Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods may be used for wirelessly communicating underwater (or through air) with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs). Such communication avoids any need for conventional wired communication with the APCs. At least some of the devices may be hand-held and capable of having at least portions immersed in water in normal use. The devices preferably do not use radio frequency (RF) signal to communication with APCs, instead employing light-based or other signal types.

Abstract: Concepts relating to automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. Some concepts may involve communication with APCs either in or out of the water of swimming pools or spas, while other concepts may concern battery charging or management or other operational aspects of cleaner usage in a pool or spa, among others. Many of the concepts may be applicable to avoid need for a robotic APC to be wired to an external control device.

Abstract: A docking station for a pool cleaner includes at least one inductive element for charging the pool cleaner. A docking station for a pool cleaner may include means for guiding the pool cleaner to the docking station using light-based communication. In certain embodiments, the docking station for a pool cleaner may include means for engaging and/or supporting the pool cleaner at a waterline of a swimming pool or spa. A docking station for a pool cleaner a may enclose a pool cleaner within a receiving area in certain embodiments.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods may monitor debris collected by an automatic swimming pool cleaner and/or water flowing through the automatic swimming pool cleaner. The systems and methods may utilize one or more sensors within the automatic swimming pool cleaner that characterize the debris collected by the automatic swimming pool cleaner and/or characterize water flowing through the automatic swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a time of flight (“ToF”) sensor system underwater and in connection with the use of robotic automatic swimming pool cleaners. The systems and methods described herein may take a plurality of measurements around the automatic swimming pool cleaner and/or in a plurality of directions relative to the automatic swimming pool cleaner. The systems and methods may allow for the automatic swimming pool cleaner to map the pool or spa, determine a cleaner path for the automatic swimming pool cleaner, determine if there are occupants in the pool, avoid obstacles within the pool or spa, and/or drive the automatic swimming pool cleaner to specific areas of the pool or spa, among other actions.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a remotely operated vehicle configured as an automatic swimming pool cleaner and/or as a supplement to an automatic swimming pool cleaner. The remotely operated vehicle may be capable of moving through an entire volume of a swimming pool or sup with up to six degrees of freedom. The remotely operated vehicle may support and/or perform a variety of functions or purposes related to or associated with the automatic swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating equipment for a swimming pool or spa include detecting water without contacting water of the swimming pool or spa. The systems and methods may be utilized with various types of equipment for a swimming pool or spa, such as but not limited to a cleaner, an automatic swimming pool cleaner, a skimmer, a docking station, a heater, and/or a pump. The systems and methods include one or more sensors detecting water without contact the water.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic swimming pool cleaner includes comparing characteristics of at least two similar electromechanical devices of the automatic swimming pool cleaner to establish a normal relationship between the at least two similar electromechanical devices. The method includes identifying abnormal behavior of the automatic swimming pool cleaner based on a divergence from the normal relationship.

Abstract: A docking system for an automatic swimming pool cleaner includes a dock and an underwater-facing camera. The underwater-facing camera ay be provided to monitor the automatic swimming pool cleaner underwater. A method of controlling an automatic swimming pool cleaner may include using information obtained from a camera on a dock of a docking system to control the automatic swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: Pool equipment for swimming pools and spas may include pumps, heaters, filters, pool lights, sensors, automatic pool cleaners, and/or other pieces of equipment. Such pool equipment may include a near-field communication chip, and near-field communication may be used to send information to the pool equipment (including energizing the pool equipment) and/or to receive information from the pool equipment.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaners may include time-of-flight sensors. The sensors may operate underwater and transmit and receive light radiation. They may be useful especially in providing distance and angular information relating to location of a pool cleaner relative to a wall of, or object within, a pool.

Abstract: Concepts relating to automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. Some concepts may involve communication with APCs either in or out of the water of swimming pools or spas, while other concepts may concern battery charging or management or other operational aspects of cleaner usage in a pool or spa, among others. Many of the concepts may be applicable to avoid need for a robotic APC to be wired to an external control device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods may be used for wirelessly communicating underwater (or through air) with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs). Such communication avoids any need for conventional wired communication with the APCs. At least some of the devices may be hand-held and capable of having at least portions immersed in water in normal use. The devices preferably do not use radio frequency (RF) signal to communication with APCs, instead employing light-based or other signal types.