.. _arduino_camera_server:

===========================
1.3 Camera Web Server
===========================

Stream live camera video over Wi-Fi with the ESP32-S3's built-in web server.

Overview
========

This example turns the board into a wireless IP camera. It initializes the OV3660 camera, connects to Wi-Fi, and starts an HTTP server that streams live MJPEG video — viewable in any browser on the same network.

What You'll Learn
=================

* Initializing the camera with the ``esp_camera`` library
* Connecting the ESP32-S3 to a Wi-Fi network
* Running an embedded HTTP server for video streaming
* Understanding ESP32-S3 camera pin mapping (DCMI interface)

Before You Begin
================

Complete the setup steps in :ref:`preparation` before continuing.

.. note::
   Use the recommended Arduino IDE settings in :ref:`arduino_board_settings` unless this lesson says otherwise.

Open the example sketch from the code package:

``LAFVIN-ESP32-S3-Multimedia-Kit-main/1.Arduino/3.CameraWebServer/3.CameraWebServer.ino``

This example uses the **onboard** camera module. No external wiring is required — the camera connects directly to the board through its dedicated camera interface.

.. important::
   You **must** edit the ``ssid`` and ``password`` variables at the top of the sketch to match your Wi-Fi network before uploading.

Upload and Test
===============

#. Connect the board with a USB Type-C data cable.
#. Open ``3.CameraWebServer.ino`` in Arduino IDE.
#. Set your Wi-Fi SSID and password in the sketch.
#. In the **Tools** menu, select ``ESP32S3 Dev Module`` as the board and choose the correct serial port.
#. Click **Upload**.
#. Open **Serial Monitor**, set the baud rate to ``115200``, and wait for the IP address to appear::

      WiFi connected
      Camera Ready! Use 'http://192.168.1.100' to connect

#. Open a web browser on any device connected to the same Wi-Fi network and enter the IP address. You will see a live camera stream page with controls.

If you see ``Camera init failed``, double-check the camera module is firmly seated in its connector.

How the Code Works
==================

**Camera Initialization**

The sketch sets up the camera with a pin configuration table for the ESP32-S3 Eye model:

.. code-block:: cpp

   #include "esp_camera.h"

   camera_config_t config;
   config.pin_pwdn  = -1;    // Not used
   config.pin_reset = -1;    // Not used
   config.pin_xclk  = 15;
   config.pin_sccb_sda = 4;
   config.pin_sccb_scl = 5;
   config.pin_d0  = 11;   // Y2
   config.pin_d1  = 9;    // Y3
   // ... D2–D7 mapped to GPIOs 8, 10, 12, 18, 17, 16

   config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_QVGA;     // 320x240
   config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG;
   config.fb_count = 2;                    // Double-buffered

   esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config);

**Wi-Fi Connection**

.. code-block:: cpp

   WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
   while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
       delay(500);
       Serial.print(".");
   }

**Web Server**

The HTTP server captures camera frames on demand and streams them as MJPEG to connected clients. Frame capture uses ``esp_camera_fb_get()`` to grab a JPEG buffer from the camera, which is served directly over HTTP.

In the provided sketch:

* The camera model is auto-detected or set to ``CAMERA_MODEL_ESP32S3_EYE``
* PSRAM is enabled for double-buffered frame handling
* The web server runs in its own FreeRTOS task, so ``loop()`` can remain empty

Try This Next
=============

* Change ``FRAMESIZE_QVGA`` to ``FRAMESIZE_UXGA`` (1600x1200) for higher resolution (requires more bandwidth)
* Experiment with flash control if your camera module has an LED