Re: New Lego controller

In lugnet.robotics, danny staple <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
> On 5/31/05, dan miller <[email protected]> wrote:
>> I've heard rumors Lego may be planning a new Mindstorms product.  IMNSHO
>> something like this would be perfect.  Smaller units, more modularity, easy
>> connectivity between brains.  It fits perfectly into the Lego paradigm, and
>> the technology is finally there to do it economically.
>> 
>> I think the biggest challenge would be the software side.  Something like
>> robolab needs to be modularized, so the parts of the algorithm that should
>> naturally reside in different hardware components can be automatically
>> routed there, and so on.  On the C/C++/NQC side, you need some sort of
>> similar multi-process toolchain.  Writing code for a new smart component
>> should be as easy as defining a new function.
>> 
>> -dbm
> 
> Hi Dan,
> I seem to remember discussing this before. I agree this would be
> perfect. In terms of software, the system could start out as a simple
> one module system, and use an interface like robolab or RCX code to
> start newbies off. When a new module is added, default firmware will
> just treat it as additional sensors and motors.
> 
> More advanced languages - Robolab, C/C++/Java (or even Python) based
> could then be used to support multiple modules. Again - I agree with
> in Robolab - a new function call. But advanced programmers should be
> able to use the modules in fully asynchronous modes with a few
> inter-process communications across the bus to get a quite powerful
> robot.
> 
> Orion

Hi All, 

yes the rumors are strong... 
Last AFOL Mindstorms Competition (in Billund, LEGO home :) ), the Director of
the MS division came and spoke to all the competitors (MS gurus) and asked them:
"What do you think is important in a new RCX ?"

So, Yes LEGO is working on something, however he would (could) not tell me what
and how far the development is. I think it is good to speak out what we as
advanced MS users see as a good step in the next generation of MS. Below my
view:

Hi Soren

It was great talking to you and others during the AFOL MS tournament.

On Saturday night we had a little conversation regarding the wishes on future
design of the RCX. Your question was: What, if you may ask for one (1) thing, is
really the best enhancement on a new RCX. Well this is my answer (and a bit
more):

1)	Solid state memory (so if you remove all the batteries , the programs and
firmware will stay present)

2)	A Better handshake between the RCX and the IRtower. To reduce in a multi
environment overwritten of programs, or a switch to lock the programs

3)	Keep the thing Backwards compatible.. (or provide a conversion program to
convert your old programs)

4)	Return of the AC adapter plug in the commercial version (do not change the
voltage)

5)	More holes on the side and Studs on top/bottom,  for more flexible mounting

6)	Remote sensor Usage (IR or Bluetooth)

7)	Standard Power OUT (for connecting remote sensors power)

8)	4th Motor output or better a Motor expander, that has a separate Power input
(Battery connection or Direct AC plug)
<http://news.lugnet.com/robotics/?n=11871> (tread on more input/output)

9)	Sensor Expander for the current available sensors
<http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=107843>

10)	Internal IP-like number (same as the imprinted) so you can direct address
that RCX ! (using IR or Bluetooth)

11)	Add on sensor like sound / light as seen on the web:
<http://www.crynwr.com/lego-robotics/>   (see sensors) or
<http://www.mindsensors.com/>

12)	Keep the system Open, like delivering a SDK and so

13)	Lookout on the web for great Ideas and add them more visible to your own
website

14)	Ask the best Builders (and I hope now you know who we are) for contribution
of models with the new BOX, before it hits in a final stage the market. I know
that at least I’m willing to create, build and program a nice model

15)	…. If I have more time I can come up with more and more….



Here is a links to my Photos (don’t forget the next at the bottom there are 3
pages) <http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=126293 >

This is a link to the thread on
Lugnet:<http://www.news.lugnet.com/robotics/?n=23908>


Also when using the “UP” you will see my part of Brickshelf
<http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?m=robotica>


PS on the Lugnet newsgroup there was also a thread on improvements for the RCX…

<http://news.lugnet.com/robotics/?n=23393>

<http://news.lugnet.com/robotics/?n=16124>  (but I never could get hold of that
article..)

Regards

Martijn Boogaarts