A state control method and system for a camera and a camera

Abstract

This invention provides a state control method, system, and camera for a camera, applicable to the field of cameras. The camera's processor controls the camera's state based on the triggering of a first signal and a second signal, controlling the camera to be in an active or standby state. The first signal comes from a passive infrared sensor, and the second signal comes from radar. The first signal is triggered when someone moves within the detection area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, and the second signal is triggered when someone moves within the detection area of ​​the radar. The detection areas of the passive infrared sensor and the radar overlap. This effectively reduces the camera's power consumption, increases standby time, and helps reduce invalid video files.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cameras, and specifically relates to a state control method, system and camera for a camera. Background Technology

[0002] In some scenarios, cameras (e.g., surveillance / security cameras) only need to operate when someone (e.g., a suspicious person) enters the target area (e.g., a restricted area). When the area being filmed is unoccupied, the camera can save power by going into standby mode (also known as hibernation / sleep).

[0003] In existing technology, some cameras use passive infrared sensors (PIR) to control their own status in order to save power. Specifically, if a signal is received from the PIR (indicating that someone has entered the target area), the camera will operate; otherwise, the camera will be in standby mode.

[0004] The principle of PIR (Probe Infrared) is based on the thermal radiation of objects. When the temperature of an object changes, it emits infrared radiation. PIR sensors can detect this infrared radiation and convert it into electrical signals. By processing these signals, we can determine whether there is movement or presence of objects in the environment. Based on this principle, PIR is easily interfered with by changes in the surrounding environment. Even if no one enters the detection zone, PIR may incorrectly provide signals caused by environmental changes to devices in standby mode. For example, wind, sunlight, lights, air conditioning, refrigerators, and heating can all cause changes in environmental energy, thus incorrectly triggering PIR signals.

[0005] It can be seen that using only a PIR sensor is more prone to misjudgments, leading to increased overall power consumption and shortened standby time. For battery-powered cameras, frequent charging or battery replacement is required. Furthermore, invalid recording files also consume significant storage space.

[0006] To avoid false triggering of the PIR sensor, some solutions introduce human detection algorithms based on image recognition. However, the implementation of this algorithm requires the main control unit and image sensor to operate, which further increases the overall power consumption and seriously affects the device's standby time. Furthermore, if a person is too close or too far from the lens, the algorithm will fail to detect them. In other words, the introduction of human detection algorithms also significantly detracts from the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method, system, and camera for controlling the status of a camera.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a state control method for a camera, the method being executed by a processor of the camera, the method comprising: controlling the state of the camera based on the triggering of a first signal and a triggering of a second signal, wherein the camera is controlled to be in an active state or a standby state. The first signal originates from a passive infrared sensor, and the second signal originates from a radar. The first signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, and the second signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the radar. The detection areas of the passive infrared sensor and the radar overlap.

[0009] In some embodiments, controlling the state of the camera based on the triggering of the first signal and the triggering of the second signal includes: when the camera is in a standby state, performing one of the following operations: in response to receiving both the first signal and the second signal, enabling the camera to enter a working state; in response to receiving only the first signal or the second signal, keeping the camera in a standby state; in response to not receiving either the first signal or the second signal, keeping the camera in a standby state.

[0010] In some embodiments, controlling the state of the camera based on the triggering of the first signal and the triggering of the second signal further includes: when the camera is in a working state, performing one of the following operations: entering a standby state in response to not receiving the first signal or the second signal; keeping the camera in a working state in response to receiving only the first signal or the second signal; keeping the camera in a working state in response to receiving both the first signal and the second signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processor is a microcontroller, the standby state refers to the camera's main control unit and image sensor being in a power-off state, and the working state refers to the camera's main control unit and image sensor being in a power-on state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method is applicable to battery-powered cameras.

[0013] In some embodiments, the camera further includes: a battery for powering the camera; a main power module for powering each power module of the camera; a switch connected between the battery and the main power module; a first power module for powering the microcontroller; a second power module for powering the main control unit; and a third power module for powering the image sensor. The microcontroller is further configured to: control whether the main power module powers each power module of the camera; control whether the second power module powers the main control unit; and control whether the third power module powers the image sensor.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention preferably provides a state control method for a camera, the method using a camera from any of the methods described above, including... Figure 4 Steps 410 to 460 are shown below:

[0015] Step 410, the camera is started;

[0016] Step 420: The camera enters standby mode;

[0017] Step 430: The camera's MCU determines whether someone has entered the sensing area. The sensing area refers to the overlapping part of the PIR sensing area and the radar sensing area. If a first signal from the PIR and a second signal from the radar are received, the MCU determines that someone has entered the sensing area. Otherwise, the MCU determines that no one has entered the sensing area.

[0018] If it is determined that someone has entered the sensing area, the MCU continues to execute steps 440 and 450; otherwise, the MCU executes step 430 again to perform a new round of judgment.

[0019] Step 440: The camera enters working mode;

[0020] The MCU can control the camera to switch from standby mode to working mode; this switching is also known as camera wake-up. The MCU can control whether the main control unit and image sensor are powered on or off, thus controlling whether the camera is in working or standby mode. Powering on corresponds to working mode, and powering off corresponds to standby mode.

[0021] Step 450: The MCU determines whether the person has left the sensing area;

[0022] If no first signal from PIR or second signal from radar is received, the MCU determines that the person has left the sensing area; otherwise, the MCU determines that the person has not left the sensing area.

[0023] If it is determined that the person has left the sensing area, the MCU controls the camera to enter standby mode, i.e., execute step 420; otherwise, the MCU controls the camera to execute step 460, and the MCU executes step 450 again to perform a new round of judgment.

[0024] Step 460: The camera continues to operate.

[0025] Thirdly, the present invention preferably provides a state control method for a camera, the method using a camera from any of the above-described methods, including... Figure 8 The steps shown are as follows:

[0026] S1, Battery-Powered Camera Startup;

[0027] S2, the battery camera enters sleep mode, cutting off power to the main control and image sensor power modules, but the MCU remains in operation, processing subsequent signals and control logic;

[0028] S3, wait for the trigger signal to determine whether a person or animal has entered the detection area of ​​the PIR or radar;

[0029] S4, if the PIR sensor detects someone entering the sensing area, it will output a high level. If this is the case, proceed to step S6; otherwise, if this is the case, no signal will be output.

[0030] S5, the radar sensor will output a high level when it detects someone entering the sensing area. The threshold parameter of this high level output can be dynamically adjusted according to the actual scene. If the output of a high level is determined to be yes, then proceed to step S6; otherwise, if it is determined to be no, no signal will be output.

[0031] S6, the MCU determines whether both sensors are triggered. If only the PIR signal is received and the radar signal is not received, proceed to step S7; if only the radar signal is received and the PIR signal is not received, proceed to step S8; if both the radar signal and the PIR signal are received simultaneously, proceed to step S9. Here, the MCU is in a low-power state, used to process the judgment of radar sensor and PIR sensor signals and control the power supply of the main controller and image sensor to wake up or put the camera into sleep mode.

[0032] S7. When a PIR sensor signal is received but a radar sensor signal is not received, it is determined to be a false trigger and no action is taken. Return to step S3 and continue to wait for the radar sensor to be triggered.

[0033] S8. When a radar sensor signal is received but a PIR sensor signal is not received, it is determined to be a false trigger and no action is taken. Return to step S3 and continue to wait for the PIR sensor to be triggered.

[0034] S9, when both the radar signal and the PIR signal are received by the MCU, the camera is woken up and put into working mode. This mainly involves powering on and starting the power modules of the camera's main controller and image sensor.

[0035] S10, the MCU determines whether the person has left the sensing area; if neither the PIR sensor nor the radar sensor emits a signal, it means the person has left the sensing area, and the determination is yes; if the radar sensor signal or the PIR sensor signal still exists, it means the person is still in the sensing area, and the determination is no; if yes, return to step S2; if no, proceed to step S11.

[0036] S11, the battery camera continues to work, return to step S10.

