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How to Use PIXY Camera: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of PIXY Camera
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with PIXY Camera in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The PIXY Camera is a smart vision sensor designed for detecting and tracking objects in real-time. It combines a powerful image sensor with an onboard processor to handle image processing tasks, allowing it to output object data directly to a microcontroller or computer. This makes it an ideal choice for robotics, automation, and other applications requiring object recognition and tracking.

Explore Projects Built with PIXY Camera

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Raspberry Pi Pico and OV7670 Camera-Based Robotic System with TFT Display
Image of REF Speed Bot V3 CKT: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
This circuit features two Raspberry Pi Pico microcontrollers interfacing with various peripherals including an OV7670 camera module, a TFT display, and an OLED display. It also includes a multiplexer and a motor driver to control two planetary gearbox motors, powered by a battery and regulated through buck converters. The setup is designed for image capture, display, and motor control applications.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32 CAM PIR Sensor Security Camera with Battery Management
Image of intruder alert system: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
This is a motion-activated camera system powered by a 7.4V battery with a charging module. It uses a PIR sensor to detect motion and an ESP32 CAM microcontroller to process the signal and activate a yellow LED through an NPN transistor. A voltage booster and capacitor are included for power management, and a momentary switch allows for manual power control.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Raspberry Pi Pico W-Based Multi-Sensor Security System
Image of 300DT: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
This circuit is designed for a security system that detects fire, sound, light changes, movement, and IR triggers using a Raspberry Pi Pico W as the central microcontroller. It includes a flame sensor, sound sensor (KY-038), LDR photoresistor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, and a piezo speaker for alerts. The system monitors the environment for any disturbances and alerts personnel through the piezo speaker when an anomaly is detected.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP32-CAM Wi-Fi Controlled Motion Detection Security Camera
Image of FRAS NEW: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
This circuit integrates an ESP32 CAM module with a PIR sensor and an FTDI programmer to create a motion-activated camera system. The ESP32 CAM captures images when motion is detected by the PIR sensor and sends the images to a server via WiFi. The FTDI programmer is used for programming and debugging the ESP32 CAM.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with PIXY Camera

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of REF Speed Bot V3 CKT: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
Raspberry Pi Pico and OV7670 Camera-Based Robotic System with TFT Display
This circuit features two Raspberry Pi Pico microcontrollers interfacing with various peripherals including an OV7670 camera module, a TFT display, and an OLED display. It also includes a multiplexer and a motor driver to control two planetary gearbox motors, powered by a battery and regulated through buck converters. The setup is designed for image capture, display, and motor control applications.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of intruder alert system: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
ESP32 CAM PIR Sensor Security Camera with Battery Management
This is a motion-activated camera system powered by a 7.4V battery with a charging module. It uses a PIR sensor to detect motion and an ESP32 CAM microcontroller to process the signal and activate a yellow LED through an NPN transistor. A voltage booster and capacitor are included for power management, and a momentary switch allows for manual power control.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of 300DT: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
Raspberry Pi Pico W-Based Multi-Sensor Security System
This circuit is designed for a security system that detects fire, sound, light changes, movement, and IR triggers using a Raspberry Pi Pico W as the central microcontroller. It includes a flame sensor, sound sensor (KY-038), LDR photoresistor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, and a piezo speaker for alerts. The system monitors the environment for any disturbances and alerts personnel through the piezo speaker when an anomaly is detected.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of FRAS NEW: A project utilizing PIXY Camera in a practical application
ESP32-CAM Wi-Fi Controlled Motion Detection Security Camera
This circuit integrates an ESP32 CAM module with a PIR sensor and an FTDI programmer to create a motion-activated camera system. The ESP32 CAM captures images when motion is detected by the PIR sensor and sends the images to a server via WiFi. The FTDI programmer is used for programming and debugging the ESP32 CAM.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Object tracking for robotics and drones
  • Line-following robots
  • Color-based object detection
  • Industrial automation and sorting systems
  • Educational projects involving computer vision

Technical Specifications

The PIXY Camera is equipped with advanced hardware and software features to simplify vision-based tasks. Below are its key technical specifications:

