Camera, image processing device, and video backhaul system

Abstract

This application provides a camera device, an image processing device, and a video transmission system. The camera device is connected to the image processing device via a composite cable, which includes a plastic fiber, a first cable, and a second cable. The camera device includes a sensor, a first converter, and a terahertz transmitter. The sensor transmits the acquired video signal to the first converter for conversion, and the first antenna of the terahertz transmitter couples the video signal into the plastic fiber. The image processing device includes a terahertz receiver and a second converter. The second antenna of the terahertz receiver is coupled to the plastic fiber to receive the video signal from the camera device through the plastic fiber. The second converter converts the video signal and sends it to the image processing unit. The image processing device also transmits control signals and power supply signals to the camera device via the first cable and the second cable, respectively. Embodiments of this application can improve the transmission bandwidth of the video signal and reduce the impact of electromagnetic compatibility issues.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of high-speed video image transmission technology, and in particular to a camera device, image processing device, and video transmission system employing terahertz wired waveguide communication. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, the camera and image processing devices can be located in different positions, thus requiring data communication between them. The image processing device needs to transmit control signals to the camera, and the camera needs to transmit video signals back to the image processing device in real time.

[0003] The video signal return rate is related to parameters such as the camera's pixel count; for example, higher pixel counts result in higher transmission rates. Traditional electrical connections cannot meet the bandwidth demands of increased transmission rates. Furthermore, the increased transmission rate introduces electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues, especially in applications sensitive to EMC. Therefore, the key challenges for high-definition camera video signal return are improving transmission bandwidth and reducing the impact of electromagnetic interference. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a camera device, an image processing device, and a video transmission system. By adopting the embodiments of this application, the transmission bandwidth of the video signal can be improved, and the impact of electromagnetic compatibility issues can be reduced.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a camera device for connection to an image processing device via a composite cable, wherein the composite cable includes plastic fibers, a first cable, and a second cable; the camera device includes a sensor, a first converter, and a terahertz transmitter; the sensor is coupled to the first converter and is used to acquire video signals and transmit the video signals to the first converter; the first converter is coupled to the terahertz transmitter and is used to convert the video signals and output them to the terahertz transmitter; the terahertz transmitter includes a first antenna that couples the video signals to the plastic fibers of the composite cable to transmit the video signals to the image processing device via the plastic fibers; the sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter are all used to receive control signals transmitted by the image processing device via the first cable, the control signals being used to control the states of the sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter; the sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter receive power supply signals transmitted by the image processing device via the second cable, the power supply signals being used to power the sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter.

[0006] In the embodiments of this application, video signals are acquired by sensors and transmitted to a terahertz transmitter. The terahertz transmitter can then couple the video signals into the plastic fibers in the composite cable and transmit the video signals via terahertz communication. Based on this design, the transmission bandwidth of the video signals can be increased, and the impact of electromagnetic compatibility issues can be reduced.

[0007] In one possible design, the camera device further includes a first circuit board, in which the first converter and the terahertz transmitter are both integrated, and the first antenna is disposed on the first circuit board. Based on this design, the first converter and the terahertz transmitter can be integrated into the same circuit board, and terahertz signals can be transmitted with plastic fibers via spatial coupling.

[0008] In one possible design, the center point of the first antenna is aligned with the center point of the plastic fiber, and the first antenna couples the video signal to the plastic fiber. Based on this design, terahertz signals can be transmitted with the plastic fiber using spatial coupling.

[0009] In one possible design, the camera device includes a first metal housing with a first cavity, at least a portion of the first antenna being housed within the first cavity, and at least a portion of the plastic fiber being housed within the first cavity. The first antenna couples the video signal to the plastic fiber. Based on this design, the terahertz transmitter can couple the video signal to the plastic fiber in the composite cable.

[0010] In one possible design, the first converter is used to convert the four video signals output by the sensor into one video signal; or the first converter is used to convert the eight video signals output by the sensor into two video signals.

