Robot image acquisition mechanism, robot image acquisition system and robot

Abstract

The application is suitable for the field of robot technology, and provides a robot image acquisition mechanism, a robot image acquisition system and a robot. The robot image acquisition mechanism comprises a driving assembly, a supporting assembly and a camera. A through hole is formed in the shell of the robot. The driving assembly, the supporting assembly and the camera are all installed in the interior of the shell. The driving assembly is connected with the supporting assembly, and the camera is installed on the supporting assembly. When the robot is normally working, the driving assembly drives the supporting assembly to move to a first position, the camera is opposite to the through hole, and the camera can acquire image information through the through hole. When the driving assembly drives the supporting assembly to move to a second position, the camera avoids the through hole, and the camera cannot acquire image information through the through hole, thereby achieving the effect of protecting the privacy of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of robotics technology, and in particular relates to a robot image acquisition mechanism, a robot image acquisition system, and a robot. Background Technology

[0002] With social development and the progress of the times, artificial intelligence technology has entered thousands of households, robots are becoming increasingly intelligent, and home-based interactive robots are gradually becoming more and more common.

[0003] Traditional home robots have exposed cameras that are constantly in use while the robot is operating, posing a risk of privacy breaches and causing concern among users. Even with privacy-protecting algorithms, it's difficult to truly reassure users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a robot image acquisition mechanism, a robot image acquisition system, and a robot, which can solve the problem of robot cameras leaking user privacy.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a robot image acquisition mechanism, including a drive component, a support component, and a camera. A through hole is provided on the robot's housing. The drive component, the support component, and the camera are all installed inside the housing. The drive component is connected to the support component, and the camera is installed on the support component.

[0006] The driving component can drive the support component to move to a first position or a second position. When the support component moves to the first position, the camera is facing the through hole, and the camera can collect image information through the through hole. When the support component moves to the second position, the camera avoids the through hole.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the support assembly includes a first support plate, a second support plate, and a third support plate for connecting the first support plate and the second support plate, wherein the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively connected to the driving assembly, and the camera is mounted on the third support plate.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the drive assembly includes a servo motor, with a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft on both sides of the servo motor capable of rotating synchronously. The first rotating shaft is connected to the first support plate, and the second rotating shaft is connected to the second support plate.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the robot image acquisition mechanism further includes a baffle connected to the third support plate;

[0010] When the support assembly moves to the second position, the baffle is facing the through hole.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the robot image acquisition mechanism further includes a limiting member connected to the baffle or the support assembly, and the housing is provided with a limiting structure adapted to the limiting member;

[0012] When the servo motor loses power, the limiting member moves onto the limiting structure, limiting the position of the support component to the second position.

[0013] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a robot image acquisition system, including a control unit and a robot image acquisition mechanism as described in any one of the first aspects, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to a drive component;

[0014] The control unit is used to generate a first control command based on the user's needs. The drive component is used to drive the support component to move to a first position or a second position according to the first control command. When the support component moves to the first position, the camera faces the through hole and the camera can collect image information through the through hole. When the support component moves to the second position, the camera avoids the through hole.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the control unit includes a first controller, a first switching unit, and a first power supply, wherein the first power supply is electrically connected to the drive assembly through the first switching unit, and the first controller is electrically connected to both the first switching unit and the drive assembly.

[0016] The first controller is further configured to generate a second control command based on the user's demand information, and the first switch unit is configured to turn on or off according to the second control command; when the first switch unit is turned on, the drive component is configured to drive the support component to move to the first position or the second position according to the first control command.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first switching unit includes a logic circuit and a switching circuit, the logic circuit being electrically connected to the switching circuit and the first controller respectively, and the switching circuit being electrically connected to the first power supply and the driving component respectively.

[0018] The logic circuit is used to generate a logic signal according to the second control instruction, and the switching circuit is used to turn on or off according to the logic signal.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the control unit further includes a second controller, a second switching unit, and a second power supply. The second power supply is electrically connected to the camera through the second switching unit, and the second controller is electrically connected to the second switching unit, the camera, and the first controller, respectively.

