Abstract: A method for positioning an input device of a workstation for use by a seated user in controlling a robotic surgery system is disclosed. The input device is operable to generate input signals representing a position of a hand controller moveable within an input device workspace. The method involves determining a vertical position of the hand controller within the input device workspace for an input signal received from the input device while a seated user's hand is grasping the hand controller in an initialization position defined with respect to the user's body. The method also involves determining a user ergonomic height of the input device based on the vertical position of the hand controller at the initialization position, and causing a platform of the workstation on which the input device is mounted to move vertically with respect to a base of the workstation to position the input device at the ergonomic height.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing multiple modes of cleaning on a smart robotic cleaner are disclosed. A cleaning mode of rolling brush sweeping and a cleaning mode of vacuuming are provided on the smart robotic cleaner. When different cleaning devices are replaced on the body of the smart robotic cleaner, an electronic control unit in the body may control the smart robotic cleaner to switch between the cleaning modes automatically. A mounting position may be provided in the smart robotic cleaner. A rolling brush assembly and a suction inlet assembly may be detachably mounted on the mounting position, and the rolling brush assembly and the suction inlet assembly may be replaced with each other at the mounting position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling servomotors are described herein. Servomotor controllers and related control circuitry are configured to generate control signals for controlling the servomotor. The control signals include directional control signals to control the rotational direction and position of the servomotor, and power control signals control the rotational speed and/or torque of the servomotor.

Abstract: A wireless motor control system includes a connection device and a remote control device. The connection device has a pair of motor connection terminals and a pair of power connection terminals for connecting a motor and an electric power source. The connection device contains a second control circuit board having a processing element, and the processing element has a digital identity for interconnecting the connection device with a control element of the remote control device to form a unique signal transmission channel, and a Zigbee transmission method complied with IEEE 802.15.4 standard forms a group control network. With a relay and a current detector installed in the connection device, the power of the motor is disconnected immediately when there is an over-current.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a mobile device and a receiver connected to a control target. The mobile device includes an input unit accepting user's input operation; an operation signal transmission unit wirelessly transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the input operation during the input operation; a frequency switching determination unit determining whether to switch the transmission frequency band from a first frequency band to a second frequency band based on at least any one of a manner of the input operation and a state of wireless communication; and a transmission frequency switching unit switching the transmission frequency band when the frequency switching determination unit determines to switch the transmission frequency band. The receiver includes an operation signal reception unit receiving the operation signal; and a control unit controlling the control target on the basis of the received operation signal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.

Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.

Abstract: Rotary encoders for use with trolling motors are disclosed. An example rotary encoder includes a housing defining an aperture and a linear guide and an input sleeve to extend through the aperture. The input sleeve includes an exterior guide to be engaged and followed by a shuttle to enable rotary position information to be obtained from the input sleeve. The shuttle is movably coupled within the linear guide. The shuttle is biased to engage a central portion of the exterior guide if rotation of the input sleeve moves the shuttle past first or second ends of the groove to prevent the rotary encoder from being damaged by over-rotation of the input sleeve.

Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller. The system controller executes a robot intelligence kernel (RIK) that includes a multi-level architecture and a dynamic autonomy structure. The multi-level architecture includes a robot behavior level for defining robot behaviors, that incorporate robot attributes and a cognitive level for defining conduct modules that blend an adaptive interaction between predefined decision functions and the robot behaviors. The dynamic autonomy structure is configured for modifying a transaction capacity between an operator intervention and a robot initiative and may include multiple levels with at least a teleoperation mode configured to maximize the operator intervention and minimize the robot initiative and an autonomous mode configured to minimize the operator intervention and maximize the robot initiative. Within the RIK at least the cognitive level includes the dynamic autonomy structure.

