DE102010016553A1 - Method for finding region or room i.e. bed-room, in home, during spot-cleaning of home, involves transmitting optical signals by orientation parts, according to confirmation that sucking-or turning device is moved towards orientation parts - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves setting orientation parts (1-6) on a floor of rooms (R1-R6) independent of a sucking and/or turning device (G). The orientation parts are provided in form of landmarks. The orientation parts transmit room-spreading signals i.e. radio signals, by activation of the orientation parts via a remote controller (7), where the signal comprises an individual identifier that concerns the orientation part. The orientation parts transmit room-limited signals i.e. optical signals, according to confirmation that the sucking-or turning device is moved towards the orientation parts.

Description

The invention relates to a method for finding a room or area by an automatically movable device, such as suction and / or sweeping device, wherein in the space or area an erectable independently of the device orientation part is provided, the orientation part signals both as space-overlapping signals, in particular radio signals, as well as space-limited signals, such as light signals.

Autonomously operating devices, such as in particular cleaning devices or transport devices in the household sector should preferably operate in (cleaning) operation without user intervention. Nevertheless, these are usually provided with remote control facilities, so that the user can drive them to certain areas of the apartment, for example, to perform spot cleaning there. Known here are remote controls (radio and optical base with infrared), where the remote control, for example, buttons for different directions (separate buttons for driving directions, joystick, 4-way switch, etc.). These buttons allow the user to control the device. The operation is similar to that of a remote-controlled car. Wired solutions are also known in the field of toys in which the remote control is connected to the toy via a long cable (electrical connection, partly also mechanically via Bowden cables).

To bring such a device in a particular room or to a specific area within a room this can be driven by means of the remote control to a point. This proves to be time consuming, not intuitive, and too difficult for inexperienced ones. Furthermore, such a control for the user, due to the usually relatively small keys getting used to. Further alternatively, the device can also be worn, which proves to be very unergonomic.

Next solutions are known in which the self-movable device is assigned an orientation part, which orientation part, for example, a remote control, a landmark or a base station, further, for example, for charging device-side batteries. The orientation part is in this case designed to send signals to the device via a wireless connection, for example call signals which cause the device to search and approach, for example, the orientation part. In this regard, it is also known to further design the orientation part in such a way that both space-spanning signals, in particular radio signals, can be transmitted so that, when the signal is correspondingly emitted, a device located in another room can receive and possibly evaluate this signal. In addition, such orientation parts are also equipped with a signal transmitter for emitting signals which are receivable only in the space in which the orientation part is located. In particular light signals, more preferably light signals in the visible or alternatively in the invisible area are used here.

In view of the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in a method of the type in question to further improve.

This problem is solved first and foremost by the subject matter of claim 1, wherein it is pointed out that upon activation of the orientation part to bring the device, the orientation part initially emits a signal across space, which also contains an individual identifier with respect to the orientation part, and that after confirmation that the device has taken the drive to the orientation part, at least in any case, more preferably exclusively space-limited signals are sent from the orientation part. According to the proposed method, a targeted movement of the device from an original position to a given space or area is achievable, further with user-friendly handling. The device is transmitted via the orientation part of a call command, after which the device automatically picks up his drive to search the room or area. In this case, the device helps the further sent individual identifier of the orientation part, so that a distinction to further, possibly provided in the room or in an apartment orientation parts is ensured. The device receiving the call command sends an acknowledgment message to the orientation part before or with departure, this further preferably by means of a room-overlapping signal, which response signal of the device results in partial switching of the previously transmitted, optionally cyclically repeating call signal into a space-limited signal , This space-limited signal, preferably light signal, can be received by the device. After receiving the space-limited signal accordingly, the device has arrived in the room which transmits the signal-emitting orientation part, whereupon the device carries out an assigned work, for example cleaning work, as required, for example, depending on the space-spanning and / or space-limited signal of the orientation part.

Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 1 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, in a further preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that the activation of the orientation part is triggered by another part, for example by a remote control, which emits further part, at least for activating space-spanning or alternatively space-limited signals. As a result of this embodiment, the orientation part can also be activated across spatial boundaries, according to which activation the orientation part emits an inter-space signal to the device. In this case, the remote control is furthermore preferably designed so that individual activation signals, which can be correspondingly adapted to the optionally provided multiple orientation parts, can emit activation signals, in particular according to superposition of the activation signal with a corresponding individual identifier of the orientation part. In the case where the further part, in particular the remote control, is located in the same room as the orientation part to be activated, a space-limited signal is preferably, although not exclusively, transmitted, more preferably in the form of a light signal. In this case, the orientation part located in the same room is activated to call the device without further individual identification.

After receiving the call signal, more preferably after a corresponding transmission of a response signal, the device automatically moves the rooms until it receives the space-limited locating signal of the orientation part.

The departure of the rooms takes place in an embodiment at random or after a stored in the device traversing strategy. In a further preferred embodiment, the orientation part is located by the device as a result of a systematic shutdown of a predetermined environment consisting in particular of several rooms, which specification more preferably results from a mapping of the environment stored in a preferably non-volatile memory of the device, furthermore comprising in particular all Rooms, room boundaries and obstacles.

In a preferred embodiment, in which the orientation part is an accessory in the form of a landmark, the number of these orientation parts is more preferably equal to the number of rooms in the apartment to be removed or cleaned by the device, such an orientation part being set up in each room. These orientation parts are preferably connectable in the form of landmarks for the electrical supply to the household network, but preferably cable-bound, so further preferably battery or battery operated. Thus, more preferably lithium ion cells are provided, which are characterized by a high capacity, so that there are maturities over several years.

The further part, in particular the remote control, is designed to transmit information wirelessly to one or more orientation parts. The information is transmitted in defined packets, so-called telegrams. The orientation parts have devices for the wireless transmission of information, which are also present in defined packets in the form of telegrams.

The remote control is further designed so that this example, by pressing a button can send an activation telegram, which is receivable by the orientation part. This activation telegram is radiated limited space in one embodiment, so that it can not be received across spatial boundaries away. Accordingly, only the orientation part receives the activation telegram, which is located in the same room as the remote control.

Also, in an alternative, more preferably combined embodiment, the remote control is designed so that it can send out a command message, which instructs the device to visit a specific room or a specific orientation part. This command telegram is designed in such a way that it can also be received across spatial boundaries, and this continues throughout the apartment. In a preferred embodiment, the command message is formed so that it contains the unique identifier of that orientation part whose space is to visit the device. The device confirms the received command telegram with a confirmation telegram.

The orientation parts are further designed such that they then emit an identification message as soon as they have preferably received an activation message from the remote control. The identification message contains an individual identifier of the orientation part, so on, for example, a larger, possibly randomly selected number. In a preferred embodiment, this identifier is clearly bound to the orientation part, so that each orientation part has an individual and unique identifier. Furthermore, the identification message is designed so that this over Room boundaries can be received, ie preferably in the whole apartment.

In addition, the orientation part is equipped such that it can be manually operated by the user, including in a preferred embodiment of the orientation part of a button or the like. The user receives in a further preferred embodiment when actuated an audible and / or visual and / or sensory feedback. The orientation part sends out a call telegram if it is actuated by the user, which can preferably be received by the device across room boundaries.

The device is equipped in a preferred embodiment with a receiver unit, for receiving the emitted from the orientation parts identification messages. In this case, a decoding of the telegram for identifying the unique identifier of each orientation part is furthermore preferably provided. The device is further configured to transmit wireless information to the orientation parts and / or to the remote control, more preferably, the information in defined packets, so-called telegrams are transmitted. As soon as the device receives an identification message of an orientation part, it sends a corresponding confirmation telegram in response, which can be received across rooms. This confirmation telegram is designed in such a way that it contains the unique identifier of the orientation part to whose identification telegram the device responds. If several orientation parts receive such a confirmation telegram, they can, with appropriate decryption of the confirmation telegram, filter to which orientation part the telegram is directed.