[0037] Fourthly, the present invention provides a state control system for a camera, comprising: a signal acquisition module for acquiring a first signal and a second signal; and a control module for controlling the state of the camera according to the triggering conditions of the first signal and the second signal, wherein the camera is controlled to be in an operating state or a standby state. The first signal originates from a passive infrared sensor, and the second signal originates from a radar. The first signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, and the second signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the radar. The detection areas of the passive infrared sensor and the radar overlap.

[0038] Fifthly, the present invention provides a camera, including a processor, an image sensor, a passive infrared sensor, and a radar. The image sensor is used to acquire image signals, the passive infrared sensor is used to acquire a first signal, the radar is used to acquire a second signal, and the processor is used to execute the state control method for the camera as described in the first aspect.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor is an MCU, and the camera further includes a main control unit for processing image signals acquired by the image sensor. Accordingly, standby mode refers to both the main control unit and the image sensor being powered off or in sleep mode, while operating mode refers to both the main control unit and the image sensor being powered on and running.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the state control method for a camera as described in the first or second aspect.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the state control method for a camera as described in the first or second aspect.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following:

[0043] (1) The combination of PIR and radar can effectively reduce the false trigger rate, that is, reduce the probability of the camera being woken up (entering working state) unnecessarily, thereby reducing the power consumption of the overall device, increasing the standby time, and helping to reduce invalid video files;

[0044] (2) Since both PIR and radar are passively triggered (i.e., no signal will be output when there is no one in the sensing area) and the image sensor does not need to work, the present invention further reduces the power consumption of the whole machine. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of this application, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] Figure 1 This is an exemplary flowchart of a camera state control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an exemplary PIR.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the components of an exemplary radar.

[0049] Figure 4 This is an exemplary flowchart of a state control method for a camera provided in a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the camera configuration provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the camera configuration provided in a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 7 This is an exemplary block diagram of a camera status control system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 8 This is another exemplary flowchart of a state control method for a camera provided in a preferred embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To better understand the technical content and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 This is an exemplary flowchart of a camera state control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Flow 100 is executed by the camera's processor. Figure 1 As shown, process 100 includes the following steps.

[0056] Step 110: Control the state of the camera based on the triggering status of the first signal and the triggering status of the second signal.

[0057] Step 110 can be executed periodically. Specifically, signal acquisition can be periodic, with the signal acquisition period coinciding with the state control period. Based on this, the processor can control the camera's state in the current period according to the triggering status of the first and second signals in the previous period. It can be understood that when the aforementioned period is short enough, the first and second signals within the same period can be considered to be signals from the same moment. Generally speaking, the first and second signals used to control the camera's current state always appear in the same time period (such as within the same period).

[0058] The camera is controlled to be in either working or standby mode. When powered on, the camera's state can be either working or standby. It can be understood that, compared to working mode, standby mode is a low-power operating mode.

[0059] The first signal comes from the PIR and is triggered when someone moves within the PIR's detection area (e.g., a suspicious person enters the sensing area and lingers). The PIR outputs a high-level signal if it detects someone moving within its sensing area; otherwise, it outputs no signal.

[0060] For example, the following can be adopted: Figure 2 The digital PIR shown includes a Fresnel lens, a pyroelectric probe, and a signal amplifier. The human body surface temperature is approximately 37 degrees Celsius, emitting infrared radiation of about 10 nanometers. This infrared radiation is focused onto the pyroelectric probe by the Fresnel lens. Upon receiving the infrared radiation from the human body, the pyroelectric probe loses its charge balance and releases a charge, which is then processed by the signal amplifier to generate a high-level signal.

[0061] The second signal originates from the radar and is triggered when someone moves within the radar's detection area (e.g., a suspicious person enters and lingers within the detection area). The radar outputs a high-level signal if it detects someone moving within its detection area; otherwise, it outputs no signal. The threshold parameter for the second signal (which determines whether the second signal is triggered) can be dynamically adjusted according to the actual scenario. Specifically, this threshold can be determined by measuring the frequency of distance changes as someone moves within the radar's detection area multiple times to determine the output signal level.

