Camera lens module, camera lens module detection method, detection module

Abstract

A camera lens module includes a camera lens, an image processor, a detection circuit and a buffer. The image processor generates a vertical synchronization control signal. The detection circuit is connected to the camera lens and the image processor. The detection circuit is adapted to detect an on-off state of the camera lens in response to the vertical synchronization control signal and output a detection signal in response to the on-off state. The buffer is connected to the detection circuit to store the detection signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to a detection module, particularly a camera lens module, a detection method for the camera lens module, and the detection module itself. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the needs of online meetings, virtual conferences, and video chats, laptops are equipped with webcams. However, some malicious individuals may hack into other people's laptops and activate the webcam to obtain their private images. To address this, laptops often incorporate a shutter cover on the webcam. When the webcam is off, the shutter cover blocks the view of the webcam, and the laptop's detection module continuously monitors whether the shutter cover is activated to prevent such incidents.

[0003] Because the detection module continuously monitors whether the shutter is opened, it increases the overall power consumption of the laptop, which significantly reduces the laptop's battery life when it is not connected to mains power. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this application proposes a camera lens module. According to some embodiments, the camera lens module includes a camera lens, an image processor, a detection circuit, and a buffer. The image processor generates a vertical synchronization control signal. The detection circuit is connected to the camera lens and the image processor, and is adapted to detect the on / off state of the camera lens in response to the vertical synchronization control signal, and outputs a detection signal in response to the on / off state. The buffer is connected to the detection circuit to store the detection signal.

[0005] In some embodiments, the detection circuit includes an optocoupler and a control chip, with the control chip connected to the image processor, the optocoupler, and the buffer, respectively. The control chip responds to a vertical synchronization control signal to control the optocoupler to detect the on / off state of the camera lens, and outputs a detection signal in response to the on / off state.

[0006] In some embodiments, the optocoupler includes an infrared diode and an optocoupler transistor. A control chip, in response to a vertical synchronization control signal, controls the infrared diode to emit infrared light. The optocoupler transistor generates a reception signal in response to the infrared light reception status. The control chip determines the on / off state based on the reception signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the vertical synchronization control signal is a pulse signal, and the empty space ratio is 1 / frame rate of the image processor.

[0008] In some embodiments, the open / closed state includes the open / closed state of the camera lens covering the shutter.

[0009] In some embodiments, a field-effect transistor is connected to a detection circuit and a buffer respectively, and the field-effect transistor shapes the detection signal and transmits it to the buffer.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method for detecting a camera lens module is further provided, comprising generating a vertical synchronization control signal to a detection circuit using an image processor. The detection circuit responds to the vertical synchronization control signal, detects the on / off state of the camera lens, and outputs a detection signal in response to the on / off state. The detection signal is stored in a buffer.

[0011] In some embodiments, a detection module is further provided, including a control circuit, a detection circuit, and a buffer. The control circuit generates a pulse signal. The detection circuit is connected to the control circuit and is adapted to respond to the pulse signal to detect the state of the object and output a detection signal in response to its state. The buffer is connected to the detection circuit to store the detection signal.

[0012] This invention utilizes a vertical synchronization control signal, enabling the detection circuit to intermittently detect the camera lens, thus reducing energy consumption compared to existing technologies. Furthermore, the buffer consumes very little power; therefore, this invention significantly reduces the energy required to detect the camera lens's open / closed state. In addition, this invention leverages the inherent characteristics of the image processor to generate pulse control signals (i.e., vertical synchronization control signals), eliminating the need for an additional pulse circuit to generate these signals, thereby controlling the aforementioned detection circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a camera lens module according to some embodiments;

[0014] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a camera lens module according to some embodiments is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating a camera lens module according to some embodiments;

[0016] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method according to some embodiments;

[0017] Figure 5 A block diagram of a detection module according to some embodiments is shown.

