Computer Hacks

Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)

  This Automated License Plate Recognition system makes short work of looking up massive numbers of license plates. I wonder if there is a system that will make the plate appear fine while looking at it but cause a mis-read when read in using the camera system? “Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology is made up of several elements. Platefinder – Sophisticated firmware continually searches the camera’s field of view

Mouse Pad Couch

There are lots of mouse pads that are finding their way into the garbage since the new optical mice don’t need them for traction. Instead of tossing them why not make some furniture out of them. 🙂 “Here is the Mouse Pad Couch in my Office. We conduct meetings, work on problems, or just relax from a stressful day on it.”

Completed 6 Axis PC Controller

  You might remember the article of the in progress 6 Axis PC Controller, well it is now complete. This thing is very impressive, doesn’t look like the standard weekend DIY because of the complexity. “My microcontroller doesn’t have built-in I2C or SPI, so I needed to implement one of my own. I also didn’t have interrupt pins available, meaning my solution needed to be based on polling. When all

Ultrasonic Range Finder with Computer Simulation

  The ultrasonic sensor and computer software provide a convincing illusion of direct interaction. “Another installation exercise. Idea copied from another installation for ease. Ultrasonic range finder is used to detect distance of object form it and data is processed in flash, and displayed in form of grass. Same technique can apply to many other skin like running people (from the UFO… )”

 Roomba Tilt Control with MacBook & Perl

  Driving your Roomba around using your phone is so last month… Today the cool way to do it is by tilting your Apple MacBook. I wonder what Todd will come up with next? “This project shows you how to use the built-in tilt sensors of the MacBook to control a Roomba. Since Perl hasn’t been used to program a Roomba yet, it seemed like a fun task to show

BBot 2.0 - Dual-Axis Self-Balancing Robot

  Self balancing robots have become very popular in recent years. BBot will be at the top of the heap soon since it is soon to have Bluetooth capability and be able to balance on a ball. Have a look at the robot here, and if you are interested in making your own you can buy all the parts needed here. “The main objectives were: * integrate the motor driver