EV3
The MINDSTORMS EV3 (2013) is a Linux brick programmed over USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi rather than optically. Its sensor set includes two optical components, one of which — the IR Sensor and IR Beacon — forms a real optical control link.
Color sensor (sensing)
Emits R/G/B; modes: reflected light intensity, ambient light, color ID. Input only.
Infrared sensor + IR Beacon (optical remote link)
The IR Sensor and IR Beacon remote form an optical comms channel:
- Proximity — sensor emits IR, measures reflection (0–100, ~70 cm).
- Beacon — locates the beacon: heading + distance, on one of 4 channels.
- Remote — the beacon's buttons act as a remote; on a running program, channels 1–2 can directly drive motors (B/C and A/D).
EV3 IR actually uses the Power Functions RC (LPF RC) protocol: a PF remote drives the EV3 IR sensor, and the EV3 Beacon can drive a PF receiver, so the remotes/beacons are cross-compatible (Philo: "PF handset is compatible with EV3"). What's EV3-specific is the beacon's continuous heading/distance signalling (extra beacon codes) — and the EV3 IR sensor only receives, it can't transmit to PF devices.
The EV3 is therefore partly optically controllable via its beacon and remote, while the color sensor is pure sensing. Related: NXT, Power Functions (IR).
Links
- 31313 MINDSTORMS EV3 (Rebrickable).
- 45544 Education EV3 Core Set (Rebrickable).