Detachable pool related platform

Abstract

The utility model provides a detachable pool related platform. The detachable pool related platform comprises a shell; a sensing unit including a positioning unit configured to determine a position of the immersion robot immersed in the pool; a communication unit configured to communicate with the immersion robot; and a removable engagement device configured to removably mount the removable pool associated platform to a surface of the pool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a pool-related platform, and more particularly to a detachable pool-related platform (PRP). Background Art

[0002] There may be a growing need to enhance the capabilities of a pool and / or an immersive robot located in a pool in an efficient manner. Utility Model Content

[0003] A PRP may be provided.

[0004] According to one aspect of the utility model, a detachable pool related platform (Pool Related Platform, PRP) is provided, comprising:

[0005] case;

[0006] a sensing unit including a positioning unit configured to positionally determine a position of an immersive robot immersed in the pool;

[0007] a communication unit configured to communicate with the immersion robot;

[0008] A removable engagement device is configured to removably mount the removable system to a surface of the pool.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a removable pool-related platform (PRP), the method comprising:

[0010] determining the position of the immersive robot immersed in the pool by a positioning unit of the sensing unit of the PRP;

[0011] communicating with the immersion robot via a communication unit of the PRP;

[0012] Wherein, the positioning unit and the communication unit are located in a housing of the PRP, and the housing is detachably mounted to the surface of the pool by a detachable engagement device of the PRP. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The subject matter of the invention is particularly pointed out and clearly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, the organization and method of operation of the invention, as well as its objects, features and advantages, may be best understood by reference to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0015] Figure 2An example of removably attaching the PRP to the side wall of the pool is illustrated;

[0016] Figure 3 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0017] Figure 4 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0018] Figure 5 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0019] Figure 6 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 7 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 8 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0022] Fig. 9 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0023] Fig.10 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0024] Fig.11 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0025] Fig.12 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0026] Fig.13 An example of a PRP is illustrated;

[0027] Fig.14 Examples of PRP, immersion robot and pool are illustrated.

[0028] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Further, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated between the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, processes and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0030] The subject matter of the utility model is particularly pointed out and clearly claimed in the utility model content section of the specification.

[0031] However, the invention both as to its organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Further, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated between the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0033] The term "and / or" is additional or alternative.

[0034] The terms "control unit", "remote control device", "control device" and "mobile computer" are used interchangeably.

[0035] Any reference in the specification to a pool cleaning robot shall be referenced as applicable to methods executable by the pool cleaning robot and computer readable media storing instructions executed by the pool cleaning robot.

[0036] Any references in the specification to mobile computers shall refer to methods applicable to methods executable by the mobile computers and computer-readable media storing instructions for execution by the mobile computers.

[0037] Any reference to a method in the specification shall refer to a pool cleaning robot and / or a mobile computer adapted to perform the method and / or a computer readable medium adapted to store instructions which, once executed, result in the performance of the method.

[0038] Any reference in the specification to non-transitory computer-readable media shall be referenced to a pool cleaning robot and / or mobile computer capable of executing instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable media, and shall be referenced to methods that can be performed by a pool cleaning robot and / or mobile computer reading instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0039] Since the illustrated embodiments of the present invention can basically be implemented using electronic components, touch screens and circuits known to those skilled in the art, in order to understand and appreciate the basic concepts of the present invention and in order not to confuse or distract from the teachings of the present invention, details will not be explained beyond the degree deemed necessary as described above.

[0040] Any reference to a method in the specification shall be referred to as applicable to a system capable of performing the method and shall be referred to as applicable to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, once executed by a computer, result in the performance of the method.

[0041] A PRP is any platform that can perform operations related to or in pool water. Examples of PRPs include pool robots other than pool cleaning robots (PCRs), PCRs, floating units, skimmers, etc. Any examples involving PCRs can be referenced to apply to any other PRPs.

[0042] A removable pool related platform (PRP) may be provided which is compact and easily detachable from the side wall of the pool.

[0043] Figure 1 An example of a PRP 11 is illustrated, the PRP comprising:

[0044] a. Shell 20.

[0045] b. A sensing unit 30 comprising a positioning unit 31 configured to determine the position of the immersive robot immersed in the pool.