[0011] In one possible design, the camera device includes multiple terahertz transmitters, all electrically connected to the first converter. These transmitters receive multiple video signals output from the first converter and couple them to corresponding plastic fibers. Based on this design, the terahertz transmitters can couple video signals to the plastic fibers in the composite cable.

[0012] In one possible design, the thickness of the first circuit board is reduced by controlled-depth milling, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the terahertz signal between the first antenna and the plastic waveguide on the first circuit board.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an image processing apparatus for connecting to a camera device via a composite cable, wherein the composite cable includes a plastic fiber, a first cable, and a second cable; the image processing apparatus includes a second converter and a terahertz receiver; the terahertz receiver includes a second antenna, the second antenna being coupled to the plastic fiber in the composite cable to receive video signals transmitted by the camera device through the plastic fiber, and to transmit the video signals to the second converter; the second converter is used to process the video signals and output the video signals to an image processing unit; the image processing apparatus is used to transmit control signals to the camera device through the first cable to control the state of the camera device; the image processing apparatus is also used to transmit power supply signals to the camera device through the second cable to power the camera device.

[0014] In the embodiments of this application, a terahertz receiver is coupled to the plastic fiber in the composite cable to obtain the video signal transmitted by the camera device, and the received video signal is transmitted to the image processing unit for processing. Based on this design, the transmission bandwidth of the video signal can be improved, and the influence of electromagnetic interference can be reduced.

[0015] In one possible design, the imaging device further includes a second circuit board, in which both the second converter and the terahertz receiver are integrated, and the second antenna is disposed on the second circuit board. Based on this design, the second converter and the terahertz receiver can be integrated into the same circuit board, and terahertz signals can be transmitted with plastic fibers via spatial coupling.

[0016] In one possible design, the center point of the second antenna is aligned with the center point of the plastic fiber, and the second antenna is coupled to the plastic fiber to receive the video signal transmitted by the plastic fiber. Based on this design, terahertz signals can be transmitted with the plastic fiber using spatial coupling.

[0017] In one possible design, the image processing device includes a second metal housing with a second cavity, in which at least a portion of the second antenna is housed, and at least a portion of the plastic fiber is housed. The second antenna is coupled to the plastic fiber to receive video signals transmitted through the plastic fiber. Based on this design, the terahertz transmitter can couple video signals to the plastic fiber in the composite cable.

[0018] In one possible design, the camera device includes multiple terahertz transmitters, all of which are electrically connected to the first converter. The multiple terahertz transmitters are used to receive multiple video signals output by the first converter and couple the multiple video signals to corresponding plastic fibers.

[0019] In one possible design, the thickness of the second circuit board is reduced by controlled-depth milling, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the terahertz signal between the second antenna and the plastic waveguide on the second circuit board.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a video transmission system, including a camera device as described above, an image processing device as described above, and a composite cable, wherein the camera device and the image processing device communicate through the composite cable.

[0021] The camera device, image processing device, and video transmission system provided in this application embodiment can improve the transmission bandwidth of video signals and reduce the impact of electromagnetic compatibility issues. The camera device, image processing device, and video transmission system have a wide range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a video return system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of the video transmission system provided in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of a video return system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the composite cable according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the composite cable connector of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling between the camera device and the composite cable of this application.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the image processing device of this application coupled with the composite cable.

[0029] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the composite cable connector of this application.

[0030] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the image processing device of this application coupled with the composite cable.

