Remotely controlled robotic sensor ball
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an outer shell forming a ball;
control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, the control circuitry comprising at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface;
a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, the camera configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell;
a motion sensor positioned within the outer shell, operably connected to the control circuitry and configured to detect motion of the apparatus;
a propulsion system inside the outer shell, the propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface; and
one or more connectors configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry, the one or more sensors connectable in a modular manner;
wherein the control circuitry is configured to apply digital video stabilization based on motion of the apparatus detected by the motion sensor, andwherein the at least one processor is configured to;
identify obstacles in an indoor environment based on the video signals generated by the camera and outputs of at least some of the one or more sensors while the apparatus is moving in the indoor environment,generate a map of the indoor environment based on the identified obstacles and an indoor system of coordinates, andcontrol movement of the apparatus within the indoor environment based on the generated map.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A remotely controlled robotic sensor ball and method of operation thereof. The robotic sensor ball includes an outer shell forming a ball, control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, a propulsion system inside the outer shell, and one or more connectors. The control circuitry includes at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface. The camera is configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell. The propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface. The one or more connectors are configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry. The one or more sensors are connectable in a modular manner.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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an outer shell forming a ball; control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, the control circuitry comprising at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface; a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, the camera configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell; a motion sensor positioned within the outer shell, operably connected to the control circuitry and configured to detect motion of the apparatus; a propulsion system inside the outer shell, the propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface; and one or more connectors configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry, the one or more sensors connectable in a modular manner; wherein the control circuitry is configured to apply digital video stabilization based on motion of the apparatus detected by the motion sensor, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to; identify obstacles in an indoor environment based on the video signals generated by the camera and outputs of at least some of the one or more sensors while the apparatus is moving in the indoor environment, generate a map of the indoor environment based on the identified obstacles and an indoor system of coordinates, and control movement of the apparatus within the indoor environment based on the generated map. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for operating a robotic sensor ball, the method comprising:
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identifying, using control circuitry of the robotic sensor ball, obstacles in an indoor environment based on video signals generated by a camera and outputs one or more sensors while the robotic sensor ball is moving in the indoor environment, wherein the camera and the one or more sensors are operably connected to the control circuitry of the robotic sensor ball, wherein the robotic sensor ball includes a motion sensor, and wherein the control circuitry comprises at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface, and wherein the control circuitry is positioned within an outer shell of the robotic sensor ball; applying digital video stabilization based on motion of the robotic sensor ball detected by the motion sensor; moving the robotic sensor ball by causing, by a propulsion system inside the outer shell, the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface; generating a map of the indoor environment based on the identified obstacles and an indoor system of coordinates; and controlling movement of the robotic sensor ball within the indoor environment based on the generated map. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A robotic sensor ball comprising:
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an outer shell forming a ball; control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, the control circuitry comprising at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface; a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, the camera configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell; a motion sensor positioned within the outer shell, operably connected to the control circuitry, and configured to detect motion of the robotic sensor ball; a propulsion system inside the outer shell, the propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate; and one or more sensors operably connected to the control circuitry, at least some of the one or more sensors connectable in a modular manner, wherein the control circuitry is configured to apply digital video stabilization based on motion of the robotic sensor ball detected by the motion sensor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to; identify obstacles in an indoor environment based on the video signals generated by the camera and outputs of at least some of the one or more sensors while the robotic sensor ball is moving in the indoor environment, generate a map of the indoor environment based on the identified obstacles and an indoor system of coordinates, control movement of the robotic sensor ball within the indoor environment based on the generated map, identify an occurrence of an event or sequence of events, and control the robotic sensor ball to perform an action in response to identification of the occurrence of the event or sequence of events. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification