A multi-camera and imaging method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the present invention discloses a multi-eye camera and an imaging method thereof. The multi-eye camera includes a video generation module and at least one time-sharing imaging module, the time-sharing imaging module includes: N lenses, used to collect images of N different spaces to form N optical signals; a gating unit and a photoelectric sensor, the gating unit includes N input terminals and an output terminal, the lenses are connected to the input terminals one by one, and the output terminal is connected to the photoelectric sensor; the gating unit is used to transmit the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner, and the photoelectric sensor is used to convert the optical signals into electrical signals; the output terminal of the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the video generation module, and the video generation module is used to generate videos according to the electrical signals. The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the number of photoelectric sensors and reduce costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of monitoring technology, and in particular to a multi-eye camera and an imaging method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Road monitoring uploads the road traffic situation to the road monitoring command center in real time through the image transmission channel. The center's on-duty personnel can timely understand the road conditions in various areas based on this, so as to adjust the vehicle flow at each intersection to ensure smooth traffic. Violations of road vehicles can be monitored and road traffic accidents can be discovered and handled in a timely manner.

[0003] The device used to collect image information of the road surface in road monitoring is a camera. Usually, a road includes multiple lanes (for example, three lanes or four lanes). There are currently three main ways to obtain image information of each lane at the same time. The first way is to equip each lane with a camera, but the cost is relatively high; the second way is that each lane shares a wide-angle camera, but when the camera images the vehicle in the outermost lane, there is a capture angle, resulting in an incorrect vehicle shape and difficult to identify the target in the car, thus affecting subsequent recognition. The third way is to use a multi-eye camera. The multi-eye camera includes multiple lenses and multiple photoelectric sensors. The lenses and photoelectric sensors correspond one to one, but each lens is equipped with a photoelectric sensor, which makes the utilization rate of the photoelectric sensor low and the cost increases significantly. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides a multi-eye camera and an imaging method thereof, so as to reduce the number of photoelectric sensors in the multi-eye camera and reduce the cost.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-eye camera, comprising: a video generation module and at least one time-sharing imaging module, wherein the time-sharing imaging module comprises:

[0006] N lenses are used to collect images in N different spaces to form N optical signals;

[0007] A gating unit and a photoelectric sensor, wherein the gating unit comprises N input terminals and an output terminal, wherein the lens is connected to the input terminals in a one-to-one correspondence, and the output terminal is connected to the photoelectric sensor; the gating unit is used to transmit the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner, and the photoelectric sensor is used to convert the optical signals into electrical signals;

[0008] The output end of the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the video generation module, and the video generation module is used to generate a video according to the electrical signal;

[0009] Wherein, N is an integer greater than 1.

[0010] Optionally, the gating unit includes N channels, N switch elements and a controller; the channels correspond to the switch elements one by one;

[0011] The input end of the channel is connected to the lens for transmitting the optical signal;

[0012] The output end of the channel is connected to the first end of the switch element, the second end of the switch element is connected to the photoelectric sensor, and the control end of the switch element is connected to the controller; the controller is used to control the N switch elements to be turned on in turn.

[0013] Optionally, N of the switch components are integrated into one body to form a switch structure, and the switch structure includes N input connection ports, a fixed panel, a shading sheet, a motor, and an output connection port;

[0014] The input connection ports are connected to the output ends of the channels in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0015] The fixed panel includes N light-transmitting areas, and the light-transmitting areas correspond one to one to the output ends of the channels;

[0016] The shading sheet is located between the fixed panel and the channel output end, and the shading sheet is movably connected to the fixed panel; the shading sheet includes N-1 shading areas;

[0017] The shading sheet is connected to the motor, and the controller is electrically connected to the motor; the controller is used to control the rotation of the motor; the shading sheet is used to move relative to the fixed panel under the drive of the motor, so that the N light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the shading sheet in turn;

[0018] The output connection port is connected to the photoelectric sensor; the output port is located at a side of the fixed panel away from the light shielding sheet.

[0019] Optionally, the N light-transmitting areas are arranged in a circle, and the light-shielding sheet is rotationally connected to the fixed panel.

