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USB Video Streaming

Overview​

This section describes how to using UVC to Implement live Video Streaming via the UVC Protocol Based on the ESP32-S3.

Key Features​

UVC(USB Video Class) is a protocol defined and maintained by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). Key features include:：

  • Support for High-resolution image captuure
  • Driverless operation with true plug-and-play functionality
  • Standardized interface for seamless cross-device integration
  • Broad host compatibility across major operating systems

Preparation​

Hardware​

  • NE100-MB01 Dev Board
  • UVC USB Camera Module

Software​

1. Firmware​

2. Environment Requirements​

  • IDE Software：Visual Studio Code（v1.99.2+）
  • Development Framework：ESP-IDF Extension（v5.1.6）
  • Example Repository： lowpower_camera

Verify the video stream​

Using Precompiled Firmware​

  1. Hardware Connection：

  2. Firmware flashing： Refer to the below to flash the firmware：

    the System Flashing and Initialization Guide

  3. Check the video streaming output：

    • Press and hold the camera button to enter configuration mode.
    • Access the web management interface at http://192.168.1.1, as shown in the figure below.
    • Check if the video streaming displays correctly.

    Wifi Connection device Interface UVC Video Streaming

Using Source Code Development​

1. Clone the repository using the following command​

git clone https://github.com/camthink-ai/lowpower_camera.git

2.Project setup ：​

Open the directory in VS Code

Project Root Directory

3. Configuration ：​

Open the camera.h file located in the /main directory and enable the UVC feature.

Sensitivity Settings

4. Compile and deploy the source code​

  1. Select esp32s3 as the target chip.：

Esp32s3 selection

  1. Select the build button to compile the source code.

Showing build output

  1. Select the flash button to upload the generated firmware to the device：

screenshot showing flashing process

5. Check the video streaming output​

Same with using precompiled firmware

Notes​

Protocol Limitations:：

  • The ESP32-S3 only supports USB 1.1.
  • Ensure that the camera is compatible with the USB 1.1 standard.

Tip: During development, it is recommended to keep serial port monitoring enabled to capture any abnormal information in a timely manner.