As soon as an orientation part receives a confirmation telegram of the device with its own unique identifier, the orientation part sends a sequence of space finding telegrams in response to the confirmation telegram, wherein the orientation part at regular intervals of 0.001 second to 1 minute, preferably 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, more preferred every 0.5 to 3 seconds sends out such a telegram. This space finding telegram also preferably contains the unique identifier of the emitting orientation part. The room-finding telegram is transmitted in a space-limited manner, so that it can not be received across spatial boundaries, can accordingly only be received in the room in which the emitting orientation part is located.

The device is further designed so that this starts to drive out of several rooms existing apartment, as soon as this has sent a confirmation telegram. The device drives the apartment at random or using any traversing strategy. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a navigation device and / or an image of its surroundings in the form of a stored map of the apartment, so that in the case of the preferred embodiment, the device can pass through each room of the apartment in a short time. In the course of the shutdown of the rooms, the orientation part constantly sends space finding telegrams. In a preferred embodiment, the device moves into a room, preferably to leave this space on the shortest path when not receiving a room determination telegram. As soon as the device receives a room finding telegram of the orientation part whose identification telegram was previously answered with a confirmation gram, the device stops. Since the room determination telegram can not be received across room boundaries, the device is now in the same room as the sending orientation part. The device has accordingly found the room to which this orientation part is assigned by the user. Successful locating of a room may be followed by further actions that are automatic or manually initiated by the user, such as cleaning the found space.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device responds to the orientation part or the remote control via the wireless information transmission path provided between the device and the orientation part or the remote control, as soon as the device receives the space finding or command telegram. The answers are transmitted in defined packets, so-called telegrams. The packet transmitted in this case from the device to the orientation part is a location telegram. As soon as an orientation part receives such a location telegram of the device with which it has previously exchanged the identification, confirmation and space finding telegrams, the orientation part stops sending the sequence of space finding telegrams.

If, despite the shutdown of the entire apartment, the device does not receive a room finding telegram of the orientation part with which the device has previously exchanged identification and confirmation telegrams after a defined time, the device preferably aborts the search attempts after this time. The orientation part also aborts the transmission of the space finding telegrams, preferably after the same or similar period of time. The period of time is preferably in the range of one minute to several days, preferably in the range of 10 minutes to 24 Hours, more preferably in the range of 30 minutes to 60 minutes. In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the user specifies this period of time on the device or on the orientation parts according to input. In the exchange of the identification or confirmation telegrams, this period of time can then be communicated to the other communication partner in which the time information is encoded in the respective telegrams.

The space-spanning telegrams, such as in particular the command telegrams, call telegrams, confirmation telegrams and identification telegrams are transmitted in a preferred embodiment by radio. For this purpose, a radio transmitting device is provided on the sending communication partner and on the receiving communication partner a radio receiving device. In a further embodiment, both communication partners, so on in particular the device and the or the orientation parts and more preferably another part, for example in the form of a remote control both via a radio transmission as a receiving device. In an alternative embodiment, the transmission is based on matter waves, in a preferred embodiment by means of sound waves in the ultrasonic range.

The space-limited signals or telegrams, in particular the activation telegrams, location telegrams and space finding telegrams are optically transmitted in a preferred embodiment. For this purpose, the transmitting communication partner is provided with an optical transmitting device and the receiving communication partner with a corresponding optical receiving device, wherein more preferably both communication partners have both transmitting and receiving devices for transmitting and receiving optical signals or telegrams. In a further alternative embodiment, the transmission is effected by electromagnetic waves, in particular by radio. The transmission frequency is preferably chosen so that the radio waves have a quasi-optical behavior, are accordingly not able to overcome spatial boundaries.

The light signals and / or radio signals are preferably modulated (for example sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular or arbitrary) in a defined frequency. By modulation (frequency, amplitude or phase modulation, also in any combination thereof) information is impressed on the carrier signal, which form the telegrams. Each light-sensitive or radio-technical element is preferably associated with an amplifier to which a filter is further assigned, which filter is preferably tuned to the carrier frequency and modulation form. In the case of an optical signal transmission, the amplifier therefore outputs only the light signal received by the target, correspondingly uninfluenced by ambient or stray light. In the case of a radio arrangement, the amplifier preferably acts selectively, i. H. no interference signals or stations on other frequencies are received.

