Hi, I was wondering if it can track a black object, and keep it tracking it for a long time, it would stop automaticly after a while? My Pixy Cam does some noise when I connect it, what do you think the problem could be? About Arduino, I don´t know how they can interact ( Arduino + Pixy Cam ), I would like to light a LED ( in a electronic circuit on a protoboard ) when the Pixy Cam detects the black object. Can I do that?
And how do I connect it to batteries? I had seen a message at the forum, but I don t know what is the final advise, a 6 V batterie? Thank you!
Hi Maria,
Pixy does not track black objects - this is a common issue in computer vision, since shadows and underexposed parts of the image are black. How to separate out the object from the shadows? It’s very difficult. So, Pixy is designed to track colored objects (with hue) only.
Do you mean Pixy makes audible noise, or visual noise in the sensor? If it’s visual, see our guide about tuning color signatures here: http://cmucam.org/projects/cmucam5/wiki/Some_Tips_on_Generating_Color_Signatures_2
We have instructions on getting set up with Arduino and Pixy here: http://cmucam.org/projects/cmucam5/wiki/Hooking_up_Pixy_to_a_Microcontroller_(like_an_Arduino)
Finally, here is the page on powering Pixy (including from batteries) - you can use a 6V to 10V battery via the power connector: http://cmucam.org/projects/cmucam5/wiki/Powering_Pixy
Hope this helps!
Best,
Jesse
Hi Jesse,
Thanks for your answer, yes it helps thank you very much. I would like to track a yellow little ligne. I guess it too difficult, anyway, how are you doinf with facial recognition? 
For the Pixy, it starts moving a lot for 15-20 sc. then stops. With Arduino it doesn t make any noise after that. Plugging Pixy directly to the PC, it starts moving a lot too, then it stops, but the noise ( less noise ) continues. I want to try it with objects and the Hello program, to check it further…
OK, nice info for the batteries!!
Yes, it helps!
Best,
María
ups…
just an update: the thing is that I have a problem while uploading “hello world” in Arduino; as it worked well one month ago, I though it would work now too. What is in your opinion the problem? Should I uninstall Arduino libraries and start again?
Thanks in advance,
María
ups…
I went to the link: http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Troubleshooting#upload
problem solved!
sorry!
Hi Maria,
great! Glad you got it solved.
For your question about noise - are you using the Pan/Tilt kit with Pixy? I’m still confused about what you mean.
Pixy remembers objects you teach it even after it’s powered off. As soon as power is applied, the servos on the pan/tilt kit will move to follow objects that you’ve taught Pixy. If the signature needs tuning (see our tutorial here: http://cmucam.org/projects/cmucam5/wiki/Some_Tips_on_Generating_Color_Signatures_2 ) then Pixy may be detecting false positives, and may act strangely, like looking around for objects that aren’t there.
Hi Jesse,
OK, I think it was that, because I put the closing cap to the cam and it stopped :).
I will continue trainning Pixy!
Thank you!
I would also interesting on this topic.
What else can I do with pixy other than tracking color item.
Like track an item angle, like 15 degree?
Or regonize surface of an item, to knowing scratch, or dirty.
Are those possible with pixy?
Or with current software no, but we can add our own layer?
Hi Keane,
you can track angles using color codes - check out our wiki page here: http://cmucam.org/projects/cmucam5/wiki/Using_Color_Codes
Recognizing surfaces is not possible with Pixy. Writing your own firmware is possible, but is definitely not trivial - it requires an in-depth understanding of C code and image recognition algorithms. If you are interested in that, we have a firmware SDK group here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/pixy_firmware_sdk
If you’re looking for project ideas, check out our Youtube playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxlqawCnX3s&list=PLaVaA4k86r6quw8AmWDTz1h4wJ7S_b7qL
Hope this helps!
Best,
Jesse