Unlock the Power of OpenCV AI Kit

Unlock the Power of OpenCV AI Kit

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is the OpenCV AI Kit (OAK)?
3. The Capabilities of the OAK
4. Device Specifications
5. Compatibility
6. Hardware Layout
7. Out of the Box Examples
8. The Pipeline Builder
9. Unlocked Goals
10. Conclusion

Introduction

The OpenCV AI Kit (OAK) is a powerful and open-source Spatial AI system that combines the capabilities of an embedded 4K camera and a neural compute stick. In this article, we will explore the true capabilities of the OAK and why it has gained so much Attention. We will also take a deep dive into its features and discuss how it compares to other devices in the market. If You are interested in learning more about the comprehensive OpenCV AI Kit course, there will be a link provided below.

What is the OpenCV AI Kit (OAK)?

The OpenCV AI Kit, also known as OAK, is a tiny yet powerful AI system that utilizes spatial intelligence. It is capable of reasoning Based on not just what it sees, but also how far objects are located. The OAK comes in two versions: OAK-1 and OAK-D. The OAK-1 features automatic motion-based lossless digital zooming, while the OAK-D has stereo depth cameras that enable 3D object localization and tracking. In the next sections, we will explore the capabilities of these devices in Detail.

The Capabilities of the OAK

The OpenCV AI Kit is equipped with high-performance cameras and a Myriad X Visual Processing Unit (VPU) for processing visual information. The IMX378 image sensor by Sony allows for a maximum frame rate of 60FPS and has a resolution of 12MP. The OAK-1 has automatic motion-based lossless digital zooming, providing a higher resolution than the final display resolution of the image. On the other HAND, the OAK-D has stereo depth cameras that allow for 3D object localization and tracking.

Device Specifications

Both OAK devices feature the IMX378 image sensor by Sony, with a resolution of 12MP and a maximum frame rate of 60FPS. The devices have a display Field of View (DFOV) of 81 degrees and come with autofocus capabilities. The OAK-D also includes additional stereo cameras with synchronized global shutter, enabling precise depth estimation.

Compatibility

The OpenCV AI Kit is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi, ROS2, and Jetson. The API for the OAK was written in C++, with support for Python bindings using PyBind11. It also supports MicroPython, particularly on the Myriad X chip. This allows developers to choose their preferred programming language for working with the OAK.

Hardware Layout

The physical hardware of the OpenCV AI Kit is compact, with a size of approximately 65x36mm. The device features a 12MP RGB camera sensor and a USB C Type connector for power and data transmission. It also includes a reset button and various peripheral interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, and GPIO pins.

Out of the Box Examples

One of the impressive aspects of the OpenCV AI Kit is the number of ready-made examples it provides. Out of the box, the OAK offers object detection, mask detection, face detection, vehicle and license plate detection, OCR, pedestrian detection with re-identification, pose estimation, text detection with OCR, and semantic segmentation. These examples cover a wide range of applications and demonstrate the versatility of the OAK.

Detect and track anything

The OAK enables the detection and tracking of objects in real time, with a frame rate of up to 30FPS.

Combine Live Depth and AI

With the OAK, it is possible to combine live depth information with AI capabilities, enhancing the accuracy and depth Perception of the system.

Easily train your own neural networks

The OAK allows users to train their own neural networks, offering flexibility and customization options for specific applications.

The Pipeline Builder

The OpenCV AI Kit includes a pipeline builder that allows users to Create image processing pipelines using a visual scripting framework called Pyflow. With this tool, developers can drag and drop blocks, such as face detection or other transformations, to customize their applications. The pipeline builder allows for rapid prototyping and makes it easier to develop complex AI applications.

Unlocked Goals

The OpenCV AI Kit has set several milestones, which, when reached, unlock additional features and functionalities. Some of the milestones include adding an IMU to the OAK-D for image stabilization and motion-based deblurring, introducing a power-over-ethernet variant, and offering aluminum cases for the kits. These milestones showcase the continuous development and improvement of the OAK.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OpenCV AI Kit is a highly capable and flexible system for computer vision and AI applications. With its powerful cameras, Myriad X VPU, and extensive set of out-of-the-box examples, the OAK offers a wide range of possibilities for developers and researchers. Its compact form factor, compatibility with various platforms, and partnership with OpenCV make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to explore the world of Spatial AI.