System and method for confining a robot
First Claim
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1. An autonomous robot comprising:
- a control system including a drive system; and
at least one detector in electronic communication with the control system, the at least one detector configured for sending at least one signal and detecting the at least one signal if the at least one signal is reflected toward the robot, for causing the drive system to move the robot in a predefined area.
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Abstract
A robot is confined to a bounded area by placement of a retroreflective marker, defining a boundary, and a detector on the robot. The detector sends a signal, that if reflected off of the marker, toward the robot, and detected by a receiver, will signal the control system of the robot, such that the robot changes its travel path and remains confined within the bounded area.
187 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An autonomous robot comprising:
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a control system including a drive system; and
at least one detector in electronic communication with the control system, the at least one detector configured for sending at least one signal and detecting the at least one signal if the at least one signal is reflected toward the robot, for causing the drive system to move the robot in a predefined area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for confining an autonomous machine to a bounded area, comprising:
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a marker including at least a portion of a retroreflective material, the marker for defining at least a portion of a boundary for the bounded area; and
,an autonomous machine for moving over the bounded area, the autonomous machine comprising;
a drive system for moving the autonomous machine along a surface; and
at least one detector in electronic communication with the drive system, the at least one detector configured for sending at least one signal and detecting the at least one signal if the at least one signal is reflected toward the autonomous machine, off of the marker, and if the at least one signal is detected by the detector, causing the drive system to move the autonomous machine, such that the autonomous machine remains in the bounded area. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for confining a robot to a bounded area, comprising:
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placing a marker including at least a portion of a retroreflective material such that the marker defines at least a portion of a boundary for the bounded area;
operating a robot in the bounded area, the operating comprising;
sending at least one signal from the robot;
monitoring a receiver for detecting the at least one signal that has been reflected off of the marker; and
,if the at least one signal has been detected, changing the path of travel for the robot so that the robot remains in the bounded area. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A method for confining a robot to a bounded area, comprising:
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placing a marker including at least a portion of a retroreflective material such that the marker defines at least a portion of a boundary for the bounded area;
operating a robot in the bounded area, the operating comprising;
sending at least one signal from the robot; and
,if the at least one signal has been detected by a reflection off of the marker, changing the path of travel for the robot so that the robot remains in the bounded area. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification