Mindboards

Hi,

Xander Soldaat, Mauro Brunato use of Microsoft's Xbox Konect, & a lost day on YouTube has got my grey matter churning! Link...

The OpenKinect Drivers and others Kinect software solutions look very promising. OpenKinect has the following wrappers available for the Libraries which function with Linux, MS Window & Mac:

* Python
* C Synchronous - Provides functions to get data instead of callbacks
* Actionscript
* C++
* C#
* Java JNI
* Java JNA
* Javascript
* Common Lisp - Getting started with libfreenect on Common Lisp

Is it possible to take a USB Data Stream through the NXT USB Port (or RS-485Port) and rebroadcast the Data to the PC Via a Bluetooth Link? An alternative & more Flexible solution to bluetooth, would be Dexter Industries NXT-WiFi module, if the USB part works?

I've been intrigued with the multiple applications an Xbox Kinect could provide as a non-tethered sensor attached to an NXT-Robot. The Kinect is by far the cheapest sensor alternative for mapping, with it's camera, depth perception etc. At $120-150 compared with laser range-finders which are 10+ times more expensive.

It would be nice to have the "NXT-Kinect" act as a more flexible version of Mindsensors NXT-Cam. My issue is the fact that I'd like the Kinect to travel with my NXT-Bots, rather than observe them.

John Hansen has created a way for you to use direct commands over RS485, so theoretically, if the wifi or xbee module has been configured properly, you should be able to send direct commands over wifi. You may need to modify the fantom library to make it work, though.

I chose to use the OpenNI framework but there are quite a number of alternatives. I am currently working on some things for LEGOWorld 2011 in Zwolle. I am programming it in C# in Visual Studio 2010. When I am done, my software will be available on my blog for everyone to play with.

- Xander

Thanx Xander.

John Hansen has created a way for you to use direct commands over RS485, so theoretically, if the wifi or xbee module has been configured properly, you should be able to send direct commands over wifi. You may need to modify the fantom library to make it work, though.

From the NXT Hardware (SDK) point of view, I was reasonably confident it was possible. On the Firmware/Software level I did have my concerns.

I guess I'll have to have a bit more of a play and see what I can achieve using USB I/O to RS485 direct connection and with my NXT-Bees. Although to get the Xbox Kinect information processed, a X-Bee module attached to the PC is a must.

I am looking forward to Dexter Industries NXT-Wi-Fi Modules arrival and details on the capabilities.