License and STL files?

[abetusk]

This project looks great, thanks for creating it!

I don't see any licenses on the source code or the STL (or other) files and the corresponding license files. The name "open" is in the name of the project and usually that has a connotation of being under an "open source model" that makes source, design files and other materials available under a free license.

Is the intent that the source files and other design files be made under a free/libre license? If so, could you add the STL files along with a license to the code and other materials? If not, could you clearly explain in the documentation that this project is not open source?

[borntoleave]

Open Source is more on the software side. The license will probably be MIT. If you check the codes in TrivialTricks, where I post some test codes, they should already been given MIT lisence.

There will be at least one open source hardware model like https://youtu.be/uuVX23HES6g available after this busy launching month. I'll also take the last month to polish the codes until I'm happy with.

Thanks for your patience!

[abetusk]

Thanks for the response!

At the time I looked at the linked code, I don't see any source files with license headers, nor do I see
a LICENSE file.

If you don't plan on releasing the STL or other build files, I would suggest stating clearly in the README or other documentation that these are not available and the "open" in "OpenCat" only refers to the source code. I imagine others have a similar expectation as I do that the "open" in the name refers to the source code and other files necessary to create the project, not just the software side.

Whatever you decide to release under a free/libre license, I would urge you to do so early without too much worry about cleaning the code. I've seen many projects claim to be "open", promising to release source or data files at a later date after they've been cleaned up, only to never be released. I don't believe this is due to malice but due to lack of attention from an overloaded schedule.

I believe publishing what you have and then adding as you update is a much better model. This allows the community to see what the process is, add if desired and, more importantly, makes sure that if for any reason you should abandon the project, the most recent snapshot is available to the public.

[borntoleave]

There's no need to worry that I "promising to release source or data files at a later date after they've been cleaned up, only to never be released. " Nybble's motion is controlled by Arduino, and users will need to upload source code to play with it. Check back one months later when I start to ship the first Nybbles.

My apologies that I just realized only a few of the codes are liscenced. I got that wrong impression because I did add MIT license in Nybble's driver code, and some explanations in the test codes. I'll add license to those test codes right after replying incoming emails.

As to hardware, it's taking serious investments to build a working model. And I'm still trying to open it as soon as possible. The little yellow model in link was right designed for sharing. I was making some instructions but had to pause it for the campaign.

[Fashim]

Hi borntoleave,

Hope you're doing well,
first and foremost I think this is an excellent project and hope to see it succeed.

However, I do have concerns over the open-source aspect of this project. By choosing to not publish the source code in it's entirety, you are doing yourself a disservice. FOSS software being fully transparent to those who want it allows for an entire community to help, and contribute to your project to make it greater than what's possible by a small team.

By open-sourcing it, we will also face competetion[sic] from both large companies and copycat. We expect to release most of the source codes with the launch of our first product.

From the README.md, this statement is in itself, an antithesis of the FOSS ideals and is concerning.

I understand that you have a financial commitment to this project and in doing so are expecting to either break even or make a return from selling the prefab kits.

As much as I'd recommend releasing the source code now it is ultimately your decision and if you choose not too, would it be possible to have a road-map of the release schedule for COTS BOM, STLs and source code?

Anyway happy programming!

[borntoleave]

@Fashim

The Readme was written several months ago when people kept complaining about the "Open" in "OpenCat".

Two days after our launch, a workable version for Nybble is already posted in the repository under Nybble/ folder, with MIT license. And the code is compatible with the full version cat. I do need to add more comments to help understanding.

My current priorities are getting all the hardware ready for backers. I‘m also filling up the wiki pages slowly. My goal is to have all orders fulfilled on time, and by that time an early tutorial is ready to use. I'm looking forward to in-depth discussions with you all!

[lingfeng2]

Hi,great work！Can you give me a rough time about when you will add the stl or someting about hardware? I am a high school student from China. I can't wait to start my own open cat.Can you give me a rough time that when you will you? Thanks for you and your team again.

[RongzhongLi]

Hi, @lingfeng2,
It's a hard question. At this stage Petoi is a hardware company just launched with Nybble to get its initial funding, while the codes are already open to customers, researchers and potential competitors. It's impractical to share both hardware and software now.

I'm also the only full-time labor to do research, handle production and company operation over the past two years. The challenges are far more than technical. If later you find me resume the development of the full version cat, that would be a sign that I've overcome my current obstacles and will be positive to share design files.

For now I'd appreciate you read the codes and suggest improvements. I also think 3D printing directly from design files is no much fancier than printing a paper document. Buy a caliper and start to design the tiniest screw and nut. You will find the whole world is open source to you.

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Thanks for your patience!

