KR20060009006A - Autonomous system with automatic electric recharging - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wireless system with automatic electric recharging. The inventive system consists of: a mobile element (1) containing a battery, e.g. a rechargeable battery; and a fixed charging cradle (2) comprising (i) charging terminals which are located in an opening in said cradle and which are designed to supply electrical power, and (ii) transmission means which are designed to transmit encoded locational signals containing information relating to the position of the fixed charging cradle (2). Moreover, the aforementioned mobile element (1) comprises sensors which are intended to capture the locational signals and a mechanism for coupling the mobile element (1) to the charging terminals of the fixed charging cradle (2).

Description

Autonomous system with automatic electric recharge {AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC RECHARGING}

The present invention relates to an auto rechargeable autonomous system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide information to, or delight for, a computer user while moving around on a user-friendly autonomous system, in particular a pointing system, commonly referred to as a "mouse," and on a robot, for example a desk. Robots that provide the necessary performance, or useful mechanical tasks such as surface treatment, surveillance, telepresence, entertainment, or manipulation. It is to provide a computer-related system, such as a robot that performs, or an autonomous mobile robot that runs even industrial or military applications.

If the system is autonomous, the system is not connected to any power source and therefore must supply its own unaided electricity, for example using batteries.

To avoid replacing the battery too often, the system has enough onboard power to operate for a period of typically four to six months based on durability.

This results in a much larger volume and weight change than conventional systems with cords installed.

Also, the system still needs to be replaced one day. This battery replacement operation is problematic when a user wants to use his computer but there is no spare battery available.

The present invention solves the above problems. The present invention relates to an automatic rechargeable cordless system, which system,

A mobile device comprising a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery, and

Includes a fixed recharging base,

The recharge base is,

Recharging terminals located in the opening of the fixed recharging base for supplying electric power,

Locating signal located on the axis of the opening of the fixed refill base, the positioning signal containing the position information of the fixed refill base in a conical zone having an aperture of about 45 °. transmission means for transmitting a signal),

The mobile device,

Sensors located on the front and both sides of the mobile device, in particular a phototransistor for capturing the locating signal,

Automatic repositioning of the mobile device toward the fixed recharging base, and in the form of a galvanic contact between the terminal of the battery and the recharging terminal of the fixed recharging base, the mobile device recharges the fixed recharging Motorization means, which are two motors in a tank-like configuration to allow coupling to the recharging terminals of the base, and

Controlling the motorized means as a function of the locating signal such that the mobile device locates a fixed recharge base to recharge its battery and moves autonomously to autonomously couple to the fixed recharge base. Control means for the control.

This combination of technical features allows the device according to the invention to find a fixed recharging base for recharging the battery and to autonomously move to combine with this fixed recharging base.

This new system enables a continuously available autonomous system. In addition, since recharging can be performed regularly, the amount of onboard power can be reduced, and its area and weight can be saved.

In this respect, the system is close to the ergonomic system in which the code is installed without the inconvenience of the code.

One advantage of the automatically rechargeable system according to the invention is that compared to a conventional recharging system consisting of a cradle which mounts an autonomous system to recharge the user when not using the system. Is that the user does not have to curb his use. The user can use the system when he wants, and whenever the user stops using the system for a period of time, the system returns to the recharging system.

The user does not experience the inconvenience of finding the discharged autonomous system.

This last point can be a marketing advantage for potential products.

In one embodiment, the system is arranged such that the fixed recharging base transmitting means transmits the locating signal intermittently, in particular 10 ms per second, so that the amount of power transmitted by the transmitting means is limited, The transmission means are running for 1% of time and inactive for 99% of time.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises the motorizing means in whole or in part of a retractable element, the apparatus constituting the motorizing means when the mobile pointing device is manually controlled by a user. In order not to interfere with the movement of the moving pointing device, the stretchable element is automatically driven to the retracted position by the control means after the mobile device is respectively coupled to the recharging terminal of the fixed recharging base.

