JP2009518071A - Remote configuration of mobile surface maintenance machine settings - Google Patents

Abstract

  The mobile surface maintenance machine (100) includes a mobile body (102) configured to travel on the surface (106), an electric tool (110), a communicator (112), and a memory (114). And a control unit (116). The power tool is supported by the mobile body and is configured to contact the surface. The communicator is configured to communicate via the network (176). The memory contains settings (180) for the machine. The control unit is configured to change the setting of the machine according to the setting information (190) received by the communication device via the network, and to control the operation of the machine based on the setting.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION A mobile surface maintenance machine includes a power tool that is used to perform surface maintenance operations on the floor surface. These machines include floor cleaners that are used to perform cleaning operations on the floor, including scrubbing and / or sweeping operations on hard and carpet surfaces. Other mobile floor maintenance machines include those that include tools for performing floor polishing and polishing processes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mobile surface maintenance machines include various adjustable settings for floor maintenance operations to be performed. Typically, these settings can be set by the operator of the floor machine at the machine's main operator interface, such as the control panel. Settings that can be adjusted for floor cleaning operations include, for example, the downward pressure applied to the floor by an electric cleaning tool (a scrub brush, a sweeper brush, or a combined scrub and sweeper brush), the cleaning liquid applied to the floor or cleaning tool. Includes flow rates, flow rates of cleaning agents or detergents that are mixed with water to create a cleaning solution, and other settings. Similar settings are used for polishing and polishing machines, including pressure settings that determine the downward pressure applied by the cleaning tool during floor polishing or polishing operations.

  Adjustable settings for consumables on mobile surface maintenance machines generally affect the useful life of the consumables. For example, the lower the pressure setting down a motorized cleaning tool (ie, scrub brush, scrub pad, polish pad, polishing pad, etc.), the longer the cleaning tool will be until it must be replaced. Similarly, the slower the cleaning agent or detergent flow setting, the more cleaning operations can be performed with a usable supply of cleaning agent. Thus, the setting can have a direct impact on the useful life of the consumables and the operating cost of the mobile surface maintenance machine.

  Unfortunately, conventional mobile surface maintenance machines allow the machine operator to adjust the above settings through the machine control panel. While an experienced operator can configure the machine to operate in an efficient manner, there can be no less experienced operator. For example, when an administrator of one or more mobile surface maintenance machines wants to adjust the settings, not only must each machine be adjusted manually, but each operator of the machine has adjusted settings. It must be taught to ensure that it cannot be changed.

  The above discussion is provided for general background information only and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mobile surface maintenance machine that is configurable via a network and a method for setting a surface maintenance machine via a network. One embodiment of a mobile surface maintenance machine includes a mobile body configured to travel on a surface, an electric tool, a communicator, a memory, and a controller. The power tool is supported by the mobile body and is configured to engage the surface. The communicator is configured to communicate via a network. The memory contains settings for the machine. The control unit is configured to change the setting of the machine according to the setting information received by the communication device via the network, and to control the operation of the machine based on the setting.

  In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the setting information is received via a network using a mobile surface maintenance machine communicator. Next, the setting for the machine is changed using the control unit based on the setting information. Furthermore, the surface maintenance machine operates based on the settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present invention facilitate setting mobile surface maintenance machine (hereinafter “machine”) settings over a network. Accordingly, the present invention can be used by an administrator of one or more machines in a collection of machines to change one or more adjustable settings of the machine over a network. If desired, a different machine can be set up differently than other machines in the same collection. As a result, problems arising from changes in settings by the operator can be reduced or eliminated. For example, the administrator can control machine settings that affect the useful life of the machine's consumables and consequently the operating cost of the machine. In addition, the machine administrator can enable or disable certain functions of the machine using embodiments of the present invention. This allows the administrator to specialize the machine, for example for a specific use or for a specific customer who may lend the machine.

  FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a mobile surface maintenance machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The machine 100 can be configured to perform a cleaning or conditioning operation on the floor surface. The machine 100 can be designed for use by an operator walking behind the machine 100, riding on the machine 100, or towing the machine 100. Machine 100 may be powered by a battery, combustion engine, line power source or other suitable power source.

