Low-power-consumption camera capable of automatically following light

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a low-power-consumption camera capable of automatically following light. The low-power-consumption camera comprises a solar panel, a rotating part and a camera main body, a plurality of light detection pieces are arranged on the solar panel, and a mainboard is arranged in a shell of the camera main body; the solar panel is rotationally connected with the camera main body through the rotating piece, and the light detection piece is electrically connected with the mainboard; the light detection piece is used for detecting the illumination intensity in the corresponding direction on the solar panel and outputting a corresponding light detection signal; the main board judges whether the irradiation angle of sunlight on the solar panel is within a preset angle range or not according to the light detection signal, and if yes, electric energy converted by the solar panel is used for charging; otherwise, controlling the rotating piece to drive the solar panel to rotate until the irradiation angle is within the preset angle range. The solar panel is controlled to rotate automatically according to the irradiation angle of sunlight, more sufficient sunlight is received at the optimal angle, and the maximum charging efficiency can be ensured by long-time continuous illumination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic technology, and more particularly to a low-power camera with automatic light tracking. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and security monitoring systems, low-power cameras have become the preferred equipment for monitoring remote areas and in the field. To ensure long-term stable operation, these cameras typically rely on solar power. However, traditional solar panels are generally fixed in place and cannot be adjusted to follow the sun's movement, resulting in low charging efficiency. Especially under low sunlight conditions, low-power cameras may malfunction due to insufficient power. Therefore, improving the charging efficiency of solar panels and extending the battery life of low-power cameras has become a significant challenge in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a low-power camera with automatic light tracking, thereby solving the problem that existing solar panels cannot automatically rotate and adjust according to the direction of light.

[0004] This invention provides a low-power camera with automatic light tracking, including a solar panel, a rotating component, and a camera body; the solar panel is provided with a plurality of light detection components, and a main board is provided inside the housing of the camera body; the solar panel is rotatably connected to the camera body through the rotating component, and the light detection components are electrically connected to the main board;

[0005] The light detection device is used to detect the light intensity in the corresponding direction on the solar panel and output the corresponding light detection signal; the main board determines whether the irradiation angle of the sunlight is within the preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If it is, the solar panel is charged with the electrical energy converted from the solar panel; otherwise, the rotating device is controlled to drive the solar panel to rotate until the irradiation angle is within the preset angle range.

[0006] Optionally, in the aforementioned low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the light detection element is a photosensitive sensor, of which four are respectively disposed in the middle of the four edges of the solar panel.

[0007] Optionally, in the aforementioned low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the motherboard is provided with a power module, a main control module, and a drive module; the main control module is connected to the power module and the drive module, and the drive module is connected to the horizontal motor and the vertical motor in the rotating component;

[0008] The power module converts the battery voltage into a power supply voltage to power the main control module.

[0009] The main control module determines whether the angle of sunlight is within a preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If it is, it controls the power module to charge the solar panel with the electrical energy converted from the solar panel; otherwise, it outputs the corresponding power supply control signal and rotation signal.

[0010] The drive module controls the power supply status of the corresponding motor according to the power supply control signal, and drives the rotation status of the corresponding motor according to the rotation signal.

[0011] Optionally, in the aforementioned low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the main control module also controls the power module to pause the output of the system voltage in sleep mode.

[0012] Optionally, in the low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the power module includes a battery holder, a power chip, a first inductor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor.

[0013] Pin 1 of the battery holder is the battery power supply terminal, connected to the VIN pin of the power chip and one end of the first resistor; the EN pin of the power chip is connected to the other end of the first resistor, the GND pin of the power chip is grounded, and the SW pin of the power chip is connected to one end of the first inductor; the other end of the first inductor is the main control power supply terminal, connected to one end of the first capacitor, one end of the second resistor, and one end of the second capacitor; the FB pin of the power chip is connected to the other end of the first capacitor, the other end of the second resistor, and one end of the third resistor; the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the second capacitor are both grounded.

[0014] Optionally, in the aforementioned low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the power module further includes a first switching transistor, a second switching transistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a third capacitor, and a fourth capacitor.

[0015] One end of the fourth resistor is connected to the battery power supply terminal, and the other end of the fourth resistor is connected to one end of the fifth resistor, one end of the third capacitor, and the main control module; the other end of the fifth resistor is connected to the other end of the third capacitor and ground; the source of the first switch is connected to the battery power supply terminal, one end of the sixth resistor, and one end of the fourth capacitor; the gate of the first switch is connected to the other end of the sixth resistor, the other end of the fourth capacitor, and the collector of the second switch; the drain of the first switch is the system power supply terminal, the base of the second switch is connected to the main control module, and the emitter of the second switch is grounded.

[0016] Optionally, in the aforementioned low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the main control module includes an input interface, an MCU, and peripheral circuitry for resetting the MCU and providing a reference clock signal;

[0017] Pin 1 of the input interface is connected to the system power supply, and pins 2 and 7 of the input interface are grounded. Pins 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the input interface are connected one-to-one with pins P33 / AIN3 / VCIN3, P34 / AIN4 / VCIN4, P35 / AIN5 / VCIN5, and P36 / AIN6 / VCIN6 / AVREF of the MCU. Pin 8 of the input interface is connected to the main control power supply. Pins RST / P00, XTHI / AIN7 / VCIN7 / P01, and XTHO / AIN8 / P02 of the MCU are all connected to the peripheral circuit, and pin AVCC / DVCC of the MCU is connected to the main control power supply. Pins LVDIN1 / P03, XTLO / P15, XTLI / P14, LVDIN2 / VCIN0 / P23, P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1, and P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU are all connected to the driver module. Pin P24 / AIN0 of the MCU is connected to the other end of the fourth resistor.

