Camera unit and welding information providing apparatus including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a camera unit and a welding information providing apparatus including the same. A camera unit of the present embodiment may include: a camera module that obtains a welding image frame in a welding work area according to a photographing condition; the illuminance sensor is used for sensing the intensity of light in the welding operation area; and a control unit that determines an operation mode of the camera module as either a first mode or a second mode on the basis of the intensity of the light sensed by the illuminance sensor, and changes an imaging condition of the camera module using an imaging setting value preset in accordance with the determined mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera unit that changes imaging conditions based on light intensity and a welding information providing device including the camera unit. Background Art

[0002] Protective gear is worn by operators to protect them from light and high heat generated during welding. When wearing protective gear, operators can only confirm that welding is in progress through the protective gear, so in order to confirm various information used for welding, such as welding equipment setting conditions, they have to remove the protective gear and confirm with the naked eye.

[0003] When the operator is not very skilled, especially when wearing an automatic welding mask or a manual welding mask, the operator can only see the part near the welding light, and it is difficult to recognize the specific welding conditions such as the welding environment. Therefore, a high-definition image is provided to the operator so that the operator can visually confirm the welding environment.

[0004] However, during welding, since the illumination / brightness of the welding spot is very high, the image capturing environment during welding is greatly different from the image capturing environment when welding is temporarily interrupted.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can obtain and provide accurate images of welding operations by adaptively changing the imaging conditions of a camera according to the imaging environment. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a camera unit and a welding information providing device including the same, which obtains and provides a clear image of the welding operation by adaptively changing the action mode of the camera module and the shooting conditions based on the action mode according to the shooting environment, so that the operator can accurately understand the welding process.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a welding information providing device, which determines the action mode of a camera unit to be either a first mode or a second mode according to the intensity of light in a welding operation area sensed by an illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera unit by utilizing a shooting setting value preset in a memory corresponding to the determined mode, thereby enabling the shooting conditions of the camera unit to be quickly switched without delay.

[0009] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a welding information providing device, which uses a processor independently provided on the shading plate to instantly control the shading degree of the shading plate according to the intensity of light in the welding operation area sensed by the illumination sensor. Even without processing the independently shot image, a welding image that blocks a predetermined amount of welding light can be obtained.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above. Other problems and advantages of the present invention that are not mentioned can be understood through the following description and can be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, it can be known that the problems and advantages to be solved by the present invention can be achieved by the devices and combinations thereof shown in the claims.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] A camera unit according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a camera module, which obtains a welding image frame in a welding operation area according to shooting conditions; an illuminance sensor, which senses the intensity of light in the welding operation area; and a control unit, which determines an operation mode of the camera module to be either a first mode or a second mode based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera module using a shooting setting value preset corresponding to the determined mode.

[0013] The camera module may include an image sensor for identifying light in welding operations, and the camera unit may also include a shading plate, which is arranged in front of the camera module including the image sensor, cuts off a portion of the light incident in the welding operation, and transmits the remaining light to the image sensor.

[0014] The sunshade may include a processor electrically connected to the illumination sensor, and the processor may control the light shielding degree of the sunshade based on the intensity of light.

[0015] The processor may control the shading degree of the shading plate in proportion to the intensity of the light, or control the shading degree of the shading plate based on a comparison result between the intensity of the light and a preset intensity so as to reach a preset value.

[0016] The device may further include an illumination unit for irradiating illumination light, and the control unit may adjust the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit based on the intensity of the light.

[0017] The illumination sensor can sense the intensity of light at set intervals, and the control unit can count the number of times the action mode of the camera module changes according to the change in light intensity. When the counted number exceeds a preset number within a preset time, a notification message is generated and output.

[0018] A welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a main body, which is configured in a wearable manner for a user; a camera unit, which is arranged on the outside of the main body and obtains welding image frames in a welding operation area according to shooting conditions; an illuminance sensor, which senses the intensity of light in the welding operation area; and a processor, which determines an action mode of the camera unit to be either a first mode or a second mode based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera unit using a shooting setting value preset corresponding to the determined mode.

[0019] In addition, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided, which stores other methods and other systems for realizing the present invention and a computer program for implementing the methods.

[0020] Other aspects, features, and advantages than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and summary of the invention.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera unit and a welding information providing device including the same can be provided, which can obtain and provide a clear image of the welding operation by adaptively changing the action mode of the camera module and the shooting conditions based on the action mode according to the shooting environment, so that the operator can accurately recognize the welding process.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation mode of the camera unit is determined to be either the first mode or the second mode according to the intensity of light in the welding operation area sensed by the illumination sensor, and the photographing condition of the camera unit is changed by using the photographing setting value preset in the memory corresponding to the determined mode. Thus, the photographing condition of the camera unit can be quickly switched without delay.

[0024] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by independently equipping a processor on the shading plate, the shading degree of the shading plate can be controlled in real time according to the intensity of light in the welding operation area sensed by the illuminance sensor. Therefore, a welding image that blocks a predetermined amount of welding light can be obtained even without processing the independently shot image.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by practitioners from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing the structure of a welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing still another example of the configuration of the welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 For description Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the interior of a welding information providing device.

[0032] Figure 7 To capture only Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera unit.

[0033] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a camera unit according to another embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 9 A block diagram for describing a method for controlling a light shield in a camera unit.

[0035] Fig.10 To show Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of shooting setting values ​​for each mode stored in a memory of FIG.

[0036] Fig.11 It is a flow chart for describing the operation method of the welding information providing device of this embodiment.

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] 10: Welding system

[0039] 100: Welding information providing device

[0040] 110: Camera unit

[0041] 120: Ministry of Communications

[0042] 130: Display unit

[0043] 140: Sensor unit

[0044] 150: First processor

[0045] 200: welding gun DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] References and Attachments Figure 1 The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving the same will be clear with the embodiments described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in a variety of different forms, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents and substitutes included in the concept and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments disclosed below are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more complete and to fully inform the technical personnel in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. In describing the present invention, when it is judged that the specific description of the relevant known technology may confuse the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0047] The terms used in this application are only used to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the meaning of the present invention. As long as the context does not clearly indicate otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" should be understood to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or their combinations. Terms such as first and second can be used to describe a variety of constituent elements, but the constituent elements shall not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element.

[0048] In addition, in the present application, a "unit" may be a hardware component such as a processor or a circuit, and / or a software component that is executed by means of a hardware component such as a processor.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same figure numbers, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0050] In the following embodiments, the terms "1" and "2" are not restrictive but are used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0051] In the following embodiments, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural as long as the context does not clearly indicate otherwise.

[0052] In the following embodiments, terms such as including or having mean that the features or constituent elements described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility of adding one or more other features or constituent elements.

[0053] In the case where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence can also be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in a reverse order to the described order.

[0054] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing the structure of a welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 The welding system 10 of the present invention may include a welding information providing device 100 and a welding gun 200. The welding information providing device 100 and the welding gun 200 may be connected to each other using a communication network and transmit and receive data. The welding information providing device 100 and the welding gun 200 may be operated in a one-to-one matching manner, but not limited to, and may be in a one-to-n relationship. That is, it may be realized by connecting one welding information providing device 100 to n welding guns 200, or it may be realized by connecting n welding information providing devices 100 to one welding gun 200. In addition, the welding information providing device 100 and the welding gun 200 may communicate with another server (not shown) and transmit and receive data.

[0056] The welding information providing device 100 can provide information about the welding condition to the operator. Specifically, the welding information providing device 100 can obtain a welding image obtained by using at least one camera installed on the welding information providing device 100, and generate and display a synthetic image based on the welding image. At this time, the welding information providing device 100 can generate a synthetic image using high dynamic range image (HDR) technology, and display and provide a high-quality synthetic image to the operator. At this time, the operator can visually confirm the weld bead morphology and the information of the surrounding environment other than the adjacent part of the welding light through the high-quality synthetic image.

[0057] In order to synthesize and provide a high-quality welding image, the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may obtain images through two or more cameras, and display each image through at least one display unit. At this time, the welding information providing device 100 may change the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and gain value of each camera and repeatedly shoot to synthesize the image. The welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may improve the image quality by contrast processing the obtained synthesized image.

[0058] In addition, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a function of displaying welding information in a preferred color (e.g., green, blue) using RGB. In addition, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a magnifying glass degree correction function (e.g., zooming in and out of the screen). In addition, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a temperature composite image using another thermal imaging camera. In this case, the welding information providing device 100 can display the welding temperature in color. The welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can support functions provided in the form of sound (e.g., guide prompts) or prompt sounds for all the above functions.

[0059] The welding gun 200 of one embodiment of the present invention can sense welding conditions including welding temperature, welding direction, welding inclination, welding speed, and the interval between the base material and the welding gun, etc. of the real-time welding operation through at least one sensor. The welding gun 200 can monitor the state of the welding gun and change the setting value of the welding gun operation according to the welding condition.

[0060] The welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can receive information on job settings and job status from the welding gun 200 through a communication network connected to the welding gun 200, and provide job information to the operator through visual feedback based on the received welding information.

[0061] For example, if the welding information providing device 100 receives sensing information of the welding temperature value, it can output a prompt corresponding to the temperature value in various ways such as light, vibration, message, etc. At this time, the prompt can be a visual feedback provided in the display unit or display screen of the welding information providing device 100, and can be an auditory feedback through sound (for example, a guide prompt) or a prompt tone.

[0062] On the other hand, the sensing information of the temperature value may include information on whether the temperature exceeds a preset temperature range, etc. In addition, the sensing information of the temperature value may include a numerical value, a grade, a level, etc. corresponding to the temperature value of the welding helmet.

[0063] If the welding information providing device 100 of one embodiment of the present invention determines that the temperature values ​​of the welding torch and the welding mask exceed the preset temperature range, the user can be guided to terminate the operation. When the welding exceeds the preset temperature range, there is a risk of quality degradation, so guidance can be provided so that the operator can adjust the temperature value of the welding torch.

[0064] When it is sensed that the current or voltage state of the welding gun 200 is abnormal, the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may provide visual feedback for warning.

[0065] At this time, the visual feedback may be to provide an icon representing danger in a part of the display area of ​​the welding information providing device 100 that displays the work site. For another example, the welding information providing device 100 may repeatedly increase and decrease the saturation of a specific color (e.g., red) of the entire screen of the display part, thereby providing guidance for terminating the work based on visual feedback.

[0066] In addition, when the welding information providing device 100 of an embodiment of the present invention changes the action mode of the camera unit (or the shooting conditions of the camera unit) according to the change in light intensity for more than a preset number of times within a preset time, it can limit frequent welding operations in a short period of time and reduce eye fatigue by generating and outputting a notification message.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to at least one sensor (such as the second sensor) included in the welding gun 200, the welding information providing device 100 can also sense welding information through a sensor (such as the first sensor) included in the welding information providing device 100. At this time, the welding information can be sensed by at least one sensor, including welding conditions including light level, welding temperature, welding direction, welding inclination, welding speed, and the interval between the base material and the welding gun, which are related to the real-time welding operation.

[0068] Likewise, the welding information providing apparatus 100 may provide guidance corresponding to the welding information based on the welding information sensed by a sensor (eg, a first sensor) included in the welding information providing apparatus 100 .

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after providing guidance on terminating the operation, the welding information providing device 100 can sense a preset user movement or a preset user voice and change the action of the welding gun.

[0070] As another embodiment, the welding information providing device 100 can obtain the temperature values ​​of the welding torch and the welding mask through the image sensor equipped by itself when the communication with the welding gun 200 is not smooth. As an example, the welding information providing device 100 can obtain the temperature values ​​of the welding torch and the welding mask based on the image data obtained by the thermal imaging camera.

[0071] The above example only describes the case where the information received from the welding gun 200 is welding temperature information, and the welding information providing apparatus 100 can provide various guidance of various welding information.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 The welding information providing device 100 may include a camera unit 110 , a communication unit 120 , a display unit 130 , a sensor unit 140 , a first processor 150 , an illumination unit 160 , and a memory 170 .

[0074] The camera unit 110 may include at least one camera, which may include a camera for capturing images of a welding operation site. The camera unit 110 of one embodiment of the present invention may be a camera that is disposed adjacent to the display unit 130 of the welding information providing device 100. As an example, the first camera and the second camera in the camera unit 110 may be symmetrically mounted in an area on the front of the welding information providing device 100, respectively. As another embodiment, the camera unit 110 may be formed in a detachable manner so that its position may be changed for installation as needed. As described above, the camera unit 110 may be installed adjacent to the display unit 130, but the position may also be changed to the main body ( Figure 5 In addition, the camera unit 110 can also be installed on the upper part of the body 101, i.e. above the head of the user.

