Embedded Real-Time Ball Detection Unit for the YABIRO Biped Robot

Estimation of objects in a 3D space is a fundamental problem in computer vision and robotics. This paper describes an algorithm and its implementation for a vision module as a sensor of a biped robot (YABIRO). The embedded vision sensor is able to estimate the position of objects like spheres in 3D space. Objects are defined with their size and color in a model. The vision sensor detects the positions or at least the directions to the objects and stores them in a history. The algorithm includes a new voting system for detected objects, based on how trustable the detection was, and a new edge filter to terminate edges on the circle border for the circle detection. The systems frame rate depends on the area of interest and lies between 5 Hz and 20 Hz. With a mechanical size of 36times32mm it is smaller than a matchbox