Systems and methods for the automated sensing of motion in a mobile robot using visual data
US7162056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0274
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is related to methods and apparatus that detect motion by monitoring images from a video camera mounted on a mobile robot, such as an autonomously navigated mobile robot. Examples of such robots include automated vacuum floor sweepers. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention can automatically sense a robot's motional state in a relatively reliable and cost-efficient manner. Many configurations of robots are configured to include at least one video camera. Embodiments of the invention permit the use of a video camera onboard a robot to determine a motional state for the robot. This can advantageously permit the motional state of a robot to be determined at a fraction of the cost of additional sensors, such as a laser, an infrared, an ultrasonic, or a contact sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.