Automatic defog camera device

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of visual camera technology, and discloses an automatic defog camera device. The module includes: a shell, which is a box-type structure, and a camera hole is opened on the shell; a camera module, which is arranged in the shell and used for shooting, and the lens of the camera module is opposite to the camera hole; a defog heating film, which is transparent and arranged in the shell; and a transparent carrier sheet, which is arranged in the shell and connected to the defog heating film, and the transparent carrier sheet and the defog heating film are sequentially attached to the camera hole. The present invention can suppress the generation of water mist on the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet through the above technical scheme, so that it has the advantage of good defog effect, and can ensure that the module obtains clear images.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of visual camera, and in particular relates to an automatic defog camera device. Background Art

[0002] Camera modules are often exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and large temperature and humidity changes in retail and industrial applications. As a result, condensation and fogging will occur on the camera mirror, which will cause serious problems for the visual recognition technology solution. Based on this, the development of camera modules with automatic defog function can effectively improve the environmental adaptability of visual recognition modules.

[0003] There are many existing cameras with defogger functions, such as the patent application document with application number 201410821610.8, application date December 25, 2014, and invention name "A camera with defogger function". The application discloses a camera with defogger function, including a protective cover, a heating unit and a camera body; the protective cover is mounted outside the camera body, and the part of the protective cover corresponding to the camera body lens is transparent; the heating unit is arranged in the protective cover and connected to the power supply of the camera body; a temperature sensor is arranged in the protective cover. When the ambient temperature is lower than the set temperature, the power supply of the heating unit is started, and the heating unit transfers heat to the protective cover to achieve the purpose of deicing and defogging. Although the application can achieve the purpose of deicing and defogging to a certain extent, its technical solution is that the heating unit heats the protective cover to deicing and defogging, so it has the disadvantages of slow heat transfer efficiency, poor deicing and defogging effect, low efficiency, and high power consumption. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an automatic defogger camera device, which comprises: an outer shell which is a box-type structure, and a camera hole is opened on the outer shell; a camera module which is arranged in the outer shell and is used for taking pictures, and the lens of the camera module is opposite to the camera hole; and a defogger heating film which is transparent, is arranged in the outer shell, and is attached to the camera hole.

[0005] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the automatic defog camera device further includes: a transparent carrier sheet, which is arranged in the shell and connected to the defog heating film, the transparent carrier sheet is attached to the camera hole and located on the outside of the defog heating film.

[0006] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, a corner portion of the shell includes: a first side wall, a second side wall and a third side wall connected in sequence, the first side wall and the third side wall are located on the same side of the second side wall, and the second side wall is provided with the camera hole.

[0007] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the hole wall at the outer opening end of the camera hole is connected to the arc transition of the second side wall.

[0008] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the lens of the camera is parallel to the defog heating film.

[0009] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the housing is arranged at an installation corner on the inner side of the cabinet of the unmanned vending cabinet through a bracket.

[0010] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the bracket includes: a first connecting plate, having a first bearing surface and a first connecting surface relative to each other, a first protrusion being provided on the first bearing surface, and the first protrusion being engaged with a first groove provided on the outer shell; and a second connecting plate, connected to the first connecting plate in an L-shape, having a second bearing surface and a second connecting surface relative to each other, a second protrusion being provided on the second bearing surface, and the second protrusion being engaged with a second groove provided on the outer shell, and the second connecting surface and / or the first connecting surface are connected to the cabinet body of the unmanned vending machine.

[0011] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the first groove is a through hole, and the through hole includes: a first sub-through hole and a second sub-through hole radially penetrated by a radial channel, the diameter of the first sub-through hole is larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole, and the diameter of the radial channel is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-through hole; the first protrusion includes: an axially consistent first cylinder and a second cylinder, the diameter of the first cylinder is smaller than the diameter of the first sub-through hole and larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole, and the diameter of the second cylinder is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-through hole.

[0012] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the main control chip of the camera module is a chip based on the UVC standard protocol.

