Autonomous Robot Auto-Docking and Energy Management Systems and Methods
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Accused Products
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. Also disclosed are systems and methods for confirming a presence of a robotic device docked with a charger by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1-30. -30. (canceled)
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31. A method of charging a battery of a robotic device, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a non-charging energy to charging terminals of a charger;
confirming a presence of a robotic device docked with the charger by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device; and
increasing energy to the charging terminals to a charging current to charge the battery. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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33. A system for charging a robotic device, the system comprising:
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a stationary charger comprising a plurality of first charging terminals;
circuitry for confirming a presence of a robotic device at the charging terminals by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device; and
the robotic device comprising;
a battery; and
a plurality of second charging terminals adapted to mate with the first charging terminals. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
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Specification