Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • State Suggested Answer
  • Replies 5 replies
  • Answers 1 answer
  • Subscribers 79 subscribers
  • Views 1191 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

Security camera project

Former Member

Hi.

I have 30 years experience in PC software development but limited experience with embedded systems. I have a little experience with PIC using GSM modems.

I am researching components that are best suited for creating a security camera with the following capabilities.Ethernet/wifi and GSM communication, Must be able to run a web browser and be ONVIF compliant.

It must have inputs and outputs. Must be able to receive wireless remote comms to arm and disarm the system.

The camera must have motion detection and night vision.

I am looking at the raspberry pi, but to me it seems like a generic PC and not designed for any specific application.

There are a number of security cameras on the market that perform 80% of the tasks that I require, and I would hate to reinvent the wheel.

So if there is a standard camera board out there that does most of what I need with hooks to complete the project, it will be first prize.

Any help in this regard will be greatly appreciated.

  • 0

    Depending upon frame rates, an RPI with the NOIR camera running OpenCV could probably do the job.

     

    OpenCV has motion detection algorithms and the NOIR captures near IR between .8 and 1.2 microns.

     

    You could also probably use a PC or laptop with a NOIR camera and find application software that can implement the functions you want, either on the web or on the PC.

     

    Lots of options exist.

     

    DAB

  • 0 in reply to DAB

    Thanks for the quick response DAB.

    Once a prototype has been developed on an RPI, should a scaled down version of the board be designed for mass production?

  • 0

    I think Using a RPI for that purpose would be not only an ineffective overkill, but also a waste of effort.

    Most of the security cameras in the market perform all of the tasks you need for prices starting on U$S 35.- They usually run some small real time OS instead of Linux, managing networking, video compression and streaming by coding firmware. This allows them to use microcontrollers that are much less powerful than the ones on any RPI, but that at the same time are cheaper, more efficient and much more power-effective.

     

    A couple of months ago, I bought this generic Chinese IP Cam for a personal project and it works fine. It has everything you need except GSM module and wifi. You also stated that it must be able to receive wireless remote comms to arm and disarm the system, but I think that ONVIF protocol already offers these functionalities.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/HD-1-0MP-720P-CCTV-IP-Network-Outdoor-1-4-Camera-P2P-ONVIF-2-0-3-6mm-3mp-lens-/322017366158?hash=item4af9bb108e

     

    By opening the camera I realized that it uses some sort of microcontroller that integrates everything. Even the camera sensor.

    I do not know if it is programmable or if they sell it already closed.

    Judging by the price of the separate components, I don't really think it is worth re-inventing the wheel just to add a couple of functionalities. Chinese guys have already managed to lower the costs to the minimum on a product that offers many functionalities and works fine.

     

    A couple of links to the microcontroller and its datasheet.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-3M-CCTV-Low-illumination-Sony-CMOS-IP-Camera-Module-Hi-Hi3518C-960P-H-264-/161686427561?hash=item25a54317a9:g:Q2AAAOSw~gRViU-U

    http://www.hkvstar.com/pdf/Hi3516C.pdf

     

    Everything I said before, was thinking on saving as much money as possible. If you need more features, you can always spend some extra money and go for a higher-quality product.

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    Hi Clive,

     

    You need to do a lot of market research to determine what your cost/benefit space looks like.

     

    I am not sure that you can create a sustainable product using the RPI, but you can look at the issues once you establish your base cost and capabilities.

     

    I can only tell you that it is feasible.  The issues of a viable product are outside my experience base.

     

    DAB

  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    Thanks for the info Pablo.

    I agree with you all the way. The Hi35xx chip looks to be the one that is most commonly used and as you say it does just about everything. I have found a few sites that claim to develop on these boards and offer OEM services, but I have my doubts on how seamless this process is.

    Many years ago I did a JV project with Chinese company with vehicle tracking units. It was a semi-disaster, mainly because of the language barrier.

    I see that there is a RPI Zero board that is much cheaper and this may be the way to go.

    From what I can tell, the RPI camera modules are all high end cameras, which is also not necessary for my application. But I will research this option a bit further and see what I come up with.

    Thanks again.