[0031] Figure 10 Another schematic diagram of the video return system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Explanation of main component symbols

[0033]

[0034]

[0035] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located. When a component is considered to be "set" on another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] In a video transmission system, the camera and the image processing device can be located in different positions. The camera can establish a communication connection with the image processing device through a high-speed cable to achieve video transmission.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in some possible scenarios, the camera device 101 may include a sensor 102 and a first converter 103, and the image processing device 201 may include a second converter 202 and an image processing unit (GPU) 203. The first converter 103 can convert the parallel video signal output by the sensor 102 into a serial video signal. The second converter 202 can convert the serial video signal into a parallel signal and transmit it to the image processing unit 203 for relevant video processing. Furthermore, the image processing unit 203 transmits control signals to the camera device 101 and can obtain status information from the camera device 101. It can be understood that in... Figure 1 In the video return scenario shown, the transmission of control signals and video signals can share a physical link from the first converter 103 to the second converter 202. This physical link is interconnected using the high-speed cable 301, and the power supply and ground interconnection also share the high-speed cable 301.

[0040] In the aforementioned application scenarios, video transmission can be achieved between the camera device 101 and the image processing device 201. However, with the increase in the pixel count and frame rate of high-definition cameras, the transmission bandwidth is also increasing, limiting the interconnection bandwidth of a single cable link. This makes it difficult to meet the transmission requirements of high-definition cameras such as 4K, 8K, and 16K. Furthermore, the higher the pixel count, the greater the impact of electromagnetic interference. Cable transmission is highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference; for example, vehicle-mounted cameras have very strict electromagnetic interference protection requirements.

[0041] To address the problems in the aforementioned scenarios, embodiments of this application propose a camera device, an image processing device, and a video transmission system. By employing the camera device, image processing device, and video transmission system of this application, the transmission bandwidth of the captured video signal can be increased, and the impact of electromagnetic interference can be reduced.

[0042] It is understood that the video transmission system provided in this application embodiment can be applied in scenarios such as vehicle-mounted scenarios or smart city security protection.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in some possible scenarios, the video transmission system provided in one embodiment of this application can be applied in a car 400.

[0044] For example, multiple camera devices 10 can be distributed around the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle 400. These camera devices 10 can each undertake different image acquisition tasks. The multiple camera devices 10 can transmit the acquired video signals back to the image processing device 20. The image processing device 20 can transmit the video signals to the central processing unit 300 for image processing, thereby realizing 360-degree panoramic imaging and image analysis of the vehicle 400. Therefore, it can be applied to autonomous driving or assisted autonomous driving of vehicles.

[0045] Please see Figure 3 The following will illustrate the video transmission system provided in the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings and actual application scenarios.

[0046] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a video return system 100 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0047] As an example of this application, the video transmission system 100 in this embodiment may include a camera device 10, an image processing device 20, and a composite cable 30.

[0048] It is understood that, in one embodiment, the camera device 10 may include a lens 11, a sensor 12, a first converter 13, a terahertz transmitter 14, and a first interface 15.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lens 11 can acquire external light signals and transmit the acquired light signals to the sensor 12. The sensor 12 is used to output multiple video signals to the first converter 13 based on the light signals. In one embodiment, the sensor 12 can be a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

[0050] It is understood that in some possible implementations, the first converter 13 can be a Gearbox chip. The first converter 13 can convert the multiple video signals output by the sensor 12 and output the video signal to the terahertz transmitter 14.

[0051] For example, the sensor 12 can output four video signals to the first converter 13. It can be understood that, in one scenario, the first converter 13 can convert these four video signals into one video signal for the terahertz transmitter 14. Alternatively, in another scenario, the first converter 13 can also convert these four video signals into two video signals for the terahertz transmitter 14. In yet another scenario, the first converter 13 can also convert eight video signals into two video signals for the terahertz transmitter 14.

[0052] The terahertz transmitter 14 can be coupled to the first interface 15.

[0053] In this embodiment, the composite cable 30 may include a plastic fiber 31, a first cable 32, and a second cable 33. The terahertz antenna of the terahertz transmitter 14 can be coupled to the plastic fiber 31 in the composite cable 30, thereby coupling video signals to the plastic fiber 31 in the composite cable 30.