[0046] c. A communication unit 50 configured to communicate with the immersion robot.

[0047] d. A removable engagement device 60 configured to removably mount the removable system to the surface of the pool.

[0048] e. Power unit 70. The power unit may include at least one of: a solar-based power supply unit 71 (which may include a photovoltaic cell), a battery 72, a power interface device 73 (eg, a socket) for receiving power from an external power source.

[0049] f. Controller 80, which is used to control the operation of the PRP.

[0050] The positioning unit 31 may include one or more positioning unit sensors 32, such as one or more visual sensors 31-1 and / or one or more non-visual sensors 31-2 (eg, radar, sonar, and other radiation sensors).

[0051] The detachable engagement means 60 may include at least one of the following:

[0052] a. Double-sided tape 61.

[0053] b. Magnet 62.

[0054] c. A patterned magnet 63 comprising patterned engagement means 64 - which may for example comprise one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses - which may fit into corresponding elements in the pool side wall - for providing magnetic and mechanical attachment.

[0055] d. Suction cup 66.

[0056] e. Mechanical engagement device.

[0057] The sensing unit 30 may include at least one of the following:

[0058] a. At least one immersion sensor 35.

[0059] b. At least one out-of-water sensor 36, which is located outside the pool water.

[0060] c. Water quality sensor 37, which can be considered as an example of an immersion sensor.

[0061] d. Water pressure sensor 38.

[0062] e. User entry sensor 39, which is configured to sense the entry of a user into the pool.

[0063] The PRP is compact in the sense that it may have a length of no more than 50 cm and / or may have a width of no more than 40 cm and / or may have a depth of no more than 20 cm, etc.

[0064] The length of the PRP may be between 10-50 cm - in particular between 15 cm and 35 cm.

[0065] The width of the PRP can be between 8-20cm.

[0066] The depth of PRP can range from 5-15cm.

[0067] The PRP can be lightweight (e.g., having a weight of no more than 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 kg, etc.), which can simplify attachment of the PRP to the pool sidewall and can ensure that the PRP will be securely attached to the pool sidewall while using relatively compact attachment elements and / or without the need for heavy attachment elements.

[0068] The PRP may have a shape different from that illustrated in the various figures.

[0069] Figure 2 Various examples of attachment of the PRP 11 to the pool sidewall are illustrated. Examples include attachment using double sided tape 61, attachment using one or two magnets 62, attachment using one or two suction cups 66, attachment using patterned magnets 63—one patterned magnet having a protrusion 64-1 that fits with a recess in the sidewall 98, and another patterned magnet having a recess 64-2 that fits with a protrusion of the sidewall 98.

[0070] The number of removable engagement means may be more than one. The PRP may be attached by a combination of different types of removable engagement means - such as magnets and double-sided tape.

[0071] The patterned engagement means may comprise patterned elements (recesses and / or protrusions) which may be arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array.

[0072] The protrusions and / or recesses may be of any shape and / or size—eg, cylindrical, cone-shaped, box-shaped, etc.

[0073] Figure 3 An example of a PRP 13 is illustrated, which differs from the PRP 11 in including an additional communication unit 53 configured to communicate with one or more external objects located outside the pool.

[0074] Figure 4 An example of a PRP 14 is illustrated, which differs from the PRP 11 in that it includes a waterline mark 94 to assist in positioning the PRP in the correct position. The waterline mark 94 can prevent the PRP from being placed too high, which may not allow the submerged sensor to contact the pool water. The waterline mark can prevent the PRP from being placed too low, which may allow the water-out sensor to be positioned underwater.

[0075] Figure 5 An example of a PRP 15 is illustrated, which differs from the PRP 11 in that it includes a navigation unit 95 configured to generate navigation information based on the position of the immersive robot, the environment of the immersive robot (e.g., underwater obstacles), and information about a desired path that the immersive robot should follow or a desired goal of the immersive robot. A communication unit 50 is configured to send the navigation information to the immersive robot.

[0076] Figure 6 An example of the PRP 16 is illustrated, which is different from the PRP 11 in that an underwater lighting unit 96 is included.

