System and device for a self orienting device
First Claim
1. A proximity sensing system for an autonomous device being provided with motor driven wheels for carrying out a specific cleaning function, said device comprising members for the orientation and guiding of the device by means of a microprocessor system forming a proximity sensing system which comprises at least one transmitting member and one receiving member and a mechanical sensing member in form of a forward directed bumper, characterized in thatsaid transmitting member is a stripe-shaped ultrasound transducer extending along the front perimeter of the device and transmitting ultrasonic waves with a narrow vertical distribution within a wide sector in front of the device.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention discloses a proximity sensing system and an autonomous device, like a vacuum-cleaner, being provided with a pair of independent driven wheels (17, 18). The device contains for the proximity orientation and guiding a microprocessor system and a sonar system which includes at least an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver. An additional mechanical touch sensor is also used in the form of a forward directed bumper (16) carrying the transmitter as well as receiving microphone units. The mechanical bumper actuates at least one touch sensor if the device makes contact with an obstacle in the course of the moving device. The transmitter is a stripe-shaped ultrasound transducer (10) which is positioned at the front of the device and transmits ultrasonic waves with a narrow vertical distribution within a wide sector in front of the device. The receiver includes a number of microphone units (12) provided with hollow pipes (12a, 12b) for the sound. The microphone units (12) together with the transmitter form an efficient sonar system for detecting echoes reflected from objects in the forward course of the moving device.
293 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A proximity sensing system for an autonomous device being provided with motor driven wheels for carrying out a specific cleaning function, said device comprising members for the orientation and guiding of the device by means of a microprocessor system forming a proximity sensing system which comprises at least one transmitting member and one receiving member and a mechanical sensing member in form of a forward directed bumper, characterized in that
said transmitting member is a stripe-shaped ultrasound transducer extending along the front perimeter of the device and transmitting ultrasonic waves with a narrow vertical distribution within a wide sector in front of the device.
- 11. A device for navigation of an autonomous device being provided with motor driven wheels for carrying out some specific cleaning function, said device comprising members for the proximity orientation and guiding of the device by means of a microprocessor system and a proximity sensing system which comprises at least one transmitting member and one receiving member and a mechanical sensing member in form of a forward directed bumper, characterized in that said transmitting member is a stripe-shaped ultrasound transducer extending along the front of the device and transmitting ultrasonic waves with a narrow vertical distribution within a wide sector in front of the device.
Specification