[0075] The camera unit 110 (specifically, the camera module 112 in the camera unit 110) can obtain welding image frames in the welding operation area according to the shooting conditions. At this time, the camera unit 110 (i.e., the camera module 112) can operate in any of a plurality of action modes with different shooting conditions (e.g., "welding mode" for welding operation, "normal mode" for no welding operation) according to the control of the first processor 150. The camera unit 110 can receive a control instruction from the first processor 150, and in response to the control instruction, according to the action mode determined by the first processor 150, change the settings of shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, gain value, etc. and shoot the welding operation site. The camera unit 110 may include a first camera and a second camera, and can shoot the welding operation site through various different shooting settings.

[0076] In addition, the camera unit 110 may include: an image sensor 112-4, the image sensor 112-4 identifies light in the welding operation to generate an image signal that becomes the basis of the welding image frame; and a light shielding plate 113, the light shielding plate 113 may be arranged in front of the image sensor 112-4 (for example, in front of the camera module 112 including the image sensor 112-4) to perform a light shielding function. The light shielding plate 113 may cut off a portion of the light incident from the welding operation and transmit the remaining light to the image sensor 112-4.

[0077] The sunshade 113 may include a second processor 113-5 electrically connected to the illumination sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140. At this time, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 based on the intensity of light sensed by the illumination sensor 141. In an embodiment, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 in proportion to the intensity of light, or control the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 based on the comparison result between the intensity of light and a preset intensity so as to reach a preset value. For example, the higher the intensity of light, the more the second processor 113-5 may increase the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113. In addition, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 so as to reach a first value when the intensity of light exceeds a first intensity, and when the intensity of light is below the first intensity and exceeds a second intensity, the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 may be controlled so as to reach a second value lower than the first value. In addition, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the light shielding plate 113 to reach a third value lower than the second value when the light intensity is lower than the second intensity. The second intensity may be lower than the first intensity, but is not limited thereto and may be the same.

[0078] In another embodiment, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the light shielding plate based on the operation mode of the camera unit 110. When the operation mode of the camera unit 110 is determined by the first processor 150 to be the first mode, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the light shielding plate 113 so as to reach a first value preset corresponding to the first mode. When the operation mode of the camera unit 110 is determined by the first processor 150 to be the second mode, the second processor 113-5 may control the light shielding degree of the light shielding plate 113 so as to reach a second value preset corresponding to the second mode.

[0079] The sunshade 113 may be controlled by, but is not limited to, a second processor 113-5 connected to the illumination sensor 141. Figure 3 As shown, it can be controlled by the first processor 150. At this time, the first processor 150 can control the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor 141, or control the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 based on a mode determined based on the intensity of light.

[0080] The camera unit 110 of one embodiment of the present invention may include a thermal imaging camera. The welding information providing device 100 may synthesize the thermal imaging image obtained by the thermal imaging camera with the image of the welding site to obtain a temperature image.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the welding information providing device 100 may further include an illumination unit 160 electrically connected to the first processor 150. The illumination unit 160 may be located outside the camera unit 110 but is not limited to being located inside the camera unit 110.

[0082] The lighting unit 160 is located outside the welding information providing device 100 and is configured to irradiate illumination light at least toward the welding operation area. The lighting unit 160 may include a plurality of LED modules, and the output intensity (degree) of the illumination light irradiated by the lighting unit 160 may be based on the intensity of the light sensed by the illumination sensor 141, with the help of the first processor 150 (or Figure 4 At this time, the first processor 150 may increase the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit 160 as the intensity of the light sensed by the illumination sensor 141 is lower.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the lighting unit 160 may be configured to: Figure 4 The first processor 150 operates in conjunction with the operation of the camera unit 110 under the control of the control unit 114. For example, when the operation mode of the camera unit 110 is determined to be the first mode, the first processor 150 may change the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit 160 based on the first output value preset in the memory 170 corresponding to the first mode, and when the operation mode of the camera unit 110 is determined to be the second mode, the first processor 150 may change the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated by the illumination unit 160 based on the second output value preset in the memory 170 corresponding to the second mode.

[0084] The communication unit 120 is a component for receiving welding information from the welding gun 200 and sending commands for controlling the welding gun 200. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 120 can transmit the synthetic image to an external device other than the welding gun 200. In this case, the external device can include a variety of devices with a communication module, such as a smartphone of the operator / third party, a computer, etc.

[0085] The communication unit 120 may be a structure that performs communication with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication unit 120 may include at least one of a wifi chip, a Bluetooth chip, a wireless communication chip, and an NFC chip. In particular, when a wifi chip or a Bluetooth chip is used, various connection information such as SSID and session key can be sent and received first, and various information can be sent and received after establishing a communication connection using it. A wireless communication chip refers to a chip that performs communication according to various communication standards such as IEEE, Zigbee, 3G3rdGeneration, 3GPP3rd Generation Partnership Project, LTELong Term Evolution, etc. An NFC chip refers to a chip that operates in an NFC (Near Field Communication) mode using a 13.56MHz band in a variety of RF-ID bands such as 135kHz, 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 860-960MHz, 2.45GHz, etc.

[0086] The display unit 130 is a structure for providing a high-quality synthetic image to the operator. Specifically, the display unit 130 can be implemented in the form of goggles, which include a display screen 131 (see FIG. 1 ) that displays a synthetic image synthesized by the images obtained by the camera unit 110 to the operator. Figure 6 ).

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the back side of the display unit 130, that is, the part facing the user, may include a display screen 131 (see FIG. 1 ) for displaying high-definition images to the user. Figure 6 ) and a main lens member 135 for viewing the display screen 131 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0088] The display screen included in the display unit 130 can display a high-quality synthetic image so that the operator can visually confirm the surrounding environment other than the portion adjacent to the welding light (for example, the shape of the processed weld bead, etc.). In addition, the display unit 130 can provide the user with visual feedback on the welding progress status (for example, the welding progress direction).

[0089] The display screen 131 included in the display unit 130 can be implemented with a variety of display technologies such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), LED (Light-Emitting Diode), LcoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) or DLP (Digital Light Processing). In this case, the display screen of an embodiment of the present invention is implemented with a panel of an opaque material, so that the operator is not directly exposed to harmful light. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the display screen can be equipped with a transparent display screen.

