Floor cleaning device having a lighting array for floor lighting effects to enhance debris visibility

Abstract

A floor cleaning device includes a base housing (30), defining an exterior (62) with a leading face (64) and first and second lateral sides (66, 68), and a lighting array (76) including a first light element (78a) and a second light element (78b) disposed along the leading face (64) and collectively generating a first illumination area (80) in front of the base housing (30) and extending from proximate the leading face (64) away from the leading face (64) and at least between the first and second sides of the base housing (30). The floor cleaning device further includes a controller (28) in communication with the lighting array (76) and independently controlling the first light element (78a) and the second light element (78b) according to at least one illumination characteristic to generate a directional debris highlighting effect within at least a portion of the illumination area (80).

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a vacuum cleaner with a lighting array, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner lighting array that improves the visibility of debris on a surface to be cleaned using the vacuum cleaner.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vacuum cleaners have been developed that include lighting to illuminate an area in front of, or otherwise around, the vacuum cleaner. Such lighting is typically mounted on a portion of the "foot unit" that moves over the surface to be cleaned and includes the vacuum suction inlet and / or the related agitator. These lighting arrays are typically positioned just above the surface to be cleaned and are primarily intended to help visualize the surrounding area of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, typical lighting arrays cast long shadows past objects, which can make small objects difficult to see, and do not help distinguish between objects, such as dirt and debris, from variations in color or texture of the actual surface.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a floor cleaning device includes a base housing defining an exterior with a leading face and first and second lateral sides. The housing further defines an interior enclosing an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber. The floor cleaning device further includes a lighting array including a first light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the first lateral side. The first light element is directed outwardly from the leading face and angled at least partially toward the second lateral side. The lighting array further includes a second light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the second lateral side. The second light element is directed outwardly from the leading face and is angled at least partially toward the first lateral side. The first and second light elements collectively generate a first illumination area in front of the base housing and extending from proximate the leading face away from the leading face and at least between the first and second sides of the base housing. The floor cleaning device further includes a controller in communication with the lighting array and independently controlling the first light element and the second light element according to at least one illumination characteristic to generate a directional debris highlighting effect within at least a portion of the illumination area.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a floor cleaning device includes a base housing defining an exterior with a leading face and first and second lateral sides. The housing further defines an interior enclosing an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber. The floor cleaning device further includes a lighting array having a first light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the first lateral side. The first light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the second lateral side. The lighting array further includes a second light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the second lateral side. The second light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the first lateral side. The lighting array further includes a third light element disposed along the leading face between the first and second light elements and directed away from the leading face. The floor cleaning device further includes a controller in communication with the lighting array and independently controlling the first light element and the second light element to illuminate in respective one of three different selected illumination colors combine within an overlap area away from the leading face to illuminate the overlap area in a white light.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a floor cleaning device includes a base housing defining an exterior with a leading face and first and second lateral sides. The housing further defines an interior enclosing an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber. The floor cleaning device further includes a lighting array having a first light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the first lateral side. The first light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the second lateral side. The lighting array further includes a second light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the second lateral side. The second light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the first lateral side. The floor cleaning device further includes a controller in communication with the lighting array and independently controlling the first light element and the second light element by alternatingly activating and deactivating the first light element and the second light element such that an activation of one of the first and second light elements corresponds with deactivation of the other of the first and second light elements in succession to generate a strobing effect.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a is a schematic drawing of a floor cleaning device according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the floor cleaning device in the form of a stick type vacuum cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base assembly of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a side view of the base assembly of FIG. 4 showing an illumination area generated by a lighting array of the vacuum cleaner according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a top view of the base assembly of FIG. 4 showing the illumination area generated by the lighting array; FIG. 7 is a top view of the base assembly of FIG. 4 showing a debris highlighting effect within the illumination area further generated by the lighting array according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a front view of the base assembly having an alternative lighting array according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a top view of the base assembly of FIG. 8 showing an alternative debris highlighting effect within the illumination area further generated by the lighting array according to an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 10a and 10b are schematic depictions of predetermined sets of colors that can be implemented using the lighting array in connection with the illumination area and debris highlighting effect; FIG. 11a, 11b, 11c are successive views of illumination characteristics implemented in the lighting array and a resulting rotating debris highlighting effect according to a further aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternative base assembly useable in connection with the vacuum cleaner of FIGS. 2 and 3, the base assembly having an alternative lighting array according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a floor cleaning device. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0010] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0011] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of various functional systems of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of an exemplary vacuum cleaner 10. The functional systems of the exemplary vacuum cleaner 10 can be arranged into any desired configuration including as a portable cleaner adapted to be hand carried by a user for cleaning relatively small areas. The vacuum cleaner 10 can be adapted to include a tube 12 or other conduit, which can form a portion of the working air path between a nozzle and the suction source.

[0013] The vacuum cleaner 10 can include a recovery system 14 for removing debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the debris. The recovery system 14 can include a suction inlet or suction nozzle 16, a suction source 18 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 16 for generating a working air stream, and a recovery container 20 for separating and collecting debris from the working airstream for later disposal.

[0014] The suction nozzle 16 can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned. At least one agitator 26 can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle 16 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris can be more easily ingested into the suction nozzle 16. Some examples of agitators 26 include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll 61, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush. The at least one agitator 26 can also be configured to cling to or otherwise retain dirt or debris removed from the surface to be cleaned, such as by configuration as, or otherwise including, a disposable cleaning pad, wherein such retained dirt or debris is not ingested into the suction nozzle 16.

