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micrObs - A customizable time-lapse camera for ecological studies
Alexander Winterl1,2, Sebastian Richter1,2, Aymeric Houstin3,4
1Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Hardwarex
|May 2, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a robust, low-power time-lapse camera system for ecological research. It operates reliably in extreme environments, capturing over a million images without maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Commercial camera traps lack flexibility for demanding ecological studies.
- Existing systems have limited interval adjustment, mechanical wear, and sensor integration issues.
- Harsh environments pose challenges for long-term ecological monitoring equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a robust, flexible, and low-power time-lapse camera system.
- To enable continuous, long-term environmental data collection in extreme conditions.
- To integrate auxiliary sensors for comprehensive ecological data acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Designed a time-lapse camera system with adjustable intervals (2s to 1h).
- Implemented low-power consumption (122 mW standby) and power-saving modes.
- Enabled data logging for auxiliary sensors like GPS and weather stations.
Main Results:
- The system has operated continuously in Antarctic/Subantarctic regions since 2013.
- Over one million high-resolution (16 MPix) images captured per camera.
- Capable of capturing 200,000 images without maintenance (battery/memory replacement).
Conclusions:
- The developed time-lapse camera system is robust and suitable for harsh environments.
- Offers high flexibility, low power consumption, and sensor integration for ecological research.
- Provides a reliable solution for long-term, low-maintenance image acquisition in remote areas.