Abstract: A method and an electronic search system for operating an automatic device, preferably an automatic lawnmower. The system comprises at least one first electrical cable (1,4,5,6) connected to at least one first signal generator (3,7,8) and at least one sensing system arranged on said device. Said sensing system detects at least one magnetic field being transmitted via said cable (1,4,5,6) and propagating through the air, the sensing system transmitting a processed signal to at least one driving element which contributes to the movements of said device in relation to a surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a height adjust mechanism disposed on the housing and a height adjust motor, disposed within said housing that controls a height of the height adjust mechanism. A position element is mounted to said housing. A sensor processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the position element to provide a signal that relates to a position of the height adjust mechanism based at least in part upon data received from the position element. A controller processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the sensor processor for selectively controlling a height of the height adjust mechanism relative to a subjacent surface on which the vacuum cleaner is positioned. A height adjust mechanism height motor controller is in communication with the controller processor, for driving the height adjust motor to locate the height adjust mechanism in an appropriate position relative to the subjacent surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a vehicle mounted articulator are described. A vehicle conveniently allows an articulator to be moved to various remote work sites. In one embodiment, the articulator can be mounted on a movable base, thereby increasing the flexibility of use and/or reach of the articulator. Such vehicle-mounted articulators can be subjected to various potentially damaging situations due to motion of the vehicle. Various features that allow safe operation of the vehicle and the articulator are disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: A robotic system has a drive chassis having a drive motor and a drive element attached to the first drive motor. Additionally, a motor controller system provides drive signals to the first drive motor. A logic controller provides control signals to the motor controller. A network system is provided for communicating with the logic controller. At least one peripheral element communicates with the network system. There is additionally provided a wireless arrangement for communicating wirelessly with the network system.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A robot cleaner comprises a suction unit installed within a cleaner body, for sucking dirt on a floor; a driving unit for moving the cleaner body; a wheel installed at a bottom of the cleaner body to be contacted with the floor, and rotated by movement of the cleaner body; a detecting unit for detecting whether the wheel is rotated; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit in response to signal from the detecting unit. Accordingly, the robot cleaner can smoothly and continuously carry out a cleaning operation, even when the robot cleaner is abnormally stopped due to an obstacle which is not previously recognized in traveling.

Abstract: A robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) that navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) and a sensor unit (43). The navigator system (41) navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: A method for compensating a rotational position error of a robot cleaner is disclosed to reduce a rotational position error of a robot cleaner by compensating an offset value of a gyro sensor of the robot cleaner. The method includes: detecting an offset value of a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a robot cleaner; compensating the detected offset value; and correcting a rotational position of the robot cleaner on the basis of the compensated offset value.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: An autonomous machine comprises driving means for moving the machine along a surface of an area, and a navigation system. The navigation system causes the machine to follow a boundary of the area, storing path information on the path travelled by the machine as the machine follows the boundary and compares when the machine has returned to a previously visited position in the area. The navigation system compares the latest section of the path travelled by the machine with information representing a section of the path previously stored in the memory and decides when the new path information and previously stored path information are substantially the same.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a moveable barrier operating system. A wireless time signal at a receiver. A time-of-day signal is supplied at the output of the receiver. The receiver is automatically reset using the wireless time signal when the time-of-day signal is different than the time represented by the wireless time signal. A moveable barrier is actuated using the time-of-day signal at the output of the receiver.

Abstract: The present system is a system for controlling a trolling motor in a fishing boat. The system comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a direction sensor, a selection switch, and a transmitter. The direction sensor automatically senses the direction to which the user desires to steer the fishing boat when the user points the direction sensor in that direction. The user then uses the selection switch, and by “clicking” the switch once the transmitter sends a signal with the direction information to the receiving unit. The receiving unit then receives the signal containing the direction information, and affects the trolling motor in such a way that it steers the fishing boat in the desired direction.

Abstract: A method for recognition, determination and localization of at least one arbitrary object or space and the picking up of said object, by at least on robot, in particular, a service robot, which operates independently on the base surface. The method is achieved, whereby the robot is oriented within at least one room by room co-ordinates and/or co-ordinates of arbitrary objects in the room, transmitted to the robot by at least one sensor element, in particular, a transponder or transmitter.

