Abstract:
A piezoelectric debris sensor (125L, 125R) and associated signal processor (135) responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (125, 125R) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
Abstract:
A method of docking a robotic device with a base station includes the steps of detecting a low energy level in an on-board battery, orienting the robot in relation to a detected overlap between two infrared beams emitted by the station, detecting contact between the charging terminals on the robot and on the base station, charging the on-board battery and resuming a robot's task, such as vacuuming. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting horning signals to allow the robot device to accurately dock with the base station.
Abstract:
A method of charging a battery of a device (40), the method comprising the steps of: providing a non-charging energy to charging terminals (16) of a charger (10); detecting a presence of a robotic device (40) docked with the charger (10) by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger (10) combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device (40); and increasing energy to the charging terminals (16) to a charging current to charge the battery.
Abstract:
A piezoelectric debris sensor (125L, 125R) and associated signal processor (135) responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (125, 125R) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
Abstract:
A method of charging a battery of a device (40), the method comprising the steps of: providing a non-charging energy to charging terminals (16) of a charger (10); detecting a presence of a robotic device (40) docked with the charger (10) by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger (10) combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device (40); and increasing energy to the charging terminals (16) to a charging current to charge the battery.
Abstract:
A method of docking a robotic device with a base station includes the steps of detesting a low energy level in an on-board battery, orienting the robot in relation to a detected overlap between two infrared beams emitted by the station, detecting contact between the charging terminals on the robot and on the base station, charging the on-board battery and resuming a robot's task, such as vacuuming. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robot device to accurately dock with the base station.
Abstract:
A method of charging a battery of a device (40), the method comprising the steps of: providing a non-charging energy to charging terminals (16) of a charger (10); detecting a presence of a robotic device (40) docked with the charger (10) by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger (10) combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device (40); and increasing energy to the charging terminals (16) to a charging current to charge the battery.
Abstract:
A method of docking a robotic device with a base station includes the steps of detecting a low energy level in an on-board battery, orienting the robot in relation to a detected overlap between two infrared beams emitted by the station, detecting contact between the charging terminals on the robot and on the base station, charging the on-board battery and resuming a robot's task, such as vacuuming. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting horning signals to allow the robot device to accurately dock with the base station.