Project Help?

Question

Me and my partner have been assigned to make a camera, we have had a couple ideas such as a digital infared camera the problem is it would be too expensive so I am looking for a way to go beyond what is needed and create a really awesome camera. The assignment is to make a pinpoint camera which seems too simple for me so how can I complex this and make an impressive project thats materials cost less then 20 dollars. Thanks!

Answer 1

In response to the previous answer: "I think the only way to do this is to buy a used digital camera and scavenge the photo array and processing circuitry from it."

You would pretty much have to keep the whole camera intact, cause you’re gonna need the output screen so you can view it, or at least the input/output system so you can transfer it to your computer. So basically, take a camera, break the lenses off the front and position the pinhole opening to project through the hole where the lenses used to be.

Seems a little tacky to have the camera in the box like that... why not try this: On the back of your box cut out a hole and place wax paper over it. So the wax paper should act like a screen, but your going to need some cloth to cover your head while you’re looking at it, otherwise there will be too much light to see the image on the screen.

I don’t know if this idea will actually work... but I think it sounds cool. :)

If you really wanna knock your teachers socks off check this site out: http://brightbytes.com/cosite/what.html. A set up with a tent might make it possible to set up your own camera obscura. It’s the same concept as a pinhole camera, only you stand inside the box and look at the projection on a table top.

Answer 2

I think the only way to do this is to buy a used digital camera and scavenge the photo array and processing circuitry from it. You can then build your pin hole box and mechanical shutter, and then come up with some gizmo to sync it to the camera photo array trigger.

It would be a good demonstration of integration (which it sounds like you are after), it would be cheap, and it would have a shot at working without drawing too much blood.

I'm not retired, but I drive a Porsche and own a 40' boat, and I bet you guys can pull this off.

The first step in solving a problem is arriving at the proper scope of effort and bounds of possibilities that will provide a solution. Sell that scope to your customer, and then do the project.

Answer 3

You can't!! First of all you're not smart enough to design a complex digital camera. I'm a retired Aerospace and Biomedical engineer. I have a PhD in electrical engineering, and a PhD in applied physics, and I'd have to do extensive research and months of design to come up with a viable digital camera. AND that would cost a lot more than 20 bucks!!

I'd advise you to make the pinhole camera... BUT if you think you can do it on time and within budget (20 bucks)... knock youself out!!