  The cleaning operation on the floor includes a scrubbing and / or sweeping operation on the hard floor surface and the carpet surface. Examples of machines designed to perform such cleaning operations are described in U.S. Pat. Has been. Typical floor conditioning operations include polishing and polishing operations. An example of a machine for performing such a floor conditioning operation is described in US Pat. No. 4,805,258 and is granted to Tennant Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

  An embodiment of the machine 100 includes a mobile body 102 and includes a frame supported on a wheel 104 for traveling on a surface 106 where a cleaning operation is performed. In one embodiment, the motor 108 is configured to drive at least one of the wheels 104.

  Embodiments of the machine 100 also include components supported on the mobile body 102, including, for example, an electric tool 110, a communicator 112, a memory 114, and a controller 116. The power tool 110 is supported by the mobile body 102 and is used to perform a cleaning or conditioning operation on the surface 106 as indicated by arrow 117. A typical power tool 110 includes a scrub brush 118 (eg, a disc-type scrub brush or pad, or a cylindrical scrub brush), a sweeper brush 120 (eg, a disc-type or cylindrical), a dual-use sweep and scrub brush 122, a polished pad. 124, a polishing pad 126, or other power tool 110 used to perform hard floor and / or carpet surface maintenance operations.

  In one embodiment, the machine 100 includes a tool lift 128. Tool lift 128 is configured to raise and lower tool 110 relative to the frame of mobile body 102 as indicated by arrow 130. A tool lift 128 is used to control the pressure applied to the surface 106 during surface maintenance operations in addition to pulling the power tool 110 from the surface 106 during transfer. Exemplary tool lifts 128 are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,618,888 and 7,038,416, which are assigned to Tennant Company. In one embodiment, the operation of the tool lift 128 is based on a control signal 132 from the controller 116. As described below, in one embodiment, the control signal 132 is based on the pressure setting. Tool lift 128 causes power tool 110 to apply pressure to surface 106 based on the pressure setting.

  One embodiment of the machine 100 includes a cleaning liquid on one of the surface 102 and the tool 128 (ie, a scrub brush, sweeper brush, or sweep / scrub brush), as indicated by arrows 136A and 136B, respectively, in FIG. A cleaning fluid dispenser 134 configured to supply 136 is included. An embodiment of the dispenser 134 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG.

  One embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispenser 134 includes a source of cleaning liquid and a pump 138 for driving a flow of cleaning liquid 136 that is discharged through a tube to a desired location. The cleaning liquid 136 can include water or a combination of water and a cleaning agent.

  The flow rate of the cleaning liquid is substantially determined by the pump 138. In general, pump 138 operates in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, the pump 138 is controlled by a control signal 140 from the controller 116. One embodiment of the control signal 140 is a pulse signal that supplies power with respect to ground (not shown) and controls the period of time that the pump 138 delivers the cleaning liquid 136 through the tube. For example, the control signal 140 may turn on the pump 138 for 0.1 seconds and off for 2.75 seconds to create a desired flow rate of the cleaning liquid 136. As described below, one embodiment of the control signal 140 is based on a cleaning liquid flow rate setting.

  Another embodiment of the cleaning liquid dispensing system 134 includes separate supplies of water 142 and cleaning agent 144. While water 142 can be stored in a tank supported by mobile body 102, cleaning agent 144 is provided in a separate container, such as a fixed tank or a removable container or cartridge. The mixing element 146 mixes the water stream 148 with the cleaning agent stream 150 at a desired dose to create a cleaning liquid stream 136. Injection of the detergent stream 150 into the water stream 148 can be provided by a detergent dispenser 151, which uses a venturi injector (not shown) or an infusion pump 152. In one embodiment, pump 152 is controlled by a control signal 154 from controller 116 as described above in connection with pump 138. In one embodiment, the control signal 154 is based on the cleaning agent flow setting.

  Another embodiment of the machine 100 includes a fluid recovery device 156 shown in FIG. 1, which operates to remove dirty waste liquid 158 from the surface 106 during a scrubbing operation. One embodiment of the fluid recovery device 156 includes a vacuum squeegee 160 that collects the waste liquid 158 on the surface 106. The vacuum squeegee 160 is raised and lowered with respect to the surface 106 as indicated by arrows 162 and 164 using a conventional lift mechanism 166. The vacuum 168 is placed in vacuum communication with the vacuum squeegee 160 and the waste liquid 158 is removed from the surface 160 and deposited in the waste liquid recovery tank 170.

