×

Robotic vacuum cleaner

  • US 7,769,490 B2
  • Filed: 07/29/2008
  • Issued: 08/03/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for confining an apparatus for autonomous operation to a portion of an area comprising:

  • providing an apparatus for autonomous operation comprising;

    a drive system; and

    at least one sensor in communication with the drive system, the at least one sensor configured for detecting at least a first signal and a second signal for controlling the drive system;

    transmitting a first signal and an adjacent second signal to create a boundary for the portion of the area in which the apparatus for autonomous operation is to be confined, and, to create a boundary space between the first signal and the second signal; and

    operating the apparatus for autonomous operation in the portion of the area including;

    maintaining the apparatus for autonomous operation in the portion of the area in response to detecting the first signal; and

    maintaining the apparatus for autonomous operation in the portion of the area and preventing the apparatus from leaving the portion of the area in response to detecting the second signal, if one of;

    i) the first signal is not detected, or ii) the apparatus for autonomous operation is located in the boundary space between the first and second signals.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×