I'm looking for input and ideas...
I have begun the first phase of my Cayman Cam Project. I have found a local expert in designing video survelence, using his technology I want to design the system that I have imagined. I figure I would post it here and set what others have to say and of course seek input.
Here is the idea (the simple version) , 4 mini video cameras in the car will send the video to a multiplexer where the images can be combined to a single image (4 in 1 grid,Left-Right and Top-Bottom) or selected independently. The video out will be split and sent to two devices: 1) a miniature DVR and 2) a small LCD display. Pretty Simple right?
Here’s the technical part, If you fly RC planes and mess around with FPV (First Person View) video than some of this may sound familiar or if you’re in the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) industry this may be familiar. The cameras can be placed in a variety of ways. Two in the windshield, Cam #1 right front aimed left and Cam #2 left front aimed right will combine to make appx. 160 degrees of vision in the front of the car. Cameras 1 and 2 will be displayed at the top of the 4in1 video display, creating a 160 degree panarama effect. The two lower sections, can either be set up in a similar fashion, or as I prefer, an external backup cam and an internal cockpit cam. The video cameras (11 x 11 x 8mm) are all 3.7-5v cameras with built in processors, getting their power from the Multiplexer and sending video back. Since the processor is in the camera, the cable length is no factor. The multiplexer (1 x 4 x 7 inch, 12vDC) and will get power from the MOST power supply in the front trunk and be mounted next to the Dension ICELink system I have installed. The system will automatically power up once a key is turned to the accessory position. The video out will go directly to a proprietary Mini DVR recorder (40 x 40 x 11mm, 480x320 30fps) that records directly to an SD card. The mini DVR will continually record and automatically record over the oldest file. The DVR (3.7 – 5V) will get power from the MOST systems as well but I will use BEC to create a 5V bus for the DVR and LCD display. The display will be either a 2” or 2.5" LCD and be mounted under a piece of 1/8inch two way mirror that is being cut to replace the center rear view mirror. So effectively the LCD will be hidden behind the rear view mirror when not on, but viewable when on. An LCD ON/OFF switch will be installed (probably on the mirror). The LCD is a striped down unit that is appx. 7mm thick and has three wire, (video, 5V power, ground) it will easily fit with the existing rear view mirror structure. The Multiplexer switches can also be rewired to a remote switcher and placed in the glove box. The Multiplexer switch for the Backup camera will be integrated in the wiring for the reverse lights, effectively switching to the reverse camera when the car is put into reverse, seems to be the simplest way to do it.
Now for the fun stuff, using an Eagle Tree OSD (on screen display) integrated into the DVR input signal I can overlay data on the video recorded, Using a GPS module I can overlay Lat/Long, speed, altitude and heading. With the eLogger module you can record and export your location to google maps. You can also add a number of RPM and temp sensors as well. So the possibilities are almost endless. With an FCC technicians license (a simple $50 test) you can legally get a UHF transmitter and broadcast the video live, cool for those track days!
Best of all the systems isn’t that expensive, considering what you get. Cameras $65x4 = $260, Mini DVR = $140, Multiplexer = $140, Eagle Tree OSD = $80, GPS Module = $180, Extra sensors = $30. I figure it will be under a grand and require a lot of labor, but I actually have most of the stuff from putting DVR cams in my RC Jets.
So that’s the plan, I have some stuff on the way I will be experimenting with the system to see how it starts to work. I will post updates and I’d like to do a couple articles as well. Let me know what you think. Oh and yes I know, who really wants everything recorded, not sure on that answer but that isn’t the point. Although I wouldn’t want to be the guy in front of me throwing a cigarette out the window.
My guess is that the first thing you will need is a battery separate from the cars to power all that. Especially if you intend to use this to record what happens to your car when you are away from it.
Sounds like an interesting project, please keep us informed and PLEASE do an Article for the Articles section or more than one if appropriate.
:thanks:
Sounds a little bit like what BlueBlast did here:
http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-boxster-competition/21666-car-camera-system.html
- though even more ambitious.
