Camera and monitoring system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of terminals, in particular to a camera and a monitoring system. The camera comprises a shell, a lens module and a conversion module, the shell is provided with an accommodating cavity; the lens module and the conversion module are arranged in the containing cavity, the lens module is used for collecting image information and outputting the image information through a first signal, the conversion module is used for receiving the image information and converting the image information into an optical signal to be output, and the optical signal is a PON protocol signal. The camera can output the optical signal, so that the transmission bandwidth of the camera is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a camera and a monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] Cameras are increasingly used in our daily lives, such as in smart city initiatives, traffic monitoring, and park surveillance. Their function has evolved from simply recording images to real-time analysis, such as facial recognition and license plate recognition. However, current technology limits the bandwidth of network protocols supported by cameras, and this limited bandwidth cannot support high-definition, lossless image transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a camera and a monitoring system, wherein the camera is capable of outputting optical signals to improve the camera's transmission bandwidth.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a camera, which includes: a housing, a lens module, and a conversion module; the housing has a receiving cavity; the lens module and the conversion module are disposed in the receiving cavity, the lens module is used to acquire image information, and the lens module outputs the image information through a first signal, the conversion module is used to receive the image information and convert the image information into an optical signal for output, the optical signal being a PON protocol signal.

[0005] The conversion module in the camera of this application can convert the first signal output by the camera into an optical signal, and the optical signal is a PON protocol signal, so that the camera can be connected to the fiber optic network. The optical signal has a large transmission bandwidth and high transmission efficiency, which can improve the transmission bandwidth of the camera and enable the camera to support high-definition and high-frame data transmission.

[0006] In one embodiment, the camera includes a wireless transceiver. One end of the wireless transceiver is located in the receiving cavity and connected to the conversion module, while the other end of the wireless transceiver is located on the outer surface of the housing or on the outside of the housing. The wireless transceiver allows the camera to function as an access point for a wireless network; when the camera is installed indoors, it can be reused as a Wi-Fi signal transceiver. Specifically, when the conversion module includes a protocol conversion module, the wireless transceiver is connected to the protocol conversion module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the camera includes an adapter and a power module. The power module is disposed in a receiving cavity, and the adapter is disposed in the housing. One end of the adapter is connected to the conversion module and the power module. In this configuration, the housing may only have one opening for mounting the adapter, reducing the number of openings on the housing and improving its strength.

[0008] In one embodiment, the camera further includes a power module disposed within the receiving cavity. The housing includes a first interface and a second interface, the first interface being connected to the conversion module, and the second interface being connected to the power module. That is, the power module and the conversion module are connected through independent interfaces.

[0009] In one embodiment, the conversion module includes a signal conversion module, which receives a first signal output by the lens module and converts the first signal into an optical signal for output, thereby improving the camera's transmission bandwidth.

[0010] In one embodiment, the conversion module further includes a protocol conversion module connected to a signal conversion module. The protocol conversion module receives image information output by the lens module via a first signal and converts the first signal into a second signal, where the second signal is an electrical signal. The signal conversion module then converts the second signal into an optical signal for output. The second signal may be a PON (Passive Optical Network) protocol signal, allowing the signal conversion module to convert the electrical signal of the second signal into an optical signal. The optical signal is also a PON protocol signal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lens module includes a camera, a first sensor, and a first processing module. The camera is used to acquire image information. The first sensor is connected to the camera and is used to receive the image information acquired by the camera. The first sensor is connected to the first processing module, which is used to perform shallow compression on the image information and output the shallowly compressed information through the first signal. In this approach, the first processing module is integrated into the lens module, making the camera more modular.

[0012] In one embodiment, the camera includes a first processing module disposed in the receiving cavity. The first processing module receives image information output by the lens module via a first signal, performs shallow compression on the image information, and outputs the shallowly compressed image information to the protocol conversion module via the first signal. Shallow compression reduces the bandwidth required for image information transmission and ensures the overall quality of the image information, minimizing image quality loss due to compression, thereby guaranteeing the clarity of the image information captured by the lens module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the camera further includes a second processing module, which is used to receive image information output by the first signal passed by the lens module and send the processed image information to the protocol conversion module.

