Helmet_RearView_Display_v1.md

Overview

This project creates a rear-view camera HUD for a helmet using the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense (with its built-in OV2640 camera) and a 1.28″ GC9A01 round TFT LCD. The ESP32S3 captures live video and streams frames directly to the display—perfect for compact augmented-reality or tactical heads-up applications.

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Bill of Materials

Item	Quantity	Description
Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense	1	Microcontroller + camera (OV2640)
GC9A01 1.28″ TFT LCD	1	240 × 240 SPI display
Jumper wires (M–F)	7	For SPI connections
3.7 V Li-ion battery (500–1000 mAh)	1	Portable power
Boost converter (3.7 → 5 V)	1	Optional for battery power
3D-printed mount	1	Holds display on visor or glasses

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Pin Connections

GC9A01 Pin	XIAO ESP32S3 Sense Pin	Function
VCC	3V3	Power (3.3 V)
GND	GND	Ground
SCL	D10	SPI Clock
SDA	D9	SPI MOSI
DC	D8	Data / Command
CS	D7	Chip Select
RST	D6	Reset
BLK	3.3 V	Backlight (always on)

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🖧 Wiring Diagram

(See attached image — “A_wiring_diagram_in_the_image_illustrates_the_conn.png”)

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Arduino IDE Setup

1. Install Board Package Tools → Board Manager → search “Seeed ESP32S3” → Install

2. Select Board Tools → Board → Seeed XIAO ESP32S3 Sense

3. Install Libraries

   • esp32-camera
   • TFT_eSPI

4. Configure TFT_eSPI Edit User_Setup_Select.h → add:

   #include <User_Setups/SetupXIAO_GC9A01.h>

   Then create SetupXIAO_GC9A01.h:

   #define GC9A01_DRIVER
   #define TFT_MOSI 9
   #define TFT_SCLK 10
   #define TFT_CS   7
   #define TFT_DC   8
   #define TFT_RST  6
   #define SPI_FREQUENCY 40000000

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Complete Arduino Sketch

#include "esp_camera.h"
#include <TFT_eSPI.h>

TFT_eSPI tft = TFT_eSPI();

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  tft.begin();
  tft.setRotation(0);
  tft.fillScreen(TFT_BLACK);

  // --- Camera configuration for XIAO ESP32S3 Sense ---
  camera_config_t config = {
    .frame_size   = FRAMESIZE_QQVGA,   // 160x120 or QVGA for smoother FPS
    .pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_RGB565,
    .fb_location  = CAMERA_FB_IN_PSRAM,
    .jpeg_quality = 12,
    .fb_count     = 1
  };

  if (esp_camera_init(&config) != ESP_OK) {
    Serial.println("Camera init failed!");
    while (true);
  }
  Serial.println("Camera initialized.");
}

void loop() {
  camera_fb_t *fb = esp_camera_fb_get();
  if (fb) {
    tft.pushImage(0, 0, 240, 240, (uint16_t*)fb->buf);
    esp_camera_fb_return(fb);
  }
}

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Performance Tips

• Use QVGA (320×240) for sharper image or QQVGA (160×120) for higher FPS.
• Keep SPI frequency ≤ 40 MHz for stability.
• Supply stable 3.3 V to avoid display flicker.

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Power Options

• USB-C direct power (5 V input).
• 3.7 V Li-ion → 5 V boost converter into VBAT.
• Typical current draw ≈ 250 mA (ESP32 + Camera + Display).

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Future Upgrades

• Wi-Fi stream (MJPEG to phone or Pi receiver).
• Add motion sensor to auto-activate display.
• Overlay telemetry (GPS or battery voltage readout).

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Summary

Feature	Status	Notes
Live Video Feed	✅	10–15 FPS approx.
Low Power	✅	Sleep ready
Offline HUD	✅	Self-contained unit
Compact Size	✅	< 22 × 18 mm board

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Author: Ezio Project: Helmet Rear-View Display v1 Hardware: Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense + GC9A01 TFT LCD Date: 2025-10-28

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