[0062] For example, such as Figure 3As shown, the radar includes a digital signal processor (DSP), a first mixer, a signal amplifier, a transmitting antenna, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a second mixer, a low-noise amplifier, and a receiving antenna. The DSP is used to transmit intermediate frequency (IF) signals and process received signals. It outputs the recognition result (i.e., the second signal) by identifying changes in the received signal. The first mixer boosts the IF signal transmitted by the DSP to a higher frequency. The transmit signal amplifier amplifies the power of this high-frequency signal to increase the strength of the transmitted signal. The transmit antenna transmits the amplified high-frequency signal. When this high-frequency signal encounters an obstacle (such as a moving object), it will be reflected back. The receive antenna receives the reflected signal and sends it to the low-noise amplifier. The low-noise amplifier enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal and sends the signal to the second mixer. The second mixer reduces the high-frequency signal to an IF. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the IF signal into a digital signal for the DSP to process. The DSP analyzes the distance signal accumulated over a period of time. If the distance from the obstacle to the radar changes within a period of time, it is considered that a moving object (such as a person) has entered the radar's sensing area. Thus, the DSP outputs a signal reflecting this distance change (i.e., the second signal).

[0063] The detection areas of the PIR and the radar overlap to achieve detection of the same area (overlapping area). It should be understood that the overlapping area can be configured to coincide with the imaging area (e.g., they substantially overlap). Preferably, the detection areas of the PIR and the radar can each be configured to coincide with the imaging area.

[0064] Based on the preceding explanation of principles, PIR is susceptible to interference from environmental changes, while radar is susceptible to interference from nearby obstacles (obscuring distant targets) and is not adept at identifying living beings. However, due to their different operating principles, PIR is generally unaffected by nearby obstacles and excels at human detection, while radar is generally unaffected by environmental changes. In other words, PIR and radar can complement each other. Therefore, compared to traditional solutions (based solely on PIR triggering), this invention, through the combination of PIR and radar, effectively reduces the false trigger rate, i.e., reduces the probability of the camera being unnecessarily woken up (entering working mode), thereby reducing overall device power consumption, increasing standby time, and helping to reduce invalid video files. Furthermore, since both PIR and radar are passively triggered (i.e., they do not output any signal when the sensing area is empty) and the image sensor does not need to operate, this invention further reduces overall device power consumption.

[0065] In some embodiments, the camera's control unit may include a main control unit and a microcontroller unit (MCU), wherein the MCU is used to control the camera's state (i.e., execute process 100). An MCU is an embedded system that integrates a processor core, memory, interfaces, clock circuits, and other modules. The MCU provides various input / output interfaces, including sensor interfaces (e.g., PIR, radar). The advantages of MCUs include high integration, small size, low power consumption, strong control functions, and good scalability. Therefore, having the MCU handle state control can effectively reduce the camera's power consumption.

[0066] It is worth mentioning that the main control unit can be an MCU chip or other chips, such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0067] For a camera that includes a microcontroller and a main control unit (and of course, necessary modules such as an image sensor), standby mode can mean that the camera's main control unit and image sensor are both powered off or in a dormant state, while working mode can mean that the camera's main control unit and image sensor are both powered on and running.

[0068] In some embodiments, process 100 applies to battery-powered cameras, i.e., cameras that support battery power (such as built-in rechargeable batteries). For battery-powered cameras (e.g., surveillance / security cameras), process 100 helps reduce the frequency of charging or battery replacement, improving the user experience.

[0069] In some embodiments, when the camera is in standby mode, the processor (such as an MCU) can perform one of the following operations: activate the camera in operation upon receiving a first signal and a second signal; maintain the camera in standby mode upon receiving only the first signal or the second signal; or maintain the camera in standby mode upon not receiving either the first signal or the second signal. As mentioned earlier, the PIR and radar can compensate for each other's weaknesses. If both the PIR and radar are triggered (i.e., the first and second signals are received), it indicates a high probability that someone has entered the sensing area (the probability of both the PIR and radar falsely triggering can be considered sufficiently small). In this case, the processor can activate the camera in operation.

