RE: High Resolution Security Cameras

["Andy Laurence" <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: Ward, David [mailto:David.Ward@xxxxxxx]
> A while back I downloaded the FREE SDK that Canon provide to enable
control
> of their digital cameras.  I'm sure there was an example app that did
motion
> detection.  I was planning the same thing that you've suggested -

http://ptp.sf.net is the standard
interface for many digital cameras these days.

>  Of course like all these things my interest went over to another
project,
> and it seems I've lost my Round-toit :-S

Heh!  Me too.

> I don't think the Canon drivers allowed for multiple cameras connected
to
> the same host though.  So either external switching or multiple PC
hosts
> would be required.

Hmmm.  I suppose it depends on the spec required.  If a simple P200 will
suffice, then it's cheap to place a server by each camera.  Space would be
the issue.  There's always VMware and running all the cameras back to
node0.

> I wonder if any of the other manf. have SDKs available?

Not sure, but most cameras support some form of remote capture.

> One thing I did think of, was to use the video out that's available on
99%
> of digital cameras these days plug that into a PC running motion
detection
> software, then trigger the camera using either an external circuit
(remote
> release socket or hardware hack) or via the USB connection

Good idea, but many of the cameras won't release the shutter when the
analogue out is on.  I suppose the answer would be to hook a PIC up to the
buttons on the camera, and trigger it via a serial command to switch to
camera mode and take a photo.  Of course, this could take 10 seconds with
slower cameras, by which time the subject will probably have moved.  Also,
you'd need to switch modes, then take a photo, and then bring the image
back.  You'd need a serial, data (serial or USB), and video line.  Shame
you can't do motion detection on a PIC ;-)

> Anyone have any more thoughts?

Nothing concrete as yet.  Also, I'm not sure if any cameras support capture
of images directly back to the PC.  Transfer times will also be an issue.

Cheers,
Andy
--
http://ha.andylaurence.co.uk