Open-Source Robotics and Process Control Cookbook : Designing and Building Robust, Dependable Real-time Systems

Open-Source Robotics and Process Control Cookbook: Designing and Building Robust, Dependable Real-time Systems
By Lewin Edwards

---

• Publisher: Newnes
• Number Of Pages: 256
• Publication Date: 2004-12-10
• ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0750677783
• ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780750677783
• Binding: Paperback

---

Book Description:

In this practical reference, popular author Lewin Edwards shows how to develop robust, dependable real-time systems for robotics and other control applications, using open-source tools. It demonstrates efficient and low-cost embedded hardware and software design techniques, based on Linux as the development platform and operating system and the Atmel AVR as the primary microcontroller. The book provides comprehensive examples of sensor, actuator and control applications and circuits, along with source code for a number of projects. It walks the reader through the process of setting up the Linux-based controller, from creating a custom kernel to customizing the BIOS, to implementing graphical control interfaces.

Including detailed design information on:
· ESBUS PC-host interface
· Host-module communications protocol
· A speed-controlled DC motor with tach feedback and thermal cut-off
· A stepper motor controller
· A two-axis attitude sensor using a MEMS accelerometer
· Infrared remote control in Linux using LIRC
· Machine vision using Video4Linux

The Accompanying CD-ROM contains a wealth of design materials, including:
· Full schematics and source code for the projects described
· Ready-made disk images for the miniature Linux distribution uses as the basis for the PC-side software
· Distribution archives of source code for all GNU software used, along with application-specific patches where appropriate
· A free version of the schematic capture and PCB CAD software used
· Atmel AVR Studio

* The first-ever book on using open source technology for robotics design!

* Immensely valuable source code and design tools provided on the CD-ROM

* Covers hot topics such as GPS navigation, 3-D sensing, and machine vision, all using a Linux platform!

Download Description:

With recent powerful developments in processor and sensor technology, robotics and the closely related field of process control systems are experiencing rapid growth and attracting many new hardware and software engineers. There is particular interest in using open source tools for these applications, with many companies, universities and laboratories desiring to build sophisticated systems without having to purchase an expensive real-time operating system (RTOS). Practical, authoritative information on this subject is scattered and difficult to find. In this comprehensive guide, experienced embedded engineer and author Lewin Edwards demonstrates efficient and low-cost open source design techniques, covering end-to-end robotic/process control systems using Linux as the development platform (and also as the embedded operating system), with extensive information on free compilers and other tools. Specifically the book targets development of real-time physical system controls using Atmel AVR microcontrollers communicating with Linux-based PCs for overmonitoring. It also covers open-source tools for other controllers, including MSP430, PIC and 8051. Code examples are given to provide concrete illustrations of tasks described in the text.

---

Summary: Interesting concepts
Rating: 5

Edwards does the reader a great service by going into why decisions are made. For example, Edwards leads you through the choice of which PC motherboard he was going to use for the project. His decisions and considerations were very insightful to me. Although the board(s) selected are now out of date according to the manufacturers, using his process will enable you to find motherboards to be able to handle the tasks in the book. Next, Edwards leads you through setting up Linux using BusyBox and how to divide the system up using a compact harddrive and a CompactFlash. All in all, while I consider myself an expert linux user, I found his coverage of material very interesting. Another keeper for my robotics bookshelf.

Summary: for an experienced readership
Rating: 4

Edwards claims that his book is the first on using open source software to build robotic systems. The aim is to reduce the cost, as compared with using a commercial real time operating system. Hitherto, the latter has been the choice of many robotics designs.

He puts a lot of detail into the text, of how to use linux as the embedded operating system in the robot. To address the issue of whether linux is up to the demands of real time running. The ideal reader should be proficient both in linux device drivers and in constructing robots. The text is probably not ideal for someone new to either field.

To motivate the reader, Edwards provides several examples of functionalities to be built into the robots. Like being able to use GPS, which sounds quite neat.

link

http://ifile.it/txyq76/0750677783.rar

pass: ebooksclub.org