Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus

a technology of debris sensor and cleaning apparatus, which is applied in the direction of carpet cleaners, cleaning action control, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of degrading the performance of optical sensors, and achieve the effect of cleaning the debris field most effectively

a technology of debris sensor and cleaning apparatus, which is applied in the direction of carpet cleaners, cleaning action control, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of degrading the performance of optical sensors, and achieve the effect of cleaning the debris field most effectively

US20050218852A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-10-06LANDRY GREGG W +2
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  • Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus
  • Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus
  • Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0035] While the debris sensor of the present invention can be incorporated into a wide range of autonomous cleaning devices (and indeed, into non-autonomous cleaning devices as shown by way of example in FIG. 7), it will first be described in the context of an exemplary autonomous cleaning device shown in FIGS. 1-3. Further details of the structure, function and behavioral modes of such an autonomous cleaning device are set forth in the patent applications cited above in the Cross-Reference section, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, the following detailed description is organized into the following sections: [0036] I. Exemplary Autonomous Cleaning Device [0037] II. Behavioral Modes of an Autonomous Cleaning Device [0038] III. Debris Sensor Structure [0039] IV. Signal Processing [0040] V. Conclusions

[0041] I. Autonomous Cleaning Device

[0042] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throug...

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Abstract

A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left / right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS [0001] The present application for patent is related to the following commonly-owned U.S. patent applications or patents, incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein: [0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 768,773 filed Jan. 24, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,844, entitled Robot Obstacle Detection System (Atty. Dkt. DP-4); [0003] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 345,764 filed Jan. 3, 2002, entitled Cleaning Mechanisms for Autonomous Robot; [0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 056,804, filed Jan. 24, 2002, entitled Method and System for Robot Localization and Confinement (Atty Dkt. DP-6); [0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 167,851 filed Jun. 12, 2002, entitled Method and System for Multi-Mode Coverage for an Autonomous Robot (Atty Dkt. DP-5); [0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 320,729 filed Dec. 16, 2002, entitled Autonomous Floor-Cleaning Robot (Atty Dkt. DP-10); [0007] U.S. patent applica...

Claims

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Application Information

Patent Timeline
06 Oct 2005
Publication
US20050218852A1
IPC
A47L9/28
CPC
A47L9/2805; Y10S901/46; A47L9/2831; A47L9/2842; A47L9/2852; A47L9/2857; A47L9/2889; A47L9/2894
Inventors
LANDRY, GREGG W.; COHEN, DAVID A.