[0015] The suction source 18 can be any suitable suction source and is provided in fluid communication with the recovery container 20. The suction source 18 can be electrically coupled to a power source 22, such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet. A suction power switch 24 between the suction source 18 and the power source 22 can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating the suction source 18. As shown, in various implementations, the vacuum cleaner 10 can include a controller 28 that can include or be electronically connected with the power switch 24. In such an implementation, the controller 28 can be in communication with a user interface 38 that can allow the user to indirectly control the power switch 24. In certain aspects, the controller 28 may be in direct communication with the suction source 18 to control operation thereof, including when suction source 18 includes a brushless direct current ("DC") motor, or other devices that utilize such a controller, rather than simply operating on connection to a power source 22. The interface 38 may also provide for control of various functions, such as suction power level, energy consumption, battery charging management, or the like, including any additional functions discussed further below.

[0016] The vacuum cleaner 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be used to effectively remove debris from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps.

[0017] In operation, the vacuum cleaner 10 is prepared for use by coupling the vacuum cleaner 10 to the power source 22. During operation of the recovery system 14, the vacuum cleaner 10 draws in debris-laden working air through the suction nozzle 16 and into the downstream recovery container 20 where the debris is substantially separated from the working air and deposited in the recovery container 20. The airstream then passes through the suction source 18 prior to being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 10. The recovery container 20 can be periodically emptied of collected debris.

[0018] While not illustrated it will be understood that the surface cleaning apparatus including the vacuum cleaner 10 can include a fluid delivery system for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid delivery system can include a fluid supply container for storing cleaning fluid, as well as at least one fluid distributor fluidly coupled to the fluid supply container. In such an implementation, the recovery system 14 may draw back in the fluid, along with any fluid present on the surface to be cleaned, with entrained debris that can also be separated from the working air flow and retained in the recovery container 20 before the air is exhausted.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner 10 according to various aspects described herein. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall be described from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner 10, which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner 10. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the vacuum cleaner 10 can include a housing 30 with an upright assembly 32 and a base assembly 34. The upright assembly 32 can be operably coupled to the base assembly 34 for directing the base assembly 34 across the surface to be cleaned. A joint or other pivoting mechanism can be utilized to pivotally connect the upright assembly 32 to the base assembly 34. It is contemplated that the vacuum cleaner 10 can include any or all of the various systems and components described in FIG. 1, including a recovery system 14 for separating and storing dirt or debris from the surface to be cleaned. The various systems and components schematically described with respect to FIG. 1 can be supported by either the base assembly 34 or the upright assembly 32 of the vacuum cleaner 10 or both in combination.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a partially-exploded view of the vacuum cleaner 10 of FIG. 2. The upright assembly 32 includes a hand-held portion 36 supporting components of the recovery system 14, including, but not limited to, the suction source 18 and the recovery container 20. By way of non-limiting example, the suction source 18 can include a motor / fan assembly.

[0022] The hand-held portion 36 can be coupled to a wand 40 having at least one wand connector 42. In the illustrated example, both a first end 44 of the wand 40 and a second end 46 of the wand 40 include a wand connector 42. The wand connector 42 at the second end 46 of the wand 40 can be coupled to the base assembly 34 via a wand receiver 48. The wand connector 42 at the first end 44 of the wand 40 can couple to a second wand receiver 50 within the hand-held portion 36. It is contemplated that the wand connectors 42 can be the same type of connector or can vary in any suitable manner with respect to function, structure, design, profile, etc.. Any suitable type of connector mechanism can be utilized, such as a quick connect mechanism or a tubing coupler in non-limiting examples. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 4, the wand receiver 48 can include electrical terminals 60 to facilitate an electrical connection to the wand 40. In this manner, the wand connectors 42, as well as the wand receiver 48 of the hand-held portion 36 can include similar terminals and connections, with the terminals of the wand receiver 48 being connected with the electronic circuitry of the hand-held portion 36, including with controller 28. In this manner, various electronic components that may be utilized within the base assembly 34 can receive power and / or be operated by the hand-held portion 36, including by way of power switch 24 and / or controller 28. In one example, the agitator 26 may include one or more brushrolls 61 powered by a separate motor included within the housing 30 of the base assembly 34.