[0090] The sensor unit 140 can sense various information at the welding site, including a plurality of sensor modules configured to obtain welding information. In this case, the welding information may include the welding temperature, welding direction, welding inclination, welding speed, and the interval between the base material and the welding gun of the real-time welding operation. Furthermore, the sensor unit 140 may include a light sensor configured to detect the light level at least in the welding operation area.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 140 may include an illuminance sensor 141 for sensing the intensity of light in the welding operation area. At this time, the illuminance sensor 141 may obtain information on the light intensity (e.g., welding light intensity, ambient light intensity) at the welding site. The illuminance sensor 141 may be included in the sensor unit 140, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be included in the camera unit 110. In addition to the illuminance sensor, the sensor unit 140 may also include various types of sensors such as a proximity sensor, a noise sensor, a video sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and an RF sensor, which may sense various changes related to the welding operation environment.

[0092] The first processor 150 may synthesize the welding image frames received by the camera unit 110 to generate a high-quality synthesized image. The first processor 150 may enable the camera unit 110 to set different shooting conditions for each frame, and synthesize the welding image frames obtained in time sequence in parallel to obtain a synthesized image. Specifically, the first processor 150 may control the camera unit 110 to change the ISO sensitivity, gain value, shutter speed, etc. of the camera unit 110 for shooting.

[0093] At this time, the first processor 150 may set different shooting conditions according to the sensed welding light, ambient light, the movement degree of the welding gun 200 and other conditions at the welding site.

[0094] Specifically, the first processor 150 may set the shooting conditions in such a manner that, for example, the higher the welding light and / or ambient light at the welding site, the smaller at least one of the ISO sensitivity, the gain value, and the shutter speed.

[0095] In an embodiment, the first processor 150 (or Figure 4 The control unit 114) can make the camera unit 110 (specifically, the camera module 112 in the camera unit 110) operate in any one of a plurality of action modes with different shooting conditions according to the intensity of light in the welding operation area. Among them, the first processor 150 can determine the action mode of the camera unit 110 to be any one of a first mode (for example, "welding mode") and a second mode (for example, "normal mode") based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor 141. The first processor 150 can change the shooting condition of the camera unit 110 by using the shooting setting value preset in the memory 170 corresponding to the determined mode, so that the shooting condition of the camera unit 110 can be quickly switched without delay. Among them, the memory 170 can store the shooting setting values ​​of each mode (refer to Fig.10 ).

[0096] Specifically, the first processor 150 may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 as a first mode (e.g., “welding mode”) when the light intensity is above a preset critical value, and use the shooting setting value ( Fig.10 In addition, when the light intensity is less than the critical value, the first processor 150 may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 to be the second mode (e.g., "normal mode"), and use the shooting setting value ( Fig.10 1020) to change the shooting conditions of the camera unit 110.

[0097] In an embodiment, the first processor 150 (or Figure 4 The control unit 114 of the embodiment can control the operation mode of the camera unit 110 based on the sensing result of the illumination sensor 141 that senses light at set intervals or continuously. At this time, the first processor 150 counts the number of times the operation mode of the camera unit 110 (camera module) (or the shooting conditions of the camera unit) is changed according to the change in the intensity of light, and when the counted number exceeds a preset number within a preset time, a notification message is generated and output, for example, to the display unit 130, so that frequent welding operations can be limited in a short time to protect the eyes.

[0098] In another embodiment, the first processor 150 may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 based on, but not limited to, the intensity of light in the welding operation area sensed by the illumination sensor 141 .

[0099] The first processor 150 may also use the image sensor 112-4 to estimate the intensity of light in the welding operation area, and determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 based on the estimated light intensity. In this case, the first processor 150 may estimate the intensity of light in the welding operation area based on an image signal generated by the image sensor 112-4 when the image sensor 112-4 recognizes light in the welding operation, or estimate the intensity of light in the welding operation area based on a welding image frame obtained by the camera unit 110 based on the image signal.

[0100] For example, the first processor 150 may first determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 based on the intensity of light in the welding operation area estimated by the image sensor 112-4, and when the light intensity changes (or the operation mode of the camera unit changes) as a set condition, the operation mode of the camera unit 110 may be determined based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor 141. The set condition may be, for example, a situation where the change in the intensity of light estimated by the image sensor 112-4 within a set time is less than a set value (or a situation where the operation mode of the camera unit 110 does not change within a set time). That is, when the first processor 150 fails to accurately sense the change in the intensity of light by using the image sensor 112-4, it senses the intensity of light more accurately by using the illuminance sensor 141, so that the operation mode of the camera unit 110 can be sensitively controlled according to the surrounding environment.

[0101] In an embodiment, the first processor 150 may use a light estimation learning model based on deep learning to estimate the intensity of light from the image signal generated by the image sensor 112-4 (or the welding image frame obtained by the camera unit 110), wherein the light estimation learning model based on deep learning has been pre-trained so as to estimate the intensity of light from the image-related signal (or the image-related frame). The light estimation learning model may be trained in a supervised learning manner (supervised learning) by, for example, but not limited to, using training data with the image-related signal (or the image-related frame) as input and the intensity of light as a label.

[0102] After the first processor 150 determines the operation mode of the camera unit 110 by using the image sensor 112-4, it may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 by using the illumination sensor 141, but is not limited thereto. After determining the operation mode of the camera unit 110 by using the illumination sensor 141, it may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 by using the image sensor 112-4. In an embodiment, the first processor 150 may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 by using at least one of the illumination sensor 141 and the image sensor 112-4. In addition, the first processor 150 may determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 by using the image sensor 112-4 and the illumination sensor 141 according to the set priority level.

[0103] In addition, if the welding gun ( Figure 1 If the movement and / or operation speed of the subject is fast, the shooting conditions can be set to increase the shutter speed.

[0104] The first processor 150 may synthesize images of a preset number of frames in parallel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each image in the preset frame may be shot under different shooting conditions.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, when there are more than two camera units 110, the first processor 150 can control the different shooting setting conditions of each camera to shoot. At this time, the first processor 150 can also synthesize images of a preset number of frames in parallel.

