Video Feed using multiple logitech USB cameras .... help!

[Drewman]

I am a novice labview programmer that is undertaking a project in which i need to acquire several video feeds on a front panel in Labview.  i need the video feeds to have adjustable framerates and also monochrome feed would be a benefit.  My current problem is just knowing how to get started. I'm looking at avoiding Labview IMAQ if possible.  I have gotten the camera to work in labview under a sample code ( which is terribly confusing) so i know i have proper drivers installed and that it is indeed compatible with Labview.  The cameras i am using are the logitech C200 and C500 models with standard USB connectivity.

Any guidance would be much appreciated, as this school project needs some advancement and im stuck in a rut.

Thanks in advance.

[Kristoff2]

Drewman,

What version of LabVIEW are you using?  Are you using the IMAQdx drivers or the legacy IMAQ for USB drivers (you can check this in MAX under software)?  Are you able to see both cameras in MAX?  Are you able to retrieve video from both cameras in MAX?  Please let us know and we will be happy to help you get everything up and running.

Regards,

Sam K

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[Drewman]

I am currently working in Labview 2010 professional development system here at the university.  Everytime i attempt to load an example or sample code off either Labviews examples folder or off the internet from the forum, such as NI's Grab.vi, the load will stop partly through and ask me to find several sub vi's which I dont have (or dont think I do)?

Is is possible to get a video feed without using IMAQ? ultimately i need to combine a front panel that contains all necessary components to control a robot remotely over a wifi connection.  My video feed is one part of the puzzle.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

[Kristoff2]

Drewman,

If you are using a USB camera you will either need the IMAQ for USB legacy driver or the IMAQdx drivers.  The IMAQdx drivers replaced the IMAQ for USB legacy drivers and are preferable.  Unfortunately without these drivers you cannot acquire video from a USB camera in LabVIEW or any of our other vision software.  You can check to see if these drivers are installed by expanding the software tab in Measurement and Automation Explorer.

Please let us know what you find there and we can provide some more suggestions for you.

Regards,

Sam K

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[Drewman]

Sam,

Thanks for the help.  As for my problem, neither of the drivers appear in the measurement and automation software section.  I have tried downloading imaq for USB cameras and also i have read that IMAQ does not support multiple camera feeds simultaneously.  I have downloaded the vision development package off your website and it appears to be operable, however that is just for images right?

I am just looking for a simple display feed for multiple cameras simultaneously.

[Drewman]

I beleive my main issue with getting any feed is with the IMAQ for USB installer.

[Kristoff2]

Drewman,

I highly recommend you download an install the IMAQdx drivers if you have a license for them as they replaced the outdated IMAQ for USB drivers.  The IMAQdx drivers are included in the Vision Acquasition suite which you can download here:

NI Vision Acquisition Software 2010.08

http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2137/lang/en

Did the IMAQ for USB drivers seem to install correctly?  Did you get any errors or warnings during the installation?  What palettes do you have in the Vision and Motion sections of the functions palette?

Regards,

Sam K

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[Drewman]

The download you had sent me installed perfectly.

I browsed the palette quickly tonight and it looks like everything is there.  I'm going to give it a go tomoro and i will let you know on my progress or if i have any further problems. Thank you.

[Kristoff2]

Drewman,

I'm glad I could help.  Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

Sam K

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[Drewman]

Hey Sam,

I'm back with questions!

I got the video feed to display using the link you gave me and a simple acquire within a while loop.  My current issue is acquiring a feed in grayscale (monochrome) within labVIEW.  I have tried using the express method (which lets me choose my display method) and also within my own program thati currently have up and running for multiple cameras, however i have no success.  Whatever i choose keeps my image in RGB 32.  I am wondering if it is the camera itself (which I doubt, because labVIEW conditions the signal regardless).

Also i would like to be able to adjust the framerate at which the cameras capture.  (Again i tried this within the express acquistion and get nothing.) 

I'm thinking i may be able to accomplish this using a timed loop and vary clock speed, but this seems impractical within IMAQ.

Any guidance would be much appreciated. 

Thanks alot.

Drew.