[0070] In some embodiments, when the camera is in operation, the processor (such as an MCU) can perform one of the following operations: enter a standby state in response to the absence of a first or second signal; keep the camera in operation in response to the receipt of only the first or second signal; or keep the camera in operation in response to the receipt of both the first and second signals. Similarly, if neither the PIR nor the radar is triggered (i.e., no first or second signal is received), it indicates a high probability that the person has left the sensing area (the probability that both the PIR and radar are malfunctioning can be considered sufficiently small). In this case, the processor can put the camera into a standby state.

[0071] Figure 4 This is an exemplary flowchart of a camera state control method provided in a preferred embodiment of this application. The method uses a camera from any of the methods described above, such as... Figure 4 As shown, process 400 includes the following steps.

[0072] Step 410: The camera is started.

[0073] Step 420: The camera enters standby mode.

[0074] Step 430: The MCU determines whether someone has entered the sensing area.

[0075] It should be understood that the sensing area in step 430 and the subsequent step 450 refers to the overlapping part of the sensing area of ​​the PIR and the sensing area of ​​the radar.

[0076] Specifically, if the MCU receives the first signal from the PIR and the second signal from the radar, it determines that someone has entered the sensing area; otherwise, the MCU determines that no one has entered the sensing area.

[0077] If it is determined that someone has entered the sensing area, the MCU continues to execute steps 440 and 450. Otherwise, the MCU executes step 430 again to perform a new round of judgment.

[0078] Step 440: The camera enters working mode.

[0079] The MCU can control the camera to switch from standby mode to working mode; this switching is also known as camera wake-up. The MCU can control the camera's working or standby state by controlling whether the main control unit and image sensor are powered on or off, with power on corresponding to working mode and power off corresponding to standby mode.

[0080] Step 450: The MCU determines whether the person has left the sensing area.

[0081] Specifically, if no first signal from PIR or second signal from radar is received, the MCU determines that the person has left (is not in) the sensing area; otherwise, the MCU determines that the person has not left (is still in) the sensing area.

[0082] If the sensor determines that the person has left (is not in) the sensing area, the MCU controls the camera to enter standby mode, i.e., execute step 420. Otherwise, the MCU controls the camera to execute step 460, and the MCU executes step 450 again to perform a new round of judgment.

[0083] Step 460: The camera continues to operate.

[0084] The MCU can control the camera to switch from standby mode to working mode.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the camera provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the camera 500 includes a processor 505, an image sensor 510, a PIR 506, and a radar 507. The image sensor 510 is used to acquire image signals, the PIR 506 is used to acquire a first signal, and the radar 507 is used to acquire a second signal. The processor 505 is used to execute the state control method for the camera 500 provided in this embodiment of the application. More details about this method can be found in... Figure 1 The relevant descriptions can be found here, so I will not repeat them here.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processor 505 is an MCU, and the camera 500 also includes a main control unit (MCU). Figure 5 (Not shown), the main control unit is used to process the image signals acquired by the image sensor 510. Correspondingly, the standby state means that both the main control unit of the camera 500 and the image sensor 510 are in a power-off state, and the working state means that both the main control unit of the camera 500 and the image sensor 510 are in a power-on state.

[0088] In other embodiments, the MCU 505 and the main control unit can be replaced by a single processor. For example, when the camera 500 is in standby mode, the MCU 505 operates at low power and controls the image sensor 510 to power off. At this time, the MCU 505 controls the state of the camera 500 but does not process image signals. When the camera 500 is in operating mode, the MCU 505 operates at normal power and controls the image sensor 510 to power on. At this time, the MCU 505 also processes image signals. That is, the main control unit is not necessary.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera provided in a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the camera 500 includes a battery 501, a switch 502, a main power module 503, a first power module 504, an MCU 505, a PIR 506, a radar 507, a second power module 508, a main control unit 509, a third power module 510, and an image sensor 511.

[0091] Battery 501 is used to power camera 500.

[0092] The main power module 502 is used to supply power to the various power modules of the camera 500.

[0093] Switch 503 is connected between battery 501 and main power module 502. That is, switch 503 is used to manually control the power on / off of the entire system.

[0094] The first power module 504 is used to power the MCU 505.

[0095] The second power module 508 is used to supply power to the main control unit 509.

[0096] The third power supply module 510 is used to supply power to the image sensor 511.

[0097] The MCU 505 is also used to: control whether the main power module 502 supplies power to each power module of the camera 500 (e.g., the first power module 504, the second power module 508, and the third power module 510), that is, to control the power-on / power-off of the entire system through the main power module 502; control whether the second power module 508 supplies power to the main control unit 509; and control whether the third power module 510 supplies power to the image sensor 511.

[0098] In some embodiments, the MCU 505 is also used to collect the real-time voltage of the battery 501 and determine whether it is necessary to control the main power module 502 to cut off the power to each power module of the camera 500 based on the real-time voltage of the battery 501. For example, when the real-time voltage of the battery 501 is lower than a set threshold, the MCU 505 can control the main power module 502 to cut off the power to each power module of the camera 500.

[0099] Figure 7 This is an exemplary block diagram of a camera status control system provided in an embodiment of this application. System 700 can... Figure 5 or Figure 6 This is implemented on the camera 500 shown. Figure 7 As shown, system 700 includes a signal acquisition module 710 and a control module 720.

[0100] The signal acquisition module 710 is used to acquire the first signal and the second signal.

[0101] The control module 720 is used to control the state of the camera based on the triggering of the first signal and the triggering of the second signal, so that the camera is controlled to be in working state or standby state.

[0102] The first signal comes from the PIR and the second signal comes from the radar. The first signal is triggered when someone moves within the detection area of ​​the PIR and the second signal is triggered when someone moves within the detection area of ​​the radar. The detection areas of the PIR and the radar overlap.

[0103] More details about System 700 and its modules can be found at [link to relevant information]. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions can be found here, so I will not repeat them here.

[0104] Embodiments of the method of this application can also be described as follows: Figure 8 The process shown uses a camera from any of the methods described above, and includes the following steps.

[0105] S1, the battery-powered camera is powered on and started.

[0106] S2, the battery camera enters sleep mode. This mainly cuts off the power to the main control and image sensor power modules, but the MCU is still working, processing subsequent signals and control logic.

[0107] S3, wait for the trigger signal to determine if a person or animal has entered the detection area of ​​the PIR or radar.

[0108] S4, if the PIR sensor detects someone entering the sensing area, it will output a high level. If this is confirmed, proceed to step S6; otherwise, if not, no signal will be output. A digital PIR sensor is used here, which consists of a Fresnel lens, a pyroelectric probe, and a signal amplifier (e.g., ...). Figure 2 When the human body is at 37°C, it emits infrared radiation of about 10 nanometers. This radiation is focused onto the pyroelectric probe by Fresnel. After receiving the infrared radiation from the human body, this component loses its charge balance and releases charges. After being processed by the signal amplifier, it generates high and low level signals.

[0109] S5, the radar sensor is triggered by detecting someone entering the detection area and outputs a high-level signal. The threshold parameter for this high-level output can be dynamically adjusted according to the actual scenario. If the output of a high-level signal is correct, proceed to step S6; otherwise, if not, no signal is output. The radar sensor described here consists of a signal processing module + mixer A + signal amplifier + transmitting antenna + digital-to-analog converter module + mixer B + low-noise amplifier + receiving antenna (e.g., ...). Figure 3The signal processing module is used to transmit intermediate frequency (IF) signals and process received signals. It also judges changes in the received signal to output results. Mixer A boosts the IF signal transmitted by the signal processing module to a high frequency. The transmitting signal amplifier enhances the power of the high-frequency signal to increase the strength of the transmitted signal. The transmitting antenna transmits the amplified high-frequency signal. When the high-frequency signal encounters an obstacle, it will be reflected back. The receiving antenna receives the reflected signal and sends it to the low-noise amplifier. The low-noise amplifier enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal and sends the signal to mixer B. Mixer B reduces the high-frequency signal to the IF. The analog-to-digital converter module converts the IF signal into a digital signal for the signal processing module to process. The signal processor analyzes the accumulated distance signal over a period of time. If the distance changes within a period of time, the signal processor will determine that a moving object has entered the sensing range, and the signal output terminal will output a signal indicating this distance change.