Abstract: A wireless DC control device including a radio frequency transmitter, receiver, and switching circuit controls the current and polarity of the current that is used to power DC motors used in mobile living quarters. The control device has particular application for controlling the extension and retraction of slide-out rooms in a mobile living quarters.

Abstract: There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) and a sensor unit (43). The navigation system (41) navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: A robot cleaner, a robot cleaning system and a method for controlling the same capable of efficiently performing work on command by recognizing the driving distance and direction of the robot cleaner regardless of a of wheel slippage or irregularity in the floor. The robot cleaner performs a working operation while moving about a floor, and comprises a main body, a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels disposed on a bottom portion of the main body, a downward-looking camera disposed among the wheels on the bottom portion of the main body for photographing images of the floor perpendicular to the driving direction of the robot cleaner, and a control unit for recognizing driving distance and direction of the wheels using image information of the floor photographed by the downward-looking camera, and for controlling the driving unit corresponding to a target work by using the recognized distance and direction of the wheels.

Abstract: A robot cleaner, a system thereof, and a method for controlling the same. The robot cleaner system includes a robot cleaner that performs a cleaning operation while communicating wirelessly with an external device. The robot cleaner has a plurality of proximity switches arranged in a row on a lower portion of the cleaner body. A guiding plate is disposed in the floor of the work area, the guiding plate having metal lines formed in a predetermined pattern, the metal lines being detectible by the proximity switches. Since the recognition of the location and the determination of traveling trajectory of the cleaner within a work area becomes easier, performance of the robot cleaner is enhanced, while a burden of having to process algorithms is lessened.

Abstract: A system for mobile robots to detect obstructions. Obstructions include objects which may impair the or impede the mobility of the robot, as well as transitions from carpeted surfaces to hard surfaces, transitions from hard surfaces to carpet, or transitions between other types of flooring. The system includes a plow which may move underneath the obstruction, The obstruction may the be brushed aside, or rise to an elevation detectable by the robot. Upon detection, the robot may change its direction of movement or stop moving altogether.

Abstract: A directional control system for a land, water or airborne vehicle is provided by thrust generated by a selectively actuatable motor coupled to a propeller to produce thrust laterally and cause rotation of the vehicle about its vertical axis. Such thrust, coupled with forward motion of the vehicle will provide directional control left or right, depending upon the direction of rotation of the thrust producing propeller. Controls for operation of the motor driving the thrust producing propeller may be effected by a conventional radio control transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A high resolution image and at least two low resolution images are combined to produce a single image, partially high resolution, partially low resolution on a display. The high resolution image at least partially overlaps at least one of the low resolution images. This method of displaying images is referred to as foveal video. In another aspect of the invention, in a robotic telepresence system, a user station displays information received from a robot using foveal video.

Abstract: A robot cleaner system capable of accurately docking with an external charging apparatus and a method for docking with an external charging apparatus comprising a power supply terminal connected to a supply of utility power, an external charging apparatus including a terminal stand for supporting the power supply terminal and fixing the external charging apparatus at a predetermined location, a driving unit for moving a cleaner body, an upper camera disposed on the cleaner body, for photographing a ceiling, a charging battery disposed in the cleaner body, for being charged by power supplied from the power supply terminal, a bumper disposed along an outer circumference of the cleaner body and outputting a collision signal when a collision with an obstacle is detected, and a robot cleaner disposed at the bumper to be connected with the power supply terminal and including a charging terminal connected to the charging battery, wherein, prior to starting on operation, the robot cleaner photographs an upward-lookin

Abstract: A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet.

