Question Newbie seeking implementation suggestions for an unusual project idea that requires some sort of mountable camera with night vision capabilities.

[mking8992]

I am in the process of trying to correct my physical posture to reduce neck pain among other things. I'm aware that I have a very atypical sleeping posture and I would like to mount some sort of lightweight camera directly above my bed to better asses this.

All I know is what I am looking for is either a consumer IP camera or something that serves that function. I think I would appreciate something that provides more granular control of the data. Additionally, I just want to learn something new. With this all in mind should I consider a Raspberry Pi 4 with the camera module? I also saw something called a PineCube? I am honestly overwhelmed by all the different options. Anyone care to summarize any different implementations that might be suitable for my purposes with the respective pros and cons? Thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

I am in the process of trying to correct my physical posture to reduce neck pain among other things. I'm aware that I have a very atypical sleeping posture and I would like to mount some sort of lightweight camera directly above my bed to better asses this.

All I know is what I am looking for is either a consumer IP camera or something that serves that function. I think I would appreciate something that provides more granular control of the data. Additionally, I just want to learn something new. With this all in mind should I consider a Raspberry Pi 4 with the camera module? I also saw something called a PineCube? I am honestly overwhelmed by all the different options. Anyone care to summarize any different implementations that might be suitable for my purposes with the respective pros and cons? Thanks.

Go down the R Pi route, only if you want to do the whole config and coding thing. Camera as project, instead of just getting the video.

There are a zillion WiFi or wired cameras that will probably do exactly what you might need.

I think I would appreciate something that provides more granular control of the data.

What sort of "data" are you looking for?

 

[BFG-9000]

There are off-the-shelf video-recording baby monitors that work pretty much like car dashcams. They record in selectable lengths (such as 5min) and you can see the first frame in the thumbnails, so you can quickly identify the video where something changed just by looking at the thumbnails without having to play each one.

 

[mking8992]

Go down the R Pi route, only if you want to do the whole config and coding thing. Camera as project, instead of just getting the video.

There are a zillion WiFi or wired cameras that will probably do exactly what you might need.



What sort of "data" are you looking for?

I guess what I am seeking is a perspective on software as close to the metal as is feasible. Sorry if that is vague. I'm an overeager computer engineering student stuck in limbo because I have to catch up on my math before getting into the major. That said I probably have my work cut out for me.

 

[Ralston18]

My thoughts:

Neck Pain - atypical sleeping posture. That should first be addressed/accessed by a health care provider.

Overeager - that is generally good for a student. Regarding "limbo", "math", and "major" those matters should be addressed by you and your advisor. Is there a plan or course schedule in place?

= = = =

You can probably take the desired photos via your current computer and a basic webcam. You might need a USB extension cable - should be easy to get the extension cable.

As for software - google: "free software for taking timed webcam photos". Time lapse shots.