[0018] Optionally, in the low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the driving module includes a driving chip, a first diode, a second diode, a third switch, a fourth switch, a first motor interface, and a second motor interface.

[0019] The NC and GND pins of the driver chip are grounded. Pins 1B and 5B of the driver chip are connected to the LVDIN1 / P03 pin of the MCU. Pins 2B and 6B of the driver chip are connected to the XTLO / P15 pin of the MCU. Pins 3B and 7B of the driver chip are connected to the XTLI / P14 pin of the MCU. Pins 4B and 8B of the driver chip are connected to the LVDIN2 / VCIN0 / P23 pin of the MCU. Pins 1C, 2C, 3C, and 4C of the driver chip are connected one-to-one with pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the first motor interface. Pins 5C, 6C, 7C, and 8C of the driver chip are connected to the MCU. The first, second, third, and fourth pins of the second motor interface are connected one-to-one; the COM pin of the driver chip is connected to the negative terminals of the first and second diodes; the source of the third switch is connected to the battery power supply terminal; the gate of the third switch is connected to the P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1 pin of the MCU; the drain of the third switch is connected to the positive terminal of the second diode and the fifth pin of the first motor interface; the source of the fourth switch is connected to the battery power supply terminal; the gate of the fourth switch is connected to the P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 pin of the MCU; and the drain of the fourth switch is connected to the positive terminal of the first diode and the fifth pin of the second motor interface.

[0020] Optionally, in the low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the peripheral circuit of the MCU includes a crystal oscillator, a seventh capacitor, an eighth capacitor, a ninth capacitor, a ninth resistor, a tenth resistor, and an eleventh resistor.

[0021] One end of the ninth resistor is connected to one end of the seventh capacitor and the RST / P00 pin of the MCU, and the other end of the ninth resistor is connected to the main control power supply terminal. The other end of the seventh capacitor is grounded. One end of the tenth resistor is connected to the XTHI / AIN7 / VCIN7 / P01 pin of the MCU, one end of the crystal oscillator, and one end of the eighth capacitor. The other end of the tenth resistor is connected to the XTHO / AIN8 / P02 pin of the MCU and one end of the eleventh resistor. The other end of the eleventh resistor is connected to the other end of the crystal oscillator and one end of the ninth capacitor. The other ends of the eighth capacitor and the other ends of the ninth capacitor are both grounded.

[0022] Optionally, in the aforementioned low-power camera with automatic light tracking, the driving module further includes a fourteenth capacitor, a fifteenth capacitor, a fourteenth resistor, a fifteenth resistor, a sixteenth resistor, a seventeenth resistor, an eighteenth resistor, and a nineteenth resistor;

[0023] One end of the fourteenth capacitor is connected to one end of the fourteenth resistor and the source of the third switching transistor; the other end of the fourteenth capacitor is connected to the other end of the fourteenth resistor, one end of the fifteenth resistor, and the gate of the third switching transistor; the other end of the fifteenth resistor is connected to pin P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1 of the MCU; one end of the sixteenth resistor is connected to the drain of the third switching transistor and the anode of the second diode; the other end of the sixteenth resistor is grounded; one end of the fifteenth capacitor is connected to one end of the seventeenth resistor and the source of the fourth switching transistor; the other end of the fifteenth capacitor is connected to the other end of the seventeenth resistor, one end of the eighteenth resistor, and the gate of the fourth switching transistor; the other end of the eighteenth resistor is connected to pin P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU; one end of the nineteenth resistor is connected to the drain of the fourth switching transistor and the anode of the first diode; the other end of the nineteenth resistor is grounded.

[0024] In the technical solution provided by this invention, the low-power camera with automatic light tracking includes a solar panel, a rotating component, and a camera body. The solar panel is equipped with several light detection components, and a main board is located inside the housing of the camera body. The solar panel is rotatably connected to the camera body via the rotating component, and the light detection components are electrically connected to the main board. The light detection components detect the light intensity in a corresponding direction on the solar panel and output a corresponding light detection signal. The main board determines whether the angle of sunlight on the solar panel is within a preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If it is, the solar panel charges the camera using the electrical energy converted from the solar panel; otherwise, it controls the rotating component to rotate the solar panel until the angle of sunlight is within the preset angle range. By controlling the automatic rotation of the solar panel according to the angle of sunlight, the angle of direct sunlight received by the solar panel is automatically adjusted, ensuring that the solar panel always receives more sunlight at the optimal angle. Continuous exposure to sunlight for extended periods ensures maximum charging efficiency, thus improving charging efficiency. This provides a stable power supply for the low-power camera and extends the device's battery life. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a low-power camera with automatic light tracking in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partial circuit diagram of the power module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is another part of the circuit diagram of the power module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the main control module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial circuit diagram of the driving module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is another part of the circuit diagram of the driving module in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It is readily understood that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity, operation, or direction from another, without requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between these entities, operations, or directions. The directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "front," "back," "top," and "bottom," mentioned or possibly used in this specification, are defined relative to the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings. They are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be construed as restrictive. In the following description, various parameters and components are described for embodiments of different constructions. These specific parameters and components are merely examples and do not limit the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Please see Figure 1This invention provides a low-power camera with automatic light tracking, comprising a solar panel 10 for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a rotating component 20, and a camera body 30. The solar panel 10 is equipped with a plurality of light detection components 11, and a main board is located within the housing of the camera body 3. The solar panel 10 is mechanically connected to the camera body 3 via the rotating component 2, and the light detection components 11 are electrically connected to the main board. The light detection components 11 are used to detect the light intensity in a corresponding direction on the solar panel 10 and output a corresponding light detection signal. The main board determines whether the angle of sunlight irradiation on the solar panel 10 is within a preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If it is, the main board charges the solar panel 10 using the electrical energy converted from the solar panel 10; otherwise, it controls the rotating component 2 to rotate the solar panel 10 until the irradiation angle is within the preset angle range.