[0013] Optionally, in the automatic defog camera device as described above, the main control chip is a Realtek main control chip.

[0014] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] By setting up a defog heating film and a transparent carrier sheet, heat can be generated autonomously, and the space between the camera hole and the lens can be heated, so that the space is within a higher temperature range. At the same time, the heat is transferred to the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet, thereby suppressing the generation of water mist on the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet, making it have the advantage of good defog effect, and ensuring that the module can obtain clear images. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an automatic defogging camera device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an automatic defogging camera device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a first protrusion provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] The symbols in the figure are explained as follows:

[0020] 1 housing, 2 bracket, 3 transparent carrier sheet, 4 lens, 5 camera module, 11 first side wall, 12 second side wall, 120 camera hole, 13 third side wall, 14 fourth side wall, 15 fifth side wall, 16 first groove, 161 first sub-through hole, 162 second sub-through hole, 17 second groove, 18 third groove, 19 fourth groove, 20 guide groove, 21 first connecting plate, 22 second connecting plate, 23 first protrusion, 231 first column, 232 second column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In fact, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as a part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the present invention encompasses such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and do not require that the present invention must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention. The terms "connected", "connected" and "set" used in the present invention should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate component; it can be a wired electrical connection, a radio connection, or a wireless communication signal connection. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0023] See also Figures 1 to 3An embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic defog camera device, which includes: a housing 1, a camera module 5, a defog heating film and a transparent carrier sheet 3.

[0024] Specifically, the housing 1 is a box-type structure, in which an installation space is formed, and a camera hole is opened on the housing 1. The camera module 5 is used for shooting, which is arranged in the housing 1, and includes a camera module and a lens 4. The lens 4 is opposite to the camera hole 120. The demisting heating film is used for heating and demisting, which is arranged in the housing 1 and is transparent so as not to block light from entering the housing 1. The demisting heating film can be a PI (polyimide) heating film. Specifically, heating electrodes are installed on both sides of the demisting heating film. When the electrodes are energized, the surface of the demisting heating film generates temperature, which is used for heating and demisting. The transparent carrier sheet 3 is arranged in the housing 1, and is connected to the defogger heating film to form an integrated structure, for example, by bonding. The bonded structure is attached to the camera hole 120 to cover or block the camera hole 120. The attachment method may be bonding. At this time, the lens 4 is opposite to the transparent carrier sheet 3 and the defogger heating film. The transparent carrier sheet 3 is far away from the lens 4 relative to the defogger heating film, that is, the defogger heating film is located on the inner side of the transparent carrier sheet 3. The transparent carrier sheet 3 may be glass, and its shape may be, for example, square. The area of ​​the transparent carrier sheet 3 is larger than the area of ​​the defogger heating film and the area of ​​the camera hole 120, so that the support is uniform and the heat dissipation is uniform. By providing the transparent carrier sheet 3, the required transparency and structural strength for the long-term use of the module can be guaranteed, and the defogger heating film can also be protected.

[0025] By providing a defog heating film and a transparent carrier sheet 3, heat can be generated autonomously, and the space between the camera hole 120 and the lens 4 can be heated, so that the space is within a higher temperature range. At the same time, the heat is transferred to the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet 3, thereby suppressing the generation of water mist on the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet 3, making it have the advantage of good defog effect, and ensuring that the module can obtain clear images.

