Using External Webcam with Control Hub

[[email protected]]

I'm trying to use an external Webcam with my Rev Control Hub, so I can use Tensor Flow/Vuforia. I installed the lasted OS (1.1.2), Robot Controller App (V6.1), and Firmware (1.8.2) on my Control Hub and the lasted version of the Driver Station App on my Moto (V 6.0). I was hoping this would fix my problems. I followed the tutorial on GitHub and modified the OnBot Blocks template "ConceptTensorFlowObjectDetectionWebcam" to display Target Zone. The code runs without error, but I think it cannot "see" anything through the "Webcam 1" that I configured.

1. When I run the code it always displays on my Driver Station phone: "TFOD: No items detected"
2. I also get a "warning" on my Driver Station phone that says my "Robot Controller and Driver Sation app versions do not match. You should update the Driver Station app." When I go into my "About" on the Driver Station app is shows the latest version of 6.0 and 6.1 for the Robot Controller app.
3. Also on my Driver Sation app, I cannot see the option in the menu drop down to view what the Webcam is "seeing"

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Amy

[[email protected]]

Update: I can view my Webcam stream. I just didn't wait long enough at first when I init my opmode.

I CANNOT see any OnBot Java opmodes from my Driver Station phone, only Block opmodes. Any idea why?

[[email protected]]

I can see the ring stack from my Driver Station phone's Video Stream, but when I run the code it always returns "No items detected." Do I need to load pictures into a library to read first?

[4634 Programmer]

2. I also get a "warning" on my Driver Station phone that says my "Robot Controller and Driver Sation app versions do not match. You should update the Driver Station app." When I go into my "About" on the Driver Station app is shows the latest version of 6.0 and 6.1 for the Robot Controller app.

There is a v6.1 version of the DS app, but you can't get it from Google Play. It's only available on GitHub: https://github.com/FIRST-Tech-Challe...on-release.apk or you can also use REV's hardware client software to install it.

[Westside]

[email protected]

You don't need to preload images for TensorFlow to recognize the rings.

Perhaps start with the unmodified sample OpMode, to achieve recognition of the rings. Then implement your desired programming changes step by step, testing at each stage.

Some tips for the DS OpModes list:
- check the appropriate list (Autonomous vs. TeleOp)
- confirm the code wasn't designated as "Not an OpMode"
- "Build Everything" must run cleanly

FYI, version 6.1 shows an icon indicating the source of an OpMode (Blocks, OBJ or Android Studio). Perhaps your filenames are similar?

***

You found this tutorial already, but for others' reference:

https://github.com/FIRST-Tech-Challe...ection-Op-Mode

That tutorial is linked in Topic 6 here:
https://github.com/FIRST-Tech-Challe...dvanced-Topics

[[email protected]]

Thank you! I'm not sure how to get this new version on my phone. Is there any documentation on this update to the Driver Station app? I have the file downloaded on my Driver Station phone, but I'm not sure what to do next. I did look in the Rev Hardware Client app, but it only lets me download the same file. I didn't see how to install or update my phone app. I appreciate any help you can offer!

Also, I still cannot get my opMode to detect any objects even though when I run the opMode, I can see the rings in my Camera Stream. The Camera Stream only shows the picture with some dots but not the confidence level like in the tutorial on Git Hub.

[Westside]

If you have the file on the DS phone, just touch the filename.

You've already done most of this full process for manual installation, called side-loading:

1. Download to your laptop the .apk file (Android app) from here:
https://github.com/FIRST-Tech-Challe...on-release.apk

2. Connect the laptop via USB cable to the DS phone; swipe down to allow file transfer (not just charging). Copy and paste the .apk file into the phone's download folder.

3. On the phone, touch the filename to begin installation. For folder navigation some phones need a proper file manager, available at the Google Play Store. Your phone may prompt you to change a security setting to allow installation from "unknown sources" (namely not from the Play Store).


***

Regarding TFOD, the dots indicate that TensorFlow is running, working to recognize the rings. Try different angles, lighting, distances and backgrounds. Then experiment with the new digital zoom feature, for use on the robot (at a distance).

[[email protected]]

Thank you! I was able to successfully install the Driver Station app update. I also changed the angle of my robot to be more level, and TensorFlow is now recognizing the rings most of the time. Unfortunately, sometimes it recognizes a four ring stack as a "Single" and sometimes correctly as a "Quad." I tried better light, and it seems to be more accurate. Is that typical?

You have been VERY helpful! I'm a rookie coach, and I need all the help I can get.

[Westside]

Good job! Now you can focus on characterizing the TFOD behavior in your environment (field lighting, webcam, position on robot, etc.) There's no 'typical', or right or wrong, just learn how it behaves and plan your Autonomous accordingly.

Feel free to continue posting questions here at the FTC Forum. For small/quick issues you can PM me.