The optical elements are further preferably optionally associated with further optical elements, more preferably for forming a transmission beam and / or transmitting cone, without this being explicitly stated below. In this regard, optical elements may be lenses (converging lenses, diverging lenses, also designed as Fresnel lenses, aspherical or spherical), diaphragms (circular, slot-shaped, arbitrarily shaped, designed as separate parts or integrated in the housing of the element or device), prisms, mirrors (plan , concave, convex, freeform), light guides or free-form elements.

The radio-technical elements can be further assigned optionally further receive or transmit elements, without these being explicitly listed below. This can be, for example, antennas in any design as well as other amplifiers or transmission elements.

Both in the light source and in the photosensitive element, optical elements are also understood to mean protective or covering disks in the optical beam path which serve to mechanically protect the optical device. Preferably, optical filters are provided in the light source and / or in the photosensitive element, which are as permeable as possible for the intended optical wavelength, for others but as little as possible permeable. Optical filters may be provided as separate elements or integrated with other optical elements (for example, by coloring or coating lenses, protective windows, etc.). Paints, coatings, steaming, etc. are possible in this regard.

The non-room-overlapping, correspondingly space-limited telegrams are transmitted in a further embodiment by ultrasound. Here, preferably sound packets are emitted in a frequency of at least 20 kHz, preferably in the range between 25 kHz to 40 kHz, these packets are preferably also transmitted in analogy to the light signals modulated.

In a further preferred embodiment, each orientation part, more preferably also the further part, for example in the form of a remote control, more preferably in the course of production in a programming step assigned a unique identifier, so that one by means of Oriented parts sent telegram is clearly attributable to this orientation part alone.

It is further proposed that as soon as the device has received a room finding telegram of an orientation part, with which the device has previously exchanged identification and confirmation telegrams, this starts simultaneously with the transmission of the locating telegram, the space or area in which the device is currently located is to be cleaned. This behavior is programmed in one embodiment in the device. Alternatively, this behavior can be optionally called by the user, for example, in which the device is requested via a device-side control panel or via the remote control to do so. In a preferred embodiment, the activation telegram contains a corresponding identifier, which is preferably transmitted to the device from at least one telegram, which is sent from the respectively activated orientation part to the device (preferably the identification telegram). Thus, the user is given the possibility in terms of technology relating to the technology of operation to use the remote control to drive the device into the room in which the user is currently in, in order to then preferably clean it off.

It is also provided in a further embodiment that the device general tasks (certain behavior) are applied, for example, a special cleaning (spot cleaning, cleaning with increased intensity, etc.) or the search of an area or point, so that the device, for example, not Further use of the device under a piece of furniture or beyond can move to a base station.

In an extension of the activation telegram is provided to make this telegram so that in particular via a remote control by means of the activation telegram the unique identifier of one of the orientation parts is transmitted. In an advantageous embodiment, such an extended activation message is sent across spaces. According to this configuration, there is the possibility that the user can let the device move to any room of the apartment, even in the case that the user is not in this room. In this case, the user addresses the orientation part with the extended activation telegram via the unique identifier, which orientation part is in the room into which the device is to travel.

In a manner favorable for handling, the unique identifiers of the orientation parts assigned to the device are stored in the remote control, preferably stored in a non-volatile memory. This is done in one embodiment by programming during the production of the remote control. In a further embodiment, the storage of the identifiers takes place according to user intervention, for example by the user learning the remote control. This training is further preferably carried out in a special operating mode of the remote control, in which all usable orientation parts are queried in succession with respect to their identification messages from the remote control and assigned to the respective orientation part associated with the identification telegrams identifiers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the remote control for using extended activation telegrams at least one control element, for example a push button, which is assigned to a respective orientation part, this further in the sense that after pressing this control element, the extended activation telegram is sent with the unique identifier exactly this orientation part.