[0023] A pivotal connection between the upright assembly 32 and the base assembly 34 can be provided by at least one pivoting mechanism. In the illustrated example, the pivoting mechanism can include a multi-axis swivel joint assembly 52 configured to pivot the upright assembly 32 from front-to-back and side-to-side with respect to the base assembly 34. However, this need not be the case and the pivoting mechanism can move in any suitable manner including that the upright assembly 32 may pivot about one single axis with respect to the base assembly 34. Wheels 58 can be coupled to the lower portion 54 of the swivel joint assembly 52, or directly to the base assembly 34, and are adapted to move the base assembly 34 across the surface to be cleaned.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, in one aspect, the floor cleaning device in the example form of the above-described vacuum cleaner 10 includes the above-described base assembly 34, for which the housing 30 defines an exterior 62 with a leading face 64 and first and second lateral sides 66 and 68. The housing 30 further defines an interior 70 that encloses an agitator chamber 72 within which the above-described agitator 26 in which the illustrated form of a brushroll is positioned. The interior 70 further includes an opening 74 to suction nozzle 16 in fluid communication with the agitator chamber 72. The base 34 further includes a lighting array 76 having a first light element 78a disposed along the leading face 64 in proximity to the first lateral side 66 of the housing 30. The first light element 78a is directed outward from the leading face 64 and is angled at least partially toward the second lateral side 68. A second light element 78b is similarly disposed along the leading face 64 in proximity to the second lateral side 68. The second light element 78b is directed outward from the leading face 64 and is angled toward the first lateral side 66 of the housing 30. The first and second light elements collectively generate a first illumination area 80 in front of the base housing 30 and extending from proximate the leading face away from the leading face and at least between the first and second sides of the base housing 30. An implementation of the above-described controller 28 is in communication with the lighting array 76 and independently controls the first light element 78a and the second light element 78b according to at least one illumination characteristic to generate a directional debris highlighting effect.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the exterior 62 of the base housing 30 can define a generally amorphous shape in which the leading face 64 is not clearly set apart from other portions of the housing 30. For example, the leading face 64 of the illustrated base 34 includes a lower portion 54 that extends generally vertically before reaching what can be considered an upper portion of the leading face 64 that slopes rearwardly over the agitator chamber 72 and transitions to what could be considered the upper face 81 of the housing 30. Further, the lighting elements 78a and 78b are depicted as being mounted in respective protrusions 83a and 83b that extend from the portion of housing 30 that extends rearwardly over the agitator chamber 72 and define respective portions of the leading face 64. In this respect, variations of base 34 and the associated housing 30 are contemplated in which the leading face 64 has a configuration that varies from that which is shown and, in connection therewith, the lighting elements discussed herein, including lighting elements 78a and 78b can be positioned at a vertical placement that varies from that which is shown and that may be associated with different features of the base 34 and / or housing 30. Accordingly, the description of the lighting array 76 and / or the light elements 78a an 78b as being along the leading face 64 of the housing 30 can include positioning in which the light elements 78a and 78b are oriented in the general direction away from the leading face 64, unless otherwise specified, regardless of the shape of the housing 30. As shown light cast by the lighting elements 78a and 78b illuminates an area directed away from the leading face 64 such that various objects, including debris within the path of base 34, are illuminated during movement of the base 34 over the surface to be cleaned.

[0026] As shown in one example in FIGS. 5 and 6, the illumination area 80 encompasses an area extending in a forward direction 82 from the leading face 64 of the base assembly 34. In this respect, it is noted that due to the potential variation in shapes of the leading face 64 and / or the particular placement of the lighting elements 78 in the lighting array 76, the light cast by the lighting elements 78 may extend over a portion of the leading face 64. The lighting elements 78 each cast light in a respective cone 84 that extends laterally and vertically away from the respective lighting element 78 (in variations that may not reflect a strict geometric cone in ways understood in the art) that may be influenced by the configuration of the lighting element 78 itself, as well as the configuration of any lens 86 positioned over the lighting element, as well as the shape, configuration, and relative position of the aperture 88 of the housing 30 through which the lighting element 78 may be directed. As shown, the respective light cones 84 are configured and oriented to be generally mirror images of each other in the lateral directions (as shown in FIG. 6) and to have similar vertical positioning. In this manner, the cones 84a and 84b of the lighting elements 78a and 78b overlap within at least a portion of the illumination area 80.

[0027] It is to be appreciated that the light cast by the lighting elements 78, individually and collectively, extends in three dimensions outwardly from the leading face 64 according to the shape of the cones 84 and the manner in which they overlap. In this respect, the total field illuminated by the lighting array 76 will extend outward both in the forward direction 82, as well as laterally and vertically away from the leading face 64, essentially, until it reaches any objects in the path thereof, which will be illuminated in levels that may vary in there level of perception to the user, depending on the ambient conditions and the brightness and temperature of the light cast by the lighting elements 78. As the cones 84 are directed downward (i.e., with respect to the respective centers of the lighting elements 78 and / or the geometric centers of the respective cones 84), at least a majority of the light will encounter the ground surface S on which the base assembly 34 is positioned. Additionally, the lighting array 76 disclosed herein is configured to be useable to illuminate and highlight (as discussed further below) dirt and other debris that is small or otherwise difficult to visualize in certain conditions in the general area forward of the base assembly 34 during use. Given that such debris is often small in size (in some instances 3 cm tall or shorter, and in other instances on the order of 2 mm, 1 mm in height or shorter), the illumination area 80 can be depicted and assessed relative to the projection of the light cast by the lighting array 76 on the ground surface S in front of the base assembly 34.