[0020] When the support component moves to the second position, the second controller controls the second switch unit to disconnect, thereby disconnecting the second power supply from the camera.

[0021] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a robot, including the robot image acquisition system described in any one of the second aspects.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application compared with the prior art are:

[0023] When the robot is operating normally, the drive component moves the support component to the first position, where the camera faces the through-hole and can capture image information through it. When the drive component moves the support component to the second position, the camera avoids the through-hole, preventing it from capturing image information and thus protecting user privacy. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the robot image acquisition mechanism when the support component is in the first position according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the robot image acquisition mechanism when the support component is in the second position according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support component and the drive component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a connection diagram of a robot image acquisition system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a circuit connection diagram of the first switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6This is a connection diagram of a robot image acquisition system provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0031] In the diagram: 100, housing; 101, through hole; 200, drive assembly; 201, servo motor; 202, first rotating shaft; 203, second rotating shaft; 300, support assembly; 301, first support plate; 302, second support plate; 303, third support plate; 400, camera; 500, baffle; 600, control unit; 601, first controller; 602, first switch unit; 603, first power supply; 604, second controller; 605, second switch unit; 606, second power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0033] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or a collection thereof.

[0034] It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0035] As used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [the described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [the described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [the described condition or event]."

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of this application and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the robot image acquisition mechanism includes a drive component 200, a support component 300, and a camera 400. A through hole 101 is provided on the robot's housing 100. The drive component 200, the support component 300, and the camera 400 are all installed inside the housing 100. The drive component 200 is connected to the support component 300, and the camera 400 is installed on the support component 300.

[0039] Specifically, when the robot is working normally, the drive component 200 moves the support component 300 to the first position, where the camera 400 faces the through hole 101 and can collect image information through the through hole 101. When the drive component 200 moves the support component 300 to the second position, the camera 400 avoids the through hole 101 and cannot collect image information through the through hole 101, thus protecting user privacy.

[0040] For example, the robot has a "normal working mode" and a "privacy protection mode". When the user selects the "normal working mode", the drive component 200 moves the support component 300 to a first position, and the camera 400 faces the through hole 101, allowing the camera 400 to collect image information through the through hole 101. When the user selects the "privacy protection mode", the drive component 200 moves the support component 300 to a second position, and the camera 400 avoids the through hole 101, preventing the camera 400 from collecting image information through the through hole 101, thereby protecting the user's privacy.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the support assembly 300 includes a first support plate 301, a second support plate 302, and a third support plate 303 for connecting the first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302. The first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302 are respectively connected to the drive assembly 200, and the camera 400 is mounted on the third support plate 303.

[0042] Specifically, the third support plate 303 is connected to the first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302, so that the first support plate 301, the second support plate 302, and the third support plate 303 form a whole. The first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302 are respectively connected to the drive assembly 200, thereby enabling the drive assembly 200 to drive the first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302 to move, and in turn drive the third support plate 303 to move. Since the camera 400 is mounted on the third support plate 303, the movement of the third support plate 303 drives the camera 400 to move, thereby enabling the camera 400 to reach a position directly opposite the through hole 101 or avoiding the through hole 101.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive assembly 200 includes a servo motor 201. The servo motor 201 has a first rotating shaft 202 and a second rotating shaft 203 on both sides that can rotate synchronously. The first rotating shaft 202 is connected to the first support plate 301, and the second rotating shaft 203 is connected to the second support plate 302.

[0044] Specifically, the servo motor 201 is electrically connected to the controller on the robot. The controller can control the servo motor 201 to rotate, causing the first rotating shaft 202 and the second rotating shaft 203 to rotate synchronously. The synchronously rotating first rotating shaft 202 and the second rotating shaft 203 drive the first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302 to rotate synchronously, which in turn drives the third support plate 303 to rotate, so that the camera 400 on the third support plate 303 faces or avoids the through hole 101.

[0045] For example, when the support component 300 is in the first position, the camera 400 is facing the through hole 101. If the user selects the "privacy protection mode", the servo motor 201 rotates forward by a preset angle. The servo motor 201 drives the support component 300 to move to the second position. The camera 400 will avoid the through hole 101. The camera 400 cannot collect image information through the through hole 101, thereby protecting the user's privacy.