In this regard, it makes sense further to provide a separate control element on the remote control per orientation part. In this case, each control element is preferably provided with a designation for a room (for example, kitchen, bedroom, hallway, etc.), which controls in a further preferred embodiment are clearly identifiable by the user, for example by lettering (printing, engraving, etc.). Thus, a meaningful and easily comprehensible assignment of the operation is given to a defined space when the user places the relevant orientation part in the space indicated by the label.

In a further preferred embodiment, an orientation part is at the same time the base station of the device, at which base station a charging of the accumulator provided in the device is preferably carried out, more preferably in the case of a device in the form of a floor cleaning device, at the same time or alternatively also an emptying of the dust / Dirt collecting space of the device or a dust filter bag arranged therein.

The orientation part can also be the remote control at the same time. In this case, the (extended or simple) activation telegram is preferably omitted. In this case, the remote control sends an identification telegram directly with the identifier uniquely assigned to it. Hereinafter, the device searches for the remote control according to the above-described method, for example, in the case where the user with the remote control in his hand is in a position which further requires spot cleaning, for example.

With regard to all specified ranges of values, all intermediate values, in particular in 1-second and / or 1-minute and / or 1 kHz steps, both in terms of a one or more narrowing of the specified range limits in, for example, the specified step, from above and / or from below, as well as to represent singular values within the ranges indicated, are hereby included in the disclosure.

The invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which only illustrates several embodiments, explained in more detail. It shows:

1 to 4 a basic schematic representation of a dwelling, consisting of several rooms, with an orientation part is provided in each room, concerning a first variant of the method when calling the device by means of a simple activation telegram;

5 to 8th Representations according to the 1 to 4 , but a variant of the method regarding when the device with extended activation telegram.

9 to 13 further representations according to the 1 to 4 , concerning a further variant of the method.

14 to 16 in representations according to the 1 to 4 the method according to another variant;

17 to 19 the graphically represented method in a further variant.

Independently of the variants of a method for finding a room or area described in more detail below, the figures initially show an apartment consisting of six rooms R ₁ to R ₆ . The floors of the rooms R ₁ to R ₆ are passable and more preferably cleanable by means of an automatically movable device G in the form of a suction and / or sweeping device. This device has a chassis, which on the underside, facing the floor to be maintained, carries electric motor-driven traveling wheels as well as a brush projecting beyond the lower edge of the chassis floor and likewise driven by an electric motor. The chassis is covered by a device hood, wherein the device G has a circular floor plan. With regard to the design of the device G as a suction and / or sweeping device is, for example, on the DE 102 43 257 A1 directed. The content of this patent application is hereby incorporated in full into the disclosure of the present invention, also for the purpose of including features of this patent application in claims of the present invention. More preferably, the device G may alternatively or also in combination to the arrangement of a brush also be designed for sucking the substrate, for which in this case the device G has a suction fan.

In each room R ₁ to R ₆ is a preferably freely deployable orientation part 1 to 6 assigned. These orientation parts 1 to 6 are preferably on the floor of the respective space R ₁ to R ₆ abstellbar in the form of a landmark. Each orientation part 1 to 6 In a preferred embodiment, has means for transmitting and receiving space-limited and space-spanning signals. This is every orientation part 1 to 6 preferably for transmitting and receiving space-limited signals provided with a light source and a photosensitive element, further for transmitting and receiving space-spanning signals with a radio antenna.

The device G is according to the orientation parts 1 to 6 provided with room-spanning and space-limited transmitting and receiving means, so on according to preferred with a light source and a photosensitive element, further with a radio antenna.

In addition, another part is in the form of a remote control 7 provided over which the user can cite the device G in a particular space R ₁ to R ₆ preferably for cleaning the soil located there according to the method described in more detail below.

