Sphero, Inc.

Jeff Wiencrot

Grant Fritz

Systems and methods are presented for operating a self-propelled device. In examples, an indication of a surface color on which the self-propelled device operates is received from one or more optical sensors. A color transition from a first color to a second color may be determined based on the received indication. Based on the determined color transition, an activity may be determined. For example, an activity may cause the self-propelled device to move, emit a sound, or illuminate a light, such as an LED. The determined activity may then be performed. In some examples, a hysteresis band may limit the effects of noise and other variations in the color signal. Accordingly, a color transition may occur when color values associated with the surface color indicated are within a first area but not within a second area.

Self-propelled device with color differentiated functions

Disposed within the body of a robotic device are an output element, accelerometer, gyroscope, and processor. The accelerometer sends a signal to the processor in response to detection of a vibration external to the body. The gyroscope sends a signal to the processor in response to a detection of movement of the body. The processor then sends an action signal to the output element based on the signals received from the accelerometer and gyroscope.

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Boulder, CO, United States of America

Jeff Wiencrot