How to Capture Video with Webcam?

Question

Hi there,

I'm currently working on a project which is basically Server-Client based.

Client is standalone VB executable file and Server is web based.
The program is supposed to use webcam as video capture device, stream video footages to server (on website - live feed) and allows users to manually save captured videos into their computer.

Thats basically the brief description of my system. I'm starting off working with VB right now and website after I'm done with VB.

I'm new to VB, this would be my 1st project on it. I need help and guidance on how to start please, especially on video capturing functions.
I've looked for available sources online and found several VB apps which lets me capture image file through my webcam. Also on MSDN forum, i found recommendations on using "DCAM Server" to stream videos on website but I'm still not sure of how to configure the settings to make it work properly, and of course, don't have a proper website for it to work with yet atm.

Also realise I'll need to integrate some .dll files or activeX functions to use video capture function. I don't really know how to use these yet rite now.

Please give me some recommendations or ideas, sample projects available which works with Visual Studio 2008 or tutorials.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi again, sorry for double posting but my thread is up for 2 days and still no replies.
Please help me out >.<

thanks

Answer 2

Hi!

First at all, i recommend to read about the WIA API (Windows Image Acquisition). I don't have souce code for give you an example because i never use it, but i found this (http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/WebCamService.aspx).

Hope that help.

Bye!

Answer 3

Hi Lala,

Welcome to MSDN forums!

Here are two approaches to talk with Web Cam and capture images or video.
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/vssmartdevicesnative/thread/53f5847b-7540-4222-aa56-5f20c6ef46cf/


1. Using WIA(Windows Image Acquisition) to capture images (but not video) from Web Cam as spucheta said.

Example 1: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/WebCamService.aspx


Example 2: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/dotnet/wiascriptingdotnet.aspx
 


2. Using DirectX component called DirectShow to capture video and images from Web Cam.

Example 1: DirectX.Capture Class Library for capturing video and audio to AVI files.
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/directx/directxcapture.aspx


Example 2: Webcam using DirectShow.NET
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/audio-video/WebcamUsingDirectShowNET.aspx

Example 3: Motion detection using web cam
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/audio-video/motion_detection_wc.aspx
 


There is the DirectShow Development forum, it's likely to get better instruction there.


Best regards,
Martin Xie