[0014] In one embodiment, the camera further includes a motherboard disposed in the receiving cavity. The motherboard has the conversion module and the second processing module mounted on it, or the motherboard has the conversion module and the first processing module mounted on it. The motherboard is electrically connected to a power module, which provides power to the motherboard, and a gap exists between the motherboard and the power module. The motherboard configuration improves the integration of various components in the camera and reduces the space occupied by the camera.

[0015] In one embodiment, the camera further includes a motherboard disposed in the receiving cavity. The motherboard has the conversion module and the second processing module mounted on it, or the motherboard has the conversion module and the first processing module mounted on it. A power module is also mounted on the motherboard to provide power to the motherboard. The power module can convert electrical energy into different voltages and output them to the conversion module and the second processing module, or output them to the conversion module and the first processing module.

[0016] Secondly, a monitoring system includes a processing device and at least one of the aforementioned cameras, the processing device being connected to the at least one camera. The processing device is capable of processing information transmitted by the camera via optical signals; at the camera side, only simple lossless compression of the information is required, without further processing, thereby reducing the size of the camera.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processing device includes at least one optical interface for interacting with an optical signal output from a camera. The processing device receives information output via the optical signal and processes the information output via the optical signal. The information output via the optical signal may be image information, sound information, or communication information. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2a Another structural illustration of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2b Another structural illustration of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2c Another structural illustration of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5a A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6a A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6b A schematic diagram of another structure of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1-Camera; 2-Processing device; 201-Brightness splitter; 202-Processor; 10-Housing; 11-Receiving cavity; 12-First interface; 13-Second interface; 20-Lens module; 21-Camera; 22-First sensor; 30-Conversion module; 31-Protocol conversion module; 32-Signal conversion module; 40-First processing module; 50-Power supply module; 60-Adapter; 70-Motherboard; 80-Second processing module; 81-First processing unit; 82-Second processing unit; 83-Third processing unit; 84-Fourth processing unit; 90-Wireless transceiver. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] With the advancement of science and technology, cameras are playing an increasingly important role in people's lives and work. Their deployment in scenarios such as homes, shops, and transportation is steadily increasing, often involving multiple cameras to achieve comprehensive security monitoring of the entire indoor and outdoor environment. Simultaneously, users are demanding higher image clarity, resolution, and frame rate from these cameras, necessitating high-definition output of the captured images. This high-definition image transmission requires cameras to be able to connect to high-bandwidth networks.

[0035] Therefore, how to enable cameras to access high-bandwidth networks has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0036] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

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

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The camera includes a housing 10, a lens module 20, and a conversion module 30. The housing 10 has a receiving cavity 11, in which both the lens module 20 and the conversion module 30 are disposed. The lens module 20 is used to acquire image information and outputs the image information through a first signal. The conversion module 30 is used to receive the image information and convert it into an optical signal for output. The optical signal can be a PON protocol signal. The image information acquired by the camera in this application is output through an optical signal, and the optical signal is a PON protocol signal, enabling the camera to connect to a fiber optic network. The optical signal has a large transmission bandwidth and high transmission efficiency, thereby increasing the camera's transmission bandwidth and enabling the camera to support high-definition, high-frame-rate data transmission.

[0039] The first signal can be a MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) protocol signal, an LVDS (Low-voltage Differential Signaling) protocol signal, or other proprietary protocol signals.

[0040] The conversion module 30 can take various forms, such as including a protocol conversion module and a signal conversion module, or only including a signal conversion module.

