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PlayStation (Games) Software Robotics The Military Linux

PS3 Enters DARPA Urban Challenge 39

billdar writes "Terrasoft Solutions posted an article on their development of a stereo vision object detection system built upon Sony's PS3 for Axion Racing's entry into the DARPA Urban Challenge. The PS3 running Yellow Dog Linux replaced one of the on-board Dell servers to process the realtime stereoscopic sensor data. The whole system was developed and integrated onto the vehicle in ten days. So far, Spirit has been making the competition's highlight reels."
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PS3 Enters DARPA Urban Challenge

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  • Could've been worse (Score:3, Interesting)

    by Dr. Eggman ( 932300 ) on Tuesday October 30, 2007 @11:31AM (#21172359)
    This Prius [tgdaily.com] had a more spectacular escape attempt. Personally, though, I'm rooting for Team Oshkosh [darpa.mil], formerly Team Terramax. They completed the grand challenge course (one of only 4 to do so), but they took way too long to place so here's hoping they do better this year! Oh, and here's hoping they're quick on the kill switch if that monster of a truck glitches out...
  • by R2.0 ( 532027 ) on Tuesday October 30, 2007 @11:45AM (#21172599)
    ...and jump out of the vehicle and beat up a hooker?
  • not done? (Score:3, Funny)

    by tomstdenis ( 446163 ) <tomstdenis.gmail@com> on Tuesday October 30, 2007 @11:54AM (#21172737) Homepage
    Being amazed that a 450W computer ... can compute things?

    It's not like this is a Z-80 with 8KB of ram.
    • Re: (Score:3, Insightful)

      by vasqzr ( 619165 )
      It's mentioned that the PS3 is replacing '6 Dell servers'

      What are the specs on these servers? Are older Pentium 4 servers being replaced, or are they newer machines?

      Then again, if a new Dell server (dual quadcore for example) could do the job all on it's own, thats' $3,000 compared to $600 for the PS3. Impressive showing, and a good use of the specialized hardware that the Cell brings to the table.

      • So what, just one microwave oven can cook my supper in less time than 10 PS3s!

        You may ask yourself, "wtf?" Well it's all about job. If your task is highly parellized vector processing, than chances are good that the PS3 is an awesome fit. Let's see how fast the PS3 can, say, compiler C source code compared a core 2 processor, etc...

        Not saying the PS3 doesn't look like a cool platform, just it's kinda funny that each of these stories act as if it's newsworthy. Like saying "powered by linux" whenever Linu
      • Impressive showing, and a good use of the specialized hardware that the Cell brings to the table.
        Impressive showing, and a good use of the subsidized hardware that the Cell brings to the table.

        Fixed it for ya.
  • Makes the new DS3 rumble pack rather reduntant now doesn't it?
  • by svnt ( 697929 )
    How does he plan on syncing the frames? No mention is made of this, and all examples are taken from static environments. Disparity maps are all but useless if there is much change in position (e.g. on a moving vehicle) between frame acquisitions.
    • Re: (Score:3, Informative)

      by billdar ( 595311 ) *
      The examples in the center of the page are snapshots from the first field test when the truck was moving.

      Basically, the PS3 grabs a handle and opens a data connection to each camera. Thats the slowest part of the system. The reads are done simultaneously in different threads. Pulling the next frames require both current reads to complete first. Grabbing the data from the cameras is limited by USB bandwidth and the capture speed of the cameras.

      That ends up giving you a worst-case sync deviation of

As you will see, I told them, in no uncertain terms, to see Figure one. -- Dave "First Strike" Pare

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