Frequently Asked Questions
(Updated Oct. 27th)
Thank you everyone for the huge response. Now I get to make an FAQ where the questions were actually frequently asked. I'm going to respond to every single email that had a question when I have time this weekend (update: Okay...that took forever. From now on, I'll respond to just the ones that really need responding to. I'll still try to respond to all, but it might not be prompt). I'm really impressed with everyone's ideas. Also, I realize some of these are not questions...I don't have anything else to say about that.
Q: Where did you learn how to do this?
A: It says on the front page where on the Internet. I recommend taking the Image Video Computing class at Boston University though too, or wherever you go to school.
Q: How much did it cost to make it?
A: The turret cost about $100 without the gun or camera (but with the servo controller). I got a really good deal on servos off of craigslist, and I used my uncle's power supply. That means it would probably cost you about $150. The gun was another $50. I used my old digital camera that was $80 back in the day (2 years ago), but you could use a $15 one from Fry's or somewhere.
Q: Can I have the source code?
A: Okay, I can answer this question now. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Since I now have a company devoted to manufacturing these things, your best bet is to either 1) wait for the product to come out or 2) hack the code together yourself.
Q: Can I buy your prototype?
A: Thanks, but I'd like to hang on to it.
Q: Can you send me schematics and plans?
A: I don't have anything that I wouldn't be embarassed to send. I seem to remember my little brother and I drawing the first plans on the back of a paper plate at the dinner table because we were too lazy to get printer paper.
Q: Will you be selling the plans?
A: I haven't used CAD since 8th grade, so I don't plan to in the near future.
Q: What else have you done on it? Is your multiple target tracking system working?
A: The software will have significant upgrades for the late December prototype produced by USMechatronics.
Q: That's lame, it just tracks the brightest thing, this would be really useful against the white t-shirt soldiers.
A: No it doesn't. It uses differencing. It simply subtracts the background frame it has stored from the frame it's currently seeing and takes the absolute value. That means it will see any difference at all, not just white. As for camouflage, that might cause problems if some of the colored areas on the camouflage blend in with the background because it will break up the outline of the person (which is what it's supposed to do). There are a number of ways to remedy this problem, some of which are alternate-wavelength cameras, while others are algorithmic. As a side note, our shirts were beige, but I had my program add white to anything it thought was a target. You can see this on Ezra's pants.
Q: Do you need a job? I know a guy, who knows a guy...
A: Well this is terrifying to say...no. I guess I don't need a job. The sentry gun is my job now. It will be after school, and hopefully for a long time.
Q: I want to help you build a better one.
A: In partnering with Brian, I have all the design resources I need right now (unless you're offering some really cool thermal cameras, millimeter cameras, that sort of thing, then contact me). However, we'll be going for first round investors in late December, so please contact us if you're an investor.
Q: I built a similar one.
A: I want to hear about it. I've already heard a couple good ones, nothing exactly like it though.
Q: You should patent it.
A: I've got my provisional patent now! Thanks to everyone who sent me emails telling me I'm really stupid if I don't patent it.
Q: I have this idea, where there are lasers and sharks and stuff...
A: I would like to hear it. I've been really impressed with the ideas that have come through so far. (And to all the proponents of infrared...we actually hooked up a broken webcam minus an infrared filter and used a TV remote for illumination...getting a real setup requires real money though).
Q: When are the new videos coming?
A: It's on the front page!
Q: Are you working with anyone so I can later get an updated version of the turret?
A: Yes, as mentioned before: Brian Mullins and I have incorporated USMechatronics.
Q: What if someone builds one from your plans with a real gun and hurts someone?
A: Please don't do that, it's not nice.
Q: Aaron and Ezra are awesome!
A: What can I say? I really like these emails too. Thanks (but we're really not THAT awesome, you know, not with an exclamation point and all...).
Q: Are you single?
A: I put this question up as a joke, but then somebody actually asked it. ;)