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Sat, 13 Feb 2010
miniSVS - a reduced footprint version of the SVS Blackfin stereo vision system
In response to a request from the GMU RoboPatriots for a more compact version of the SVS to fit their RoboCup robots, we shrunk the original SVS layout from 6" x 2.5" to 4" x 2.5" (100mm x 63mm). The new camera spacing is 2.25" (55mm), though for the RoboPatriots, the spacing isn't an issue, as they are running ribbon cables from Blackfin to cameras mounted elsewhere on the robot.
We are calling the new board the "miniSVS". In shrinking the board, we removed some functionality that the soccerbots didn't need, including FAN8200 H-bridge, antenna mount, laser pointer drivers, and SPI interconnect. In place of the SPI interconnect, we are using a pair of GPIO lines with a soft UART driver.
The basic assumption was that this board would be used with other motor drivers with serial or servo interface, though perhaps this configuration would be attractive to existing SRV-1 robot users. If that turns out to be the case and there is sufficient interest, we can look at adding back the H-bridge and laser drivers.
As with the full-sized SVS, the miniSVS does include interfaces to 8 timers (4 on each Blackfin) with 5V power and servo headers, along with low battery detect circuit.
Those who are interested in the miniSVS or variations should send us an email, and we will consider adding this to our standard product list.
Posted Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:02 | HTML Link | see additional stories ...
Tue, 09 Feb 2010SRV-1 / SVS Blackfin HTTP functionality extended to support most SRV_protocol robot control functions -
The latest version of SRV-1 / SVS Blackfin firmware adds most of the SRV_protocol functions to the HTTP interface, enabling more complete robot control via a standard or mobile web browser. Motor control functions are provided for the existing SRV-1q PWM, the new SRV-4WD controller, as well as RC ESC controllers such as Sabertooth and pan/tilt servo interfaces.
Camera resolution and JPEG quality can now be set via HTTP. Also supported are the SRV-NAV gps, a/d, tilt and compass interfaces, generic I2C devices, SRV-1 vision processing functions, and laser pointer controls.
Using the SRV-1 HTTP interface is really simple. To test these, you can point your browser to
http://robot-ip:10001/robot.cgi?____
where ____ represents the SRV_protocol function, e.g.
http://robot-ip:10001/robot.cgi?V
will display the firmware version string
As before,
http://robot-ip:10001/robot.jpg
will capture a new JPEG frame. We have also provided a simple webcam script using this capability.
Surveyor Robot Forum discussion with additional details is found here - http://www.surveyor.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1265742063. Example code for a simple webcam interface is provided.
The new firmware has been posted to http://code.google.com/p/surveyor-srv1-firmware/
Posted Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:27 | HTML Link | see additional stories ...