Imaging apparatus and dynamic cooling control method for imaging apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a camera device and a dynamic cooling control method thereof, wherein the camera device comprises a lens body and a cooling assembly; the cooling assembly is arranged on the lens body and comprises an electrochromic glass, an aperture, a liquid crystal prism, an image sensor and a processor; the image sensor is used for collecting temperature information of a sunlight focusing position in real time; the processor is connected with the electrochromic glass, the aperture, the liquid crystal prism, the image sensor and a semiconductor refrigerator respectively and is used for receiving the temperature information of the focusing position; according to the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold value, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture is adjusted to a smaller gear, so that the temperature of the focusing position is reduced, the problem that the sunlight directly irradiates the lens of the camera device in the related art and causes the image sensor to be damaged is solved, the rapid cooling of the focusing position is realized without changing the angle of the lens body, and the damage of the image sensor caused by high temperature is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of spectral modulation technology, and in particular to camera equipment and a dynamic cooling control method for camera equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Cameras designed to detect objects thrown from heights are primarily used to monitor and record such incidents, ensuring the safety of public areas. The higher the building, the greater the required elevation angle for the camera, which can lead to direct sunlight hitting the camera lens during monitoring. When sunlight shines directly on the lens, the internal lenses focus the light, forming a high-energy spot. This high-energy spot focuses on the image sensor of the camera, causing a rapid increase in localized temperature and potentially burning out the sensor, resulting in irreversible damage. Furthermore, the high temperature can also affect the performance of other electronic components, shortening the lifespan of the camera equipment.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of sunlight shining directly into the lens of a camera, causing damage to the image sensor and shortening the lifespan of the camera. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This embodiment provides a camera device and a dynamic cooling control method for the camera device to solve the problem in related technologies where direct sunlight shines on the lens of the camera device, causing damage to the image sensor.

[0005] Firstly, this embodiment provides a camera device, including a lens body and a cooling component;

[0006] The cooling component is disposed on the lens body and includes: electrochromic glass, aperture, liquid crystal prism, image sensor and processor;

[0007] Sunlight passes sequentially through electrochromic glass, an aperture, and a liquid crystal prism before being focused onto the image sensor;

[0008] The image sensor is used to collect temperature information at the focal point of sunlight in real time;

[0009] The processor is connected to the electrochromic glass, aperture, liquid crystal prism, image sensor and semiconductor cooler respectively, and is used to receive the temperature information at the focusing position;

[0010] Based on the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture is decreased to lower the temperature at the focusing position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cooling assembly further includes a thermoelectric cooler; the thermoelectric cooler is attached to the image sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the image sensor is divided into multiple target areas; the thermoelectric cooler includes multiple thermoelectric cooling units;

[0013] Each of the target areas is fitted with a corresponding semiconductor cooling unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the semiconductor cooling unit includes multi-stage microchannels; the flow rate of the coolant in the microchannels is controlled by the processor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism includes a plurality of lenses and an electrode array; the plurality of lenses are connected to form a sealing layer;

[0016] The electrode array is disposed at both ends of the sealing layer; the electrode array generates a continuously changing voltage gradient under the voltage applied by the processor to adjust the refractive index.

[0017] Secondly, this embodiment provides a dynamic cooling control method for a camera device, applicable to the camera device described in the first aspect above; the method includes:

[0018] Receive the temperature information at the focusing position;

[0019] Based on the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture setting is decreased to lower the temperature at the focusing position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0021] Determine whether the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold again;

[0022] If the temperature information is again greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the semiconductor cooler is controlled to cool the image sensor, and the electrochromic glass and the aperture are controlled to return to their initial state.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0024] After controlling the semiconductor cooler to cool the image sensor and controlling the electrochromic glass and the aperture to return to their initial state; when a preset time threshold is reached, under a preset switching command, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted to switch the target area where the focusing position is located.

[0025] In some embodiments, upon reaching a preset time threshold, under a preset switching command, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted to switch the target area where the focusing position is located, including:

[0026] When a preset time threshold is reached, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted under a preset switching command to randomly or sequentially switch the target area where the focusing position is located.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0028] After switching the target area where the focus position is located, the target area where the focus position was located before the switch is used as a reference to perform image correction on the target area where the focus position is located after the switch.

