Camera device

Abstract

The invention provides a camera device. The camera device comprises a plane lens, an image acquisition module and a processor. The plane lens is provided with a textured pattern, and the plane lens is used for transmitting an optical signal and carrying noise information. The image acquisition module is located on the light emitting side of the plane lens and used for sensing an optical signal carrying noise information, converting the sensed optical signal into an electric signal and generating a first image according to the electric signal. The processor is used for processing the first image to obtain a second image with contour information. In the embodiment of the invention, the plane lens has the textured pattern, so that the first image acquired by the image acquisition module is a blurred image, and a relatively good privacy protection effect is achieved. Moreover, the first image is processed through the processor, the second image with the contour information can be obtained, and an effective monitoring effect can be achieved. Therefore, effective monitoring can be realized, and meanwhile, a relatively good privacy protection effect can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of video surveillance technology, and in particular to a camera device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of video surveillance technology, its applications are becoming increasingly widespread. For example, video surveillance is an indispensable monitoring method in places such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and wards for monitoring patients, and in homes for monitoring children, the elderly, or pets.

[0003] However, as users become increasingly aware of and prioritize privacy protection, the issue of privacy breaches in video surveillance has become a key concern. For example, privacy protection is particularly important in home settings such as living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Therefore, to improve the user experience, it is urgent to address the privacy protection issues in video surveillance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a camera device to address the privacy protection issue in video surveillance.

[0005] The imaging device provided in this application embodiment may include: a planar lens, an image acquisition module, and a processor. The planar lens has a textured pattern and is used to allow light signals to pass through while carrying noise information. The image acquisition module is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens. The image acquisition module is used to sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The processor is used to process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information. In specific configurations, the shape of the planar lens can be various shapes such as circular, elliptical, square, and hexagonal, and can be set according to actual needs. For example, the planar lens can be made of a transparent material such as glass.

[0006] In the camera device provided in this application embodiment, the planar lens has a textured pattern, which allows the transmitted light signal to carry noise information. By placing the planar lens on the light-incident side of the image acquisition module, the first image acquired by the image acquisition module can be a blurred image. The blurriness of the first image is such that the human eye cannot discern the details of the object; for example, facial features and clothing patterns cannot be identified in the first image, only the general outline, position, and posture of the object can be seen. Thus, a blurred image can be acquired at the hardware source of the camera device, achieving a better privacy protection effect. Furthermore, by processing the first image with a processor, a second image with contour information can be obtained. Users can identify the shape, posture, position, and movement speed of the target object through the second image, achieving effective monitoring. Therefore, the camera device provided in this application embodiment can achieve effective monitoring while providing good privacy protection. Moreover, compared to related technologies that process clear images, in this application embodiment, the processor extracts the contour information of the target object from the blurred first image. The processing algorithm is simple, the processing speed is fast, and the computational requirements are low.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the processor can specifically perform low-pass filtering on the first image to obtain a second image with contour information. In this way, the resulting second image only contains low-frequency contour information and does not include high-frequency detail information, thereby separating the contour information of the target object from the background object. The position, posture, or movement state of the target object can be identified through the contour information in the second image.

[0008] The basic structure of the camera device in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The specific implementation methods of the camera device in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Example 1

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the image acquisition module may include an imaging component and an image sensor. The imaging component is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens, and the image sensor is located on the light-emitting side of the imaging component. The imaging component is used to image a light signal carrying noise information onto the photosensitive surface of the image sensor. Exemplarily, the imaging component may include at least one lens. The image sensor is used to sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. In specific implementations, the image sensor may be a photosensitive element capable of sensing visible light and near-infrared light, so that the camera device can operate in scenes in the visible light or near-infrared bands, enabling monitoring functions both day and night.