Abstract: There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) and a sensor unit (43). The navigation system (41) navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: A user can place the multifunctional mobile appliance in a work area bounded by a set of impulse radio, or GPS, transceivers. The appliance independently and accurately maps the work area and proceeds to perform one or more tasks over that area, as directed by the user. These tasks include, but are not limited to, mowing, vacuuming, scrubbing, waxing, and polishing. The user may control, through the World Wide Web, what tasks are performed where and when. Both the user and the appliance can make use of services that are provided on the Internet to enhance the performance of the appliance. The appliance is safe, silent, self-sufficient, nimble, and non-polluting. It is equipped with sensors to enable it to avoid obstacles and other less than optimal operating conditions.

Abstract: A robot cleaning system using a mobile communication network capable of controlling a cleaning robot from a long distance, the robot cleaning system transmitting an image data after converting the image data photographed at self-contained cameras by means of a mobile communication signal.

Abstract: A mobile robot system includes a RF module that is under the control of a controlling computer. The mobile robot system includes a running device for moving the mobile robot about a room, an obstacle detecting device for detecting the presence of an obstacle in the mobile robot's path, a location recognizing device, a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal to control the various devices, and a controlling computer for data processing the signal from the first transceiver and transmitting a control command to the mobile robot. The controlling computer includes a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the first transceiver, an image board for processing image data from the obstacle detecting device and the location recognizing device, and connecting means for connecting to the Internet. The mobile robot is compact and sized and can be remotely controlled via the Internet.

Abstract: A radio control device is provided that has the D/R function wherein the rate can be switched by a simple operation without impairing the operability of a stick. The adjustment value (rate) determining a relationship between stick operation amount and servo motor operation amount is switched at the changeover point arbitrarily set within a range of stick operation amounts. The rate 1 is 100% while the rate 2 is 60%. The point 1 is set to the position corresponding to about 65% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the right direction (or down direction). The point 2 is set to the position corresponding to about 85% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the left direction (or up direction). In the rate 2, the rudder does not effectively work over the range where the operation amount of the stick is relatively small. When the adjustment value exceeds the point, the mode enters the rate 1, so that the rudder works effectively.

Abstract: A positioning device comprising a securing system for securing equipment thereto. The device may be removably clamped to an elongate support structure, and shifted to different positions on the support structure by remote control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for an operating-cycle synchronized disengagement and re-engagement of groups of servo axles to be synchronized electronically and a method for disengaging and engaging a servo axle group to be synchronized electronically with a master position value sequence where, by correlations of master position value sequences stored in a computer, and servo axle group reference values assigned to these sequences in each case, the servo axle group reference values are determined in such a way that, following engagement, synchronization of the speed and angle of the servo axle group with the master position value sequence is carried out.

Abstract: The invention is a multifunctional, mobile appliance capable of performing a variety of tasks safely, quietly, without pollution, and out of sight of its owner. Such tasks might include lawn mowing, fertilizing, and edging, floor vacuuming, waxing, and polishing, or rug shampooing. In its preferred implementation, the mobile unit 1 would obtain precise real time and position information using the Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System. The user initially guides the appliance around the work-area perimeters. The device then uses this information to determine the full working area. Proximity detectors and impact sensors help the appliance avoid unexpected obstacles. The device is quiet enough to perform its task in the middle of the night while its owner is asleep, but can be programmed to work continuously or during any user-specified time interval. The small turning radius of the appliance allows it to follow intricate perimeters.

Abstract: The invention described here concerns the use of GPS (Global Positioning System) interferometry, or any similar satellite constellation, to estimate the attitude of a vehicle, and is particularly suited for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. The invention is based on a system of gyroscopic and interferometric sensors and a piece of software to process the data received by such sensors. The invention can be applied to any type of vehicle (terrestrial, naval, aircraft or spacecraft) to determine the attitude of the vehicle with respect to an inertial reference system.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a moveable barrier operating system. A wireless time signal at a receiver. A time-of-day signal is supplied at the output of the receiver. The receiver is automatically reset using the wireless time signal when the time-of-day signal is different than the time represented by the wireless time signal. A moveable barrier is actuated using the time-of-day signal at the output of the receiver.