Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a main body, one or more drive wheels coupled to the main body, one or more surface type sensors coupled to the main body, the one or more surface type sensors being configured to receive robotic motor sound reflected from a surface to be cleaned, the robotic motor sound being generated by one or more motors of the robotic cleaner, and a controller configured to determine a surface type based, at least in part, on the reflected robotic motor sound.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a main body, one or more drive wheels coupled to the main body, one or more surface type sensors coupled to the main body, the one or more surface type sensors being configured to receive robotic motor sound reflected from a surface to be cleaned, the robotic motor sound being generated by one or more motors of the robotic cleaner, and a controller configured to determine a surface type based, at least in part, on the reflected robotic motor sound.

Abstract: A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor.

Abstract: A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor.

Abstract: A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor.

Abstract: Methods of providing input feedback in a device having a keyboard with a matrix of independent keys having associated switches arranged in rows and columns, wherein combinations of diagonally adjacent keys are associated with combination key outputs, and devices performing such methods. One method includes scanning for activated keys, providing provisional output to a user indicating that the activated key has been registered; continuing to scan the matrix; and, in response to activation of an adjacent key prior to release of the first activated key, providing final output to the user indicating that a combination of the first and adjacent keys has been registered, to the exclusion of the provisional output. Another features driving the rows in adjacent pairs while examining the columns for switch activation; and, in response to detecting switch activation in two adjacent columns while driving the rows in adjacent pairs, determining a combination key output.

Abstract: Methods of providing input feedback in a device having a keyboard with a matrix of independent keys having associated switches arranged in rows and columns, wherein combinations of diagonally adjacent keys are associated with combination key outputs, and devices performing such methods. One method includes scanning for activated keys, providing provisional output to a user indicating that the activated key has been registered; continuing to scan the matrix; and, in response to activation of an adjacent key prior to release of the first activated key, providing final output to the user indicating that a combination of the first and adjacent keys has been registered, to the exclusion of the provisional output. Another features driving the rows in adjacent pairs while examining the columns for switch activation; and, in response to detecting switch activation in two adjacent columns while driving the rows in adjacent pairs, determining a combination key output.