  A controller 116 (eg, a microcontroller, microcomputer, etc.) controls the communication (eg, data reception and transmission) of the machine 100 using the communication device 112 and the operation of some components of the machine 100. It should be understood that multiple independent controllers can be used to perform the functions of controller 116. For example, the machine 100 can generally include a controller that is responsible for controlling communications (ie, the communicator 112), while one or more other controllers control various operations of the machine. . Typical machine operations include control of the machine electronics, control of the power tool 110, and control of the motor 108 used to propel the mobile body 102 across the surface 106. The operation and communication of the machine can be controlled by the control unit 116 according to an operator input 172 provided on the control panel of the machine 100, for example.

  Embodiments of the communicator 112 include a data transmitter and / or a data receiver. Data transmission / reception is generally controlled by the control unit 116 and can be performed by a conventional communication technique.

  The communicator 112 is generally configured to communicate with one or more computing devices 174 of an administrator of the machine 100 over a network 176 or other communication link. In one embodiment, computing device 174 is located remotely from machine 100. Exemplary computing devices 174 include cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, and other computing devices that can send messages over a network 176. The communicator 112 and the computing device 174 can be coupled to the network 176 wirelessly or through a physical connection.

  One embodiment of the communicator 112 includes a wireless communication device. An exemplary wireless communication device includes a radio frequency (RF) communication device configured to perform wireless data communication and, in one embodiment, data reception. The RF communication device can include an RF transmitter and an RF receiver. In one embodiment, the communicator 112 is a low power (1 milliwatt) serial RF configured to communicate at 19.2 kilobits per second (kbps) at a frequency of 915.5 megahertz (MHz). Includes communication devices. This technique is suitable mainly for data communication over a short distance, for example with the local computing device 114. However, data communication can be extended over longer distances through suitable relay devices.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the communicator 112 receives data from the computing device 174 through a cellular communication system, eg, a cell phone, cell modem, or network 176, and in one embodiment, the data is transmitted to the computing device. Including other cellular devices configured to transmit. One suitable cellular communication device is a Socket Modem (MTSMC) manufactured by Multitech.

  Cellular communication devices can operate over conventional cellular communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), general packet radio service equipment (GPRS), time division multiple access (TDMA), mobile global systems ( GSM) and other mobile communication networks.

  Data can be communicated between the computing device 174, the communicator 112, and the controller 116 via the network 176 using a number of conventional data communication techniques. In one embodiment, data communication between the communicator 112 and the computing device 174 is packaged in a text message. For example, the communicator 112 sends and / or receives short message service (SMS) text messages, email messages containing data, emails with attachments containing data, or other types of text messages. It can be constituted as follows. The text message is communicated by any suitable communication method, such as TPC / IP or other methods. In one embodiment, the text message includes a plurality of fields and associated data. The field serves as a label for related data and identifies what the data is about.

  In one embodiment, the data communication between the communicator 112 and the computing device 174 is a secure communication. That is, a protocol that reduces the possibility of unauthorized communication between the communicator 112 and the computing device 174 is executed. Any suitable communication method that enables security can be used.

  As illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 3, one or more adjustable settings 180 for the machine 100 are stored in the memory 114. Memory 114 may include a conventional type of memory. In one embodiment, the memory 114 is mounted on the machine 100 as illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, the memory 114 can be remotely located and accessed by the machine 100 using the communicator 112.

  A representative adjustable setting 180 of the machine 100 includes a cleaning fluid flow rate setting 182 corresponding to an adjustable flow rate of cleaning fluid applied to the cleaning tool 110 or the surface 106 during the cleaning operation, as shown in FIGS. As described above, one embodiment of the control signal 140 from the controller 116 to the pump 138 is based on the cleaning liquid flow rate setting. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid flow rate 136 is based on the cleaning liquid flow rate setting 182.

  In one embodiment, the cleaning liquid flow rate setting 182 can be adjusted between a maximum value and a minimum value corresponding to a desired maximum and minimum (eg, zero) cleaning liquid flow rate. In another embodiment, the cleaning liquid flow rate setting 182 includes a plurality of preset values over the entire range defined by the maximum and minimum flow rates.

