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Five experts in Mindstorm programming present advanced techniques for building and programming robots using LEGO bricks and LEGO's RCX Code, presenting advanced sample projects and coverage of LegOS, pfForth, and sensor development.
Written by three world-leading experts in LEGO Mindstorms homebrew hardware, this book contains the detailed instructions for the construction of sensors and other extensions to the NXT. Over 15 projects are explained with well-illustrated, clear, step-by-step instructions so people with even limited experience in electronics can follow. This book is for intermediate-level users of NXT who would like to advance their capabilities by learning some of the basics of electronics. It makes a great reference for the NXT hardware interfaces. Examples even come complete with multiple, alternative NXT languages.
Although LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT allows anyone to build complex inventions, there are limits to what you can do with what comes inside the box. This book shows you how to advance the NXT with more than 45 exciting projects that include creating a cool magic wand that writes words in thin air, building a remotely guided vehicle, and constructing sophisticated robots that can sense color, light, temperature, and more. All projects are explained with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, so you'll be able to create them successfully whether you're a novice or an expert. This book also shows you how to expand the programming software and use the alternative language NXC. New input devices—such as keypads, sensors, and even the human body—are covered, along with fun games such as surfing, PONG, and SIMON. On the serious side, there are classic engineering challenges such as controlling an inverted pendulum, making a robot that follows a wall, and building several light-seeking vehicles. Some projects are just entertaining, such as the Etch-A-NXT; others are useful, such as a motorized camera mount that takes panoramic photographs. This second edition accounts for the important changes found in the next generation NXT, and it also covers the original concepts in greater depth. Details are presented for practically unlimited expansion of the NXT inputs and outputs by using the I2C communications bus, and several power amplifier designs allow the NXT outputs to drive bigger motors. Instructions are also included for adapting LEGO Power Functions motors to work directly with the NXT.
From the Great Pyramid of Giza and Hogwarts, to a fully functioning harpsichord and James May's LEGO house, man has never shied away from an extreme building challenge, and the LEGO builders of the twenty-first century are no different. Whether they're re-creating the works of ancient masters in brick form or building life-size superheroes, some LEGO fans are taking their passion for plastic to the extreme. Sarah Herman has brought together some of the world's most ambitious builders in a fact-filled showcase of truly mind-blowing models for this exciting illustrated book that will delight all AFOLs (adult fans of LEGO).
Three MINDSTORMS experts have joined with the maintainer of the legOS HOWTO to produce the book that all advanced users of LEGO MINDSTORMS have been waiting for. Each author has written material based on his specialty. Dave Baum shows you how to take Not Quite C (NQC) to its limits. Ralph Hempel explains the ins and outs of pbForth. Michael Gasperi teaches you how to build numerous custom sensors with simple, systematic instructions. Luis Villa show you how (and when) to upgrade MINDSTORMS' built-in operating system to take advantage of the extra power of legOS, a complete C environment for the RCX. Extreme MINDSTORMS: An Advanced Guide to LEGO MINDSTORMS starts with an overview of the RCX firmware and includes a whole chapter on RCX 2.0. Next, the book concentrates on the steps needed to build Seeker, a light-seeking robot, and to program it in NQC. Later chapters extend Seeker's functionality using pbForth and legOS. The book concludes with two chapters on building both custom passive and custom powered sensors. These sensors can take LEGO MINDSTORMS to levels impossible to achieve with just the parts supplied in the box or available through normal channels.
* This is the first book to discuss competitive battling robots using MINDSTORMS. * This is written by an experienced robot builder, who is very active in the community. * Will contain the most thorough, realistic, and highest quality set of LEGO® instructions available. * Mass popularity for robot building is growing: robot clubs are appearing in schools and universities, competitions are becoming more widespread. *The technology is very consumer-friendly.
