Programming instructions

Reference
Project Lead The Way © and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy © / For use with VEX
®
Robotics Systems
Glossary • 3
dB and dBA: dB and dBA are modes of the Sound Sensor that refer to different frequency sensitivity settings. When used
this way, the terms “dB” and “dBA” are not units! dB mode produces readings that are simply based on how much sound is
picked up by the Sound Sensor. dBA mode also gives readings based on the amount of sound detected, but adjusts those
readings so that the displayed values more closely match the pattern of human hearing, which is less sensitive to very high
and very low frequencies. Just as a human would perceive these sounds to be quieter, dBA mode will give lower readings
for those frequencies even if the actual amount of sound is the same.
Decibel: A relative unit of measure commonly used with reference to the amplitude (loudness) of sound. In sound, 0 dB is
the quietest sound a person can hear (measured in micropascals, a very small unit of pressure, since sound is based on
pressure waves). Every 10 dB increase then means that the sound gets ten times louder. 10 dB is ten times louder than
the quietest sound you can hear. 20 dB is ten times louder than that. 30 dB is ten times louder than 20 dB, and is about the
level of noise in a quiet room. Note that the Sound Sensor does not measure in decibels, even when its mode is set to dB.
Instead, it measures a % value of the loudest sound it can detect.
Demonstration(demo): An event in which a project prototype demonstrates some or all of its capabilities for an audience,
which usually includes the project sponsors.
Dependent Variable: In an experimental setup, the variable whose value is measured to see whether it was affected by a
change in the independent variable. Also called the responding variable
Design: Both the process of originating and developing a plan for a new object, like a project prototype, and the plan itself.
Design Canidate: An idea selected for evaluation with a group of other ideas, the most applicable of which will become a
prototype.
Design Review: A process in which a design or designs are evaluated, usually by the team or experts.
Design Review, External: A process by which outside parties, particularly those who are funding the project, review the
concept that has been chosen as the prototype and offer feedback and suggestions.
Design Review, Internal: A process designed to facilitate a fair and efcient comparison of all available design ideas, so
that the best one can be chosen for continued development.
Design Specication: A document created to help fully understand the problem before beginning a solution.
Diameter: The distance “across” the center of a circle from edge to edge. Equal to two times the radius of the circle.
Document: A real or virtual written item which provides information. To document means to provide supporting information,
usually so as to make something easier to reference or modify. For example, a well-documented program will have all
successful versions saved, named and commented descriptively, so that future modications to the program can be done
as efciently and accurately as possible.
Downloading: Transferring data (usually a compiled program) from the computer to the VEX. See also Uploading.
Driven Axle: When considering a pair of axles connected by gears, pulleys, or other means, the driven axle is the one
whose movement is an effect of the other’s (rather than the cause). See also Driven Gear, Driving Axle.
Driven Gear: When considering a pair of connected gears, the driven gear is the one whose movement is an effect of the
other’s. If axles are being considered, the driven gear is the gear on the driven axle. See also Driven Axle, Driving Gear.
Driving Axle: When considering a pair of axles connected by gears, pulleys, or other means, the driving axle is the one
whose movement is the cause of the other’s. See also Driving Gear, Driven Axle.
Glossary continued
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