[0026] In order to improve the field of view of the present module, a corner portion of the housing 1 includes: a first side wall 11, a second side wall 12 and a third side wall 13 in the circumferential direction. One end of the first side wall 11 is connected to one end of the second side wall 12, and the other end of the second side wall 12 is connected to one end of the third side wall 13. The first side wall 11 and the third side wall 13 are located on the same side of the second side wall 12, and a camera hole 120 is provided on the second side wall 12. In other words, an edge of the housing 1 is cut off at an angle to form an inclined plane (i.e., the plane formed by the second side wall), and a camera hole 120 is provided on the inclined plane. Since the lens 4 of the camera module is opposite to the camera hole 120, the lens 4 of the camera module is installed in the housing 1 in an inclined manner, which is convenient for installing the present module in the corner of an unmanned vending machine or a vending machine. The corner is called an installation corner. The corner of the present device opposite to the corner portion is connected to the installation corner. The two side walls forming the corner opposite to the corner portion: one can be a horizontal wall (such as Figure 1 The fourth side wall in the figure), and the other can be a vertical wall (such as Figure 1 The fifth side wall in the figure) can be conveniently fitted with the installation corner of the unmanned vending cabinet installed with this module. When used, two modules can be set diagonally in the unmanned vending cabinet, so as to ensure that the imaging covers the freezer range to the maximum extent and reduce the occupation of the cabinet space of the unmanned vending cabinet. The outer shell 1 also includes a fourth side wall 14 and a fifth side wall 15 in the circumferential direction, one end of the fourth side wall 14 is connected to the other end of the first side wall 11, the other end of the fourth side wall 14 is connected to one end of the fifth side wall 15, and the other end of the fifth side wall 15 is connected to the other end of the third side wall 13. The first side wall 11 and the fourth side wall 14 form another corner, the fourth side wall 14 and the fifth side wall 15 form another corner, the fifth side wall 15 and the third side wall 13 form another corner, and the first side wall 11, the second side wall 12, the third side wall 13, the fifth side wall 15 and the fourth side wall 14 are connected end to end in sequence to form a square. The fourth side wall 14 and the fifth side wall 15 are the two side walls forming the aforementioned installation corners. At the same time, when the module is working in a low temperature and humid environment, water droplets may condense on the housing 1. When the condensed water droplets flow through the inclined plane, due to the effect of gravity, they will not stay and will slide along the inclined plane. On the basis of the aforementioned demisting heating film, the generation of water droplets can be suppressed from both sides of the housing 1, and the field of view of the camera module 5 can be guaranteed, thereby having the characteristic of good field of view effect.

[0027] The camera hole 120 has an outer end and an inner end, and the inner end is closer to the camera module 5 than the outer end. The connection between the hole wall at the outer end and the second side wall 12 is an arc transition, so that when there are condensed water droplets on the second side wall 12, the condensed water droplets can easily slide from the transparent carrier sheet 3 to the second side wall 12 under the action of their own gravity, and then slide down from the second side wall 12.

[0028] The lens 4 of the camera module is parallel to the defog heating film and also parallel to the transparent carrier sheet 3, which is beneficial to uniform heating of the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet 3, and can also expand the field of view of the camera module 5 and remove water mist within the field of view, thereby improving the camera effect and having the characteristics of good camera effect.

[0029] The camera module can use AR0230 HDR (High-Dynamic Range) CMOS as the sensor unit, and the main control chip of the camera module can use the chip of UVC (USB Video Class) standard protocol, which is conducive to omitting the FPGA chip that provides the front-end image adjustment function. The USB2.0 communication protocol is adopted. In order to ensure that USB2.0 can provide stable power supply and avoid the problem of camera module disconnection due to excessive power, the power of camera module 5 needs to be controlled within 5V / 400mA. The main control chip is Realtek main control chip. Realtek chip is stable and has low heat dissipation, has better environmental adaptability, and also has good low power consumption performance, which provides the possibility of power control of this module. When applied, the circuit of the camera module can be reduced from 250mA to 190mA. In order to further reduce power consumption, the calling method of the sensor unit adopts the method of long-term signal maintenance to avoid the peak current of starting this device. In order to facilitate unified power supply and improve the stability of the device, the power supply voltage of the camera module and the power supply voltage of the defogger heating film are 5V. At this time, the copper wire routing method in the defogger heating film can also be optimized to effectively control the power within 5V / 400mA while ensuring the heating temperature. When used, the power of the defogger heating film can be 5V / 150mA. The camera module adopts a single-board design. The camera interface is a MircoUSB interface. A 5V power output is reserved on the camera module, which is convenient for powering the defogger heating film.

