Docking process for recharging an autonomous mobile device
US8515580B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0274
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Described herein are technologies pertaining to autonomously docking a mobile robot at a docking station for purposes of recharging batteries of the mobile robot. The mobile robot uses vision-based navigation and a known map of the environment to navigate toward the docking station. Once sufficiently proximate to the docking station, the mobile robot captures infrared images of the docking station, and granularly aligns itself with the docking station based upon the captured infrared images of the docking station. As the robot continues to drive towards the docking station, the robot monitors infrared sensors for infrared beams emitted from the docking station. If the infrared sensors receive the infrared beams, the robot continues to drive forward until the robot successfully docks with the docking station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.