[0041] More specifically, Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2a This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2b This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2c This is another structural schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 2 , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The conversion module 30 includes a protocol conversion module 31 and a signal conversion module 32. The protocol conversion module 31 receives image information output by the lens module 20 via a first signal and converts the first signal into a second signal, which is an electrical signal. The signal conversion module 32 converts the second signal into an optical signal for output. The second signal can be a PON (passive optical network) protocol; more specifically, PON can include GPON, EPON, 50G PON, and XGSPON, etc. The signal conversion module 32 converts the electrical signal of the second signal into an optical signal, enabling the camera to output a PON protocol optical signal for access to the fiber optic network. In this way, the image information acquired by the camera can be converted into an optical signal, enabling the camera to support high-definition, high-frame-rate data transmission.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The camera may also include a first processing module 40, which may be disposed within the receiving cavity 11. The first processing module 40 receives image information output from the lens module 20 via a first signal and performs shallow compression on this image information. The shallowly compressed image information is then output to the protocol conversion module 31 via the first signal. The shallow compression of the image information acquired by the lens module 20 by the first processing module 40 reduces the bandwidth required for image information transmission and ensures the overall quality of the image information, minimizing image quality loss due to compression, thereby guaranteeing the clarity of the image information acquired by the lens module 20. Furthermore, since the signal conversion module 32 can convert the second signal into an optical signal, ensuring the transmission rate, the first processing module 40 can process (shallowly compress) the image information from the lens module 20 in real time and transmit the processed image information to the protocol conversion module via the first signal in real time.

[0043] It is worth mentioning that the camera may also include a motherboard 70, which may house a first processing module 40, a protocol conversion module 31, and a signal conversion module 32. The first processing module 40 can be connected to the protocol conversion module 31 via an information transmission line on the motherboard 70, and the protocol conversion module 31 can also be connected to the signal conversion module 32 via an information transmission line on the motherboard 70. The lens module 20 can be connected to the motherboard 70 via an information transmission line. The image information acquired by the lens module 20 can be transmitted to the first processing module 40 via the motherboard 70 in the form of a first signal. Alternatively, the lens module 20 can be directly connected to the first processing module 40 via an information transmission line, directly transmitting the image information to the first processing module 40. The inclusion of the motherboard 70 allows for greater module integration within the camera, improving the utilization of space within the housing 10 and contributing to the miniaturization of the camera.

[0044] The camera may also include a power module 50, which can be mounted on the motherboard 70. The power module 50 delivers power to the first processing module 40, protocol conversion module 31, and signal conversion module 32 via power-conducting traces on the motherboard 70, ensuring their continuous operation. Additionally, the camera may include an adapter 60, which is detachably mounted on the housing 10. The power module 50 and the optical cable for communication with the signal conversion module 32 can both be connected to one end of the adapter 60 located in the receiving cavity 11. The other end of the adapter 60 is connected to a photoelectric composite cable. This design reduces the number of interfaces on the camera housing 10, improving the camera's aesthetics and sealing. Furthermore, the power module 50 converts the electrical energy transmitted via the photoelectric composite cable into different voltages for output to the first processing module 40, protocol conversion module 31, and signal conversion module 32.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 2aThe camera's housing 10 can be equipped with a first interface 12 and a second interface 13. The first interface 12 can have a connector, one end of which is connected to a signal conversion module 32 via an optical cable. The optical signal converted by the signal conversion module 32 is transmitted to the connector via the optical cable and output as an optical signal through the connector. The second interface 13 can serve as a power socket. The second interface 13 is connected to a power module 50 mounted on the motherboard 70 via a power-on trace. The second interface 13 is also connected to a power cord, supplying power to the power module 50. The power module 50 converts the electrical energy transmitted from the power cord into different voltages and outputs them to the first processing module 40, the protocol conversion module 31, and the signal conversion module 32. The power module 50 can also supply electrical energy to the lens module 20. This supply can be achieved by connecting the power module 50 to the lens module 20 via the motherboard 70 or directly via a power-on trace.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 2b The power module 50 is also housed in the receiving cavity 11, but it is not mounted on the mainboard 70. In this case, both the power module 50 and the optical cable used to connect to the signal conversion module 32 can be connected to the adapter 60. The power module 50 is also connected to the mainboard 70 via a power-conducting trace to provide transformed electrical energy to the first processing module 40, protocol conversion module 31, and signal conversion module 32 mounted on the mainboard, ensuring their stable operation. Additionally, the power module 50 can also supply power to the lens module 20.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 2c Additionally, when the power module 50 is not mounted on the motherboard 70, the housing 10 can have a first interface 12 and a second interface 13. The first interface 12 can have a connector, one end of which is connected to the signal conversion module 32 via an optical cable. The optical signal converted by the signal conversion module 32 is transmitted to the connector via the optical cable and output through the connector, enabling the camera to access the fiber optic network. The second interface 13 can serve as a power socket. The second interface 13 is connected to the power module 50 via a power-conducting cable and is also connected to a power cord to supply power to the power module.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the first processing module can be a raw codec chip, in which case the first processing module can process input information as a whole. Alternatively, the first processing module can include multiple sub-modules, which can be distributed on the motherboard or integrated on a single baseboard. When the multiple sub-modules include a first sub-module, a second sub-module, and a third module, the first sub-module outputs the first signal data from the first sensor and converts it into raw format data; the second sub-module performs shallow compression processing on the raw format data and performs corresponding encoding; and the third sub-module converts the shallowly compressed and encoded data back into a first signal and outputs it. The protocol conversion module can be a MAC (media access control) chip, and the signal conversion module can be a BOSA (bidirectional optical subassembly) chip.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The lens module 20 includes a camera 21 and a first sensor 22. The camera 21 is used to acquire image information and transmits it to the first processing module 40 via the first sensor 22 with a first signal. The first sensor 22 can be a photoelectric sensor, and the lens module 20 may also include an acoustic-electric sensor (not shown in the figure). The acoustic-electric sensor can acquire sound information from outside the camera and transmit the sound information to the first processing module 40.

