In this video we show you the keys to radically improving the image quality from the Raspberry Pi Camera. We show how to set Gstreamer caps and props in OpenCV to get stunning image ‘pop’ from this inexpensive camera. If you follow this lesson you will be able to get better image quality from your Raspberry Pi cameras.

The code below has the improved camSet string we developed in this lesson. I have noticed that there can be variation between different Raspberry Pi cameras. Hence, you can adjust the parameters to get the best quality image from your particular camera. Also, results will depend on lighting conditions. You can adjust the wbmode to match your lighting situation, and you can tweak the contrast, brightness and saturation to dial in the perfect picture quality.

import cv2
print(cv2.__version__)
width=1280
height=720
flip=2
camSet='nvarguscamerasrc sensor-id=0 ee-mode=1 ee-strength=0 tnr-mode=2 tnr-strength=1 wbmode=3 ! video/x-raw(memory:NVMM), width=3264, height=2464, framerate=21/1,format=NV12 ! nvvidconv flip-method='+str(flip)+' ! video/x-raw, width='+str(width)+', height='+str(height)+', format=BGRx ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! videobalance contrast=1.3 brightness=-.2 saturation=1.2 ! appsink '
#camSet='nvarguscamerasrc sensor-id=0 ! video/x-raw(memory:NVMM), width=3264, height=2464, framerate=21/1,format=NV12 ! nvvidconv flip-method='+str(flip)+' ! video/x-raw, width='+str(width)+', height='+str(height)+', format=BGRx ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! appsink'
#camSet ='v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! video/x-raw,width='+str(width)+',height='+str(height)+',framerate=20/1 ! videoconvert ! appsink'
cam=cv2.VideoCapture(camSet)
while True:
    _, frame = cam.read()
    cv2.imshow('myCam',frame)
    cv2.moveWindow('myCam',0,0)
    if cv2.waitKey(1)==ord('q'):
        break
cam.release()
cv2.destroyAllWindows()

import cv2

print(cv2.__version__)

width=1280

height=720

flip=2

camSet='nvarguscamerasrc sensor-id=0 ee-mode=1 ee-strength=0 tnr-mode=2 tnr-strength=1 wbmode=3 ! video/x-raw(memory:NVMM), width=3264, height=2464, framerate=21/1,format=NV12 ! nvvidconv flip-method='+str(flip)+' ! video/x-raw, width='+str(width)+', height='+str(height)+', format=BGRx ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! videobalance contrast=1.3 brightness=-.2 saturation=1.2 ! appsink '

#camSet='nvarguscamerasrc sensor-id=0 ! video/x-raw(memory:NVMM), width=3264, height=2464, framerate=21/1,format=NV12 ! nvvidconv flip-method='+str(flip)+' ! video/x-raw, width='+str(width)+', height='+str(height)+', format=BGRx ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! appsink'

#camSet ='v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! video/x-raw,width='+str(width)+',height='+str(height)+',framerate=20/1 ! videoconvert ! appsink'

cam=cv2.VideoCapture(camSet)

while True:

_, frame = cam.read()

cv2.imshow('myCam',frame)

cv2.moveWindow('myCam',0,0)

if cv2.waitKey(1)==ord('q'):

break

cam.release()

cv2.destroyAllWindows()

Jetson Xavier NX Lesson 2: Installing Visual Studio Code on NVIDIA Jetpack 4.4

June 18, 2020 admin

In this video lesson, we show you how to install Visual Studio Code (code-oss) on the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX. We take you through the process step by step. If you want to play along at home, you can get the gear you need HERE.

Arduino, Tutorial

Arduino Tutorial 66: Controlling DC Motor, Speed and Direction with a Remote

June 16, 2020 admin

IR Control DC Motor — Circuit for IR Remote Control of DC Motor

In this lesson we develop a project that allow Remote Control of the speed and direction of a DC Motor. We use an Arduino Nano, and components from the Elegoo Kit. Also, to facilitate a clean build, we use Straight Jumper Wires.