[0029] Compared with related technologies, the camera device and its dynamic cooling control method provided in this embodiment include a camera device comprising a lens body and a cooling component. The cooling component, disposed on the lens body, includes an electrochromic glass, an aperture, a liquid crystal prism, an image sensor, and a processor. Sunlight passes through the electrochromic glass, aperture, and liquid crystal prism sequentially and is focused onto the image sensor. The image sensor is used to collect temperature information at the focal point of sunlight in real time. The processor is connected to the electrochromic glass, aperture, liquid crystal prism, image sensor, and semiconductor cooler to receive the temperature information at the focal point. Based on the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture is lowered to reduce the temperature at the focal point. This solves the problem in related technologies where direct sunlight on the camera lens damages the image sensor. Under the control of the processor, by reducing the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass and / or lowering the aperture, rapid cooling of the focal point is achieved without changing the lens body angle, thus preventing damage to the image sensor due to high temperature.

[0030] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a camera device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2This is a structural block diagram of a camera device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the target area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a microchannel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a dynamic cooling control method for a camera device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a dynamic cooling control method for a camera device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the dynamic cooling control method for a camera device provided in a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0039] In the diagram: 10, electrochromic glass; 20, aperture; 30, liquid crystal prism; 40, image sensor; 50, thermoelectric cooler. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To better understand the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the application is described and illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Words such as “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “these” used in this application do not indicate quantitative limitation and may be singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or modules (units) but may include steps or modules (units) not listed, or may include other steps or modules (units) inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Words such as “connected,” “linked,” and “coupled” used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Normally, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific order of objects.

[0042] This embodiment provides a camera device. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the camera device in this embodiment, which includes a lens body and a cooling component;

[0043] The cooling components, located on the lens body, include: electrochromic glass 10, aperture 20, liquid crystal prism 30, image sensor 40, and processor;

[0044] Sunlight passes sequentially through electrochromic glass 10, aperture 20 and liquid crystal prism 30, and is then focused onto image sensor 40.

[0045] Image sensor 40 is used to acquire temperature information at the focal point of sunlight in real time;

[0046] The processor is connected to the electrochromic glass 10, the aperture 20, the liquid crystal prism 30, the image sensor 40, and the semiconductor cooler 50 respectively, and is used to receive temperature information at the focusing position.

[0047] Based on temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass 10 is reduced and / or the aperture 20 is decreased to lower the temperature at the focusing position.

[0048] Specifically, the lens body in the camera equipment is the component that houses the cooling system. When the camera equipment is used to monitor and record incidents of objects being thrown from heights, the elevation angle of the lens body (the angle between the lens body and the horizontal plane) is matched to the height of the building being monitored; the higher the building, the larger the elevation angle; the larger the elevation angle, the more likely direct sunlight will occur. Once this elevation angle is set, the camera equipment will begin monitoring and recording incidents of objects being thrown from heights. At this point, to ensure the stability and image quality of the camera's image, the elevation angle is generally not adjusted further.

[0049] In this embodiment, the electrochromic glass 10, aperture 20, liquid crystal prism 30, and image sensor 40 are arranged sequentially. When direct sunlight occurs, the sunlight passes through the electrochromic glass 10, aperture 20, and liquid crystal prism 30 in sequence before focusing onto the image sensor 40. The image sensor 40 can reach its temperature from an initial 50°C to 150°C in approximately 20 seconds without any protection. However, the operating temperature of the image sensor 40 is -40°C to +85°C, making it very easy to burn the sensor under these conditions, potentially damaging it.

[0050] The electrochromic glass 10 is a smart glass based on the electrochromic effect. Under the applied voltage from the processor, its optical properties (transmittance, reflectance, absorptivity, etc.) can be stably and reversibly changed, thereby achieving dynamic control of color and transparency. The aperture 20 has a range of f / 1.8 to f / 8.0; f / 1.8 is the large aperture setting, allowing a large amount of light to enter and resulting in high light transmission; f / 8.0 is the small aperture setting, allowing a small amount of light to enter and resulting in low light transmission. The temperature threshold is preset and represents the upper limit of the operating temperature range of the image sensor 40. For example, if the operating temperature range of the image sensor 40 is -40℃ to +85℃, then the temperature threshold is +85℃. In other embodiments, the temperature threshold is not limited.