[0050] Figure 3 This is another structural schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 3The conversion module 30 includes a protocol conversion module 31 and a signal conversion module 32. The camera includes a first processing module 40, a power module 50, a motherboard 70, and an adapter 60. The power module 50 and the motherboard 70 are both housed in the receiving cavity 11 of the housing 10. The first processing module 40 is housed in the lens module 20, which can also be understood as including the camera 21, the first sensor 22, and the first processing module 40. In this case, the protocol conversion module 31 and the signal conversion module 32 are housed in the motherboard 70, and the power module 50 can also be housed in the motherboard 70 to improve the integration of the motherboard 70. In this method, the image information captured by the camera 21 is transmitted to the first processing module 40 through the first sensor 22. After the first processing module 40 performs shallow compression on the image information, it outputs a first signal to the protocol conversion module 31. The protocol conversion module 31 converts the first signal into a second signal and outputs it to the signal conversion module. Compared to placing the first processing module 40 on the motherboard 70, this method adjusts the position of the first processing module 40 in terms of structural layout, thereby reducing the number of components on the motherboard 70 and thus reducing the space occupied by the motherboard 70. In addition, placing the first processing module 40 in the lens module 20 can also improve the space utilization of the lens module 20.

[0051] It is worth mentioning that when the first processing module 40 is installed in the lens module 20, or when the lens module 20 includes the first processing module 40, the power module 50 and the optical cable for connecting to the signal conversion module 32 can both be connected to the adapter 60. Alternatively, a first interface and a second interface are provided on the housing 10, and the signal conversion module 32 and the power module 50 are connected to the outside through the first interface and the second interface, respectively.

[0052] Alternatively, the power module 50 may not be mounted on the motherboard 70. When the power module 50 is not mounted on the motherboard 70, both the power module 50 and the optical cable used to connect to the signal conversion module 32 can be connected to the adapter 60. Alternatively, a first interface and a second interface can be provided on the housing 10, and the signal conversion module 32 and the power module 50 can be connected to the outside through the first interface and the second interface, respectively.

[0053] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 4When the conversion module only includes a signal conversion module, the lens module 20 may include a camera 21, a first sensor 22, and a first processing module 40. The image information captured by the camera 21 is transmitted to the first processing module 40 through the first sensor 22. After the first processing module 40 performs shallow compression on the image information, it outputs a first signal to the signal conversion module 32. The signal conversion module 32 converts the first signal into an optical signal for output. More specifically, in this embodiment, the power module 50 included in the camera may be located on the motherboard 70, and the signal conversion module 32 may also be located on the motherboard 70. The power module 50 and the optical cable for connecting to the signal conversion module 32 may both be connected to an adapter 60 fixed on the housing 10.

