The overhead camera program uses image processing to detect the large triangle atop the robot. The triangle’s shape makes it easy to determine which way the robot is facing.
The detection program first filters out all other objects. Then calculates the position and direction of our robot. If the robot is traveling toward the wrong direction, the computer will send a signal to the robot to adjust the robot’s direction.
This technique is used because of the limitation of both the IR sensors and laser detection at the intersection. These two approach do not provide an perfect AI that tells the robot it is at the intersection of the race course.