[0028] For purposes of the present disclosure, it may be beneficial for the user to be able to visually detect dirt and debris in close proximity to the base assembly 34 to accurately move the base assembly 34 over the corresponding area of the surface S for removal of such debris and to confirm the removal thereof (i.e., on subsequent withdrawal of the base assembly 34 from the affected area). Accordingly, it may not be necessary for the illumination area 80 to extend from the portion of the ground surface S immediately adjacent the base assembly 34. Rather, the lighting array 76 may achieve its intended purposes by extending from a proximate location on the ground surface S between about 2 cm and 5 cm from the leading face 64. In this respect, it is noted that the light cast by the lighting elements 78 may not define a clean line on the ground surface S such that a clearly-defined boundary may not be present around the entirety (or any) of the illumination area 80. In particular, the illumination area 80 may fade with the distance away from the leading face 64. Additionally, the extent of the overlap between the respective cones 84a and 84b may cause the general characteristic appearance of the illumination area 80 to vary. Accordingly, for purposes of the present disclosure, it may be generally sufficient to define the illumination area 80 as the area of the ground surface S that exhibits at least 30% of maximum visible amount of light cast by the lighting array 76, including as compared to the ambient illumination visible on the surface S. In this respect, the illumination area 80 may extend away from the leading face 64 in the forward direction 82 by at least about 1 m and, in some implementations, up to about 3 m. Additionally, the illuminated area 80 can extend across the width of the leading face 64 and, in some examples, can widen toward the farther extents thereof. In this respect, it is noted that the lighting array 76 described herein in connection with the various illumination characteristic generated thereby is configured to be useful across an array of lighting conditions not limited to darkened conditions (i.e., in a household at night with no other ambient illumination) and including, for example, various low-light conditions or in areas with uneven lighting or in areas where the light from household sources is obscured (e.g., under tables or kitchen cabinet overhangs).

[0029] In the example shown in FIG. 7 and used in connection with the vacuum cleaner 10 of FIGS. 1-6), the at least one illumination characteristic can be an activation state of the light sources 78a, 78b, included in lighting array 76, characterized by activating and deactivating respective ones of the first light element 78a and the second light element 78b. In particular, the controller 28 independently controls the first light element 78a and the second light element 78b by alternatingly activating and deactivating the first light element 78a and the second light element 78b such that an activation of one of the first and second light elements 78a, 78b corresponds with deactivation of the other of the first and second light elements 78b, 78a. As shown in FIG. 7, a schematic example of an article of debris D within the illumination area 80, particularly within an overlap area 90 that is illuminated by both light elements 78a and 78b (simultaneously or alternatingly) casts a shadow 92a and 92b associated with the cone 84a and 84b from each of the light elements 78a and 78b. When the controller 28 implements the present illumination characteristic through alternating activation and deactivation of the light elements 78a and 78b, the corresponding shadows 92a and 92b are made more visible by the absence of the light emanating from the other (non-activated) light element 78a or 78b. Even further, the alternating activation and deactivation of the light elements 78a and 78b causes a strobing effect with respect to the shadows 92a and 92b in which the visible shadow appears to change position, depending on the actual shadow 92a or 92b that is present due to the activation of the corresponding light element 78a or 78b. Because the respective shadows 92a and 92b extend partially laterally, the apparent change in position of the shadow 92a, 92b creates a direction highlighting effect by which that change in direction appears centered around or pointing to the debris D associated with the shadow 92a, 92b. In one aspect, this directional highlighting effect helps the debris D stand out not only in low-light or varied-light conditions, but also against surfaces with flecks or other variations that tend to "camouflage" debris, including various tile and hardwood surfaces, for example. The controller 28 can be configured to implement various timings of the alternating activations and deactivations of the lighting elements 78a and 78b to control the strobing effect. In one aspect, the speed (i.e., frequency) of the alternations can be lower than those associated with, for example, a strobe light, to minimize any disorienting effects and / or to ensure that directional highlighting effect is visible. In some implementations, the frequency of the alternating activations and deactivations of the light elements 78a and 78b can be about 0.25 Hz, 0.5 Hz, or even up to 1 Hz.

[0030] Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, in a variation of the vacuum cleaner 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7, the lighting array 76 can further be configured with a third light element 78c disposed along the leading face 64 between the first and second light elements 78a, 78b and directed outward from the leading face 64. In various respects, the light element 78a and 78b can be similar to those discussed above and can be similarly positioned and oriented with respect to the leading face 64, the housing 30 and the base assembly 34 overall, and can emit similar light cones 84 resulting in an illumination area 80 extending over a similar area of the corresponding ground surface S described above. The third light element 78c can extend in the forward direction 82 can be oriented downwardly at a similar angle to the first and second light elements 78a, 78b. In this respect, the resulting in an overlap area 90 that encompasses light cast by the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c, as cast in their respective light cones 84a, 84b, and 84c.

[0031] In one implementation, the first, second, and third light element 78a, 78b, and 78c can be light emitting diode ("LED") light elements and, in particular can be comprised of three diodes arranged in close proximity to cast light that appears to emanate from a single source. In this respect, the three diodes can be one each of a red-light emitting diode, a green-light emitting diode, and a blue-light emitting diode. Using such a configuration, the light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c can be controlled to emit light in different colors by adjusting the relative intensities of the red-, green-, and blue-light emitting diodes of each light element 78a, 78b, and 78c according to principles generally known in the art. Using similar principles, the combined, resulting color in which each of the light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c emits light can combine within the overlap area 90 to give the appearance of another color. Accordingly, the controller 28, which is connected with the light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c, to control the activation thereof, can further be configured (along with the corresponding connection) the light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c to control the color exhibited by the light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c. In this manner, the light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c can be controlled to collectively generate light in different colors that combine, for example, to effect light generally regarded as a "white" light within the overlap area 90.

