Odometers

[SomeSaba]

Hello everyone, i have a new porject that requires my robot to be able to see how far it has traveled and so on...

I dont really like encoders, as i need a bit a accuracy, but i will take that path if needed.

I was wondering what other method you guys suggest? Like i've used optical mice before, and those can be odometers (if i remember correctly), but im looking for the most accurate method/price :O

Edit: I've also seen those motors u can buy with encoders integrated in the shaft or something.... are those any good??

Edit: also to be more specifac... lets just say my project is a robot maze, and the competition is on short-nap carpet.

Any suggestions would be cool <3 thanks

[octagonx]

well, optical mice requires the surface to be flat and close enough to the sensor.  I think visual odometry would be the most accurate.  It just requires image or video processing. 

[Ro-Bot-X]

Take a look at Admin's Hyper Squirrel

[SomeSaba]

Hmmm... but arent those cameras around $100? Are there any other viable methods?

[Admin]

but arent those cameras around $100? Are there any other viable methods?

what camera?

the sensor I used on hypersquirrel is a sharp IR rangefinder, about $15
http://www.societyofrobots.com/sensors_sharpirrange.shtml

[SomeSaba]

Oh i meant lke the CMUcams   

[creedcradle]

the CMUCAM costs   $135.95
http://www.robotstore.com/store/product.asp?pid=762&catid=11

but arent those cameras around $100? Are there any other viable methods?

 try logitech camera

and see these:

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=1978.0
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=242.0