Face Tracking Gundam Head Using ESP32-CAM

Continue to build project of combining electronics and modelling, this time the Exceed Model Gundam Head is used with improving individual problems encountered in last project.

Key features

Based on the current real robot structure as the foundation of head activity
Face detection and tracking without external computer
Fake Psycho Frame (Running LED)
Other light and sound effects
IoT project build by ESP32-CAM，Attiny85

Blog : https://kwluk717.blogspot.com/2020/02/gundam-head-project-11.html

Renovation focus

Main lens

In fact, Gundam is mono-eye as well, refer to Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 16 (16:35)

Head activity

Traditionally, neck activity can present by pan-tilt action is enough. Due to personal preference, it is expected that the model can present in a more robotic like, after referring number of real-world examples, these three-axis designs is finally be used. In fact, it is not a special design but only considerate the simplicity on implementation.

Other structures

The power tubes are made by metal tubes with ball join and 1.2mm plastic platform.
There are a lot of things that need to put into the model, the Gundam Head interior has been cut largely to take more space.
As reminded by a modellers forum from Korea, Char Aznable has used Morse Code in the Battle of Loum with refer to Episode of MS Igloo. Last time unable apply to Zaku Head Project and now it is a feature for Gundam.

Detailed explanation as follow

Electronics Reform Part

Electricity reform mainly has three parts:

1. ESP32-CAM

ESP32 micro controller panel with camera module for IoT production, its jobs in this project includes

Connect to Wifi AP to provide network services
Act as WebServer to provide web page to receive external instructions
Control of camera and other services such as human face recognition
Servo control
As I2C Master to communicate with the Attiny85 x 2

2. Attiny85 x 2

A common use and simple microcontroller, 8k flash memory, to be configured as I2C slave

One for LED control
One for Audio control with (DFPlayer) and Buzzer

3. 4017 + 555

Decimal counter and timer to build running LED effects

555 - a timer generator, for running LED speed control
4017- a decimal counter for LED on/off c. 10 x 100µF capacitors for LED fade-out effect

Modelmaking - Step1

1. Head Main Lens

According to Gundam episode, the main lens is located at the top head position.

Front side is added with the lens while the rear is the entire quadrangle saw edgy, rebuilt with 1.7mm transparent plastic plate, together with a 3mm LED at the back. And the outer shell saw sits away the connection bit into a mountable appearance.

2. Vulcan Cannon

Boreholes plus LED are made

Modelmaking - Step2

3. Eye

Made by 1 x 0603 LED + 2 x 0402 LED and 4 x 0402 LED, in which the 4 x LED are used for running LED effect.

After adding LEDs, because the original eye transparent parts are too thick to see the interior detail clearly, after experiment, finally transparent plastic plate is used.

Modelmaking - Step3

4. Internal structure

Front position saw open pit pattern wiring, so to improve the appearance of the rear opening.

With the use of copper tube to make longer open amplitude of side covers, with the reed switch to trigger light effect control, and the covers are fixed with strong magnet.

Modelmaking - Step4

5. RX System

Left Side

Boring added, formerly build named ZAKU System and named RX System this time as response XD.

They made by pad printing paper with letter-by-letter reversal on tape then printed to the model surface, but after completion, I unexpectedly destroyed the first two letters, and the final version added LED

Right Side
Now that words and LEDs were added at one side, the other side wants something different.

Therefore, running LED with the smallest package 0402 were used at right side.