[0018] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0019] A: Object

[0020] S1~S3: Steps

[0021] 10: Camera lens

[0022] 20: Image Processor

[0023] 30: Detection circuit

[0024] 31: Optical Coupler

[0025] 32: Control chip

[0026] 40: Cache

[0027] 50: Field-Effect Transistor

[0028] 60: Control circuit

[0029] 70: Detection circuit

[0030] 80: Cache

[0031] 91: Regulated power supply

[0032] 92: Execution Module

[0033] 93: Laptop computer itself

[0034] 94: Memory

[0035] 95: Voice Module Detailed Implementation

[0036] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this case relates to a camera lens module, including: a camera lens 10, an image processor 20, a detection circuit 30, and a buffer 40.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the camera lens 10 is used to capture images of objects, people, or environments within its field of view to obtain image data. In some embodiments, the camera lens 10 has a cover shutter. The cover shutter is used to cover the field of view of the camera lens 10. Therefore, when the cover shutter is open (i.e., the cover shutter does not cover the field of view), the camera lens 10 can capture images of the field of view. Conversely, when the cover shutter is closed (i.e., the cover shutter covers the field of view), the camera lens 10 cannot capture images of the field of view. Please refer to... Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the camera lens 10 is mounted on a laptop computer. The field of view refers to the area in front of the camera lens 10 that can be used to create image data.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the image processor 20 generates a vertical synchronization control signal. In some embodiments, the vertical synchronization control signal is a pulse signal. The image processor 20 processes image data, and its functions include processing and optimizing the image data captured by the camera lens 10, and outputting it to a display module (such as a screen) or a storage module (such as a hard disk). Please refer to... Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the image processor 20 is located inside a laptop computer.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the detection circuit 30 is connected to the camera lens 10 and the image processor 20. The detection circuit 30 is used to detect whether the camera lens 10 is on. In some embodiments, detecting whether the camera lens 10 is on means that the detection circuit 30 detects whether a shutter block obstructs the field of view of the camera lens 10. The detection circuit 30 is adapted to detect an on / off state of the camera lens 10 in response to a vertical synchronization control signal, and outputs a detection signal in response to the on / off state. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection circuit 30 is located inside the laptop computer.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 As shown, buffer 40 is connected to detection circuit 30. Therefore, the detection signal output by detection circuit 30 is stored in buffer 40. In some embodiments, buffer 40 is a D-flip-flop. See also Figure 3 As shown, the buffer 40 is disposed within a laptop computer. In some embodiments, the buffer 40 is connected to the image processor 20 so that the image processor 20 can use data within the buffer 40, such as detection signals.

[0041] Please see Figure 4 As shown, to prevent screen tearing, the image processor 20 sends a vertical synchronization signal to the screen. The frequency of the vertical synchronization signal corresponds to the screen's frame rate; that is, when the frame rate is 60 frames per second, the vertical synchronization signal generates 60 pulses per second. Since the vertical synchronization signal is a pulse signal, this invention uses it as a control signal (i.e., a vertical synchronization control signal) to cause the image processor 20 to send a vertical synchronization control signal (step S1) to control the operation of the detection circuit 30. The detection circuit 30 responds to the vertical synchronization control signal and intermittently detects whether the camera lens 10 is on or off (e.g., whether the shutter block obstructs the field of view) at regular intervals, and outputs a detection signal (step S2). Finally, the detection signal is stored in the buffer 40 (step S3). In this way, the detection circuit 30 does not need to continuously detect the camera lens 10, thereby reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the power consumption of the buffer 40 is quite low; therefore, the present invention can significantly reduce the power consumption required to detect the open / closed state of the camera lens 10. In addition, the present invention utilizes the inherent characteristics of the image processor 20 to generate pulse signals (i.e., vertical synchronization signals); therefore, the present invention does not require an additional pulse circuit to generate pulse signals to complete the control of the aforementioned detection circuit 30.

[0042] Please see Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the detection circuit 30 includes an optocoupler 31 and a control chip 32. The control chip 32 is connected to the image processor 20, the optocoupler 31, and the buffer 40. In response to a vertical synchronization control signal (e.g., when the vertical synchronization control signal is at a low level), the control chip 32 controls the optocoupler 31 to detect the on / off state of the camera lens 10, and outputs a detection signal in response to the on / off state. In some embodiments, the optocoupler 31 includes an infrared diode and an optocoupler transistor. In response to the vertical synchronization control signal (e.g., when the vertical synchronization control signal is at a low level), the control chip 32 controls the infrared diode to emit infrared light, and the optocoupler transistor generates a receiving signal in response to the infrared light receiving state. The control chip 32 determines the on / off state of the camera lens 10 based on the receiving signal. In some embodiments, the optocoupler transistor generates a corresponding receiving signal in response to the intensity of the received infrared light. For example, when the shutter covers the field of view of the camera lens 10, the infrared light emitted by the infrared diode is reflected by the black matte surface, resulting in a weaker intensity of infrared light received by the optocoupler. Conversely, when the shutter covers the field of view of the camera lens 10 but does not, the infrared light emitted by the infrared diode is reflected by the white glossy surface, resulting in a stronger intensity of infrared light received by the optocoupler. Therefore, the optocoupler generates a corresponding received signal based on the intensity of the infrared light.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vertical synchronization control signal is a pulse signal, and the empty space ratio is 1 / frame rate of the image processor. For example, when the frame rate is 60, the empty space ratio is 1 / 60, meaning that only one frame per second is detected by the time control detection circuit 30. This significantly reduces the operating time of the detection circuit 30, thereby significantly reducing the energy consumption of the detection circuit 30 during detection.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the camera module is applied to a laptop computer, and the image processor 20 is connected to a regulated power supply 91, a buffer 40, and an execution module 92. The execution module 92 is connected to the laptop body 93 and the memory 94. In some embodiments, the execution module 92 is used to read programs stored in the memory 94 for functions such as displaying images, controlling light signals, or communicating with the laptop body 93. In some embodiments, the laptop body 93 is connected to a voice module 95. In some embodiments, the voice module 95 is a microphone. In some embodiments, the image processor 20 is directly connected to the execution module 92. In some embodiments, the image processor 20 is indirectly connected to the execution module 92 through the buffer 40.

