Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-) BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
Heh, heh! I don't mean to be, but I guess some sort of explanation is in order.
You see, the PropCAM is one part of what I hope will be a whole system of compatible, interoperable modules, based around the MoBoStamp-pe and a similar, Propeller-based motherboard (the MoBoProp). Rather than focussing on individual modules like the PropCAM, in isolation, my efforts have been concentrated on building upwards from a foundation of more basic modules. The PropCAM is one brick in this rising edifice, if you will, but its place is nearer to the top, with the application-specific stuff, than to the bottom, with the more general-purpose items. Hence the long delay.
But now that Parallax has begun stocking the DB-Expander, there actually is a way to interface the PropCAM to existing Propeller boards, without requiring the MoBoProp motherboard, which is still in development. So I do need to bump the PropCAM's priority a bit. There's really nothing to do development-wise, but a whole lot to do to document it properly. And choosing whether or not to suspend development of the foundational stuff right now in favor of completing the PropCAM documentation and getting it into production is the dilemma I'm faced with.
Ah, well that's easy - it has to be the PropCAM! (Only kidding
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-) BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
No, not yet. Daughterboards for the MoBoStamp-pe are taking priority right now, to help bring that product family to a critical mass. Currently, I'm documenting one that uses the TAOS TSL1401R linear array sensor. There's a lot of 'splainin' to do even for a one-dimensional "camera". Documenting the PropCAM will be a yet larger undertaking for which I need an unencumberd block of time.
Phil,
What's the chances of using the Prop Cam with the Prop Dongle ?
I assume it doesn't need more than 12 I/Os since it uses a 2x6 cable.
How much current does it need ?
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Never argue with an idiot.· They'll drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.hittconsulting.com ·
The PropCAM uses 8 I/Os, plus 3.3V and Gnd. The 5V supply pin is only needed to power an attached LED strobe. The USB port provides plenty of poop to drive it. The most convenient interface to your board may well be Parallax's DB-Expander. You might check the pinout of that board to see if it's compatible. Also, you'll need to add a 220pF cap across the video jack for the grayscale output.
This thread has been quiet for some time. Are there any updates available?
Phil: Do you have any time or cost estimates?
Graham: Where are you at with the Micron imagers?
I am still thinking of using a Micron MT9V022 in 4x4 binning mode (188h x 120v with 2x and 4x zoom capability) using the serial LVDS connection and the possibility of adding stereo vision. But I can't find an easy way to prototype with IBGA chips ( any suggestions) and I don't know if I am ready to take on a custom PCB with all of the surface mounting issues. I have asked Micron for the NDA - it is interesting that they sell this via Digikey but getting full documentation is challenging
How's the PropCAM coming? Out on stage, not much has changed, but behind the curtains more ducks are falling in line. This summer I finished a linescan imager (128 x 1 pixels) for the MoBoStamp-pe (and MoBoProp), which required writing a 50-page manual. (So you can imagine how much writing lies ahead for something like the PropCAM.) I also finished a couple accessory (mezzanine) boards for the linescan module that will also plug into the PropCAM: an LED strobe and an exposure synchronizer for fluorescent illumination. And finally, I completed an RS232 board that will interface both mobos directly to a PLC for easy integration of a complete vision inspection system, using either the PropCAM or the linescan imager. The motherboard (MoBoProp) that the PropCAM is designed to plug into has received some redesign attention as well, to accommodate a couple A/D converters. So, when you consider the PropCAM as part of a system and not just an isolated product, things are coming together. My priorty has been to finish products for the MoBoStamp that I can bring online more quickly, in order to flesh out that product line. But there's almost a critical mass there that will permit more time to finish the PropCAM.
Thanks much for your continued interest (and patience)!
Chip Gracey (Parallax) said...
I've been playing with 3D on the Propeller for a few days now and I've come to the conclusion that red/blue anaglyph is the way to go for a few reasons:
Shutter glasses are expensive and require CRT monitors·which are fast disappearing. LCD monitors buffer data and re-scan it at their own rate, so shutter glasses don't work on these. TV's are mainly CRTs, but you can only get 30Hz per eye which is very flickery.
