Can I Control Multiple Webcams Simultaneously with One Software Program?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of controlling multiple USB webcams simultaneously from a single software program. Participants explore various methods and software options for capturing images from two webcams, as well as potential applications for such setups.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific control desired over the webcams, asking if the goal is to view them simultaneously.
  • Another participant clarifies their intention to take still images from the webcams and save them in a designated folder.
  • A suggestion is made to use a specific software (videocapture.sourceforge.net) for capturing images, along with scripting options for filename management and further image processing using ImageMagick.
  • Alternative software options are proposed, including a TWAIN approach for accessing multiple webcams, with a recommendation to consult documentation for setup.
  • There is a light-hearted inquiry about the purpose of using two webcams, hinting at potential unconventional uses.
  • A participant shares their own project involving two webcams to create red-green stereo images for a 3D effect and mentions experimenting with machine vision to determine locations from webcam images.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the topic, and while some software options are suggested, there is no consensus on a single solution or method for controlling multiple webcams simultaneously.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to read documentation for the suggested software and the potential complexity of accessing multiple webcams, indicating that specific technical knowledge may be required.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring webcam applications, software developers looking for multi-camera solutions, and hobbyists experimenting with image capture and processing techniques.

dmehling
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I am wanting to see if there is a software program available that will allow me to control two USB-based web cams at the same time from a single computer.
 
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Does no one have any familiarity with this kind of thing?
 
Control in what way?
You want to view them simultaneously?
 
I am wanting to take still images from the cameras that are saved in one specific folder.
 
In XP, I use http://videocapture.sourceforge.net/
With scripting, I can execute a capture (with my choice of filename)... then do what I want with the images (using ImageMagick). Alternatively, you can try a TWAIN approach http://twainmodule.sourceforge.net/ .

For each, you'll probably need to read the documentation on how to access the numerous webcams.

A google search will for multiple webcams will probably turn up surveillance software... like the shareware http://www.supervisioncam.com/ . You'll have to dig a little deeper to find freeware... or else write your own with (say) tools like the above.
 
What, exactly, are you doing with two webcams?;) These aren't being broadcast over the net. Sorry, couldn't help myself.
 
One project I was playing with was using two webcams to produce red-green stereoimages in near real-time... to get a crude 3D webcam. A related use is to try to determine locations from two webcam images...for experimenting with machine vision.

I'm not sure if either is what the OP is doing with two webcams.
 

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