[0054] It is understood that, in one embodiment, the image processing apparatus 20 may include a second interface 21, a terahertz receiver 22, a second converter 23, and an image processing unit 24. The terahertz receiver 22 may be coupled to the second interface 21.

[0055] Specifically, the terahertz antenna of the terahertz receiver 22 can be coupled to the plastic fiber 31. Based on this design, the terahertz receiver 22 can receive the video signal transmitted by the terahertz transmitter 14. The terahertz receiver 22 is also used to transmit the received video signal to the second converter 23. The second converter 23 performs conversion processing on the video signal transmitted by the terahertz receiver 22 to output multiple video signals to the image processing unit 24. It is understood that in some possible implementations, the second converter 23 can be a Gearbox chip.

[0056] For example, in one scenario, the terahertz receiver 22 can transmit one video signal to the second converter 23, which can then convert the video signal into four video signals for the image processing unit 24. Alternatively, in another scenario, the second converter 23 can convert two video signals into eight video signals for the image processing unit 24. The image processing unit 24 then transmits these video signals to a display for presentation.

[0057] The composite cable 30 is coupled between the first interface 15 and the second interface 21.

[0058] It is understood that the camera device 10 can also establish a communication connection with the image processing device 20 through the first cable 32 in the composite cable 30. For example, the camera device 10 can establish a low-speed control signal link with the image processing device 20 through the first cable 32. The first cable 32 can realize the low-speed communication function between the camera device 10 and the image processing device 20.

[0059] Specifically, the image processing unit 24 can be coupled to the second converter 23, the terahertz transmitter 14, the first converter 13, and the sensor 12 via the first cable 32. The image processing unit 24 can output control signals to the second converter 23, the terahertz transmitter 14, the first converter 13, and the sensor 12. Based on this design, the image processing unit 24 can configure the operating parameters of the second converter 23, the terahertz transmitter 14, the first converter 13, and the sensor 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the camera device 10 can also be connected to the image processing device 20 via the second cable 33 in the composite cable 30, and the image processing device 20 can supply power to the camera device 10 via the second cable 33.

[0061] Specifically, the image processing device 20 may include a second power converter 25, which may be coupled to the second interface 21, the terahertz receiver 22, the second converter 23, and the image processing unit 24.

[0062] It is understood that, in one possible implementation, the second power converter 25 can be coupled to an external power source, which can output a supply voltage to the image processing device 20. The second power converter 25 can convert the supply voltage output by the external power source into a first voltage, and can transmit the first voltage to the terahertz receiver 22 and the second converter 23 to power the terahertz receiver 22 and the second converter 23. It is also understood that the aforementioned first voltage can be transmitted as a power supply signal to the camera device 10 to power the camera device 10.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the second power converter 25 may also transmit the first voltage to the first interface 15 via the second interface 21 and the second cable 33.

[0064] Specifically, in one embodiment, the camera device 10 may further include a first power converter 16, which may be coupled to the sensor 12, the first converter 13, the terahertz transmitter 14, and the first interface 15. The first interface 15 can transmit a first voltage from the second cable 33 to the first power converter 16. Based on this design, the first power converter 16 can convert the first voltage to a second voltage and transmit the second voltage to the sensor 12, the first converter 13, and the terahertz transmitter 14 to power them.

[0065] The video return system 100 described in the embodiments of this application can be achieved by respectively placing the terahertz transmitter 14 and the terahertz receiver 22 on the camera device 10 and the image processing device 20, and connecting the camera device 10 and the image processing device 20 through the composite cable 30. Based on this design, terahertz communication can be used to transmit video signals, and high-speed video signals and low-speed control signals can be transmitted separately, which can improve the video transmission bandwidth, reduce the impact of electromagnetic interference, and enhance product competitiveness.

[0066] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the composite cable 30 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the composite cable 30 can be circular. It is understood that in other embodiments, the composite cable 30 can also be rectangular or other shapes.

