aluminumwelder
HI I'm a newbie and appreciate any help I can get. I already did a search for photographer and sony party shot and did not see any previous discussion. Here is what I want to make.
Basically it is an Irobot Create with a light 4.75 ft tall aluminum pole on which a sony party shot module is mounted on top of. If there is a better robot base to use let me know. I would like to keep the total project cost under $600. I already have $100 invested in the sony partyshot+digital camera. the sony party shot is basically an automatic camera system that has facial detection that will automatic scan and rotate the surroundings looking for people to take photos of. I envision using it at corporate parties, weddings and just random stuff for fun.
I have never done any robotics work, but I am very techy. My programming experience is very small. I took a BASIC class about 12 years ago in college.
I may add a R2D2 Skin over the unit to give it a starwars theme, but I'm worried about weight and balance. It maybe too top heavy. It needs to be around 4.5 to 5 feet tall total so the photos look like they were taken at a normal angle. I will probably add some kind of bumper system at the top, because it's bound to get knocked over. I may also weld up some aluminum tube anti tip extentions so the unit is harder to knock over.
OK, that's the background here is my questions. I want to program it to randomly go around a room and pause for say 40 seconds , scan and take shots, then move around 10 to 15 feet in any random direction and start all over. I think the Create base will need to stop or the camera will get too confused and not do a good job. I have never used either device so perhaps this hypothesis is incorrect. I looked at the Create Module's instructions and see that it has some demo modes
"MODE 0 Cover Create attempts to cover an entire room using a combination of behaviors, such as random bounce, wall following, and spiraling."
I like mode zero, but I think I would only want random bounce, not spiraling. Can anyone recommend a programmer to do this?
I also want some kind of sensor so that it does not run into objects and people. I've seen the roomba hit things before they change direction. I'd prefer the sensor be used to avoid hitting things; i was thinking a 2' proximity would be fine.
Should I jsut buy the $235 ez robot kit with the Create module from irobot? Has someone already made a robot that does this sort of thing I can just buy? Seems like a pretty basic function set, but I've never built a robot.
Any other suggestions will be appreciated. thanks for your time.
PS originally posted this at the robotreviews.com forum, but someone suggested this set.
Robotmaker is right, I will not sell you my script, I will share it once it's done. Although currently my workload has increased tenfold and it doesn't look like I will have much "bot time" for the next few weeks so it may be a while. Although my script probably wont suit your needs but it'll be easily adapted and provided I have the time when that moment comes I'd be more than happy to help with it.
Robotmaker has more knowledge on sensors, I'm sure he will advise on which are best to use for your purposes.
From your specification I assume you just want the sensors for object/person avoidance, so any which will detect something or someone when they are 2 foot from the robot. Path planning I assume should be completely random to get the best range of shots from all angles.
What I'm thinking is for the robot to slowly move around, then sit still for a few seconds while the camera spins and shoots and does it's thing, then off for another little joyride to another location, rinse and repeat. That would be a very simple script which read the ping or IR sensor(s) when the robot is moving so it doesn't accidently bump in to anyone.
I can imagine there will be a lot of chairs and tables at these functions so detection would need to be a narrow cone, but again, Robotmaker will advise there I'm sure.
If the camera has a remote input to start looking for faces and taking photos this could also be wired in to the EZB for the EZB to tell it to start when it stops moving and then stop before it moves again to save any crazy blured photos or too much confusion for the face recognition in the camera.
Hell, go one step further and add an MP3 module with a sound bite of "say cheese" or "smile for the camera" to add come fun and comedy to it.
To add manual, joystick control to it would be a 2 minute job and cost only as much as a wireless joystick too if ever you wanted to add the feature.
One other slight issue to overcome is the bluetooth module on the EZB has about a 10 meter range at best, mine only reaches around 6 meters before it disconnects. It may be worth looking at adding an on board PC (which could also be used to instantly save the cameras photos, using a mobile wifi dongle upload to the internet or add a printer for instant prints... add a screen and have it display a slideshow of the days photos... the possibilities are endless (and what did I say about over complicating things in my first reply? See how easy it is).
"I assume you just want the sensors for object/person avoidance, so any which will detect something or someone when they are 2 foot from the robot. Path planning I assume should be completely random to get the best range of shots from all angles."
Yep you described my goals perfectly. I might use an Eye-Fi card in the camera to transmit images wirelessly to a slideshow computer.
I'm going to go ahead and order the ezboard and distance sensor and then hopefully get my hands dirty
Thanks for the support.
Also @ robot maker, I can get very thing aluminum tube around 0.040" thick so it is very light, even lighter than PVC. Plus I like to weld stuff!
A little tip, wait 3 days before ordering the EZB
A little birdy tells me the price may be about to drop but shhh it's a secret
RICH is right will be tables and chairs so narrow cone sonar is your best bet,3 in front center and one on each side at a angle
NOW 2 ways to ways to get a narrow cone sonar,buy one at about $30 or make one using a low cost sonar witch is hard mazsonar has narrow cone sonars,plus each sonar you should have IR sensor ,they are about $10 each
SONAR only picks up some materials and same with IR,so having both will pick up everything in its path
second not so easy to add a computer,plus adding extra w eight and bigger battery,so great sloution is using a WIFI in place of the bluetooth module,there is a example on how to add it easy
Another item can be added ,sound detector so when someone is talking it turns the roomba near it and takes a picture
on ALUMINIUM i love using it alot too,most of my projects use it,and from the forum you posted
For light welding a MIG welder with a spool gun looks good, 1/4 inch angle aluminium is most i am going to weld,mostly make aluminium frames for my robots using rivets ,still going to use rivets only spot bead a few spots.
One example is my omnibot 2000 project USING ALUMINIUM in base ,arms ,frame,and more
I hate using hot-melt glue,many problems using it or fiberglass like others use
i MADE a very big machine shop with almost every type of machines and tools in it
I did by mistake buy a small MIG welder,so i guess i will sell it and get a higher amp rating with spool gun thats needed
I did a google search for mazsonar, but couldnt' find the source you are referencing. Can you give me a link to buy these sonar/IR sensors?
Most of these social events have loud music I dont' think a sound detection sensor would be all that effective due to ambient noise levels.
I would like to add a small LED light on top to aid in cameras focusing.
For hobby welding I like the Longevity sx160. It's $620 at amazon.com, plus you will need filler rod and a steady hand and some argon gas!
Sorry i meen maxsonar
mb1030 maxsonar narrow cone On that welder is it better then MIG WELDER at 175 amps with spool gun for $449 ,plus i need argon gas too
AND easy to use then a MIG welder,since i welded before with a MIG welder i know you have to prime the aluminium ,by sanding the oxidation off
Never used a TIG WELDER ,arc welding and gas yes
what i am welding is 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch angle aluminium ,and just a few spot welds
thanks I'll order 5 of those, . I'm assuming they are much better at about $30 each than the distance sensors available for around $10 at the EZ robot store?
now how about the ir sensors which ones do you recommend for that?
from reading the forum it looks like the Sharp GP2D12 is recommended. They are $9 each here. Is there a better place to buy them? http://www.junun.org/MarkIII/Info.jsp?item=37