Scheduling system for autonomous robots

Abstract

A method of operating an autonomous cleaning robot, comprising: receiving a first input at a handheld computing device, the first input representing a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the first cleaning schedule corresponding to a first area. The method comprises: presenting the first cleaning schedule on a display of the handheld computing device. The method comprises: receiving a second input at the handheld computing device, the second input representing a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the second cleaning schedule corresponding to a second area different from the first area. The method comprises: presenting the first and second cleaning schedules on the display, and initiating a transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot based on the first or second cleaning schedule, the transmission comprising data for causing the robot to initiate a cleaning task.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification generally relates to control systems for autonomous cleaning robots. In one example system, an autonomous cleaning robot is controlled using schedules. Background Art

[0002] Cleaning robots include mobile robots that autonomously perform cleaning tasks in an environment such as a home. Many types of cleaning robots are autonomous to a certain extent in different ways. These cleaning robots include a controller configured to autonomously navigate the cleaning robot in the environment so that the cleaning robot can ingest debris while moving. Summary of the invention

[0003] An application executed on a mobile device can be used to control the scheduling of cleaning tasks for an autonomous cleaning robot. A user can change the cleaning parameters, scheduling, etc. of the autonomous cleaning robot through the mobile application. During the cleaning task, as the autonomous cleaning robot traverses the environment, the autonomous cleaning robot performs cleaning tasks (e.g., vacuuming, mopping, etc.). The scheduling interface of the mobile application allows the user to add, delete, change, etc. time periods, cleaning parameters, areas (e.g., rooms, floors, etc.), and other types of information used in cleaning tasks. In some examples, through the mobile application, the user can perform room-by-room cleaning, create different schedules for different days, create different schedules for different rooms or room series, and create recurring schedules.

[0004] Described herein are examples of methods and apparatus for dispatching and using mobile robots configured to traverse floor surfaces and perform various operations including but not limited to cleaning.The aforementioned advantages may include but are not limited to those described below and elsewhere herein.

[0005] Generating a customized schedule allows the user to perform cleaning of specific areas (e.g., rooms, floors) of the user's home at the time the user desires. For example, the user can direct the autonomous cleaning robot to clean the downstairs area at 9:00 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, possibly after the user has left the house so that the cleaning will not disturb the user. Scheduling cleaning tasks allows the user to set recurring cleaning tasks so that the user does not need to remember to manually start the cleaning task. Scheduling cleaning tasks can also be completed through the mobile application when the user is away from home.

[0006] In one aspect, a method for operating an autonomous cleaning robot is provided. The method includes: receiving a first input at a handheld computing device, the first input representing a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the first cleaning schedule corresponding to a first area. The method also includes: presenting the first cleaning schedule on a display of the handheld computing device. The method also includes: receiving a second input at the handheld computing device, the second input representing a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the second cleaning schedule corresponding to a second area different from the first area. The method also includes: presenting the second cleaning schedule and the first cleaning schedule on the display of the handheld computing device. The method also includes: based on the first cleaning schedule or the second cleaning schedule, initiating a transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot, the transmission including data for causing the autonomous cleaning robot to initiate a cleaning task.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first area includes a first group of rooms and the second area includes a second group of rooms, at least one room in the second group of rooms being different from the first group of rooms.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule are scheduled for the same day.

[0009] In some implementations, the first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes settings for multiple cleaning passes.

[0010] In some implementations, the first cleaning schedule presented on the display is selectable to activate or deactivate the first cleaning schedule.

[0011] In some implementations, at least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule is selectable to be enabled in a recurring manner.

[0012] In some implementations, at least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule is selectable to be enabled for a single instance.