  Another embodiment of an adjustable setting of machine 100 corresponds to an adjustable flow rate of cleaning agent 150 (FIG. 2) that is mixed with water to create cleaning liquid 136 that is applied to cleaning tool 110 or surface 106 during a cleaning operation. A cleaning agent flow rate setting 184. As described above, the control signal 154 from the controller 116 to the pump 152 is based on the cleaning agent flow rate setting 184. Accordingly, the flow rate of the cleaning agent 150 is based on the cleaning agent flow rate setting 184 stored in the memory 114.

  In one embodiment, the detergent flow setting 184 can be adjusted between a maximum and minimum value corresponding to the desired maximum and minimum (eg, zero) detergent flow. In another embodiment, the detergent flow setting 184 includes a plurality of preset values over the entire range defined by the maximum and minimum flow rates. In one embodiment, the detergent flow rate of machine 100 ranges from less than 10.0 cubic centimeters / minute and greater than 0 cubic centimeters / minute.

  Another embodiment of an adjustable setting for the machine 100 is that the pressure applied by the tool 110 to the surface 106 during a surface maintenance operation (eg, sweeping, scrubbing, sweeping and scrubbing, polishing, polishing, etc.) Pressure setting 186 corresponding to (strong). In one embodiment, the control signal 132 from the controller is based on the pressure setting 186.

  In one embodiment, the pressure setting 186 includes maximum and minimum values corresponding to the maximum and minimum (eg, zero) pressures that are desired to be applied to the surface 160 by the power tool 110 using the tool lift 128. Can be adjusted between. In another embodiment, the pressure setting 186 includes a plurality of preset values over the entire range defined by the maximum and minimum pressures.

  One embodiment of the invention relates to the communication of configuration information 190 from the computing device 174 to the control unit 116 of the machine 100. An embodiment of the configuration information 190 is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 4 and is described in more detail below.

  Data that includes configuration information 190 communicated between the communicator 110 and the computing device can include many different types of information. In one embodiment, data communicated between computing device 174 and communicator 112 is uniquely identified by identification information 191. In one embodiment, the identification information 191 serves to uniquely identify the machine 100 with which the communication is related. Embodiments of the identification information 191 include machine identification (eg, serial number, model number, etc.), operator identification (eg, employee number, name, etc.), identification of the owner of the machine 100, location of the machine 100, components of the machine 100 Identification, date and time of communication, or other information that uniquely identifies the communication and preferably the machine 100. The identification information 191 can be stored in the memory 114 of the machine 100 and can be accessed by the control unit 116 as shown in FIG.

  In one embodiment, the configuration information 190 communicated from the computing device 174 to the communicator 112 relates to the desired configuration of the settings 180 of the machine 100. The setting information 190 is processed by the control unit 116 and the configuration of the machine 100 can be updated by changing the corresponding setting 180 stored in the memory 114. Thus, for example, after setting information 190 is received by communicator 112 and processed by control unit 116, one or more of adjustable settings 180 of machine 100 can be changed based on setting information 190. .

  In general, the setting information 190 corresponds to an adjustable setting 180 of the machine 100 that the administrator of the machine 100 desires to control. In one embodiment, the configuration information 190 corresponds to a machine setting 180 that is generally not adjustable through the machine operator interface, eg, the control panel (ie, input 172). In another embodiment, the configuration information 190 corresponds to a setting 180 on the machine 100 that can be adjusted through operator input 172. However, as described below, the ability of the operator can be selectively limited to adjust setting 180 through input 172 using setting information 190.

  The configuration information embodiment includes a cleaning fluid flow rate setting 192, a cleaning agent flow rate setting 194, and a pressure setting 196, which correspond to the cleaning fluid flow rate setting 182, the cleaning agent flow rate setting 184, and the pressure setting 186, respectively, stored in the memory 114. To do. In one embodiment, the configuration information includes an enable / disable setting 198 corresponding to the enable / disable setting 200 stored in the memory 114. After the control unit 116 receives the setting information 190 from the computing device 174 using the communication device 112, the control unit 116 changes the corresponding setting 180 stored in the memory 114. Once the setting 180 is changed based on the setting information 190, the control unit 116 operates the machine 100 with the changed setting 180.