[0034] This embodiment can control the automatic rotation of the solar panel according to the angle of sunlight, automatically adjusting the angle at which the solar panel 10 receives direct sunlight. This ensures that the solar panel 10 always receives more sunlight at the optimal angle, maximizing charging efficiency through prolonged and continuous exposure to sunlight. This improves charging efficiency and provides a stable power foundation for the low-power camera while also extending the device's battery life.

[0035] There are four light detection elements 11, which are respectively set in the middle of the four edges of the solar panel 10; or set on the left and right edges, with intervals between them. Photosensitive sensors, sunlight sensors, etc. can be used, as long as they can detect the light intensity of sunlight in the corresponding direction on the solar panel 10 in real time. The number and type of light detection elements 11 are not limited here.

[0036] It should be understood that the camera body 30 also includes some existing module modules, such as a lens module for real-time monitoring and image or video acquisition, a storage module on the motherboard for storing image or video data, a transmission module for remotely uploading various data to the monitoring equipment, and a charging module for converting the electrical energy provided by the solar panel 10 into a charging voltage to charge the battery (internally including a charging chip and an overcurrent and overvoltage protection chip and its peripheral devices to prevent excessive input voltage or current from burning out subsequent circuits; the CHAR_EN signal enables charging and is controlled by the MCU in the main control module 32; when the voltage provided by the solar panel 10 is too low or the battery power is too high, the charging chip stops charging; a corresponding charging indicator light can be set to indicate whether the battery is charging). This section mainly describes the modules related to this embodiment; other existing module modules are not described in detail. The rotating component 20 also includes a housing, which contains a horizontal motor for controlling the rotation of the solar panel 10 in the horizontal direction, a vertical motor for controlling the rotation of the solar panel 10 in the vertical direction, and other gears, screws, etc. The motor driving the gears to rotate is existing technology. This section mainly describes the corresponding circuit structure for controlling the motor to achieve the rotation angle control of the solar panel 10 in the horizontal and vertical directions. The mechanical structure inside the rotating component 20 is not limited.

[0037] In this embodiment, the motherboard is equipped with a power module 31, a main control module 32, and a drive module 33. The main control module 32 is connected to the power module 31 and the drive module 33. The power module 31 converts the battery voltage into a power supply voltage to power the main control module 32. The main control module 32 determines whether the angle of sunlight is within a preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If so, it controls the power module 31 to charge the solar panel 10 with electrical energy. Otherwise, it outputs the corresponding power supply control signal and rotation signal. The drive module 33 controls the power supply state of the corresponding motor according to the power supply control signal and drives the rotation state of the corresponding motor according to the rotation signal.

[0038] Please also refer to Figure 2The power module 31 includes a battery holder J1, a power chip U1, a first inductor L1, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2. Pin 1 of the battery holder J1 is the battery power supply terminal (providing battery voltage VBAT), and connects to the VIN pin of the power chip U1 and one end of the first resistor R1. The EN pin of the power chip U1 is connected to the other end of the first resistor R1, the GND pin of the power chip U1 is grounded, and the SW pin of the power chip U1 is connected to one end of the first inductor L1. The other end of the first inductor L1 is the main control power supply terminal, and connects to one end of the first capacitor C1, one end of the second resistor R2, and one end of the second capacitor C2. The FB pin of the power chip U1 is connected to the other end of the first capacitor C1, the other end of the second resistor R2, and one end of the third resistor R3. The other end of the third resistor R3 and the other end of the second capacitor C2 are both grounded.

[0039] The battery holder J1 connects to the lithium battery and transmits the battery voltage VBAT to the power chip U1 (preferably RY3420). The battery voltage VBAT outputs a high-level enable signal to the EN pin through R1, enabling U1 to start working. After stepping down the battery voltage VBAT input to the VIN pin, it is filtered by L1 and C1 and then outputs the power supply voltage MCU_3V3 from the main control power supply terminal to power the MCU in the main control module. R2 and R3 divide the power supply voltage MCU_3V3 and feed it back to the FB pin of the power chip U1, enabling the power chip U1 to regulate the output voltage.