[0020] Optionally, the channel includes an optical fiber or a reflector group.

[0021] Optionally, the light-shielding area and the light-transmitting area have the same shape, and the area of ​​the light-shielding area is larger than the area of ​​the light-transmitting area.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an imaging method of a multi-camera, the method comprising:

[0023] N lenses collect images from N different spaces to form N optical signals;

[0024] The gating unit transmits the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner;

[0025] The photoelectric sensor converts the optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0026] The video generation module generates a video according to the electrical signal.

[0027] Optionally, the gating unit includes N channels, N switch elements and a controller; the channels correspond to the switch elements one by one; the input end of the channel is connected to the lens; the output end of the channel is connected to the first end of the switch element, the second end of the switch element is connected to the photoelectric sensor, and the control end of the switch element is connected to the controller;

[0028] The gating unit transmits the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner, including:

[0029] The N channels transmit N optical signals;

[0030] The controller controls the N switch elements to be turned on in turn, and the optical signals corresponding to the turned-on switch elements are transmitted to the photoelectric sensor.

[0031] Optionally, N of the switch components are integrated into one to form a switch structure, and the switch structure includes N input connection ports, a fixed panel, a shading sheet, a motor and an output connection port; the input connection port is connected to the output end of the channel in a one-to-one correspondence; the fixed panel includes N light-transmitting areas, and the light-transmitting areas correspond to the output end of the channel in a one-to-one correspondence; the shading sheet is located between the fixed panel and the output end of the channel, and the shading sheet is movably connected to the fixed panel; the shading sheet includes N-1 shading areas; the shading sheet is connected to the motor, and the controller is electrically connected to the motor; the output connection port is connected to the photoelectric sensor; the output port is located on the side of the fixed panel away from the shading sheet;

[0032] The controller controls the N switch elements to be turned on in turn, and the light signals corresponding to the turned-on switch elements are transmitted to the photoelectric sensor, including:

[0033] The controller controls the motor to rotate;

[0034] The motor drives the shading sheet to move relative to the fixed panel, so that the N light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the shading sheet in turn; wherein the light-transmitting area not blocked by the shading sheet is an effective light-transmitting area, the channel corresponding to the effective light-transmitting area is an effective channel, and the time during which the effective light-transmitting area is not blocked by the shading sheet is a preset gating time T;

[0035] During the preset gating time T, the optical signal transmitted in the effective channel is transmitted to the photoelectric sensor.

[0036] Optional, 0.005s≤T≤0.02S.

[0037] The multi-eye camera provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a time-sharing imaging module, each of which includes N lenses, a gating unit and a photoelectric sensor. The N lenses transmit N optical signals formed by N different spaces in a time-sharing manner through the gating unit, that is, the gating unit transmits only one optical signal within each preset gating time T, so that the N lenses can share one photoelectric sensor to realize the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals. In this way, compared with the prior art, the number of photoelectric sensors required to be configured in the multi-eye camera can be reduced, the problem of low utilization rate and high cost of photoelectric sensors can be solved, and the number of photoelectric sensors can be reduced, and the effect of reducing the cost can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-eye camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another multi-eye camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of another multi-eye camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a fixed panel provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a light shielding sheet provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which three light-transmitting areas are not blocked by light-shielding areas in turn, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 It is a timing diagram provided by an embodiment of the present invention in which three light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the light-shielding areas in turn;

[0045] Figure 8 It is a flow chart of an imaging method of a multi-camera provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only parts related to the present invention, rather than all structures, are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0047] In view of the problems mentioned in the background technology, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-eye camera. The multi-eye camera includes at least one time-sharing imaging module and a video generation module, and the time-sharing imaging module includes:

[0048] N lenses are used to collect images in N different spaces to form N optical signals;

[0049] A gating unit and a photoelectric sensor, the gating unit includes N input terminals and an output terminal, the lens is connected to the input terminals one by one, and the output terminal is connected to the photoelectric sensor; the gating unit is used to transmit N optical information to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner, and the photoelectric sensor is used to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal;

[0050] The output end of the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the video generation module, and the video generation module is used to generate a video according to the electrical signal.

