Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a haptic display are provided. Data associated with first and second data types is obtained, the data defining values for the first and second data types. The first and second data types are associated to first and second vibration features of the haptic display, respectively, the second vibration feature different from the first vibration feature. A vibration pattern comprising a plurality of vibration pulses representing the first and second vibration features within a common time interval is produced on the haptic display, wherein the first vibration feature is expressed based on the values of the data for the first data type and the second vibration feature is expressed based on the values of the data for the second data type.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, a user interface for entering service area dimension information to establish a service area proximate the robotic device, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to store a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to receive service area dimension information for the service area through the user interface, wherein the service area is determined by the service area dimension information entered into the user interface, and utilize the propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device through the service area and to perform a service task in the service area.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for the service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment step, alter the service plan sequence based on detecting an object that is a treatment obstacle in the service area as detected by the sensor, the treatment obstacle preventing execution of the service treatment step at a service treatment location within the service area, wherein the altered service plan sequence comprises moving around the treatment obstacle and skipping the service treatment step, store the service treatment location for later treatment, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: A robotic device includes a sensor and a processing facility including a processor and a memory, the processing facility operating in a first mode of operation and storing a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to utilize data from the sensor to determine an occurrence of an event and transition the operation of the processing facility to a second mode of operation based, at least in part, on the occurrence.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to perform a wide variety of tasks utilizing the plurality of interchangeable service modules, and navigating through the service area utilizing a plurality of sensors and guided through a stored service plan for the service area.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism, an orientation sensor, a stored digital map of a service area, a sensor for sensing objects, a navigation and orientation system, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility causing the robotic device to determine and store a pose position of the robotic device at a plurality of sequential locations as the robotic device is guided by a user along a path from a start location to an end location through the service area, and as commanded by the user and utilizing the navigation and orientation system, re-trace the path from the start location to the end location replicating the stored pose position of the robotic device at the plurality of sequential locations.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, a user interface for entering service area dimension information to establish a service area proximate the robotic device, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to store a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to receive service area dimension information for the service area through the user interface, wherein the service area is determined by the service area dimension information entered into the user interface, and utilize the propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device through the service area and to perform a service task in the service area.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a localization and navigation system utilizing at least one sensor for navigation of the robotic device in a service area, a removable service module to perform a first cleaning service task with a first tool and a second cleaning service task with a second tool, where the second cleaning service task performs a complimentary function to the first cleaning service task.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility storing a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to utilize data from the sensor to distinguish a user of the robotic device, identify movements of the user along a path traveled by the user, and cause the propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device along the path.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism, a sensor for sensing objects, a localization and mapping system, a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to store a set of instructions that, when executed, cause the robotic device to upon selection by a user, place the robotic device in a mapping mode, wherein the mapping mode causes the robotic device to move through the service area and create a digital map, and upon selection by the user, place the robotic device in a service task mode, wherein while in service task mode the robotic device performs a service task in the service area based on sensing the service area with the sensor and utilizing the created digital map.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism to move the robotic device, a sensor for sensing objects, a position sensor, a localization and mapping system, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility configured to cause the robotic device to execute a first service task within the service area utilizing the digital map, wherein the digital map identifies an object at a first location within the service area and the robotic device senses the object with the at least one sensor at the first location, execute a second service task within the service area, wherein the robotic device senses the object with the at least one sensor at a second location, and update the digital map to identify the object at the second location.

Abstract: A method and system for a robotic device comprising a propulsion mechanism, an orientation sensor, a stored digital map of a service area, a sensor for sensing objects, a navigation and orientation system, and a processing facility comprising a processor and a memory, the processing facility causing the robotic device to determine and store a pose position of the robotic device at a plurality of sequential locations as the robotic device is guided by a user along a path from a start location to an end location through the service area, and as commanded by the user and utilizing the navigation and orientation system, re-trace the path from the start location to the end location replicating the stored pose position of the robotic device at the plurality of sequential locations.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for a service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment to a surface of the service area, identify a special treatment area utilizing the surface sensor, alter the service plan sequence based on identifying the special treatment area in the service area, wherein the altering of the service plan sequence includes providing an additional service to the special treatment area, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to sense objects in the service area utilizing the at least one sensor, derive a service plan for the service area comprising at least one service task based, at least in part, on real-time sensing of the service area and a stored digital map of the service area, wherein the navigation system utilizes the digital map and the real-time sensing to navigate within the service area during execution of the service plan, and operate the robotic device to provide a service task to a generally planar surface proximate the robotic device in accordance with the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for the service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment step, alter the service plan sequence based on detecting an object that is a treatment obstacle in the service area as detected by the sensor, the treatment obstacle preventing execution of the service treatment step at a service treatment location within the service area, wherein the altered service plan sequence comprises moving around the treatment obstacle and skipping the service treatment step, store the service treatment location for later treatment, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to perform a wide variety of tasks utilizing the plurality of interchangeable service modules, and navigating through the service area utilizing a plurality of sensors and guided through a stored service plan for the service area.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints.

Abstract: A closure member is provided for a container which includes a base frame connectable to the container, a first door pivotally connected to the base frame and a second and third door pivotally connected to the base frame, the first door covering the second and third doors when each of the doors is in a closed position. The first door includes a seal member positioned therein which is removable and the first door is pivotally connectable to an edge portion of the base frame. A method of covering a container with the closure member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for locating data collection points in a mobile data collection system includes receiving geographic location information for multiple data collection points used in collecting, for example, utility consumption information. In one embodiment, the geographic location information may be in the form of an endpoint location file that a utility company may provide to an operator of a mobile data collection system for the purpose of completing a meter reading route. The geographic location information may include complete or incomplete address information and complete or incomplete geographic location coordinate information (e.g., GPS coordinates). If the geographic location coordinate information for at least one utility data collection point is incomplete, the mobile data collection system may then compute complete geographic location coordinate information.