[0013] In some implementations, the first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for a first cleaning schedule, and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for a second cleaning schedule.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable room to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selection to clean all zones during the cleaning task.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable floor to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0017] In another aspect, a handheld computing device is provided. The handheld computing device includes: one or more input devices configured to receive a first input and a second input, wherein the first input represents a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for an autonomous cleaning robot, the first cleaning schedule corresponding to a first area, and the second input represents a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the second cleaning schedule corresponding to a second area different from the first area. The handheld cleaning device also includes a display. The handheld cleaning device includes: a processor configured to present the first cleaning schedule on the display. The processor is configured to present the second cleaning schedule on the display. The processor is configured to: based on the first cleaning schedule or the second cleaning schedule, initiate a transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot, the transmission including data for prompting the autonomous cleaning robot to initiate a cleaning task.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first area includes a first group of rooms and the second area includes a second group of rooms, at least one room in the second group of rooms being different from the first group of rooms.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule are scheduled for the same day.

[0020] In some implementations, the first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes settings for multiple cleaning passes.

[0021] In some implementations, the first cleaning schedule presented on the display is selectable to activate or deactivate the first cleaning schedule.

[0022] In some implementations, at least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule is selectable to be enabled in a recurring manner.

[0023] In some implementations, at least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule is selectable to be enabled for a single instance.

[0024] In some implementations, the first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for the first cleaning schedule, and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for the second cleaning schedule.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable room to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selection to clean all zones during the cleaning task.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable floor to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0028] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 An environment including an autonomous cleaning robot and a handheld computing device is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating communication between a user, a mobile device, a cloud computing system, and an autonomous cleaning robot.

[0031] Figure 3 is an interface showing a blank schedule list.

[0032] Figure 4A It shows that Figure 1 An autonomous cleaning robot shown in FIG. , an interface for scheduling options for scheduling a one-time cleaning task.

[0033] Figure 4B is an interface showing scheduling options when the mapping privacy setting is enabled.

[0034] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows that Figure 1 An autonomous cleaning robot shown in , an interface for scheduling options for scheduling recurring cleaning tasks.

[0035] Figure 7 It shows that Figure 1 An autonomous cleaning robot shown in FIG. , and an interface of scheduling options for scheduling recurring cleaning tasks in various rooms.

[0036] Figure 8 is an interface showing a cleaning settings menu to be used during a scheduled cleaning task.

[0037] Fig. 9 is the screen showing an invalid schedule error.

[0038] Fig.10 is an interface showing a schedule list including a plurality of schedules.

[0039] Fig.11 is an interface showing options for creating a collaborative schedule between multiple autonomous cleaning robots.

[0040] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating a process for scheduling an autonomous cleaning robot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] An application executed by a mobile device can be used to control and schedule cleaning tasks for an autonomous cleaning robot. A user can change the cleaning parameters, scheduling, etc. of the autonomous cleaning robot through the mobile application. During the cleaning task, as the autonomous cleaning robot traverses the environment, the autonomous cleaning robot performs cleaning tasks (e.g., vacuuming, mopping, etc.). The scheduling interface of the mobile application allows the user to add, delete, change, etc. time periods, cleaning parameters, areas (e.g., rooms, floors, etc.), and other types of information used in cleaning tasks. In some examples, through the mobile application, the user can perform room-by-room cleaning, create different schedules for different days, and create recurring schedules.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , the autonomous cleaning robot 102 is located on a floor surface 104 within a room 106. The autonomous cleaning robot 102 is configured to communicate with a mobile device 120. The mobile device 120 as described herein may include: a smart phone, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart watch, other portable (e.g., handheld) computing devices, etc., which are capable of sending and receiving signals related to robot cleaning tasks. The mobile device 120 is configured to: present information about robot training runs and cleaning tasks, etc. on a display 122, and receive input from a user. The mobile device 120 includes a processor 114, which is configured to: initiate data transmission and reception with the autonomous cleaning robot 102 (via the Internet, etc.), and run a mobile application 124, which is configured to present a scheduling interface on the display 122 of the mobile device 120. The scheduling interface presented on the display 122 of the mobile device 120 allows the user to create a customized schedule.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 , schematic diagram 200 depicts communication between user 202, mobile device 204, cloud computing system 210, and autonomous cleaning robot 214. Mobile application 208 executed by processor 206 on mobile device 204 presents (222): an interface including prompts for creating a cleaning schedule for autonomous cleaning robot 214. User 202 selects (224) cleaning schedule parameters through at least one input (e.g., button, touch screen display, etc.) of mobile device 204. Cleaning schedule parameters include scheduling parameters (time, date, frequency, etc.) and cleaning parameters (single point cleaning, edge cleaning, etc.) used to define the schedule. Cloud computing system 210 checks (226) whether the parameters of the selected cleaning schedule conflict with the previously stored cleaning schedule through processor 212. In some embodiments, the cleaning schedules may not overlap, may not be within a certain amount of time (e.g., 3 hours) after another cleaning schedule (e.g., in order to give time to complete the cleaning schedule and charging time), etc. If the selected cleaning schedule conflicts with another cleaning schedule, an error message is presented (228) on the mobile device 204, and the user 202 is prompted (222) to create a new cleaning schedule. If the selected cleaning schedule does not conflict with another cleaning schedule, the selected cleaning schedule is presented (230) on the list of cleaning schedules.

[0044] At a time corresponding to the scheduled time of the cleaning schedule, the mobile device 204 transmits (232) data to the autonomous cleaning robot 214 to cause the autonomous cleaning robot 214 to start a cleaning task according to the cleaning schedule. The processor 216 of the autonomous cleaning robot 214 causes the autonomous cleaning robot to perform (234) the cleaning task according to the schedule. The cleaning schedule can instruct the autonomous cleaning robot 214 to perform a specific cleaning task, clean a specific area (e.g., a room, a floor), etc., as described below with respect to Figures 3 to 11 discussed.

[0045] In general, Figures 3 to 11 Various types of information that can be presented, edited, etc. on the mobile device 204 are shown. By presenting this information and allowing the user 402 to edit the information, a customized cleaning schedule can be generated. The autonomous cleaning robot 214 performs the cleaning tasks defined by the customized cleaning schedule (e.g., which areas, what time, how often, etc.).

[0046] refer to Figure 3 , interface 300 is presented on the display of mobile device 204. Interface 300 includes: display area 302, which is configured to present a list of stored cleaning schedules. In this example, display area 302 is empty. Selecting add button 304 allows user 202 to open the scheduling interface (as shown in Figures 4 to Figure 7) to create a new cleaning schedule. Interface 300 also presents: a suggested schedule 306, including a list of dates 310 and times 308 that can be added to the schedule list 302 and presented in area 302. Selecting a schedule button 312 adds the suggested schedule 306 to the schedule list 302 and schedules the autonomous cleaning robot 214 for the cleaning task. In this example, when button 312 is selected, a recurring cleaning task is created that is performed at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

[0047] refer to Figure 4A , interface 400 is presented on the display of mobile device 204. Interface 400 is configured to allow user 202 to set cleaning schedule for autonomous cleaning robot 214 by selecting time and frequency (section 402), room (section 404) and setting (section 406) for cleaning schedule. Time section 402 includes time selector 408, button 410 (used to set cleaning task for single day) called "once button" and button 412 (used to set recurring cleaning task) called "weekly button". Time selector 408 is configured to adjust to desired time for cleaning task. Once button 410 can be selected to configure cleaning task as one-time cleaning task. In such case, as shown in this article, one-time cleaning task will schedule cleaning task at the time indicated on time selector 408. Text indicator 414 notifies user 202 that autonomous cleaning robot 214 will perform cleaning task at set time (9:00 am of next day in this article, because 9:00 am of that day has passed). While the autonomous cleaning robot 214 is still learning the user's space (e.g., the user's home), room-by-room cleaning is not yet available in the rooms section 404. Text 416 informs the user that room-by-room cleaning is not available and that the autonomous cleaning robot (herein, named "Alfred") is learning as it cleans. Figure 4B If user 202 has enabled privacy settings in mobile application 208 to prohibit storage of maps, interface 450 is presented indicating, via text 456 in room section 454 , that room-by-room cleaning is not available.

