STEVAL-EVK-U0l : Use as Windows Webcam Device

dluka · ‎2025-03-14

I have successfully used the STEVAL-EVK-U0l with Windows where I connect the USB cable to my Windows device and interact with it via the free software provided ST, this software being called STSW-IMG501.

I would like to start developing some algorithms on the PC, using the Eval board and USB connection. These algorithms are OpenCV based and would initially be written in Python. Since OpenCV and Python work well with webcam type streaming devices and the STSW-IMG501 has a streaming output window, it seems that it should be straightforward to connect that stream as a webcam in Windows. However, there does not seem to be a simple way to do this, hence my query. I have tried querying all Webcams in Python both when the EVAL board is connected to the eval software and when not, but neither scenario offers up the device as a webcam.

So my question is, can I set up the STEVAL_EVK-U0l to be a webcam on windows, and if so, how?

For completeness, I will ultimately take those algorithms, port them to C and implement them on an embedded device (specific device and OS still TBD). The camera that is on the EVAL device is identified as VD56G3.

Thank you for any and all help!

MeganeG · ‎2025-03-17

Hi @dluka,

Thank you for your feedback.

To answer your question, no, the STEVAL_EVK-U0l cannot be set up as a webcam on Windows. However, we will release a Python SDK in the next few months that will enable this functionality.

Additionally, there is the possibility of using the sensor with a Raspberry Pi connected to Windows as a UVC webcam. Here are step-by-step instructions available: link. It describes the steps to configure Raspberry Pi as a UVC solution using Libcamera.

Regards, Megane.

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MeganeG · ‎2025-03-17

Hi @dluka,

Thank you for your feedback.

To answer your question, no, the STEVAL_EVK-U0l cannot be set up as a webcam on Windows. However, we will release a Python SDK in the next few months that will enable this functionality.

Additionally, there is the possibility of using the sensor with a Raspberry Pi connected to Windows as a UVC webcam. Here are step-by-step instructions available: link. It describes the steps to configure Raspberry Pi as a UVC solution using Libcamera.

Regards, Megane.

Our community relies on fruitful exchanges and good quality content. You can thank and reward helpful and positive contributions by marking them as 'Accept as Solution'. When marking a solution, make sure it answers your original question or issue that you raised.

ST Employees that act as moderators have the right to accept the solution, judging by their expertise. This helps other community members identify useful discussions and refrain from raising the same question. If you notice any false behavior or abuse of the action, do not hesitate to 'Report Inappropriate Content'

dluka · ‎2025-03-17

Hello @MeganeG,

Thank you for your prompt reply. I will explore the raspberry pi suggestion.

Thank you,

Dan

dluka · ‎2025-04-07

As a final followup perhaps helpful to others who may follow, I have purchased a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a STEVAL-CAM-M0I. I followed the instructions on the link that you provided. I also found the doc: Linux Start Guide helpful. Several things that I had to figure out: should I configure the pi for 32 or 64 bit - I chose 64 bit. When configuring the device tree, I didn't know if a Pi Zero 2 was rpi1_to_4 or rpi5. Initially, I figured this was new hardware, it's probably rpi5. This, however, is incorrect. Proper selection is rpi1_to_4. Also, when installing the Libcamera driver, I only installed STSW-IMG502_LCAM , but failed to install STSW-IMG502_LIPA - they are both required. Once these issues were sorted out, the set up worked as expected.

Thank you for a useful suggestion regarding this set up. This was extremely helpful.

Thanks,
Dan

MeganeG · ‎2025-04-08

Hi @dluka, glad to know that it is working!

Thanks, Megane

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