COMPANION ROBOT FOR PERSONAL INTERACTION
First Claim
1. A mobile robot for interacting with a person, comprising:
- a first detector for detecting at least one of a person and an object within a first predetermined space proximate the robot;
a second detector for detecting at least one of a person and an object within a second predetermined space proximate the robot;
a physical contact device to detect contact between at least one of a person and an object, wherein at least one of the first detector, the second detector, and the contact device triggers a safety condition; and
a controller configured to immobilize the robot when the safety condition is detected.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A mobile robot for interacting with a person, comprising:
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a first detector for detecting at least one of a person and an object within a first predetermined space proximate the robot; a second detector for detecting at least one of a person and an object within a second predetermined space proximate the robot; a physical contact device to detect contact between at least one of a person and an object, wherein at least one of the first detector, the second detector, and the contact device triggers a safety condition; and a controller configured to immobilize the robot when the safety condition is detected.
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2. A mobile robot for interacting with a person, comprising:
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an annunciator configured to audibly indicate the presence of the robot; a visible beacon configured to optically indicate the presence of the robot; a proximity curtain detector configured to detect a person within a curtain covering a majority of the height of the robot and thereafter trigger a safety condition; a physical impact buffer configured to absorb impact of a person colliding with the robot, detect the person, and trigger the safety condition; a floor-level proximity ribbon detector configured to detect objects of less than 2 inches in height and trigger the safety condition; and a controller configured to immobilize the robot when the safety condition is detected.
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3. A mobile robot for interacting with a person, comprising:
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a zone detector configured to detect an object within a zone in front of the robot covering a substantial portion of the height of the robot above 10 inches from the ground and thereafter trigger a safety condition; a near zone impact bumper configured to absorb an impact of an object colliding with the robot, detect the object, and trigger the safety condition; a near zone proximity sensor configured to detect an object in front of the robot between 2-10 inches from the ground and trigger the safety condition; a near zone low object proximity sensor configured to detect objects in front of the robot of less than 2-4 inches in height and trigger the safety condition; and a controller configured to immobilize the robot when the safety condition is detected.
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4-10. -10. (canceled)
Specification