[0048] Reference again Figure 4A In the settings section 406, a cleaning preferences option 418 is selectable. Selecting the cleaning preferences option 418 opens e.g. Figure 8800. Cleaning preferences can be selected for the schedule created in interface 400. Cleaning preferences can include, for example, multiple passes, edge cleaning, single spot cleaning, vacuuming power, etc. In some embodiments, cleaning preferences can be selected on interface 400 without selecting cleaning preferences option 418 or opening a separate interface 800. When user 202 completes selecting cleaning schedule parameters in time section 402, room section 404, and settings section 406, user 202 selects save button 420 to add the schedule to the user's computer. Figure 3 List 302 shown in .

[0049] refer to Figure 5 , presenting an interface 500 for setting a cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot 214. Interface 500 is similar to interface 400, including a time section 502, a room section 504, and a setting section 506. In the time section 502, a once button 510 and a weekly button 512 are presented along with a time selector 508. On interface 500, since the weekly button 512 is selected, an array of day buttons 514 is presented (each of these buttons corresponds to a day of the week). The user 202 can select a single day button in the array 514 to repeat the schedule on each corresponding day of the week. For example, the schedule set in interface 500 will prompt the mobile device 204 to transmit data to the autonomous cleaning robot 214 to start the cleaning task at 9:00 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In some embodiments, data can be sent in a single transmission, a series of transmissions, etc. to provide data to the autonomous cleaning robot 214. As previously described about Figure 4A As mentioned, room-by-room cleaning is not available until the autonomous cleaning robot 214 has learned the user's space. The user 202 can select cleaning parameters via the cleaning preference options 518 in the settings section 506 .

[0050] refer to Figure 6, interface 600 is presented on the display of mobile device 204. Interface 600 is similar to interface 400 and interface 500 discussed previously, including time section 602, room section 604 and setting section 606. In time section 602, once button 610 and weekly button 612 are presented together with time selector 608. Cleaning parameters can be set by selecting cleaning preference option 618 in setting section 606. When weekly button 612 is selected, an array 614 including day buttons of the week is presented. In room section 604, a select room button 622 and a clean all button 624 are presented. Selecting the clean all button 624 configures the schedule to instruct the autonomous cleaning robot to clean all available spaces during the scheduled cleaning task. When the clean all button 624 is selected, text 616 is presented, thereby notifying user 202 that all available areas will be cleaned during the cleaning task. Selecting the select room button 622 prompts the mobile application to present interface 700 (such as Figure 7 ), in which user 202 can select individual rooms to be included in the cleaning task.

[0051] refer to Figure 7 , interface 700 displays scheduling options for scheduling recurring cleaning tasks in various rooms for autonomous cleaning robots 214. Interface 700 is similar to interfaces 400, 500, and 600 discussed previously, including a time section 702, a room section 704, and a settings section 706. In the time section 702, a once button 710 and a weekly button 712 are presented along with a time selector 608. Cleaning parameters can be set by selecting a cleaning preference option 718 in the settings section 706. When the weekly button 712 is selected, an array 714 including day buttons for a week is presented. In the room section 704, a select room button 722 and a clean all button 724 are presented.

[0052] When the select room button 722 is selected, a room list 726 is presented on the room section 704. The room list 726 includes room tags, such as tag 728. Each room tag on the room list 726 corresponds to a room in the user's space (e.g., the user's home) that has been learned by the autonomous cleaning robot 214. The room can be learned by the autonomous cleaning robot 214 as it traverses the room during a cleaning mission or a training mission. During a training mission, the autonomous cleaning robot 214 may not perform a cleaning function (e.g., vacuuming, mopping, etc.) as it traverses the room. Each room selected on the room list 726 is included in the schedule. For example, in the interface 700, if the room tag 728 is selected, a transmission is initiated to the autonomous cleaning robot 214 to initiate a cleaning task to clean the living room (corresponding to the room tag 728) at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If the user 202 attempts to store (e.g., by selecting the save button 720) the schedule of the interface 700 without selecting at least one room tag, a screen like the following is presented. Fig. 9 The interface 900 shown in FIG. 900 includes an error message 902 that the schedule is invalid because at least one room is not included in the schedule. The cleaning task is run according to a set of cleaning parameters defined by selecting the cleaning preference option 718 in the settings section 706.

