Abstract: An optical system includes a splitting optic configured to receive a light beam from a light source and form a set of light bands radiating from the optical system at predetermined angles relative to illuminate a scene. The optical system further includes a lens configured to project a field of view of the scene into a two-dimensional format. The optical system further includes an optical sensor arranged offset from the central axis of the lens to capture a segment of the field of view projected by the lens.

Abstract: An optical system includes a splitting optic configured to receive a light beam from a light source and form a set of light bands radiating from the optical system at predetermined angles relative to illuminate a scene. The optical system further includes a lens configured to project a field of view of the scene into a two-dimensional format. The optical system further includes an optical sensor arranged offset from the central axis of the lens to capture a segment of the field of view projected by the lens.

Abstract: A sensing method, including: emitting a signal beam; sampling the reflected signal at a sensor with a field of view larger than the signal beam; and determining a surface parameter based on the bright and dark regions associated with the sampled signal.

Abstract: A robotic creature system includes an actuatable head defining eyes, an eyelid mechanism, a body, a drivetrain, and a set of sensors. A method for robotic creature operation includes: detecting an event associated with a technological imperfection and automatically performing a set of expressive actions associated with the event.

Abstract: A robotic creature system includes an actuatable head defining eyes, an eyelid mechanism, a body, a drivetrain, and a set of sensors. A method for robotic creature operation includes: detecting an event associated with a technological imperfection and automatically performing a set of expressive actions associated with the event.

Abstract: A sensing method, including: emitting a signal beam; sampling the reflected signal at a sensor with a field of view larger than the signal beam; and determining a surface parameter based on the bright and dark regions associated with the sampled signal.

Abstract: A robotic creature system includes an actuatable head defining eyes, an eyelid mechanism, a body, a drivetrain, and a set of sensors. A method for robotic creature operation includes: detecting an event associated with a technological imperfection and automatically performing a set of expressive actions associated with the event.

Abstract: A robotic creature system includes an actuatable head defining eyes, an eyelid mechanism, a body, a drivetrain, and a set of sensors. A method for robotic creature operation includes: detecting an event associated with a technological imperfection and automatically performing a set of expressive actions associated with the event.

Abstract: A robotic creature system includes an actuatable head defining eyes, an eyelid mechanism, a body, a drivetrain, and a set of sensors. A method for robotic creature operation includes: detecting an event associated with a technological imperfection and automatically performing a set of expressive actions associated with the event.

Abstract: A sensing method, including: emitting a signal beam; sampling the reflected signal at a sensor with a field of view larger than the signal beam; and determining a surface parameter based on the bright and dark regions associated with the sampled signal.

Abstract: A device comprising an illumination means and a light sensing means, that can examine and memorize a discrete color of an object based on the magnitude of the reflected light bouncing off of the colored surface in at least three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The device also provides output as a visually and/or audibly perceptible signal for deciphering the color. The color range identified by the device is not limited to the visible spectrum and may include infra-red and ultra-violet light. A storage means for memorizing colors may also be included in the device. Applications of ColorStick technology may include children's toys, aids for the visually handicapped (e.g. blind or color blind individuals), designers, internet shoppers, gardeners, etc.

Abstract: A device comprising an illumination means and a light sensing means, that can examine and memorize a discrete color of an object based on the magnitude of the reflected light bouncing off of the colored surface in at least three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The device also provides output as a visually and/or audibly perceptible signal for deciphering the color. The color range identified by the device is not limited to the visible spectrum and may include infra-red and ultra-violet light. A storage means for memorizing colors may also be included in the device. Applications of ColorStick technology may include children's toys, aids for the visually handicapped (e.g. blind or color blind individuals), designers, internet shoppers, gardeners, etc.

Abstract: A device comprising an illumination means and a light sensing means, that can examine and memorize a discrete color of an object based on the magnitude of the reflected light bouncing off of the colored surface in at least three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The device also provides output as a visually and/or audibly perceptible signal for deciphering the color. The color range identified by the device is not limited to the visible spectrum and may include infra-red and ultra-violet light. A storage means for memorizing colors may also be included in the device. Applications of ColorStick technology may include children's toys, aids for the visually handicapped (e.g. blind or color blind individuals), designers, internet shoppers, gardeners, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a duct having a fluid outlet for fluid propelled through the duct and a container positions a substance for diffusion into the fluid through an opening. A movable valve selectively places the opening in fluid communication with the fluid in the duct and seals the opening to prevent introduction of the substance into the fluid. In a particularly advantageous embodiment the apparatus is a blow dryer in which a heating element disposed in the duct heats air flowing therethrough. The substance can be a fragrance or a conditioner introduced into the air stream. According to other aspects of the invention, the container is interchangeable with containers containing other substances, such as different fragrances, and is completely sealed when the blow dryer is not in use. In another embodiment, a container attached to the duct ejects the substance in a spray external of the duct proximate to the duct outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a duct having a fluid outlet for fluid propelled through the duct and a container positions a substance for diffusion into the fluid through an opening. A movable valve selectively places the opening in fluid communication with the fluid in the duct and seals the opening to prevent introduction of the substance into the fluid. In a particularly advantageous embodiment the apparatus is a blow dryer in which a heating element disposed in the duct heats air flowing therethrough. The substance can be a fragrance or a conditioner introduced into the air stream. According to other aspects of the invention, the container is interchangeable with containers containing other substances, such as different fragrances, and is completely sealed when the blow dryer is not in use. In another embodiment, a container attached to the duct ejects the substance in a spray external of the duct proximate to the duct outlet.