Latest Version: v1.2.0
-> Added off-network streaming option (not on same wifi network as rpi) using CloudFlare
This project describes a cost-effective and customizable baby monitor using a Raspberry Pi. Cost effectiveness is a relative term, depending on which store-bought option you are looking at :), but I was able to source the parts for ~160 CHF (including shipping in and to CH). I also dont currently have access to a soldering iron, so the parts I sourced are completely plug-and-play. For now, I'm building into the monitor support for live video streaming, infrared night vision, and hopefully dynamic control of an IR LED for nights. The video stream can naturally be accessed on devices connected to the same Wi-Fi as the Raspberry Pi, but also from public and poassword-protected URLs - this is a good option for grandparents and family in other states/countries. This also makes the device more versatile for other uses such as security cameras at vacation homes, workplaces, etc.
In the future, I think it would be fun to expand this to include real-time behavioral or object classification (edge AI). I'm sure the baby will be too big for these features to be useful by the time I get them up and running, but why not dream!
- Live Wi-Fi Video Streaming: View the video feed from a web browser accessed on the same Wi-Fi network as the Pi.
- Secure Domain Streaming: View the video feed from a public domain on any continent (password protected).
- Night Vision Support: Use an IR camera module and IR LED for low-light environments (sleep time).
- Dynamic Lighting: Turn on/off IR LED turns manually or connect it to a light sensor for automatic adjustments.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB) Starter Kit | Includes power supply, case, and SD card |
| Raspberry Pi NoIR v2.1 Camera Module | 8MP infrared camera module |
| Adafruit TSL2591 Light Sensor | High-dynamic range light sensor |
| Adafruit High Power IR LED Emitter | For infrared light vision |
| STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable | For connecting the IR LED emitter |
| JST PH 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable (200mm) | For connecting the light sensor |
RaspberryPiBabyMonitor/
│
├── src/
│ ├── stream_LED_cloudflare.py
│ ├── stream_LED.py
│ ├── stream_toggle.py
│ └── stream.py
│
├── docs/
│ ├── images/
│ ├── SETUP_HARDWARE.md
│ ├── SETUP_SOFTWARE.md
│ ├── TROUBLESHOOTING.md
│ └── WEB_STREAMING_SETUP.md
│
├── .gitignore
├── CHANGELOG.md
├── install.sh
├── LICENSE
├── README.md
├── requirements.txt
└── setup.py
-
Assemble the hardware SETUP_HARDWARE:
- Connect the camera module to the Raspberry Pi (Steps 1-4).
- Attach the IR LED and light sensor using the respective JST connectors, if desired (Step 5)
-
Set up the software SETUP_SOFTWARE:
- Flash Raspberry Pi OS and create a project directory via SSH
- Clone this repository and install the required dependencies
-
Create CloudFlare account for streaming off network WEB_STREAMING_SETUP:
- Make a CloudFlare account and obtain a domain name
- Create and configure a tunnel for off-network streaming
-
Run the application:
- Execute the desired version of
stream.py(see next section) to start the video feed and additional features. - Use a web browser on a computer or smart phone to view the stream by visiting
http://<your_pi_ip>:5000and/or at a private domain.
- Execute the desired version of
stream.py (Basic video streaming)
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Raspberry Pi Camera Module (NoIR v2.1 or regular)
- Wi-Fi connection
stream_toggle.py (+ toggle stream on/off)
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Raspberry Pi Camera Module (NoIR v2.1 or regular)
- Wi-Fi connection
stream_LED.py (+ manual on/off LED control)
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Raspberry Pi Camera Module (NoIR v2.1 or regular)
- Wi-Fi connection
- Adafruit High Power IR LED Emitter
stream_LED_cloudflare (+ manual on/off LED control)
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Raspberry Pi Camera Module (NoIR v2.1 or regular)
- CloudFlare account and domain name
- Adafruit High Power IR LED Emitter
- Automatic LED adjustments.
- Edge AI models for real-time monitoring.