Question About Dash Cam Software

[Sentriarc]

As the title suggests, I have a question regarding dash cam software. I'm new to the world of embedded systems and dash cams (and this forum in general), so please don't be too harsh on me. What is the software that's on the UI of the dash cam whenever the device is booted up called? I'm aware that some dash camera companies have their own mobile apps, but that's not what I'm referring to. The reason why I'm asking is because I noticed that almost all dash cams boot up the same way and have very similar interfaces, and whether if it's possible to write my own software for an interface. I hope this question isn't too confusing as I'm not sure how else to word it. Thanks!

 

[Sentriarc]

I realize that this question was caused by my own little brain fart, and that the answer was firmware. Either way, however, is it possible to create my own firmware and somehow boot it onto a dash camera?

 

[Nigel]

Yes, it is possible, but not practical, you don't have access to enough information or tools for easy firmware modification.

I noticed that almost all dash cams boot up the same way and have very similar interfaces,

Most dashcam firmwares, at least for the cheaper dashcams, are modifications of a general purpose "template" provided by the processor manufacturer, and there are very few manufacturers of dashcam processors, Novatek from Taiwan is the main one, and the others tend to be essentially cheap chinese copies that also roughly copy the user interface. There are a few exceptions.

You would do better to write a dashcam app to run on an Android device of some sort, nearly everything that can be done on the dashcam screen can also be done via the phone app, via commands sent over the wifi connection. If you can work out those commands then you can write your own app and your own UI, and run it on an android monitor on your dashboard.

I'm not convinced it is worth the effort, but it might be enjoyable.

 

[Sentriarc]

Thanks for the response! It does, in fact, sound like a fun project to work on, even if it may or may not be worth the effort. However, that now brings me to another question: is it possible to create a universal firmware that applies to multiple dash cameras (not all, but some), rather than just one?

 

[DT MI]

...that now brings me to another question: is it possible to create a universal firmware that applies to multiple dash cameras (not all, but some), rather than just one?

Very likely not - firmware is closely tied to the hardware and just very minor differences between cameras would require different firmware.

 

[Nigel]

is it possible to create a universal firmware that applies to multiple dash cameras (not all, but some), rather than just one?

Fit a different lens and you need a different lens calibration, fit a different sensor and you need a different sensor driver in the firmware, load the wrong firmware on the wrong dashcam and they tend to lock up and refuse to do anything!

If you really want to play with dashcam firmware, you would do best to get a job with a dashcam manufacturer, then you have access to all the tools and information needed.

 

[kamkar]

It is my understanding that the people that do mod dashcam firmware, do so by brute force so to say, not having the SDK, and it seem like you can also do a bit of things that way.

Universal firmware, i would say no, but lately i have switched 2 different rear cameras in between 2 different dashcam models from the same brand, and that did not need a firmware update.

A 510 and A 810 from 70 mai and the RC 12 and RC 14 rear cameras, which as i understand are a galaxy core sensor in the RC 14 and the Sony starvis 2 1080p sensor in the RC 12 rear camera.

 

[frontier]

Cool idea! wish i knew more about firmware to help out.

 

[Nigel]

The software you see on the UI of a dash cam during boot-up is called firmware. It controls the device's hardware and provides the user interface. Most dash cams have similar interfaces due to common hardware and software frameworks. If you want to write your own software, you would typically need access to the device's firmware, which is often not available. However, you can explore platforms like Raspberry Pi or Arduino for more flexibility in creating custom embedded projects.

Did you write all that just so that you could quote my post and add a spam link at the end? 🤔