P1 Camera Identity and Vital Signs

rjo__

This is a utility that will automatically identify Omnivision camera modules... most of the ones available on Ebay ($4-$30).  And it will give you camera vitals signs:  frames per second, pixel clock frequency, pixels per frame, lines per frame, pixel clocks per line, VSync and Hsync polarity, etc.  On the Propeller1-2-3 or DE2-115, the same hardware is being used to implement a multiple camera setup.  That work will be posted as it is completed.

This entire thread is a work in progress.  I'm going to post the code and pictures ... worth 12000 words.  Time permitting, I will go back and write it up properly.

This project requires:
                                 1) Propeller Activity Board (although just about any board Parallax makes could be used)
                                 2) An EDU card... nicely made, very flexible... order a dozen of them. 
                                    In a pinch, the PAB breadboard can be used.
                                 3) A 2x20 long legged, female header
                                 4) Garden Shears


                               

rjo__

Step 1... create camera header.

rjo__

oops... forgot one

rjo__

And... when you are all done soldering.

rjo__

And for the future:)  Notice how nicely TWO EDU cards fit on the P123.  Also shown a P123 with indicator lights clearing showing that I have a P1V present on the P123... even though for the moment, I have no idea how to talk to it:)

rjo__

output

rjo__

That's it for the moment. 

Duane Degn

You've got my interest.
I have two of these from ICStation.
http://www.icstation.com/cmos-camera-module-ov7670-display-active-size-640x480-sccb-p-1679.html

Do you have any plans to write software to capture an image from the camera with the Propeller?

rjo__

Duane,

There is an option in the software to capture images... look all the way down in the Spin section.  It isn't showing because there is a repeat right before it that keeps Spin from going further.

But... it only handles greatly reduced pixel rates.

I had it working with the OV5640 and posted it it here somewhere a while ago.  In addition to the pixel rate issue, there is the memory issue... it was only good for part of a frame and only in 8 bit gray.  Honestly, for some applications, that might be good enough.  But I needed more.  Phil has the best options available.  I love his line sensor... hook it up to a laser line generator and you get a lot of good data as fast as you can handle it.https://www.parallax.com/product/28317

and of course, if you want really world class software support for a camera https://www.parallax.com/product/28320 you can't beat PropCam right now.

I think the P123/P1V will handle 3 cameras (8bit) at 60 FPS... 320x240 without getting a hernia.  And I might throw in a laser just for good measure... pun intended.