[0106] The first processor 150 may be, but is not limited to, located outside the camera unit 110 and controls the camera unit 110. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 114 for controlling the camera unit 110 may be located inside the camera unit 110, and the control unit 114 may communicate with the first processor 150. At this time, the control unit 114 may receive a shooting setting value based on the determined action mode of the camera unit 110 from the first processor 150, and use the received shooting setting value to change the shooting condition of the camera unit 110, but is not limited to this, and all functions of the first processor 150 related to the camera unit 110 may also be executed. For example, the control unit 114 of the camera unit 110 may determine the action mode of the camera unit 110, and use the shooting setting value preset corresponding to the action mode of the camera unit 110 to change the shooting condition of the camera unit 110. Among them, the shooting setting value may be stored in the memory 170, or stored in the memory in the camera unit 110 (not shown in the figure). In addition, the control unit 114 may also include a second processor 113-5.

[0107] The first processor 150 can use various programs stored in the memory 170 to control the overall operation of the welding information providing device 100. For example, the first processor 150 may include a CPU, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a system bus. Among them, the read-only memory is a structure for storing a command set for system startup. According to the command stored in the read-only memory, the CPU copies the operating system stored in the memory of the welding information providing device 100 to the random access memory and runs the O / S to start the system. After the startup is completed, the CPU copies various application programs stored in the memory to the random access memory and runs them to perform various operations. The above describes the situation where the first processor 150 includes only one CPU, but when implemented, it can be implemented with multiple CPUs (or DSPs, SoCs, etc.).

[0108] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first processor 150 can be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor and / or a time controller (TCON) for processing digital signals. However, it is not limited thereto and can include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), an MPU (micro processing unit), a controller, an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or can be defined by corresponding terms. In addition, the first processor 150 can also be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) with a built-in processing algorithm, a large scale integration (LSI), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0109] On the other hand, although Figure 2 Not shown, the welding gun 200 may include a communication part, a sensor part, and a third processor.

[0110] The communication unit of the welding gun 200 transmits and receives data with the welding information providing device 100. The communication unit may include a module capable of short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wifi, Wifi Direct) or long-range wireless communication (3G, HSDPA (High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access) or LTE (Long Term Evolution)).

[0111] The sensor portion or the second sensor of the welding gun 200 is included in the welding gun ( Figure 1 200) and is used to sense welding conditions such as welding temperature, welding speed, welding inclination, welding direction, and the distance between the base material and the welding gun.

[0112] At this time, the sensor unit can sense at least one of a plurality of changes such as a change in the posture of the user holding the welding gun 200, a change in the illumination of the welding mask, a change in the acceleration of the welding gun 200, and transmit an electrical signal corresponding thereto to the third processor. That is, the sensor unit can sense a state change formed based on the welding gun 200, generate a sensing signal based thereon, and transmit it to the third processor.

[0113] In the present disclosure, the sensor part may be composed of a variety of sensors. When the welding gun 200 is driven, power may be supplied to at least one preset sensor according to control (or based on user settings) to sense the state change of the welding gun 200 .

[0114] At this time, the sensor unit may include at least one of all sensing devices capable of detecting the state change of the welding gun 200. For example, the sensor unit may include at least one of various sensing devices such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a noise sensor, a video sensor, a gravity sensor, etc. The light level in the welding operation area sensed by the illuminance sensor of the welding gun 200 may be transmitted to the first processor 150 through the communication unit, and the first processor 150 may control the lighting unit 160 and / or the camera unit 110 based on the light level transmitted by the illuminance sensor of the welding gun 200 instead of the sensor unit 140 of the welding information providing device 100.

[0115] On the other hand, the acceleration sensor is a component for sensing the movement of the welding gun 200. Specifically, the acceleration sensor can measure the dynamic force such as acceleration, vibration, and impact of the welding gun 200, and thus can measure the movement of the welding gun 200.

[0116] The gravity sensor is a component for measuring the direction of gravity. That is, the sensing result of the gravity sensor can be used together with the acceleration sensor to determine the movement of the welding gun 200. In addition, the direction in which the welding gun 200 is held can be determined by the gravity sensor.

[0117] In addition to the above-mentioned types of sensors, the welding gun 200 may also include various types of sensors such as gyro sensors, geomagnetic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and RF sensors, which can sense various changes related to the welding working environment.

[0118] Figures 5 to 8 This is a diagram for describing a welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 For description Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the welding information providing device 100 . Figure 7 To capture only Figure 6 The camera unit 110 is configured as shown in the figure, Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a camera unit 110 according to another embodiment.

[0120] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The welding information providing device 100 of the present invention may include a body 101, a display unit 130 disposed on the front of the body 101, a camera unit 110, and a first processor 150. In addition, the welding information providing device 100 may include a fixing unit (not shown) configured on at least one sensor unit 140 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the back of the main body 101, the welding information providing device 100 is fixed to the operator's head.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the camera unit 110 can be installed on the outside of the body 101, and can be implemented by more than one. When there is one camera unit 110, it can be installed on the central upper end of the body 101. As another embodiment, when there are two camera units 110, the camera units 110 can be symmetrically installed on a front area of ​​the display unit 130. In this case, the front area of ​​the display unit 130 can be an external area corresponding to the direction in which the welding operation is performed ( Figure 5In contrast, the back side of the display unit 130 may be an inner area corresponding to the operator's face direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the camera unit 110 may also be disposed in an outer area of ​​the body 101 corresponding to the direction in which the welding operation is performed. In addition, the camera unit 110 may also be repositioned as needed and formed in a detachable form.

[0122] On the other hand, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention may include a main lens component 135, which is used to transmit the welding image provided by the display screen 131 to the user's eyes at a close distance.

[0123] In order to ensure the visual field of the user, the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a welding image through a display screen 131 separated from the user by a predetermined distance. Thus, the user can obtain the welding image from one display screen instead of obtaining the welding image through display screens corresponding to both eyes, thereby ensuring a wide visual field even in a closed space within the welding information providing device 100. However, in this case, the welding information providing device 100 may include a main lens component 135 in order to provide the welding image provided from the display screen 131 to the user more clearly.

[0124] When the display screen 131 of the present invention is composed of one, the virtual center line Ax1 passing through the center O1 of the display unit 130 can be located between the eyes of the user. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, a plurality of display screens 131 can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the eyes of the user.

[0125] The main lens member 135 may be disposed on a path of the welding image provided by the display screen 131 and may have a convex surface to adjust the size of the welding image and guide the user's eyes E. The main lens member 135 may be a convex lens including a convex surface to magnify the provided welding image.

