🌟 Summary

The v8.3.29 release has introduced a new capability in the Ultralytics YOLO framework, enabling the export of YOLOv8 models to the Sony IMX500 format. This advancement supports AI deployment on devices like Raspberry Pi AI Cameras, enhancing their utility for smart applications.

📊 Key Changes

• Sony IMX500 Export Support: Added the option to export models in the Sony IMX500 format, crucial for devices with constrained resources.
• New FXModel Class: Implemented for increased compatibility with torch.fx, facilitating advanced model manipulations.
• Updated .gitignore: Now ignores *_imx_model/ directories, which store exported model artifacts.
• Documentation and Tests: Comprehensive documentation and tests added to cover the new export functionality, ensuring smooth user experience and reliability.

🎯 Purpose & Impact

• Enhanced Device Integration: The ability to export to Sony's IMX500 format allows for efficient AI processing on Raspberry Pi AI Cameras, making edge computing more viable and accessible. 🛠️🎥
• Improved User Guidance: The updated documentation provides clear steps for users to leverage this new feature, enabling developers to quickly integrate it into their projects. 📚
• Streamlined Development Process: The addition of the FXModel class and the support for the IMX500 format simplifies the model deployment process, further reducing the barriers to implementation on edge devices. 🖥️💡

What's Changed

• Docs and CI updates by @RizwanMunawar in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17386
• Fix model.end2end assert by @Laughing-q in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17391
• Add environment to publish.yml by @glenn-jocher in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17395
• Fix PyPI downloads links by @pderrenger in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17399
• Jupyter Docker Image, allow connection by @ambitious-octopus in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17400
• Fix duplicated annotations by yolo_bbox2segment by @Laughing-q in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17401
• Add device selection for yolo_bbox2segment by @Laughing-q in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17409
• Update validation-args.md by @Y-T-G in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17411
• Use new Ultralytics Retry action by @pderrenger in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17419
• Changed model.names return type hint from list to dict[int, str] by @KiSchnelle in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17402
• Match Docs caption to video thumbnail text by @Burhan-Q in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17424
• Fix conf overwrite in results.py by @keeper-jie in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17384
• Fix Ray Tune error by @Y-T-G in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17416
• Create sony-imx500.md standalone Docs page by @glenn-jocher in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17452
• Update bug-report-template.yml to prompt for collect_system_info by @Y-T-G in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17466
• ultralytics 8.3.29 Sony IMX500 export by @Laughing-q in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/14878

New Contributors

• @keeper-jie made their first contribution in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17384
• @KiSchnelle made their first contribution in https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/pull/17402

Full Changelog: https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/compare/v8.3.28...v8.3.29