[0051] The above is the core idea of ​​the present application. The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-eye camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The multi-eye camera includes a video generation module 20 and at least one time-sharing imaging module. The time-sharing imaging module 10 includes: N lenses 110, which are used to collect images of N different spaces to form N optical signals; a gating unit 120 and a photoelectric sensor 130. The gating unit 120 includes N input terminals and an output terminal. The lenses 110 are connected to the input terminals of the gating unit 120 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the output terminal of the gating unit 120 is connected to the photoelectric sensor 130; the gating unit 120 is used to transmit the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor 130 in a time-sharing manner, and the photoelectric sensor 130 is used to convert the optical signals into electrical signals; the output terminal of the photoelectric sensor 130 is electrically connected to the video generation module 20, and the video generation module 20 is used to generate video according to the electrical signals.

[0053] Wherein, N is an integer greater than 1. Specifically, each lens 110 is used to capture an image of a space, then N lenses 110 can capture images of N different spaces and form N optical signals, each optical signal containing image information of its corresponding space. It should be noted that the number of time-sharing imaging modules 10 and the number of lenses 110 in the time-sharing imaging module 10 can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and are not limited here. When the multi-eye camera is used to capture images of the road surface, the specific value of N can be set according to the number of lanes. For example, if there are three lanes at the road monitoring point, the number of time-sharing imaging modules 10 can be set to 1, and the specific value of N can be set to 3. At this time, each lens 110 is used to capture images on one lane.

[0054] Specifically, since the lens 110 outputs an optical signal containing image information, the specific connection method between the lens 110 and the input end of the selection unit 120 can be set by technical personnel in this field according to actual conditions, provided that effective transmission of the optical signal can be achieved and interference from stray light can be prevented, and is not limited here.

[0055] Specifically, the gating unit 120 transmits only one optical signal to the photoelectric sensor 130 within each preset gating time T, and completes the action of transmitting the optical signal output by each lens 110 once within one gating cycle. The preset gating time T mentioned here refers to the time for the gating unit 120 to continuously transmit the optical signal output by one lens 110 to the photoelectric sensor 130, and the gating cycle = T*N. In this way, although each lens 110 is collecting the image of its corresponding space in real time, that is, the optical signal formed by the lens 110 is continuous, only the optical signal corresponding to the image within the preset gating time T corresponding to each lens 110 can be transmitted to the photoelectric sensor 130. In other words, the gating unit 120 samples the optical signal formed by each lens 110 at a certain sampling frequency, and then transmits it to the photoelectric sensor 130. It can be understood that when the sampling frequency is high enough, the sampled optical signal is sufficient to reflect the image in its corresponding space, wherein the sampling frequency can be set by a person skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and is not limited here.

[0056] Specifically, the photoelectric sensor 130 can convert the optical signal containing the image information into an electrical signal containing the image information, and the specific implementation form can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation, which is not limited here. In addition, under the premise of being able to achieve effective transmission of the optical signal and prevent stray light interference, the specific connection mode between the output end of the gating unit 120 and the photoelectric sensor 130 can also be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation, which is not limited here.

[0057] Specifically, the specific implementation form of the video generation module 20 can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and is not limited here. Exemplarily, the video generation module 20 can include a codec chip.

[0058] Specifically, the video generation module 20 can generate a video based on N electrical signals containing image information. Optionally, when the multi-eye camera includes M time-sharing imaging modules, the video generation module 20 can generate M*N videos based on M*N electrical signals containing image information, each video reflects an image of a space, and M is a positive integer. In this way, the video generation module 20 can flexibly set the parameters (such as clarity) of each video according to the video parameters input by the user. Optionally, when the multi-eye camera includes M time-sharing imaging modules, the video generation module 20 can also generate a video based on M*N electrical signals containing image information, and the video reflects the images of M*N spaces, and M is a positive integer. In this way, the user can simultaneously watch images in M*N spaces in the same video.

[0059] The multi-eye camera provided by the embodiment of the present invention forms N optical signals according to N different spaces through N lenses, and the gating unit transmits the N optical signals in time-sharing, that is, the gating unit transmits only one optical signal within each preset gating time T, so that the N lenses share one photoelectric sensor to realize the conversion of optical signals into electrical signals. In this way, compared with the prior art, the number of photoelectric sensors required to be configured in the multi-eye camera can be reduced, the problem of low utilization rate and high cost of photoelectric sensors can be solved, and the number of photoelectric sensors can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

[0060] Specifically, there are many specific implementation forms of the gating unit 120, and typical examples are described below, but they are not intended to limit the present application.

[0061] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multi-eye camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Optionally, the gating unit 120 includes N channels 121, N switch elements 122 and a controller 123; the channels 121 and the switch elements 122 correspond one to one; the input end of the channel 121 is connected to the lens 110 for transmitting an optical signal; the output end of the channel 121 is connected to the first end of the switch element 122, the second end of the switch element 122 is connected to the photoelectric sensor 130, and the control end of the switch element 122 is connected to the controller 123; the controller 123 is used to control the N switch elements 122 to be turned on in turn.

[0062] Specifically, in actual application, each lens 110 is set at a position convenient for collecting images of its corresponding space, such as Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , when the multi-eye camera is used to collect images of the road surface, the three lenses 110 are respectively facing the corresponding lanes. It should be noted that, in order to graphically represent the structure of the multi-eye camera, Figure 2 The figure exemplifies the application of a multi-eye camera to road monitoring, but is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art may apply the multi-eye camera to different scenarios according to actual conditions.

[0063] Specifically, the channel 121 is used to transmit the optical signal formed by the lens 110 to the position where the corresponding light-transmitting area TA is located. There are many specific implementation forms of the channel 121, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and are not limited here. Optionally, the channel 121 includes an optical fiber. It is understandable that the use of optical fiber to transmit optical signals has the advantages of low interference, good confidentiality, resistance to electromagnetic interference, and high transmission quality. Optionally, the channel 121 includes a reflector group. Specifically, the channel 121 also includes a pipeline layer, and the reflector is arranged in the pipeline layer. The pipeline layer is used to shield external stray light and avoid interference of external light on the optical signal. It is understandable that the use of a reflector group to transmit optical signals has the advantages of simple structure and easy conversion of the transmission direction of the optical signal.

[0064] Specifically, the switch element 122 may include a shutter structure, or other structures known to those skilled in the art, which are not limited here.

[0065] It can be understood that, by configuring the gating unit 120 to include the channel 121 and the switch element 122 , the structure of the gating unit 120 is simplified, which helps to reduce the assembly difficulty and cost of the gating unit 120 .

[0066] Figure 3 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another multi-eye camera provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fixed panel 1222 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a light shielding sheet 1221 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3-Figure 5 Optionally, N switch elements 122 are integrated into a switch structure, and the switch structure includes N input connection ports ( Figure 3 (not shown), a fixed panel 1222, a light shielding sheet 1221, a motor 1223, and an output connection port ( Figure 3The input connection port is connected to the output end of the channel 121 in one-to-one correspondence; the fixed panel 1222 includes N light-transmitting areas TA, and the light-transmitting areas TA correspond to the output end of the channel 121 in one-to-one correspondence; the shading sheet 1221 is located between the fixed panel 1222 and the output end of the channel 121, and the shading sheet 1221 is movably connected to the fixed panel 1222; the shading sheet 1221 includes N-1 light-shielding areas SA; the shading sheet 1221 is connected to the motor 1223, and the controller 123 is electrically connected to the motor 1223; the controller 123 is used to control the rotation of the motor 1223; the shading sheet 1221 is used to move relative to the fixed panel 1222 driven by the motor 1223, so that the N light-transmitting areas TA are not blocked by the shading sheet 1221 in turn; the output connection port is connected to the photoelectric sensor 130; the output port is located on the side of the fixed panel 1222 away from the shading sheet 1221.

[0067] Specifically, the input connection port is used to connect the channel 121, and the output connection port is used to connect the photoelectric sensor 130. The specific implementation forms of the input connection port and the output connection port can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and are not limited here.