[0068] In this embodiment, the composite cable 30 may include four electrical cables and one plastic fiber. Specifically, in the implementation of this application, the plastic fiber 31 may be located at the center of the composite cable 30, i.e., the center of a circle. The first cable 32 may include two low-speed serial communication lines; for example, the first cable 32 may include a data line 321 and a clock line 322. The second cable 33 may include a power line 331 and a ground line 332. It can be understood that the data line 321 and clock line 322 of the first cable 32 and the power line 331 and ground line 332 of the second cable 33 may be located around the perimeter of the composite cable 30, i.e., the data line 321 and clock line 322 of the first cable 32 and the power line 331 and ground line 332 of the second cable 33 may be arranged around the plastic fiber 31.

[0069] It is understood that, in one possible implementation, the data line 321 and clock line 322 of the first cable 32 can be coupled to the first data pin and the first clock pin of the first interface 15, and the data line 321 and clock line 322 of the first cable 32 can be coupled to the second data pin and the second clock pin of the second interface 21. Based on this design, the transmission of control signals between the two interfaces can be realized.

[0070] It is understood that, in one possible implementation, the power line 331 and ground line 332 of the second cable 33 can be coupled to the first power pin and the first ground pin of the first interface 15, and the power line 331 and ground line 332 of the second cable 33 can be coupled to the second power pin and the second ground pin of the second interface 21. Based on this design, voltage signal transmission between the two interfaces can be achieved.

[0071] In one possible embodiment, all the above-mentioned functional devices (such as sensors and converters) can be under a single control bus. The image processing unit 24 can act as the master of serial communication, and the sensor 12, the first converter 13, the terahertz transmitter 14, the terahertz receiver 22, and the second converter 23 can all act as slaves of serial communication.

[0072] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the composite cable connector 40 provided in one embodiment of this application. It can be understood that, in one embodiment, the composite cable 30 may be fixed with... Figure 5 The composite cable connector 40 is shown. Thus, one end of the composite cable 30 can be plugged into and unplugged between the composite cable connector 40 and the first interface 15, and the other end of the composite cable 30 can be plugged into and unplugged between the composite cable connector 40 and the second interface 21.

[0073] The composite cable connector 40 in this embodiment can be rectangular in shape. The composite cable connector 40 may include a plastic fiber 311 and two electrical connection pin combinations. The plastic fiber 311 is disposed between the two electrical connection pin combinations. It can be understood that one electrical connection pin combination may include electrical connection pins 421, 431, 441, and 411. The other electrical connection pin combination may include electrical connection pins 432, 422, 442, and 412.

[0074] In this embodiment, the electrical connection pin 421 is coupled to the data line 321, the electrical connection pin 431 can be coupled to the power line 331, the electrical connection pin 432 can be coupled to the clock line 322, and the electrical connection pin 422 can be coupled to the ground line 332. It can be understood that the plastic fiber 311 can be connected to the plastic fiber 31 in the composite cable 30.

[0075] Furthermore, the electrical connection pins 441 and 411 can be reused, and functional pins can also be extended in other embodiments. The electrical connection pins 442 and 412 can be reused, and functional pins can also be extended in other embodiments.

[0076] Please see Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the camera device 10 is coupled to the plastic fiber 31 of the composite cable 30, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0077] In this embodiment, the camera device 10 may further include a first circuit board 50, and the first converter 13 and the terahertz transmitter 14 may both be integrated in the first circuit board 50.

[0078] It is understood that in this embodiment, the terahertz transmitter 14 may further include a first antenna 141, which may be disposed on the upper surface of the first circuit board 50, and the sensor 12 may be disposed on the lower surface of the first circuit board 50. Furthermore, the first antenna 141 is connected to the plastic fiber 31; specifically, the center point of the first antenna 141 may be connected to the center point of the plastic fiber 31. Based on this design, the terahertz transmitter 14 can transmit terahertz signals, i.e., transmit video signals to the plastic fiber 31, in a spatially coupled manner.