[0032] In the present implementation, the at least one illumination characteristic implemented by the controller 28 can be the above-described illumination of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c, under control of the controller 28. In addition to causing the appearance of a white light within the overlap area 90, the illumination of first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c in different colors can generate a variation of the directional debris highlighting effect discussed above. In this respect, the directional debris highlighting effect in the present example can be characterized by at least one object, such as debris D, present within the overlap area 90 casting first, second, and third shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c corresponding with ones of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c in different respective combined colors. In particular, each of the first, second, and third shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c may be present and visible along surface S due to the corresponding one of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c being blocked by the debris D. Accordingly, each of the first, second, and third shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c extends in the direction of the cones 84a, 84b, or 84c, associated with each of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c and is a color generated by a mixing of the other of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c that are not blocked by the debris D in such direction.

[0033] In one example, the controller 28 can cause the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c to illuminate in red (i.e., producing electromagnetic waves at a wavelength between 620 nm and 750 nm), green (495 nm to 570 nm), and blue (450 nm to 495 nm). It is noted that the respective one of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c illuminated in these colors can vary, but is presented in this order for discussion of the resulting directional highlighting effect, which would change in a manner consistent with the principles of this disclosure with use of a different illumination pattern. Further, it is to be understood that the particular wavelengths of the red, green, and blue colors can be selected based on the limitations of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c, or optimization of the color consistency, brightness, etc., thereof, and can be mutually adjusted to achieve desired characteristics for the white light in the overlap area 90, as discussed further below. As shown in FIG. 9, the described illumination of first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c results in a first shadow 92a corresponding with the blocking of the red light from the first light element 78a and exhibiting a blue-green color generated by the mixing of light from the second and third light elements 78b and 78c incident on surface S. Similarly, the present illumination characteristics results in a second shadow 92b corresponding with the blocking of the green light from the second light element 78b and exhibiting a violet or amber color generated by the mixing of light from the first and third light elements 78a and 78c incident on surface S. A third shadow 92c is also generated and corresponds with the blocking of the blue light from the third light element 78c and exhibiting an amber or yellow color generated by the mixing of light from the first and second light elements 78a and 78b incident on surface S. Accordingly, in one aspect, the directional highlighting effect is achieved by the three shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c extending in three different directions originating from the debris D, thusly highlighted.

[0034] In a variation and extension of the directional highlighting effect discussed above, the controller can additionally cause each of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c to cycle through each of the selected illumination colors such that each of the first, second, and third light elements respectively and successively illuminates in each of the selected illumination colors (red, green, and blue) in the present example. This "moving" effect of the illumination colors of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c results in a moving effect being exhibited by the first, second, and third shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c by the change in position of the resulting colors. An example of the moving pattern and the resulting shadow colors is summarized in the table below, wherein the controller cycles through states 1, 2, and 3 repeatedly during implementation of the present directional highlighting effect. Implementations of these states are shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, respectively, in which the colors are indicated using the references C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 , with the corresponding shadow colors being indicated using the reference S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 . Table State First light element Second light element Third light element First shadow Second shadow Third shadow 1Red (C 1 )Green (C 2 )Blue (C 3 )Blue-green (S 1 )Violet / Purple (S 2 )Amber / Yellow (S 3 )2Blue (C 3 )Red (C 1 )Green (C 2 )Violet / Purple (S 2 )Amber / Yellow (S 3 )Blue-green (S 1 )3Green (C 2 )Blue (C 3 )Red (C 1 )Amber / Yellow (S 3 )Blue-green (S 1 )Violet / Purple (S 2 )

[0035] In a further aspect, the specific colors used in the set of illumination colors can vary, depending on manufacturer or user preferences. As is generally accepted, colors generally regarded as white can be generated by colors that are spaced apart on a color wheel, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The above example of the set of illumination colors consisting of red, green, and blue (FIG. 10A) have successive spacings of approximately 90° on the color wheel (wherein the spectrum range of visible light wavelength of about 380 nm to 760 nm is spread around the 360° circumference of a circle, with the accepted limits for the various colors demarking respective wedges). As shown, blue is spaced approximately 90° from green, with red being spaced approximately 90° from blue (or 180° from green). In general, white light is generated by combining light of various wavelengths to approximate "full spectrum" illumination, with the area close to the center of the color wheel generally representing such light. In this respect, the light resulting from a combination of red, green, and blue may result in a "cool" white light, or a light that, while within a range generally accepted as white, may be off-center within the area corresponding with blue. While it may be possible to achieve a more neutral white by adjusting the relative intensities of the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c, this may result in an uneven appearance of the first, second, and third shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c. Accordingly, further variations of the set of illumination colors may be used to achieve different results. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10B, a color "triad", consisting of colors spaced closer to 120° (e.g., between 110° and 130°, with other ranges being acceptable and some implementations with uneven spacing being contemplated) may achieve a more neutral white light tone within the overlap area 90, while achieving more balanced appearance of the first, second, and third shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c. In the illustrated example, a cyan, yellow, magenta ("CYM") color scheme may be used. In one such example, the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c can be illuminated in yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively. In connection with these illumination colors, the resulting shadows 92a, 92b, and 92c emanating from an item of debris D may resulting a directional debris highlighting effect including the colors indigo, yellow-green, and red-orange, respectively. These colors can be cycled by controller 28, resulting in a moving color effect that would be understood based on the above description, including in light of the above table, including with reference to the colors as C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 , along with the respective shadows being referred to as S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 .

