Abstract:
A robot cleaner system and a method for the robot cleaner to return to an external recharging apparatus. The robot cleaner system has an external recharging apparatus including a charging stand having a charging terminal, and a plurality of transmission parts for sending signals having different codes and strengths; a robot cleaner including a rechargeable battery, a connection terminal for connection with the charging terminal to supply power to the rechargeable battery, a receiving part for receiving signals from the plurality of transmission parts, and a control part for controlling a movement of the robot cleaner using the signals received by the receiving part, so that the connection terminal is connected to the charging terminal.
Abstract:
A mobile cleaner includes: a running unit for automatically moving along a floor face; a cleaning unit for cleaning the floor face; an image taking unit for taking an image of a surrounding; and a switching unit for switching to a state of exposing an opening portion of the image taking unit to be able to take the image of the surrounding and a state of concealing the opening portion of the image taking unit to be unable to take the image of the surrounding.
Abstract:
A robotic device having a body with an upper surface resiliently connected to a lower surface and having a bump sensor including a contact point on the lower surface, which contact pint is in its normal position when centrally located within a sensor device, which is an aperture having a conducting inner periphery, which sensor device is located in the upper surface of the robotic device, so that a bump on the upper surface is detected by the robotic device when the contact point abuts the aperture conducting inner periphery. The robotic device also includes a drop sensor for use in association with the lower surface of the robotic device with the lower surface having a periphery around which a plurality of drop sensors are located, with each drop sensor including a body located therein, a movably vertically oriented member, so that when any such member becomes positioned over a drop in terrain, the vertically oriented member will drop downwardly and trigger the production of a signal which is sensed by the robotic device.
Abstract:
A robot is confined to a bounded area by placement of a retroreflective marker, defining a boundary, and a detector on the robot. The detector sends a signal, that if reflected off of the marker, toward the robot, and detected by a receiver, will signal the control system of the robot, such that the robot changes its travel path and remains confined within the bounded area.
Abstract:
A method of communicating with a robotic device and associated system enables configuration information and diagnostic information to be communicated between the robotic device and a configuration tool. The method consists of using a configuration tool, such as a hand-held device, that can communicate information to the robotic device to program the device to carry out a specific task or function. The configuration tool can also be configured to retrieve diagnostic information from a robotic device, and communicate this information to an analysis tool.
Abstract:
A self-propelled cleaner which is more attractive as a playmate. A game control processor makes a sound output processor issue a prescribed successful capture message when a human body detection processor detects a player in motion after the end of each cycle of a prescribed game message repeatedly issued by the sound output processor at prescribed times. Also it makes an imaging device take an image of the player and makes an image display processor display the image. If a predetermined number of players are detected or if it is detected that a given game end key on the cleaner body has been pressed while the game message is being issued, it ends the game. As a consequence, the self-propelled cleaner not only functions as a cleaner but also as an opponent for a human player in a given game, taking full advantage of its self-propelling function.
Abstract:
Provided are: an automotive movable body capable of moving to an entire area surrounded by a wall excluding an area where an obstacle exists no matter what shape an obstacle existing within the area has; a movable body control method; and a recording medium storing a computer program. An automotive movable body for which moving algorithm is specified moves toward an object detected at the time of start of moving and judges whether the distance to the object is shorter than a predetermined value or not. When it is judged that the distance is shorter than a predetermined value, the body moves a first distance along the object, then moves a second distance in a direction intersecting the segment connecting the position before moving with the position after moving, and then moves toward the position where moving of the second distance is started after turning around at approximately 180°.
Abstract:
A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor 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 (e.g., left and right) 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:
An autonomous vacuum cleaner network system comprises an autonomous vacuum cleaner and two terminal devices connected to the autonomous vacuum cleaner via a network. Using one of the terminal devices, a user inputs reservation information. The autonomous vacuum cleaner receives the input reservation information via a wireless LAN, and stores it, and further executes a self-diagnostic program immediately before a scheduled cleaning start time. If there is abnormality in the result of the self-diagnosis, the autonomous vacuum cleaner sends the result of the self-diagnosis as maintenance information to the other terminal device which is selected and assigned by the user as an addressed device. The autonomous vacuum cleaner network system makes it possible to set reservation information of the autonomous vacuum cleaner without requiring the user to go to the place where the autonomous vacuum cleaner is placed, and makes it possible to surely inform the user whether the autonomous vacuum cleaner can operate smoothly at the scheduled cleaning start time.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a robot cleaner which cleans a floor, and generates negative-ions while traveling around a predetermined area. The robot cleaner includes a cleaner body which travels automatically around a cleaning area, a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels mounted on a lower part of the cleaner body, a suction unit mounted in the cleaner body to draw in dust on a floor, a negative-ion generation unit mounted in the cleaner body to generate a negative-ion, and a control unit. While the robot cleaner travels automatically, it also performs vacuum cleaning using the suction unit, and air cleaning using the negative-ion generation unit, either at the same time or selectively. Accordingly, the floor is cleaned and air is purified by the negative-ion, which enables a hygienic cleansing and a healthy home environment.