Lego robots! Mindstorms are sweeping the world and fans need to learn how to programme them Lego Mindstorms are a new generation of Lego Robots that can be manipulated using microcomputers, light and touch sensors, an infrared transmitter and CD-ROMs. Since Lego launched Lego Mindstorms in late 1998 sales have skyrocketed - with no sign of slowing down. Mindstorms have captured the imagination of adults and children alike, creating a subculture of Mindstorm enthusiasts around the world. The kits are now a staple part of engineering and computer science classes at many high profile Universities. Building Robots with Lego Mindstorms provides readers with a fundamental understanding of the geometry, electronics, engineering, and programming required to build your own robots. Mario and Giulio Ferrari are world-renowned experts in the field of Lego Mindstorms robotics, and in this book they share their unrivaled knowledge and expertise of robotics as well as provide a series of chapters detailing how to design and build the most exotic robots. Mario and Giulio also give detailed explanations of how to integrate Lego Mindstorms kits with other Lego programmable bricks such as Scout and Cybermaster, as well as with non-robotic Lego Technics models.
The Ultimate Tool for MINDSTORMS® Maniacs The new MINDSTORMS kit has been updated to include a programming brick, USB cable, RJ11-like cables, motors, and sensors. This book updates the robotics information to be compatible with the new set and to show how sound, sight, touch, and distance issues are now dealt with. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT and its predecessor, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System (RIS), have been called "the most creative play system ever developed." This book unleashes the full power and potential of the tools, sensors, and components that make up LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. It also provides a unique insight on newer studless building techniques as well as interfacing with the traditional studded beams. Some of the world's leading LEGO MINDSTORMS inventors share their knowledge and development secrets. You will discover an incredible range of ideas to inspire your next invention. This is the ultimate insider's look at LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT system and is the perfect book whether you build world-class competitive robots or just like to mess around for the fun of it. Featuring an introduction by astronaut Dan Barry and written by Dave Astolfo, Invited Member of the MINDSTORMS Developer Program and MINDSTORMS Community Partners (MCP) groups, and Mario and Guilio Ferrari, authors of the bestselling Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms, this book covers: Understanding LEGO Geometry Playing with Gears Controlling Motors Reading Sensors What's New with the NXT? Building Strategies Programming the NXT Playing Sounds and Music Becoming Mobile Getting Pumped: Pneumatics Finding and Grabbing Objects Doing the Math Knowing Where You Are Classic Projects Building Robots That Walk Robotic Animals Solving a Maze Drawing and Writing Racing Against Time Hand-to-Hand Combat Searching for Precision Complete coverage of the new Mindstorms NXT kit Brought to you by the DaVinci's of LEGO Updated edition of a bestseller
"Robot Building for Beginners" provides basic, practical knowledge on getting started in amateur robotics. Short chapters are perfectly suited for bedtime reading. It contains step-by-step instructions and small, hands-on experiments, including a line-following robot that the reader builds out of a sandwich container. By the end, the reader will make a palm-size solar robot and is also introduced to contests and potential project plans. Author David Cook begins with the anatomy of a homemade robot and advice on how to proceed successfully. General sources for tools and parts are provided in a consolidated listing and with specific part references throughout each chapter. Basic safety and numbering systems are also covered.
Leading expert Kurt Cagle gives a complete guide to the creation of powerful Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Intermingling SVG instruction with insightful discussion of key topics such as coordinate systems and attributes, transformations, animation, and image generation, readers are provided with a comprehensive guide to making the most of this exciting new Web standard. Cagle goes directly into the heart of SVG development after a brief introduction of the SVG standard. Readers are presented with an overview of SVG fundamentals and usage and given numerous examples as a practical introduction to language implementation. This material sets the stage for later chapters, which expand upon this basic material to introduce integral SVG concepts such as transformations, shapes, text manipulation, and the incorporation of images, gradients, patterns and masks. The final chapters demonstrate the true power of SVG, offering insight into animation, interactivity, filters, and automated graphic generation.