[0126] The main lens component 135 can be made of glass, plastic, etc. When it is made of plastic, styrene resins such as methacrylic resin, polycarbonate resins, allyl resins, allyl carbonate resins such as diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate resin CR-39, vinyl resins, polyester resins, polyether resins, polyurethane resins obtained by reacting isocyanate compounds with hydroxyl compounds such as diethylene glycol, thiurethane resins obtained by reacting isocyanate compounds with polythiol compounds, transparent resins obtained by curing polymer components containing thioepoxy compounds having one or more disulfide bonds in the molecule, etc. In addition, the main lens component 135 can also be coated with a filter film that blocks light of a specific wavelength band. For example, the main lens component 135 can be a lens coated with a blue blocking filter film.

[0127] The main lens member 135 can move forward and backward based on the initial position. As described above, the main lens member 135 determines the degree in consideration of the user's vision, but since each user has different vision, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a welding image with the best image quality by adjusting the distance between the main lens member 135 and the user. To this end, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention may further include a distance adjustment member (not shown) that adjusts the distance between the main lens member 135 and the display screen 131.

[0128] Like the main lens member 135, the display unit 130 can be equipped with another distance adjustment member to adjust the distance from the main lens member 135, or to adjust the distance between the display screen 131 and the user's eyes. For example, the welding information providing device 100 can also include a barrel bracket that fixes the display unit 130 to one side. The distance adjustment member can move the barrel bracket forward and backward by manual distance adjustment by the user or automatic distance adjustment. Thus, the display unit 130 can shrink toward the inner side of the front face of the main body 101 or protrude toward the outer side of the front face.

[0129] At least one sensor 140 (or first sensor) may be mounted on a front area of ​​the display unit 130. As another embodiment, the sensor unit 140 may be included in the body 101. In this case, the sensor unit 140 may be mounted on the front side of the body 101 so as to sense the welding condition.

[0130] The main body 101 for protecting the operator's face can be formed of a material with a predetermined strength, such as reinforced plastic, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the material is resistant to factors such as sparks that may occur during welding, a variety of materials can be used.

[0131] The fixing part (not shown) is a structure for directly contacting the operator's head. One side of the fixing part (not shown), that is, at least a part of the inner side that directly contacts the operator's head, may include a soft material such as fiber material or sponge material.

[0132] The camera unit 110 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0133] Refer again Figure 6 and Figure 7 The camera unit 110 of one embodiment of the present invention may include an exterior housing 111, a camera module 112 provided inside the exterior housing 111, and a light shielding plate 113. The camera unit 110 may further include at least one of an illumination sensor for sensing the intensity of light in the welding operation area, an illumination unit for irradiating illumination light, and a control unit for comprehensively controlling the operation of the camera unit 110.

[0134] The camera module 112 includes a camera housing 112-1, a lens assembly 112-2 and a substrate assembly 112-3, and can obtain welding image frames in the welding operation area according to shooting conditions, such as settings of shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, gain value, etc.

[0135] The camera housing 112-1 performs a function of fixing a camera module composed of the lens assembly 112-2 and the substrate assembly 112-3. The camera housing 112-1 may be formed with a through hole in a region corresponding to the lens assembly 112-2 so that welding light can enter the camera module.

[0136] The lens assembly 112-2 may include an actuator and one or more lenses contained therein. The actuator may include an actuator for autofocus and / or an actuator for shake correction, and the actuator for autofocus and the actuator for shake correction may be integrally equipped.

[0137] The substrate assembly 112-3 may be a PCB substrate formed with a conductive wiring pattern and combined with an image sensor IS ( Figure 8 112-4) structure.

[0138] The shading plate 113 can perform the function of shading welding light (or ambient light) generated by welding work. The camera unit 110 can capture a welding image frame in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked by the shading plate 113 through the camera module 112. The shading plate 113 can be arranged in front of the camera, and specifically, can be a structure located in front of a lens that receives light from a subject.

[0139] As an embodiment, the light shielding plate 113 may include a black filter 113-3 and a second processor ( Fig. 9 113-5). The blackened filter 113-3 can cut off the welding light generated when the operator performs welding. That is, the second processor 113-5 blackens the blackened filter 113-3 based on the welding light information (or ambient light information) sensed by the illumination sensor 141 (or light sensor) of the sensor unit 140, thereby increasing the light shielding degree of the blackened filter 113-3. At this time, the blackened filter unit 113-3 may, for example, include a liquid crystal protection panel (LCD panel) whose blackening concentration can be adjusted according to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal. However, it is not limited to this, and it can also be implemented with a variety of panels such as VA (Vertical Align) LCD, TN (Twist Nematic) LCD, IPS (In Plane Switching) LCD, etc.

[0140] The blackening concentration of the blackening filter 113-3 can be automatically adjusted by the second processor 113-5 according to the presence or absence of welding light or the intensity of the welding light (or, ambient light). As described above, when automatically adjusting according to the brightness of the welding light, the illuminance sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140 can be used. The illuminance sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140 can sense the presence or absence of welding light or the intensity of the welding light to obtain welding light information, and convert the information of the welding light intensity included in the welding light information into a predetermined electrical signal. The illuminance sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140 can transmit the converted electrical signal to the second processor 113-5, and the second processor 113-5 can control the blackening concentration based on the intensity of the welding light. The blackening filter 113-3 can be controlled by the second processor 113-5, but is not limited to this, and can also be controlled by the first processor 150.

[0141] That is, the blackening filter 113-3 can change the shading degree of the plate in real time in a manner corresponding to the intensity of light generated by the welding surface at the welding operation site, and the camera unit 110 can use the camera module 112 to capture a welding image frame in which the blackening filter 113-3 installed on the front part blocks a predetermined amount of welding light.

[0142] As another embodiment, the shading plate 113 may further include a neutral density filter 113-2. The neutral density filter 113-2 (e.g., a deformable neutral density filter) can reduce the amount of welding light generated when the operator performs welding and transmit it to the camera module 112. The neutral density filter 113-2 can reduce the amount of welding light according to a preset neutral density. For example, when a neutral density filter 113-2 with a neutral density of 50% is applied, the amount of welding light can be further reduced compared to a neutral density filter 113-2 with a neutral density of 15%.

[0143] The light shielding plate 113 may be composed of a structure with a replaceable neutral density filter 113 - 2 . The operator may replace and use the neutral density filter 113 - 2 with different neutral densities as required.

[0144] As another embodiment, the neutral density filter 113-2 may be a digital filter whose neutral density is controlled by the second processor 113-5 (or the first processor 150). Like the blackening filter 113-3, the neutral density filter 113-2 as a digital filter may increase the neutral density based on the welding light (or ambient light) information sensed by the sensor unit 140, such as the illumination sensor 141, so as to increase the light shielding degree of the neutral density filter 113-2.