[0053] refer to Figure 8 , the interface 800 presents a menu 802 of cleaning parameters, which will be used to define the cleaning operations performed during the scheduled cleaning task. Menu 802 includes cleaning pass options 804, 806 and 808, which correspond to automatic cleaning, cleaning once, and cleaning twice, respectively. If option 804 is selected, the autonomous cleaning robot chooses to clean once or twice depending on the size of the area being cleaned. If option 806 is selected, the autonomous cleaning robot 214 will pass through the area in a single pass; if option 808 is selected, the autonomous cleaning robot 214 will pass through the area again. In some embodiments, additional or alternative cleaning parameters may be presented for the user 202 to select, such as single-point cleaning, edge cleaning, vacuum power, cleaning type (e.g., vacuuming, sweeping, mopping), etc. In some embodiments, cleaning parameters (such as those in menu 802) may be presented in the interface 700 (such as in the settings section 706). Figure 7 ) for selection.

[0054] refer to Fig.10, interface 1000 shows a list of cleaning schedules, which includes a first cleaning schedule 1002 and a second cleaning schedule 1004. The first cleaning schedule 1002 is a cleaning schedule for cleaning all at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The first cleaning schedule is deactivated by the toggle key 1006 being in the first position as shown. In some embodiments, the first schedule can be grayed out or displayed in a different color, etc. on the interface 1000. The first cleaning schedule can be enabled by selecting the toggle key 1006. The second cleaning schedule 1004 is a cleaning schedule for specific rooms at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The second cleaning schedule 1004 includes instructions for cleaning the kitchen, living room, corridor, and dining room. The second cleaning schedule 1004 is enabled by the toggle key 1008 as shown, and the toggle key can be selected to turn off the second cleaning schedule 1004. Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile device 204 initiates a cleaning task corresponding to the second cleaning schedule 1004 (which is enabled) rather than the first cleaning schedule 1002 (which is disabled). The user 202 can add and customize additional cleaning schedules by selecting the add button 1010 on the interface 1000, which will guide the user 202 to an interface such as the interfaces 400, 500, 600, and / or 700 discussed above.

[0055] In some embodiments, a plurality of autonomous cleaning robots may be configured to navigate in a space and communicate with the mobile device 204. Fig.11 As shown in the interface 1100 in , the second autonomous cleaning robot can be configured to follow the first autonomous cleaning robot and perform different cleaning tasks. For example, the interface 1100 shows an option 1102 for the second autonomous cleaning robot to perform the mopping function after the first autonomous cleaning robot performs the vacuuming function. The option 1102 can be enabled and disabled by the toggle key 1110. The user 202 can choose the pick room button 1104 or the clean all button 1106, and can select the cleaning parameters by the cleaning preset option 1108. The interface 1100 allows coordinated cleaning between the first autonomous cleaning robot and the second autonomous cleaning robot. The mobile application 208 communicates with the first and second autonomous cleaning robots to assign the second autonomous cleaning robot to perform the mopping function after the first autonomous cleaning robot has completed vacuuming in the area of ​​interest.

[0056] refer to Fig.12, flowchart 1200 depicts a process for operating an autonomous cleaning robot 214. The process includes: receiving (1202) a first input at a handheld computing device (e.g., mobile device 204), the first input representing a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot 214. The process also includes: presenting (1204) the first cleaning schedule on a display of the handheld computing device. The process also includes: receiving (1206) a second input at the handheld computing device, the second input representing a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot. The process also includes: presenting (1208) the second cleaning schedule and the first cleaning schedule on the display of the handheld computing device. The process also includes: initiating (1210) a transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot 214 based on the first cleaning schedule or the second cleaning schedule, the transmission including data for causing the autonomous cleaning robot 214 to initiate a cleaning task.

[0057] The robots and techniques described herein, or portions thereof, may be controlled by a computer program product comprising instructions stored on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media and executable on one or more processing devices to control (e.g., coordinate) the operations described herein. The robots described herein, or portions thereof, may be implemented as all or part of an apparatus or electronic system that may include one or more processing devices and memory to store executable instructions to implement various operations.

