Camera Control / Stabilisation with x-IMU

This open source project demonstrates how the x-IMU can be used to control and stabilise a 3 DOF camera mount for either control via tracking or stabilisation where the x-IMU is fixed to the camera mount base.. The camera mount is built using parts from ServoCity and the R/C servos are powered and controlled via USB using a Pololu USB servo controller. The PC application created using the x-IMU API uses the orientation data received from the x-IMU in Euler angle form to set servo angles via the Pololu USB servo controller.

For more information and source code, see:
http://www.x-io.co.uk/node/10#camera_control_via_pc

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• camera
• control
• stabilisation
• 3DOF
• gimbal
• servo
• Pololu
• ServoCity
• x-IMU
• IMU
• AHRS
• gyro
• gyroscope
• accelerometer
• magnetometer
• USB
• wireless
• Bluetooth
• SD card
• battery
• real-time
• data logger
• C#
• .NET
• dotNet
• 3D
• 6DOF
• tracking
• orientation
• attitude
• pitch
• roll
• yaw
• Euler
• angle
• rotation matrix
• quaternion
• digital IO
• analogue
• PWM
• UART

[44Magnumproductions1]

in a bench test this works fine but the problem is when you attach it to any Heli the vibrations will pass straight through to the camera. someone needs to develop a better way to dampen Vibes that would get me excited. but nice system.

[SebMadgwickResearch]

@44Magnumproductions1 High frequency stabilisation is challenging. Accomplishing this through active damping/stabilisation would require high-performance hardware and not be viable for many applications. Passive damping may provide some improvement but software stabilisation would be the probably most effective solution.

[ezmeerkicap]

Have you ever tried this system with a Stabilizer to eliminate the vibration in the image to make it look smoother? Like Glidecam or Steadicam rig?

May I know how much everything cost you?

Thanks and it is really great invention you have here to be honest.

[SebMadgwickResearch]

@ezmeerkicap I have not combined this system with software stabilisation. The 3 DOF servo gimbal was about £300 and the x-IMU is about £250. This was only a proof of concept.

[jappietoutou]

Hi, how is your software upgrade going along concerning the standalone controller for the camera gimbal ? would it be possible to introduce a joystick instead of the pc to control the servos ? I looking around for a AHRS to build a turret and install it on my plane.

JP

[SebMadgwickResearch]

That update has not received much attention yet. There is currently allot of demand for other new features which are taking priority. The proposed update would have the x-IMU control the servos via its auxiliary port (no PC required) and enable external control of the camera via PWM inputs (e.g. from a standard RC receiver).

[GTXAbunada]

@piperman2010 What the hell do you know!, In fact what you just said suggest you don't know much!

[piperman2010]

This is not a big deal....

[SebMadgwickResearch]

The system uses 3 servos to rotate a camera. Small servos could be used to suit a small platform and large servos for larger platforms. Hobby servos range from 12g 'micro servos' to large high-torque ‘yacht servos’. DIY servos (motor + gear box + potentiometer + PID controller) could be made to suit any sized platform.

[luvrboi17]

what kinds of platforms can be used with it? just small ones?