Robot cleaner, system employing the same and method for re-connecting to external recharging device
US6957712B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L2201/04
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A robot cleaner capable of returning to an external recharging device. The robot cleaner includes a driving portion for driving a plurality of wheels, at least one camera installed on a body of the robot cleaner, the camera for photographing external surroundings, and a controller for photographing an image through a camera for recognition of a connection position where the external recharging device is connected with the robot cleaner and stores the photographed image, and controls the driving portion so that the robot cleaner can move from the external recharging device to a destination when an operation start signal is received in the robot cleaner connected to the external recharging device, and for tracing a path to the connection position of the external recharging device and the robot cleaner during a robot cleaner's return to the external recharging device while comparing a current image currently taken by the camera with a stored image of the connection position of the robot cleaner and the external recharging device. Returning of the robot cleaner is carried out when the robot cleaner, separated from the external recharging device, completes its job or needs a recharging,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.