[0030] Unmanned vending machines include: refrigerators, freezers, hot cabinets, normal temperature cabinets and other different types, so the camera module needs to be able to adapt to different temperatures and humidity, and at the same time ensure that the temperature and humidity changes will not affect the quality of the camera image during the door opening and closing process. Therefore, the device also includes: a control unit and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is set in the unmanned receiving cabinet to collect the temperature inside the cabinet. The control unit is connected to the temperature sensor to determine the type of unmanned vending machine based on the obtained cabinet temperature, and control the heating power of the defog heating film according to the type to avoid condensation and reduce power consumption.

[0031] Since the transparent carrier sheet 3 and the defog heating film are attached to the camera hole 120, the installation space is equivalent to a closed space, and the camera module 5 will also generate heat when working. If the temperature inside the housing 1 is too high, it will affect the normal operation of the camera module 5. In order to facilitate internal heat dissipation, the material of the housing 1 is a high thermal conductivity material, such as thermoplastic, which includes a base material and a filler. The base material includes PPS, PA6 / PA66, LCP, TPE, PC, PP, PPA, PEEK, etc.; the filler includes AlN, SiC, Al2O3, graphite, fibrous high thermal conductivity carbon powder, flaky high thermal conductivity carbon powder, etc.

[0032] In order to obtain a larger shooting range, the housing 1 is arranged at the corner of the inner side of the cabinet of the unmanned vending cabinet through the bracket 2. Specifically, the housing 1 is connected to the bracket 2 by a snap connection, and the housing 1 is also detachably connected to the angle, such as a screw connection, so that the installation and disassembly of the device is convenient.

[0033] Specifically, the bracket 2 includes: a first connecting plate 21 and a second connecting plate 22, which are connected in an L shape, and the connection point can be an arc transition. The first connecting plate 21 has a first bearing surface and a first connecting surface relative to each other, and a first protrusion 23 is arranged on the first bearing surface, and the first protrusion 23 is engaged with a first groove 16 arranged on the shell 1, such as the first groove arranged on the aforementioned fourth side wall 14. The second connecting plate 22 has a second bearing surface and a second connecting surface relative to each other, and a second protrusion (not shown) is arranged on the second bearing surface, and the second protrusion is engaged with a second groove 17 arranged on the shell 1, such as the second groove arranged on the aforementioned fifth side wall 15. The second connecting surface and / or the first connecting surface are connected to the cabinet body of the unmanned vending machine, so as to improve the connection strength between the bracket 2 and the device and the cabinet body, so that the device is fixed and stable, and the installation angle of the device can be guaranteed.

[0034] The cabinet body usually has four corners. In order to adapt to the corners at different positions, the first groove 16 is a through hole, and the through hole includes: a first sub-through hole 161 and a second sub-through hole 162 radially penetrated by a radial channel. The diameter of the first sub-through hole 161 is larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole 162, and the diameter of the radial channel is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-through hole 162. The first protrusion 23 includes: an axially consistent first cylinder 231 and a second cylinder 232. The diameter of the first cylinder 231 is smaller than the diameter of the first sub-through hole 161 and larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole 162, and the diameter of the second cylinder 232 is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-through hole 162. The second protrusion can be cylindrical, and correspondingly, the second groove 17 is cylindrical, and the number can be two. Figure 2During installation, the first column 231 of the first connecting plate 21 first moves downward until it enters the first sub-through hole 161, adjusts the second protrusion until it is aligned with the second groove 17, and then pushes the second connecting plate 22 horizontally so that the second protrusion is embedded in the second groove 17. At the same time, the first column 231 and the second column 232 move horizontally, the first column 231 moves below the second sub-through hole 162, and the second column 232 enters the second sub-through hole 162 through the radial channel. Since the diameter of the first column 231 is larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole 162, it is stuck by the housing 1 and will not slide out of the second sub-through hole 162. The radial channel can be formed by the second sub-through hole 162 and the first sub-through hole 161 being embedded in each other, that is, the hole wall of the second sub-through hole 162 and the hole wall of the first sub-through hole 161 are intersected, and a radial channel is formed at the intersection. The cross section of the first sub-through hole and the second sub-through hole is an arc, which is conducive to using the corners of different positions of the cabinet.