[0036] In a further aspect, the controller 28 can cause each of the first, second, and third light elements to smoothly transition between successive ones of the selected illumination colors. Notably, as the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c may comprise separate-colored diodes, the respective illumination intensities thereof can be changed gradually (or in small increments) by controller 28 to, for example, change from yellow to cyan by moving through yellow-green, green, and blue-green colors. This can be coordinated with similar smooth or incremental changes between the other corresponding colors, and can result in a less abrupt, but still visually-distinct directional highlighting effect. It is to be understood that smooth transitioning can be achieved across any possible illumination pattern that otherwise achieves the results discussed above. In a similar respect, it is noted that the lighting array 76 can be configured to produce an overlap area 90 that appears as white light using an array of possible illumination colors other that that which is selected for a particular set of predetermined illumination colors (e.g., according to the examples discussed above). Accordingly, the controller 28 can be configured for illuminating the first second and third lighting elements 78a, 78b, and 78c in a plurality of predetermined sets of illumination colors 96, with the selected illumination colors being one of such predetermined sets and changeable according to various implementations. In one example, the controller 28 can have memory 94 associated therewith that includes various color schemes (i.e., sets of illumination colors resulting in white light) and the instructions for controlling the illumination of first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c to implement such color schemes using the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c (including in the transitioning schemes discussed above). In this respect, vacuum cleaner 10 can further include a user interface 38, shown schematically in FIG. 12, for receiving a user selection of the selected illumination colors from the plurality of sets of illumination colors 96.

[0037] In one implementation, the user interface 38 can be included on the upright assembly 32 of the vacuum cleaner 10. Such a user interface 38 can include a dial to allow the user to select between a number of predetermined color schemes and / or temperatures of the white light produced in overlap area 90. Additionally or alternatively, the interface 38 can include one or more buttons for control of various features related to the use and function of the lighting array 76, including cycling through preprogrammed sets of illumination colors 96, as well as turning the lighting array on or off and controlling the activation of available moving color or strobing effects, as well as the speed thereof. In addition, the interface 38 can allow for adjustment to the intensity of the lighting effect or the adjustment of the temperature of the white light visible within the overlap area 90. In an additional or alternative variation, the interface 38 can include an application installed on a smartphone or other portable electronic device that can connect with controller wirelessly (such as using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like). Such an interface can allow for selection of predetermined sets of illumination colors 96, the assembly of custom illumination colors, or fine-tuning of a set of illumination colors 96, such as via a color-wheel based interface or the like. Similar additional controls to those discussed above can also be present in such an interface. Additionally, an application based interface can allow the user to associate custom color schemes with one or more physical buttons on upright assembly 32. In a further variation, the interface 38 can include a screen on a portion of the upright assembly 32, which may be a touchscreen with an interface similar to the application-based interface discussed above.

[0038] As is known in the art, because white light is produced by a combination of light in various wavelengths (including pure white light encompassing the full spectrum of visible light), white light is not typically measured in wavelength. Rather, the range of light generally accepted as white is measured in "temperature" on a Kelvin scale, with so-called "warm" light having undertones of yellow, amber, or orange (for example) having a temperature of between 2000 K and 3000 K. A more "neutral" light, with balanced tones appearing closer to white and located at or near the center of the color wheel having a temperature of between 3100 K and 4200 K, and "bright" light or "daylight" can have blue undertones and a temperature of between 4300 K and 6000 K. As discussed above, various predetermined sets of illumination colors 96 can be provided or adjusted to change the temperature of the white light within the illumination area 80. In a further aspect, the vacuum cleaner 10 can further include an ambient light sensor 98. In a variation where the predetermined sets of illumination colors 96 include a plurality of sets of illumination colors that combine within the overlap area 90 away from the leading face 64 to illuminate the overlap area 90 in a white light of varying preselected temperatures, for example, the controller 28 can receive ambient light information from the ambient light sensor 98, including an ambient temperature profile of the ambient light within the room surrounding, for example, surface S. The controller 28 can then select one of the sets of illumination colors 96 that corresponds with the ambient temperature profile such that the light within the overlap area 90 matches that of the surroundings of the vacuum cleaner 10. In additional aspects, the ambient light sensor 98 can also capture and provide information regarding the level of ambient light, which the controller 28 can use to adjust the intensity of the light produced by lighting array 76. In one example, the intensity can be lowered in low light situations, where less light is needed for the directional debris highlighting effect to be observable, with a higher intensity used in brighter conditions, to allow the debris highlighting effect to be visible.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, the lighting array 76 may also include a plurality of lower lighting elements 102 that extend along the leading face 64 of the base assembly 34. These lights may be useable with the light elements 78, discussed above, or alone in certain conditions. In one aspect, the lower lighting elements 102 may be suited for illumination of darkened areas for navigation of the vacuum cleaner 10, including around obstacles or toward certain areas, with their low position being potentially less suitable for the identification of debris, due to the relatively lower shadows cast thereby. In a further aspect, shown in FIG. 12, the first, second, and third light elements 78a, 78b, and 78c may be suitable for use alone, in a variation of the base assembly 34 that lacks any lower lighting elements 102, and, thus, may be useful in a variation of the base assembly 234, as shown, that includes a larger front opening that can, for example, incorporate a dual agitator (or dual roller) arrangement. In such an example, a mode can be implemented by controller 28, where each of the first, second, and third light elements 278a, 278b, and 278c emit a white light for purposes of general visibility in addition to allowing for the use of one or more of the various debris highlighting effects discussed above.

