Recognizing objects, shapes, lines, and colors. Interpreting barcodes, QR codes, and other internal encodings the user may need. These goals are relatively advanced in the DIY space and require some coding knowledge, but the first step is getting a quality optical module. That's where the Pixy2 camera comes in—an updated version of the Pixy, faster, more precise, and with a fairly reasonable price.
Once we leave behind multiconsoles with emulators and magic mirrors, we'll find some very interesting projects for the Raspberry Pi, and why not, for Arduino too. It's not a matter of preference: each platform has its strengths, and if you're passionate about DIY, you'll use both. Now, it's never a bad idea to add components that can work with both pieces of hardware, but it all depends on what you want to do. Some users think about home automation, turning on lights and opening doors automatically. Others want a small robot that overcomes obstacles and can recognize objects. If your ideas go in that direction, you might want to add the Pixy2 camera to your arsenal.
Connectivity and Performance
The Pixy2 connects via USB, serial, SPI, or I2C (that is, using Arduino or Raspberry Pi is not mandatory). Like its predecessor, object recognition capability will be as robust as the training it receives. Thanks to new algorithms, the Pixy2 camera recognizes intersections and special traffic signs. But the most notable thing is that it achieves this at 60 frames per second, guaranteeing excellent response. As expected, Pixy2 development is completely open source. If you want to study its software, see the hardware components, or modify its firmware, you can start here.
Price and Considerations
So... how much does it cost? Some Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi accessories often disappoint due to their high price, but at 65 euros on the tag, this little camera is not impossible, so to speak. I imagine a certain group of users might wonder why it's convenient to buy an extra module when OpenCV on the Raspberry Pi works well. The first answer that comes to mind is performance. Honestly, I don't know if that combo has enough firepower... but there's only one way to find out, right?