[0068] Specifically, the fixed panel 1222 includes N light-transmitting areas TA and non-light-transmitting areas surrounding the light-transmitting areas TA. The light-transmitting areas TA are light-transmitting, while the non-light-transmitting areas are light-impermeable. The shapes of the N light-transmitting areas TA on the fixed panel 1222 can be regular or irregular. When the shape of the light-transmitting areas TA is a regular shape, the shape of the light-transmitting areas TA can be rectangular, circular (such as Figure 3 The N light-transmitting areas TA on the fixed panel 1222 may be arranged regularly or in an irregular arrangement. When the N light-transmitting areas TA are arranged regularly, the N light-transmitting areas TA may be arranged in a straight line, a serpentine arrangement, a U-shaped arrangement, a circular arrangement, or other arrangements known to those skilled in the art, which are not limited here.

[0069] Specifically, the shading sheet 1221 includes N-1 shading areas SA, and the shading areas SA are not light-transmissive. The shading sheet 1221 may also include a connecting structure CS for connecting the N-1 shading areas SA together, and the connecting structure CS is also connected to the motor 1223, and is used to drive the shading areas SA to move relative to the light-transmitting areas TA under the drive of the motor 1223, so that the N light-transmitting areas TA on the fixed panel 1222 are not blocked by the shading areas SA in turn. In other words, the light-transmitting areas TA that are not blocked by the shading areas SA can be called effective light-transmitting areas, and the N light-transmitting areas TA take turns to become effective light-transmitting areas. It should be noted that Figure 3 and Figure 4The light-shielding area SA and the light-transmitting area TA are shown to have the same shape, but this is not a limitation of the present application. In other embodiments, the light-shielding area SA and the light-transmitting area TA may have different shapes.

[0070] Specifically, within each preset selection time T, only one light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, and the channel 121 corresponding to the effective light-transmitting area is an effective channel. The light signal transmitted in the effective channel can pass through the effective light-transmitting area and be received by the photoelectric sensor 130, while the light signal transmitted in the channel 121 corresponding to other light-transmitting areas TA cannot be transmitted to the photoelectric sensor 130 because it is blocked by the shading sheet 1221.

[0071] For example, Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a structure in which three light-transmitting areas are not blocked by light-shielding areas in turn, provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 1 is a timing diagram of three light-transmitting areas being not blocked by the light-shielding areas in turn provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The i-th lens 110 corresponds to the i-th channel 121, and the i-th channel 121 corresponds to the i-th light-transmitting area TA, wherein i is a positive number and 1≤i≤3. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , within the first preset gating time T, the first light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the first channel 121 is an effective channel, and the first light signal formed by the first lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130; within the second preset gating time T, the second light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the second channel 121 is an effective channel, and the second light signal formed by the second lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130; within the third preset gating time T, the third light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the third channel 121 is an effective channel, and the third light signal formed by the third lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130; within the fourth preset gating time T, the second light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the third channel 121 is an effective channel, and the third light signal formed by the third lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130; Within the preset selection time T, the first light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the first channel 121 is an effective channel, and the first light signal formed by the first lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130; within the fifth preset selection time T, the second light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the second channel 121 is an effective channel, and the second light signal formed by the second lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130; within the sixth preset selection time T, the third light-transmitting area TA is an effective light-transmitting area, the third channel 121 is an effective channel, and the third light signal formed by the third lens 110 can be received by the photoelectric sensor 130;..., and so on.

[0072] It should be noted that the structure of the gating unit 120 is simple, which makes the overall structure of the multi-eye camera simple, which is conducive to miniaturization of the multi-eye camera and reduction of the cost of the multi-eye camera.

[0073] Preferably, Figure 4As shown, N light-transmitting areas TA are arranged in a circle, and the light-shielding sheet 1221 and the fixed panel 1222 are rotationally connected.

[0074] It can be understood that by arranging N light-transmitting areas TA in a circumferential arrangement, no matter where the first light-transmitting area TA not blocked by the light-shielding area SA is located, within a gating cycle, the first light-transmitting area TA not blocked by the light-shielding area SA is always adjacent to the Nth light-transmitting area TA not blocked by the light-shielding area SA. In this way, the N light-transmitting areas TA on the fixed panel 1222 can be not blocked by the light-shielding area SA in turn by driving the light-shielding sheet 1221 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise by the motor 1223, which can reduce the difficulty of controlling the light-shielding sheet 1221.

[0075] Optionally, the light-shielding area SA and the light-transmitting area TA have the same shape, and the area of ​​the light-shielding area SA is larger than the area of ​​the light-transmitting area TA.

[0076] Specifically, the area of ​​the light-shielding area SA can be set to be slightly larger than the area of ​​the light-transmitting area TA, and within any preset gating time T, the center of each light-shielding area SA coincides with the center of the light-transmitting area TA blocked by it, so that the light signal can be prevented from transmitting light from the gap between the light-shielding sheet 1221 and the fixed panel 1222, thereby avoiding interference with the light signal transmitted in the effective channel. The difference between the area of ​​the light-shielding area SA and the area of ​​the light-transmitting area TA can be set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0077] Based on the above invention concept, the embodiment of the present invention also provides an imaging method of a multi-camera, Figure 8 : is a flow chart of an imaging method of a multi-camera provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The method specifically includes:

[0078] S110 , N lenses collect images in N different spaces to form N optical signals.

[0079] S120 , the gating unit transmits N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner.

[0080] S130, the photoelectric sensor converts the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0081] Specifically, the photoelectric sensor converts N received optical signals into N electrical signals in a time-sharing manner.

[0082] S140: The video generation module generates a video according to the electrical signal.

[0083] Optionally, S140 specifically includes: when the multi-eye camera includes M time-sharing imaging modules, the video generation module 20 can generate M*N videos according to M*N electrical signals containing image information, each video reflects an image of a space, and M is a positive integer. In this way, the video generation module can flexibly set the parameters (such as clarity) of each video according to the video parameters input by the user.

[0084] Optionally, S140 specifically includes: when the multi-eye camera includes M time-sharing imaging modules, the video generation module 20 can also generate a video according to M*N electrical signals containing image information, and the video reflects the images of M*N spaces, where M is a positive integer. In this way, the user can simultaneously view the images in N spaces in the same video.

[0085] The imaging method of a multi-eye camera provided in an embodiment of the present invention uses N optical signals formed by N lenses according to N different spaces, and a gating unit transmits N optical signals in time-sharing, that is, the gating unit transmits only one optical signal within each preset gating time T, so that the N lenses share one photoelectric sensor to realize the conversion of optical signals into electrical signals. In this way, compared with the prior art, the number of photoelectric sensors required to be configured in the multi-eye camera can be reduced, the problem of low utilization rate and high cost of photoelectric sensors can be solved, and the number of photoelectric sensors can be reduced, and the effect of reducing the cost can be achieved.

[0086] Based on the above technical solution, continue to refer to Figure 3 Optionally, the gating unit includes N channels 121, N switches 122 and a controller 123; the channels 121 and the switches 122 correspond to each other one by one; the input end of the channel 121 is connected to the lens 110; the output end of the channel 121 is connected to the first end of the switch 122, the second end of the switch 122 is connected to the photoelectric sensor 130, and the control end of the switch 122 is connected to the controller 123. S120 specifically includes:

[0087] S121, N channels 121 transmit N optical signals.

[0088] S122 , the controller 121 controls the N switch elements 122 to be turned on in turn, and the optical signals corresponding to the turned-on switch elements 121 are transmitted to the photoelectric sensor 130 .

