CMM with modular functionality

1. An articulated arm CMM comprising:

an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the articulated arm being configured to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm; and

a single docking portion on the articulated arm, the docking portion configured to form a connection with a modular feature pack that can provide at least two additional and distinct features or functionalities to the articulated arm,

wherein the articulated arm is configured to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm with or without a modular feature pack attached.

2. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the articulated arm is configured to receive commands through the single docking portion.

3. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the docking portion comprises an electronic connector configured to form an electronic connection with the feature pack.

4. The articulated arm CMM of claim 3 , wherein the electronic connection comprises a data transfer connection.

5. The articulated arm CMM of claim 3 , wherein the electronic connection comprises a power transmission connection.

6. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the docking portion comprises a mechanical connection.

7. The articulated arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the docking portion comprises a thermal connection.

8. The articulated arm CMM of claim 7 , wherein the docking portion connects to electronics in the arm by thermally conductive members, allowing substantial heat transfer between the arm and the feature pack.

9. The arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities is processing of data signals.

10. The arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities are temperature controls.

11. The arm CMM of claim 1 , wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities is improved data processing.

12. An articulated arm CMM system comprising:

an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, a base at a proximal end, and a docking portion; and

two or more feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the same docking portion and wherein a first feature pack provides a first additional electronic feature or functionality to the articulated arm and a second feature pack provides a second additional electronic feature or functionality distinct from the first additional electronic functionality to the articulated arm.

13. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12 , wherein at least one feature pack comprises a tilt sensor.

14. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12 , wherein at least one feature pack comprises a data storage device.

15. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 14 , wherein the at least one feature pack comprises instructions for arm operation.

16. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12 , wherein at least one feature pack comprises a wireless capability for data transfer.

17. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12 , wherein at least one feature pack includes a heat sink or cooling fan.

18. The articulated arm CMM system of claim 12 , wherein at least one feature pack comprises a battery.

19. A feature pack for an articulated arm portable coordinate measuring machine system comprising a modular design with a shape substantially matching the shape of a docking portion of the portable coordinate measuring machine system such that the feature pack does not substantially increase the size of the coordinate measuring machine system, the feature pack further comprising:

at least one electronic device configured to provide at least one additional feature or functionality to the coordinate measuring machine system,

wherein the feature pack is not necessary for the coordinate measuring machine system to be operated to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm.

20. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein the feature pack is configured to provide commands to the coordinate measuring machine system.

21. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein the feature pack is configured to combine data from the articulated arm and a laser scanner operatively connected to the articulated arm.

22. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein said feature or functionality is data storage.

23. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein said feature or functionality is wireless data transfer capability.

24. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein said feature or functionality is improved data processing.

25. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein the feature pack further comprises a speaker.

26. The feature pack of claim 19 , wherein the feature pack further comprises a microphone.