[0079] It is understood that in some possible embodiments, the thickness of the first circuit board 50 can be reduced by using controlled depth milling. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first circuit board 50 can be less than or equal to 0.3 mm. By using this process, terahertz signals can be radiated into plastic fibers (e.g., LDPE, PTFE, and HDPE), and the coupling efficiency of terahertz signals between the first antenna 141 on the first circuit board 50 and the plastic waveguide can be improved.

[0080] Please see Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating the coupling between the image processing device 20 and the plastic fiber 31 of the composite cable 30, according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the image processing device 20 may further include a second circuit board 60, in which the terahertz receiver 22 and the second converter 23 can both be integrated. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the terahertz receiver 22 may further include a second antenna 211, which can be disposed on the upper surface of the second circuit board 60.

[0081] Furthermore, the second antenna 211 is connected to the plastic fiber 31; specifically, the center point of the second antenna 211 can be connected to the center point of the plastic fiber 31. Based on this design, the terahertz receiver 14 can receive terahertz signals in a spatially coupled manner with the plastic fiber 31, that is, receive video signals to the second converter 23.

[0082] It is understood that in some possible embodiments, the thickness of the second circuit board 60 can be reduced by using controlled depth milling. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second circuit board 60 can be less than or equal to 0.3 mm. By using this process, terahertz signals can be radiated into plastic fibers (e.g., LDPE, PTFE, and HDPE), and the coupling efficiency of terahertz signals between the second antenna 211 on the second circuit board 60 and the plastic waveguide can be improved.

[0083] In this application, the circuit board is a printed circuit board (PCB), which is spatially waveguide coupled to the plastic fiber 31 by means of an onboard terahertz antenna. Since the plastic fiber 31 adopts a parallel fiber output method, the direct parallel fiber output saves vertical space and is more conducive to the arrangement in high-density spaces such as automobiles.

[0084] Please see Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the coupling between the camera device 10 and the plastic fiber 31 of the composite cable 30, as provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The difference between the embodiments shown is that, as Figure 8As shown, the camera device 10 in this embodiment may further include a first metal housing 70, the first metal housing 70 having a first cavity 71, at least a portion of the first antenna 141 of the terahertz transmitter 14 may be housed in the first cavity 71, another portion of the first antenna 141 may be disposed on the first circuit board 50, at least a portion of the plastic fiber 31 may be housed in the first cavity 71, at least a portion of the first antenna 141 and at least a portion of the plastic fiber 31 are not in contact, at least a portion of the first antenna 141 may be connected to at least a portion of the plastic fiber 31, thereby the terahertz transmitter 14 may couple video signals into the plastic fiber 31.

[0085] Please see Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the coupling between the camera device 10 and the plastic fiber 31 of the composite cable 30, as provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The difference between the embodiments shown is that, as Figure 9 As shown, the image processing device 20 in this embodiment may further include a second metal housing 80, which has a second cavity 81. At least a portion of the second antenna 211 of the terahertz receiver 22 can be housed in the second cavity 81, and another portion of the second antenna 211 can be disposed on the second circuit board 60. At least a portion of the plastic fiber 31 can be housed in the second cavity 81. At least a portion of the second antenna 211 and at least a portion of the plastic fiber 31 are not in contact, but at least a portion of the second antenna 211 can be connected to at least a portion of the plastic fiber 31. Thus, the terahertz receiver 14 can be coupled to the plastic fiber 31 to receive the video signal from the plastic fiber 31.