[Breezor]

Agree that simply 3d printing the design files offers little.  However redesigning the files would advance nibble beyond the 1960''s archaic look and help to create a character that will go along with the advances in code.  The larger cat 3d printed looks far more appealing than the wooden nybble.  As a 3d designer and consumer the ability to choose physical characteristics  for a pet cat would be most beneficial and enticing for prospective pet owners.Regards,Brian GaleSent from my Samsung device

…

-------- Original message -------- From: RongzhongLi <notifications@github.com> Date: 2018-11-06 9:56 AM (GMT-07:00) To: PetoiCamp/OpenCat <OpenCat@noreply.github.com> Cc: Subscribed <subscribed@noreply.github.com> Subject: Re: [PetoiCamp/OpenCat] License and STL files? (#7) Hi, @lingfeng2, It's a hard question. At this stage Petoi is a hardware company just launched with Nybble to get its initial funding, while the codes are already open to customers, researchers and potential competitors. It's impractical to share both hardware and software now. I'm also the only full-time labor to do research and handle production over the past two years. The challenges are far more than technical. If later you find me resume the development of the full version cat, that would be a sign that I've overcome my current obstacles and will be positive to share design files. For now I'd appreciate you read the codes and suggest improvements. I also think 3D printing directly from design files is no much fancier than printing a paper document. Buy a caliper and start to design the tiniest screw and nut. You will find the whole world is open source to you. 授人以鱼不如授人以渔，thanks for your patience! —You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or mute the thread. {"api_version":"1.0","publisher":{"api_key":"05dde50f1d1a384dd78767c55493e4bb","name":"GitHub"},"entity":{"external_key":"github/PetoiCamp/OpenCat","title":"PetoiCamp/OpenCat","subtitle":"GitHub repository","main_image_url":"https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/email/message_cards/header.png","avatar_image_url":"https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/email/message_cards/avatar.png","action":{"name":"Open in GitHub","url":"https://github.com/PetoiCamp/OpenCat"}},"updates":{"snippets":[{"icon":"PERSON","message":"@RongzhongLi in #7: Hi, @lingfeng2,\r\nIt's a hard question. At this stage Petoi is a hardware company just launched with [Nybble](igg.me/at/nybble) to get its initial funding, while the codes are already open to customers, researchers and potential competitors. It's impractical to share both hardware and software now. \r\n\r\nI'm also the only full-time labor to do research and handle production over the past two years. The challenges are far more than technical. If later you find me resume the development of the full version cat, that would be a sign that I've overcome my current obstacles and will be positive to share design files. \r\n\r\nFor now I'd appreciate you read the codes and suggest improvements. I also think 3D printing directly from design files is no much fancier than printing a paper document. Buy a caliper and start to design the tiniest screw and nut. You will find the whole world is open source to you. \r\n\r\n授人以鱼不如授人以渔，thanks for your patience!"}],"action":{"name":"View Issue","url":"PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)"}}} [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "EmailMessage", "potentialAction": { "@type": "ViewAction", "target": "PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)", "url": "PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)", "name": "View Issue" }, "description": "View this Issue on GitHub", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GitHub", "url": "https://github.com" } }, { "@type": "MessageCard", "@context": "http://schema.org/extensions", "hideOriginalBody": "false", "originator": "AF6C5A86-E920-430C-9C59-A73278B5EFEB", "title": "Re: [PetoiCamp/OpenCat] License and STL files? (#7)", "sections": [ { "text": "", "activityTitle": "**RongzhongLi**", "activityImage": "https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/email/message_cards/avatar.png", "activitySubtitle": "@RongzhongLi", "facts": [ ] } ], "potentialAction": [ { "name": "Add a comment", "@type": "ActionCard", "inputs": [ { "isMultiLine": true, "@type": "TextInput", "id": "IssueComment", "isRequired": false } ], "actions": [ { "name": "Comment", "@type": "HttpPOST", "target": "https://api.github.com", "body": "{\n\"commandName\": \"IssueComment\",\n\"repositoryFullName\": \"PetoiCamp/OpenCat\",\n\"issueId\": 7,\n\"IssueComment\": \"{{IssueComment.value}}\"\n}" } ] }, { "name": "Close issue", "@type": "HttpPOST", "target": "https://api.github.com", "body": "{\n\"commandName\": \"IssueClose\",\n\"repositoryFullName\": \"PetoiCamp/OpenCat\",\n\"issueId\": 7\n}" }, { "targets": [ { "os": "default", "uri": "PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)" } ], "@type": "OpenUri", "name": "View on GitHub" }, { "name": "Unsubscribe", "@type": "HttpPOST", "target": "https://api.github.com", "body": "{\n\"commandName\": \"MuteNotification\",\n\"threadId\": 399471110\n}" } ], "themeColor": "26292E" } ]

[RongzhongLi]

@Breezor I was hoping to design a wooden skull for camera too. But it seems easier to make a 3D printed one with standard mount to the tilt servo. Then it could switch on any design of heads.

