IR and sonar don't need light to work so why would it bump in to anything?

Also read my post about lighting the dock, a subtle yet usable way for the robot to identify the glyph has been mentioned which wouldn't use much power at all, wouldn't create any kind of distraction really and could be powered from the mains supply feeding the dock. Also stop giving credit to me for the glyph idea, check again at who suggested it first.

We have not given up on the navigation part, the topic has just shifted over to the dock part for the moment. The solution will come easier if the two items do not get discussed at the same time, that will only complicate things.

What do you suggest? Something that's supported would be a good start though.

ROBOREALM WILL be support very soon so soon as it they have the interface for EZB ready will post info , on lighting its camera thats needs it . and on the navigation is more important then docking,and its part of it also.it needs to navigate from room to room to get to the docking station.

ON IR sensor ,not sonar lights do have sometimes a problem with it sometimes.just like shiny objects ,mirror ,window glass,some floors ,mostly white tile floors

once i set my sensor tester to check all types of materials in the house ,will post my results and photos.

lasers are the best with lighting ,but ups the cost some,i will try to make the design as chap as i can for it,mostly laser module is $3 to $5 on ebay

I just got back ,next will have a lot of time off from work,no work next weekso will be first building the pololu beacon design,may need help on scripts ,but maybe not

Might try to use the arduino board design first to see how it works and then transfer the design to my favorate board EZB

HI all ,i just everone knows i love sensors and mostly best at it

So here is my idea is since most robots if not all use IR sensors witch has a transmitter IR DIODE and receiver IR photodiode and if you look at the pololu IR beacon it has the same. SO a long cost battery charging docking you just add 2 IR sensors on the home base.

Just a idea i had today when looking at the beacon design,not shore it will work,but seems it might

ANY thoughts on others on this idea.

BEST part dont need any lighting control like needed on QR CODES OR GLYPH'S or leave lights on at night or on a robot

OK working full time on this project guys,so i put together the pololu beacon circuit it works great and distance is more then they said.

So next step use one of my arduino boards i have and try the example that was posted.

THEN after will switch to EZB for final design will post photos of it soon,monday i guess

Final design will have a clear acrylic tube and top

I have seen others use a glyph over the charger and robot follows it till it hits the charger.

YES its a good idea JOSH only if no lighting ,camera cant see it,so you need light on all day and night or only charge at day time,second need to place the charger so sun does hit it,too much lighting is no good too.

think as us when we see a item outside in the sun sometimes it hard to see unless you use sunglasses. BUT thats not a big problem too much

WITH IR you dont have that problem.

IROBOT designs use that idea also ,for home base charger

OTHER item i forgot on using glyph ,home base chargers are small (low height) compare to robot design and mostly you have the camera near the top,so it needs to see it as angle.

Other i notice on a camera you need to pan and tilt till its finds the GLYPH on the pololu beacon its like 360 deg and updates 1000 to a sec until it finds the charger.

ON using a camera it cheap almost no cost except for lighting if needed and the circuits to control it.

ON beacon design it cost a little more

Now both are not really my favorates

BUT still make it anyway first its much fun,and second to test and compare

MY favorate is only using sensors on the robot and a good navigation map,first no cost,no lighting is needed and 3rd best part it can find the home base from any any room in the house.

Check this out...wish I could find and use this.

NorthStar Beacon