[0051] The image sensor 40 can collect temperature information at various locations in real time and use the location with the highest temperature as the focus location (for example, by attaching temperature sensors at various locations to collect temperature information and attaching comparators to output the highest temperature information). The temperature information of this location is sent to the processor. The processor receives the temperature information of the focus location and, based on the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, reduces the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass 10 (reduces the amount of sunlight transmitted) and / or decreases the aperture 20 (reduces the aperture diameter to reduce the amount of sunlight transmitted). Without changing the lens body angle, the focus location is cooled down quickly, avoiding damage to the image sensor 40 due to high temperature. This solves the problem in related technologies where direct sunlight shines on the lens of the camera device, causing damage to the image sensor 40.

[0052] The following is a detailed description of each of the above components:

[0053] In some embodiments, the electrochromic glass 10 can be linked to the real-time collected temperature information under the control of the processor. When the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the controller can output a positive voltage to the electrochromic layer (WO3) side of the electrochromic glass 10 and output a negative voltage to the ion storage layer (NiO) side of the electrochromic glass 10, so that Li⁺ is inserted into the WO3 lattice from the storage layer through the electrolyte. Synchronous electrons enter the WO3 layer through the external circuit to carry out the reduction reaction. The reduction reaction makes WO3 change from transparent to dark blue. This process can be regarded as continuously controlling the amount of ion insertion by the magnitude of the voltage output by the processor, thereby realizing the continuous adjustment of visible light transmittance.

[0054] The temperature response range of aperture 20 can be the same as the operating temperature range of image sensor 40, thus simplifying the processor's control logic. Furthermore, to improve cooling response time, the aperture 20 adjustment completion time is ≤300ms when the temperature change is ≥5℃. To improve control accuracy, the aperture 20 setting error is ≤±1 setting, and the temperature sampling accuracy is ±0.1℃.

[0055] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, in Figure 1 Based on this, the cooling component also includes a semiconductor cooler 50; the semiconductor cooler 50 is attached to the image sensor 40.

[0056] Specifically, the thermoelectric cooler 50 (TEC) is a solid-state cooling device based on the Peltier effect. It does not require mechanical structures such as compressors and refrigerants. It achieves the cooling effect under the direct current drive of the processor. The thermoelectric cooler 50 is attached to the image sensor 40. After the thermoelectric cooler 50 achieves cooling under the control of the processor, it can quickly cool down the image sensor 40.

[0057] In this embodiment, the semiconductor cooler 50, together with the electrochromic glass 10 and the aperture 20, forms a combined cooling system to further improve the cooling effect.

[0058] In some embodiments, the image sensor 40 is divided into multiple target areas; the thermoelectric cooler 50 includes multiple thermoelectric cooling units;

[0059] Each target area is fitted with a corresponding semiconductor cooling unit.

[0060] Specifically, to avoid sunlight focusing on a single location on the image sensor 40, causing repeated temperature fluctuations in a localized area, the image sensor 40 is divided into multiple target surface regions. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the image sensor 40 is divided into four target areas: target area 1, target area 2, target area 3, and target area 4. Under the control of the processor, the liquid crystal prism 30 can switch the focusing position of sunlight between these target areas, thereby avoiding localized heating in a single target area. In other embodiments, the number of divisions in the image sensor 40 is not limited.

[0061] Each target area is fitted with a corresponding semiconductor cooling unit. Under the control of the processor, each semiconductor cooling unit efficiently cools the high-temperature target area. Other semiconductor cooling units do not work, thereby effectively reducing energy consumption.

[0062] In some embodiments, the semiconductor cooling unit includes multi-stage microchannels; the flow rate of the coolant in the microchannels is controlled by a processor.