[0077] Figure 7 An example of a PRP 17 is illustrated, which differs from the PRP 11 in that a voice command detection unit 97 is included, which includes a microphone 97-1 and a voice processor 97-2 for detecting a voice command. A signal representing the detected voice command is sent to the controller 80.

[0078] Figure 8 An example of a PRP 18 is illustrated which differs from the PRP 11 by including a tactile communication unit 54 configured to detect taps or other touches of the PRP by a human operator and convert them into commands or requests that are sent to the controller 80 .

[0079] Fig. 9 An example of a PRP 19 is illustrated, which differs from the PRP 11 in including an additional communication unit 53 , a waterline marker 94 , a navigation unit 95 , an underwater lighting unit 96 , a voice command detection unit 97 , and a tactile communication unit 54 .

[0080] Fig.10 An example of a PRP 100 is illustrated, the PRP comprising:

[0081] a. Shell 20.

[0082] b. A sensing unit comprising sensors such as a water pressure sensor 38, water quality sensors such as a pH sensor 37-1 and a chlorine sensor 37-2, a light sensor 34 which can face upward for night or day sensing.

[0083] c. Ultrasonic unit 82, which may include at least one of the following: an ultrasonic communication unit 82-2 for underwater communication, an ultrasonic positioning unit 82-1 for determining the position of the submerged robot, one or more ultrasonic receivers 82-3, and one or more ultrasonic transmitters 82-4. The ultrasonic unit may include a processing circuit for processing the echo received by the ultrasonic receiver.

[0084] d. Additional communication unit 52.

[0085] e. Waterline mark 94.

[0086] f. Underwater speaker 81, which is used to provide underwater music or any other audio content.

[0087] g. Removable engagement device 60.

[0088] h. A power unit 70 , which includes a solar cell panel 71 - 1 and a battery 72 .

[0089] i. Underwater lighting unit 96, which may include one or more light emitting diodes for emitting any light pattern and / or any light color.

[0090] j. Tactile communication unit 54.

[0091] The PRP may be modular in the sense that it may include one or more modular parts, such as one or more detachable units or one or more replaceable units. The modular parts may be attached to the PRP in various ways, and the PRP may include one or more engagement means connected (in a detachable or non-detachable manner) to one or more modular parts.

[0092] Fig.11 An example of a PRP 110 is illustrated that includes an interface 130 having a power or communication port or socket that is exposed to the exterior of the PRP. Fig.11 Also illustrated is a modular part 120 fitted to an engagement device 130. The modular part may be Figures 1 to 10Any unit or any part of any unit illustrated in any of the above and / or any other unit, such as a dispenser for releasing chemicals. The coupling device 130 can be coupled with multiple modular parts. More than one coupling device can be provided - it is located at any position.

[0093] Fig.12 An example of a PRP 120 is illustrated, which includes an internal engagement device 140 having a plurality of engagement elements (the first engagement element is shown as 141), which may provide mechanical support and / or may include power and / or communication ports or sockets. The engagement device is located internally and is not exposed to the exterior of the PRP. Fig.12 In the embodiment, the housing 20 has two parts 20-1 and 20-2 which can be separated from each other and expose the internal engagement means. Fig.12 A modular part 150 is also illustrated that is fitted to the first engagement element. The modular part may be Figures 1 to 10 Any unit or any part of any unit exemplified in any of the above.

[0094] The internal engagement means may be configured to interengage with one or more modular parts.

[0095] Any combination or sub-combination of elements of any of PRPs 11-19, 100, 110 and 120 may be provided.

[0096] A PRP may include multiple units and / or components (see Fig.13 PRP 101), housing 20 and removable engagement means. Multiple units and / or components may be Figures 1 to 12 The PRP may include any unit and / or component exemplified in any one of the above. The multiple units and / or components may include or exclude multiple sensors, may include or exclude a positioning unit, etc. The PRP may include one or more of the following: an ultrasonic unit, an underwater ultrasonic communication unit, one or more ultrasonic receivers, one or more ultrasonic transmitters, one or more communication units, a waterline marker, a speaker, a power unit, one or more sensors, a lighting unit, a human-machine interface, a controller, a navigation unit, a microphone, a voice command detection unit, etc.