The motor is connected according to this schematic:

Connection Diagram for a DC Motor Controller using the L293 Control Chip

Also, the remote control receiver is connected as follows: R on Remote to 5V, G on Remote to Ground, and Y on the Remote to Arduino Digital Pin 9. Go back and check out Tutorial 65 if you need more details on the Remote Module Connections.

In this video we will take you step by step through the build and coding for the project.

The code below is the software we developed in the video.

#include <IRremote.h>
int IRpin=9;
IRrecv IR(IRpin);
decode_results cmd;
String myCom;

int speedPin=5;
int dir1=4;
int dir2=3;
int mSpeed=255;

void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
IR.enableIRIn();

pinMode(speedPin,OUTPUT);
pinMode(dir1,OUTPUT);
pinMode(dir2,OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(dir1,HIGH);
digitalWrite(dir2,LOW);
}

void loop() {
  while (IR.decode(&cmd)==0){ 
}
delay(1500);
IR.resume();

if (cmd.value==0xFF6897){
  myCom="zero";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF30CF){
  myCom="one";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF18E7){
  myCom="two";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF7A85){
  myCom="three";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF10EF){
  myCom="four";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF38C7){
  myCom="five";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF5AA5){
  myCom="six";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF42BD){
  myCom="seven";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF4AB5){
  myCom="eight";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF52AD){
  myCom="nine";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}

if (cmd.value==0xFFA25D){
  myCom="pwr";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF629D){
  myCom="v+";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFE21D){
  myCom="fun";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF22DD){
  myCom="rew";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF02FD){
  myCom="play";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFC23D){
  myCom="ff";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFE01F){
  myCom="dn";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFA857){
  myCom="v-";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF906F){
  myCom="up";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF9867){
  myCom="eq";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFB04F
){
  myCom="st";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (myCom=="pwr"){
  digitalWrite(dir1,LOW);
digitalWrite(dir2,HIGH);
analogWrite(speedPin,255);
}
if (myCom=="fun"){
  digitalWrite(dir1,LOW);
digitalWrite(dir2,HIGH);
analogWrite(speedPin,0);
}
if (myCom=="ff"){
  digitalWrite(dir1,LOW);
  digitalWrite(dir2,HIGH);
  analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);
}
if (myCom=="rew"){
  digitalWrite(dir1,HIGH);
  digitalWrite(dir2,LOW);
  analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);
}
if (myCom=="up"){
  mSpeed=mSpeed+15;
  if (mSpeed>255){
    mSpeed=255;
  }
  analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);
}
if (myCom=="dn"){
  mSpeed=mSpeed-15;
  if (mSpeed<0){
    mSpeed=0;
  }
  analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);
}
}

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#include <IRremote.h>

int IRpin=9;

IRrecv IR(IRpin);

decode_results cmd;

String myCom;

int speedPin=5;

int dir1=4;

int dir2=3;

int mSpeed=255;

void setup()

{

Serial.begin(9600);

IR.enableIRIn();

pinMode(speedPin,OUTPUT);

pinMode(dir1,OUTPUT);

pinMode(dir2,OUTPUT);

digitalWrite(dir1,HIGH);

digitalWrite(dir2,LOW);

}

void loop() {

while (IR.decode(&cmd)==0){

}

delay(1500);

IR.resume();

if (cmd.value==0xFF6897){

myCom="zero";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF30CF){

myCom="one";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF18E7){

myCom="two";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF7A85){

myCom="three";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF10EF){

myCom="four";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF38C7){

myCom="five";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF5AA5){

myCom="six";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF42BD){

myCom="seven";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF4AB5){

myCom="eight";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF52AD){

myCom="nine";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFA25D){

myCom="pwr";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF629D){

myCom="v+";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFE21D){

myCom="fun";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF22DD){

myCom="rew";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF02FD){

myCom="play";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFC23D){

myCom="ff";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFE01F){

myCom="dn";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFA857){

myCom="v-";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF906F){

myCom="up";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF9867){

myCom="eq";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFB04F

){

myCom="st";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (myCom=="pwr"){

digitalWrite(dir1,LOW);

digitalWrite(dir2,HIGH);

analogWrite(speedPin,255);