[0110] In step S6, the MCU determines whether both sensors are triggered. If only the PIR signal is received and no radar signal is received, proceed to step S7; if only the radar signal is received and no PIR signal is received, proceed to step S8. If both radar and PIR signals are received simultaneously, proceed to step S9. Here, the MCU is in a low-power state, primarily used to process and determine the signals from the radar and PIR sensors, and to control the power supply to the main controller and image sensor to wake up or put the camera into sleep mode.

[0111] S7. When a PIR sensor signal is received but a radar sensor signal is not received, it is determined to be a false trigger and no action is taken. The process returns to step S3 to continue waiting for the radar sensor to be triggered.

[0112] S8. When a radar sensor signal is received but a PIR sensor signal is not received, it is determined to be a false trigger and no action is taken. The process returns to step S3 to continue waiting for the PIR sensor to be triggered.

[0113] S9: When both the radar signal and the PIR signal are received by the MCU, the camera is woken up and put into working mode. This mainly involves powering on and starting the power modules of the camera's main controller and image sensor.

[0114] S10, the MCU determines whether the person has left the sensing area. If neither the PIR sensor nor the radar sensor emits a signal, it means the person has left the sensing area, and the determination is yes. If the radar sensor signal or the PIR sensor signal is still present, it means the person is still within the sensing area, and the determination is no. If yes, return to step S2; if no, proceed to step S11.

[0115] S11, the battery camera continues to work, return to step S10.

[0116] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the state control method for a camera provided in this application.

[0117] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the state control method for a camera provided in this application.

[0118] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0119] The image enhancement method and system provided by the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the state of a camera, characterized in that, The method is executed by the processor of the camera, and the method includes: Based on the triggering of the first signal and the triggering of the second signal, the state of the camera is controlled, and the camera is controlled to be in working state or standby state; The first signal comes from a passive infrared sensor, and the second signal comes from a radar. The first signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, and the second signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the radar. The detection areas of the passive infrared sensor and the radar overlap.

2. The camera state control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the state of the camera based on the triggering of the first signal and the triggering of the second signal includes: When the camera is in standby mode, perform one of the following operations: In response to receiving the first signal and the second signal, the camera enters the working state; In response to receiving only the first signal or the second signal, the camera is kept in standby mode; In response to not receiving the first signal or the second signal, the camera is kept in standby mode.

3. The camera state control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the state of the camera based on the triggering of the first signal and the triggering of the second signal further includes: When the camera is in operation, perform one of the following operations: In response to not receiving the first signal or the second signal, it enters standby mode; The camera remains operational in response to receiving either the first signal or the second signal. In response to receiving the first signal and the second signal, the camera is kept in an operational state.

4. The camera state control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is a microcontroller; Standby mode refers to the camera's main control unit and image sensor being in a power-off or sleep state, while working mode refers to the camera's main control unit and image sensor being in a power-on and operating state.

5. The camera state control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method is applicable to battery-powered cameras.

6. A method for controlling the state of a camera, characterized in that, The method uses a camera as described in any one of claims 1-5, and includes: Step 410, the camera is started; Step 420: The camera enters standby mode; Step 430: The camera's MCU determines whether someone has entered the sensing area. The sensing area refers to the overlapping part of the PIR sensing area and the radar sensing area. If a first signal from the PIR and a second signal from the radar are received, the MCU determines that someone has entered the sensing area. Otherwise, the MCU determines that no one has entered the sensing area. If it is determined that someone has entered the sensing area, the MCU continues to execute steps 440 and 450; otherwise, the MCU executes step 430 again to perform a new round of judgment. Step 440: The camera enters working mode; The MCU can control the camera to switch from standby mode to working mode; the MCU can control the camera to work or standby by controlling whether the main control unit and image sensor are powered on or not. Powering on corresponds to working mode, while power off or hibernation corresponds to standby mode. Step 450: The MCU determines whether the person has left the sensing area; If no first signal from PIR or second signal from radar is received, the MCU determines that the person has left the sensing area; otherwise, the MCU determines that the person has not left the sensing area. If it is determined that the person has left the sensing area, the MCU controls the camera to enter standby mode, i.e., execute step 420; otherwise, the MCU controls the camera to execute step 460, and the MCU executes step 450 again; in step 460, the camera continues to work.

