Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A |
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| adapter | Optional AC transformer adapter can be used with the RCX to power the robot and conserve batteries. The adapter must be 9 - 12 Volts and a minimum of 300 milliamps. | |
| algorithm | A series of rules for how to solve a problem. | |
| ambient light | The average light level in the room surrounding the robot. | |
| angle sensor | Also called the rotation sensor, the angle sensor is attached to the RCX on input Ports 1, 2 or 3 and is used for measuring angles or distances. The sensor senses 1/16th of a rotation of a LEGO axle. | |
B |
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| boot mode | Start up condition for the RCX if it has lost power. Loss of powere may occur due to battery life ending or removal of batteries. | |
C |
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| command | A programming unit that instructs the RCX to do something (e.g., turn light on, wait for touch sensor, turn motor on). | |
| COM port | A serial communication port on the computer used to connect the IR transmitter. | |
| constructionism | A theory of learning that is an extension of constructivism whereby the learner physically manipulates objects in a concrete approach to building knowledge. The term was coined by Seymour Papert. | |
| constructivism | A theory of learning and a strategy for education whereby the learner actively builds representations of their knowledge. The roots of “constructivist” theories are found in the work of Jean Piaget, asserting that knowledge is not simply transmitted from teacher to student, but actively constructed in the mind of the learner. | |
D |
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| downloading | Transferring a program from the computer to the RCX. The IR transmitter must be connected to the computer and aimed at the RCX infrared eye. | |
E |
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F |
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| firmware | The software program that is downloaded to the RCX and written into the Read-Only-Memory (ROM) in order to download any programs that you may write to control your robot. | |
G |
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H |
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I |
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| icons | Pictures that represent programming commands. | |
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infrared |
Programs can be transmitted via infrared wavelengths from the computer through an IR transmitter to the RCX or from one RCX to another. When the IR transmitter is working, a green light comes on below the infrared window. | |
| input ports | Ports 1, 2, and 3 on the RCX used to receive information from any sensors that may be connected to them, i.e. light sensor, touch sensor, rotation sensor. | |
| IR transmitter | A device attached via serial or USB connection to the computer used to transfer programs to the RCX. | |
J |
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K |
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L |
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| light sensor | A device attached to the RCX on input Ports 1, 2, or 3 that reads values of the ambient light from 0 to 100% displaying the current value in the RCX LCD window. | |
| loop | A section of a program that repeats itself for the designated number of times. | |
M |
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| modifier | Programming details located in their own command sub-menu used to specify port locations, power levels, and constants. Modifiers are strung to the bottom left-hand side or bottom right-hand side of the command icons. |  |
| motor | Also known as gear reduction motor, the motor is the primary output device for the RCX, providing the driving force for the robot. | |
| multitasking | A programming condition that runs multiple tasks at the same time. | |
N |
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O |
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| output ports | Ports A, B, and C on the RCX used to send information to any motors and lights that may be connected to them. | |
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P |
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| percent light value | The amount of light "seen" by the light sensor in comparison so it's maximum (white light) value. | |
| port | An input or output location on the RCX. | |
| program button | Selects the RCX program. The RCX can have 5 different programs stored in it's memory. The programs are numbered 1 through 5. | |
Q |
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R |
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| RCX | The Robot Command Explorer (RCX) is a programmable LEGO brick with 3 output ports, 3 input ports, an LCD information screen, and buttons to control its operation. Programs are downloaded to the RCX via infrared transmission. The RCX is the "brain" around which the robot is constructed. | |
| robot | A robot is a machine or device that operates automatically and includes a physical body, a control system (program), and exhibits some type of behaviour. | |
| rotation sensor | Also called the angle sensor, the rotation sensor is attached to the RCX on input Ports 1, 2 or 3 and used for measuring angles or distances. The sensor senses 1/16th of a rotation of a LEGO axle. | |
S |
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| sensor | A device used to gather and communicate information from the robot's environment to the RCX, i.e. touch sensor, light sensor, rotation or angle sensor, and temperature sensor. | |
| stringing | Connecting icons to each other in sequence with the string tool. | |
T |
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| Team Challenge Kit | The Team Challenge Kit (#9790) contains 715 elements, including 1 RCX, 1 IR transmitter, 2 gear reduction motors, 2 touch sensors, 1 light sensor, and over 700 pieces with everything you will need to build your robot. | |
| temperature sensor | A device attached to the RCX on input Ports 1, 2 or 3 that is used for measuring temperature. | |
| touch sensor | A device attached to the RCX on input Ports 1, 2, or 3 with a button that can be depressed or released. Programs can be written to use the touch sensor to take in information whenever the sensor is pressed, pressed and released, or used to count the number of times the sensor is pressed. | |
| transmitter | A device attached via serial or USB connection to the computer used to transfer programs to the RCX. | |
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U |
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| USB port | A Universal Serial Bus or external port on the computer used to connect the IR transmitter. | |
V |
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| view button | Shows the current digital value of the input and output ports. | |
W |
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X |
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Y |
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Z |
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