Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[002] Recently, development in practically useful robots, supporting the human life as a partner, that is supporting the human activities in various aspects of our everyday life, such as in living environment, is progressing. In distinction from the industrial robots, these practically useful robots are endowed with the ability to learn for themselves the method for adaptation to human beings with variable personalities, or to variable environments, in the variegated aspects of our everyday life. The robot engineering field has been repeatedly developed in recent years while being used in the most advanced space development industry, and recently, human-friendly home robots have been developed. A typical example of such a human friendly home robot is a cleaning mobile robot.
[003] As the robots are being used in many ways, the requirement also lies when humans tend to forget their own chores, like keeping the mobile, laptop or any other user device for charging. However, since the quantity of the power that can be stored in the battery of the user device is limited, it is necessary with the conventional robot apparatus to charge the battery of the user device periodically. If this periodic charging is not made, the user device remains unattended and dead. Moreover, this periodic battery charging is cumbersome for the user.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for a system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[006] Before the present subject matter relating to a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[008] In an embodiment, a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device is disclosed. The system includes a mover device, a wireless charging module, a processor and a wireless transceiver. The mover device is configured to transport an object from one location to another. The wireless charging module is integrated within the mover device. The wireless charging module is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the object while the object is being transported by the mover device. The processor is configured to monitor and carry out controlled charging depending upon the charging status of the user device. The wireless transceiver for performing wireless data communication between the charging system, the mover device and the user device.
[009] In another embodiment, a method for wireless charging of the user device integrated with a mover device is disclosed. The method includes the step of transporting the object from one location to another using the mover device. The method includes the step of wirelessly transferring power to the object while the object is being transported by the mover device using a wireless charging module integrated within the mover device. The method includes the step of monitoring and controlling charging of the user device by processor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific system or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0011] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view showing an electrical charger embodying the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 is an exemplary view illustrating a mover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for automatically returning a mover device to a charger according to the present invention.
[0015] Figure 4 is an exemplary view illustrating a change of a location recommended with respect to a charging station of a mobile robot according to a movement route of a mobile robot.
[0016] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
[0017] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof is now described.
[0019] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof can be utilized in any situation. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0020] In an embodiment, a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device is disclosed. The system includes a mover device, a wireless charging module, a processor and a wireless transceiver. The mover device is configured to transport an object from one location to another. The wireless charging module is integrated within the mover device. The wireless charging module is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the object while the object is being transported by the mover device. The processor is configured to monitor and carry out controlled charging depending upon the charging status of the user device. The wireless transceiver for performing wireless data communication between the charging system, the mover device and the user device.
[0021] In another implementation, the mover device comprises a robotic arm, conveyor belt, or any combination thereof.
[0022] In another implementation, the wireless charging module comprises a transmitter coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field for wirelessly charging the object.
[0023] In another implementation, a control unit is configured to control the operation of the mover device and the wireless charging module.
[0024] In another implementation, the mover device further comprises a positioning system configured to accurately position the object for wireless charging.
[0025] In another implementation, the movement of the mover device is based on the calculated distance between the user device and the charging system.
[0026] In another embodiment, a method for wireless charging of the user device integrated with a mover device is disclosed. The method includes the step of transporting the object from one location to another using the mover device. The method includes the step of wirelessly transferring power to the object while the object is being transported by the mover device using a wireless charging module integrated within the mover device. The method includes the step of monitoring and controlling charging of the user device by processor.
[0027] In another implementation, wirelessly transferring power comprises generating an electromagnetic field using a transmitter coil integrated within the mover device.
[0028] In another implementation, the method includes the step of controlling the operation of the mover device and the wireless charging module using a control unit.
[0029] In another implementation, the mover device comprises a robotic arm, conveyor belt, or any combination thereof.
[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view showing an electrical charger embodying the present invention.