[0058] Some operations, which are associated with implementing all or part of the robot operation and control described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions described herein. For example, the mobile device, a cloud computing system configured to communicate with the mobile device and the autonomous cleaning robot, and the robot's controller can all include: a processor programmed with a computer program to perform functions such as transmitting signals, calculating estimates, or interpreting signals. The computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0059] The controller and mobile device described herein may include one or more processors. Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally speaking, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only storage area or a random access storage area or both. The essentials of a computer include: one or more processors for executing instructions, and one or more storage area devices for storing instructions and data. In general, a computer will also include or be operably coupled to one or more machine-readable storage media (e.g., a large-scale PCB for storing data, such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk) to receive data from it or to transfer data to it or both. Machine-readable storage media suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include: all forms of non-volatile storage areas, including, for example, semiconductor storage area devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory area devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or mobile hard disks); magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0060] The robot control and operation techniques described herein can be applied to control other mobile robots besides cleaning robots. For example, a lawn mowing robot or a space monitoring robot can be trained as described herein to perform operations in a specific part of a lawn or space.

[0061] The elements of different embodiments described herein can be combined to form other embodiments not clearly set forth above. Without affecting its operation, elements can be omitted from the structure described herein. In addition, various independent elements can be combined into one or more separate elements to perform functions described herein.

Claims

1. A method of operating an autonomous cleaning robot, the method comprising: receiving, at a handheld computing device, a first input representing a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the first cleaning schedule corresponding to a first zone; presenting the first cleaning schedule on a display of the handheld computing device; receiving, at the handheld computing device, a second input representing a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the second cleaning schedule corresponding to a second area different from the first area; presenting the second cleaning schedule and the first cleaning schedule on the display of the handheld computing device; as well as Based on the first cleaning schedule or the second cleaning schedule, initiating transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot, the transmission comprising data for causing the autonomous cleaning robot to initiate a cleaning task; wherein the first area includes a first group of rooms, and the second area includes a second group of rooms, at least one room in the second group of rooms being different from the first group of rooms; wherein the first cleaning schedule presented on the display can be selected to activate or deactivate the first cleaning schedule; The first cleaning schedule can be selected to be enabled or disabled through a first switch key presented on the display, and the second cleaning schedule can be selected to be enabled or disabled through a second switch key presented on the display.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule are scheduled for the same day.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes settings for cleaning passes.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule can be selected to be activated in a recurring manner.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule can be selected to be enabled for a single instance.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for the first cleaning schedule, and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for the second cleaning schedule.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable room to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selection to clean all zones during the cleaning task.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable floor to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

10. A handheld computing device comprising: One or more input devices configured to: receiving a first input representing a first set of cleaning schedule parameters for a first cleaning schedule for an autonomous cleaning robot, the first cleaning schedule corresponding to a first area; receiving a second input representing a second set of cleaning schedule parameters for a second cleaning schedule for the autonomous cleaning robot, the second cleaning schedule corresponding to a second area different from the first area; monitor; as well as A processor configured to: presenting the first cleaning schedule on the display; presenting the second cleaning schedule on the display; as well as Based on the first cleaning schedule or the second cleaning schedule, initiating transmission to the autonomous cleaning robot, the transmission comprising data for causing the autonomous cleaning robot to initiate a cleaning task; wherein the first area includes a first group of rooms, and the second area includes a second group of rooms, at least one room in the second group of rooms being different from the first group of rooms; wherein the first cleaning schedule presented on the display can be selected to activate or deactivate the first cleaning schedule; The first cleaning schedule can be selected to be enabled or disabled through a first switch key presented on the display, and the second cleaning schedule can be selected to be enabled or disabled through a second switch key presented on the display.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule are scheduled for the same day.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes settings for cleaning passes.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule can be selected to be activated in a recurring manner.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first cleaning schedule and the second cleaning schedule can be selected to be enabled for a single instance.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: The first set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for the first cleaning schedule, and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes at least one parameter representing a cleaning region for the second cleaning schedule.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable room to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

17. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selection to clean all zones during the cleaning task.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the first set of cleaning schedule parameters and the second set of cleaning schedule parameters includes a selectable floor to be cleaned by the autonomous cleaning robot.

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