Shutter glasses aren't expensive!· Maybe $30 or so.··Hard part is CRT monitor that can do 120 hz (that hasn't been thrown away for an LCD monitor already).· Think the Propeller could put out 120 hz VGA?
OLED visors offer the best computed 3D experience that I've found.· Second best is the Sharp "parallax barrier" LDC monitor, which doesn't require glasses, but does require you to hold your head in just the right spot...
I think this might also be interesting with the Propeller.· I think that some visors are made to work with twin VGA cards or video sources.· Maybe you could have one cog generating video for one eye and another cog for the other eye?· This is better than the page-flipping-like approach that my oled visor uses because it preserves resolution and 60hz update rate.
On the other hand, it's hard to argue against $5 red/blue glasses...
There's nothing wrong with red/blue glasses. You can even do color 3D images with them, if you're careful to limit the saturation. Try your red/blue glasses on my avatar...
The fluorescent business is for fluorescent lighting, to synchronize the exposure to the 120Hz (100Hz in your neck of the woods) flicker. It uses a TAOS light-to-voltage sensor and a small micro that emulates a PLL. 'Nothing to do with biology, though — sorry.
Just keeping this thread alive! Can't wait to get my hands on one (or more) of these [noparse]:)[/noparse]
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-) BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
Actually, I think Phil's changed his mind and is working on PropCAM2; you know the one that does full colour at 50fps - it'll be ready in a couple of weeks time and cost next to nothing (but noone'll be able to use it coz it requires the TurboProp! (Yes: tongue firmly planted in cheek!)
BTW: I wonder how much PropCAM's gonna cost? I'm starting to have recurring nightmares that I won't be able to afford it - nooooooo!
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-) BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
Clearly, I'm not as clever as you Graham LOL (I thought you'd be saving in GBP anyway!?).
No worries Phil - I ditto Grahams comment
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-) BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
Fred, the pile of money is gone. I spent it on sensor chips. I've got enough to build 1500 PropCAMs, then I'll have to redesign, since the sensor has been discontinued. I was hoping to introduce the MoBoProp at the same time as the PropCAM, but I'm still in a layout revision with that board and trying to solve a connector issue. (If anyone knows of an adapter cable that has a 2.5mm stereo phone plug at one end and two RCA plugs at the other end, please let me know.) Meanwhile work continues apace on fleshing out the MoBoStamp-pe daughterboard line, from which the MoBoProp will also benefit.
I suppose I could go forward with the PropCAM without the MoBoProp. The DB-Expander was designed with that in mind. But it would be nicer to have the complete system available at once.
2.5mm is smaller than the usual one right? I have lots of cables like that going to 3.5mm jacks.
If it makes any difference I would just want the propcam with or without the DB expander, just want cam and software really to attach to what I already have.
Yup, 2.5mm is the smaller plug. There's no room for a 3.5mm jack on the board. The Apple iPod uses a cable with a 4-conductor 2.5mm plug with stereo audio and video out, and those seem readily available. I might have to adapt to what's on the market.
As to the "naked" PropCAM, it's certainly a consideration...
Comments
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-)
BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
You see, the PropCAM is one part of what I hope will be a whole system of compatible, interoperable modules, based around the MoBoStamp-pe and a similar, Propeller-based motherboard (the MoBoProp). Rather than focussing on individual modules like the PropCAM, in isolation, my efforts have been concentrated on building upwards from a foundation of more basic modules. The PropCAM is one brick in this rising edifice, if you will, but its place is nearer to the top, with the application-specific stuff, than to the bottom, with the more general-purpose items. Hence the long delay.
But now that Parallax has begun stocking the DB-Expander, there actually is a way to interface the PropCAM to existing Propeller boards, without requiring the MoBoProp motherboard, which is still in development. So I do need to bump the PropCAM's priority a bit. There's really nothing to do development-wise, but a whole lot to do to document it properly. And choosing whether or not to suspend development of the foundational stuff right now in favor of completing the PropCAM documentation and getting it into production is the dilemma I'm faced with.
