Abstract: A system and method are presented for using a two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR for three dimensional (3D) laser mapping. The 2D-LiDAR is mounted in a chassis. The method laser ranges a planar slice of the environment. Simultaneous with laser ranging the planar slice, the 2D LiDAR chassis is rotated about an axis to create a 3D laser mapping of at least a portion of the environment. More explicitly, the 2D LiDAR may include a laser ranger with a planar actuator, typically the combination of a laser and a rotating mirror. In addition, the 2D LiDAR chassis is mounted on a reciprocating actuator. Thus, the step of laser ranging the planar slice includes laser ranging the planar slice in response to the planar actuator. The step of rotating the 2D LiDAR chassis includes rotating the 2D LiDAR chassis around an axis parallel to the planar slice, in response to the reciprocating actuator.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for using a two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR for three dimensional (3D) laser mapping. The 2D-LiDAR is mounted in a chassis. The method laser ranges a planar slice of the environment. Simultaneous with laser ranging the planar slice, the 2D LiDAR chassis is rotated about an axis to create a 3D laser mapping of at least a portion of the environment. More explicitly, the 2D LiDAR may include a laser ranger with a planar actuator, typically the combination of a laser and a rotating mirror. In addition, the 2D LiDAR chassis is mounted on a reciprocating actuator. Thus, the step of laser ranging the planar slice includes laser ranging the planar slice in response to the planar actuator. The step of rotating the 2D LiDAR chassis includes rotating the 2D LiDAR chassis around an axis parallel to the planar slice, in response to the reciprocating actuator.

Abstract: A method for converting emoticons into printer icons includes building a lookup table having emoticon sequences and replacement icons therefore therein; in a print job, determining whether a string of characters comprise a recognizable emoticon sequence, and, if so: replacing the emoticon sequence with a single character printer icon.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the expedited reprinting of documents at a printer. The method comprises: receiving an initial print job identified with a job identification (JID); rendering the print job into a bitmap; in response to rendering the bitmap, initially printing a document; saving the bitmap in memory; and, in a job table, creating a cross-reference between the JID and the saved bitmap. Subsequently, the method comprises: receiving a selected JID; accessing the job table; accessing a print engine-ready bitmap associated with the JID by using the job table to locate a bitmap cross-referenced to the received JID; reading the located bitmap from a printer memory; and, reprinting a document in response to the bitmap. An associated network server can be used for posting a job table with selectable JIDs on an HTML webpage. Alternately, the JID selection is received in a print driver communication.

Abstract: A method of controlling usage of a facsimile machine includes providing listings of authorized entries in a category of action items; comparing an input action item for a facsimile with the list of authorized entries for the category of action items; determining if the input action item is authorized; and if the action item is taken from the group of authorized entries, allowing processing of the facsimile; and if the action item is not taken from the group of authorized entries, prohibiting processing of the facsimile.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for associating a hard-copy document with computer-readable information and for accessing that information.