In the 1 to 4 is shown graphically a first variant of the method. The user stands here with the remote control 7 in the hand in the room R ₁ , which is to be approached by the device G, here to clean the floor. The remote control 7 in this variant preferably has only one operating element 8th , for example in the form of a button. Upon actuation of this actuator 8th sends the remote control 7 a space-limited activation telegram A, this preferably on optical ways, including the remote control 7 preferably has a controllable light source. As a result of the emitted, space-limited signal, this signal is only from the orientation part 1 received, which is in the same room - here room R ₁ - as the remote control 7 , Accordingly, the orientation part receives 1 the activation telegram A, whereupon this automatically transmits a space-spreading identification telegram I. This identification telegram I is preferably based on radio, so that it can be received by the device G in all rooms R ₁ to R ₆ . The identification telegram becomes a unique identifier of the sending orientation part 1 with transfer, so that sending out orientation part 1 is clearly identifiable. The equipped with a corresponding evaluation device G receives the identification telegram I (see. 2 ).

The device G sends hereupon (cf. 3 ) a confirmation telegram B, including the previously received identifier of the orientation part 1 , which confirmation message B is sent across rooms. Accordingly, all orientation parts receive 1 to 6 this confirmation telegram B. According to the sent orientation part identifier registered only the identifier corresponding orientation part the confirmation message B, here the orientation part 1 in room R ₁ .

With transmission of the confirmation telegram B, the device G preferably moves to the orientation part 1 to search. The latter, after receiving the confirmation message B, transmits a space-limited space finding message RF, preferably in the form of a light signal. The device G drives the apartment (one room after the other) systematically, this preferably with the aid of a stored in the device G map of the environment, ie with the aid of a room R ₁ to R ₆ reproducing mapping. According to such a map, the device G knows the shortest paths in the transition from one room to a neighboring room.

The device G accordingly moves one room after the other, in order to determine, in particular in the area of a room entrance, whether a corresponding room-finding telegram RF can be received here. In the illustrated embodiment, the device G receives in the space R ₁ such before orientation part 1 repeatedly sent space determination message RF, which the device G means that this is now in the room R ₁ , from which the identification and thus call telegram was sent out. Depending on the command preferably supplied with the identification telegram I, the device G starts the cleaning processing of the floor in the room R ₁ with the registration of the room finding telegram RF.

The 5 to 8th show a variant of the method in which the user with the remote control 7 standing in the room R _4, the device G would like to order in the room R ₁ . This is the remote control 7 with several actuators 8th provided with each actuator 8th a space R ₁ to R _{6 is} assigned. By appropriate actuation of the room R ₁ associated actuating element 8th is from the remote control 7 an extended activation telegram A _w sent across rooms. This extended activation telegram A _w is provided with the identifier of the orientation part to be addressed, in the illustrated embodiment of the orientation part 1 , Although all orientation parts 1 to 6 can receive the extended activation telegram A _w , but recognizes only the orientation part 1 its identifier and then sends an identification telegram I across rooms for addressing the device G. Again, the identification telegram I with the identifier of the emitting orientation part 1 provided (see. 6 ).

According to the according to the 1 to 4 hereafter the device G transmits a confirmation telegram B. The further sequence of the method for finding the orientation part 1 assigned space R ₁ corresponds to that of the embodiment described above (see. 7 and 8th ).

A third variant of the process show the 9 to 13 , In this is the remote control 7 as well as in the variant according to the 1 to 4 only with an actuator 8th provided to respond in the same room as the remote control 7 located orientation part. Starting from a situation in which the user is using the remote control 7 is in the illustrated embodiment in the space R ₁ , according to triggering of the actuating element 8th an activation telegram A space-limited sent out, which is located in the same room orientation part 1 Will be received. The latter answers with an identification telegram I containing the identifier of the orientation part 1 , This identification telegram I is space-limited in this variant of the method, for example, according to light signal transmission, is accordingly from the located in the same room remote control 7 receive. The latter sends hereafter a space-spanning command message F, which command message F with the identifier of the orientation part 1 is provided. This command message F is received by the device G, whereupon it understands the command message F as an instruction to drive to the room whose orientation part carries the transmitted with identifier.

