Re: [Gumstix-users] Gumstix as webcam server

[Alex G. <al...@al...>]

On 11/10/2011 1:42 AM, Kenneth Skinnes wrote:
> Hi All!
>
> I'm looking for a sollution on how to create a webcam server.
>
> What I need is a device that is small, and capable of receiving video from
> usb webcam and broadcasting this to a private LAN.
>
> The chain will be something like this:
>
> 4 usb webcams -> 4 port usb hub -> small computer (gumstix?) -> ethernet
> switch -> Laptop running some sort of Linux
>
> The idea is that I should be able to choose which one of the 4 webcams the
> small computer should broadcast at any time via an interface on the Laptop.
> (I don't need all 4 broadcasted simultaneously) The laptop will allso be the
> reciever of the broadcasted video. (I have people helping me with the Linux
> programming)
>
> Preferably the webcams would be 720p.
>
> The laptop will be sitting 50-100 meters from the webcams. The ethernet
> switch allso has an Arduino connected to it.
>
> Will any of the gumstix be capable of doing this? The room where it located
> is really small and there is not much space for anything bigger than the
> Overo with a Tobi.
>
> I feel the need to explain that this will not be a rig made to do anything
> illegal like spying :) It's actually going to be on a small underwater ROV.
>
> All input would be highly appreciated!
>
> Thank you for your time!
>
> -Ken
>

I'd argue for sticking with a console distro to save every available cycle

Does depend on the webcams but say logitech 9000's
one yes , 2 is pushing it , 3 no and 4 no.
Depends on the image size and frame rate you need.
Also if you are using the dsp or not.


If you had one of the unreleased firestorm coms ,
it would handle more cameras than the current overos
or higher frame rate/larger image

We've tried running 9000 pro webcams from a gumstix
at 640 by 480 (not on dsp and not optimised software)
One camera at 640by480 can get around 15 frames, two cameras its a slide 
show

If there is linux support for one of the newer webcams that does the 
video processing onboard and just passes the video stream(h264) it would 
be the way to go.

What about using network cameras and just selecting the video stream you 
need ?

Or use analog cameras with a video server that sends a video stream ?
http://www.axis.com/products/cam_q7404/
or would that kill your space and power budget ?


Alex