[0040] In practical implementation, an electrostatic diode (or two electrostatic diodes in parallel) can be connected between pin 1 of battery holder J1 and ground for ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection. A capacitor (or two capacitors in parallel) can also be connected between the VIN pin of power chip U1 and ground to filter the input battery voltage VBAT; a capacitor can also be connected between the EN pin of U1 and ground to filter the enable signal and discharge the voltage on the EN and VIN pins when the battery is powered off; two capacitors can also be connected in parallel with the second capacitor C2 to enhance the filtering effect and make the output power supply voltage MCU_3V3 more stable.

[0041] In this embodiment, the power module 31 can also control whether to supply power to other modules of the low-power camera based on the battery level. Please also refer to... Figure 3The power module 31 further includes a first switch Q1, a second switch Q2, a fourth resistor R4, a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6, a third capacitor C3, and a fourth capacitor C4; one end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the battery power supply terminal, and the other end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to one end of the fifth resistor R5, one end of the third capacitor C3, and the main control module 32; the other end of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to the other end of the third capacitor C3 and ground; the source of the first switch Q1 is connected to the battery power supply terminal, one end of the sixth resistor R6, and one end of the fourth capacitor C4; the gate of the first switch Q1 is connected to the other end of the sixth resistor R6, the other end of the fourth capacitor C4, and the collector of the second switch Q2; the drain of the first switch Q1 is the system power supply terminal, the base of the second switch Q2 is connected to the main control module 32, and the emitter of the second switch Q2 is grounded.

[0042] In this circuit, the first switch Q1 is a WPM3401 PMOS transistor, and the second switch Q2 is an MMBT3904 NPN transistor. The battery voltage VBAT is divided by resistors R4 and R5, and a power detection signal BAT_ADC is output to the main control module 32 to determine the current battery level. When the MCU in the main control module 32 determines that the current battery voltage VBAT is higher than 3.6V, it outputs a high-level power supply control signal POWER_EN to control Q2 to conduct, pulling the gate of Q1 low to turn Q1 on. The battery voltage VBAT is then output through Q1 as the system voltage SYS_POWER, powering other modules of the low-power camera, at which point the low-power camera powers on and operates. When the MCU determines that the battery voltage VBAT is lower than 3.6V, it pulls the power supply control signal POWER_EN low. At this time, Q2 is turned off, and the gate of Q1 is pulled high through R6, causing Q1 to also turn off. There is no system voltage SYS_POWER output, and the low-power camera powers off. This protects the battery from over-discharge. At the same time, when the battery is low, it keeps supplying power to the MCU through U1, suspending power supply to other modules, ensuring that the MCU has power so that it can control the rotation and charging of the solar panel.

[0043] Preferably, the power module 31 further includes a seventh resistor R7, an eighth resistor R8, a fifth capacitor C5, and a sixth capacitor C6; one end of the seventh resistor R7 is connected to the base of the eighth resistor R8 and the second switching transistor Q2, and the other end of the seventh resistor R7 is connected to the main control module 32; the other end of the eighth resistor R8 is connected to the emitter of the second switching transistor Q2 and ground; the fifth capacitor C5 is connected between the source of the first switching transistor Q1 and ground; and the sixth capacitor C6 is connected between the drain of the first switching transistor Q1 and ground. C5 and C6 are used to filter and stabilize the connected voltage; R7 is used for current limiting protection of Q2; and R8 is used to pull down the base of Q2 to a low level when there is no power supply control signal POWER_EN input, to prevent sudden voltage changes from misleading Q2's activation.

[0044] Please also refer to Figure 4 The main control module 32 includes an input interface J2, an MCU U2, and peripheral circuitry for resetting the MCU and providing a reference clock signal. Pin 1 of the input interface J2 is connected to the system power supply, and pins 2 and 7 of the input interface J2 are grounded. Pins 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the input interface J2 are connected to the MCU. Pins P33 / AIN3 / VCIN3, P34 / AIN4 / VCIN4, P35 / AIN5 / VCIN5, and P36 / AIN6 / VCIN6 / AVREF of U2 are connected one-to-one; pin 8 of input interface J2 is connected to the main control power supply; pins RST / P00, XTHI / AIN7 / VCIN7 / P01, and XTHO / AIN8 / P02 of the MCU are all connected to the peripheral circuit, and pins AVCC / DVCC of the MCU are connected to the main control power supply; pins LVDIN1 / P03, XTLO / P15, XTLI / P14, LVDIN2 / VCIN0 / P23, P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1, and P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU are all connected to the driver module 33; pin P24 / AIN0 of the MCU is connected to the other end of the fourth resistor R4.

[0045] The preferred model of the MCU U2 is HC32L110C6UA. Input interface J2 transmits the power supply voltage MCU_3V3 from the main control power supply terminal to the MCU for power supply. Input interface J2 also outputs the system voltage SYS_POWER to power other modules of the low-power camera. The MCU can communicate with other main control modules of the low-power camera via serial ports (UART0_TXD, UART0_RXD) to report events such as power level and charging status. It can also synchronize with local time. An intelligent sleep mode is set within the MCU, controlled by the power supply control signal POWER_EN. For example, it can operate only between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, remaining in sleep mode (low-power state, only maintaining power supply to the MCU) at other times, reducing power consumption and extending the device's lifespan.

