We are going to buy a LightCrafter kit to start a structured light project, but as we have never worked with this kind of technology we need some information and resources. I have some questions regarding the SLI applicability of the LightCrafter: What are the software tools needed to start developing with the kit? There are many open source libraries/projects that can be used for pattern generation/recognition, could someone name some? For a particular application we are going to cross compile to the Linux OS or to the DSP architecture? I've read at the forums that someone were recommending the Leopard Imaging cameras, that are already used at the Beagleboard, do you think that cameras are enough for SLI applications? What are the most important specifications that we need to analyze for the camera? Frame rate? Resolution?
Thanks guys.
Hi Raony,
Welcome to DLP section of TI's E2E Forum.
The link here provides information to start the development on LightCrater kit. The Kit also comes with an easy-to-use GUI, which enables to control the LightCrafter, download the patters and configure as required. Please refer to the "DLP® LightCrafter™ User's Guide" document available here for more information.
The kit is capable of projecting patterns at predefined rate, and also provides hardware interface (trigger) to external camera synchronization for acquisition and processing. LightCrafter™ can project patterns from bit depths of 1bit to 8bit from 4000Hz to 120Hz. The kit doesn’t do anything related to pattern recognition but this is something which can be implementable on the system.
The cross compilation to Linux OS or DSP architecture depends on how you plan to use LightCrafter,
Option-1:
If you plan to program predefined bit depth patterns and then project them at specified rate, then use the hardware synchronization to a external camera to capture and then process on a PC or different embedded system. This does not require compilation on Linux.
Option-2:
LightCrafter™ platform has DM365 video processor running on TI Linux developed for Davinci processors. If you plan to run your application on DM365 then you will require rebuilding of the Linux OS and your application cross compiled for Linux on ARM9 target. DM365 has a powerful video/DSP engine, we are currently not using it. If you are interested, then you can pursue offloading bulk of the application to the DSP.
Regarding the Imaging cameras, LightCrafter™ kit has a camera port where you can easily connect the Aptina Sensor modules. LeopardImaging builds ribbon cables to connect to these sensors. Without any modification the port can support upto 2.0 Megapixel camera sensor.
For the camera setting, We suggest doing back calculation from your end application specification. Consider factors like what is the area being measured? From how far the object is measured? How fast the object to be measured? Etc.. this will help you in identifying camera, frame-rate and resolution.
Regards,
Divya
www.ti.com/mems
Raony,
Here are some links I have collected on 3D Structure Light: