Help with Multi Webcam permissions

[MrC]

Hey guys. This has been causing me issues for years now, and I cannot find the right solution, if there even is one.

My issue: I have multiple webcams plugged into a PC, windows 10 and 11 both have the same issue…

I have some software that requires a specific webcam to be used. If the inbuilt webcam is not disabled in device manager, that camera is what shows in the app. Not ideal, but I disable that inbuilt camera and then it is fine.

The main issue is I also need a Microsoft Kinect v2.0 to be used. This also overrides the app, and that’s what I see. There isn’t a camera selector within the app to state use this camera, and only this camera. If I plug in the Kinect after the first camera, it just overrides the webcam I’m wanting to use. I can’t just disable the Kinect camera, as enabling it again just overrides.

So what my question is, is there a way, even if it’s an ad-hoc bit of software, that allows me to not allow access to the inbuilt camera and Kinect from that app, but leaving them enabled, allows them to be used by other apps. Basically forcing only the required webcam to be accessed by my app.

Any guidance would be very much so welcomed!

Paul

[Malnutrition]

https://www.sordum.org/8585/webcam-on-off-v1-4/

Maybe this will help.

@Pyro @Bastet @Bruce @PeterOz

[Pyro]

Connecting devices while programs are running can be known to override settings and cause some funny happenings. Are you able to use the app to once again select you are wishing to use (switching on to another camera and back to it if necessary)?

[MrC]

https://www.sordum.org/8585/webcam-on-off-v1-4/

Maybe this will help.

@Pyro @Bastet @Bruce @PeterOz

Thank you, that gets over the need to disable the camera in device manager, but my needs, simplified are…

App 1: allow webcam, block webcam 2, block kinect
App 2: allow kinect, block webcam 1 & 2

So the ability to chose which camera(s) an app can use. The standard windows permissions just allow global camera access on/off (like the above software you recommended), that isn’t what I need.

CameraWall software by Sphinx-soft, looked exactly like what I need, but it doesn’t detect any of my cameras, so must be very much so out of date, as I believe it was originally coded for Vista, and added onto. When using in Windows 11 at least, it doesn’t. Sees my printer and says it’s a camera, soooooo ???. But if that helps you see what is needed, and if anyone has any ideas, please do let me know.

Paul

[MrC]

Connecting devices while programs are running can be known to override settings and cause some funny happenings. Are you able to use the app to once again select you are wishing to use (switching on to another camera and back to it if necessary)?

The Kinect which is the main issue, is just overbearing. It takes over the live feed from the webcam in use, within the app that must use the webcam, not the Kinect.

[Bruce]

is this a laptop or desktop?
or is the inbuilt webcam embedded in a monitor?

[MrC]

Both laptop and desktops does the same

[Bastet]

I’ve never tried connecting several cameras so can suggest nothing.

[Bruce]

I’ve also never needed more than one webcam at a time.
does it all work OK if you do only have one at a time, albeit a specific one for a specific purpose?

[MrC]

I’ve also never needed more than one webcam at a time.
does it all work OK if you do only have one at a time, albeit a specific one for a specific purpose?

Hi Bruce. All hardware works individually, but the Kinect overrides the webcam when plugged in. So annoying! ???

[Bruce]

I wonder if it’s something to do with the Kinect not being a true PC webcam, plus also, it needing a special adapter to plug into a USB port.
see if anything here helps; Can I Use the Kinect as a Webcam? | Techwalla
or this;
[MEDIA=youtube]uC60WlWcErQ[/MEDIA]

[MrC]

I wonder if it’s something to do with the Kinect not being a true PC webcam, plus also, it needing a special adapter to plug into a USB port.
see if anything here helps; Can I Use the Kinect as a Webcam? | Techwalla
or this;
[MEDIA=youtube]uC60WlWcErQ[/MEDIA]

Thank you

[Bruce]

@MrC - any luck?

[MrC]

@MrC - any luck?

Negative. The one bit of software that would do the trick, doesn’t even see the cameras. But the concept is there. I’ll probably just have to pay someone to make a modern version, compatible with Win11. Thanks for checking in!

Paul

[Bruce]

bugger.
looks like we have lucked out this time.
will close for now, if you ever find a solution, please PM one of the staff to re-open the thread.
your experience may help others!