[0097] Fig.14 Illustrated is a PRP 150, an immersion robot 200, a pool 180 with water 190, the pool having a waterline 191. The immersion robot 200 may include a controller 201, a communication unit 202, and additional units 203 and 204 (or any number of additional units) configured to perform various operations, such as moving the immersion robot, and one or more additional operations, such as cleaning the pool, monitoring the status of the pool, etc.

[0098] Fig.13Also illustrated is a communication link 161 between the PRP and the immersion robot, as well as radiation 161 (such as acoustic radiation, ultrasonic radiation for determining the position of the immersion robot 20).

[0099] The PRP 150 may be any of the PRPs illustrated in any of the previous figures.

[0100] Any reference to any of "including" or "comprising" or "having" may be referred to as applicable to any of "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." For example, any method may include at least the steps included in the drawings and / or the description, or only the steps included in the drawings and / or the description. The same applies to the pool cleaning robot and the mobile computer.

[0101] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements. Further, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated between the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0102] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0103] Furthermore, if any, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", etc. in the specification and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between logic blocks are merely illustrative, and that alternative embodiments may merge logic blocks or circuit elements, or impose alternative functional decompositions on various logic blocks or circuit elements. Thus, it should be understood that the architectures depicted herein are merely exemplary, and that many other architectures that achieve the same functionality may in fact be implemented.

[0105] Any arrangement of components that achieve the same function is effectively "associated" so that the desired function is achieved. Therefore, any two components combined herein to achieve a particular function may be considered "associated" with each other so that the desired function is achieved, regardless of architecture or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated may also be considered "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other so as to achieve the desired function.

[0106] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between the above operations are merely illustrative. Multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations, and operations may be performed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of the operations may be changed in various other embodiments.

[0107] For another example, in one embodiment, the illustrated examples may be implemented as circuits located on a single integrated circuit or within the same device. Alternatively, these examples may be implemented as any number of separate integrated circuits or separate devices interconnected with each other in a suitable manner.

[0108] As another example, the examples or portions thereof may be implemented as physical circuits or soft or code representations of logical representations convertible into physical circuits, such as in any appropriate type of hardware description language.

[0109] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to physical devices or units implemented in non-programmable hardware, but can also be applied to programmable devices or units that can perform the desired device functions by operating according to appropriate program codes, such as mainframes, microcomputers, servers, workstations, personal computers, notebooks, personal digital assistants, electronic games, automobiles and other embedded systems, cellular phones and various other wireless devices, which are generally referred to as "computer systems" in this application.

[0110] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are possible.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0111] In the claims, any reference signs in brackets shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claim. Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used for arbitrary distinctions between the elements described by these terms. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other priorities of these elements, and the fact that certain measures are cited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0112] Any system, device or apparatus referred to in this patent application includes at least one hardware component.

[0113] Although certain features of the utility model have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will now recognize many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the utility model.

Claims

1. A detachable pool-related platform, comprising a shell; characterized in that: The detachable pool related platform also includes: a sensing unit including a positioning unit configured to determine a position of an immersive robot immersed in the pool; a communication unit configured to communicate with the immersion robot; A removable engagement device is configured to removably mount the removable pool-related platform to the surface of the pool.

2. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detachable engagement means comprises a double-sided adhesive tape.

3. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The releasable engagement means comprises a magnet.

4. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The releasable engagement means comprises a magnet comprising one or more protrusions.

5. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The releasable engagement means comprises a suction cup.

6. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing unit includes at least one immersion sensor and at least one water separation sensor.

7. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an additional communication unit configured to communicate with one or more external objects located outside the pool.

8. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing unit includes a water quality sensor.

9. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing unit includes a water pressure sensor.

10. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing unit includes a user entry sensor configured to sense entry of a user into the pool.

11. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning unit includes a combination of a vision sensor and a non-vision sensor.

12. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: A solar-based power supply unit is also included.

13. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes waterline markings.

14. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a navigation unit configured to generate navigation information; wherein the communication unit is configured to send the navigation information to the immersion robot.

15. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: An underwater lighting unit is also included.

16. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: A microphone and voice command detection unit are also included.

17. The detachable pool-related platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: A tactile communication unit is also included.

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