In one embodiment, the mobile device comprises a sensor for measuring the movement of the mobile device manually controlled by the user,

The means for controlling the mobile device is such that the motorized means is activated when the user stops using the mobile device for a predetermined time and / or when the charge level of the battery of the mobile device drops below a predetermined threshold value. Preferably for operating the motorizing means as a function of a measurement of the movement of the mobile device performed by the sensor and / or of a predetermined parameter, such as a function of a predetermined time or of a predetermined charge level of the battery, A microcontroller associated with the sensor.

According to one embodiment, the fixed recharging base is configured such that the mobile device is autonomously moved for engagement with the fixed recharging base to recharge its battery even when the computer device is off. It is connected to a power supply, in particular a main power supply which is independent of the computer device.

In one embodiment, the locating signal may be transmitted within the infrared range.

In one embodiment, the mobile device is a pointing device, commonly referred to as a "mouse".

In another embodiment, the mobile device is a "mobile terminal" type robotic computer peripheral device to entertain and / or assist the computer user while moving around the desk.

In one embodiment, the mobile device is a robotic system that performs useful tasks such as home work such as surface treatment, surveillance, telepresence, entertainment, or steering, or even for industrial or military applications.

The invention also relates to a method [ sic ] for implementing a method for wireless automatic recharging using a system according to any one of the above mentioned features.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but are not limited thereto.

1 shows a mobile device and a fixed refill base in accordance with the present invention.

2 shows an operation diagram according to the invention;

3 shows an operation diagram of a refill base;

4 shows a general diagram;

5 illustrates the response of the sensor as a function of distance from the infrared source.

Figure 6 shows that it is advantageous to search for the minimum difference between the sensors to find the direction for guiding the mobile device.

In a first embodiment, the description of the present invention relates to a wireless mouse.

The system consists of a movement point device 1 and a fixed refill base 2. The movement point device 1 is a computer mouse, the main function of which is to measure the movement of the unit with respect to the surface and the movement of other sensors disposed within the unit. The device 1 transmits these measurements to a computer in use via radio waves or infrared radiation.

The novelty of this system is that it can autonomously move itself relative to the refill base 2. The main function of the recharging base 2 is to supply an electrical voltage for recharging the pointing device 1. This base 1 [ sic ] is fixed and emits a coded infrared field around it that allows the system 1 to locate and move towards the base.

Description of the use of the system

This technique can improve the following products, for example. The product consists of a low-voltage transformer, a rechargeable base connected to the transformer by a connector, connected to a computer by an input / output port, for example a universal serial bus (USB) connector, and a wireless mouse.

In normal operation mode, the mouse converts the user's behavior (movement, button press, trackball operation, etc.) and sends it directly to the recharging base and / or computer via radio waves or infrared light.

When the recharging base receives this information, it sends the information to the computer via an input / output port (PS2 port, serial port, USB bus or wireless transmission). Up to this point, it works the same as a conventional wireless mouse. After a predetermined time after the user stops the action on the mouse, the mouse is autonomously moved to return to the recharging base. The mouse stays there unless the user retrieves it, and the battery is charged. The charge control system stops charging the battery once it is charged.

Functional description

Description of the pointing device. This pointing device or mouse

Connections compatible with batteries, control electronics, recharging bases,

-Sensors (moves, switches, trackballs, etc.),

-Channel for (radio / infrared) transmission to the computer (with or without recharge base),

-Motorized, Motion Control, Drive Mechanism (*)

-System for finding a recharge base (*)

Control system (microcontroller, ASIC, etc.)

Must include functionalities such as

(*) Additional from this technology Element

2 shows an operation diagram of the pointing device. The reference numbers indicated correspond to the following elements.

Connection (3), battery (4), control electronics (5), sensor (6), processor (7), locating (8), transmission (9), mechanism (10), motor (11), power ( 12), gauge (13), control (14).

Motorized, movement control, drive mechanism

Unlike conventional pointing systems, the device is powered to return to the recharge base. This powering means is not activated when the pointer is in use and is not interfaced with the user's movement. Motion control can potentially be controlled at the microcontroller by information transmitted by motion sensors inherent in any pointing system.