[0086] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the video return system 100 provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The difference between the video return system 100 shown is that, as Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the camera device 10 may include a plurality of terahertz transmitters 14, and the image processing device 20 may include a plurality of terahertz receivers 22. It can be understood that... Figure 10 The illustration only shows two terahertz transmitters 14 and two terahertz receivers 22 as examples. In other possible embodiments, the number of terahertz transmitters 14 and terahertz receivers 22 may be greater than two, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0087] In this embodiment, the composite cable 30 may include a coaxial cable 34 and n plastic fibers 31 ( Figure 10 (Two examples are shown for illustration). Here, n can be greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 4. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the number of terahertz transmitters 14 or terahertz receivers 22 is the same as the number of plastic fibers 31 and corresponds one-to-one.

[0088] In this embodiment, the coaxial cable 34 may include a first cable 32 and a second cable 33. That is, the first cable 32 and the second cable 33 share a single coaxial cable. Based on this design, the low-speed control signal cable can have a power over cable (POC) function, and the control signal and power supply signal are combined into a single coaxial cable for transmission, which can reduce the diameter of the composite cable and facilitate processing.

[0089] The first interface 15 and the second interface 21 are electrically connected to the coaxial cable 34. The first power converter 16 and the second power converter 25 are electrically connected to the coaxial cable 34. The camera device 10 is powered by the image processing device 20, and the second power converter 25 in the image processing device 20 can directly output voltage to the coaxial cable 34. In the camera device 10, the voltage transmitted through the coaxial cable 34 is separated to power the entire camera device.

[0090] It is understood that in this embodiment, the image processing unit 24 can communicate with the first converter 13 and the second converter 23 via two serial communication cables (i.e., one data line and one clock line). Similarly, the physical link between the sensor 12 and the first converter 13 can also be two serial communication cables.

[0091] For example, if the image processing unit 24 needs to control the sensor 12, it first communicates serially to the second converter 23. The second converter 23 converts the serial communication into a single-ended or differential signal suitable for transmission via the coaxial cable 34. After transmission via the coaxial cable, the first converter 13 of the camera device 10 can convert the received single-ended or differential signal into a serial communication interface to the sensor 12, thereby enabling control and status acquisition of the sensor 12.

[0092] Understandable. Figure 10In the illustrated embodiment, in the high-speed video signal link, to support scalable higher-speed video signal transmission, a multi-channel parallel high-speed communication interface is used to transmit video signals, which can be modulated to terahertz communication. The second converter 23 can convert the high-speed video signal transmitted by the sensor 12 into multiple high-speed signals, the number of channels n can be freely matched between 1 and 4. The high-speed signals with different numbers are then modulated into terahertz signals by the terahertz transmitter 14 and transmitted to the plastic fiber 31 in the composite cable 30. The multiple terahertz signals received by the image processing device 20 are converted by the second converter 23 and output to the image processing unit 24 for image processing. In the low-speed control signal link, the low-speed control signal and the power supply signal are combined into a coaxial cable 34, which can undertake the power supply function of the control communication and image processing device 20 to the camera device 10. Therefore, the video backhaul system 100 in the above embodiments can realize the backhaul of multiple high-speed video signals and easily achieve a transmission rate of 100Gbps. It can effectively support the bandwidth requirements of RAW format image transmission devices with resolutions such as 16K, 32K, 64K, and 128K at a certain frame rate, as shown in Table 1 below.

[0093] Table 1: Transmission bandwidth of the video backhaul system using the embodiments of this application

[0094] resolution resolution pixel width Frame rate Transmission rate 4K 3840 2160 8 36 2388787200 8K 7680 4320 8 36 9555148800 16K 15260 8640 8 36 37971763200 32K 30720 17820 8 15 65691648000 64K 61440 35640 8 15 262766592000 128K 122880 71820 8 15 1059028992000

[0095] As shown in Table 1, the video backhaul system 100 of this application embodiment can realize the backhaul of multiple high-speed video signals and significantly increase the video signal transmission bandwidth. It can achieve high-definition video signal transmission of 4K and above and can be applied in complex EMC environments such as vehicle cameras.

[0096] The camera device, image processing device, and video transmission system provided in this application embodiment can improve the transmission bandwidth of video signals and reduce the impact of electromagnetic compatibility issues. The camera device, image processing device, and video transmission system have a wide range of applications.