[0054] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5a This is another structural schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 5a The conversion module 30 includes a protocol conversion module 31 and a signal conversion module 32. The camera may also include a second processing module 80, which may also be disposed in the receiving cavity 11. The second processing module receives image information output by the lens module 20 through a first signal, processes the image information, and then outputs the processed image information to the protocol conversion module 31 through the first signal. The protocol conversion module 31 converts the first signal into a second signal, and the signal conversion module 32 converts the second signal into an optical signal for output. The second signal can be a PON (passive optical network) protocol; more specifically, PON can include GPON, EPON, 50G PON, and XGS PON, etc. The signal conversion module 32 converts the electrical signal of the second signal into an optical signal, which is a PON protocol optical signal, to facilitate access to the optical fiber network, enabling the camera to support high-definition, high-frame-rate data transmission.

[0055] It is worth mentioning that when the camera includes the second processing module 80, the lens module 20 includes a camera 21 and a first sensor 22. The camera 21 is used to acquire image information and transmits it to the second processing module 80 via the first sensor 22 using a first signal. The first sensor 22 can be a photoelectric sensor, and the lens module 20 may also include an acoustic-electric sensor. The acoustic-electric sensor can acquire sound information from outside the camera and transmit the sound information to the second processing module 80 as well.

[0056] The second processing module 80 can be a SoC (system on chip) chip. The second processing module 80 may include a first processing unit 81, a second processing unit 82, a third processing unit 83, and a fourth processing unit 84. The first processing unit 81 can receive image information output from the first signal and convert the first signal into an image processing flow data format. The second processing unit 82 mainly processes the image processing flow data output from the first processing unit 81. The second processing unit 82 is typically an ISP (image signal processing). The third processing unit can be an AI-core (artificial intelligence computing core), an NPU (neural network processing unit), a GPU (graphics processing unit), a DSP (digital signal processor), or an FPGA (field programmable gate array). One or more of the following gate arrays (Field Programmable Gate Arrays): It should be noted that the relationship between the third processing unit 83 and the second processing unit 82 is not limited to a sequential or parallel relationship, but can also be a reciprocating transmission relationship between multiple modules; the fourth processing unit 84 performs deep compression on the results of the preceding processing to obtain an encoded output result, such as the JPEG encoding format or H.265 encoding format of an image, and then converts it into the first signal output.

[0057] The camera also includes a motherboard 70, which may house a second processing module 80, a protocol conversion module 31, and a signal conversion module 32. The second processing module 80 can be connected to the protocol conversion module 31 via an information transmission line on the motherboard 70, and the protocol conversion module 31 can also be connected to the signal conversion module 32 via the same information transmission line. The lens module 20 can be connected to the motherboard 70 via an information transmission line, and image information from the lens module 20 can be transmitted to the second processing module 80 via the motherboard 70. Alternatively, the lens module 20 can be directly transmitted to the second processing module 80 via the information transmission line. The motherboard 70 allows for greater module integration within the camera, improving the utilization of space within the housing.

[0058] In this embodiment, the camera may further include a power module 50, which can be mounted on the motherboard 70. The power module 50 can supply power to the second processing module 80, the protocol conversion module 31, and the signal conversion module 32 through power-conducting traces on the motherboard 70, ensuring continuous operation of these modules. Additionally, the camera may include an adapter 60, which is detachably mounted on the housing 10. The power module 50 and the optical cable for connecting to the signal conversion module 32 can both be connected to one end of the adapter 60 located within its housing. The other end of the adapter 60 is connected to a photoelectric composite cable. This approach reduces the number of interfaces on the camera housing 10, improving the camera's aesthetics and sealing. Furthermore, the power module converts the power transmitted via the photoelectric composite cable into different voltages for output to the second processing module 80, the protocol conversion module 31, and the signal conversion module 32.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figure 5a The camera housing 10 may be equipped with a first interface 12 and a second interface 13. The first interface 12 may have a connector, one end of which is connected to a signal conversion module 32 via an optical cable. The optical signal converted by the signal conversion module 32 is transmitted to the connector via the optical cable and output as an optical signal through the connector. The second interface 13 can serve as a power socket, connected to the power module 50 via a power-conducting cable. The second interface 13 is also connected to a power cord, supplying power to the power module 50. The power module 50 converts the electrical energy supplied by the power cord into different voltages and outputs them to the second processing module 80, the protocol conversion module 31, and the signal conversion module 32. The power module 50 can supply electrical energy to the lens module 20. The power module 50 can connect to the lens module 20 via the motherboard 70 or directly via a power-conducting cable.

