Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
First Claim
1. A method for energy management in a robotic device, the robotic device comprising at least one energy storage unit and a signal detector, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, the base station comprising a plurality of signal emitters including a first signal emitter and a second signal emitter;
determining a quantity of energy stored in the energy storage unit, the quantity characterized at least by a high energy level and a low energy level; and
performing, by the robotic device, a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored.
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Abstract
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. 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 robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for energy management in a robotic device, the robotic device comprising at least one energy storage unit and a signal detector, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, the base station comprising a plurality of signal emitters including a first signal emitter and a second signal emitter;
determining a quantity of energy stored in the energy storage unit, the quantity characterized at least by a high energy level and a low energy level; and
performing, by the robotic device, a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of docking a robotic device with a base station comprising a plurality of signal emitters including a first signal emitter and a second signal emitter, the method comprising the steps of:
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orienting the robotic device in relation to (i) a first signal transmitted by the first signal emitter and (ii) a second signal transmitted by the second signal emitter; and
maintaining an orientation of the robotic device relative to the first and second signals as the robotic device approaches to the base station. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An autonomous system comprising a base station comprising:
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charging terminals for contacting an external terminal of a robotic device; and
a first signal emitter and a second signal emitter. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of charging a battery of a device, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing low energy to charging terminals of a charger;
detecting presence of the device by monitoring at least one of a predetermined change in and a predetermined magnitude of a parameter associated with the charger; and
increasing energy to the charging terminals to charge the battery. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. A system for charging a mobile device, the system comprising:
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a stationary charger comprising a plurality of first charging terminals;
circuitry for detecting presence of the device by monitoring at least one of a predetermined change in and a predetermined magnitude of a parameter associated with the charger; and
a mobile device comprising;
a battery; and
a plurality of second charging terminals adapted to mate with first charging terminals. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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Specification