open position by a magnetic component in the packaging and becomes closed when the mobile device is removed from the packaging. In accordance with some embodiments, the switch can be maintained in the open position by a packaging insert and becomes closed when the package is opened removing the insert.

Abstract: A beacon for a robotic cleaner may include a housing and an optical indicium having an optical pattern. The optical indicium may be coupled to the housing and be viewable by a camera of the robotic cleaner. After observing the optical indicium, the robotic cleaner may be caused to carry out an action associated with at least a portion of the optical pattern.

Abstract: An optical beacon may include a housing, an optical emitter at least partially disposed within the housing, and an optical identifier generator optically coupled to the optical emitter. Light incident on the optical identifier generator may be shaped into at least one optical identifier. The optical identifier may be associated with an action capable of being carried out by a robotic cleaner such that detection of the optical identifier by the robotic cleaner causes the robotic cleaner to carry out the action.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to a time of flight (ToF) sensor arrangement that may be utilized by a robot (e.g., a robot vacuum) to identify and detect objects in a surrounding environment for mapping and localization purposes. In an embodiment, a robot is disclosed that includes a plurality of ToF sensors disposed about a housing of the robot. Two or more ToF sensors may be angled/aligned to establish overlapping field of views to form redundant detection regions around the robot. Objects that appear therein may then be detected by the robot and utilized to positively identify, e.g., with a high degree of confidence, the presence of the object. The identified objects may then be utilized as data points by the robot to build/update a map. The identified objects may also be utilized during pose routines that allow the robot to orient itself within the map.

Abstract: An ultra-thin wearable sensing device includes a sensor tag IC that enables the device to communicate wirelessly to a reading device. The wearable sensing device includes one or more sensors connected to the sensor tag IC that sense characteristics of the person, animal or object that the sensing device comes in contact with. The sensed characteristics can include biological signals (e.g., ECG, EMG, and EEG), temperature, galvanic skin response (GSR), heat flux and chemicals or fluids released by the skin. The reading device can display the information to the user and/or transmit the sensor data to a remote location for further processing. A doctor can review the data or have the data further analyzed and use this data or information to assist with treatment.