[0046] When the support component 300 is in the second position, the camera 400 avoids the through hole 101. If the user selects the "normal working mode", the servo motor 201 rotates in the opposite direction at a preset angle. The servo motor 201 drives the support component 300 to move to the first position, and the camera 400 faces the through hole 101. At this time, the camera 400 can perform image acquisition.

[0047] It should be noted that by connecting the first rotating shaft 202 and the first support plate 301, and connecting the second rotating shaft 203 and the second support plate 302, the servo motor 201 is located between the first support plate 301 and the second support plate 302, which reduces the space occupied by the drive assembly 200 and the support assembly 300, and also improves the stability of the connection between the first support plate 301, the second support plate 302 and the servo motor 201.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the robot image acquisition mechanism also includes a baffle 500, which is connected to the third support plate 303.

[0049] Specifically, when the support component 300 moves to the second position, the baffle 500 is directly opposite the through hole 101, which can prevent foreign objects from entering the robot's interior and ensure the robot's aesthetic appearance.

[0050] For example, the housing 100 at the location of the through hole 101 has a certain curvature, and the baffle 500 has a curvature that matches the curvature of the housing 100. When the support assembly 300 moves to the second position, the baffle 500 can face the through hole 101 directly, so that the baffle 500 can completely block the through hole 101.

[0051] In one embodiment of this application, the robot image acquisition mechanism further includes a limiting member, which is connected to the baffle 500 or the support component 300, and the housing 100 is provided with a limiting structure adapted to the limiting member.

[0052] Specifically, when the servo motor 201 loses power, the camera 400 and the support assembly 300 will slide downwards due to gravity. At this time, the limiting component moves to the limiting structure, limiting the position of the support assembly 300 to the second position, preventing the camera 400 and the support assembly 300 from sliding down.

[0053] For example, the limiting component includes a cylinder, which can be mounted on the first support plate 301, the second support plate 302, the third support plate 303, or the baffle 500. When the servo motor 201 loses power, the camera 400 and the support assembly 300 slide downwards due to gravity, and the cylinder moves to the limiting structure, limiting the position of the support assembly 300 to the first position, preventing the camera 400 and the support assembly 300 from sliding down.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the robot image acquisition system includes a control unit 600 and the robot image acquisition mechanism described above. The control unit 600 is electrically connected to the drive component 200.

[0055] Specifically, users can issue requests via voice or buttons. The control unit 600 acquires and analyzes the user's request information, generates a first control command, and sends the first control command to the drive component 200. The drive component 200 moves the support component 300 to a first position or a second position according to the first control command. When the support component 300 moves to the first position, the camera 400 faces the through hole 101, and the camera 400 can collect image information through the through hole 101. When the support component 300 moves to the second position, the camera 400 avoids the through hole 101, and the camera 400 cannot collect image information through the through hole 101, thereby protecting user privacy.

[0056] For example, the robot has a "normal working mode" and a "privacy protection mode". When the user selects the "normal working mode", the control unit 600 generates a high-level signal as the first control command and transmits the high-level first control command to the drive component 200. The drive component 200 drives the support component 300 to move to a first position according to the high-level first control command. At this time, the camera 400 is facing the through hole 101, and the camera 400 can collect image information through the through hole 101.

[0057] When the user selects "Privacy Protection Mode," the control unit 600 generates a low-level signal as the first control command and transmits this low-level first control command to the drive component 200. Based on the low-level first control command, the drive component 200 moves the support component 300 to a second position. At this position, the camera 400 avoids the through-hole 101, preventing it from acquiring image information and thus protecting user privacy.

[0058] It should be noted that the control unit 600 is electrically connected to the servo motor 201 in the drive assembly 200. The control unit 600 can control the rotation direction and rotation angle of the servo motor 201 through the PWM signal, so that the support assembly 300 moves to the first position or the second position, thereby so that the camera 400 reaches the position facing the through hole 101 or avoids the through hole 101.