[Breezor]

Yes the head and face are most important to character.  Let me know if I can help you with that. Sent from my Samsung device

…

-------- Original message -------- From: RongzhongLi <notifications@github.com> Date: 2018-11-06 4:00 PM (GMT-07:00) To: PetoiCamp/OpenCat <OpenCat@noreply.github.com> Cc: Breezor <bdgonthird@gmail.com>, Mention <mention@noreply.github.com> Subject: Re: [PetoiCamp/OpenCat] License and STL files? (#7) @Breezor I was hoping to design a wooden skull for camera too. But it seems easier to make a 3D printed one with standard mount to the tilt servo. Then it could switch on any design of heads. —You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or mute the thread. {"api_version":"1.0","publisher":{"api_key":"05dde50f1d1a384dd78767c55493e4bb","name":"GitHub"},"entity":{"external_key":"github/PetoiCamp/OpenCat","title":"PetoiCamp/OpenCat","subtitle":"GitHub repository","main_image_url":"https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/email/message_cards/header.png","avatar_image_url":"https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/email/message_cards/avatar.png","action":{"name":"Open in GitHub","url":"https://github.com/PetoiCamp/OpenCat"}},"updates":{"snippets":[{"icon":"PERSON","message":"@RongzhongLi in #7: @Breezor I was hoping to design a wooden skull for camera too. But it seems easier to make a 3D printed one with standard mount to the tilt servo. Then it could switch on any design of heads. "}],"action":{"name":"View Issue","url":"PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)"}}} [ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "EmailMessage", "potentialAction": { "@type": "ViewAction", "target": "PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)", "url": "PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)", "name": "View Issue" }, "description": "View this Issue on GitHub", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GitHub", "url": "https://github.com" } }, { "@type": "MessageCard", "@context": "http://schema.org/extensions", "hideOriginalBody": "false", "originator": "AF6C5A86-E920-430C-9C59-A73278B5EFEB", "title": "Re: [PetoiCamp/OpenCat] License and STL files? (#7)", "sections": [ { "text": "", "activityTitle": "**RongzhongLi**", "activityImage": "https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/email/message_cards/avatar.png", "activitySubtitle": "@RongzhongLi", "facts": [ ] } ], "potentialAction": [ { "name": "Add a comment", "@type": "ActionCard", "inputs": [ { "isMultiLine": true, "@type": "TextInput", "id": "IssueComment", "isRequired": false } ], "actions": [ { "name": "Comment", "@type": "HttpPOST", "target": "https://api.github.com", "body": "{\n\"commandName\": \"IssueComment\",\n\"repositoryFullName\": \"PetoiCamp/OpenCat\",\n\"issueId\": 7,\n\"IssueComment\": \"{{IssueComment.value}}\"\n}" } ] }, { "name": "Close issue", "@type": "HttpPOST", "target": "https://api.github.com", "body": "{\n\"commandName\": \"IssueClose\",\n\"repositoryFullName\": \"PetoiCamp/OpenCat\",\n\"issueId\": 7\n}" }, { "targets": [ { "os": "default", "uri": "PetoiCamp/OpenCat-Quadruped-Robot#7 (comment)" } ], "@type": "OpenUri", "name": "View on GitHub" }, { "name": "Unsubscribe", "@type": "HttpPOST", "target": "https://api.github.com", "body": "{\n\"commandName\": \"MuteNotification\",\n\"threadId\": 399471110\n}" } ], "themeColor": "26292E" } ]

[exilaus]

my version...of that device https://cad.onshape.com/documents/a12aa74dd1ae1cffca8aff1a/w/a82fd0f96f82153fa85196a6/e/6e6932394dde849325a72021

[borntoleave]

@exilaus
Wow! Impressive!
Have you checked the head servo's STL model in the resource folder?
If you are going to use the same servos in the kit, the dimensions would be very important.

[exilaus]

know that infact that are a fork(have little issue with my git and i need reinstall it and after publish) . body little bigger for have more space for battery pack, anyway i waiting full set of servo but just test joint with some sg9 and md90s and work fine anyway cad have rotative joint for testing movement before cut. another point i want use only esp/esp32+ remote service have a nice day and good luck for your project!

[zeroeth]

I think it would be great for those of us who want to customize the cat with acrylic parts of different colors if you added the vectors of the Nyblles design! Thanks! (PS thanks for making such a cute project)

[borntoleave]

@zeroeth Acrylic will crack with self-tapping screws. Increase the screw holes, and use bolts+nuts instead. But it will make installation harder. Acrylic smells terrible under laser too.

One day I‘ll reveal the design. Even 0.5mm in the limbs would cause a dilemma. Every slot and curve/fillet has a reason. For the time being, there are different fan-made OpenCat already, and I appreciate their talents and efforts.
I also have a fully DIY-able version, CatMini for my previous class.