The device G sends after receiving the command message F a confirmation message B to the remote control 7 (see. 11 and 12 ). The device G then moves the rooms R ₁ to R ₆ systematically as described, possibly randomly and in this case repeatedly sends at predetermined intervals activation telegrams A, whereupon the respectively located in the space R ₁ to R ₆ orientation part 1 to 6 sends out an identification telegram I with its identifier. As soon as the device G receives an identification telegram I with the identifier known to it, the device G has reached the space to be approached - in this case room R ₁ - (cf. 13 ).

In the 14 to 16 a variant of the method is shown in which the user with the remote control 7 standing in the room R ₄ standing in the room R ₃ standing device G would like to order the room R ₁ . This is done on the with several, the individual orientation parts 1 to 6 associated actuators 8th provided remote control 7 an actuating element associated with the space to be searched 8th pressed - in the illustrated embodiment, the orientation part 1 in the room R ₁ associated actuator 8th -, whereupon the remote control 7 a command message F with the corresponding identifier of the orientation part 1 across rooms to the device G sends. This answers with a confirmation telegram B to the remote control 7 and sets itself in motion at the same time or with a time delay in order to systematically exit the apartment or the several rooms. In this case, the device G repeatedly sends activation telegrams A, whereupon the respectively located in the space R ₁ to R ₆ orientation part 1 to 6 be provided with the respective identifier identification telegram I sent out. If the identifier supplied by means of the identification telegram I does not correspond to the identifier in the command telegram F, the device G continues to operate until an identification telegram I is received with one of the identifiers temporarily stored in the device G. The device G is hereafter according to the space-limited identification telegrams I in the assigned space.

Also, calling the device G without using a remote control 7 possible. A related variant of the method show the 17 to 19 , It is assumed that the user 9 located in room R ₅ . The user 9 in this case has no remote control at hand. In addition, he is the whereabouts of the device G is not known. The user wants 9 for example, the floor of the room R ₅ , in which the user 9 is currently being cleaned, or to order the device G in this room, the user presses 9 the orientation part located in the space R ₅ 5 what the orientation part 5 , as further preferred also the other orientation parts in the apartment, an actuating element, for example in the form of a button. Following manual operation of the orientation part 5 sends this a call telegram U, which can be received across the space of the device G. The device G is then in motion and preferably systematically drives the entire apartment, the plurality of rooms R ₁ to R ₆ at least partially passing by, while the actuated orientation part 5 repeatedly sends identification telegrams I. The device G finds the room R ₅ as soon as it receives the identification telegram I, whereupon the device G preferably cleans the floor of the room R ₅ .

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize in their optional sibling version independent inventive development of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

orientation part

2

orientation part

3

orientation part

4

orientation part

5

orientation part

6

orientation part

7

remote control

8th

actuator

9

user

A

Activation Telegram

A _w

extended activation telegram

B

Confirmation Telegram

F

Command Telegram

G

device

I

Identification telegram

R ₁

room

R ₂

room

R ₃

room

R ₄

room

R ₅

room

R ₆

room

RF

Space finding Telegram

U

Ruftelegramm

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10243257 A1 [0045]

Claims (4)

Method for finding a space (R ₁ to R ₆ ) or area by an automatically moving device (G), for example suction and / or sweeping device, wherein in the space (R ₁ to R ₆ ) or area independently of the device ( G) positionable orientation part ( 1 to 6 ), the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) Signals both as space-overlapping signals, in particular radio signals, can send out, as well as space-limited signals, such as light signals, characterized in that on an activation of the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) to bring the device (G) the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) emits first a space-spanning signal, which at the same time an individual identifier with respect to the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) and that, after a confirmation that the device (G) the journey to the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ), in any case also space-limited signals from the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) are sent out. Method according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the activation of the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) by another part, for example by a remote control ( 7 ), which sends out further part at least for activation of space-spanning signals. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the activation of the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) by another part, for example by a remote control ( 7 ) is triggered, which further part at least for activation emits space-limited signals. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the finding of the orientation part ( 1 to 6 ) by the device (G) by a systematic shutdown of a predetermined, in particular from several rooms (R ₁ to R ₆ ) existing environment takes place.

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