[0011] During the imaging process of the camera device, the light signal reflected or emitted by the target object is directed towards the planar lens. The textured pattern in the planar lens acts as a kind of obstruction, allowing the transmitted light signal to carry noise information. The light signal carrying noise information is then imaged on the photosensitive surface of the image sensor after passing through the imaging component. The image sensor can sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The image sensor and the processor can be electrically connected, and the image sensor can transmit the first image to the processor, which can process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information.

[0012] In specific configurations, the camera device may also include a housing, with the imaging component, image sensor, and processor housed inside the housing. In Embodiment 1 of this application, the planar lens is positioned on the light-incident side of the imaging component, serving to protect the lens within the imaging component and replacing the protective glass of the camera device in related technologies. Positioning the planar lens in front of the camera device offers several advantages. Firstly, the textured pattern within the planar lens allows the user to intuitively perceive the effect of the camera device being obstructed, making it more acceptable to users in certain application scenarios, such as living rooms and bedrooms in homes, thus enhancing the user experience. Secondly, the textured planar lens acts as a diffuse transmission plate, allowing the light signal to carry noise information (e.g., granular noise), enabling the image sensor to detect a blurred image. This directly achieves privacy protection at the hardware level.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the camera device in this embodiment may further include a protective lens and a mode switching structure. Exemplarily, the protective lens may be protective glass, or it may be a lens made of other materials with protective functions. The planar lens and the protective lens are respectively connected to the mode switching structure. The mode switching structure can be used to: move the protective lens to the light-incident side of the imaging component in monitoring mode; and move the planar lens to the light-incident side of the imaging component in privacy mode. Thus, by controlling the movement of the planar lens and the protective lens through the mode switching structure, the camera device can capture clear images in monitoring mode and images with contour information in privacy mode. This improves the flexibility of the camera device, allowing it to be applied in more scenarios.

[0014] For example, the mode switching structure may include channels for housing the plane lens and the protective lens, respectively. During mode switching, the plane lens and the protective lens can be moved by a driver such as a motor, thereby realizing the mode switching of the camera device. Of course, other control methods can also be used to realize the mode switching of the camera device, which is not limited here.

[0015] In Embodiment 1 of this application, the textured pattern in the plane lens can be a pattern without imaging regularity. Since the imaging component is provided on the light-emitting side of the plane lens, the plane lens does not have imaging function and will not affect the imaging function of the camera device.

[0016] In this embodiment, the textured pattern can have a certain arrangement pattern, or it can be arranged randomly. The textured pattern can be symmetrically arranged, or it can be asymmetrically arranged. For example, the textured pattern can be a striped texture, a square brick texture, a fish scale pattern, or a wavy pattern. Of course, the textured pattern can also be other shapes such as water ripples, cracks, or scattered dots, which will not be listed here.

[0017] In the planar lens of this application embodiment, the textured pattern can be formed by protrusions and / or grooves on the surface of the planar lens. Specifically, protrusions or grooves can be provided on one or both sides of the planar lens, depending on actual needs. During processing, etching, engraving, or other processes can be used to pattern the planar lens to obtain the textured pattern. Alternatively, a thin film can be coated on the surface (one or both sides) of the planar lens, and the textured pattern can be obtained by patterning the film. Alternatively, a textured pattern can be formed inside the planar lens by filling the substrate with particulate matter. Of course, other methods can also be used to form a textured pattern in the planar lens, which will not be listed here.

[0018] In Embodiment 1 of this application, the textured pattern in the plane lens can also be a microstructure with imaging modulation function. Since an imaging component is provided on the light-emitting side of the plane lens, whether or not the plane lens has imaging function will not affect the imaging function of the camera device. For example, the microstructure in the plane lens can constitute a diffractive optical element; or, the microstructure in the plane lens can constitute a superlens structure. Of course, the microstructure in the plane lens can also constitute other imaging elements. The structure of the plane lens can be reasonably set according to factors such as the usage scenario of the camera device, imaging effect, and degree of privacy protection; examples will not be given here.