[0063] To further balance energy consumption and cooling effect, the semiconductor cooling unit includes multi-stage microchannels; the flow rate of the coolant in the microchannels is controlled by the processor. For example, each microchannel is equipped with a flow valve, which is connected to the processor; the processor controls the flow rate of the coolant in the corresponding microchannel by controlling the opening of the flow valve. Furthermore, the flow rate of the coolant in the microchannel closer to the target surface is controlled to be greater than the flow rate in the microchannel farther from the target surface. For example, target surface region 1 is the target surface region; the semiconductor cooling unit (e.g., ...) attached to it... Figure 4 As shown, the semiconductor cooling unit has three microchannels, namely microchannel 1, microchannel 2, and microchannel 3; microchannel 1 is closest to the target surface region 1; microchannel 3 is farthest from the target surface region 1. Therefore, the flow rate of the coolant in microchannel 1 is controlled to be greater than that in microchannel 2, which in turn is greater than that in microchannel 3. That is, the flow rate of the coolant in microchannel 1 is the highest, and the flow rate of the coolant in microchannel 3 is the lowest, thereby achieving stable and rapid cooling.

[0064] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism 30 includes a plurality of lenses and an electrode array; the plurality of lenses are connected to form a sealing layer;

[0065] An electrode array is disposed at both ends of the sealing layer; the electrode array generates a continuously varying voltage gradient under the voltage applied by the processor to adjust the refractive index.

[0066] The liquid crystal prism 30 adjusts its refractive index under the control of a processor to switch the focusing position of sunlight between different target areas. Specifically, the processor outputs voltage to the electrode array; the electrode array applies voltage to the sealing layer of the liquid crystal prism 30, causing its long axis to deflect and altering the optical anisotropy of the material, thereby changing the refractive index and optical axis direction. This change in refractive index causes the path of the sunlight beam to shift, moving the focusing point from its original position to a new one without the need for mechanical moving components. Furthermore, the mapping relationship between each voltage and position can be pre-calibrated through the above process. This mapping relationship is then bound to the processor's switching command; by periodically triggering this switching command, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism 30 can be adjusted to randomly or sequentially switch the target area where the focusing position is located.

[0067] Furthermore, the electrode array is a resistive electrode array. By adjusting the total voltage value applied across the electrodes through the processor, a continuously changing voltage gradient is generated. This voltage gradient is used to precisely and steplessly control the refractive index and suppress axial chromatic aberration.

[0068] The electrode array of this embodiment will be described below:

[0069] The electrode array of the liquid crystal prism 30 is arranged along the x-direction, with an electrode length of L, a spacing of d between adjacent electrodes, and a total voltage U applied across the electrodes. total If the electrodes exhibit linear voltage division (a typical characteristic of resistive electrode arrays), then the linear voltage gradient G along the x-direction... U The expression:

[0070] (1);

[0071] In equation (1), Δu is the voltage difference along the x-direction; Δx is the corresponding spatial distance; this equation indicates that the total voltage U total The larger the voltage gradient G is, the greater the voltage gradient G is. U The steeper.

[0072] The electrically controlled birefringence characteristic of liquid crystals is characterized by a positive correlation between the refractive index change Δn and the applied electric field strength E; the stronger the electric field, the larger Δn. The relationship between the electric field strength E and the voltage gradient is E=G. U (Under a one-dimensional uniform electric field), therefore, the refractive index gradient G n satisfy:

[0073] (2);

[0074] Substituting equation (1) into equation (2), we get:

[0075] (3);

[0076] In equation (3): k is the liquid crystal control coefficient (a constant related to liquid crystal material, cell thickness, temperature, etc.); it can be seen that the higher the voltage, the steeper the gradient of refractive index change.

[0077] The refractive index gradient distribution of the liquid crystal prism 30 is equivalent to that of a graded refractive index prism, with an equivalent vertex angle θ. eq The relationship with the refractive index gradient can be derived from geometric relationships, as follows:

[0078] Let the thickness of the liquid crystal layer be h, then the equivalent vertex angle satisfies the small angle approximation: (4);

[0079] In equation (4): It is the maximum refractive index change along the x-direction, and n0 is the initial refractive index of the liquid crystal.

[0080] According to the prism deflection formula (small angle incident, small apex angle approximation), the deflection angle δ of the beam is: (5);

[0081] Will Substituting into equation (5), the core relationship between the deflection angle and the total voltage is finally obtained as follows: .

