Help me build a robotic photographer wiht Sony Party-Shot

[aluminumwelder]

HI I'm a newbie and appreciate any help I can get. I already did a search for photographer and sony party shot and did not see any previous discussion.
Here is what I want to make.

Basically it is an Irobot Create with a light 4.75 ft tall aluminum pole on which a sony party shot module is mounted on top of. the sony party shot is basically an automatic camera system that has facial detection that will automatic scan and rotate the surroundings looking for people to take photos of. I envision using it at corporate parties, weddings and just random stuff for fun.

I have never done any robotics work, but I am very techy. My programming experience is very small. I took a BASIC class about 12 years ago in college.

I may add a R2D2 Skin over the unit to give it a starwars theme, but I'm worried about weight and balance. It maybe too top heavy. I will probably add some kind of bumper system at the top, because it's bound to get knocked over. I may also weld up some aluminum tube anti tip extentions so the unit is harder to knock over.

OK, that's the background here is my questions.
I want to program it to randomly go around a room and pause for say 40 seconds , scan and take shots. I think the Create base will need to stop or the camera will get too confused and not do a good job. I have never used either device so perhaps this hypothesis is incorrect.
I looked at the Create Module's instructions and see that it has some demo modes

Code: Select all

0 Cover Create attempts to cover an entire
room using a combination of behaviors,
such as random bounce, wall following,
and spiraling.
2 Spot Cover Create covers an area around its
starting position by spiraling outward,
then inward.
3 Mouse Create drives in search of a wall. Once
a wall is found, Create drives along the
wall, traveling around circumference of
the room.
5 Wimp Create drives forward when pushed from
behind. If Create hits an obstacle while
driving, it drives away from the obstacle.


I like mode zero, but I think I would only want random bounce, not spiraling. Can anyone recommend a programmer to do this?

I also want some kind of sensor so that it does not run into objects and people. I've seen the roomba hit things before they change direction. I'd prefer the sensor be used to avoid hitting things; i was thinking a 2' proximity would be fine.

Any other suggestions will be appreciated. thanks for your time.

[mfortuna]

Check out this thread for some ideas:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=15779

[aluminumwelder]

thanks, unfortunately I don't understand a lot of that technical stuff. I sent you a private message though

[vic7767]

Here's another interface option you can use with the Create: http://www.ez-robot.com/

[aluminumwelder]

OK, cool thanks for the additional resources for $235 is that the easiest way to go?
Basically EASYIEST is the key for me. I do not mind paying for it, I dont' want to spend days figguring out code, and re programming something.

Perhaps I should just get some roomba virtual walls and call it a day? @ $20 each they are cheap and easy enough. However I do not know if they work with the CREATE unit and I might still have the issue of the robot bumping into things.

any input is welcome.

[vic7767]

The nice thing about the EZ-Board is that programming is not necessary. The complete kit comes with a wireless camera. Some wire cutting and some soldering skills are needed.

The older Roomba virtual walls will work with the Create but you will still have bump issues.

[mfortuna]

It looks like the create and command module may be things of the past since I don't see them on Irobot's store. What vic7767 pointed it out is cool but pricey. You could use an Arduino along with a DB25 cable to do the same thing as the command module. A lot cheaper.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11224

and the HC-SR04 Distance Sensor shown on the ez-robot page plus a db25 cable will set you back less than $50.

[aluminumwelder]

They still sell them
http://store.irobot.com/family/index.js ... ProductAge
the EZrobot website forum said I would need more sensors so my robot did not hit skinny objects like table legs and chairs.

I'll send you a private message and see if you can help me out. Thanks for the ideas.

[vic7767]

Something else that's now missing from the Create accessory page is the 7-pin mini din to USB cable. Wonder why ?