7. A method for controlling the state of a camera, characterized in that, The method uses a camera as described in any one of claims 1-5, and includes: S1, Battery-Powered Camera Startup; S2, the battery camera enters sleep mode, cutting off power to the main control and image sensor power modules, but the MCU remains in operation, processing subsequent signals and control logic; S3, wait for the trigger signal to determine whether a person or animal has entered the detection area of ​​the PIR or radar; S4, if the PIR sensor detects someone entering the sensing area, it will output a high level. If this is the case, proceed to step S6; otherwise, if this is the case, no signal will be output. S5, the radar sensor will output a high level when it detects someone entering the sensing area. The threshold parameter of this high level output can be dynamically adjusted according to the actual scene. If the output of a high level is determined to be yes, then proceed to step S6; otherwise, if it is determined to be no, no signal will be output. S6, the MCU determines whether both sensors are triggered. If only the PIR signal is received and the radar signal is not received, proceed to step S7; if only the radar signal is received and the PIR signal is not received, proceed to step S8; if both the radar signal and the PIR signal are received simultaneously, proceed to step S9. Here, the MCU is in a low-power state, used to process the judgment of radar sensor and PIR sensor signals and control the power supply of the main controller and image sensor to wake up or put the camera into sleep mode. S7. When a PIR sensor signal is received but a radar sensor signal is not received, it is determined to be a false trigger and no action is taken. Return to step S3 and continue to wait for the radar sensor to be triggered. S8. When a radar sensor signal is received but a PIR sensor signal is not received, it is determined to be a false trigger and no action is taken. Return to step S3 and continue to wait for the PIR sensor to be triggered. S9, when both the radar signal and the PIR signal are received by the MCU, the camera is woken up and put into working mode. This mainly involves powering on and starting the power modules of the camera's main controller and image sensor. S10, the MCU determines whether the person has left the sensing area; if neither the PIR sensor nor the radar sensor emits a signal, it means the person has left the sensing area, and the determination is yes; if the radar sensor signal or the PIR sensor signal still exists, it means the person is still in the sensing area, and the determination is no; if yes, return to step S2; if no, proceed to step S11. S11, the battery camera continues to work, return to step S10.

8. A state control system for a camera, characterized in that, The system is applicable to the state control method for a camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the system comprising: a signal acquisition module for acquiring a first signal and a second signal; The control module is used to control the state of the camera according to the triggering conditions of the first signal and the second signal, wherein the camera is controlled to be in working state or standby state; wherein the first signal comes from a passive infrared sensor and the second signal comes from a radar, the first signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, and the second signal is triggered when a person moves within the detection area of ​​the radar, and the detection areas of the passive infrared sensor and the radar overlap.

9. A camera, characterized in that, The system includes a processor, an image sensor, a passive infrared sensor, and a radar. The image sensor is used to acquire image signals, the passive infrared sensor is used to acquire a first signal, and the radar is used to acquire a second signal. The processor is used to execute the state control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The processor is an MCU, and the camera also includes a main control unit, which is used to process the image signals acquired by the image sensor; Standby mode refers to the camera's main control unit and image sensor being in a power-off or sleep state, while working mode refers to the camera's main control unit and image sensor being in a power-on and operating state.

10. A camera as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A storage battery is used to power the camera; The main power module is used to supply power to the individual power modules of the camera; A switch is connected between the battery and the main power module; The first power supply module is used to supply power to the microcontroller; The second power module is used to supply power to the main control unit; The third power supply module is used to power the image sensor; The microcontroller is also used to: control whether the main power module supplies power to each power module of the camera; control whether the second power module supplies power to the main control unit; and control whether the third power module supplies power to the image sensor.

Images