Information AboutMindstorms |
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Lego Mindstorms is marketed commercially as the Robotics Invention System (RIS). It is also sold and used as an Education al tool, originally through a partnership between Lego and the MIT . The educational version of the products is called ''Lego Mindstorms for Schools'', and comes with the ROBOLAB GUI -based programming software. Lego Mindstorms may be used to build a model of an Embedded System with computer-controlled electromechanical parts. Almost all kinds of real-life embedded systems, from Elevator controllers to Industrial Robot s, may be modelled using Mindstorms. There is a strong community of professionals and hobbyists of all ages involved in the sharing of designs, programming techniques, and other ideas associated with Lego Mindstorms. The original Mindstorms RCX was released in 1998 . In 2006 , Lego announced a next-generation Mindstorms system called NXT, centered around a new programmable brick. {Link without Title} {Link without Title} The Lego Mindstorms NXT is due for release in August 2006. RCX The first generation of Lego Mindstorms was built around a brick known as the RCX. It contains a Renesas H8/300 Microcontroller as its internal CPU . The brick is programmed by Downloading a program (written in one of several available Programming Language s) from a PC or Mac to the brick's RAM via a special infrared ( IR ) interface. After the users starts a program, an RCX-enabled Mindstorms creation may function totally on its own, acting on internal and external stimuli according to the programmed instructions. Also, two or more RCX bricks can communicate with each other through the IR interface, enabling inter-brick cooperation or competition. In addition to the IR port, there are three sensor input ports and three motor output ports (also usable for lamps, etc). There is also an LCD that can display the battery level, the status of the input/output ports, which program is selected or running, and other information. Version 1.0 RCX bricks feature a power adapter jack to allow continuous operation instead of the limited operation time when using Batteries . Power adapter-equipped RCX bricks are popular for stationary robotics projects (such as robot arms) or for controlling Lego Model Train s. In the latter context, the RCX needs to be programmed with Digital Command Control (DCC) software required for automated model train operation (see References, below, for an example of such software). Lego also released a brick named the ''Scout'', which has 2 sensor ports, 2 motor ports, a built in light sensor, and no PC interface. The Scout can be programmed, but the user usually selects one of a collection of built-in programs. In order to program the Scout, a user must enable "power mode" on it. The Scout can store one program. Sensors The RCX relies on sensors to interpret its environment. There are four kinds of sensors available in the Lego Mindstorms RCS line.
There are also a number of non-Lego sensors which are compatible with Lego Mindstorms, such as an ultrasonic range finder. Available programming languages Lego -supplied (both of them graphical):
Third-party (all of them textual except actor-lab):
Mindstorms SDK Lego also offers a software development kit, which allows you to interact with the brick in any ActiveX enabled programming language. The SDK has function to get sensor values, turn motors on and off, get system stats (battery power) and other useful functions. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT The next product in the MindStorms series is MindStorms NXT, due to be released in August 2006 {Link without Title} . The kit will include three servo motors, a touch sensor, a light sensor (now with the ability to differentiate between colours), a new sound sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and a new NXT 'Intelligent Brick'. The kit will be sold for $249 USD. The NXT 'Intelligent Brick' will have a 32-bit ARM7 processor (the Lego FAQ website lists the new brick as having a second 8-bit processor with an unnamed architecture), a 60x100 pixel LCD matrix display, USB 2 port and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The ARM7 processor will have access to 256 kilobytes of flash memory and 64 kilobytes of RAM, whilst the second processor will only have access to (a separate) 4 kilobytes of flash and 512 bytes of RAM. It will have four input and three output ports, though as the connections are digital, it is possible to add Multipacks to extend the amount of sensor and motor ports available. The connector used on I/O sockets is not the same design used on the RCX and use ports similar to an RJ11 connector. Built into the brick itself, there is a loudspeaker with 8kHz sound quality. The brick requires 6 AA type batteries, Alkaline ones are recommended, though it will operate with rechargeable ones. The Lego Mindstorms NXT Set will ship in two versions: The Retail Version and the Education Base Set . The NXT-Brick in the educational version will ship with a rechargeable battery and charger. However, this kit doesn't include any programming software which is sold separately (different software licenses: Personal, Classroom, Site). More information can be found on either the Lego MindStorms website or on the Lego FAQ website . NXT Brick
Parts
REFERENCES
SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS Various information resources and portals:
Programming languages and operating systems:
Tutorials: The RCX's built-in H8/3292 microcontroller:
Mindstorms NXT Links:
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