Need help with the system level design of a camera module

[zasanil]

I'm trying to come up with a system level design using a camera module found in cell phones and I have run into some trouble. Basically, I need help with the system level design where I can control the basic functions of the camera module using simple switches through an i2c system without having to resort to using a big microprocessor or a lot of code. I just want to control the functions of the camera (like focus, zoom, etc) with pushbutton switches, but the camera module uses i2c as an interface, and the data-sheet says is should be connected to a baseband processor which is overkill for what I want. I'm kinda new to this and any help would be great.
Thanks!

 

[RajeevCell]

Anil,

you cannot create I2C signals with simple push buttons. A micro-controller is a must here.

However, don't be afraid. Micros are not that complicated devices.

Cheers

Yeasir Rahul

http://www.voltsmith.com

 

[zasanil]

What would be a good simple micro-controller that would take inputs from about 10 switches and convert them to i2c signals?
Thanks
Dan

 

[felixc]

Zilog and Microchip make microcontrollers for which very inexpensive development boards exist, including all the software. Check on their websites they may have promo specials. In the past I have purchased a development system for the Z8 encore for $10.

 

[zasanil]

Thanks Felixc,
I'll check them out!

 

[itsmoked]

There is always the PICSTAMP for "outta the box" stuff.

This particular one snaps onto a 9 volt battery. You can twiddle the pins via BASIC which is very easy stuff. You could put your buttons on the proto area then program to read a button push and send the command string to the camera module.

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27100

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[melone]

I would make sure your micro can supply / recieve the appropriate clock frequency (with adequate drive strength) for the resolution that you require. Also, noise is a major concern when dealing with camera signals.

 

[zasanil]

Basically, I want to control this camera module's basic features like zoom, focus and maybe croping:

http://www.st.com/stonline/products/literature/ds/11766/vl6624.pdf

with some pushbutton-switches. The data-sheet says it is controlled by i2c signals, but I just need an easy way to go from switches to i2c.