[0059] In one embodiment of this application, the control unit 600 includes a first controller 601, a first switching unit 602, and a first power supply 603. The first power supply 603 is electrically connected to the drive component 200 through the first switching unit 602, and the first controller 601 is electrically connected to both the first switching unit 602 and the drive component 200.

[0060] Specifically, the first controller 601 is also used to generate a second control command based on the user's demand information and transmit the second control command to the first switch unit 602. The first switch unit 602 is turned on or off according to the second control command. When the first switch unit 602 is off, the first power supply 603 cannot supply power to the drive component 200, and the drive component 200 cannot work. When the first switch unit 602 is on, the drive component 200 can drive the support component 300 to move to a first position or a second position according to the first control command, so that the camera 400 reaches a position facing the through hole 101 or avoiding the through hole 101.

[0061] In one embodiment of this application, the first switching unit 602 includes a logic circuit and a switching circuit. The logic circuit is electrically connected to the switching circuit and the first controller 601, respectively. The switching circuit is electrically connected to the first power supply 603 and the driving component 200, respectively.

[0062] Specifically, the logic circuit generates logic signals according to the second control command, which can drive the switching circuit to turn on or off. When the switching circuit is off, the first power supply 603 cannot supply power to the driving component 200, and the driving component 200 cannot work. When the switching circuit is on, the first power supply 603 can supply power to the driving component 200. At this time, the driving component 200 can drive the support component 300 to move to the first position or the second position according to the first control command, so that the camera 400 reaches a position facing the through hole 101 or avoiding the through hole 101.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the logic circuit includes a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a first capacitor C1, and a transistor Q1, while the switching circuit includes a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, a second capacitor C2, a third capacitor C3, a fourth capacitor C4, a fifth capacitor C5, and a switching transistor Q2.

[0064] In this configuration, the first end of the first resistor R1 is electrically connected to the first controller 601, the second end of the first resistor R1 is electrically connected to the first end of the first capacitor C1, the first end of the second resistor R2, and the base of the transistor Q1, respectively, the second end of the first capacitor C1, the second end of the second resistor R2, and the emitter of the transistor Q1 are all grounded, the collector of the transistor Q1 is electrically connected to the first end of the third resistor R3, the second end of the third resistor R3 is electrically connected to the gate of the switch Q2, the first end of the fourth resistor R4, and the first end of the fourth capacitor C4, respectively, the source of the switch Q2 is electrically connected to the second end of the fourth resistor R4, the second end of the fourth capacitor C4, the first end of the fifth capacitor C5, and the first power supply 603, respectively, the drain of the switch Q2 is electrically connected to the first end of the second capacitor C2, the first end of the third capacitor C3, and the drive assembly 200, and the second ends of the fifth capacitor C5, the second end of the second capacitor C2, and the second end of the third capacitor C3 are all grounded.

[0065] Specifically, when the user's request is "turn off drive component 200", the second control command generated by the first controller 601 is a high-level signal, the transistor Q1 is turned on, the signal loaded onto the gate of the switching transistor Q2 is a low-level signal, the switching transistor Q2 is turned off, the first power supply 603 cannot supply power to the drive component 200, and the drive component 200 cannot work.

[0066] When the user's request is "turn on the drive component 200", the second control command generated by the first controller 601 is a low-level signal, the transistor Q1 is turned off, the signal loaded onto the gate of the switching transistor Q2 is a high-level signal, the switching transistor Q2 is turned on, and the first power supply 603 can supply power to the drive component 200. At this time, the drive component 200 can drive the support component 300 to move to the first position or the second position according to the first control command, so that the camera 400 reaches the position facing the through hole 101 or avoiding the through hole 101.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 600 also includes a second controller 604, a second switch unit 605, and a second power supply 606. The second power supply 606 is electrically connected to the camera 400 through the second switch unit 605. The second controller 604 is electrically connected to the second switch unit 605, the camera 400, and the first controller 601.

