2 W996[87]CF JPEG USB Dual Mode Camera Chip
3 Driver for Linux 2.6 (basic version)
4 =========================================
16 6. Module dependencies
19 9. Contact information
25 Copyright (C) 2002-2004 by Luca Risolia <luca.risolia@studio.unibo.it>
30 Winbond is a trademark of Winbond Electronics Corporation.
31 This software is not sponsored or developed by Winbond.
36 This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
37 it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
38 the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
39 (at your option) any later version.
41 This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
42 but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
43 MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
44 GNU General Public License for more details.
46 You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
47 along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
48 Foundation, Inc., 675 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
53 This driver supports the video streaming capabilities of the devices mounting
54 Winbond W9967CF and Winbond W9968CF JPEG USB Dual Mode Camera Chips. OV681
55 based cameras should be supported as well.
57 The driver is divided into two modules: the basic one, "w9968cf", is needed for
58 the supported devices to work; the second one, "w9968cf-vpp", is an optional
59 module, which provides some useful video post-processing functions like video
60 decoding, up-scaling and colour conversions. Once the driver is installed,
61 every time an application tries to open a recognized device, "w9968cf" checks
62 the presence of the "w9968cf-vpp" module and loads it automatically by default.
64 Please keep in mind that official kernels do not include the second module for
65 performance purposes. However it is always recommended to download and install
66 the latest and complete release of the driver, replacing the existing one, if
67 present: it will be still even possible not to load the "w9968cf-vpp" module at
68 all, if you ever want to. Another important missing feature of the version in
69 the official Linux 2.4 kernels is the writeable /proc filesystem interface.
71 The latest and full-featured version of the W996[87]CF driver can be found at:
72 http://www.linux-projects.org. Please refer to the documentation included in
73 that package, if you are going to use it.
75 Up to 32 cameras can be handled at the same time. They can be connected and
76 disconnected from the host many times without turning off the computer, if
77 your system supports the hotplug facility.
79 To change the default settings for each camera, many parameters can be passed
80 through command line when the module is loaded into memory.
82 The driver relies on the Video4Linux, USB and I2C core modules. It has been
83 designed to run properly on SMP systems as well. An additional module,
84 "ovcamchip", is mandatory; it provides support for some OmniVision image
85 sensors connected to the W996[87]CF chips; if found in the system, the module
86 will be automatically loaded by default (provided that the kernel has been
87 compiled with the automatic module loading option).
92 At the moment, known W996[87]CF and OV681 based devices are:
93 - Aroma Digi Pen VGA Dual Mode ADG-5000 (unknown image sensor)
94 - AVerMedia AVerTV USB (SAA7111A, Philips FI1216Mk2 tuner, PT2313L audio chip)
95 - Creative Labs Video Blaster WebCam Go (OmniVision OV7610 sensor)
96 - Creative Labs Video Blaster WebCam Go Plus (OmniVision OV7620 sensor)
97 - Lebon LDC-035A (unknown image sensor)
98 - Ezonics EZ-802 EZMega Cam (OmniVision OV8610C sensor)
99 - OmniVision OV8610-EDE (OmniVision OV8610 sensor)
100 - OPCOM Digi Pen VGA Dual Mode Pen Camera (unknown image sensor)
101 - Pretec Digi Pen-II (OmniVision OV7620 sensor)
102 - Pretec DigiPen-480 (OmniVision OV8610 sensor)
104 If you know any other W996[87]CF or OV681 based cameras, please contact me.
106 The list above does not imply that all those devices work with this driver: up
107 until now only webcams that have an image sensor supported by the "ovcamchip"
108 module work. Kernel messages will always tell you whether this is case.
110 Possible external microcontrollers of those webcams are not supported: this
111 means that still images cannot be downloaded from the device memory.
113 Furthermore, it's worth to note that I was only able to run tests on my
114 "Creative Labs Video Blaster WebCam Go". Donations of other models, for
115 additional testing and full support, would be much appreciated.
118 6. Module dependencies
119 ======================
120 For it to work properly, the driver needs kernel support for Video4Linux, USB
121 and I2C, and the "ovcamchip" module for the image sensor. Make sure you are not
122 actually using any external "ovcamchip" module, given that the W996[87]CF
123 driver depends on the version of the module present in the official kernels.