[0089] Continue to see Figure 4-Figure 6Optionally, N switch components 122 are integrated into a switch structure, which includes N input connection ports, a fixed panel 1222, a shading sheet 1221, a motor 1223 and an output connection port; the input connection port is connected to the output end of the channel 121 in a one-to-one correspondence; the fixed panel 1222 includes N light-transmitting areas TA, and the light-transmitting areas TA correspond to the output end of the channel 121 in a one-to-one correspondence; the shading sheet 1221 is located between the fixed panel 1222 and the output end of the channel 121, and the shading sheet 1221 is movably connected to the fixed panel 1222; the shading sheet 1221 includes N-1 shading areas SA; the shading sheet 1221 is connected to the motor 1223, and the controller 123 is electrically connected to the motor 1223; the output connection port is connected to the photoelectric sensor 130; the output port is located on the side of the fixed panel 1222 away from the shading sheet 1221. S122 specifically includes:

[0090] S1221 , the controller 123 controls the motor 1223 to rotate.

[0091] S1222, the motor 1223 drives the light shielding sheet 1221 to move relative to the fixed panel 1222, so that the N light-transmitting areas TA are not blocked by the light shielding sheet 1221 in turn; wherein the light-transmitting areas not blocked by the light shielding sheet 1221 are effective light-transmitting areas, the channels corresponding to the effective light-transmitting areas are effective channels, and the time during which the effective light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the light shielding sheet 1221 is the preset gating time T;

[0092] S1223. Within a preset gating time T, the optical signal transmitted in the effective channel is transmitted to the photoelectric sensor.

[0093] Optionally, the N light-transmitting areas are arranged in a circle, and the light shielding sheet 1221 is rotatably connected to the fixed panel 1222. Then S1222 specifically includes: the motor 1223 drives the light shielding sheet 1221 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the N light-transmitting areas TA are not blocked by the light shielding sheet 1221 in turn.

[0094] S123. Within a preset gating time T, the optical signal transmitted in the effective channel is transmitted to the photoelectric sensor.

[0095] On the basis of the above technical solution, optionally, 0.005s≤T≤0.02S. In this way, the intensity of the light signal received by the photoelectric sensor can be large enough within the preset selection time T, so that the image quality of the final generated video is clearer. When 0.005s≤T≤0.02S, optionally, N≤3, in this way, it can be avoided that the time interval between the photoelectric sensor 130 receiving the light signal formed by the same lens 110 twice is large, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the final generated video.

[0096] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in more detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-eye camera, characterized in that: It includes a video generation module and at least one time-sharing imaging module, wherein the time-sharing imaging module includes: N lenses are used to collect images in N different spaces to form N optical signals; A gating unit and a photoelectric sensor, wherein the gating unit comprises N input terminals and an output terminal, wherein the lens is connected to the input terminals in a one-to-one correspondence, and the output terminal is connected to the photoelectric sensor; the gating unit is used to transmit the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner, and the photoelectric sensor is used to convert the optical signals into electrical signals; The output end of the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the video generation module, and the video generation module is used to generate a video according to the electrical signal; Wherein, N is an integer greater than 1; The gating unit includes N channels and N switch elements; N of the switch components are integrated into one body to form a switch structure, wherein the switch structure includes a fixed panel, a shading sheet and a motor; The fixed panel includes N light-transmitting areas, and the light-transmitting areas correspond one to one to the output ends of the channels; The shading sheet is located between the fixed panel and the channel output end, and the shading sheet is movably connected to the fixed panel; the shading sheet includes N-1 shading areas; The shading sheet is connected to the motor, and is used to move relative to the fixed panel under the drive of the motor, so that the N light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the shading sheet in turn, wherein the N light-transmitting areas are arranged in a circle, and the shading sheet is rotationally connected to the fixed panel; The light-transmitting area not blocked by the light-shielding sheet is an effective light-transmitting area, the channel corresponding to the effective light-transmitting area is an effective channel, and the time during which the effective light-transmitting area is not blocked by the light-shielding sheet is a preset gating time T; within each preset gating time T, only one light-transmitting area corresponds to the effective light-transmitting area; Wherein, the gating unit further comprises a controller, and the control end of the switch element is connected to the controller; the controller is used to control the N switch elements to be turned on in turn; the controller is electrically connected to the motor to control the rotation of the motor; The shading sheet further comprises a connecting structure for connecting the N-1 shading areas into one; the connecting structure is further used to be connected to a motor, and driven by the motor to drive the shading area to move relative to the light-transmitting area; The switch structure further includes N input connection ports and output connection ports; the input connection ports are connected to the output ends of the channels in a one-to-one correspondence; the output connection ports are connected to the photoelectric sensors; and the output ports are located on a side of the fixed panel away from the light shielding sheet; The area of ​​the light-shielding area is larger than that of the light-transmitting area, and within the gating time T, the center of the light-shielding area coincides with the center of the light-transmitting area blocked by it.

