US 2006/0069465 A1 · Self-propelled cleaner

Abstract

Disclosed is a self-propelled cleaner that can reduce power consumption and that is economically advantageous. The self-propelled cleaner normally detects an intruder using pyroelectric sensors that consume less power, and each time a predetermined period of time has passed, detects an intruder with the infrared CCD sensor while turning the body BD. This can reduce the time of operation during which the infrared CCD sensor consuming more power is used, thus making it possible to reduce power consumption. Moreover, since the self-propelled cleaner is designed to cause the drive mechanism provided therein to turn the body BD, it is not necessary to additionally provide a device to turn the infrared CCD sensor, thus reducing the manufacturing cost.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A self-propelled cleaner including a body equipped with a cleaning mechanism, a drive mechanism to steer and drive said body, a plurality of human sensors that detect infrared rays emitted by a human body, and an infrared camera, wherein:

said human sensor is caused to detect said infrared rays from a human body, with the image taking by said infrared camera disabled;
an intruder detection processor is provided that causes said infrared camera to take images while turning said body by controlling said drive mechanism, when the predetermined time has passed or when the value of a random number extracted at certain time intervals matches the predetermined value;
and
the detection of infrared rays by said human sensors is disabled while said intruder detection processor causes said infrared camera to take images.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-propelled cleaner

Life of this patent

Self-propelled cleaner

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15