[0082] Based on this, it can be determined that the higher the voltage, the steeper the refractive index gradient, the larger the equivalent liquid crystal prism 30° apex angle, and the larger the deflection angle. As shown in Table 1, the mapping relationship between the total voltage value and the deflection angle is given; based on this mapping relationship, the relationship between the total voltage value and the focusing position can be determined; by selecting the focusing positions of the four target areas as pre-stored points and matching the corresponding total voltage values, the corresponding switching command can be obtained.

[0083] Table 1

[0084]

[0085] In this embodiment, the use of a continuous gradient avoids the abrupt change in refractive index caused by discrete voltage control, reducing beam scattering and phase distortion; and makes the liquid crystal director continuously tilted from the center to the edge, controlling the stability of the phase difference between adjacent transmission peaks and significantly suppressing axial chromatic aberration.

[0086] Based on the embodiments of the above-described camera devices, this embodiment provides a dynamic cooling control method for camera devices. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the dynamic cooling control method for the camera device in this embodiment, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0087] Step S510: Receive temperature information at the focusing position;

[0088] Step S520: Based on the temperature information and the preset temperature threshold, reduce the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass and / or decrease the aperture setting to reduce the temperature at the focusing position.

[0089] This method embodiment is applicable to the processor of a camera device. The processor first receives temperature information at the focus position. This temperature information is acquired and processed in real time by the image processor and then transmitted to the processor; this will not be described again.

[0090] The temperature threshold is preset and represents the upper limit of the image sensor's operating temperature range. Upon receiving temperature information from the focus position, the processor compares this information with the temperature threshold to assess whether the image sensor is operating within its normal operating temperature range. If the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture is decreased to lower the temperature at the focus position. If the temperature information is less than the temperature threshold, the electrochromic glass and aperture remain in their initial states.

[0091] In this embodiment, the processor controls the operation of the electrochromic glass and / or the aperture, such as reducing the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass (reducing the amount of sunlight transmitted); and adjusting the aperture setting (reducing the aperture diameter to reduce the amount of sunlight transmitted). This achieves rapid cooling of the focusing position without changing the lens body angle, preventing damage to the image sensor due to high temperature. This solves the problem in related technologies where direct sunlight on the camera lens causes damage to the image sensor.

[0092] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the dynamic cooling control method for camera equipment further includes the following steps:

[0093] Step S610: Determine whether the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold again;

[0094] In step S620, if the temperature information is again greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the semiconductor cooler is controlled to cool the image sensor, and the electrochromic glass and aperture are controlled to return to their initial state.

[0095] Specifically, since sunlight can still pass through the electrochromic glass and aperture, and is then refracted by the liquid crystal prism to focus back to its original position, the temperature at that location may still rise due to the influence of light intensity, even after adjusting to reduce the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass and decreasing the aperture setting. Therefore, the temperature information is continuously compared with the temperature threshold to determine if the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold again. If the temperature information remains less than the temperature threshold, the control logic of step S520 is maintained. If the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold again, it indicates that the image sensor is operating outside its normal operating temperature range, posing a risk of damage; and reducing the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass and / or decreasing the aperture setting cannot solve the problem. In this case, the semiconductor cooler is controlled to cool the image sensor, and the electrochromic glass and aperture are controlled to return to their initial state.

[0096] This embodiment utilizes a semiconductor cooler to rapidly cool the image sensor, further improving the reliability of the cooling process.

[0097] In some embodiments, the dynamic cooling control method for the camera device further includes the following steps:

[0098] In step S710, after controlling the semiconductor cooler to cool the image sensor and controlling the electrochromic glass and aperture to return to their initial state, when a preset time threshold is reached, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted under a preset switching command to switch the target area where the focus position is located.

[0099] Specifically, since sunlight can still pass through the electrochromic glass and aperture, and is then refracted by the liquid crystal prism to focus back to its original position, the temperature at the point where the thermoelectric cooler is activated may still rise due to the influence of light intensity. At this point, it is necessary to switch the target area where the focusing position is located, so that the target area where the focusing position was previously located no longer receives light, and the corresponding thermoelectric cooler unit continues to operate, thereby effectively reducing the temperature of that target area. For the target area where the focusing position is located after the switch, its temperature will also rise due to the influence of light. At this time, steps S510, S520, S610, S620, and S710 will be executed until the target area where the focusing position is re-switched.

