We introduce a camera access scheme we call the Unified Camera Framework. Attempts have been made in the past to provide simple access to cameras, however these are generally OS specific or lacking in functionality. We present a novel interface which works across operating systems, and provides access to native images through a descriptor. A unified configuration model is presented to allow manipulation of camera parameters to the level each camera supports. Validation of the ideas presented is given in the form of a proof-of-concept implementation called the All Seeing Eye.

Presented at the International Conference on Distributed Smart Cameras in Atlanta, September 2010.