Project 1 -
Multiple Motion-Activated Live Webcam
This was our very first webcam project that was developed over a few
years time. This camera was a first of its kind. This camera system
included a main camera that was broadcasting all the time and (4) other
wireless webcams in remote areas that were within 1/2 mile from the main
camera. The wireless camera were motion activated and if an animal was
in front of them the main view would switch to the wireless camera view.
When the animal left the view would switch back to the main camera.
Camera viewers never knew what they might see. This camera system was
awarded the 2007 World's Most Interesting Webcam award by EarthCam.
Camera System Diagram
What made this camera system truly unique is that we
have designed a custom proprietary set of electronics, "base
station", that allow us to integrate motion-activated, battery
operated, remote camera units out in the filed. These remote cameras
will turn on when an animal walks in front of them and transmit a
video signal back to our base station. Once the base station senses
this incoming video signal it will switch off the video feed from
the main camera and start broadcasting the feed from the remote
camera unit. Once the animal leaves the remote camera site the feed
will switch back over to the main camera.
Base Station
An example
photo of a remote motion-activated camera is shown to the
right. These camera system consist of a color by day/IR by
night video camera, sound MIC, video transmitter, Yagi
Long-Range directional antenna, 12V battery, and a solar
panel. The camera units are completely portable and we move
them around the woods throughout the seasons.
The video & audio signal are transmitted back to a receiver
at the base station. The video signal quality will vary from
day to day based on the humidly levels and vegetation
growth. Both of these items can effect the video quality. |
Motion-Activated Wireless
Camera |
Custom Designed System Electronics
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