Smart Belt

[Blurb]

Like the smart inserter, the smart belt will be an upgrade to its fast version, allowing integration into the circuit network.
It functions like the express belt, but is for circuit purposes divided into blocks (like rails).
Each block then produces signal outputs specifying the amount of belts in the block, and what is currently on the belts
The two signals can be accessed via a signalling station built adjacent to the block.
With such belts, it is then possible for the circuit network to know not only what is stored in chests, but also what is being transported on belts.

Producing a smart belt would naturally require an express belt and one or more electronic components.
While a processing unit would probably be an excessive price for a single belt segment, an advanced circuit or a number of electric circuits would probably be fitting.
Visually, the belt would be similar to its predecessors, distinguished by the green colour used for 'smart' machines.

The signalling station is a small building that'll only exist to work in conjunction with smart belts.
As its function is inherently related to the circuit network, its visuals (and production recipe) should be similar to the combinators.


An example usage of such a smart belt would be controlling the input to a smelter:
Let's say the smelter has only one belt and both sides are used for ore AND plates.
In order to prevent ore from clogging up, the input must be controlled with smart inserters.
One can then use the smart belt signals as a trigger for the inserters in order to maintain a specific amount of ore per tile.

[ssilk]

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