Remote control scheduler and method for autonomous robotic device
AssigneeiRobot Corporation
InventorsZivthan A. Dubrovsky, Gregg W. Landry, Michael J. Halloran, James Lynch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of scheduling a robotic device enables the device to run autonomously based on previously loaded scheduling information. The method consists of a communication device, such as a hand-held remote device, that can directly control the robotic device, or load scheduling information into the robotic device such that it will carry out a defined task at the desired time without the need for further external control. The communication device can also be configured to load a scheduling application program into an existing robotic device, such that the robotic device can receive and implement scheduling information from a user.
Claims19
A method of cleaning a room, the method comprising:
- transmitting from a cleaning robot to a mobile phone a status of the cleaning robot;
- and
- receiving at the cleaning robot from the mobile phone, in response to an operator command input at the mobile phone and at least in part indicative of a schedule, information including instructions configured to cause a processor of the cleaning robot to execute a cleaning operation in the room according to the schedule, wherein executing the cleaning operation in the room according to the schedule comprises:
- leaving a stationary charging device at which the cleaning robot is docked according to the schedule, and
- navigating about a floor surface of the room.
A method of controlling a cleaning robot to clean a room, the method comprising:
- initiating formation of a wireless communication link between the cleaning robot and a mobile phone;
- and
- entering an operator command input into the mobile phone to cause the mobile phone to transmit, using the wireless communication link, information to the cleaning robot, the operator command input being at least in part indicative of a schedule, and the information comprising instructions configured to cause a processor of the cleaning robot to perform operations including executing a cleaning operation in the room according to the schedule, wherein executing the cleaning operation in the room according to the schedule comprises:
- leaving, according to the schedule, a stationary charging device at which the cleaning robot is docked, and
- navigating about a floor surface of the room.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.