  As described above, one embodiment of adjustable settings 180 includes enable / disable settings 200 stored in memory 114. The enable / disable setting 200 corresponds to a function of the machine 100 that can be enabled or disabled. One embodiment of this function includes selection of machine settings, eg, settings 182, 184 and 186 described above. Thus, one embodiment of the enable / disable setting 200 includes a list of one or more adjustable settings for the machine 100 that can be selectively enabled to allow the operator of the machine 100 to operate. By allowing them to adjust them directly or by disabling them, it is possible to avoid operator adjustments, for example through operator input 172.

  For example, it may be desirable to allow the operator to adjust the pressure setting 186 so that the operator can apply more pressure to the surface 106 using the tool 110 when desired. In that case, using setting 198, pressure setting 186 is enabled in enable / disable setting 200 to provide adjustment control to the operator. However, if it is desirable to remove the authority to adjust the pressure setting 186 from the operator of the machine 100, the pressure setting may be disabled with the enable / disable setting and the operator may adjust the pressure setting 186. Avoided. Other settings of the machine 100 can be enabled or disabled in a similar manner by configuring the enable / disable settings 200 appropriately.

  In one embodiment, the ability to be enabled or disabled based on the enable / disable setting 200, such as configured by the setting 198, is the ability of the machine 100 to perform certain conditioning or cleaning operations on the surface 106. including. For example, the enable / disable setting 200 may be configured to allow the machine 100 to perform a surface cleaning operation using the power tool 110, or allow the surface cleaning operation to be performed. Can be disabled. This embodiment of the invention provides control over how the machine 100 is used. For example, this embodiment can be used to prevent the machine 100 from performing an action that may damage the floor surface 106. In addition, if the machine 100 is loaned, the owner of the machine 100 can limit the user of the machine 100 to only those authorized by the lender.

  In one embodiment, operator input 172 provides the operator with limited control via adjustable settings 180 as compared to prior art machines. In one embodiment, operator input 172 does not include an input corresponding to an adjustment to pressure setting 186 for power tool 110. In another embodiment, operator input 172 does not include an input corresponding to an adjustment to cleaning agent flow setting 184. In yet another embodiment, the operator input 172 does not include an input corresponding to an adjustment to the cleaning fluid flow rate setting 182.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of setting up or operating an embodiment of the mobile surface maintenance machine 100 described above. In step 210, the setting information 190 is transmitted over the network 176. The setting information 190 can be transmitted from the computing device 174 to the communication device 112 of the machine 100 according to the above-described embodiment. Next, in step 212, setting information 190 is received using the communication device 112 of the mobile surface maintenance machine 100. The adjustable settings 180 for the machine 100 are changed based on the setting information 190 in step 214. In one embodiment, the settings 180 are stored in the machine's memory 114 and the settings 180 are changed based on the settings information 190 as described above. Further, at step 216, the machine 100 operates as modified based on the settings 190.

  In one embodiment, the machine 100 includes a power tool 110 that is set to apply pressure to the surface 106 by a pressure setting 186 stored in the memory 114. In the present embodiment, the changing step 214 uses the electric tool 110 by changing the pressure setting 186 based on the setting information 190 (ie, the pressure setting 196) and the changed pressure setting stored in the memory 114. Operating the machine 100 by applying pressure to the surface 106 (step 216). In one embodiment, the pressure setting 186 determines a control signal 134 that is supplied to the tool lift 128, which controls the pressure applied to the surface 106 by the power tool 110. Embodiments of the power tool 110 include the scrub brush 118, sweeper brush 120, sweeper / scrub brush 122, polished pad 124 and polishing pad 126 described above.

  In another embodiment of the method, the machine 100 includes a cleaning liquid dispenser 134, which is a flow rate based on the cleaning liquid flow settings 182 stored in the memory 114, either on the surface 106 (136A) or the power tool 110 (136B). ), And is configured to discharge the cleaning liquid 136. In the present embodiment, the changing step 214 includes changing the cleaning liquid flow setting 182 based on the setting information 190 (ie, the cleaning liquid flow setting 192), and the operation step 216 is based on the changed cleaning liquid flow setting 182. , Operating the cleaning liquid dispenser 134. In one embodiment, the cleaning liquid flow setting 182 determines a control signal 140 from the controller 116, which controls the cleaning liquid flow 136.