General Specifications

Parameter Value
Image Sensor 1296 x 976 resolution (CMOS)
Processor NXP LPC4330, 204 MHz dual-core
Lens Standard M12 lens (wide-angle)
Frame Rate 50 frames per second (max)
Communication Interfaces UART, SPI, I2C, USB, Analog, PWM
Input Voltage 6V to 10V
Power Consumption 140 mA @ 7.5V
Dimensions 2.0" x 1.4" x 1.4" (50 x 35 x 35 mm)
Weight 27 grams

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The PIXY Camera features a 10-pin connector for interfacing with external devices. Below is the pinout:

Pin Number Name Description
1 VCC Power input (6V to 10V)
2 GND Ground
3 SDA I2C data line
4 SCL I2C clock line
5 TX UART transmit
6 RX UART receive
7 SPI_SS SPI slave select
8 SPI_MOSI SPI master out, slave in
9 SPI_MISO SPI master in, slave out
10 SPI_SCK SPI clock

Usage Instructions

The PIXY Camera is designed to be user-friendly and can be integrated into a variety of projects. Below are the steps to use it effectively:

Connecting the PIXY Camera to an Arduino UNO

  1. Wiring: Connect the PIXY Camera to the Arduino UNO using the following connections:

    • VCC (PIXY) to 5V (Arduino)
    • GND (PIXY) to GND (Arduino)
    • SDA (PIXY) to A4 (Arduino)
    • SCL (PIXY) to A5 (Arduino)
  2. Install the PIXY Arduino Library:

    • Download the PIXY library from the official website or GitHub.
    • Open the Arduino IDE, go to Sketch > Include Library > Add .ZIP Library, and select the downloaded library.
  3. Upload Example Code: Use the following example code to detect and print object data from the PIXY Camera:

    #include <Pixy2.h> // Include the PIXY library
    
    Pixy2 pixy; // Create a PIXY object
    
    void setup() {
      Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication
      pixy.init(); // Initialize the PIXY Camera
      Serial.println("PIXY Camera Initialized");
    }
    
    void loop() {
      pixy.ccc.getBlocks(); // Get detected objects (blocks)
      
      // Check if any objects are detected
      if (pixy.ccc.numBlocks) {
        Serial.print("Detected ");
        Serial.print(pixy.ccc.numBlocks);
        Serial.println(" object(s):");
        
        // Loop through all detected objects
        for (int i = 0; i < pixy.ccc.numBlocks; i++) {
          Serial.print("Object ");
          Serial.print(i + 1);
          Serial.print(": X=");
          Serial.print(pixy.ccc.blocks[i].m_x); // X-coordinate
          Serial.print(", Y=");
          Serial.print(pixy.ccc.blocks[i].m_y); // Y-coordinate
          Serial.print(", Width=");
          Serial.print(pixy.ccc.blocks[i].m_width); // Width
          Serial.print(", Height=");
          Serial.println(pixy.ccc.blocks[i].m_height); // Height
        }
      }
      delay(100); // Add a short delay
    }
    

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Lighting Conditions: Ensure adequate and consistent lighting for accurate object detection.
  • Object Colors: The PIXY Camera is optimized for color-based object detection. Use distinct, high-contrast colors for best results.
  • Lens Adjustment: Adjust the lens focus for sharp images if necessary.
  • Firmware Updates: Keep the PIXY Camera firmware updated to access the latest features and improvements.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. No Objects Detected:

    • Ensure the object is within the camera's field of view.
    • Check that the object has a distinct color and is well-lit.
    • Verify that the PIXY Camera is properly connected and powered.
  2. Incorrect Object Data:

    • Recalibrate the camera using the PIXYMon software.
    • Adjust the lens focus for better image clarity.
  3. Communication Errors:

    • Double-check the wiring between the PIXY Camera and the microcontroller.
    • Ensure the correct communication protocol (I2C, UART, SPI) is selected in the code.

FAQs

Q: Can the PIXY Camera detect multiple objects simultaneously?
A: Yes, the PIXY Camera can detect and track multiple objects at once, up to a maximum of seven distinct objects.

Q: What is the maximum detection range of the PIXY Camera?
A: The detection range depends on the size of the object and lighting conditions. Typically, it can detect objects up to several meters away.

Q: Can the PIXY Camera be used with Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the PIXY Camera supports multiple communication interfaces, making it compatible with Raspberry Pi and other platforms.

Q: How do I reset the PIXY Camera to factory settings?
A: Use the PIXYMon software to reset the camera to its default settings.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the PIXY Camera into your projects and troubleshoot common issues.