[0145] At this time, the neutral density filter 113-2 is located in front of the camera module 112 and can be arranged farther away from the camera module 112 than the blackening filter 113-3. The blackening filter 113-3 has a greater welding light blocking degree than the neutral density filter 113-2, so the camera unit 110 first cuts off the light using the neutral density filter 113-2 according to the intensity of the welding light. When the intensity of the welding light is high, the blackening filter 113-3 can be used to cut off the light, or both the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2 can be used to cut off the light.

[0146] On the other hand, although not shown, the shading plate 113 may also include a band pass filter (Band path Filter). The neutral density filter 113-2 or the blackening filter 113-3 performs the function of reducing the amount of light of the welding light regardless of the wavelength of the light, but the band pass filter can perform the function of cutting off the light of a specific band. The shading plate 113 also includes a band pass filter (not shown), so that ultraviolet rays or infrared rays generated during the welding operation can be cut off. The band pass filter (not shown) is used to cut off infrared rays and ultraviolet rays, and can be configured at the farthest distance from the operator's face. The band pass filter (not shown) can be formed with a dielectric multilayer film on the side facing the other filters.

[0147] If welding light is generated when the operator performs welding operations, the infrared and ultraviolet rays in the welding light are reflected and blocked by the dielectric multilayer film of the bandpass filter, and only visible light can pass through the bandpass filter to irradiate the camera module 112 side.

[0148] The shading plate 113 may be provided with a protective glass 113-1 at the front facing the welding light to prevent sparks from flying during welding. A coating that can prevent mist or moisture may be formed on the front surface of the protective glass 113-1 using a hydrophilic coating material. Thus, the shading plate 113 can prevent contaminants from adhering to the shading plate 113.

[0149] Specifically, in order to prevent the adsorption of organic substances around the welding work, the coating formed on the front of the protection glass 113-1 may be formed with a hydrophilic photocatalyst substance such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) having a self-cleaning ability.

[0150] On the other hand, the shading plate 113 may further include a glass portion 113-4 disposed between the blackened filter 113-3 and the operator's face. The glass portion 113-4 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the blackened filter 113-3 to prevent the blackened filter 113-3 from being damaged by external foreign matter. The glass portion 113-4 may be made of a transparent material.

[0151] As another embodiment, refer to Figure 8, the shading plate 113 can be composed of a structure combined with the camera module 112. The shading plate 113 can be arranged inside the lens assembly 112-2 of the camera module 112 on the path where light moves. The shading plate 113 can also be arranged in front of the lens assembly 112-2 that receives light, or arranged between the lens assembly 112-2 and the image sensor (IS) 112-4 to perform the function of cutting off light. In other words, the shading plate 113 can be formed in an independent housing to form an appearance, and can be formed in a form that can be combined with the camera module 112. The shading plate 113 can be combined in front of the camera module 112, or arranged between the lens assembly 112-2 of the camera module 112 and the image sensor (IS) 112-4. In addition, as another embodiment, the shading plate 113 can also be formed in an integrated manner with the lens assembly of the camera module 112. The blackened filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2 of the light shielding plate 113 can be arranged on the optical axis of the lens L and combined into a housing. In this case, the light shielding plate 113 can also be formed in a circular shape similar to the shape of the lens L. However, it is not limited thereto, and the light shielding plate 113 can also be formed in a shape different from the lens L, for example, in a quadrilateral shape. In this case, the lens assembly 112-2 can have an internal housing structure that can accommodate both the circular lens L and the quadrilateral light shielding plate 113.

[0152] At this time, as in the above content, the light shielding plate 113 may include a blackening filter 113-3 and may also include a neutral density filter 113-2 as a digital neutral density filter. In addition, although not shown, the light shielding plate 113 may also include a bandpass filter.

[0153] The method by which the second processor 113 - 5 controls the light shielding plate 113 is described below. Fig. 9 A block diagram for describing a method for controlling a light shield in a camera unit.

[0154] Reference Fig. 9 , the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can obtain the information of the welding light by the sensor unit 140. At this time, the sensor unit 140 may include an illumination sensor 141 as a light sensor to sense the presence or intensity of the welding light. The illumination sensor 141 may convert the presence or intensity of the welding light into an electrical signal and transmit it to the second processor 113-5 of the sunshade 113. At this time, the sunshade 113 of the camera unit 110 may include a second processor 113-5 and a controllable blackening filter 113-3 and a neutral density filter 113-2. If the second processor 113-5 receives an electrical signal from the illumination sensor 141, it generates a control signal and directly transmits it to the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2, so that the light shielding degree of the sunshade 113 can be instantly controlled according to the light sensing result of the illumination sensor 141.

[0155] When the welding light sensed by the illumination sensor 141 exceeds the first intensity set in advance, the second processor 113-5 generates the first control signal S1 and the second control signal S2 to control the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2 to all operate, thereby controlling the light shielding degree of the light shielding plate 113. At this time, the second processor 113-5 can adjust the blackening density of the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density of the neutral density filter 113-2 according to the intensity of the sensed welding light.

[0156] When the welding light sensed by the illuminance sensor 141 is below the pre-set first intensity and exceeds the set second intensity, the second processor 113-5 generates a second control signal S2 and only controls the neutral concentration filter 113-2, or generates a first control signal S1 and only controls the blackening filter 113-3, thereby controlling the shading degree of the shading plate 113.

[0157] In addition, when the welding light is not sensed by the illumination sensor 141 or is below the set second intensity, the second processor 113 - 5 does not independently control the neutral density filter 113 - 2 or the blackening filter 113 - 3 but directly transmits the welding light to the camera module 112 .

[0158] In an embodiment, the second processor 113-5 can generate a first control signal S1 and a second control signal S2 in proportion to the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor 141 so as to control the shading degree of the shading plate 113, or generate a first control signal S1 and a second control signal S2 based on a comparison result between the intensity of light and a preset intensity so as to make the shading degree of the shading plate 113 reach a preset value.

[0159] The welding information providing device according to the embodiment of the present invention arranges a shading plate capable of cutting off welding light in front of a camera, so that even if the captured image is not processed independently, a welding image (frame) in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked can be obtained. In addition, the welding information providing device is provided with a blackening filter and a neutral density filter, and controls the blackening density or the neutral density according to the presence or intensity of welding light, so that the degree of cutting can be effectively controlled.