125 The following options of the kernel configuration file must be enabled and
126 corresponding modules must be compiled:
136 The I2C core module can be compiled statically in the kernel as well.
138 # OmniVision Camera Chip support
140 CONFIG_VIDEO_OVCAMCHIP=m
146 In addition, depending on the hardware being used, only one of the modules
149 # USB Host Controller Drivers
151 CONFIG_USB_EHCI_HCD=m
152 CONFIG_USB_UHCI_HCD=m
153 CONFIG_USB_OHCI_HCD=m
157 # USB Multimedia devices
164 To use the driver, it is necessary to load the "w9968cf" module into memory
165 after every other module required.
167 Loading can be done this way, from root:
169 [root@localhost home]# modprobe usbcore
170 [root@localhost home]# modprobe i2c-core
171 [root@localhost home]# modprobe videodev
172 [root@localhost home]# modprobe w9968cf
174 At this point the pertinent devices should be recognized: "dmesg" can be used
175 to analyze kernel messages:
177 [user@localhost home]$ dmesg
179 There are a lot of parameters the module can use to change the default
180 settings for each device. To list every possible parameter with a brief
181 explanation about them and which syntax to use, it is recommended to run the
184 [root@locahost home]# modinfo w9968cf
189 Module parameters are listed below:
190 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
194 Description: Automatic 'ovcamchip' module loading: 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
195 If enabled, 'insmod' searches for the required 'ovcamchip'
196 module in the system, according to its configuration, and
197 loads that module automatically. This action is performed as
198 once soon as the 'w9968cf' module is loaded into memory.
200 Note: The kernel must be compiled with the CONFIG_KMOD option
201 enabled for the 'ovcamchip' module to be loaded and for
202 this parameter to be present.
203 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
207 Description: Automatic 'w9968cf-vpp' module loading: 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
208 If enabled, every time an application attempts to open a
209 camera, 'insmod' searches for the video post-processing module
210 in the system and loads it automatically (if present).
211 The optional 'w9968cf-vpp' module adds extra image manipulation
212 capabilities to the 'w9968cf' module,like software up-scaling,
213 colour conversions and video decompression for very high frame
216 Note: The kernel must be compiled with the CONFIG_KMOD option
217 enabled for the 'w9968cf-vpp' module to be loaded and for
218 this parameter to be present.
219 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
223 Description: Number of cameras allowed to stream simultaneously.
224 n may vary from 0 to 32.
226 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
228 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
230 Description: Specify V4L minor mode number.
231 -1 = use next available
232 n = use minor number n
233 You can specify up to 32 cameras this way.
235 video_nr=-1,2,-1 would assign minor number 2 to the second
236 recognized camera and use auto for the first one and for every
239 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
241 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
243 Description: Specify the maximum data payload size in bytes for alternate
244 settings, for each device. n is scaled between 63 and 1023.
246 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
248 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
250 Description: For advanced users.
251 Specify the maximum number of video frame buffers to allocate
252 for each device, from 2 to 32.
254 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
256 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
258 Description: Hardware double buffering: 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
259 It should be enabled if you want smooth video output: if you
260 obtain out of sync. video, disable it, or try to
261 decrease the 'clockdiv' module parameter value.
262 Default: 1 for every device.
263 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
265 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
267 Description: Video data clamping: 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
268 Default: 0 for every device.
269 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
271 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
272 Syntax: <0|1|2[,...]>
273 Description: Video filter type.
274 0 none, 1 (1-2-1) 3-tap filter, 2 (2-3-6-3-2) 5-tap filter.
275 The filter is used to reduce noise and aliasing artifacts
276 produced by the CCD or CMOS image sensor.
277 Default: 0 for every device.
278 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
280 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
282 Description: Large view: 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
283 Default: 1 for every device.
284 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
286 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
288 Description: Software scaling (for non-compressed video only):
289 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
290 Disable it if you have a slow CPU or you don't have enough
292 Default: 0 for every device.
293 Note: If 'w9968cf-vpp' is not present, this parameter is set to 0.
294 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
296 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
297 Syntax: <0|1|2[,...]>
298 Description: Software video decompression:
299 0 = disables decompression
300 (doesn't allow formats needing decompression).
301 1 = forces decompression
302 (allows formats needing decompression only).
303 2 = allows any permitted formats.
304 Formats supporting (de)compressed video are YUV422P and
305 YUV420P/YUV420 in any resolutions where width and height are
307 Default: 2 for every device.
308 Note: If 'w9968cf-vpp' is not present, forcing decompression is not
309 allowed; in this case this parameter is set to 2.