2. The multi-eye camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channels and the switch elements correspond one to one; The input end of the channel is connected to the lens for transmitting the optical signal; The output end of the channel is connected to the first end of the switch element, and the second end of the switch element is connected to the photoelectric sensor.

3. The multi-eye camera according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller is electrically connected to the motor; the controller is used to control the rotation of the motor.

4. The multi-eye camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The channel includes an optical fiber or a reflector group.

5. The multi-eye camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light shielding area and the light transmitting area have the same shape.

6. An imaging method of a multi-eye camera, applicable to the multi-eye camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: N lenses collect images from N different spaces to form N optical signals; The gating unit transmits the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner; The photoelectric sensor converts the optical signal into an electrical signal; The video generation module generates a video according to the electrical signal; The gating unit includes N channels and N switch elements; N of the switch components are integrated into one body to form a switch structure, wherein the switch structure includes a fixed panel, a shading sheet and a motor; The fixed panel includes N light-transmitting areas, and the light-transmitting areas correspond one to one to the output ends of the channels; The shading sheet is located between the fixed panel and the channel output end, and the shading sheet is movably connected to the fixed panel; the shading sheet includes N-1 shading areas; The shading sheet is connected to the motor, and is used to move relative to the fixed panel under the drive of the motor, so that the N light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the shading sheet in turn, wherein the N light-transmitting areas are arranged in a circle, and the shading sheet is rotationally connected to the fixed panel; The light-transmitting area not blocked by the light-shielding sheet is an effective light-transmitting area, the channel corresponding to the effective light-transmitting area is an effective channel, and the time during which the effective light-transmitting area is not blocked by the light-shielding sheet is a preset gating time T; within each preset gating time T, only one light-transmitting area corresponds to the effective light-transmitting area; Wherein, the gating unit further comprises a controller, and the control end of the switch element is connected to the controller; the controller is used to control the N switch elements to be turned on in turn; the controller is electrically connected to the motor to control the rotation of the motor; The shading sheet further comprises a connecting structure for connecting the N-1 shading areas into one; the connecting structure is further used to be connected to a motor, and driven by the motor to drive the shading area to move relative to the light-transmitting area; The switch structure further includes N input connection ports and output connection ports; the input connection ports are connected to the output ends of the channels in a one-to-one correspondence; the output connection ports are connected to the photoelectric sensors; and the output ports are located on a side of the fixed panel away from the light shielding sheet; The area of ​​the light-shielding area is larger than that of the light-transmitting area, and within the gating time T, the center of the light-shielding area coincides with the center of the light-transmitting area blocked by it.

7. The imaging method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The channels correspond to the switch elements one by one; the input end of the channels is connected to the lens; the output end of the channels is connected to the first end of the switch element, and the second end of the switch element is connected to the photoelectric sensor; The gating unit transmits the N optical signals to the photoelectric sensor in a time-sharing manner, including: The N channels transmit N optical signals; The controller controls the N switch elements to be turned on in turn, and the optical signals corresponding to the turned-on switch elements are transmitted to the photoelectric sensor.

8. The imaging method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The controller controls the N switch elements to be turned on in turn, and the light signals corresponding to the turned-on switch elements are transmitted to the photoelectric sensor, including: The controller controls the motor to rotate; The motor drives the shading sheet to move relative to the fixed panel so that the N light-transmitting areas are not blocked by the shading sheet in turn; the light signal corresponding to the turned-on switch is transmitted to the photoelectric sensor, comprising: During the preset gating time T, the optical signal transmitted in the effective channel is transmitted to the photoelectric sensor.

9. The imaging method according to claim 8, characterized in that: 0.005s≤T≤0.02S.

Images