[0100] This embodiment prevents sunlight from scorching the same target area for an extended period, and the switching method effectively cools the target area, greatly reducing power consumption.

[0101] In some embodiments, step S710, when a preset time threshold is reached, adjusts the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism under a preset switching command to switch the target area where the focusing position is located, including the following steps:

[0102] When the preset time threshold is reached, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted under the preset switching command to randomly or sequentially switch the target area where the focusing position is located.

[0103] Specifically, the time threshold is related to the image sensor's tolerance to temperatures exceeding its operating range. In this embodiment, the time threshold can be 10 seconds.

[0104] The switching commands mentioned above have been pre-set. When the temperature information is again greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, and 10 seconds have passed, a corresponding switching command can be randomly selected and sent to the liquid crystal prism. The refractive index of the liquid crystal prism changes, switching the target surface area where the focus position is located to the target surface area corresponding to the switching command; thus, the focus position is randomly switched to a new target surface area. Alternatively, corresponding switching commands can be selected sequentially and sent to the liquid crystal prism. The refractive index of the liquid crystal prism changes, switching the target surface area where the focus position is located to the target surface area corresponding to the switching command; thus, the focus position is sequentially switched to a new target surface area.

[0105] This embodiment utilizes a dynamic adjustment of the focusing position to achieve effective cooling and significantly improve the environmental adaptability of the camera equipment.

[0106] In some embodiments, the dynamic cooling control method for the camera device further includes the following steps:

[0107] After switching the target area where the focus position is located, the target area where the focus position was located before the switch is used as a reference to perform image correction on the target area where the focus position is located after the switch.

[0108] Specifically, image correction includes, but is not limited to, distortion correction, white balance correction, and chromatic aberration correction. Since many parameters are the same for image correction between different target areas, when performing image correction on the target area at the new focus position, using the target area at the previous focus position as a reference, the effective parameters of the target area at the previous focus position can be used to participate in the image correction of the target area after the switch, which can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of image correction.

[0109] The present embodiment will now be described and illustrated through preferred embodiments.

[0110] Figure 7 This is a preferred flowchart of the dynamic cooling control method for the camera device in this embodiment, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the dynamic cooling control method for this camera device includes the following steps:

[0111] The image is focused on target area 1. When sunlight shines directly on the target area, the sunlight passes through the electrochromic glass and the aperture, and is then refracted and focused onto the focal position on target area 1 by the liquid crystal prism. The temperature information of the focal position of target area 1 is sent to the processor. The processor compares the temperature information of target area 1 with the temperature threshold of 85°C. If the temperature of target area 1 rises to 85°C for the first time, the electrochromic glass is activated (reducing the visible light transmittance to 50%), and the aperture is adjusted to reduce the aperture size (reducing the amount of light entering the camera, ensuring the monitored image area is not less than half of its initial size). If the temperature of target area 1 remains below 85°C, the electrochromic glass and aperture remain in their initial state.

[0112] Determine if the temperature of target area 1 has risen to 85°C for the second time; otherwise, continue to monitor the temperature at the focusing position of target area 1. If the temperature of target area 1 rises to 85°C for the second time, control the semiconductor cooling unit to cool target area 1 and control the electrochromic glass and aperture to return to their initial state.

[0113] When the temperature of target area 1 rises to 85℃ for the second time (indicating strong sunlight that the same target surface cannot be directly exposed for an extended period), and this temperature reaches 10 seconds, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted under a preset switching command, switching the focus to target area 2. At this point, image correction is performed on target area 2 using target area 1 as a reference. The semiconductor cooling unit corresponding to target area 1 continues to operate until the temperature of target area 1 returns to its initial temperature.

[0114] The processor compares the temperature information of target area 2 with the temperature threshold of 85°C. If the temperature of target area 2 rises to 85°C for the first time, the electrochromic glass is activated (reducing visible light transmittance) and the aperture is adjusted to reduce the aperture size (reducing the amount of light entering). If the temperature information of target area 2 remains below 85°C, the electrochromic glass and aperture are kept in their initial state.

