Radio Shack Mobile Robot manual Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms continued

Fractals – A geometric pattern in which an object looks the same regardless of the viewing scale. Fractal concepts can be used in AI programming.

Fuzzy Logic – Logic in which boundaries between sets are not crisp. This concept is often used to control systems that would be too complex to model with traditional sequential programs.

Genetic Algorithm – A set of instructions that mimic biological life by simulating genes, mutation, and other aspects of living systems.

Gripper – A device that allows a robot to grasp objects.

Hardware – Physical circuitry including circuit boards, ICs (integrated circuits), transistors, etc. H-Bridge– An arrangement of 4 transistors in the shape of the letter ‘H’ used to control the direction of a DC motor. ARobot uses a single IC that contains 2 H-bridges to control the drive motor and powerful output..

Hexadecimal – Base 16 numbering system. Each digit is written as 0-9,A-F. Hexadecimal makes it easier to enter data and address values. Example of a hex byte is 4A, example of a hex word is A04F. High-Level Language – A computer programming language that allows the user to create complex programs using instructions that represent many simpler instructions. PBasic used by the Basic Stamp II is a high level language.

Infrared (IR) - Electromagnetic radiation generated by thermal agitation. IR is invisible to the human eye. IR is used by most TV and Stereo remote controls. Also see Passive Infrared

Integrated Circuit (IC) - A device where many electrical components are built together as a single component. ARobot uses integrated circuits on it’s circuit boards to perform most functions. Interpreter – A computer language that converts instructions while the program is running. Unlike a compiler that first converts the program to machine code. Interpreters are normally slower than compilers.

Joystick – A control device that employs a stick to achieve 2 axis control.

Laws of Robotics - Three laws written by Isaac Asimov which prevent robots from intentionally harming humans and set other task priorities.

￿A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm

￿A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such an order would conflict with the First Law.

￿A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) - Semiconductor that gives off light.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) - A type of display that can be controlled electrically and uses minimal power. Many calculators use LCD type displays.

Loops – In a computer program, the re-execution of instructions using control flow statements such as GOTO and WHILE.

Low-Level Language – The set of instructions used directly by a CPU to perform operations. Often referred to as assembly language.

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