Pan & tilt webcam - USB or Parallel port interfacing?

Question

Hi,I need some help for my last year project which is a pan and tiltwebcam controlled over internet using client/server application(csharp). Can someone tell me what do I need to interface 2 steppermotors with the PC using a USB port? I searched on the internet and Ifound that I will require a microcontroller, right? Which model is thebest for my needs? I've already managed to control the motors throughthe parallel port, but since the parallel port is out of fashion Ithought it might be more interesting using a USB connection. Any helpis appreciated.Thanks,claytonc

martin griffith · Accepted Answer

look at FTDI usb interfaces, these will convert the usb from the PC to logic levels that a micro can understand, through its uart

As for the micro, there are 3 main breeds, all flash based

8051, old, still reasonably good, simplish Atmel AVR, good, TI MSP430, low power, good, trying to find the correct version can be problematic

PIC, Bletch

GCC do C compilers, or get a demo from Keil, Amrai/raisonance,imagecraft

If you are goinig to use the same usb port for the video, and power, it might take a bit more time.....

martin

default · Answer

Some interesting pan and tilt mechanisms make use of radio control servos. It has been awhile, but I think they work on pulse position. Search for RC servo testers.

I built something back in 2000 to remote pan/tilt my security cameras and only needed three op amps from a 4 amp integrated circuit. Strong little suckers, inexpensive, and decoding logic built in. I paid something like $6 each for them. (~$10 today)

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Huey · Answer

The U4x1 from  might be a good start for you. If you add the driver circuit that you used for your parallel port interface, you likely have a finished solution.-Rob

Clayton · Answer

OK, thanks alot! I think I'll switch to USB, its better! Thanks again,ClaytonHuey wrote:

The Real Andy · Answer

WE use a little webcam off the shelf at work for ID photo cards. ITs made by creative or dlink or one of those big name computer manufacturers. It pans and tilts, and the software even tracks your face, or multiple faces. Its not fail proof, but its pretty good. I will try to remember to get the manufacturer on monday when i go back to work.

jasen · Answer

In defense of the PIC they do have some with built-in USB2.0 pic assembler is pretty yucky though, I guess that's why most people use C or basic to program them.

AVRs on the other hand have only software USB, (or the external FTDI)

still that's probably fast enough for this task. The smallest capable AVR is the ATTiny2031

AIUI atmel do an 8051-oid with built-in USB too.

Oh yeah! much easier to use a hub and run the motion control separate from the video.

Bye. Jasen

Brendan Gillatt · Answer

There are many USB development boards around. One I found on google: should do almost everythingyou need and includes the microcontroller. It's just $32.

Jan Panteltje · Answer

On a sunny day (Sun, 26 Nov 2006 19:07:09 +0000) it happened Brendan Gillatt wrote in :

And (I do not see the original posting) there is my RS232 open source PIC controller, pan, tilt, focus, zoom, PWM light control, and move to x,y on interrupt.

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and USB to RS232 converters exist. It only wants ASCII. Fully programmable, has auto pan, several motion programs.

hackinblack · Answer

cant see this without a password.. good though!

The Real Andy · Answer

Jan Panteltje · Answer

On a sunny day (26 Nov 2006 18:12:03 -0800) it happened "hackinblack" wrote in:It _should_ display user      guestpassword  none

Pan & tilt webcam - USB or Parallel port interfacing?

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