Abstract: A robot cleaner is provided that includes a body having a receiving portion configured to receive a dust tank mounted thereto, a detector installed at the receiving portion that detects whether the dust tank has been separated from the body by an interaction with the dust tank, and a controller that controls a suction motor installed in the body according to a detection result of the detector. When the dust tank is separated from the receiving portion, the detector detects the separated state of the dust tank immediately and the controller stops the suction motor, thus, preventing dust from being introduced into the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile robot and a mobile robot charge station return system, the mobile robot having a simplified structure by commonly using a detection sensor capable of both receiving charge station guide signals and obstacle detection signals, the two types of signals having different frequencies. The mobile robot includes a signal reception unit including one or more detection sensors for both receiving obstacle detection signals of different frequency bands and the charge station position guide signals outputted from a charge station; and a controller for separating and detecting the obstacle detection signals and the charge station position guide signals, which are outputted from the signal reception unit, according to frequency bands, and controlling an operation of the mobile robot according to the detected signals.

Abstract: A system is provided for returning a robot to a charger. In this regard, a charger is configured to provide a plurality of docking guide regions by outputting at least one guide signal superposed with at least one other signal to form a return region. Further, the robot is configured to return to the charger at a return speed by detecting the return region.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically returning a self-moving robot to a charger is provided. The charger emits infrared light from an infrared module in response to a charging request signal received from the self-moving robot through a wireless transceiver, and outputs an infrared emission signal according to the infrared light emission. The self-moving robot communicates a variety of data with the charger, outputs the charging request signal to the charger when its battery level is lower than a reference level, and moves back to the charger using image information input from a camera module in response to the infrared emission signal from the charger. The self-moving robot includes a microprocessor for controlling movement of the self-moving robot for returning to the charger, using position information of infrared light in a picture input from the camera module, if the infrared light is detected in the picture input from the camera module.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile robot and a mobile robot charge station return system, the mobile robot having a simplified structure by commonly using a detection sensor capable of both receiving charge station guide signals and obstacle detection signals, the two types of signals having different frequencies. The mobile robot includes a signal reception unit including one or more detection sensors for both receiving obstacle detection signals of different frequency bands and the charge station position guide signals outputted from a charge station; and a controller for separating and detecting the obstacle detection signals and the charge station position guide signals, which are outputted from the signal reception unit, according to frequency bands, and controlling an operation of the mobile robot according to the detected signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.

Abstract: A robot cleaner comprises: a body having a receiving portion for mounting a dust tank; a detecting unit installed at the receiving portion, for detecting whether the dust tank has been separated from the body by an interaction with the dust tank; and a controller for controlling a suction motor installed in the body according to a detection result. When the dust tank is separated from the receiving portion, the detecting unit detects the separated state of the dust tank immediately thus to stop the suction motor. Accordingly, dust is prevented from being introduced into the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for notifying the state of a self-moving robot using voice or a variety of melodies is provided. The self-moving state notification apparatus includes a voice notification unit for outputting an audio signal notifying the operating state of the self-moving robot. The apparatus outputs voice or various melodies corresponding to states or errors of the self-moving robot while in operation, so that the user can be quickly and clearly notified of the state of the cleaning robot and thus can quickly take any necessary measures for the state, thereby ensuring that the cleaning robot operates reliably.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically returning a self-moving robot to a charger is provided. The charger emits infrared light from an infrared module in response to a charging request signal received from the self-moving robot through a wireless transceiver, and outputs an infrared emission signal according to the infrared light emission. The self-moving robot communicates a variety of data with the charger, outputs the charging request signal to the charger when its battery level is lower than a reference level, and moves back to the charger using image information input from a camera module in response to the infrared emission signal from the charger. The self-moving robot includes a microprocessor for controlling movement of the self-moving robot for returning to the charger, using position information of infrared light in a picture input from the camera module, if the infrared light is detected in the picture input from the camera module.

Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising a cleaner main body, a wheel rotatably coupled to the cleaner main body, a tire coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the wheel, and a slide-preventing plate removable coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the tire, whereby the slide-preventing plate allows the robot cleaner to easily move without being slid so as to prevent unwanted power consumption, thereby preventing a position error caused by the sliding of the robot cleaner.