System for finding a recharge base

The locating system allows the pointing device to find the refill base, so that the pointing device can guide itself to the refill base. The space between the two devices is assumed to be unobstructed and to allow direct trajectory.

However, when the space between two elements is congested, an obstacle avoidance and bypass algorithm associated with an obstacle-free path search technique may be used.

The locating system installed in the refill base transmits a message continuously (or cyclically) within the area in which the pointing device moves. This message allows the pointing device to access the recharging system when it decides to access the pointing recharging system.

Description of Recharge Base

Recharge base,

A main low voltage converter with a connection compatible with the mobile pointing element,

A system indicating the location of the recharge base (*)

Available control systems (microcontroller, ASIC, etc.),

-Available (radio / infrared) receiving channels (USB / PS2, etc.) (*)

It should include the functionality of.

(*) Additional from this technology Element

3 shows an operation diagram of the recharge base. The reference number corresponds to the following element. Transformer 15, locating information 16, connection 17, power 18, main power source 19.

avatar

Most of the systems are based on existing pointing systems (mouse, wired, wireless, trackball, optics, etc.) and there are many examples of applications that need not be reviewed. This system provides novelty in some ways, and an exemplary implementation can be implemented with a locating system, a powering means and a recharging system.

Another implementation may be associated with a mobile device such as a "mobile terminal" type robotic computer peripheral that moves around on the desk and entertains or assists the computer user.

Other implementations may be associated with mobile devices such as robotic systems that perform useful tasks such as surface treatment, surveillance, telepresence, entertainment or home operations such as steering, or even perform industrial or military applications.

Locating  system

The recharge base transmits a pulsing infrared cone from the diode. This cone is directed towards the front of the base on the axis of the opening allowing the connection of the two devices at the level of the pointing system. The infrared cone has, for example, an aperture of about +/- 45 °. The mobile pointing system has two infrared receivers (phototransistors) arranged on either side of the front end.

Because of this, the infrared difference received from these two receivers is minimized when the pointing system faces the source line. 4 shows a general diagram. The depicted reference numbers correspond to the following elements. Recharge base (20), infrared beam (21), pointing system (22), first infrared receiver (100), second infrared receiver (200).

The curve shown in Figure 5 illustrates the response of the sensor as a function of distance from the infrared source. The intensity of this response can be changed to adjust for background noise in the environment. However, this measurement does not allow self-guide towards the refill base. The depicted reference numbers correspond to the following elements. Infrared intensity 23, distance 24, reception 25 of the sensor as a function of distance.

The two curves shown in FIG. 6 show that it is advantageous to search for the minimum difference between the sensors to find the direction for guiding the moving device. This magnitude can be separated from the surrounding level due to the fact that the difference in the measurements is used. The depicted reference numbers correspond to the following elements. Difference between infrared intensity 26, alpha angle 27, reception of the first sensor as a function of alpha angle 28, reception of second sensor as a function of alpha angle 29, infrared intensity (first sensor- Second sensor) 30, 90 ° minimum value 31, alpha angle 32.

To limit the power transmitted by the infrared transmitter, intermittent operation of the infrared source can be used. The recharge base may be determined to transmit the locating signal every 10 ms (or idle for 99% of time, run for 1% of time). This pattern or other digital signature may be an additional condition for the recognition of the transmitted beam.

Motorization Means

The motorizing means will be described. The motorization of the pointing system is not perceptible in the presence of the user. This implies that the motorized means are retracted when the motorized means are not in operation. In order to be movable and to facilitate self-guiding, motorized means with two motors in a tank configuration are recommended.

In addition, since it is not necessary to move quickly, low power motors and critical gear reductions are recommended. Therefore, the size of the motor is reduced and its cost is also reduced.