[0046] The input interface J2 is also connected to the photodetectors 11 on the solar panel 10, transmitting the four photodetector signals (ADC_E, ADC-N, ADC_W, and ADC_S signals) collected by the four photodetectors 11 to the MCU. The MCU determines the light intensity in the corresponding direction based on the voltage values ​​of the photodetector signals representing the four directions. When the angle of sunlight is within a preset angle range, the solar panel is within the direct sunlight angle range. In this embodiment, a corresponding direct sunlight voltage value is set based on a 90-degree direct sunlight angle. The four voltage values ​​are sequentially compared with the direct sunlight voltage value. If the absolute value of the difference is within the threshold range (in actual use, it is impossible to be in a completely direct sunlight state all the time; there may be deviations, as long as most of the sunlight is received), it indicates that the current direct sunlight angle range is within the range, and no adjustment is required. If the absolute value of the difference calculated in one or two directions is outside the threshold range, the MCU outputs power control signals (MOTO_V and MOTO_H signals) to the drive module 33 based on the light detection signal to control whether to supply power to the motor; it also outputs rotation signals in the corresponding direction (MOTO_D1, MOTO_D2, MOTO_D3, and MOTO_D4 signals; all periodic pulse signals) to the drive module 33 to drive the rotation of the horizontal and vertical motors in the rotating component 2, thereby driving the solar panel 10 to rotate within the direct angle range. The rotation angle is related to the difference (absolute value) between the voltage value of the light detection signal in the corresponding direction and the direct voltage value. Assuming the difference is within the range of 0 to 1.8V, each 0.1V difference corresponds to a rotation angle of 5°. Taking the base of the solar panel as the reference point, the initial angle is the perpendicularity between the base and the rotating component 20. The MCU can rotate 90° in each of the four directions (north, south, east, and west), and the rotatable range is a hemisphere.

[0047] The peripheral circuit of the MCU includes crystal oscillator Y1, seventh capacitor C7, eighth capacitor C8, ninth capacitor C9, ninth resistor R9, tenth resistor R10, and eleventh resistor R11. One end of the ninth resistor R9 is connected to one end of the seventh capacitor C7 and the RST / P00 pin of the MCU, and the other end of the ninth resistor R9 is connected to the main control power supply terminal. The other end of the seventh capacitor C7 is grounded. One end of the tenth resistor R10 is connected to the XTHI / AIN7 / VCIN7 / P01 pin of the MCU, one end of crystal oscillator Y1, and one end of the eighth capacitor C8. The other end of the tenth resistor R10 is connected to the XTHO / AIN8 / P02 pin of the MCU and one end of the eleventh resistor R11. The other end of the eleventh resistor R11 is connected to the other end of crystal oscillator Y1 and one end of the ninth capacitor. The other ends of the eighth and ninth capacitors are both grounded.

[0048] R9 and C7 are used to generate a reset signal MCU_RST_N when the power supply voltage MCU_3V3 is powered on, thus resetting the MCU. Crystal Y1 is a passive crystal oscillator, which, together with C8, C9, R10, and R11, provides a reference clock signal for the MCU.

[0049] Preferably, the main control module 32 further includes a tenth capacitor C10, an eleventh capacitor C11, a twelfth resistor R12, and a thirteenth resistor R13; one end of the tenth capacitor C10 is connected to one end of the twelfth resistor R12 and pin 1 of the input interface J2, one end of the eleventh capacitor C11 is connected to one end of the thirteenth resistor R13 and pin 8 of the input interface J2, the other ends of the tenth capacitor C10 and the eleventh capacitor C11 are both grounded, the other end of the twelfth resistor R12 is connected to the system power supply terminal, and the other end of the thirteenth resistor R13 is connected to the main control power supply terminal. R12 and C10 are used for RC filtering of the system voltage SYS_POWER, and R13 and C11 are used for RC filtering of the power supply voltage MCU_3V3.

[0050] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 The drive module 33 includes a drive chip U3, a first diode D1, a second diode D2, a third switch Q3, a fourth switch Q4, a first motor interface J3, and a second motor interface J4. The NC pins (NC1 to NC6) and GND pin of the drive chip U3 are grounded. Pins 1B and 5B of the drive chip U3 are connected to the LVDIN1 / P03 pin of the MCU. Pins 2B and 6B of the drive chip U3 are connected to the XTLO / P15 pin of the MCU. Pins 3B and 7B of the drive chip U3 are connected to the XTLI / P14 pin of the MCU. Pins 4B and 8B of the drive chip U3 are connected to the LVDIN2 / VCIN0 / P23 pin of the MCU. Pins 1C, 2C, 3C, and 4C of the drive chip U3 are connected to pins 1, 2, and 3 of the first motor interface J3. Pin 4 is connected one-to-one; pins 5C, 6C, 7C, and 8C of the driver chip U3 are connected one-to-one with pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the second motor interface J4; the COM pin of the driver chip U3 is connected to the negative terminal of the first diode D1 and the negative terminal of the second diode D2; the source of the third switch Q3 is connected to the battery power supply terminal; the gate of the third switch Q3 is connected to pin P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1 of the MCU; the drain of the third switch Q3 is connected to the positive terminal of the second diode D2 and pin 5 of the first motor interface J3; the source of the fourth switch Q4 is connected to the battery power supply terminal; the gate of the fourth switch Q4 is connected to pin P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU; the drain of the fourth switch Q4 is connected to the positive terminal of the first diode D1 and pin 5 of the second motor interface J4.