[0040] It is to be understood that the present lighting array 76 and related controls can be used in a variety of floor cleaning device types, including but not limited to versions of the "stick" type vacuum cleaner 10 discussed herein. In various additional examples, the lighting arrays 76 described herein can be used in connection with other vacuum cleaner types, such as a canister-style vacuum (in which the lighting array may be disposed on the cleaning head), or an upright vacuum. Additionally, the present lighting array can be used in connection with a multi-surface cleaner that includes floor-washing capability and can be adapted for using in connection with a hand-held vacuum (including on a smaller brushroll head for hand-held cleaning). In any such adaptation, similar debris highlighting effects can be implemented using a control configured as discussed herein.

[0041] Further aspects of the disclosure are described in the following clauses: Clause 1: According to an aspect of the disclosure a floor cleaning device includes a base housing defining an exterior with a leading face and first and second lateral sides. The housing further defines an interior enclosing an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber. The floor cleaning device further includes a lighting array including a first light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the first lateral side. The first light element is directed outwardly from the leading face and angled at least partially toward the second lateral side. The lighting array further includes a second light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the second lateral side. The second light element is directed outwardly from the leading face and is angled at least partially toward the first lateral side. The first and second light elements collectively generate a first illumination area in front of the base housing and extending from proximate the leading face away from the leading face and at least between the first and second sides of the base housing. The floor cleaning device further includes a controller in communication with the lighting array and independently controlling the first light element and the second light element according to at least one illumination characteristic to generate a directional debris highlighting effect within at least a portion of the illumination area. Clause 2: In the floor cleaning device of clause 1, the at least one illumination characteristic can be an activation state characterized by activating and deactivating the respective one of the first light element and the second light element, and the controller can independently control the first light element and the second light element by alternatingly activating and deactivating the first light element and the second light element such that an activation of one of the first and second light elements corresponds with deactivation of the other of the first and second light elements. Clause 3: In the floor cleaning device of clause 1, the lighting array can further include a third light element disposed along the leading face between the first and second light elements and directed away from the leading face, and the controller can independently control the first, second, and third light elements according to the at least one illumination characteristic to generate the directional debris highlighting effect. Clause 4: In the floor cleaning device of clause 3, the at least one illumination characteristic can be a color of each of the first, second, and third lighting elements, and the controller can independently control the first, second, and third light elements by causing each of the first, second, and third light elements to illuminate in respective one of three different selected illumination colors. Clause 5: In the floor cleaning device of clause 4, the selected illumination colors can combine within an overlap area away from the leading face to illuminate the overlap area in a white light, and the directional debris highlighting effect can be characterized by at least one object present within the overlap area casting first, second, and third shadows corresponding with ones of the first, second, and third light elements in different respective combined colors. Clause 6: In the floor cleaning device of clause 4, the controller can further cause each of the first, second, and third light elements to cycle through each of the selected illumination colors such that each of the first, second, and third light elements respectively and successively illuminates in each of the selected illumination colors. Clause 7: In the floor cleaning device of clause 6, the controller can cause each of the first, second, and third light elements to smoothly transition between successive ones of the selected illumination colors. Clause 8: In the floor cleaning device of any of clauses 4-7, the controller can be configured for illuminating the first, second and third lighting elements in a plurality of predetermined sets of illumination colors that includes the selected illumination colors. Clause 9: The floor cleaning device of clause 8 can further include an ambient light sensor, and the predetermined sets of illumination colors can include a plurality of sets of illumination colors that combine within an overlap area away from the leading face to illuminate the overlap area in a white light of varying preselected temperatures. Clause 10: In the floor cleaning device of clause 9, the controller can receive ambient light information from the ambient light sensor, including an ambient temperature profile and can select one of the sets of illumination colors that corresponds with the ambient temperature profile. Clause 11: The floor cleaning device of any of clauses 8-10 can further include a user interface configured for receiving a user selection of the selected illumination colors from the plurality of sets of illumination colors. Clause 12. A floor cleaning device includes a base housing defining an exterior with a leading face and first and second lateral sides. The housing further defines an interior enclosing an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber. The floor cleaning device further includes a lighting array having a first light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the first lateral side. The first light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the second lateral side. The lighting array further includes a second light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the second lateral side. The second light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the first lateral side. The lighting array further includes a third light element disposed along the leading face between the first and second light elements and directed away from the leading face. The floor cleaning device further includes a controller in communication with the lighting array and independently controlling the first light element and the second light element to illuminate in respective one of three different selected illumination colors combine within an overlap area away from the leading face to illuminate the overlap area in a white light. Clause 13: In the floor cleaning device of clause 12, the selected illumination colors can combine within the overlap area to illuminate the overlap area in the white light, with any objects present within the overlap area casting first, second, and third shadows corresponding with each of the first, second, and third light elements in different respective combined colors. Clause 14: In the floor cleaning device of clause 11 or clause 12, the controller can further cause each of the first, second, and third light elements to cycle through each of the selected illumination colors such that each of the first, second, and third light elements respectively and successively illuminates in each of the selected illumination colors. Clause 15: In the floor cleaning device of clause 14, the controller can cause each of the first, second, and third light elements to smoothly transition between successive ones of the selected illumination colors. Clause 16: In the floor cleaning device of any of clauses 12-15, the controller can be configured for illuminating the first, second, and third lighting elements in a plurality of predetermined sets of illumination colors that includes the selected illumination colors. Clause 17: In the floor cleaning device of clause 16, the predetermined sets of illumination colors can include a plurality of sets of illumination colors that combine within an overlap area away from the leading face to illuminate the overlap area in a white light of varying preselected temperatures. Clause 18: The floor cleaning device of clause 17 can further include an ambient light sensor, and the controller can receive ambient light information from the ambient light sensor, including an ambient temperature profile, and can select one of the sets of illumination colors that corresponds with the ambient temperature profile. Clause 19: The floor cleaning device of any of clauses 16-18 can further include a user interface configured for receiving a user selection of the selected illumination colors from the plurality of sets of illumination colors. Clause 20: A floor cleaning device includes a base housing defining an exterior with a leading face and first and second lateral sides. The housing further defines an interior enclosing an agitator chamber and a suction nozzle opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber. The floor cleaning device further includes a lighting array having a first light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the first lateral side. The first light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the second lateral side. The lighting array further includes a second light element disposed along the leading face in proximity to the second lateral side. The second light element is directed away from the leading face and toward the first lateral side. The floor cleaning device further includes a controller in communication with the lighting array and independently controlling the first light element and the second light element by alternatingly activating and deactivating the first light element and the second light element such that an activation of one of the first and second light elements corresponds with deactivation of the other of the first and second light elements in succession to generate a strobing effect.

