Just a thought, could you encode data in the line you're following (like a
coarse barcode) to warn of an upcoming curve, straight, end of circuit etc?
That would give you more time to apply brakes etc.

Nigel


On Thursday, February 07, 2002 1:25 AM, Tony Nixon
[SMTP:Tony.Nixon@ENG.MONASH.EDU.AU] wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Does anyone here seriously know about motion control software
> techniques, or anyone that does?
>
>
> I've hit the limits of my knowledge, and the 'boss' is now prepared to
> use outside help. (Paid no less)
>
> The project is a big step up to the car control project I have been
> working on, but we want to take the human factor out of the equation. (I
> can't steer accurate enough at high speed - although I'm not too bad
> now, I've progressed from 'L' plates to 'P' ;-))
>
> The basic need is to make the vehicle 'see' a line to follow and control
> it's own speed, which can be up to 110KPH. Most times the line will be
> straight, but odd occassions will mean the car has to follow curves at
> different speeds.
>
> Now hold on to your hats....The boss wants a single button - [GO]. That
> means the software has to know how to 'drive' and control but it may not
> know the running peculiarities of any particular car until the time of
> use. (A series learning algorithm me thinks, and perhaps not possible??)
>
> The hardware so far is proven with many 'drives' accomplished, but the
> future of this project will depend on smart software. I used a couple of
> PICs earlier, but for fast brain power, I think something more
> sophisticated is needed.
>
> One other thing, is that the vehicles may be totally trashed at the end,
> so the control 'card' needs to be reasonably cheap and expendable. So
> far, the 'card' I made has survived multiple tests. It is only 6" X 6"
> and in a roll cage with floating mounts.
>
> I'm thinking along the lines of a vision based system.
>
> Big ask, any ideas :-)
>
> --
> Best regards
>
> Tony
>
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