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Camera Integration Complete!

A project log for ResQ Search and Rescue Tools

Air and ground-based tools to detect people by using their existing cell phone signature

eric-wiiliamEric Wiiliam 09/21/2020 at 14:320 Comments

This weekend I completed the camera module integration,  tested and pushed the code to GIT. I was also able to design and manufacture a 2D version of the case (3D printable one was already done) and made a few prototypes. The camera module (if connected) is triggered by ResQ to wake up from deep sleep, take a still image of the area when a new MAC address target appears, store the image as a jpg to sd card then go back to deep sleep and wait for a new target.  Nice eh?

How I did it:

I took the existing ResQ which has always lived on a breadboard (it's a good idea to keep a breadboard version of any project so you can quickly test any changes you like). I took the ESP32-CAM module we had previously tested the code on and added a wire to the RST line. 

I connected this RST line to the CAM Output on ResQ (D0 pin broken out on the PCB and schematic) Shared a ground between the boards (also broken out on the PCB). 

Then updated the code. I knew the design was solid and SHOULD work but real hardware testing is the only way to know for certain how it will truly function.

I updated the ResQ code to trigger this output pin low any time a new MAC address is written to the SD card.  This means that you will catch an image of the area any time a new target is detected.  Later I'll put options in the code to catch a series of images at set intervals which will cover more area. This should work great when carried by a drone/UAV since you will have images of the area from above EXACTLY where your target is located. Nifty. 

I then designed and laser cut the 2D case models out of 3mm plywood and acrylic.  

They turned out great and are big enough that users don't have to remove the camera board pins as seemingly every one of them found online comes pre-soldered.  Desoldering headers is a pain so lets avoid that and make it easy for people...

Super happy with the code, design and function. 

We now have a full family of case options for the Air, Ground AND Camera modules. 

Now this seals the deal for yet ANOTHER use for ResQ coming soon- with ZERO code or hardware modifications we can use this system in a pretty cool application I will show in an update soon. 

Stay Tuned :)

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