SalmonCam

This application records and stores video in Motion JPEG (MJPEG) format. Unlike other video formats that achieve compression by recording changes from frame to frame, MJPEG is
essentially a series of discrete JPEG images stitched together into one continuous file. This is necessary if the targets that you document are in an environment that is visually dynamic, such as salmon swimming in a fast river.

Current monitoring of salmon migration is accomplished using commercial digital video recorders (DVRs) that record in MJPEG format. Drawbacks to the current DVR systems are that they require significant amounts of amperage to operate (1.8 - 2.3 amps/hr @12v), and all of the companies that manufactured these devices have ceased building and supporting them.
While laptop based systems that record to MJPEG are a feasible solution and could provide greater control of the video data stream as well as data storage, the power requirements of this system would be similar to that of the current DVR based systems. Many rivers are highly limited in terms of power generation, (significant tree canopy, steep ravine... therefore minimal sun and wind). As a result of this, staff began investigating PDA and tablet based solutions using the Android OS.
This application records in MJPEG format at settings that can be user defined depending on the hardware constraints of the device. This application, with further development has significant potential to replace the current DVR systems being used to monitor fish passage, as
well as possibly be used in areas where DVRs cannot be deployed due to power or other logistical constraints.
This application was constructed to achieve two purposes: one, to allow the user to investigate the various MJPEG settings (JPEG quality, frame rate, camcorder profile) available on Android devices that will provide the best imagery for that device and intended project, and two, to provide the basic functionality needed to collect MJPEG data in the field. This application will crash if settings are applied that are outside of the hardware specifications of the target device. Future versions of this software may have the ability to utilize remote wifi linked cameras, as well as have improved power and data handling abilities. This application is being developed using a Samsung S4 Active GT-i9295 mini-tablet/smart phone. This device is weather resistant (IP67) and fairly generic in terms of hardware configuration. This software MAY work on other devices, but will likely require some rewriting of software.
Draft instructions are HERE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Qm7Y-LexzFZDljanZNMWxUSmM/view?usp=sharing
Source code for this application may be downloaded here:
https://github.com/portsample/salmonCam

Thank you for your time.