Re: Lego controller

In lugnet.robotics, Steve Hassenplug wrote:
> Martijn,
>
> Most of these are pretty clear.  Of course, this discussion comes up every few
> months.  But I have a couple questions...
>
> On Tue, May 31, 2005 5:44 am, Martijn Boogaarts said:
>> "What do you think is important in a new RCX ?"
>>
>> 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
>
> Do many people use the IR as a way to communicate between a PC and a moble robot?
> Personally, I don't think I've ever used the IR tower where I couldn't just use a
> wire, instead.  How about everyone else?  Would it be better to just plug the robot
> into your computer?
>

The IR wireless connection served in many of our advanced projects. This just
gives you great possibilities with mobile robots.

>>  6)	Remote sensor Usage (IR or Bluetooth)
>> ...

>>  10)	Internal IP-like number (same as the imprinted) so you can direct address
>>  that RCX ! (using IR or Bluetooth)
>
> I don't know much about Bluetooth.  How would this help?
>

Bluetooth is a very versatile RF-communication that could allow real flexible
networking for multi-agent applications. This would be a much faster
communication than slow IR.

> Would it really be useful to have Bluetooth to connect to a sensor?  I mean
> normally, I can just use a wire to connect.  If I need more than that, I usually
> need another RCX, anyway...
>

Bluetooth would generate new projects with distributed sensors. I already have
some ideas... An I2C-bus would be helpful as well. If we have a look back to the
RCX, we must be amazed that a 32k device has been able to attract so many kids,
students and adults from 1997 to 2005, which is ENORMOUS time in computing.
During the same time I have changed my PC several times, upgraded most of my
programs... And still there are things to discover with the RCX. Because it was
an absolutely pioneer product. The new RCX must have comparable innovative power
than the old one.

> And, wouldn't it be hard to configure that?  Of course, if you need to change
> sensors, you'll have to reconfigure it, right?
>
>> 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/>
>
> What do you mean, here?  Do you want the ability to add new sensors (like we have
> now) or are you talking about something more?
>
> Steve
>
> PS. Nice meeting you in Billund.  :)