camera for disabled wheelchair people

My daughter Franki (14) often performs at senior care and rehabilitation centers playing piano and singing. Very often there are people in wheelchairs who are lovingly brought to attend her performances but, for various reasons, they cannot raise their heads to see her. I watch them and they are NOT sleeping--rather being entertained by her music and the emotions of the people that they can see at their sides. I would like to do an inexpensive experiment using a camera. I would like to set the camera pointing at Franki, and have an app on several of my (iOS and Android) devices so they are tuned into the live show using the camera's WIFI signal. I would set my tablets on their laps so they can watch Franki clearly. I do not own a camera and it is hard for me to research dash/gopro/baby monitor/spy cameras to determine if this is possible? If you are reading this, can you weigh in on a) Can you recommend a camera that emits its own WIFI? b) Does the app allow viewing of "live" video (and with no on-screen information?) c) Can unlimited devices be used to view her "live" performance? -- I think that's all I want to know, but you might also have suggestions or ideas that can help us get the job done. My goal is to first prove that this works, and then make a larger investment of a kit of devices that Franki can take with her and share with these kind people

 

Most WIFI cameras connect to a wireless router. The router, in turn, allows you to connect other devices and view the camera, usually through a web interface or app. Routers are relatively inexpensive.

The cheapest test would be to go "Live" on Facebook using a phone and place either tablets or phones in the patients' laps. Each tablet would have to have its own Facebook account -- which isn't really a big deal -- and each tablet's account would have to be "Friends" with your daughter's real account (or "Like Page"). The downside of that is, each device has to be connected to the internet. A streaming service such as Ustream could also be used but again an internet connection is required.

 

I'm not a camera guy but part of your question requires knowledge of networking. "Wifi" requires an access point or router. You want a direct connection between the laptop & the camera. That's called ad hoc. A quick google search told me that it's possible with a tablet. Search google for ad hoc camera or call a local camera shop.

 

Hi Rick, oftentimes Franki's performances are outdoors (farmer's markets, craft fairs, art walks, etc.) where no Internet signal is available. --Lots of people bring their aging parents to events like these--especially if there is a concert. I have a tiny spy pen camera that emits its own WIFI and thought that this was a typical camera feature until I started looking. My spy pen camera app only allows a single device to view it. I researched some dash cameras that claim to emit WIFI but I question to what extent could it work for this application? I was hoping that a Gopro could be mounted to a tripod and every device within 100 feet could see what it sees.? I guess I might be dreaming.? It makes me think that my $30 spy pen is before its time.

 

You just need a media server per se' ... but there are many ways to do it..

A google search turns up wonders...

You tube live streaming is probably easiest..


Other examples:

Windows encoder
Plex

ETC ETC

 

Using your own tablet or phone, you can create a WiFi hot spot (if your tablet or phone with cam is equipped).

 

And then what would have to happen? Thank you.

 

By setting up your phone or tablet as a hotspot, you are acting as a router. People can then "piggyback" off your internet service (be it 4g or whatever) and will have all the same options as any other router/WiFi set up. How you set up a camera is another story. I answered what seemed like the first hurdle that must be overcome and that was a wireless option.

 

Then after what norm suggests, use your phone as the camera and live stream via you tube..All people then have to do is simple go to you tube and view your channel from any device.

But maybe you need to do it from a computer from an attached camera..

The rest of the research to figure it out is up to you.


https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2907883?hl=en


Also as was mentioned face book live may be the easiest..

https://live.fb.com/golive/?utm_sour...grams#section6

 

A commendable desire, but before you take a big jump, consider the latency inherent in some solutions. While the music will be heard real time, the video may (will??) be delayed. Consider watching a western and hearing a gunshot followed by receding hoof-beats and a commercial. Then you see the good guy knocked from his saddle by the bullet. An extreme example, but it could prove disorienting.

Sounds like you want small, simple, portable and inexpensive. My general recommendation: Keep it local and with a minimum of technology. Otherwise you could end up needing a tech staff to handle glitches.

Remember; Keep It Simple Silly.

 

I have to agree with ThisOldMan. This will get complicated real quick.

 

I agree, this application requires a local wireless solution. And my audience is not capable of any contribution (hardware or savvy) other than keeping the tablet from falling off their laps. I have been Googling "sharing video via hotspot", etc. --Something should turn up. I'm trying to do what most users would want to prevent from happening. I could also use my laptop to provide the hotspot as it appears that my cell provider charges extra for the service.

 

Type in live streaming....

 

I agree that this is a very generous thought.
I also agree that what you want to do is not simple and likely would need someone to help you set this up.

A suggestion would be to talk to some of the caregivers of the people you wish to help about how much a video system would increase their enjoyment of the concerts.
You would need to be sure they are able to see and understand what they would be viewing on a small screen.

Music by itself is universal.

 

GregH, you brought up the exact point I was thinking. They are not going to enjoy the music anymore by being able to watch the performer. Many elderly people have vision problems anyway and are not going to be able to see a tablet or phone screen clearly. Not to knock the fact that the OP wants to help the elderly but I just wonder if this idea is something that is more for his daughters feelings more than that of the people enjoying the entertainment.

 

An additional service your daughter could perform for these "disabled wheelchair people" is to after her concert go into the audience and make personal contact with some of them.

If you discuss this with your audience's caregivers before the concert. they may be able to steer you towards people who can communicate and would benefit from the personal contact.

 

Hi Greg, I so appreciate your feedback and contributing thoughts on this. There is a little more to the story that I thought to share as long as we are this far along. We have a friend with an aging widow mom who has "dropped head syndrome". It's so sad. Franki is often acting in theater groups and they don't bother to bring her. I purchased a $90 baby monitor w/camera and rechargeable tablet for her to test. I soldered 5 D batteries (7.5v) together to allow the camera to be mobile. Her and her daughter hugged and cried the first time she used it. That's what got me thinking about all of the performances at retirement and rehab centers where Franki performs--more than music... magicians, Irish dancers, jugglers, Madrigal actors, more. I thought that if we can define what a perfect "kit" looks like, and what the cost is (doesn't matter how expensive), we can a) first allow Franki to travel with one; b) approach our community foundation to provide kits for area centers. My background (I'm an old guy) is electronics and computer science (and business) and would volunteer to oversee it so all of the necessary equipment is in fine, working order. After the baby monitor test, I found that there are usually only 1-3 people in wheelchairs who don't/can't raise their heads when Franki is performing. I centered my inquiry around Franki but my real interest is more about "seeing" than listening to her music. That said, Franki amazes audiences with her stand up speaking before each number, and personally meeting and greeting everyone. I would gladly purchase extra baby monitor tablets but the frames per second is small and thus not conducive for any movement (the picture however is crisp and no zoom needed). Hopefully this helps in driving more thought to help crack this puzzle. Thank you again, John

 

Im surprised John with your background in e learning, graphical business intelligence creation; video, animation, and multimedia development that you do not have a solution already in place..

 

John, I think we're back to the original suggestion to get a wifi camera, a wireless router, and some tablets. All you need to do is make sure the camera has a web server and/or Android/IOS apps. The camera and router ultimately run on 5vdc or 12vdc so you can fabricate a battery rig that will power it anywhere.

 

I know right!? This time I'm the one scratching my head.