[0019] Example 2

[0020] In some other embodiments of this application, the image acquisition module may include an image sensor located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens. The planar lens contains textured patterns that form microstructures with imaging modulation capabilities. The planar lens allows light signals to pass through while carrying noise information, and enables the light signal carrying noise information to be imaged on the photosensitive surface of the image sensor. The image sensor senses the light signal carrying noise information, converts the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generates a first image based on the electrical signal. In specific configurations, the microstructures in the planar lens can be micrometer- or nanometer-scale microstructures to enable the planar lens to achieve imaging modulation of the light path.

[0021] During the imaging process of the camera device, the light signal reflected or emitted by the target object is directed towards the planar lens. The microstructure in the planar lens can act as a barrier and an image, causing the transmitted light signal to carry noise information, which is then imaged on the photosensitive surface of the image sensor. The image sensor can sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The image sensor and the processor can be electrically connected. The image sensor can transmit the first image to the processor, which can process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information.

[0022] In a specific configuration, the camera device may include a housing, and the image sensor and processor may be housed inside the housing. In Embodiment 2 of this application, the microstructure in the planar lens can serve both as an obstruction and imaging mechanism. The planar lens can replace the imaging component of the camera device in related technologies. On the one hand, it can reduce the size of the camera device, which is beneficial for lightweight design. Furthermore, it can make the camera device appear to be lensless (i.e., without an imaging component), achieving seamless monitoring and making it easier for users to accept and recognize. On the other hand, the planar lens has a certain obstruction effect, allowing the light signal to carry noise information so that the image sensor can detect a blurred image. Thus, privacy protection can be directly achieved at the hardware level.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the microstructures in the plane lens can constitute diffractive optical elements, thus enabling the plane lens to perform functions such as beam shaping, beam splitting, and beam focusing. The microstructures on the surface of the plane lens can be rectangular step-like, arc-shaped sawtooth, rectangular sawtooth, etc., and the shape of the microstructures on the surface of the plane lens can be reasonably set according to the requirements of diffraction efficiency.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the microstructures in the plane lens can constitute a superlens structure. These microstructures can be subwavelength scatterers or holes. By arranging subwavelength scatterers or holes on a two-dimensional plane, a superlens structure can be formed. The superlens structure can produce a specific phase distribution in the transmitted or reflected electromagnetic waves, thereby giving the plane lens certain electromagnetic control characteristics. The subwavelength microstructures on the surface of the plane lens can have various shapes. For example, they can be cuboids, cylinders, or polyhedral columnar structures of different sizes, spacings, and arrangement angles, following a certain pattern. Of course, the microstructures in the plane lens can also be other shapes, which can be set according to actual needs.

[0025] Of course, in specific settings, the microstructures in the plane lens can also form other structures with imaging modulation functions. The structure of the plane lens can be reasonably set according to factors such as the usage scenario of the camera device, the imaging effect, and the degree of privacy protection. Examples will not be given here.

[0026] The above describes in detail the specific implementation of the camera device in the embodiments of this application, taking Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 as examples. In specific implementation, the camera device in the embodiments of this application may also have other implementation methods, which will not be listed here. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shooting effect of the camera device in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the plane lens in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the planar lens in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the diffractive optical element in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the superlens structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 100 - Camera device; 11 - Planar lens; 12 - Image acquisition module; 121 - Imaging assembly; 122 - Image sensor; 13 - Processor; P - Protrusion; Q - Groove; w - Microstructure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual scale. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0040] The terms describing position and direction used in this application, such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," are merely illustrative examples based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are intended solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Changes may be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] In the field of video surveillance technology, as users' awareness and attention to privacy protection gradually increase, the privacy leakage problem of video surveillance has become a key issue that needs to be considered. In related technologies, the following solutions have been proposed to address the privacy protection problem of video surveillance, including: (1) using millimeter-wave radar to obtain point cloud information of the target object to determine its position and speed; (2) using a mask to block the view of the camera device in privacy scenarios; (3) using a servo mechanical structure to adjust the framing range of the camera device; and (4) using a combination of optical phase mask and machine vision algorithms, where the machine vision algorithm is used to process the image to obtain a clear image, and then privacy blurring processing is performed, such as mosaic processing, fusion processing, and color filling.