[0097] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although the preferred embodiment has been disclosed above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. An image pickup device, characterized by comprising: The camera device is used to connect to the image processing device via a composite cable, wherein the composite cable includes plastic fiber, a first cable, and a second cable; The camera device includes a sensor, a first converter, and a terahertz transmitter; The sensor is coupled to the first converter and is used to acquire video signals and transmit the video signals to the first converter. The first converter is coupled to the terahertz transmitter, and the first converter is used to convert the video signal and output it to the terahertz transmitter; The terahertz transmitter includes a first antenna that couples the video signal to the plastic fiber of the composite cable to transmit the video signal to the image processing device through the plastic fiber. The sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter are all used to receive control signals transmitted by the image processing device through the first cable. The control signals are used to control the state of the sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter. The sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter are all used to receive a power supply signal transmitted by the image processing device via the second cable, and the power supply signal is used to power the sensor, the first converter, and the terahertz transmitter.

2. The camera device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera device also includes a first circuit board, in which the first converter and the terahertz transmitter are integrated, and the first antenna is disposed on the first circuit board.

3. The camera device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The center point of the first antenna is aligned with the center point of the plastic fiber, and the first antenna couples the video signal to the plastic fiber.

4. The camera device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera device includes a first metal housing with a first cavity, at least a portion of the first antenna is housed in the first cavity, at least a portion of the plastic fiber is housed in the first cavity, and the first antenna couples the video signal to the plastic fiber.

5. The camera device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first converter is used to convert the four video signals output by the sensor into one video signal; or, The first converter is used to convert the eight video signals output by the sensor into two video signals.

6. The camera device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The composite cable includes multiple plastic fibers, and the camera device includes multiple terahertz transmitters. The multiple terahertz transmitters are all electrically connected to the first converter. The multiple terahertz transmitters are used to receive multiple video signals output by the first converter and couple the multiple video signals to the corresponding plastic fibers respectively. The number of plastic fibers is the same as the number of terahertz transmitters.

7. The camera device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the first circuit board is reduced by using controlled depth milling.

8. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: The image processing device is used to connect to the camera device via a composite cable, wherein the composite cable includes plastic fiber, a first cable, and a second cable; The image processing device includes a second converter and a terahertz receiver; The terahertz receiver includes a second antenna, which is coupled to a plastic fiber in the composite cable to receive the video signal transmitted by the camera device through the plastic fiber and transmit the video signal to a second converter; The second converter processes the video signal and outputs the video signal to the image processing unit. The image processing device is used to transmit control signals to the camera device through the first cable to control the state of the camera device; the image processing device is also used to transmit power supply signals to the camera device through the second cable to supply power to the camera device.

9. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The image processing device further includes a second circuit board, in which the second converter and the terahertz receiver are both integrated, and the second antenna is disposed on the second circuit board.

10. The image processing apparatus as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The center point of the second antenna is aligned with the center point of the plastic fiber, and the second antenna is coupled to the plastic fiber to receive the video signal transmitted by the plastic fiber.

11. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The image processing device includes a second metal housing with a second cavity. At least a portion of the second antenna is housed within the second cavity, and at least a portion of the plastic fiber is housed within the second cavity. The second antenna is coupled to the plastic fiber to receive video signals transmitted by the plastic fiber.

12. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The image processing device includes multiple terahertz receivers, all of which are electrically connected to the second converter. The multiple terahertz receivers are used to receive multiple video signals transmitted by the camera device and transmit the multiple video signals to the second converter.

13. The image processing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The thickness of the second circuit board is reduced by using controlled depth milling.

14. A video backhaul system, characterized by, It includes a camera device as described in any one of claims 1-7, an image processing device as described in any one of claims 8-13, and a composite cable, wherein the camera device and the image processing device communicate via the composite cable.

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