The Webcam HOWTO - The Linux Documentation Project

The Webcam HOWTO
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Copyright Information......................................................................................................................1
1.2. Disclaimer.........................................................................................................................................1
1.3. New Versions....................................................................................................................................1
1.4. Credits...............................................................................................................................................1
1.5. Feedback...........................................................................................................................................2
1.6. Conventions Used in this Document................................................................................................2
2. Enabling Support for Your (Webcam) Hardware in Linux.......................................................................3
2.1. Drivers and Modules.........................................................................................................................3
2.1.1. Module or In−Kernel?.............................................................................................................3
2.1.2. Patching, Source−Only or Precompiled Binary?....................................................................4
2.2. Supporting the Connection Type......................................................................................................4
2.2.1. USB Webcams........................................................................................................................4
2.2.2. IEEE 1394 (Firewire", i.Link")...............................................................................................6
2.2.3. Generic Parallel Port Support for Parport Webcams...............................................................6
2.3. Specific Webcam Models.................................................................................................................6
2.3.1. 3com HomeConnect PC Digital Webcam...............................................................................7
2.3.2. CPiA based Webcams.............................................................................................................7
2.3.3. SE401, SE402 and EP800 based USB webcams....................................................................7
2.3.4. OmniVision based Webcams..................................................................................................8
2.3.5. Logitech (formerly Connectix) Quickcam Support.................................................................9
2.3.6. ICM532 Based Webcams........................................................................................................9
2.3.7. NW802 Based Webcams.......................................................................................................10
2.3.8. Philips USB Webcams..........................................................................................................10
2.3.9. SPCA50X USB Camera Linux Driver..................................................................................10
2.3.10. STV0680 based Models......................................................................................................11
2.3.11. Winbond w9966cf...............................................................................................................11
2.3.12. Xirlink C−it" HDCS−1000 based Webcams.......................................................................11
3. Accessing the Video Device..........................................................................................................................12
3.1. The Video Devices Node................................................................................................................12
3.2. Groups and Permissions..................................................................................................................13
4. Framegrabbing Applications.......................................................................................................................14
4.1. Command Line Programs...............................................................................................................14
4.1.1. Streamer.................................................................................................................................14
4.1.2. camE......................................................................................................................................14
4.1.3. Motion...................................................................................................................................14
4.1.4. Webcam.................................................................................................................................15
4.1.5. SANE.....................................................................................................................................15
4.2. GUI(Grapical User Interface)−Based Programs.............................................................................15
4.2.1. Xawtv....................................................................................................................................15
4.2.2. Gqcam...................................................................................................................................15
4.2.3. Camorama.............................................................................................................................15
4.2.4. GnomeMeeting......................................................................................................................16
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