[0068] Specifically, the first controller 601 and the second controller 604 can exchange information. The first controller 601 can send the status information of the drive component 200 to the second controller 604. The second controller 604 controls the second power supply 606 to supply power to the camera 400 by controlling the second switch unit 605 to turn it on or off. When the second controller 604 controls the second switch unit 605 to turn on, the second power supply 606 is connected to the camera 400, and the second power supply 606 supplies power to the camera 400 normally, enabling the camera 400 to acquire image information. When the second controller 604 controls the second switch unit 605 to turn off, the second power supply 606 does not supply power to the camera 400, and the camera 400 is in a non-working state.

[0069] When the user selects "Privacy Protection Mode", the first controller 601 controls the drive component 200 to move the support component 300 to the second position, and the camera 400 avoids the through hole 101. At this time, the second controller 604 controls the second switch unit 605 to disconnect, so that the second power supply 606 is disconnected from the camera 400, the camera 400 does not work, and the energy consumption of the robot image acquisition system is reduced.

[0070] When the user selects "normal working mode", the first controller 601 controls the drive component 200 to move the support component 300 to the first position, and the camera 400 is facing the through hole 101. At this time, the second controller 604 controls the second switch unit 605 to close, and the second power supply 606 provides normal power to the camera 400, so that the camera 400 can normally collect image information.

[0071] This application also discloses a robot, including the aforementioned robot image acquisition system. Since the robot image acquisition system includes the aforementioned robot image acquisition mechanism, the robot has the function of protecting user privacy. The specific working principle is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0072] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A robotic image acquisition system, characterized in that, The robot image acquisition mechanism comprises a driving assembly, a supporting assembly and a camera, a through hole is formed in the shell of the robot, the driving assembly, the supporting assembly and the camera are all installed inside the shell, the driving assembly is connected with the supporting assembly, and the camera is installed on the supporting assembly. The control unit is electrically connected with the driving assembly. The control unit is used for generating a first control instruction according to the demand information of a user, and the driving assembly is used for moving the supporting assembly to a first position or a second position according to the first control instruction. When the supporting assembly moves to the first position, the camera faces the through hole and can collect image information through the through hole. When the supporting assembly moves to the second position, the camera avoids the through hole. The control unit comprises a second controller, a second switch unit and a second power supply, the second power supply is electrically connected with the camera through the second switch unit, the second controller is electrically connected with the second switch unit. When the supporting assembly moves to the second position, the second controller controls the second switch unit to be disconnected, so that the second power supply is disconnected with the camera. The supporting assembly comprises a first supporting plate, a second supporting plate and a third supporting plate used for connecting the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate.

2. The robotic image acquisition system of claim 1, wherein, The first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are respectively connected with the driving assembly.

3. The robotic image acquisition system of claim 1, wherein, The driving assembly comprises a rudder machine, two sides of the rudder machine are provided with a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft capable of synchronous rotation, the first rotating shaft is connected with the first supporting plate, and the second rotating shaft is connected with the second supporting plate. The robot image acquisition mechanism further comprises a baffle and a limiting piece, the baffle is connected with the third supporting plate, the limiting piece is connected with the baffle or the supporting assembly, and a limiting structure matched with the limiting piece is arranged in the shell.

4. The robotic image acquisition system of claim 3, wherein, When the supporting assembly moves to the second position, the baffle faces the through hole. When the rudder machine is powered off, the limiting piece moves to the limiting structure to limit the position of the supporting assembly on the second position. The camera is installed on the third supporting plate. The control unit comprises a first controller, a first switch unit and a first power supply, the first power supply is electrically connected with the driving assembly through the first switch unit, and the first controller is electrically connected with the first switch unit and the driving assembly respectively. The first controller is further used for generating a second control instruction according to the demand information of a user, and the first switch unit is used for being turned on or turned off according to the second control instruction. When the first switch unit is turned on, the driving assembly is used for moving the supporting assembly to the first position or the second position according to the first control instruction. The first switch unit comprises a logic circuit and a switch circuit, the logic circuit is electrically connected with the switch circuit and the first controller respectively, and the switch circuit is electrically connected with the first power supply and the driving assembly respectively. The logic circuit is configured to generate a logic signal according to the second control instruction, and the switch circuit is configured to turn on or off according to the logic signal.

5. A robot, characterized in that A robotic image acquisition system comprising the robotic image acquisition system of any of claims 1-4.

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