Q:

Connect Android phone to a USB Web camera

Hi I am looking to connect a usb camera to an android phone I have access to a Galaxy note 1 and a Sony Xperia L, I can power up a USB memory stick with the Note, but not with the Sony, so I guess the note will be the best option for my project, my phone is not rooted.. is it possible without a rooted phone ? any pointers where to start and if anyone knows of some example projects.. thanks 

A:

There is evidence that your task is possible: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=infinitegra.app.usbcamera. 
I am not sure if this is another successful attempt to tackle this problem: Android 4.0.3. USB Host - communication with a camera. There is an open source project https://github.com/openxc/android-webcam that claims to do that, but I don't have first-hand experience with it.
What I know for sure, this is not easy, and not every camera can be supported this way. Anyways, I don't think that OpenCV is a side in this story.
It seems somewhat easier with an IP camera (Android external camera options - overlay on top of video stream, no middleman server/router), if you can afford one. Alternatively, there is a class of "webcams for Android" (e.g. http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Optical-zoom-web-camera-HD-CMOS_1327851112.html), but I have found no details about its connectivity to Android host.

