User-assisted robot navigation system
US8364309B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0274
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method in which a user and a mobile robot cooperate to create a plan for use by the robot in navigating a space. The robot may include a tracking unit that detects the distance traveled and direction from a starting or home location and orientation. The robot also includes a navigation module that controls the movement of the robot based on a navigation plan received from a robot control utility residing at a workstation operated by the user. The robot further includes a position error correction engine that is configured to correct for position errors that may occur as the robot traverses the space. The position error correction engine receives data from one or more robot sensors that detect structures disposed below the surface over which the robot travels. As the robot encounters obstacles in the space, it enters them on the floor plan. The user then reviews the information added by the robot to the floor plan and accepts, rejects or modifies that information in order to create the navigation plan.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.