310 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
312 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
313 Syntax: <0|9|10|13|15|8|7|1|6|3|4|5[,...]>
314 Description: Force picture palette.
316 0 = Off - allows any of the following formats:
317 9 = UYVY 16 bpp - Original video, compression disabled
318 10 = YUV420 12 bpp - Original video, compression enabled
319 13 = YUV422P 16 bpp - Original video, compression enabled
320 15 = YUV420P 12 bpp - Original video, compression enabled
321 8 = YUVY 16 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
322 7 = YUV422 16 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
323 1 = GREY 8 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
324 6 = RGB555 16 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
325 3 = RGB565 16 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
326 4 = RGB24 24 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
327 5 = RGB32 32 bpp - Software conversion from UYVY
328 When not 0, this parameter will override 'decompression'.
329 Default: 0 for every device. Initial palette is 9 (UYVY).
330 Note: If 'w9968cf-vpp' is not present, this parameter is set to 9.
331 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
333 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
335 Description: Read RGB video data instead of BGR:
336 1 = use RGB component ordering.
337 0 = use BGR component ordering.
338 This parameter has effect when using RGBX palettes only.
339 Default: 0 for every device.
340 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
342 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
344 Description: Image sensor automatically changes brightness:
346 Default: 0 for every device.
347 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
349 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
351 Description: Image sensor automatically changes exposure:
353 Default: 1 for every device.
354 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
356 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
357 Syntax: <50|60[,...]>
358 Description: Light frequency in Hz:
359 50 for European and Asian lighting, 60 for American lighting.
360 Default: 50 for every device.
361 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
363 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
365 Description: Banding filter to reduce effects of fluorescent
367 0 disabled, 1 enabled.
368 This filter tries to reduce the pattern of horizontal
369 light/dark bands caused by some (usually fluorescent) lighting.
370 Default: 0 for every device.
371 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
373 Type: int array (min = 0, max = 32)
375 Description: Force pixel clock divisor to a specific value (for experts):
376 n may vary from 0 to 127.
377 -1 for automatic value.
378 See also the 'double_buffer' module parameter.
379 Default: -1 for every device.
380 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
382 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
384 Description: Objects are lit from behind:
386 Default: 0 for every device.
387 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
389 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
391 Description: Reverse image horizontally:
393 Default: 0 for every device.
394 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
396 Type: bool array (min = 0, max = 32)
398 Description: The image sensor is monochrome:
400 Default: 0 for every device.
401 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
403 Type: long array (min = 0, max = 32)
405 Description: Set picture brightness (0-65535).
406 This parameter has no effect if 'autobright' is enabled.
407 Default: 31000 for every device.
408 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
410 Type: long array (min = 0, max = 32)
412 Description: Set picture hue (0-65535).
413 Default: 32768 for every device.
414 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
416 Type: long array (min = 0, max = 32)
418 Description: Set picture saturation (0-65535).
419 Default: 32768 for every device.
420 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
422 Type: long array (min = 0, max = 32)
424 Description: Set picture contrast (0-65535).
425 Default: 50000 for every device.
426 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
428 Type: long array (min = 0, max = 32)
430 Description: Set picture whiteness (0-65535).
431 Default: 32768 for every device.
432 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
436 Description: Debugging information level, from 0 to 6:
437 0 = none (use carefully)
439 2 = significant informations
440 3 = configuration or general messages
443 6 = function internals
444 Level 5 and 6 are useful for testing only, when only one
447 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
451 Description: Enable or disable specific debugging messages:
452 0 = print messages concerning every level <= 'debug' level.
453 1 = print messages concerning the level indicated by 'debug'.
455 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
458 9. Contact information
459 ======================
460 I may be contacted by e-mail at <luca.risolia@studio.unibo.it>.
462 I can accept GPG/PGP encrypted e-mail. My GPG key ID is 'FCE635A4'.
463 My public 1024-bit key should be available at your keyserver; the fingerprint
464 is: '88E8 F32F 7244 68BA 3958 5D40 99DA 5D2A FCE6 35A4'.
469 The development would not have proceed much further without having looked at
470 the source code of other drivers and without the help of several persons; in
473 - the I2C interface to kernel and high-level image sensor control routines have
474 been taken from the OV511 driver by Mark McClelland;
476 - memory management code has been copied from the bttv driver by Ralph Metzler,
477 Marcus Metzler and Gerd Knorr;
479 - the low-level I2C read function has been written by Frederic Jouault;
481 - the low-level I2C fast write function has been written by Piotr Czerczak.