-Phil
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-)
BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
Any updates on PropCAM status?
THX!
Andrew
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But thanks for asking!
-Phil
What's the chances of using the Prop Cam with the Prop Dongle ?
I assume it doesn't need more than 12 I/Os since it uses a 2x6 cable.
How much current does it need ?
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Never argue with an idiot.· They'll drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·
The PropCAM uses 8 I/Os, plus 3.3V and Gnd. The 5V supply pin is only needed to power an attached LED strobe. The USB port provides plenty of poop to drive it. The most convenient interface to your board may well be Parallax's DB-Expander. You might check the pinout of that board to see if it's compatible. Also, you'll need to add a 220pF cap across the video jack for the grayscale output.
-Phil
Phil: Do you have any time or cost estimates?
Graham: Where are you at with the Micron imagers?
I am still thinking of using a Micron MT9V022 in 4x4 binning mode (188h x 120v with 2x and 4x zoom capability) using the serial LVDS connection and the possibility of adding stereo vision. But I can't find an easy way to prototype with IBGA chips ( any suggestions) and I don't know if I am ready to take on a custom PCB with all of the surface mounting issues. I have asked Micron for the NDA - it is interesting that they sell this via Digikey but getting full documentation is challenging
http://download.micron.com/pdf/product_brief/mt9v022_product_brief.pdf
Interfacing Micron® MT9V022 Image Sensors to Blackfin® Processors ... describes the ADSP-BF561 Blackfin processor and Micron MT9V022 image sensor and ...
http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Application_Notes/213595899ee_258r262006.pdf
Graham
·
Thanks much for your continued interest (and patience)!
-Phil
OLED visors offer the best computed 3D experience that I've found.· Second best is the Sharp "parallax barrier" LDC monitor, which doesn't require glasses, but does require you to hold your head in just the right spot...
I think this might also be interesting with the Propeller.· I think that some visors are made to work with twin VGA cards or video sources.· Maybe you could have one cog generating video for one eye and another cog for the other eye?· This is better than the page-flipping-like approach that my oled visor uses because it preserves resolution and 60hz update rate.
On the other hand, it's hard to argue against $5 red/blue glasses...
-Phil
Another option for the propeller is two screens such as the camcorder viewfinders I've played with, it seems made for the purpose.
Cheers,
Graham
The fluorescent business is for fluorescent lighting, to synchronize the exposure to the 120Hz (100Hz in your neck of the woods) flicker. It uses a TAOS light-to-voltage sensor and a small micro that emulates a PLL. 'Nothing to do with biology, though — sorry.
-Phil
Graham
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Tom Clark
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-)
BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
BTW: I wonder how much PropCAM's gonna cost? I'm starting to have recurring nightmares that I won't be able to afford it - nooooooo!
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-)
BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
Only joking, sorry Phil, take your time I know it's all going to come together in a massive explosion of technical goodies well worth the wait!
Graham
No worries Phil - I ditto Grahams comment
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Cheers,
Simon
www.norfolkhelicopterclub.co.uk
You'll always have as many take-offs as landings, the trick is to be sure you can take-off again ;-)
BTW: I type as I'm thinking, so please don't take any offense at my writing style
I suppose I could go forward with the PropCAM without the MoBoProp. The DB-Expander was designed with that in mind. But it would be nicer to have the complete system available at once.
-Phil
If it makes any difference I would just want the propcam with or without the DB expander, just want cam and software really to attach to what I already have.
Graham
Yup, 2.5mm is the smaller plug. There's no room for a 3.5mm jack on the board. The Apple iPod uses a cable with a 4-conductor 2.5mm plug with stereo audio and video out, and those seem readily available. I might have to adapt to what's on the market.
As to the "naked" PropCAM, it's certainly a consideration...
-Phil
Along with 3.5mm to RCA cable
Naked prop cam could sell like hot cakes I'm sure!!
Graham