learning-garden/training/modules/photonvision.md

type, domain, subdomain, level, tags, prerequisites, source, status, growth

type	domain	subdomain	level	tags	prerequisites	source	status	growth
training-material	programming	vision	2	photonvision vision apriltag python raspberry-pi	programming-level-1 electrical-level-1	https://photonvision.org/	active	tree

PhotonVision — FRC Computer Vision

Website: https://photonvision.org/ Purpose: Free, fast, easy computer vision for FRC

What It Is

PhotonVision is the largest FOSS FRC vision project. It runs on a coprocessor (Raspberry Pi 3/4, OrangePi 3, etc.) and handles:

• AprilTag detection and pose estimation
• Object detection (ML-based)
• Multi-camera support
• Driver mode integration

Why We Use It

Team 2890 runs PhotonVision on Mothman for AprilTag detection. It's our primary vision system.

Key Capabilities

• AprilTag Tracking — Out of the box FRC target support
• Multi-Tag Pose — Fuse all available data for peak accuracy
• Camera Calibration — Per-camera intrinsics maximize homography accuracy
• ML Object Detection — Hardware-accelerated inferencing for gamepieces
• Driver Mode — Same camera for driving and vision
• Multi-Camera — Run as many cameras as hardware supports

Getting Started

1. Download PhotonVision image for your coprocessor
2. Flash to SD card
3. Connect to network — start tracking in minutes
4. Configure via web dashboard

Connection to YAGSL

PhotonVision works alongside YAGSL (swerve). YAGSL handles drive control, PhotonVision handles vision targets.

2026 Champs Talk

PhotonVision 2026 presentation covers:

• Rubik Pi 3 hardware
• Object Detection with PhotonVision
• Slide deck coming soon

In The Curriculum

This topic belongs in:

• Programming Track → Level 2 (after basic Java/WPILib)
• Vision Module (Apriltag tracking, camera setup)

Source

https://photonvision.org/