External Sensors
Research on the use of reflectance sensor technology
In this lab, the team researched how different functions could be applied to the AEV using the reflectance sensors. The sensors allow the AEV controller to determine how far it has traveled, allowing it to brake the motors at the proper time when approaching stations. The use of reflectance sensors will allow for the AEV to safely stop at passenger stations, moving one step closer to providing a solution to the transportation shortage facing Columbus.
Code Used for Activity 2
- motorSpeed(4,25); goFor(2); //run both motors at 25% for 2 seconds
- motorSpeed(4,20); goToAbsolutePosition(123.07); //go to station, spin the wheels to simulate being on the track
- reverse(4); //reverse all motors
- motorSpeed(4,30); goFor(1.5); //both motors at 3)% for 1.5 seconds
- brake(4); //brake all motors
This code was developed to test the AEV’s use of the onboard reflectance sensors. Using this code the AEV was able to set a motor speed, and travel at that speed for a specific distance before reversing motors and braking motors. This test could be used to simulate how the AEV would handle approaching a station, as the AEV would have to travel a specific distance before braking and slowing to a stop at a station.