Vizy Is a Raspberry Pi-Powered AI Camera
Charmed Labs' new camera employs machine vision to identify and process images, which is handled by an on-board Raspberry Pi.
Like regular cameras, AI platforms are capable of taking images and video, but unlike typical cameras, they can analyze and process those images to identify the people and objects within them, and even make useful decisions based on the captured data. Generally, AI cameras will offload any data crunching to a host PC for processing, but with the introduction of fast and efficient microcontrollers, AI cameras can now process those images locally (on-device).
To that end, Charmed Labs is getting ready to launch its latest machine vision-capable camera, dubbed Vizy, on Kickstarter in the coming days/weeks, which utilizes deep learning neural networks to recognize objects, people, and anything else that ventures into the lens. As mentioned earlier, Visy also uses an on-board processing platform — in this case, a Raspberry Pi 4 — for classification, rather than offloading to a server. Beyond the Pi, Vizy is outfitted with the Sony IMX219 image sensor found in the Pi Camera Module 2.1, so it can take advantage of the same drivers and software.
Vizy comes equipped with several ports, including USB 2.0/3.0, USB Type-C, accessible high-current IOs. Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack, and a pair of HDMI ports. It also sports an on/off button, RGB LED, top-mounted light mount, 12V DC power jack, and an internal fan to keep the hardware cool.
It’s currently unknown when Charmed Labs will launch the Vizy AI camera on Kickstarter or the starting pledge prices, but those interested can be notified by signing up on the campaign page.