[0051] The preferred model of the driver chip U3 is ULN2803LK, which is a high-voltage, high-current Darlington transistor array integrated circuit that can drive the motor to precisely adjust the angle. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, those marked with HM are related to the horizontal motor (X-axis), and those marked with VM are related to the vertical motor (Y-axis). D1 and D2 are used for unidirectional conduction to provide voltage to U3.

[0052] The MOTO_D1 signal, after being amplified by an internal Darlington pair, outputs the HM_D0 signal from pin 1C and the VM_D0 signal from pin 5C. The MOTO_D2 signal, after being amplified by an internal Darlington pair, outputs the HM_D1 signal from pin 2C and the VM_D1 signal from pin 6C. The MOTO_D3 signal, after being amplified by an internal Darlington pair, outputs the HM_D3 signal from pin 3C and the VM_D3 signal from pin 7C. The MOTO_D4 signal, after being amplified by an internal Darlington pair, outputs the HM_D4 signal from pin 4C and the VM_D4 signal from pin 8C. The HM_D0 to D3 signals are output through the first motor interface J3 to drive the horizontal motor, thereby controlling the rotation of the solar panel 10 in the horizontal direction. The VM_D0 to D3 signals are output through the second motor interface J4 to drive the vertical motor, thereby controlling the rotation of the solar panel 10 in the vertical direction.

[0053] Both motors can only operate when powered, and their power supply is controlled by the power control signals (MOTO_V and MOTO_H signals) output by the MCU. Q3 and Q4 are preferably WPM3401 type PMOS transistors. When the MOTO_H signal is low, Q3 is turned on, and the battery voltage VBAT is output through Q3 as the horizontal motor voltage +5V_HM, which then powers the horizontal motor through J3, causing it to rotate. When the MOTO_H signal is high, Q3 is turned off, and the horizontal motor does not operate due to lack of power. The operating principle of the MOTO_V signal and Q4 is the same as that of the MOTO_H signal and Q3. When the motor is not needed, both the MOTO_V and MOTO_H signals can be pulled high to disconnect the motor power supply, thus saving power.

[0054] Preferably, the drive module 33 further includes a twelfth capacitor C12 and a thirteenth capacitor C13. The twelfth capacitor C12 is connected between the negative terminal of the second diode D2 and ground, and the thirteenth capacitor C13 is connected between the negative terminal of the first diode D1 and ground. The filtering effect of C12 and C13 makes the power supply of U3 more stable.

[0055] Preferably, the driving module 33 further includes a fourteenth capacitor C14, a fifteenth capacitor C15, a fourteenth resistor R14, a fifteenth resistor R15, a sixteenth resistor R16, a seventeenth resistor R17, an eighteenth resistor R18, and a nineteenth resistor R19; one end of the fourteenth capacitor C14 is connected to one end of the fourteenth resistor R14 and the source of the third switch Q3; the other end of the fourteenth capacitor C14 is connected to the other end of the fourteenth resistor R14, one end of the fifteenth resistor R15, and the gate of the third switch Q3; the other end of the fifteenth resistor R15 is connected to the P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1 pin of the MCU, and the sixteenth resistor... One end of resistor R16 is connected to the drain of the third switch Q3 and the anode of the second diode D2. The other end of resistor R16 is grounded. One end of capacitor C15 is connected to one end of resistor R17 and the source of the fourth switch Q4. The other end of capacitor C15 is connected to the other end of resistor R17, one end of resistor R18 and the gate of the fourth switch Q4. The other end of resistor R18 is connected to pin P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU. One end of resistor R19 is connected to the drain of the fourth switch Q4 and the anode of the first diode D1. The other end of resistor R19 is grounded.

[0056] R14, R15, and C14 are used to protect Q3; R17, R18, and C15 are used to protect Q4; R16 and R19 are pull-down resistors, which pull down the power supply to the corresponding motor when there is no power supply or the motor is not working, so that it is completely de-energized and the solar panel maintains its current position.

[0057] Preferably, the drive module 33 further includes a sixteenth capacitor C16, a seventeenth capacitor C17, a first electrostatic discharge tube D3, and a second electrostatic discharge tube D4. One end of the sixteenth capacitor C16 is connected to one end of the first electrostatic discharge tube D3 and pin 5 of the first motor interface J3, and the other end of both the sixteenth capacitor C16 and the first electrostatic discharge tube D3 are grounded. One end of the seventeenth capacitor C17 is connected to one end of the second electrostatic discharge tube D4 and pin 5 of the first motor interface J3, and the other end of both the seventeenth capacitor C17 and the second electrostatic discharge tube D4 are grounded. C16 and C17 are used to filter the power supply to the connected motor, making the rotation of the solar panel smoother. D3 and D4 are used for electrostatic protection.

[0058] Please continue reading. Figures 2 to 6 The working principle of the low-power camera with automatic light tracking is as follows:

[0059] After power-on, battery holder J1 transmits the battery voltage VBAT to power chip U1 for step-down processing. After energy storage and filtering by L1 and C1, the power supply voltage MCU_3V3 is output from the main control power supply terminal to power the MCU. Simultaneously, R4 and R5 divide the battery voltage VBAT in real time, outputting a power detection signal BAT_ADC to the MCU. When the MCU determines that the current battery voltage VBAT is higher than 3.6V, it outputs a high-level power control signal POWER_EN to control Q2 and Q1 to conduct. The battery voltage VBAT is then output through Q1 as the system voltage SYS_POWER, powering other modules of the low-power camera.

