aususer
01-05-2010, 08:02 PM
I am not sure if this post even has a home - but I post it up here in case someone else is interested.
Using an open-sourced, linux-based software "zoneminder (http://www.zoneminder.com/)", you can use a webcamera-type signal (be it B/W, Colour, Infrared) to "recorded" or "triggered" when movement/changes occur within a nominated area.
The camera(s) can be connected via USB/Coax/Balun+Cat5/IP/(lots of options).
Multicamera feeds possible..
and its FREE (right down the DIY path eh?!)
This might have a few possibilities with the crew here:
* Security: When someone enters an area that is zoned "out", cameras record the event - and ignore everyone outside the zone (eg. on the footpath.)
* Trigger: when someone moves into a specific area activate a display/activity/animation?
* Security: put up an IRflood to "illuminate" the area at night - and when some moves into your lighting dsplay outside of the hours XX:YY and XX:YY - send a signal to controllers to turn all the lights on full (and freak them out) - activate your electric fence; release the guarddog (or play a recording of one); send your mobile a txt message; and start recording..
etc. etc. you get the idea.
You'll need to play with methods to get linux/app to talk to the controllers/dmx/vixen etc... but there are plenty of good help on the forums.
I haven't done any work with this and Christmas lights, but I've used this software to capture a landlord entering my flat when I was at work (no damage done so got free rent as a "sorry") but the more I think about it - there might be some development that could put some use to your lights next year..
Hope this fires up some greymatter neurons..
Mike
Using an open-sourced, linux-based software "zoneminder (http://www.zoneminder.com/)", you can use a webcamera-type signal (be it B/W, Colour, Infrared) to "recorded" or "triggered" when movement/changes occur within a nominated area.
The camera(s) can be connected via USB/Coax/Balun+Cat5/IP/(lots of options).
Multicamera feeds possible..
and its FREE (right down the DIY path eh?!)
This might have a few possibilities with the crew here:
* Security: When someone enters an area that is zoned "out", cameras record the event - and ignore everyone outside the zone (eg. on the footpath.)
* Trigger: when someone moves into a specific area activate a display/activity/animation?
* Security: put up an IRflood to "illuminate" the area at night - and when some moves into your lighting dsplay outside of the hours XX:YY and XX:YY - send a signal to controllers to turn all the lights on full (and freak them out) - activate your electric fence; release the guarddog (or play a recording of one); send your mobile a txt message; and start recording..
etc. etc. you get the idea.
You'll need to play with methods to get linux/app to talk to the controllers/dmx/vixen etc... but there are plenty of good help on the forums.
I haven't done any work with this and Christmas lights, but I've used this software to capture a landlord entering my flat when I was at work (no damage done so got free rent as a "sorry") but the more I think about it - there might be some development that could put some use to your lights next year..
Hope this fires up some greymatter neurons..
Mike