Should Pyra have a Camera?

[Neelix]

Maybe camera discussions are the new keyboard discussions.

At least the discussions in this thread are mostly moving in a potentially useful direction.  i.e.  "How can I modify the hardware to add a camera" as opposed to "how can I change decisions that have already been made months ago to suit me".

On topic: 

I never liked LG made phones,  but one thing I did like was how they did the camera on some flip phones.   It was worked into the hinge and could be rotated to face either in or out.  I suspect the Pyra hinge is just a tad too small in diameter for the same thing to work here but  it may still work as a placement for the camera as the hinge area seems to be the only "empty" section of the screen case.

-Neelix

 

[Natsu]

Have we even seen a camera module that can fit in the hinge?

Anyway, idk that even the CamPCB wouldn't fit. Would have to be an awkward bulge or a thicker lid. Idn mind.

About that magnet inside the case, wouldn't that be bad for the electrics inside? Lol

 

[comradekingu]

One side of the display has more electronics on it, since the whole thing is centered wrt. the viewer, there should be leftover space on the other side.

 

[rygD]

About that magnet inside the case, wouldn't that be bad for the electrics inside?

 
Maybe, but I don't think so.  It will have speakers, and many electronics have magnets in them.

 

[levi]

Rapidly moving magnets will induce a current, which can be problematic, but magnets fixed to the case won't present such a problem.

The pandora's speakers contain fairly strong magnets, and they're used to indicate to the board that the lid is closed. The board needs a sensor for that though, even those magnets on a movable lid aren't enough to cause corruption elsewhere. Nintendo handhelds also use this approach to my knowledge, so I assume it's fairly common amongst clamshell devices.

 

[rygD]

Won't there also be magnets in the nubs?

How will the Pyra detect the lid is closed?

 

[Natsu]

Well, if a magnet inside is ok and it can fit inside and on the case, then it sounds like a good idea. Again the CamPBC itself needs a case and magnet. This way you can take it off, if you need to use it for video conferencing.

 

[Inqui]

Found an SparePart Webcam from an old ASUS Notebook with an Metalcase. The original funktion was a flipping cam on top, so that you decide in wich direction you will shot.

http://www.eisgold.de/ASUS-F5SL-Ersatzteil-Webcam_detail_2656.html


Remove the screws and make a new wire get in the case (cut an usbwire and as long as need).


Now you should have an creapy and cheap usbcam, maybe with an magnetic holder next to the logo (not visible)

 

[TrashyMG]

Found an SparePart Webcam from an old ASUS Notebook with an Metalcase. The original funktion was a flipping cam on top, so that you decide in wich direction you will shot.

http://www.eisgold.de/ASUS-F5SL-Ersatzteil-Webcam_detail_2656.html


Remove the screws and make a new wire get in the case (cut an usbwire and as long as need).


Now you should have an creapy and cheap usbcam, maybe with an magnetic holder next to the logo (not visible)

I have an old ASUS laptop with that same camera... it's actually a bit large. not counting the hinge mechanism, the rectangular box is about 51mm x 25mm x 10mm, not anything you can easily try to wedge into the case 

 

[Natsu]

I was thinking the same thing, even for outside the case.

 

[benoitb]

A few products I found that may work quite well for the Pyra:

1: too expensive, but the rigid short cable version looks fine and convenient to me

http://fr.aliexpress.com/item/Waterproof-camera-imitation-needle-Konggao-Qing-Pirates-snake-tube-camera-security-camera-hikvision-web-camera-webcam/2030082243.html

2: looks high quality (720p, CMOS sensor) and easy to solder, requires casing, soldering, DIY

http://fr.aliexpress.com/item/Factory-Outlet-wholesale-Newest-Mini-HD-8mm-USB-Endoscope-Module-4LED-lights/1924739782.html

For 2, we would need to think about the mounting. Sony had a weird laptop with an integrated camera:

Sony VAIO GT PCG-GT1
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=411

 

[TrashyMG]

2: looks high quality (720p, CMOS sensor) and easy to solder, requires casing, soldering, DIY http://fr.aliexpress...1924739782.html

That one is an endoscope, so it's made to look at things like a microscope. maybe a lens could be changed out.

 

[Natsu]

Finding camera modules isn't the problem. http://www.e-consystems.com/cameramodule.asp

 

[moxie]

The endoscope attachment: We're not kidding when we say that we transmit videos of your talking...

 

[Natsu]

Not sure how you would mount that anyway without awkward picture taking and I don't like the usb is attached rather than easily replaceable.

 

[WizardStan]

Replacement phone cameras can be gotten for fairly cheap, and they're already designed to be thin. Does anyone know of a single one that has its data pinout known?

 

[Natsu]

Replacement phone cameras can be gotten for fairly cheap, and they're already designed to be thin. Does anyone know of a single one that has its data pinout known?

I mean, if we are doing a USB solution then the USB would probably mess up before the camera.

 

[sepulep]

A few products I found that may work quite well for the Pyra:

1: too expensive, but the rigid short cable version looks fine and convenient to me

http://fr.aliexpress.com/item/Waterproof-camera-imitation-needle-Konggao-Qing-Pirates-snake-tube-camera-security-camera-hikvision-web-camera-webcam/2030082243.html

this looks very convenient since you can snake it around which everway you hold the pyra and also point around - I would totally include in the order if ED where to offer it...

 

[Natsu]

A few products I found that may work quite well for the Pyra:


1: too expensive, but the rigid short cable version looks fine and convenient to me

http://fr.aliexpress.com/item/Waterproof-camera-imitation-needle-Konggao-Qing-Pirates-snake-tube-camera-security-camera-hikvision-web-camera-webcam/2030082243.html

 
this looks very convenient since you can snake it around which everway you hold the pyra and also point around - I would totally include in the order if ED where to offer it...

How exactly are you going to mount this on the case or are you just going have it hanging on the side? How quickly do you think you can take this out of your pocket and take a picture. What if the Usb cord breaks?

 

[sepulep]

A few products I found that may work quite well for the Pyra:


1: too expensive, but the rigid short cable version looks fine and convenient to me

http://fr.aliexpress.com/item/Waterproof-camera-imitation-needle-Konggao-Qing-Pirates-snake-tube-camera-security-camera-hikvision-web-camera-webcam/2030082243.html

 
this looks very convenient since you can snake it around which everway you hold the pyra and also point around - I would totally include in the order if ED where to offer it...

How exactly are you going to mount this on the case or are you just going have it hanging on the side? How quickly do you think you can take this out of your pocket and take a picture. What if the Usb cord breaks?

- it looks like a stiff bendable cable, that supports itself - About as fast as the pyra itself I guess - buy a new one??