}

if (myCom=="fun"){

digitalWrite(dir1,LOW);

digitalWrite(dir2,HIGH);

analogWrite(speedPin,0);

}

if (myCom=="ff"){

digitalWrite(dir1,LOW);

digitalWrite(dir2,HIGH);

analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);

}

if (myCom=="rew"){

digitalWrite(dir1,HIGH);

digitalWrite(dir2,LOW);

analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);

}

if (myCom=="up"){

mSpeed=mSpeed+15;

if (mSpeed>255){

mSpeed=255;

}

analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);

}

if (myCom=="dn"){

mSpeed=mSpeed-15;

if (mSpeed<0){

mSpeed=0;

}

analogWrite(speedPin,mSpeed);

}

NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX

Jetson Xavier NX Lesson 4: Understanding and Using Gstreamer for Absolute Beginners

June 10, 2020 admin

In this lesson we show you how to understand the great mystery known as Gstreamer. Most folks using the NVIDIA Jetson Nano or the NVIDIA Jetson Exavier NX just copy and past the launch string they found on the internet, but do not have a clue how Gstreamer actually works. In this video we will take you through it step-by-step, and show you how to actually understand what you are doing, and how to design your own pipes for maximum performance and image quality. Below are all the commands we used in the video lesson

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc ! alsasink

gst-inspect-1.0 audiotestsrc

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! alsasink

gst-inspect-1.0 audiotestsrc

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! audio/x-raw, format=U8 ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! audio/x-raw, format=U18LE ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! audio/x-raw, format=U18LE ! audioconvert ! audio/x-raw, format=U8 ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc ! ximagesink

gst-inspect-1.0 videotestsrc

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=11 ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! ximagesink

gst-inspect-1.0 autovideoconvert

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, width=1280, height=960 !  ximagesink 

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, width=1280, height=960, framerate=30/1 !  ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, width=1280, height=960, framerate=1/1 !  ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! autovideo

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc !  nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=1280,height=840 ! autovideoconvert  !  ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! "video/x-raw(memory:NVMM),width=3264,height=2464,format=NV12,framerate=21/1" !  nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=640,height=480 ! autovideoconvert  !  ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! "video/x-raw(memory:NVMM),width=3264,height=2464,format=NV12,framerate=21/1" !  nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=640,height=480 ! autovideoconvert  ! agingtv ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! "video/x-raw(memory:NVMM),width=3264,height=2464,format=NV12,framerate=21/1" !  nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=640,height=480 ! autovideoconvert  ! agingtv ! ximagesink


gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! "video/x-raw(memory:NVMM),width=3264,height=2464,format=NV12,framerate=21/1" !  nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=1280,height=960 ! autovideoconvert  ! agingtv ! coloreffects preset=sepia ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0  v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! xvimagesink

gst-launch-1.0  v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! video/x-raw,framerate=20/1,width=864,height=480 ! xvimagesink

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc ! alsasink

gst-inspect-1.0 audiotestsrc

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! alsasink

gst-inspect-1.0 audiotestsrc

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! audio/x-raw, format=U8 ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! audio/x-raw, format=U18LE ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 audiotestsrc freq=500 ! audio/x-raw, format=U18LE ! audioconvert ! audio/x-raw, format=U8 ! alsasink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc ! ximagesink

gst-inspect-1.0 videotestsrc

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=11 ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! ximagesink

gst-inspect-1.0 autovideoconvert

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, width=1280, height=960 ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, width=1280, height=960, framerate=30/1 ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 videotestsrc pattern=0 ! video/x-raw, format=BGR ! autovideoconvert ! videoconvert ! video/x-raw, width=1280, height=960, framerate=1/1 ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! autovideo