[0042] However, for the above scheme (1), the point cloud information obtained by using millimeter-wave radar has low accuracy, and millimeter-wave radar uses the infrared band. Different parts of the target object (such as the human body) may have different temperatures, resulting in uneven brightness of the point cloud information, which may still lead to privacy leaks. For the above schemes (2) and (3), the use of a mask or the adjustment of the camera's field of view cuts off the source of image information, making it impossible to achieve the monitoring function. For the above scheme (4), processing is required on the basis of a clear image, the algorithm is relatively complex, and the computing power requirement is high. Therefore, none of the above schemes can effectively solve the privacy protection problem of video surveillance.

[0043] Therefore, to address the privacy protection issues in video surveillance, this application provides a camera device. This camera device can be a webcam, camera, or other device with photo and video recording functions. The camera device provided in this application can be applied to various scenarios. For example, the camera device in this application can be applied to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, wards, etc., to monitor patients; or it can be applied to home settings to monitor children, the elderly, or pets; or it can be applied to commercial office settings to supervise employees.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The imaging device 100 provided in this application embodiment may include: a planar lens 11, an image acquisition module 12, and a processor 13. The planar lens 11 has a textured pattern and is used to allow light signals to pass through while carrying noise information. The image acquisition module 12 is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens 11. The image acquisition module 12 is used to sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The processor 13 is used to process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a circular shape for the plane lens 11. However, in practice, the plane lens 11 can also be elliptical, square, hexagonal, or other shapes, depending on the specific requirements. For example, the plane lens 11 can be made of transparent materials such as glass.

[0045] In the camera device 100 provided in this application embodiment, the planar lens 11 has a textured pattern, which allows the transmitted light signal to carry noise information. By placing the planar lens 11 on the light-incident side of the image acquisition module 12, the first image acquired by the image acquisition module 12 can be a blurred image. The blurriness of the first image is such that the human eye cannot discern the details of the object; for example, facial features, clothing patterns, etc., cannot be identified in the first image, only the general outline, position, and posture of the object can be seen. Thus, a blurred image can be acquired at the hardware source of the camera device 100, achieving a better privacy protection effect. Furthermore, by processing the first image through the processor 13, a second image with outline information can be obtained. The user can identify the shape, posture, position, and movement speed of the target object through the second image, achieving an effective monitoring effect. Therefore, the camera device 100 provided in this application embodiment can achieve effective monitoring while providing good privacy protection. Furthermore, compared to related technologies that process clear images, in this embodiment, the processor 13 extracts the contour information of the target object from the blurred first image. The processing algorithm is simple, the processing speed is fast, and the computing power requirement is low.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the processor 13 can specifically perform low-pass filtering on the first image to obtain a second image with contour information. In this way, the resulting second image only contains low-frequency contour information and does not contain high-frequency detail information, thereby separating the contour information of the target object from the background object. The position, posture, or movement state of the target object can be identified through the contour information in the second image.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shooting effect of the camera device in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 (1) in the image is a clear image captured by a camera device in the related art. Figure 3 (2) in the figure is the first image generated by the image acquisition module in the embodiment of this application. Figure 3 (3) in the example is the second image obtained by the processor in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown in (1) of the related technology, for clear images captured by the camera device, other objects besides the target object (the cat in the picture) can be clearly seen, resulting in poor privacy protection. Figure 3 As shown in (2) of this application embodiment, the first image acquired by the image acquisition module is a blurred image. The target object can be clearly seen from the first image, but other objects besides the target object cannot be seen (or cannot be clearly seen). Therefore, privacy information can be filtered out from the hardware source. Figure 3As shown in (3) of this application embodiment, the second image obtained by processing the first image by the processor has the contour information of the target object. The contour of the target object in the second image is separated from the background. The second image does not carry any privacy information other than the target object. Furthermore, the user can determine the pose, position, and other information of the target object through the contour information without details. Comparison Figure 3 As can be clearly seen from (1) to (3) in the present application, the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application can achieve a better privacy protection effect on the basis of effective monitoring.

