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Re: Rat Race course
If the start line is interrupted, we can easily check that the mouse is
not over the start line by using the timing gear.
Yes, by borrowing my daughter's GCSE Systems and Control Technology
revision notes, I have built a rat race timer controlled by light beams
at each end.
The software will give a clear indication of whether the start line is
clear or not (until the race starts, then it gives a 5 second penalty
!).
As to how wide the gap should be, even an edge follower should be
'happy' with a gap equivalent to the center line width, 50mm.
The idea of a thin start line is also a good one.
Jerry
Jerry Niman Tel +44 (0)161-247
1474
Head of Information Systems Email
J.Niman@mmu.ac.uk
the Manchester Metropolitan University Mobile +44 (0)7770
638104
>>> Duncan Louttit <duncan@swallow.co.uk> 09/02/01 09:18pm >>>
Hi Everyone,
More thoughts on the rat race.
If the left hand wall is made 50mm high, 12mm thick and painted
white with
a red top, then (slightly modified) wall-followers can enter. All they
need
to add is a kill switch operated by the end gantry.
More thought is needed about the start line/centre line
interface. Should
there be a gap between the start line and the centre line so that the
mouse
sensors never see the start line? How wide does the gap need to be? If
the
start line doesn't go all the way across, how can the judges check that
the
mouse is behind the line?
One solution may be to use a narrow start line. If it is only
0.5mm wide
(drawn with a pen of some kind?), it would not upset many mice.
Regards,
Duncan