stand-alone cmos digital still camera modules?

Hi all -

Sorry if this appears to be slightly off-subject but it is related to a microcontroller project.

I'm trying to find a small digital still camera (DSC) module that incorporates a CMOS imaging system and an embedded storage memory, preferably with VGA resolution (640 X 480). Color would be best but I can use B&W, also. I'm trying to find something fairly small that runs on

3.3VDC.

I've tried searching for all kinds of Google searches with no (or little success). Maybe it's the way I'm formatting the searches but I'm having no luck.

Has anyone married a DSC with a uC successfully? Are there any sites with methods or modules listed?

Thanks for any help.

Dave

Reply to
Dave
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hope someone answers this sounds like a cool plan

David

Reply to
david

"Dave" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

Goto Electronics 123

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and search on "cmos camera". You will find a number of them that MAY work for you. Most are easily connect to a uC, maybe not 3.3 VDC though, I didn't check.

--
dan
Reply to
Dan

How about the aiptek pencam SD ? I know its not a module, but a ready made solution.

Texy

Reply to
Texy

Hi Dan -

Thanks for responding.

I did see that module from a different site while doing the Google searches. Unfortunately, its a video camera module with a composite video output and no local single picture memory store, which is what I was looking for. For video output, though, this module looks like it would be great.

Part of the problem with the search is how to phrase what to look for. Video, apparently, generally means composite video output. The closest thing I've found to what I want is a digital Still camera, or DSC. There were quite a few hits with queries for DSCs but a lot of chaff with calorimeters, etc. I found no specific vendors offering modules, per se.

Thanks. I'll keep looking... If I find something, I'll post it. This sounds like it would be a fun microcontroller interface. I've even seen some mention of some DSCs with an I2C interface. That would be ideal!

Dave

Reply to
Dave

Thanks for responding, Texy -

I saw that module while doing the search of the

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site. That does look interesting and may be a viable way of doing this interface. The price is certainly right. The fact that it runs on two penlight cells means I could probably get it to work with a 3.3VDC system, also. I'll check in to it.

Thanks for the reply.

Dave

Reply to
Dave

"Dave" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

ok check out Quasar electronics. look at the M3188A and the C3188A. Thats what they HAD a electronics123 last I looked. These are CMOS cameras with digital outputs. I don't think it has the local picture store, at least not for the full image array, you grab the image serially (I2C) so if the object you are looking at is moving you may get partial images.

--
dan
Reply to
Dan

They still have, just search for '3188' on electronics123.

The 3188 isa colour with 8/16 bit parallel out, plus EIA and I2C control interface.

-S

Reply to
Steve Brown

I know for a fact that they will work on a 3v3 rail as I modify them for RC use. I remove the battery compartment, and fit my own pcb, part of which is an lm317 regulator. The camera takes around 250mA when taking a picture. Hope this helps, Texy

Reply to
Texy

Being intersted myself, I tried this search on google ("CCD module") and look what I found :-)

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Ok this may not be exactly what you're after but there seems to be a wealth of info in this mailing list which might lead to what you want :-)

Regards Sergio Masci

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- optimising PIC compiler FREE for personal non-commercial use

.
Reply to
Sergio Masci

Hi Sergio -

Your query got me inspired to try Google searches again. I could have sworn I checked "CMOS camera module" but when I checked today I found this link:

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The size looks very good. The fact there are three variations in resolution is even better. I'll check into costs and features.

I just thought you might be interested, also.

Dave

Reply to
Dave

Hi Steve -

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll check out Quasar.

Just to let you know, I also found

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which has modules.

Dave

Reply to
Dave

Thanks Dave, yes I am interested.

BTW the pictures showing a comparison between their CMOS module and a CCD module are a little suspect. The grainy effect could be caused by reducing a large high definition CCD image to the same size and colour depth as their smaller image using poor scaling algorithms.

Regards Sergio Masci

formatting link
- optimising PIC compiler FREE for personal non-commercial use

.
Reply to
Sergio Masci

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