The Recharge

Explain about recharging. The recharge procedure can be determined by:

(1) When the recharging base is connected to the computer, the recharging base retransmits the information received from the pointer, so that the computer can control the locating pattern and determine whether to approve the recharging of the pointing system. In this case, the computer must consider the time spent after the last recharge, the user preferences available, and, first and foremost, whether the user has left his workstation.

(2) If the recharging base is autonomous, the pointing system initiates the recharging procedure if the pointing system is not used for a set time and the battery level becomes low.

From a mechanical point of view, recharging can be done along the axis from which the infrared transmitter is transmitted. The electrical connection between the two elements should be easy enough for the motor to make a connection.

In one embodiment, the recharging system is permanently connected to the electrical power network, and the autonomous pointing system can recharge itself even when the computer is off. Since recharging is performed regularly, the autonomy of the system can be significantly reduced in a few days, thus reducing the cost of the accumulator and its charger and reducing the weight moved.

On the other hand, the quality of conventional wireless mouse-type systems is typically degraded to minimize power consumption (automatic standby mode delays the transmission of information from the sensor), but better ergonomics are available for this system at lower cost. It is possible.

Other variations of the invention can be readily implemented. For example, the system according to the present invention can be mounted in an autonomous system such as a robot for entertaining and / or providing information to a computer user.

The invention may also be implemented in connection with an autonomous mobility system that performs useful tasks such as, for example, surface treatment, surveillance, telepresence, entertainment, or steering, or even industrial or military applications. .

Claims (10)

An automatic rechargeable wireless system, A mobile device comprising a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery; And Fixed recharge base Including, The recharge base is, A recharging terminal positioned at an opening of the fixed recharging base to supply power; And Locating signal located on the axis of the opening of the fixed refill base, the positioning signal containing the position information of the fixed refill base in a conical zone having an aperture of about 45 °. transmission means for transmitting a signal), The mobile device, Sensors positioned on the front and both sides of the mobile device and, in particular, phototransistors for picking up the locating signal; Automatic autonomous movement of the mobile device towards the fixed recharge base; And in particular in the form of a galvanic contact between the terminals of the battery and the recharging terminals of the fixed recharging base, for allowing the mobile device to couple to the recharging terminals of the fixed recharging base. Motorization means, which are two motors of a formula configuration; And To control the motorized means as a function of the locating signal such that the mobile device locates the fixed recharge base to recharge its battery and moves autonomously to couple to the fixed recharge base. Including control means system. The method of claim 1, The transmitting means of the fixed recharging base is adapted to transmit the locating signal intermittently, in particular every 10 ms per second. The transmitting means is operated for 1% of time and inactive for 99% of the time so that the amount of power transmitted by the transmitting means is limited. system. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The motorizing means consists entirely or part of a retractable element, and the devices constituting the motorizing means do not interfere with the movement of the mobile pointing device when the mobile pointing device is manually controlled by a user. In such a case, the stretchable element is automatically driven into the retracted position by the control means after each of the mobile devices are coupled to the recharge terminals of the fixed recharge base. system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The mobile device comprises a sensor for measuring movement of the mobile device manually controlled by the user, The means for controlling the mobile device may include: the powering means when the user stops using the mobile device for more than a certain time, and / or when the battery charge level of the mobile device drops below a predetermined threshold. A measure of the movement of the mobile device performed by the sensor so that it is activated; And / or a microcontroller associated with the sensor for operating the motorization means as a function of a predetermined parameter as a function of a predetermined time or a predetermined charge level of the battery. system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The fixed recharge base is independent of a power source, in particular a computer device, such that the mobile device can move autonomously for coupling with the fixed recharge base to recharge the battery even when the computer device is off. Connected to the mains supply system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The locating signal is transmitted in the infrared range system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The mobile device is a pointing device, commonly referred to as a "mouse" system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The mobile device is a robot intended to entertain and / or assist a computer user. system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The mobile device performs useful tasks, such as domestic tasks such as surface treatment, surveillance, telepresence, entertainment, or manipulation, or Robots intended to perform industrial or military applications system. A system for implementing a system according to claim 1. Auto wireless recharge method.

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