[0160] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart for describing the operation method of the welding information providing device of this embodiment. The operation method of the welding information providing device (or the control method of the camera unit) can be executed by the welding information providing device (or the camera unit) of this embodiment.

[0161] Reference Fig.11 In step S1110, the welding information providing device can sense the intensity of light in the welding operation area through an illumination sensor.

[0162] In step S1120, when the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor is above a preset critical value, the welding information providing device may determine the action mode of the camera unit to be a first mode (eg, "welding mode") through the first processor in step S1130.

[0163] In step S1140, the welding information providing apparatus may use the photographing setting value ( Fig.10 1010) to change the shooting conditions of the camera unit. Among them, the shooting setting value corresponding to the first mode can be ISO sensitivity, gain value, shutter speed, etc. corresponding to the "welding mode".

[0164] In step S1120, when the intensity of light sensed by the illumination sensor is less than the preset critical value, in step S1131, the welding information providing device may determine the action mode of the camera unit as the second mode (e.g., "normal mode") through the first processor, and use the shooting setting value ( Fig.10 The shooting conditions of the camera unit may be changed by using 1020 of the control unit 1021. The shooting setting values ​​corresponding to the second mode may be ISO sensitivity, gain value, shutter speed, etc. corresponding to the "normal mode".

[0165] Among them, the ISO sensitivity, gain value, and shutter speed corresponding to the "welding mode" may be respectively smaller than the ISO sensitivity, gain value, and shutter speed corresponding to the "normal mode".

[0166] The first processor of the welding information providing device can determine "welding mode" or "normal mode" as the action mode of the camera unit based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor, and use the shooting setting value corresponding to the determined mode to quickly change the shooting conditions of the camera unit.

[0167] In step S1150, the welding information providing device may control the shading degree of the shading plate based on the intensity of light. At this time, the welding information providing device controls the shading degree of the shading plate based on the intensity of light through the second processor of the shading plate, so that the shading degree of the shading plate can be controlled in real time according to the light sensing result. At this time, the welding information providing device may control the shading degree of the shading plate in proportion to the intensity of light, or control the shading degree of the shading plate based on the comparison result between the intensity of light and the preset intensity so as to reach the preset value. In addition, in an embodiment, the welding information providing device may change the shading degree of the shading plate using a preset value corresponding to the action mode of the camera unit.

[0168] As described above, the welding information providing device according to the embodiment of the present invention adaptively changes the action mode of the camera unit and the shooting conditions based on the action mode according to the shooting environment, thereby obtaining and providing a clear image of the welding operation, so that the operator can accurately understand the welding process.

[0169] The welding information providing device of the embodiment of the present invention determines the action mode of the camera unit to be either a first mode or a second mode according to the intensity of light in the welding operation area sensed by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting condition of the camera unit by using the shooting setting value preset in the memory corresponding to the determined mode, thereby being able to quickly switch the shooting condition of the camera unit without delay.

[0170] The welding information providing device of the embodiment of the present invention can use a processor independently equipped on the shading plate to instantly control the shading degree of the shading plate according to the intensity of light in the welding operation area sensed by the illumination sensor. Even if the independently taken image is not processed, a welding image in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked can be obtained.

[0171] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be run on a computer through a variety of components, and such a computer program can be recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memories, etc. that are specially configured to store and run program commands.

[0172] On the other hand, the computer program may be specially designed and constructed for the present invention, or may be known and usable by practitioners in the field of computer software. Examples of computer programs include not only machine codes such as codes formed by means of a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be run by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0173] In the specification of the present invention (especially the claims), the term "said" and similar indicative terms may correspond to the singular and the plural. In addition, in the present invention, when a range is described, it is deemed to include the invention to which the individual values ​​belonging to the range are applied (as long as there is no record to the contrary), which is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the range in the invention content.

[0174] For the steps constituting the method of the present invention, as long as the order is not clearly recorded or there is no record to the contrary, the steps can be performed in an appropriate order. It is not necessary to limit the present invention in the order in which the steps are recorded. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the present invention is simply used to describe the present invention in detail, and as long as the claims are not limited, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms. In addition, practitioners can know that it can be constituted according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or their equivalents to which multiple revisions, combinations and changes have been added.

[0175] Therefore, the idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and the following claims and all scopes equivalent to the claims or equivalently modified thereby belong to the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera unit comprising: A camera module, wherein the camera module obtains a welding image frame in a welding operation area according to shooting conditions; An illumination sensor, wherein the illumination sensor senses the intensity of light in the welding operation area; and A control unit that determines an operation mode of the camera module to be either a first mode or a second mode based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor, and changes a shooting condition of the camera module using a shooting setting value preset corresponding to the determined mode.

2. The camera unit according to claim 1, wherein: The camera module includes an image sensor that recognizes light in the welding operation, The camera unit further includes a light shielding plate, which is disposed in front of the camera module including the image sensor, cuts off a portion of light incident during the welding operation and transmits the remaining light to the image sensor.

3. The camera unit according to claim 2, wherein: The sunshade includes a processor electrically connected to the illumination sensor, The processor controls a light shielding degree of the light shielding plate based on the intensity of the light.

4. The camera unit according to claim 3, wherein: The processor controls the shading degree of the shading plate in proportion to the intensity of the light, or controls the shading degree of the shading plate based on a comparison result between the intensity of the light and a preset intensity so as to reach a preset value.

5. The camera unit according to claim 1, wherein: further comprising an illumination unit for emitting illumination light, The control section adjusts the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated by the illumination section based on the intensity of the light.

6. The camera unit according to claim 1, wherein: The illumination sensor senses the intensity of the light at every set period. The control unit counts the number of times the operation mode of the camera module is changed according to the change in the intensity of the light, and generates and outputs a notification message when the counted number exceeds a preset number within a preset time.

7. A welding information providing device, comprising: A body, wherein the body is configured in a manner that the user can wear it; A camera unit, the camera unit is disposed outside the body and obtains welding image frames in a welding operation area according to shooting conditions; An illumination sensor, wherein the illumination sensor senses the intensity of light in the welding operation area; and A processor determines an operation mode of the camera unit to be any one of a first mode and a second mode based on the intensity of light sensed by the illuminance sensor, and changes a shooting condition of the camera unit using a shooting setting value preset corresponding to the determined mode.

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