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Author Topic: is there a camera like the wiimote camera (pixart) that can be buaght  (Read 8159 times)

Offline bobster23

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on: February 11, 2009, 01:23:00 AM
Hi all,
      I am thinking of taking apart the wiimote camera (using johnnies tutorial) and connecting it to a micro controller.  Before I do this i was wondering if anyone knows of camera's that can be baught (like the pixart camera), that have a built in dsp that can track a number of points of light and can relay the information to a microcontroller (i doesn't matter how). Unfortunatly pixart doesn't sell the wiimote type camera, nore does it provide a data sheet.

I need this for a robot that tracks a ball which emits ir light.

Thanks
bobster23


Offline Wiweeyum

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Reply #1 on: February 11, 2009, 03:04:31 AM
I'm not sure if they sell IR specific cameras with all of those requirements you've listed, and I'm almost certain they would be more expensive than you would want if they did.

Another option would be to purchase a webcam and hack it to only see IR light by putting filter in front of the lens similar to the lens on the wiimote, then run the registered image through a tracking code to see where the bright spots are. I know there are sites on the internet that specialize in this.

The problem with going with a webcam is that the tracking resolution will be a lot lower if you're staying within a small budget. Also, the lag will be greater on a webcam if you go with a lower end one.

I personally have not dissected a wiimote and hooked it to a microcontroller, but I know there are some really good tutorials out there that I've skimmed through. If you end up going in that direction, we'll help out in any way we can. Good luck with your research and with your project.


~"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."~
- EF Schumacher

Offline benpaddlejones

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Reply #2 on: February 11, 2009, 05:38:39 AM
bobster23
I would start with mouser se what they have/can get?

Theoretically its just another component. Weather or not 'N' have put a control on it I don't know.

benpaddlejones :)


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Offline bobster23

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Reply #3 on: February 13, 2009, 08:45:58 PM
Hi all,
     Thanks for the responses. About the idea of using a webcam, I think it is going to hard to link them to a microprocessor.  But thanks for the idea.

About benpaddlejones's idea of going to mouser thanks for the idea. I haven't quite found it yet (because they have a huge catelog), but I have found other chips that I have been looking for for a long time (and they even have an office near my house which makes it that much easier) so thanks. If I do find a camera that does dsp like the pixart camera I will post it here in this thread, so that if anyone is interested in the future they have a reference.

Thanks

Bobster23


Offline krid

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Reply #4 on: March 30, 2009, 09:52:11 AM
Hello Bobster23,
Quote
About benpaddlejones's idea of going to mouser thanks for the idea. I haven't quite found it yet (because they have a huge catelog), but I have found other chips that I have been looking for for a long time (and they even have an office near my house which makes it that much easier)

We (primary schools in Holland) are very interested in you findings becasue we want to get  rid of the  Wii and just want the IR camera and a microprocessor.
Did you find something?

Kind regards,
Dirk Schouten
Public primayr school Rosa Boekdrukker
http://rosaboekdrukker.net
 


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