[0060] Input interface J2 transmits four light detection signals (ADC_E (East), ADC-N (North), ADC_W (West), and ADC_S (South) signals) collected by four photodetectors 11 on the solar panel 10 to the MCU. The MCU calculates the difference between the four voltage values ​​and the direct voltage value in sequence. If the absolute value of the difference is within the threshold range, no adjustment is required.

[0061] Assuming the absolute value of the difference calculated from the direction corresponding to the ADC_E (East) signal is outside the threshold range, the MCU outputs a low-level MOTO_H signal and a high-level MOTO_D1 signal based on the light detection signal. The low-level MOTO_H signal turns on Q3, and the battery voltage VBAT is output through Q3 as the horizontal motor voltage +5V_HM, which powers the horizontal motor through J3. The high-level MOTO_D1 signal outputs the HM_D0 signal from pin 1C and the VM_D0 signal from pin 5C (since no power is being supplied to the vertical motor at this time, the VM_D0 signal is useless). The HM_D0 signal is output through the first motor interface J3 to drive the horizontal motor, controlling the rotation of the solar panel 10 in the horizontal direction. The difference between the voltage value of the light detection signal and the direct voltage value, with each 0.1V difference corresponding to a rotation angle of 5°. This allows the solar panel 10 to automatically adjust its angle in the horizontal and vertical directions based on the angle of sunlight without human intervention, ensuring that the solar panel is always at the optimal angle for receiving sunlight, maximizing the charging efficiency of the solar panel, and guaranteeing the long-term operation of the low-power camera in remote or unattended areas.

[0062] During operation, when the MCU determines that the battery voltage VBAT is below 3.6V based on the power detection signal BAT_ADC, it pulls the power supply control signal POWER_EN low. At this time, Q2 and Q1 are cut off, resulting in no system voltage SYS_POWER output, and the low-power camera is powered down. This ensures that when the battery is low, it prioritizes powering the MCU, enabling the solar panel to rotate and automatically follow sunlight for timely charging. This energy-saving mode reduces power consumption in other modules and extends the device's standby time when sunlight is insufficient.

[0063] In summary, the low-power camera with automatic light tracking provided by this invention determines the angle of sunlight on the solar panel by collecting light intensity from different directions. It then controls a motor to rotate the solar panel, ensuring that sunlight hits it as directly as possible. This dynamic adjustment of the solar panel angle effectively avoids the impact of external factors such as shadows and climate change on charging efficiency. The solar panel always receives sunlight at the optimal angle, thereby improving solar energy conversion efficiency, ensuring more efficient system charging, guaranteeing continuous operation of the low-power camera, and enhancing system stability. When light intensity is low, the battery is low, or the sun sets, it enters an energy-saving mode to reduce power consumption, ensuring the low-power camera can operate continuously for a longer period, making it particularly suitable for unattended remote areas.

[0064] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-power camera with automatic light tracking, comprising a solar panel, characterized in that, It also includes a rotating component and a camera body; the solar panel is provided with several light detection components, and a main board is provided inside the housing of the camera body; the solar panel is rotatably connected to the camera body through the rotating component, and the light detection components are electrically connected to the main board; The light detection device is used to detect the light intensity in the corresponding direction on the solar panel and output the corresponding light detection signal; the main board determines whether the irradiation angle of the sunlight is within the preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If it is, the solar panel is charged with the electrical energy converted from the solar panel; otherwise, the rotating device is controlled to drive the solar panel to rotate until the irradiation angle is within the preset angle range.

2. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light detection element is a photosensitive sensor, of which there are four, which are respectively set in the middle of the four edges of the solar panel.

3. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 2, characterized in that, The motherboard is equipped with a power module, a main control module, and a drive module; the main control module is connected to the power module and the drive module, and the drive module is connected to the horizontal motor and the vertical motor in the rotating component. The power module converts the battery voltage into a power supply voltage to power the main control module. The main control module determines whether the angle of sunlight is within a preset angle range based on the light detection signal. If it is, it controls the power module to charge the solar panel with the electrical energy converted from the solar panel; otherwise, it outputs the corresponding power supply control signal and rotation signal. The drive module controls the power supply status of the corresponding motor according to the power supply control signal, and drives the rotation status of the corresponding motor according to the rotation signal.

4. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main control module also controls the power supply module and pauses the output of system voltage in sleep mode.

5. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power module includes a battery holder, a power chip, a first inductor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor; The first pin of the battery holder is the battery power supply terminal, which connects to the VIN pin of the power chip and one end of the first resistor; The EN pin of the power chip is connected to the other end of the first resistor, the GND pin of the power chip is grounded, and the SW pin of the power chip is connected to one end of the first inductor. The other end of the first inductor is the main control power supply terminal, one end connected to the first capacitor, one end of the second resistor, and one end of the second capacitor; The FB pin of the power chip is connected to the other end of the first capacitor, the other end of the second resistor, and one end of the third resistor; the other end of the third resistor and the other end of the second capacitor are both grounded.

6. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power module also includes a first switching transistor, a second switching transistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a third capacitor, and a fourth capacitor; One end of the fourth resistor is connected to the battery power supply terminal, and the other end of the fourth resistor is connected to one end of the fifth resistor, one end of the third capacitor, and the main control module; the other end of the fifth resistor is connected to the other end of the third capacitor and ground; the source of the first switch is connected to the battery power supply terminal, one end of the sixth resistor, and one end of the fourth capacitor; the gate of the first switch is connected to the other end of the sixth resistor, the other end of the fourth capacitor, and the collector of the second switch; the drain of the first switch is the system power supply terminal, the base of the second switch is connected to the main control module, and the emitter of the second switch is grounded.

7. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main control module includes an input interface, an MCU, and peripheral circuitry for resetting the MCU and providing a reference clock signal. Pin 1 of the input interface is connected to the system power supply, and pins 2 and 7 of the input interface are grounded. Pins 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the input interface are connected one-to-one with pins P33 / AIN3 / VCIN3, P34 / AIN4 / VCIN4, P35 / AIN5 / VCIN5, and P36 / AIN6 / VCIN6 / AVREF of the MCU. Pin 8 of the input interface is connected to the main control power supply. Pins RST / P00, XTHI / AIN7 / VCIN7 / P01, and XTHO / AIN8 / P02 of the MCU are all connected to the peripheral circuit, and pin AVCC / DVCC of the MCU is connected to the main control power supply. Pins LVDIN1 / P03, XTLO / P15, XTLI / P14, LVDIN2 / VCIN0 / P23, P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1, and P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU are all connected to the driver module. Pin P24 / AIN0 of the MCU is connected to the other end of the fourth resistor.

8. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive module includes a drive chip, a first diode, a second diode, a third switch, a fourth switch, a first motor interface, and a second motor interface; The NC and GND pins of the driver chip are grounded. Pins 1B and 5B of the driver chip are connected to the LVDIN1 / P03 pin of the MCU. Pins 2B and 6B of the driver chip are connected to the XTLO / P15 pin of the MCU. Pins 3B and 7B of the driver chip are connected to the XTLI / P14 pin of the MCU. Pins 4B and 8B of the driver chip are connected to the LVDIN2 / VCIN0 / P23 pin of the MCU. Pins 1C, 2C, 3C, and 4C of the driver chip are connected one-to-one with pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the first motor interface. Pins 5C, 6C, 7C, and 8C of the driver chip are connected one-to-one with pins 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the second motor interface. The COM pin of the driver chip is connected to the negative terminals of the first and second diodes. The source of the third switch is connected to the battery power supply terminal, the gate of the third switch is connected to pin P25 / LVD IN3 / VC1 of the MCU, and the drain of the third switch is connected to the positive terminal of the second diode and pin 5 of the first motor interface. The source of the fourth switch is connected to the battery power supply terminal, the gate of the fourth switch is connected to pin P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU, and the drain of the fourth switch is connected to the positive terminal of the first diode and pin 5 of the second motor interface.

9. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 7, characterized in that, The peripheral circuit of the MCU includes a crystal oscillator, a seventh capacitor, an eighth capacitor, a ninth capacitor, a ninth resistor, a tenth resistor, and an eleventh resistor. One end of the ninth resistor is connected to one end of the seventh capacitor and the RST / P00 pin of the MCU, and the other end of the ninth resistor is connected to the main control power supply terminal. The other end of the seventh capacitor is grounded. One end of the tenth resistor is connected to the XTHI / AIN7 / VCIN7 / P01 pin of the MCU, one end of the crystal oscillator, and one end of the eighth capacitor. The other end of the tenth resistor is connected to the XTHO / AIN8 / P02 pin of the MCU and one end of the eleventh resistor. The other end of the eleventh resistor is connected to the other end of the crystal oscillator and one end of the ninth capacitor. The other ends of the eighth capacitor and the other ends of the ninth capacitor are both grounded.

10. The low-power camera with automatic light tracking according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive module also includes a fourteenth capacitor, a fifteenth capacitor, a fourteenth resistor, a fifteenth resistor, a sixteenth resistor, a seventeenth resistor, an eighteenth resistor, and a nineteenth resistor; One end of the fourteenth capacitor is connected to one end of the fourteenth resistor and the source of the third switching transistor; the other end of the fourteenth capacitor is connected to the other end of the fourteenth resistor, one end of the fifteenth resistor, and the gate of the third switching transistor; the other end of the fifteenth resistor is connected to pin P25 / LVDIN3 / VC1 of the MCU; one end of the sixteenth resistor is connected to the drain of the third switching transistor and the anode of the second diode; the other end of the sixteenth resistor is grounded; one end of the fifteenth capacitor is connected to one end of the seventeenth resistor and the source of the fourth switching transistor; the other end of the fifteenth capacitor is connected to the other end of the seventeenth resistor, one end of the eighteenth resistor, and the gate of the fourth switching transistor; the other end of the eighteenth resistor is connected to pin P32 / AIN2 / VCIN2 of the MCU; one end of the nineteenth resistor is connected to the drain of the fourth switching transistor and the anode of the first diode; the other end of the nineteenth resistor is grounded.

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