Patents by Inventor Colin Angle

Colin Angle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11930992
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot includes a drive operable to move the autonomous cleaning robot across a floor surface; a cleaning assembly configured to clean the floor surface; a receiver configured to receive an indication of cat activity in a cat box; and a controller configured to navigate the autonomous cleaning robot to the cat box to execute a cleaning mission in response to the received indication of cat activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Bialek, John Sinnigen, Colin Angle, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20240051153
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Patent number: 11704011
    Abstract: A method of operating a user terminal includes receiving occupancy data for an operating environment responsive to navigation of the operating environment by a mobile robot, and displaying a visual representation of the operating environment based on the occupancy data. The method flintier includes receiving information identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are local to the operating environment and respective operating states thereof, and populating the visual representation of the operating environment with visual indications of respective spatial locations of the electronic devices in the operating environment and status indications of the respective operating states of the electronic devices. Related methods for controlling the electronic devices based on their respective spatial locations and the relative spatial context of the operating environment are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jones, Colin Angle
  • Patent number: 11648685
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20220133110
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot includes a drive operable to move the autonomous cleaning robot across a floor surface; a cleaning assembly configured to clean the floor surface; a receiver configured to receive an indication of cat activity in a cat box; and a controller configured to navigate the autonomous cleaning robot to the cat box to execute a cleaning mission in response to the received indication of cat activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Anders Bialek, John Sinnigen, Colin Angle, Michael J. Halloran
  • Patent number: 11191407
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot includes a drive operable to move the autonomous cleaning robot across a floor surface; a cleaning assembly configured to clean the floor surface; a receiver configured to receive an indication of cat activity in a cat box; and a controller configured to navigate the autonomous cleaning robot to the cat box to execute a cleaning mission in response to the received indication of cat activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Bialek, John Sinnigen, Colin Angle, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20210208771
    Abstract: A method of operating a user terminal includes receiving occupancy data for an operating environment responsive to navigation of the operating environment by a mobile robot, and displaying a visual representation of the operating environment based on the occupancy data. The method flintier includes receiving information identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are local to the operating environment and respective operating states thereof, and populating the visual representation of the operating environment with visual indications of respective spatial locations of the electronic devices in the operating environment and status indications of the respective operating states of the electronic devices. Related methods for controlling the electronic devices based on their respective spatial locations and the relative spatial context of the operating environment are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jones, Colin Angle
  • Patent number: 10895971
    Abstract: A method of operating a user terminal includes receiving occupancy data for an operating environment responsive to navigation of the operating environment by a mobile robot, and displaying a visual representation of the operating environment based on the occupancy data. The method further includes receiving information identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are local to the operating environment and respective operating states thereof, and populating the visual representation of the operating environment with visual indications of respective spatial locations of the electronic devices in the operating environment and status indications of the respective operating states of the electronic devices. Related methods for controlling the electronic devices based on their respective spatial locations and the relative spatial context of the operating environment are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jones, Colin Angle
  • Publication number: 20200403820
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20200245836
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot includes a drive operable to move the autonomous cleaning robot across a floor surface; a cleaning assembly configured to clean the floor surface; a receiver configured to receive an indication of cat activity in a cat box; and a controller configured to navigate the autonomous cleaning robot to the cat box to execute a cleaning mission in response to the received indication of cat activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Anders Bialek, John Sinnigen, Colin Angle, Michael J. Halloran
  • Patent number: 10661433
    Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Angle, Clara Vu, Matthew Cross, Tony L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10463217
    Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot includes a drive operable to move the autonomous cleaning robot across a floor surface; a cleaning assembly configured to clean the floor surface; a receiver configured to receive an indication of cat activity in a cat box; and a controller configured to navigate the autonomous cleaning robot to the cat box to execute a cleaning mission in response to the received indication of cat activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Bialek, John Sinnigen, Colin Angle, Michael J. Halloran
  • Patent number: 10391638
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20190097827
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20180329617
    Abstract: A method of operating a user terminal includes receiving occupancy data for an operating environment responsive to navigation of the operating environment by a mobile robot, and displaying a visual representation of the operating environment based on the occupancy data. The method further includes receiving information identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are local to the operating environment and respective operating states thereof, and populating the visual representation of the operating environment with visual indications of respective spatial locations of the electronic devices in the operating environment and status indications of the respective operating states of the electronic devices. Related methods for controlling the electronic devices based on their respective spatial locations and the relative spatial context of the operating environment are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jones, Colin Angle
  • Publication number: 20180304472
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20180154514
    Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Colin Angle, Clara Vu, Matthew Cross, Tony L. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20180071918
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Patent number: 9878445
    Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialog with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Angle, Clara Vu, Matthew Cross, Tony L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9874873
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a microprocessor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The microprocessor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran