Remote data and video acquisition using lego mindstorms NXT and Linux based USB enabled router

Abstract

One of the main concerns affecting the majority of Mindstorms NXT community was derived from the lack of direct Internet connectivity. Until now, for most of the projects it was necessary to dedicate a valuable and portable device (like a smartphone or tablet-PC) even for the static applications. This paper suggests a router-based possible solution for that inconvenience which is a low-cost, open-source and relatively easy to implement architecture. The experimental platform is then tested by performing remote data acquisition and logging for some critical lab environment aspects (temperature, light intensity, air oxygen level and distance-to-object). To enforce the lab monitoring process, a remotely operated 2-DOF camera is integrated (with pan, tilt and focus control). Also, in order to avoid the side effects of a continuous charging scenario, we integrated a relay based cut-off battery protection circuit. The achieved response time is suitable for most academic purposes.