Sensors arrangement
US6493612B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S706/905
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An autonomous vehicle, such as a robotic cleaning device, includes wheels which support the vehicle and allow the vehicle to traverse a surface. Downward looking wheel sensors sense the presence of a surface in front of the wheels. Another sensor is provided at or near a leading edge of the vehicle for sensing the presence beneath the leading edge of the vehicle. The vehicle is arranged so that movement of the vehicle is possible if the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, provided that the wheel sensors indicate that there is a surface adjacent to the wheel. When the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, the vehicle performs an edge following routine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.