[0060] In some embodiments, the power module 50 is also disposed in the receiving cavity 11, and the power module 50 is not disposed on the motherboard 70. In this case, the power module 50 and the optical cable for the signal conversion module 32 can be connected to the adapter 60. The power module 50 is also connected to the motherboard 70 through a power-on wiring to provide the transformed electrical energy to the second processing module 80, the protocol conversion module 31 and the signal conversion module 32 disposed on the motherboard 70, so as to ensure that the second processing module 80, the protocol conversion module 31 and the signal conversion module 32 can work stably.

[0061] Additionally, when the power module 50 is not mounted on the motherboard 70, the housing 10 can have a first interface 12 and a second interface 13. The first interface 12 can have a connector, one end of which is connected to the signal conversion module 32 via an optical cable. The optical signal converted by the signal conversion module 32 is transmitted to the connector via the optical cable and output through the connector. The second interface 13 can serve as a power socket, connected to the power module 50 via a power-conducting trace. The second interface 13 is also connected to a power cord, supplying power to the power module. The power module 50, through its connection to the motherboard 70, provides transformed electrical energy to the second processing module 80, protocol conversion module 31, and signal conversion module 32 mounted on the motherboard 70.

[0062] Figure 6 This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6a This is another structural schematic diagram of the camera provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6b This is another structural schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application. In any of the above embodiments, the camera further includes a wireless transceiver 90, to... Figure 6 , Figure 6a and Figure 6b Taking this as an example, the wireless transceiver 90 is at least partially housed in the housing 10. The wireless transceiver 90 is connected to the protocol conversion module 31. Since the protocol conversion module 31 is connected to the signal conversion module 32, the signal conversion module 32 converts the second signal into an optical signal output, enabling the camera to support high-bandwidth uplink and downlink transmission. Connecting the wireless transceiver 90 to the protocol conversion module allows the camera to function as a wireless network access point. When the camera is installed indoors, it can be reused as a Wi-Fi signal transceiver source. Alternatively, it can be understood that regardless of whether the protocol conversion module 31 receives the first signal after shallow compression by the first processing module 40, or the image information processed by the second processing module 80, the wireless transceiver 90 enables the camera to be reused as a Wi-Fi signal transceiver source.

[0063] It is worth mentioning that when the camera includes other deployment methods, as long as the signal output by the camera is an optical signal, a wireless transceiver 90 can be installed in the camera.

[0064] In some other embodiments, the conversion module may also include a protocol conversion module and a pluggable optical module. The protocol conversion module is used to receive image information output by the lens module through a first signal and convert the first signal into a second signal. The pluggable optical module is able to receive the second signal and convert the second signal into an optical signal.

[0065] In some embodiments, the optical fiber connected to the signal conversion module and the power line connected to the power module can be combined into an optoelectronic composite cable. The output end of the optoelectronic composite cable is disposed on the housing, and the output terminal of the optoelectronic composite cable is connected to the connector. The optoelectronic composite cable at the network end is also connected to the connector to realize transmission.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 7 This application also provides a monitoring system that may include the cameras described in any of the above technical solutions. Since the cameras can output light signals, the images received by the monitoring system are clearer, thus improving security. In addition to the camera 1, the monitoring system may also include a processing device 2, which is connected to at least one of the cameras 1. The processing device 2 can receive the light signals output by the camera 1 and perform calculations on the output light signals. In this way, some information processing modules within the camera can be deployed in the processing device 2 outside the camera, simplifying the internal structure of the camera 1 and making the camera 1 more streamlined. However, the overall monitoring system offers better image performance and is cost-effective.