  In another embodiment of the method, the machine 100 includes a cleaning agent dispenser 151, which is a flow rate based on the cleaning agent flow setting 184 stored in the memory 114 and into the water flow 148 in the cleaning agent 150. Configured to release. In this embodiment, the changing step 214 includes changing the cleaning agent flow rate setting 184 based on the setting information 190 (ie, the cleaning agent flow rate setting 194), and the operating step 216 is the changed stored in the memory 114. And operating the cleaning agent dispenser 151 based on the cleaning agent flow rate setting 184. In one embodiment, the cleaning agent flow setting 184 determines a control signal 154 that is supplied to the cleaning agent dispenser 151, which controls the cleaning agent flow 150.

  In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method includes disabling the operation of the machine 100 based on the configuration information 190. For example, the configuration information 190 can include an enable / disable setting 198 that controls the enabling and disabling of various functions of the machine 100 as described above. By disabling the function using the enable / disable setting 198 in the setting information 190, the operation of the machine 100 can be disabled.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 is a simplified block diagram of a mobile surface maintenance machine of an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a cleaning liquid dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a memory containing settings for a mobile surface maintenance machine of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the setting information of the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting a mobile surface maintenance machine of an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (14)

A mobile body (102) configured to travel on a surface (106);
An electric tool (110) supported by the mobile body and configured to contact the surface;
A communicator (112) configured to communicate via a network (176);
A memory (114) containing settings (180) for the machine;
A control unit (116) configured to change the setting of the machine according to the setting information (190) received by the communication device via the network and to control the operation of the machine based on the setting;
A mobile surface maintenance machine (100) comprising: The power tool is configured to apply pressure to the surface based on the pressure setting (186) stored in the memory;
The machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the pressure setting in response to the setting information (196). A machine in which the electric tool includes a scrub brush (118),
The machine of claim 2, further comprising a vacuum squeegee (160).
The machine of claim 2, wherein the power tool comprises a sweeper brush (120). A machine further comprising a cleaning liquid dispenser (134) configured to discharge cleaning liquid (136) to one of the surface and the electric tool at a flow rate based on a cleaning liquid flow rate setting (182) stored in memory. ,
The machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the cleaning fluid flow rate setting based on the setting information (192). A machine further comprising a cleaning agent dispenser (151) configured to release the cleaning agent (150) at a flow rate based on the cleaning agent flow rate setting (184) stored in the memory;
The machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the detergent flow rate setting based on the setting information (194).   The machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to disable the operation of the machine's function based on the setting information (198). A mobile body (102) configured to run on the surface (106), a power tool (110) supported by the mobile body and configured to contact the surface, and a communicator (112 And a mobile surface maintenance machine (100) having a controller (116),
Receiving the setting information (190) via the network (176) using a communication device (212);
A step (214) of changing the setting (180) for the machine using the control unit based on the setting information;
Operating the machine based on the settings (216);
Including methods. Storing the machine settings in a memory (114), the method comprising:
The method of claim 7, wherein the changing step includes changing a setting in the memory based on the setting information. The power tool is configured to apply pressure to the surface by a pressure setting (186) stored in memory;
The changing step includes changing the pressure setting based on the setting information (196);
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the operating step comprises applying pressure to the surface using a power tool with a pressure setting stored in memory. The power tool includes a scrub brush (118);
The machine includes a vacuum squeegee (160),
The method of claim 9, wherein the operating step comprises scrubbing the surface with a scrub brush and removing waste liquid (158) from the surface using a vacuum squeegee. The electric tool includes a sweeper brush (120),
The method of claim 9, wherein the operating step comprises sweeping the surface with a sweeper brush. The machine further includes a cleaning liquid dispenser (134) configured to discharge cleaning liquid (136) to one of the surface and the power tool at a flow rate based on the cleaning liquid flow rate setting (182) stored in the memory;
The changing step includes changing the cleaning liquid flow rate setting based on the setting information (192);
The method of claim 8, wherein the operating step comprises operating a cleaning liquid dispenser based on the cleaning liquid flow rate setting. A cleaning agent dispenser (151), wherein the machine is configured to discharge cleaning agent (150) into the flow of water (148) at a flow rate based on the cleaning agent flow setting (184) stored in memory. Further including
The changing step includes changing the detergent flow rate setting based on the setting information (194);
The method of claim 8, wherein the operating step comprises operating the cleaning agent dispenser based on the cleaning agent flow rate setting stored in the memory.   The method of claim 8, further comprising disabling machine operation based on the configuration information (198).

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