[0048] The basic structure of the camera device in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The specific implementation methods of the camera device in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the image acquisition module 12 may include an imaging component 121 and an image sensor 122. The imaging component 121 is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens 11, and the image sensor 122 is located on the light-emitting side of the imaging component 121. The imaging component 121 is used to image a light signal carrying noise information onto the photosensitive surface of the image sensor 122. Exemplarily, the imaging component 121 may include at least one lens. The image sensor 122 is used to sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. In specific implementations, the image sensor 122 may be a photosensitive element capable of sensing visible light and near-infrared light, so that the camera device 100 can operate in scenes with visible light or near-infrared bands, enabling monitoring functions to be achieved both day and night.

[0051] During the imaging process of the camera device 100, the light signal reflected or emitted by the target object is directed towards the planar lens 11. The textured pattern in the planar lens 11 provides a certain degree of obstruction, allowing the transmitted light signal to carry noise information. The light signal carrying noise information is then imaged on the photosensitive surface of the image sensor 122 after passing through the imaging component 121. The image sensor 122 can sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The image sensor 122 can be electrically connected to the processor 13, and the image sensor 122 can transmit the first image to the processor 13. The processor 13 can process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information.

[0052] In a specific configuration, the camera device 100 may further include a housing 10, with the imaging component 121, image sensor 122, and processor 13 disposed inside the housing 10. In the first embodiment of this application, the planar lens 11 is disposed on the light-incident side of the imaging component 121, and also serves to protect the lens in the imaging component 121, replacing the protective glass of the camera device in related technologies. By placing the planar lens 11 in front of the camera device 100, on the one hand, the textured pattern in the planar lens 11 allows the user to intuitively perceive the effect of the camera device being obstructed, making it more acceptable to users in some application scenarios, such as living rooms and bedrooms in homes, thus improving the user experience; on the other hand, the planar lens 11 with its textured pattern is equivalent to a diffuse transmission plate, which can allow the light signal to carry noise information (e.g., noise with granularity), enabling the image sensor 122 to sense a blurred image, thereby achieving privacy protection directly from the hardware level.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the camera device 100 in this embodiment may further include a protective lens (not shown) and a mode switching structure (not shown). Exemplarily, the protective lens may be protective glass, or it may be a lens made of other materials with protective functions. The planar lens 11 and the protective lens are respectively connected to the mode switching structure. The mode switching structure can be used to: move the protective lens to the light-incident side of the imaging component 121 in monitoring mode; and move the planar lens 11 to the light-incident side of the imaging component 121 in privacy mode. Thus, by controlling the movement of the planar lens 11 and the protective lens through the mode switching structure, the camera device 100 can capture clear images in monitoring mode and images with contour information in privacy mode. This increases the flexibility of the camera device 100, allowing it to be applied in more scenarios.

[0054] For example, the mode switching structure may include channels for accommodating the plane lens 11 and the protective lens, respectively. During mode switching, the plane lens 11 and the protective lens can be moved by a driver such as a motor, thereby realizing the mode switching of the camera device 100. Of course, other control methods can also be used to realize the mode switching of the camera device 100, which is not limited here.

[0055] In the first embodiment of this application, the textured pattern in the plane lens 11 can be a pattern without imaging regularity. Since the imaging component 121 is provided on the light-emitting side of the plane lens 11, the plane lens 11 does not have imaging function and will not affect the imaging function of the imaging device 100.

