Computer Vision with Arduino: Lecture Summary

Course Introduction

• Learn to create real-world computer vision applications using Arduino.
• Start with basics and move to advanced projects:
  • Lab gesture control
  • PID face tracking
  • Angle finder
  • Hand gesture control
  • Color sorter with conveyor belts
• Aim: Understand fundamentals and gain enough experience to build your own projects.
• Course includes a clear pathway from basics to advanced with many examples.
• Course available on CV Zone platform.

Understanding Arduino

1. Example: Automated Headlights in Smart Car

   • Components Needed:
     • Headlight (output)
     • Light sensor (ambient light sensor as input)
     • Microcontroller Unit (MCU) to process input and output
   • MCU – the brain of the system, processes small amounts of info quickly.

2. Arduino Boards

   • Arduino Uno: Commonly used, 14 digital pins, 6 analog pins.
   • Arduino Mega: Larger capacity, 54 digital pins, 16 analog pins.
   • Arduino does not produce microcontrollers, but microcontroller boards with added features.

3. Arduino Software

   • Simplifies programming process.
   • High-level language reducing intricate coding.
   • Programs are uploaded via USB and run continually with power input.

Components and Signals

1. Arduino Uno Components

   • MCU
   • USB connection
   • Power jack for external batteries
   • Reset button
   • Pins: 14 digital, 6 analog, power pins (5V, ground)

2. Digital vs Analog Pins

   • Digital: On/Off (0 or 1). Example: Controlling a fan, LED light.
   • Analog: Range of values (e.g., 0-255 for 8-bit value). Example: Controlling fan speed.

3. Signal Values and Bit Depth

   • Analog input: 10-bit (0-1023)
   • Analog output: 8-bit (0-255)
   • Compare bit values (example: phone storage).

4. Examples of Input/Output Devices

   • Distance sensor (analog input)
   • Push button (digital input)
   • Motor (analog output)
   • LED (digital output)

Practical Project Examples and Connections

1. Connecting Components to Arduino

   • Use jumper wires (male to female, male to male, female to female).
   • Analog and digital pin connections: Analog pins mostly for analog input.

2. Breadboard Basics

   • Breadboard for connections: power pins (vertical) and component pins (horizontal).
   • Use of resistors to prevent burning out LEDs.
   • Connecting an LED: Positive pin to digital pin, negative pin to ground.

3. Arduino Coding Basics

   • Code structure: Initializations, setup (runs once), loop (runs repeatedly).
   • PinMode for input/output definition.
   • DigitalWrite and delay functions to control components.
   • Using variables for easier pin management.

4. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

   • Control analog output like motor speed without changing power supply.
   • Explain duty cycle (percentage of on-time in a cycle).
   • Arduino: AnalogWrite for PWM.
   • Examples: LED dimming, motor speed control.

Advanced Projects Preview

1. Face Detection with Arduino

   • Using MediaPipe and OpenCV for face detection.
   • Controlling an RGB LED based on face detection (red or green).
   • Python code to interface with Arduino using CV Zone library.

2. Potentiometer Readings

   • Using potentiometers as variable resistors.
   • Reading analog values with Arduino (0-1023 range).
   • Sending potentiometer data to Python to display or use in projects.

3. Creating Graphics in Python

   • Using OpenCV to create visual feedback on potentiometer readings.
   • Drawing ellipses and putting text on images.
   • Integrating with Arduino for real-time control and monitoring.

Installation and Setup

1. Installing Arduino IDE and Libraries

   • Download and install from Arduino.cc.
   • Include required libraries like CV Zone and MediaPipe.
   • Setting up Arduino board and port in tools menu.

2. Writing and Uploading Code

   • Example sketches and basic coding practices.
   • Testing connections with example codes.
   • Serial communication setup between Arduino and Python.

Conclusion

• Get hands-on and experiment with different components and projects.
• Create custom Arduino boards for specific projects.
• Explore endless possibilities with Arduino and computer vision.