PixyCam2 Approval for Rescue Line

[agulyani23]

Would TC please confirm I am allowed to use this pixyCam version 2:

I want to clarify some of its advertising before you look at the website https://pixycam.com/pixy2/.
On the website it says,
“Pixy2 is smaller, faster and more capable than the original Pixy. Like its predecessor, Pixy2 can learn to detect objects that you teach it, just by pressing a button. Additionally, Pixy2 has new algorithms that detect and track lines for use with line-following robots.”

When the website says, “Pixy2 has new algorithms that detect and track lines for use with line-following robots.” It does not mean the firmware itself can line trace the line. The firmware does not have ANY line tracking program in it. It only gives me back tail(x,y) values and head(x,y) values of the vector. The vector is an arrow drawn by the camera on the line it sees.

The reason I think it should be allowed :

1. I have confirmed with pixyCam support and from its forum (see the email and forum link is at the bottom) that the PID for line tracking is not embedded in the firmware, but just an independent sample which I do not use…
2. it simply provides 2 sets of (x,y)s of small line segments. At the intersection, it provides three sets of (x,y)s with corresponding angles relative to the cam position. .

Dear TC, please confirm.

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• Forum post link : https://discourse.pixycam.com/t/rcj-approval-for-pixycam2/6240
• Email screenshots for the email communication with pixycam support::
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11OI9nCDQl91s00DwgFaX7RmPcHYSOsSg?usp=sharing

[mymama]

Hi @agulyani23,

Did you check this post ?

Can we use Pixy2 CMUcam5

Dear TC members, First of all, we appreciate your significant contribution for RoboCup. I have one question. As you may know, Pixy2, camera device, was released as the second version of Pixy last year. Unfortunately line tracking/following algorithms seems to be added from this version, not specifically designed for RoboCup junior Line. Our concern is whether it infringe of the rule 2.2.2 or not. Can we use this device on rescue line robot? Team will make the original algorithm although…

[agulyani23]

Yes, I did read that post. But, the post has inaccurate information which is why I contacted PixyCam support to verify the information. They said, that the PixyCam2 does not have any built in line tracking algorithm. The email to the support is attached to my post above. Pixy2 does not control my motors in any way. The Pixy2 is simply a sensor returning info to my program. It is up to me to choose what to do with the returned info. It is the same as using any other sensor.

Thanks,
Aadithya

[kaijunge]

Dear Aadithya,

Thank you for reaching out to the manufactures to confirm this. We have tested the pixy2 and its line tracking algorithm as well, and came to the same conclusion.

So we will allow the use of pixy2 as a sensor to output certain values to be fed into your control system that you develop.

Best regards,

Kai Junge
2019 TC

[elizabeth.mabrey]

Bravo to Aadithya! This is a good thing for others to learn from - do not just read the hype from website, but go after the fact by reaching out to specification and/or manufacturer.

[agulyani23]

Thank you @kaijunge!