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the textured pattern may have a certain arrangement pattern, or the textured pattern may be arranged randomly. The textured pattern may be arranged symmetrically, or the textured pattern may be arranged asymmetrically. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the plane lens in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, exemplarily, the textured pattern can be Figure 4 The striped texture shown in (1) Figure 4 The square brick-shaped texture shown in (2) is... Figure 4 The fish-scale print shown in (3) is as follows: Figure 4 The wavy print shown in (4) is an example. Of course, textured patterns can also be other shapes such as water ripples, cracks, or dots, which will not be listed here.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the planar lens in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, in the planar lens 11 of this embodiment, the textured pattern can be formed by protrusions P and / or grooves Q on the surface of the planar lens 11. In specific configurations, protrusions P or grooves Q can be provided on one or both sides of the planar lens 11, depending on actual needs. During processing, etching, engraving, or other processes can be used to pattern the planar lens 11 to obtain a textured pattern. Alternatively, a thin film can be coated on the surface (one or both sides) of the planar lens 11, and a textured pattern can be obtained by patterning the film. Alternatively, particles can be filled into the substrate of the planar lens 11 to form a textured pattern inside the planar lens 11. Of course, other methods can also be used to form a textured pattern in the planar lens 11, which will not be listed here.

[0058] In Embodiment 1 of this application, the textured pattern in the plane lens 11 can also be a microstructure with imaging modulation function. Since the imaging component 121 is provided on the light-emitting side of the plane lens 11, whether or not the plane lens 11 has imaging function will not affect the imaging function of the camera device 100. For example, the microstructure in the plane lens 11 can constitute a diffractive optical element; or, the microstructure in the plane lens 11 can constitute a superlens structure. Of course, the microstructure in the plane lens 11 can also constitute other imaging elements. The structure of the plane lens 11 can be reasonably set according to factors such as the usage scenario of the camera device, imaging effect, and degree of privacy protection; examples will not be given here.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Figure 6 This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7This is another schematic diagram of the camera device provided in the embodiments of this application, combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some other embodiments of this application, the image acquisition module 12 may include an image sensor 122 located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens 11. The planar lens 11 has a textured pattern, which is a microstructure with imaging modulation function. The planar lens 11 is used to allow light signals to pass through and carry noise information, and to image the light signal carrying noise information onto the photosensitive surface of the image sensor 122. The image sensor 122 is used to sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. In specific configurations, the microstructure in the planar lens 11 can be a micrometer-scale or nanometer-scale microstructure, so that the planar lens 11 can achieve imaging modulation of the light path.

[0061] During the imaging process of the camera device 100, the light signal reflected or emitted by the target object is directed towards the planar lens 11. The microstructure in the planar lens 11 can act as a blocker and imager, causing the transmitted light signal to carry noise information, and then forming an image on the photosensitive surface of the image sensor 122. The image sensor 122 can sense the light signal carrying noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The image sensor 122 can be electrically connected to the processor 13, and the image sensor 122 can transmit the first image to the processor 13. The processor 13 can process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information.

[0062] In a specific configuration, the camera device 100 may include a housing 10, and the image sensor 122 and processor 13 may be disposed inside the housing 10. In the second embodiment of this application, the microstructure in the planar lens 11 can serve as both a shading and imaging component. The planar lens 11 can replace the imaging component of the camera device in related technologies. On the one hand, it can reduce the size of the camera device 100, which is beneficial for the lightweight design of the camera device 100. Furthermore, it can make the camera device 100 appear to be lensless (i.e., without an imaging component), achieving seamless monitoring and making it easier for users to accept and recognize. On the other hand, the planar lens 11 has a certain shading effect, allowing the light signal to carry noise information so that the image sensor 122 can sense a blurred image. Thus, the effect of privacy protection can be directly achieved at the hardware level.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the microstructure in the plane lens 11 can constitute a diffractive optical element, thereby enabling the plane lens 11 to perform functions such as beam shaping, beam splitting, and beam focusing. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the diffractive optical element in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 8As shown, the microstructure w on the surface of the plane lens 11 can be as follows: Figure 8 The rectangular step shape shown in (1) is as follows: Figure 8 The arc-shaped sawtooth pattern shown in (2) is as follows: Figure 8 The rectangular sawtooth shape shown in (3) can be reasonably set according to the diffraction efficiency requirements to determine the shape of the microstructure on the surface of the plane lens 11.

