Minds and Computers 2.1 The RCX l Hitachi H8/3297 series processor l 3 inputs/sensors (1, 2, 3) l 3 outputs/motors (A, B, C) l 32k RAM/ 16k ROM ä 12 kB free in leJOS l Multiple threads of execution l LCD Display & Speaker l 3 programmable buttons l IR send/receive l Sensors ä Light, touch, rotation ä Sonar and compass avail
Minds and Computers 2.2 LEGO Mindstorms NXT l Atmel 32-bit ARM processor l 4 inputs/sensors (1, 2, 3, 4) l 3 outputs/motors (A, B, C) l 256 KB Flash Memory l 64 KB RAM l USB 2.0 Communication l 4 programmable buttons l 100x64 b/w LCD Display l Sensors ä Active: Old light and rotation ä Passive Touch, sensors for NXT ä Digital Ultrasonic l Motors ä 170 RPM ä 360 RPM for old motors, why?
Minds and Computers 2.3 ROBOLAB l Pilot Mode ä graphics based ä limited capability ä great for kids? l Inventor Mode ä variables ä conditionals ä loops ä multitasking l Investigator Mode ä Charts & graphs ä Analyze data
Minds and Computers 2.4 Inventor
Minds and Computers 2.5 Working with RCX l RCX needs firmware on it in order to be programmable l Programming process 1. Design program 2. Implement on PC 3. Download onto RCX using IR tower Code converted to bytecodes that RCX understands 4. Test 5. Debug and go back to step 1 or 2
Minds and Computers 2.6 Pilot
Minds and Computers 2.7 Challenges 1. Getting there ä Using Pilot 1 - program your car to move for 1 sec ä Measure the distance it went ä Predict distance for n sec (Pilot 2 may be useful) ä Run and check model 2. Touch-activated ä Using Pilot 4 make it so your robot starts when the touch sensor is pressed and stops when it hits something ä How could you keep your robot from running off the table with a light sensor?