Abstract:
A ride-on vehicle is provided that has drive and spin functionalities. The ride-on vehicle comprises a first motor for a first drive wheel, and a second motor for a second drive wheel. The vehicle has a steering wheel having a go selector and a spin selector. A sensor obtains an output of the angular rotation location of the steering wheel. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second motors, the go selector, the spin selector, and the steering wheel sensor, wherein engaging the go selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to move forward, left or right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel, and wherein engaging the spin selector and turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to spin left or spin right, depending on the angular location of the steering wheel. The vehicle may also be controlled remotely by a remote control.
Abstract:
A self-propelled device includes a spherical housing and an internal drive system. The self-propelled device can further include an internal structure having a magnet holder that holds a first set of magnets and an external accessory comprising a second set of magnets to magnetically interact, through the spherical housing, with the first set magnets.
Abstract:
In an aspect, a robotic system is provided and includes at least two digital servo modules, each of which includes a position-controlled motor and a position sensor for sensing a servo position, a plurality of building block elements that are connectable with the digital servo modules to create position-controlled joints of a robotic figure, at least two wheel modules enabling wheeled movement of the robotic figure and a central controller communicating with and controlling the digital servo modules and the wheel modules. The central controller operatively places a selected group of digital servo modules in a learned motion mode, wherein a corresponding group of position-controlled joints is enabled to be manually manipulated, and wherein each of the selected digital servo module periodically transmits servomotor position to the central controller. The central controller can steer the robotic figure wheel modules based on servo positions of the selected digital servo modules.
Abstract:
A system comprises a mobile device, a spatial profiling device, and a mobile device manager. The mobile device comprises a platform, a first communications circuit that receives navigation instructions, and a motion drive that propels the platform according to the navigation instructions. The spatial profiling device captures a spatial profile of a motion area. The mobile device manager comprises at least one second communications circuit that communicates with the first communications circuit and the spatial profiling device, processor(s), and memory storing processing instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause the mobile device manager to receive spatial profiles, locate the mobile object, locate the mobile device, plan a movement for the mobile device which avoids the mobile object, and communicate the movement to the mobile device as navigation instructions.
Abstract:
There is provided a remote control system including a controlled device and a remote device. The controlled device has a light source and moves according to a control signal from the remote device. The remote device is adapted to be operated by a user and includes an image sensor. The remote device determines a moving direction of the controlled device according to an imaging position of the light source in the image captured by the image sensor and a pointing position of the user, and outputs the control signal.
Abstract:
A wearable device can be worn by a user, and can include one or more sensors to detect user gestures performed by the user. The wearable device can further include a wireless communication module to establish a communication link with a self-propelled device, and a controller that can generate control commands based on the user gestures. The control commands may be executable to accelerate and maneuver the self-propelled device. The controller may then transmit the control commands to the self-propelled device over the communication link for execution by the self-propelled device.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses a system and accompanying method for directing the movement of an object on an interactive surface through a defined path. The system includes an object embedded with a unique identification code (UID), a movement module, and a distinct pattern of capacitive tabs near the surface of the object that makes contact with the interactive surface, an interactive surface configured to recognize the UID, location and orientation information of an object placed on the interactive surface, and a processor operatively linked to the interactive surface and configured to direct, track and correct the movement of the object along a defined path on the interactive surface by tracking the UID, location and orientation of the object continuously and throughout the movement. A centralized control mode is applied in the present invention, which makes the structure of the electronic hardware within the moving object substantially simplified, which leads to a decreased manufacturing cost, and, from an aesthetic point of view, the logic clearer and easily understood.
Abstract:
Embodiments of apparatuses and methods to remotely maneuver a movable device are described. In embodiments, an apparatus may include an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a user input device coupled to the elongated body to receive inputs from a user. The apparatus may further include a sensor to sense a disposition and a movement of the distal end in relation to the proximal end, and a remote maneuver module coupled to the elongated body to receive a first input from the user input device and a second input from the sensor, and to translate the first input or the second input into one or more commands to maneuver a movable device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining relative orientation between a self-propelled device and a mobile computing device by utilizing the asymmetric radiation pattern of communication link emissions by the self-propelled device. Upon establishing the communication link, the self-propelled device may perform a spin, thereby enabling the self-propelled device and/or the mobile computing device to detect radiated pulses due to the asymmetry in the link. A direction may be determined based on such pulses, which may be utilized for calibration purposes.
Abstract:
A self-propelled device can include at least a wireless interface, a housing, a propulsion mechanism, and a camera. Using the camera, the self-propelled device can generate a video feed and transmit the video feed to a controller device via the wireless interface. The self-propelled device can receive an input from the controller device indicating an object or location in the video feed. In response to the input, the self-propelled device can initiate an autonomous mode to autonomously operate the propulsion mechanism to propel the self-propelled device towards the object or location indicated in the video feed.