[0064] In another possible implementation, the microstructures in the plane lens 11 can constitute a superlens structure. These microstructures can be subwavelength scatterers or holes. By arranging subwavelength scatterers or holes on a two-dimensional plane, a superlens structure can be formed. The superlens structure can produce a specific phase distribution in the transmitted or reflected electromagnetic waves, thereby giving the plane lens 11 certain electromagnetic control characteristics. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the superlens structure in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the subwavelength microstructure w on the surface of the planar lens 11 can have various shapes. For example, it can be a cuboid with different sizes, spacings, and arrangement angles that follow a certain pattern (such as...). Figure 9 As shown in (1)), cylinder (as shown in the figure) Figure 9 As shown in (2)), multifaceted columnar (such as...) Figure 9 As shown in (3) above. It is understandable that, in order to clearly illustrate the structure of the microstructure w in the plane lens 11, in... Figure 9 The size of the microstructure w was magnified in the middle. Figure 9 The structure shown does not represent the size ratio of the microstructure w to the plane lens 11. Of course, the microstructure w in the plane lens 11 can also be other shapes, which can be set according to actual needs.

[0065] Of course, in specific settings, the microstructure in the plane lens 11 can also form other structures with imaging modulation functions. The structure of the plane lens 11 can be reasonably set according to factors such as the usage scenario of the camera device, the imaging effect and the degree of privacy protection. Examples will not be given here.

[0066] The above describes in detail the specific implementation of the camera device in the embodiments of this application, taking Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 as examples. In specific implementation, the camera device in the embodiments of this application may also have other implementation methods, which will not be listed here.

[0067] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0068] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A camera device, characterized in that, include: Plane lens, image acquisition module, and processor; The planar lens has a textured pattern and is used to allow light signals to pass through while carrying noise information. The image acquisition module is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens. The image acquisition module is used to sense the light signal carrying the noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal. The processor is used to process the first image to obtain a second image with contour information.

2. The camera device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition module includes: an imaging component and an image sensor; The imaging component is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens, and the image sensor is located on the light-emitting side of the imaging component; The imaging component is used to image the light signal carrying the noise information onto the photosensitive surface of the image sensor. The image sensor is used to sense the light signal carrying the noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal.

3. The camera device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The textured pattern is a pattern without any imaging regularity.

4. The camera device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The textured pattern is a striped pattern, a square brick pattern, a fish scale pattern, a wavy pattern, a water ripple pattern, a crack pattern, or a dotted pattern.

5. The camera device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The textured pattern is formed by protrusions and / or grooves on the surface of the planar lens.

6. The camera device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The textured pattern is a microstructure with imaging modulation function.

7. The camera device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The camera device further includes: a protective lens and a mode switching structure, wherein the planar lens and the protective lens are respectively connected to the mode switching structure; The mode switching structure is used to: in monitoring mode, move the protective lens to the light-incident side of the imaging component; in privacy mode, move the planar lens to the light-incident side of the imaging component.

8. The camera device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition module includes an image sensor, which is located on the light-emitting side of the planar lens; The textured pattern is a microstructure with imaging modulation function. The planar lens is used to allow light signals to pass through and carry noise information, and to image the light signal carrying the noise information on the photosensitive surface of the image sensor. The image sensor is used to sense the light signal carrying the noise information, convert the sensed light signal into an electrical signal, and generate a first image based on the electrical signal.

9. The camera device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The microstructure in the planar lens constitutes a diffractive optical element; or, the microstructure in the planar lens constitutes a superlens structure.

10. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The processor is specifically used to perform low-pass filtering on the first image to obtain a second image with contour information.

Images