[0031] In an embodiment, the electrical charger 100 includes a mover device support 111, on which to load the mover device 1, a display unit 112 for demonstrating e.g., the electrical charging state of the mover device, a front cover 113 for partially covering the display unit 112, an operating unit 114, and a main marker 118 and a sub-marker 119, as indices for indicating the presence of the electrical charger. The electrical charger 100 is formed as a semi-droplet shaped device, the height of which is lowered gradually along a curved surface from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the electrical charging device. The highest point of the electrical charger 100 is of approximately the same height as that up to the belly of the mover device 1 upstanding still on its four legs. The transverse length of the electrical charger 100 is selected to be less than the length between left and right legs of the mover device 1.
[0032] The connection unit 115 is provided to a position corresponding to a mating connection unit provided on the mover device 1 when the mover device 1 is loaded in position. The connection unit 115 has the function as a connector for power supply and information exchange, in a manner not shown. When the mover device 1 is set on the electrical charger, the connection unit 115 is contacted with the mating connection unit provided on the mover device 1 to supply the power to the mover device 1. The connection unit 115 also receives the information on the electrically charging by the charging battery loaded on the mover device 1 or the information on the inner state thereof.
[0033] The loading detection unit 116 is mounted at a position contacted by the mover device 1 when the mover device 1 is mounted on the electrical charger. The loading detection unit 116 is protruded in a perpendicular direction to the major surface of the robot apparatus support 111 and is elastically biased in the protruding direction, so that, when the mover device 1 is mounted on the robot apparatus support 111, the loading detection unit is pushed into the inside of the electrical charger 100 by the belly portion of the mover device 1.
[0034] The display unit 112 is e.g., a liquid crystal display and demonstrates at least the information on the electrical charging of the charging battery mounted on the mover device 1, the information on the inner state of the mover device 1 acquired through an information exchange connector, and other various information. The operating unit 114, used, for example, for selecting the function of the electrical charger 100, is mounted on the upper surface thereof. Next to the operating unit 114, there is mounted the electrical charging unit 117 for electrically charging the charging battery as a sub-battery.
[0035] Figure 2 is an exemplary view illustrating a mover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] In an embodiment, mover device 100 may be configured to move along the movement route, move to a charging station when a remaining battery power amount is less than a reference value, and charge the battery. The mover device includes body 110 may include a battery (not illustrated). As described above, the battery may be configured to supply power required for the overall operation of the mover device 100, in addition to power required by a driving unit 130. Before such a battery is discharged, the mover device 100 may move to the charging station capable of charging the battery when the remaining battery power amount is less than a reference value. Specifically, the charging station may charge the battery that supplies power required to drive the mover device 100. That is, when the mover device 100 senses a remaining battery power amount during an operation (such as cleaning) and determines that the battery requires charging, the mover device 100 may return to the charging station using a charging station return algorithm. Generally, a user using the mover device 100 may initially place such a charging station at an arbitrary location where a socket is present, and the mover device 100 may return to the arbitrarily placed charging station regardless of an optimal movement route starting from the charging station and returning to the charging station.
[0037] The mover device 100 may include a body 110 forming an exterior of the mover device 100, a memory 160 configured to store the map data of a movement space (S), an object recognizer 140 provided in the body 110 and configured to recognize an item located within the movement space (S), and a controller 180 configured to recommend the charging station of the mover device 100 by communicating with the memory 160 and the object recognizer 140. Here, the map data of the movement space may be pre-formed and transmitted to the mover device 100 or may be formed based on information acquired by the mover device 100 via various sensors while travelling throughout the movement space.
[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for automatically returning a mover device to a charger according to the present invention.
