introduction & brief description
Pixy (also known as Pixy2 or Pixy2Cam) is a computer vision sensor developed by Charmed Labs and released in 2015. It is a small and affordable camera that can detect and track objects based on their color, size, or shape. Pixy has become popular among hobbyists, educators, and researchers who are interested in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
In this article, we will explore the features, capabilities, and applications of Pixy, and how it can be used in various projects.
Features
Pixy is a small camera module that measures 50mm x 50mm x 35mm and weighs only 12 grams. It can capture images at a resolution of 320×200 pixels and a frame rate of 60 frames per second. Pixy uses a custom-designed image sensor that can detect colors in the range of 20Hz to 60Hz, which means it can detect and track objects even in low-light conditions.
One of the key features of Pixy is its ability to recognize objects based on their color. Pixy can learn up to seven different colors, which can be programmed using the PixyMon software. The software allows users to define the color range, saturation, and brightness of each color, and adjust the threshold for object detection. Pixy can also recognize multiple colors at once, and can prioritize one color over the others if necessary.
Pixy also has a built-in processor, which runs at 200MHz and can process up to 60 frames per second. The processor can perform color-based object detection, template matching, and edge detection, among other tasks. The processor can also communicate with other devices using various interfaces, such as UART, SPI, I2C, and USB.
Pixy is compatible with a variety of microcontrollers, such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone, among others. It can be connected to these devices using the aforementioned interfaces, and can be programmed using the corresponding libraries and software.
Capabilities
Pixy can detect and track objects based on their color, size, or shape. This makes it useful for a variety of applications, such as object sorting, line following, gesture recognition, and even autonomous navigation. Pixy can also recognize and track multiple objects simultaneously, and can estimate their distance and angle relative to the camera.
Pixy’s color-based object detection is particularly useful for robotics and automation. For example, Pixy can be used to sort different colored objects on a conveyor belt, or to detect and avoid obstacles while navigating a robot. Pixy can also be used for line following, which involves detecting and following a line or path on the ground. This is useful for applications such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous drones.
Pixy’s template matching capability allows it to recognize and track objects based on their shape or pattern. This is useful for applications such as facial recognition, object recognition, and gesture recognition. Pixy can also be programmed to recognize specific patterns or symbols, which can be used for interactive applications such as games and puzzles.
Pixy’s edge detection capability allows it to detect and track edges or contours in an image. This is useful for applications such as object tracking, motion detection, and edge following. Pixy can also be programmed to detect specific shapes or patterns based on their edges or contours.
Applications
Pixy has been used in a variety of applications, ranging from hobbyist projects to industrial automation. Some examples of Pixy’s applications are:
Robotics and Automation
Pixy has been used in various robotics and automation projects, such as:
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs): Pixy can be used to detect and follow a line on the ground, which is useful for automated warehouse robots and other AGVs.