[0042] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0043] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0044] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.

[0045] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning device, comprising: a base housing (30) defining an exterior (62) with a leading face (64) and first and second lateral sides (66, 68), the housing (30) further defining an interior (70) enclosing an agitator chamber (72) and a agitator chamber (16) opening in fluid communication with the agitator chamber (72); a lighting array (76) including: a first light element (78a) disposed along the leading face (64) in proximity to the first lateral side (66), the first light element (78a) being directed outwardly from the leading face (64) and angled at least partially toward the second lateral side (68); and a second light element (78b) disposed along the leading face (64) in proximity to the second lateral side (68), the second light element (78b) being directed outwardly from the leading face (64) and angled at least partially toward the first lateral side (66), the first and second light elements (78a, 78b) collectively generating a first illumination area (80) in front of the base housing (30) and extending from proximate the leading face (64) away from the leading face (64) and at least between the first and second sides of the base housing (30); and a controller (28) in communication with the lighting array (76) and independently controlling the first light element (78a) and the second light element (78b) according to at least one illumination characteristic to generate a directional debris highlighting effect within at least a portion of the illumination area (80).

2. The floor cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination characteristic is an activation state characterized by activating and deactivating the respective one of the first light element (78a) and the second light element (78b).

3. The floor cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the controller (28) independently controls the first light element (78a) and the second light element (78b) by alternatingly activating and deactivating the first light element (78a) and the second light element (78b) such that an activation of one of the first and second light elements (78a, 78b) corresponds with deactivation of the other of the first and second light elements (78a, 78b).

4. The floor cleaning device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the lighting array (76) further includes a third light element (78c) disposed along the leading face (64) between the first and second light elements (78a, 78b) and directed away from the leading face (64).

5. The floor cleaning device of claim 4, wherein the controller (28) independently controls the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) according to the at least one illumination characteristic to generate the directional debris highlighting effect.

6. The floor cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the at least one illumination characteristic is a color of each of the first, second, and third lighting elements (78a, 78b, 78c).

7. The floor cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the controller (28) independently controls the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) by causing each of the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) to illuminate in respective one of three different selected illumination colors (96).

8. The floor cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the selected illumination colors (96) combine within an overlap area (90) away from the leading face (64) to illuminate the overlap area (90) in a white light.

9. The floor cleaning device of claim 8, wherein the directional debris highlighting effect is characterized by at least one object present within the overlap area (90) casting first, second, and third shadows (92a, 92b, 92c) corresponding with ones of the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) in different respective combined colors.

10. The floor cleaning device of any of claims 7-9, wherein the controller (28) further causes each of the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) to cycle through each of the selected illumination colors (96) such that each of the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) respectively and successively illuminates in each of the selected illumination colors (96).

11. The floor cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the controller (28) causes each of the first, second, and third light elements (78a, 78b, 78c) to smoothly transition between successive ones of the selected illumination colors (96).

12. The floor cleaning device of any of claims 7-11, wherein the controller (28) is configured for illuminating the first, second and third lighting elements (78a, 78b, 78c) in a plurality of predetermined sets of illumination colors (96) that includes the selected illumination colors (96).

13. The floor cleaning device of claim 12, further including an ambient light sensor (98), wherein the predetermined sets of illumination colors (96) include a plurality of sets of illumination colors (96) that combine within an overlap area (90) away from the leading face (64) to illuminate the overlap area (90) in a white light of varying preselected temperatures.

14. The floor cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the controller (28) receives ambient light information from the ambient light sensor (98) , including an ambient temperature profile and selects one of the sets of illumination colors (96) that corresponds with the ambient temperature profile.

15. The floor cleaning device of claim 12 or claim 13, further including a user interface (38) configured for receiving a user selection of the selected illumination colors (96) from the plurality of sets of illumination colors (96).

Images