[0045] Please see Figure 2As shown, the camera lens module includes a field-effect transistor (FET) 50. The FET 50 is connected to the detection circuit 30 and the buffer 40. In some embodiments, the gate of the FET 50 is connected to the control chip 32 of the detection circuit 30, the source is grounded, and the drain is connected to the buffer 40. The FET 50 is used to shape the detection signal and transmit it to the buffer 40. In some embodiments, the FET 50 is a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MODS) FET.

[0046] Please see Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, this invention also proposes a detection module, including a control circuit 60, a detection circuit 70, and a buffer 80. The detection module is used to detect the movement of object A. For example, the detection module is used in an electric door to detect whether someone is passing by and control the opening and closing of the electric door; or the detection module is used in a laptop computer to detect the opening and closing of the shutter of the camera lens 10.

[0047] Please see Figure 5 As shown, the control circuit 60 generates a pulse signal, causing the detection circuit 70 to respond to the pulse signal to detect the state of object A, and outputs a detection signal in response to the state, storing the detection signal in the buffer 80. The detection circuit 70 can detect object A only when the pulse signal is at a high level, or it can detect object A only when the pulse signal is at a low level. In some embodiments, the detection circuit 70 detecting the state of object A refers to detecting the opening and closing state of the shutter of the laptop's camera lens 10. In some embodiments, the detection circuit 70 detecting the state of object A refers to whether there is someone in front of the electric door.

[0048] In this way, when the detection module of this case is used to detect object A, it is controlled by pulse signals, so that the detection circuit 70 detects object A only at intervals and stores the detection results in the buffer 80, thereby greatly reducing the overall energy consumption.

[0049] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera lens module, characterized in that, include: Camera lens; The image processor generates vertical synchronization control signals; A detection circuit is connected to the camera lens and the image processor. The detection circuit is adapted to respond to the vertical synchronization control signal to detect the opening and closing state of the camera lens and output a detection signal in response to the opening and closing state. and A buffer is connected to the detection circuit to store the detection signal.

2. The camera lens module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection circuit includes an optical coupler and a control chip, the control chip being connected to the image processor, the optical coupler, and the buffer respectively; the control chip responds to the vertical synchronization control signal to control the optical coupler to detect the opening and closing state of the camera lens, and the control chip outputs the detection signal in response to the opening and closing state.

3. The camera lens module as described in claim 2, wherein the optical coupler includes an infrared diode and an optical coupling transistor; the control chip responds to the vertical synchronization control signal to control the infrared diode to emit infrared light, the optical coupling transistor generates a receiving signal in response to the infrared light receiving state, and the control chip determines the on / off state according to the receiving signal.

4. The camera lens module as described in claim 1, wherein the vertical synchronization control signal is a pulse signal, and the empty ratio is 1 / the frame rate of the image processor.

5. The camera lens module as described in claim 1, wherein the opening / closing state includes the opening / closing state of the camera lens's cover shutter.

6. The camera lens module as described in claim 1, comprising a field-effect transistor connected to the detection circuit and the buffer respectively, wherein the field-effect transistor shapes the detection signal and transmits it to the buffer.

7. A method for detecting a camera lens module, characterized in that, include: The image processor generates a vertical synchronization control signal to the detection circuit. The detection circuit responds to the vertical synchronization control signal, detects the opening and closing state of the camera lens, and outputs a detection signal in response to the opening and closing state. and The detection signal is stored in a buffer.

8. The detection method for the camera lens module as described in claim 7, wherein the opening and closing state includes the opening and closing state of the camera lens's cover shutter.

9. The detection method for the camera lens module as described in claim 7, wherein the vertical synchronization control signal is a pulse signal and the empty ratio is 1 / the frame rate of the image processor.

10. A detection module, characterized in that, include: The control circuit generates pulse signals. A detection circuit is connected to the control circuit. The detection circuit is adapted to respond to the pulse signal to detect the state of the object and output a detection signal in response to the state. and A buffer is connected to the detection circuit to store the detection signal.

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