[0035] In order to further improve the installation stability, a third groove 18 is opened on the side wall of the shell provided with the first groove 16. The third groove 18 is used for the first connecting plate 21 to be embedded, and its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first groove 16. A fourth groove 19 is opened on the side wall of the shell provided with the second groove 17. The fourth groove 19 is used for the second connecting plate 22 to be embedded, and its cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second groove 17. By providing the third groove 18 and the fourth groove 19, the groove wall or the groove bottom of each groove is in contact with the first connecting plate 21 or the second connecting plate 22, thereby stably supporting each connecting plate.

[0036] In order to facilitate the cooperation between the positioning protrusion and the groove, a guide groove 20 is opened on the side wall of the shell provided with the second groove 17. Correspondingly, the second connecting plate 22 is provided with a guide rod (not shown). During installation, the guide rod is located in the guide groove 20, so that the second connecting plate 22 can be quickly moved to achieve the clamping connection between the protrusion and the groove.

[0037] It can be seen from the analysis that compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0038] By setting up a defog heating film and a transparent carrier sheet, heat can be generated autonomously, and the space between the camera hole and the lens can be heated, so that the space is within a higher temperature range. At the same time, the heat is transferred to the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet, thereby suppressing the generation of water mist on the lens surface and the transparent carrier sheet, making it have the advantage of good defog effect, and ensuring that the module can obtain clear images.

[0039] It is known from common technical knowledge that the present invention can be implemented by other embodiments that do not deviate from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the above disclosed embodiments are only illustrative in all respects and are not exclusive. All changes within the scope of the present invention or within the scope equivalent to the present invention are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic defogging camera device, characterized in that: The automatic defog camera device comprises: The outer shell is a box-type structure, and a camera hole is opened on the outer shell; A camera module, disposed in the housing and used for taking pictures, wherein a lens of the camera module is opposite to the picture-taking hole; A defog heating film is transparent, disposed in the housing, and attached to the camera hole; and A transparent carrier sheet is arranged in the housing and connected to the defogger heating film. The transparent carrier sheet is attached to the camera hole and is located outside the defogger heating film. The area of ​​the transparent carrier sheet is larger than the area of ​​the defog heating film and the area of ​​the camera hole; The housing is arranged at an installation corner inside the cabinet of the unmanned vending cabinet through a bracket; The support comprises: A first connecting plate, having a first bearing surface and a first connecting surface opposite to each other, wherein a first protrusion is disposed on the first bearing surface, and the first protrusion is engaged with a first groove disposed on the housing; and The second connecting plate is connected to the first connecting plate in an L shape, and has a second bearing surface and a second connecting surface relative to each other. The second bearing surface is provided with a second protrusion, and the second protrusion is engaged with a second groove provided on the outer shell. The second connecting surface and / or the first connecting surface are connected to the cabinet body of the unmanned vending machine.

2. The automatic defog camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One corner portion of the housing includes: a first side wall, a second side wall and a third side wall connected in sequence, the first side wall and the third side wall are located on the same side of the second side wall, and the second side wall is provided with the camera hole.

3. The automatic defogging camera device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hole wall at the outer opening end of the camera hole is connected to the second side wall in an arc transition.

4. The automatic defogging camera device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lens of the camera is parallel to the defog heating film.

5. The automatic defogging camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first groove is a through hole, and the through hole includes: a first sub-through hole and a second sub-through hole which are radially penetrated by a radial channel, the diameter of the first sub-through hole is larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole, and the diameter of the radial channel is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-through hole; The first protrusion includes: a first column and a second column with the same axial direction, the diameter of the first column is smaller than the diameter of the first sub-through hole and larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole, and the diameter of the second column is smaller than the diameter of the second sub-through hole.

6. The automatic defogging camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control chip of the camera module is a chip based on the UVC standard protocol.

7. The automatic defogging camera device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main control chip is a Realtek main control chip.

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