Pixy2 CMUcam5 Smart Vision Sensor – Object Tracking Camera for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone Black

The Pixy2 CMUcam5 was designed as the second version of Pixy.  It is an image sensor with a powerful processor that you can program to only send the information you’re looking for. So the microcontroller isn’t overwhelmed by data. The Pixy2 also transmits data via different useful ways – UART serial, SPI, I2C, digital out, or analogue out. As a result, the microcontroller or microcomputer can communicate easily while still doing other tasks.

Pixy2 was designed as compact-sized, faster, and more capable than the original Pixy. Pixy2 can learn to detect objects that you teach it, just by pressing a button like older versions. Moreover, the Pixy2 has new algorithms that detect and track lines for use with line-following robots. Pixy2 CMUcam5 can detect lines, intersections, and small barcodes, intended for line-following robots. The new algorithms are capable of detecting intersections and “road signs” as well. The road signs instruct the robot what to do, such as turn left, turn right, slow down, etc.

Instead of using normal RGB, the Pixy2 uses hue and saturation as its primary means of image detection. That means lighting or exposure won’t affect the Pixy2’s detection of an item, which is a frustrating problem with many image sensors. Thereby increasing flexibility when it comes to lighting and exposure changes. This image sensor is also capable of supporting seven different color signatures, finding hundreds of objects at the same time.  And is super fast that can process up to 60 frames a second. It’s easy and fast and has an open-source application called PixyMon.

Each Pixy2 Sensor is manufactured with a 6-pin-to-10-pin IDC cable, a USB to Micro USB cable, and mounting tabs and screws. Pixy2 is a plug-and-play smart vision system for Arduino-compatibles, Raspberry Pi, or other microcontroller/computer systems. It connects directly to Arduino with the included cable and fully supports Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone Black with included software libraries.