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=1280,height=840 ! autovideoconvert ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! "video/x-raw(memory:NVMM),width=3264,height=2464,format=NV12,framerate=21/1" ! nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=640,height=480 ! autovideoconvert ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 nvarguscamerasrc ! "video/x-raw(memory:NVMM),width=3264,height=2464,format=NV12,framerate=21/1" ! nvvidconv flip-method=2 ! video/x-raw,width=1280,height=960 ! autovideoconvert ! agingtv ! coloreffects preset=sepia ! ximagesink

gst-launch-1.0 v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! xvimagesink

gst-launch-1.0 v4l2src device=/dev/video1 ! video/x-raw,framerate=20/1,width=864,height=480 ! xvimagesink

Arduino, Tutorial

Arduino Tutorial 65: Creating Useful Commands from IR Remote Buttons

June 9, 2020 admin

In this lesson we show you how to map button pushes on the Infrared Remote Control to useful functions in the Arduino. This code can serve as the basis for using the remote control in many different applications.

We are building this with parts from our Elegoo Kit , and our actual build is using an Arduino Nano, which allows the project to be built on a single breadboard. You can get the neat jumper wires HERE.

The code developed in the video is available below:

#include <IRremote.h>
int IRpin=9;
IRrecv IR(IRpin);
decode_results cmd;
String myCom;
void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
IR.enableIRIn();
}

void loop() {
  while (IR.decode(&cmd)==0){ 
}
delay(1500);
IR.resume();

if (cmd.value==0xFF6897){
  myCom="zero";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF30CF){
  myCom="one";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF18E7){
  myCom="two";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF7A85){
  myCom="three";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF10EF){
  myCom="four";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF38C7){
  myCom="five";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF5AA5){
  myCom="six";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF42BD){
  myCom="seven";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF4AB5){
  myCom="eight";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF52AD){
  myCom="nine";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}

if (cmd.value==0xFFA25D){
  myCom="pwr";
  Serial.println(myCom); 
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF629D){
  myCom="v+";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFE21D){
  myCom="fun";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF22DD){
  myCom="rew";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF02FD){
  myCom="play";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFC23D){
  myCom="ff";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFE01F){
  myCom="dn";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFA857){
  myCom="v-";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF906F){
  myCom="up";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFF9867){
  myCom="eq";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}
if (cmd.value==0xFFB04F
){
  myCom="st";
  Serial.println(myCom);
}

}

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#include <IRremote.h>

int IRpin=9;

IRrecv IR(IRpin);

decode_results cmd;

String myCom;

void setup()

{

Serial.begin(9600);

IR.enableIRIn();

}

void loop() {

while (IR.decode(&cmd)==0){

}

delay(1500);

IR.resume();

if (cmd.value==0xFF6897){

myCom="zero";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF30CF){

myCom="one";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF18E7){

myCom="two";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF7A85){

myCom="three";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF10EF){

myCom="four";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF38C7){

myCom="five";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF5AA5){

myCom="six";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF42BD){

myCom="seven";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF4AB5){

myCom="eight";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF52AD){

myCom="nine";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFA25D){

myCom="pwr";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF629D){

myCom="v+";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFE21D){

myCom="fun";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF22DD){

myCom="rew";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF02FD){

myCom="play";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFC23D){

myCom="ff";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFE01F){

myCom="dn";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFA857){

myCom="v-";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF906F){

myCom="up";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFF9867){

myCom="eq";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

if (cmd.value==0xFFB04F

){

myCom="st";

Serial.println(myCom);

}

Technology Tutorials

Jetson Xavier NX Lesson 5: Improving Raspberry Pi Camera Image Quality in Gstreamer

Jetson Xavier NX Lesson 2: Installing Visual Studio Code on NVIDIA Jetpack 4.4

Arduino Tutorial 66: Controlling DC Motor, Speed and Direction with a Remote

Jetson Xavier NX Lesson 4: Understanding and Using Gstreamer for Absolute Beginners

Arduino Tutorial 65: Creating Useful Commands from IR Remote Buttons

Making The World a Better Place One High Tech Project at a Time. Enjoy!