Self-propelled device and process for exploring an area with the device
First Claim
1. A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of:
- a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area;
b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area;
c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so applying markings along a path at a distance from the boundary;
d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously applied markings, and applying further markings at a distance from the previously applied markings;
e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and
f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The device and process is utilized for exploring an unknown working area. It is not necessary for this purpose to apply any markings in the area before using the device and the area does not have to have any special characteristics for determining location. The described device takes markings with it, for example small metal plates or a power supply cable which it lays out while it moves along a boundary of the area. It then turns around and moves back along the marking, laying out new markings. On encountering the next wall of the area it turns, picks up the previously laid-out markings and again lays new markings. This operation continues until the entire area has been covered. An example of the use of the device could be an industrial vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpet floors.
188 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of:
-
a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area; b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area; c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so applying markings along a path at a distance from the boundary; d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously applied markings, and applying further markings at a distance from the previously applied markings; e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A process for exploring an area, comprising the steps of:
-
a) in a first step, providing a self-propelled device and establishing a boundary of the area; b) in a further step, moving the self-propelled device up to the boundary of the area; c) in a further step, moving the device along the boundary and when doing so laying a cable along a path at a distance from the boundary; d) in a further step, turning around the device when the device encounters a further boundary of the area, the device taking bearings from the previously laid cable, and laying further cable at a distance from the previously laid cable; e) carrying out the steps c) and d) until an entire area of the area has been explored; and f) recording a result of the exploring for further evaluation. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification
-
- Resources
-
Current AssigneeSiemens AG
-
Original AssigneeSiemens AG
-
InventorsNeubauer, Werner, Moller, Marcus, Feiten, Wendelin
-
Primary Examiner(s)Cabeca, John W.
-
Application NumberUS08/338,608Time in Patent Office603 DaysField of Search364/424.02, 364/516, 318/568.16, 318/587, 318/568.12, 250/379, 250/253US Class Current318/587CPC Class CodesG01S 15/89 for mapping or imagingG05D 1/0246 using a video camera in com...G05D 1/0255 using acoustic signals, e.g...G05D 1/0274 using mapping information s...