[0067] The processing device 2 includes at least one optical interface for interacting with the optical signal output from the camera 1. The processing device 2 receives information received via the optical interface. The optical interface output signal of the camera 1 can, but is not limited to, image information, sound information, and communication information. Specifically, when the optical signal output information is image information and sound information, the camera 1 can be equipped with an image sensor, a microphone, or a sound sensor. When the optical signal output information is image information, sound information, and communication information, the camera 1 also includes a wireless transceiver.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 7The processing device 2 may include a beam splitter 201 and a processor 202, which are connected. The beam splitter 201 receives the optical signal from the camera 1. When there are multiple cameras 1, the beam splitter 201 can combine the optical signals from multiple cameras 1 to obtain a multiplexed optical signal. The processor 202 performs signal conversion, protocol conversion, and decoding on the multiplexed optical signal. The signal conversion converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, which can be the aforementioned PON protocol signal. After protocol conversion, it is further decoded. In particular, if the camera output is shallowly compressed, the processor 202 performs shallow compression decoding, and the output information is deep compressed after image processing, and the deeply compressed signal is output. In this method, the processor 202 in the processing device 2 can perform image processing on the multiplexed optical signal, and the processing device 2 has the function of three-dimensional image reconstruction. The monitoring system also has the function of three-dimensional image reconstruction. In addition, the processor 202 can also have image stitching functionality. The multiplexed optical signal after deep compression encoding can also be output after image stitching. Thus, the processing device 2 has image stitching capabilities, and the monitoring system also has image stitching capabilities. In this embodiment, multiple cameras 1 all output optical signals, and each camera 1 does not have internal image processing components. This not only reduces the size of the cameras 1 but also lowers the cost of each camera, thereby reducing the cost of the monitoring system. Since the optical signals output by the cameras 1 are PON protocol optical signals, the monitoring system can support high-precision synchronous image acquisition by multiple cameras 1.

[0069] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope and intent of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A video camera characterized by comprising: include: A housing having a receiving cavity; A lens module is disposed in the receiving cavity, the lens module is used to acquire image information, and the lens module outputs the image information through a first signal; A conversion module is disposed in the receiving cavity. The conversion module is used to receive the image information and convert the image information into an optical signal for output. The optical signal is a PON protocol signal.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein, The camera includes a wireless transceiver, one end of which is located in the receiving cavity and connected to the conversion module, and the other end of which is located on the outer surface of the housing or on the outside of the housing.

3. The camera of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The camera also includes an adapter and a power module. The power module is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the adapter is disposed in the housing. One end of the adapter is connected to the conversion module and the power module.

4. The camera of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The camera also includes a power module disposed in the receiving cavity. The housing includes a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is connected to the conversion module, and the second interface is used to connect to the power module.

5. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The conversion module includes a signal conversion module, which is used to convert the first signal into the optical signal output.

6. The camera of claim 5, wherein, The conversion module further includes a protocol conversion module, which is connected to the signal conversion module. The protocol conversion module is used to receive image information output by the lens module through a first signal and convert the first signal into a second signal, wherein the second signal is a PON protocol signal. The signal conversion module is used to convert the PON protocol signal into the optical signal output.

7. The camera as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The lens module includes a camera, a first sensor, and a first processing module. The camera is used to acquire image information. The first sensor is connected to the camera and is used to receive the image information acquired by the camera. The first sensor is connected to the first processing module, which is used to perform shallow compression on the image information and output the shallowly compressed information through the first signal.

8. The camera of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The camera includes a first processing module disposed in the receiving cavity. The first processing module is used to receive image information output by the first signal through the lens module, and to perform shallow compression on the image information. The shallowly compressed image information is then output to the protocol conversion module through the first signal.

9. The camera of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The camera also includes a second processing module, which receives image information output by the first signal from the lens module and sends the processed image information to the protocol conversion module.

10. The camera of claim 9, wherein, The camera also includes a motherboard, which is disposed in the receiving cavity. The motherboard is provided with the conversion module and the second processing module, or the motherboard is provided with the conversion module and the first processing module. The motherboard is electrically connected to the power module, which provides power to the motherboard, and there is a gap between the motherboard and the power module.

11. The camera of claim 7, wherein, The camera also includes a motherboard disposed in the receiving cavity. The motherboard is provided with the conversion module and the second processing module, or the motherboard is provided with the conversion module and the first processing module. The motherboard is also provided with a power module that provides power to the motherboard.

12. A monitoring system, characterized by It includes a processing device and at least one camera as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the processing device is connected to the at least one camera.

13. The monitoring system of claim 12, wherein, The processing device includes at least one optical interface, which is used to interact with the optical signal output by the camera. The processing device is used to receive information output via the optical signal and to process the information output by the optical signal.

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