[0039] In an embodiment, the charger 200 induces the self-moving robot 300 to return to the charger 200 when it is necessary to charge the self-moving robot 300 and supplies power to the self-moving robot 300 when it has returned to the charger 200. A wireless transceiver 210 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the self-moving robot 300 and an infrared module 220 for emitting infrared light. The wireless transceiver 210 can be implemented according to an infrared communication scheme using infrared signals. In this case, the charger 200 performs data communication with the self-moving robot 300 through the infrared module 220 that includes an infrared transmitter for modulating a given signal into infrared light and emitting the infrared light and an infrared receiver for demodulating received infrared light. The infrared module 120 drives a light emitting element to emit infrared light in response to a charging request signal that is received from the self-moving robot 300 through the wireless transceiver 110. When the infrared module 220 emits infrared light through the light emitting element, the charger 200 transmits an infrared emission signal, indicating the operating status of the light emitting element, to the self-moving robot 300 through the wireless transceiver 210.
[0040] The mover device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a camera module 310, a memory 320, a battery 330, a battery meter 340, a wireless transceiver 350, a microprocessor 360, and a motor drive unit 370. The camera module 310 captures an image received through a lens. The memory 320 stores an operating program for operation of the self-moving robot 300 and image information input from the camera module 310. The battery 330 supplies power to each component of the self-moving robot 300. The battery meter 340 measures the voltage level of the battery 330. The wireless transceiver 350 transmits and receives data to and from the charger 100. The microprocessor 360 controls each component of the self-moving robot 300. When a self-moving robot battery voltage received from the battery meter 340 is lower than a reference voltage, the charging controller 361 outputs a charging request signal, requesting that the charger 100 charge the battery, to the wireless transceiver 350. When receiving an infrared emission signal through the wireless transceiver 350 in response to the charging request signal, the charging controller 361 controls the motor drive unit 370 so that the self-moving robot 300 moves around in surrounding areas to search for infrared light emitted from the charger 100 according to a preset movement algorithm.
[0041] Figure 4 is an exemplary view illustrating a change of a location recommended with respect to a charging station of a mobile robot/ mover device according to the movement route of a mobile robot.
[0042] In an embodiment, the mobile robot 400 may include a memory storing map data of a movement space (S) in which the mobile robot 400 moves. The map data may refer to data recognized by the object recognizer during the movement of the mobile robot 400. The map data of the movement space (S) having been stored, the mobile robot 400 may be set to move while covering the movement space (S) from an initial location of a charging station (C1) which charges the battery of the mobile robot 400 and return to the charging station when a remaining battery power amount is less than a reference value. Thereafter, the mobile robot 400 may recommend, as a location of the charging station, a location having the shortest time and the shortest distance required to return to the charging station among the various movement routes (R) on which the mobile robot 400 moves while covering the movement space. However, the location of the charging station may also be changed according to each of the various movement routes of the mobile robot 400, and by assigning a score to each of the movement routes according to the location of the charging station, the movement route for which the highest score is assigned may be recommended as a location of the charging station.
[0043] Although the description provides implementations of a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or systems. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for a wireless charging system integrated with a mover device and method thereof.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A wireless charging system integrated with a mover device, comprising:
a mover device configured to transport an object from one location to another;
a wireless charging module integrated within the mover device; the wireless charging module configured to wirelessly transfer power to the object while the object is being transported by the mover device;
a processor configured to monitor and carry out controlled charging depending upon the charging status of the user device;
a wireless transceiver for performing wireless data communication between the charging system, the mover device and the user device.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mover device comprises a robotic arm, conveyor belt, or any combination thereof.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless charging module comprises a transmitter coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field for wirelessly charging the object.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control the operation of the mover device and the wireless charging module.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mover device further comprises a positioning system configured to accurately position the object for wireless charging.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein the movement of the mover device is based on the calculated distance between the user device and the charging system.
7. A method for wireless charging of the user device integrated with a mover device, comprising:
transporting the object from one location to another using the mover device;
wirelessly transferring power to the object while the object is being transported by the mover device using a wireless charging module integrated within the mover device;
monitoring and controlling charging of the user device by processor.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein wirelessly transferring power comprises generating an electromagnetic field using a transmitter coil integrated within the mover device.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising controlling the operation of the mover device and the wireless charging module using a control unit.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mover device comprises a robotic arm, conveyor belt, or any combination thereof.