[0115] Determine if the temperature of target area 2 has risen to 85°C for the second time; otherwise, continue to monitor the temperature at the focusing position of target area 2. If the temperature of target area 2 rises to 85°C for the second time, control the semiconductor cooling unit to cool target area 2 and control the electrochromic glass and aperture to return to their initial state.

[0116] When the temperature of target area 2 reaches 85°C for the second time and remains there for 10 seconds, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted under a preset switching command, and the focusing position is switched to target area 3. At this time, image correction is performed on target area 3 using target area 2 as a reference. The semiconductor cooling unit corresponding to target area 2 continues to work until the temperature of target area 2 returns to its initial temperature. This process is repeated continuously.

[0117] By adjusting light transmittance, aperture, and focus, as well as using a semiconductor cooling unit to cool the target surface in sections, a coordinated cooling system is achieved. Based on two temperature monitoring sessions, the system automatically adjusts to the optimal cooling method through a four-dimensional cooling approach that integrates thermal, mechanical, and electrical cooling.

[0118] It should be noted that the steps shown in the above process or in the flowchart of the accompanying figures can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0119] It should be noted that all information and data involved in this application are authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties and will be used legally.

[0120] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit it. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0121] Obviously, the accompanying drawings are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar situations based on these drawings without any creative effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the work done in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art, certain design, manufacturing, or production modifications made based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be considered as insufficient disclosure of this application.

[0122] The term "embodiment" in this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment that may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily imply the same embodiment, nor does it imply that it is mutually exclusive with or independent of other embodiments. It will be clearly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0123] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent protection. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera device, characterized in that, Including the lens body and cooling components; The cooling component is disposed on the lens body and includes: electrochromic glass, aperture, liquid crystal prism, image sensor and processor; Sunlight passes sequentially through electrochromic glass, an aperture, and a liquid crystal prism before being focused onto the image sensor; The image sensor is used to collect temperature information at the focal point of sunlight in real time; The processor is connected to the electrochromic glass, aperture, liquid crystal prism, image sensor and semiconductor cooler respectively, and is used to receive the temperature information at the focusing position; Based on the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture is decreased to lower the temperature at the focusing position.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling component also includes a semiconductor cooler; the semiconductor cooler is attached to the image sensor.

3. The camera device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image sensor is divided into multiple target areas; the semiconductor cooler includes multiple semiconductor cooling units. Each of the target areas is fitted with a corresponding semiconductor cooling unit.

4. The camera device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The semiconductor cooling unit includes multi-stage microchannels; the flow rate of the coolant in the microchannels is controlled by the processor.

5. The camera device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal prism includes multiple lenses and an electrode array; the multiple lenses are connected to form a sealing layer. The electrode array is disposed at both ends of the sealing layer; the electrode array generates a continuously changing voltage gradient under the voltage applied by the processor to adjust the refractive index.

6. A dynamic cooling control method for a camera device, characterized in that, Applicable to any of the camera devices described in claims 1 to 5; the method comprises: Receive the temperature information at the focusing position; Based on the temperature information and a preset temperature threshold, the visible light transmittance of the electrochromic glass is reduced and / or the aperture setting is decreased to lower the temperature at the focusing position.

7. The dynamic cooling control method for camera equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine whether the temperature information is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold again; If the temperature information is again greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the semiconductor cooler is controlled to cool the image sensor, and the electrochromic glass and the aperture are controlled to return to their initial state.

8. The dynamic cooling control method for camera equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: After controlling the semiconductor cooler to cool the image sensor and controlling the electrochromic glass and the aperture to return to their initial state; when a preset time threshold is reached, under a preset switching command, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted to switch the target area where the focusing position is located.

9. The dynamic cooling control method for camera equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, When a preset time threshold is reached, under a preset switching command, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted to switch the target area where the focusing position is located, including: When a preset time threshold is reached, the refractive index of the liquid crystal prism is adjusted under a preset switching command to randomly or sequentially switch the target area where the focusing position is located.

10. The dynamic cooling control method for camera equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: After switching the target area where the focus position is located, the target area where the focus position was located before the switch is used as a reference to perform image correction on the target area where the focus position is located after the switch.

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