System and method for returning robot cleaner to charger
First Claim
1. A system for returning a robot to a charger, the system comprising:
- a homing signal transmitter, including at least first, second, and third signal transmitters, each adapted to be provided at a front side of the charger and to respectively transmit signals which are different from each other in at least one of a code and a transmission distance, and a fourth signal transmitter, adapted to be provided on at least one lateral side of the charger and to transmit a signal which is different from the signals of the first, second, and third transmitters in code;
a homing signal receiver adapted to be provided at the robot and to receive at least one signal transmitted from the homing signal transmitter; and
a controller adapted to identify the at least one signal and to control the robot to return to the charger based at least in part on the at least one signal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for returning a robot to a charger includes: a homing signal transmitter, including at least first, second, and third signal transmitters, each adapted to be provided at a front side of the charger and to respectively transmit signals which are different from each other in at least one of a code and a transmission distance, and a fourth signal transmitter, adapted to be provided on at least one lateral side of the charger and to transmit a signal which is different from the signals of the first, second, and third transmitters in code; a homing signal receiver provided at the robot and to receive at least one signal transmitted from the homing signal transmitter; and a controller adapted to identify the at least one signal and to control the robot to return to the charger based at least in part on the at least one signal.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A system for returning a robot to a charger, the system comprising:
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a homing signal transmitter, including at least first, second, and third signal transmitters, each adapted to be provided at a front side of the charger and to respectively transmit signals which are different from each other in at least one of a code and a transmission distance, and a fourth signal transmitter, adapted to be provided on at least one lateral side of the charger and to transmit a signal which is different from the signals of the first, second, and third transmitters in code;
a homing signal receiver adapted to be provided at the robot and to receive at least one signal transmitted from the homing signal transmitter; and
a controller adapted to identify the at least one signal and to control the robot to return to the charger based at least in part on the at least one signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for returning a robot to a charger, the method comprising:
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detecting a return command signal at the robot;
receiving at least one infrared signal from the charger;
locating the charger based at least in part on the at least one infrared signal; and
docking at the charger, thereby enabling the robot to charge. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification