Depth camera and intelligent device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a depth camera and intelligent equipment. The depth camera comprises a projector, a receiver and a controller, the projector comprises a light emitting source used for generating laser; the first liquid lens is located on a light path of the laser and used for changing the emitting direction of the laser; the first liquid lens comprises a first electrode and a second electrode; wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a plurality of independent electrodes; the receiver is used for receiving the reflected signal; and the controller is connected with the projector and the receiver, and is configured to control the projector and the receiver. Rapid deformation of the lens can be realized through an electric signal, so that the direction of a light field is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of depth cameras, and specifically, to a depth camera and an intelligent device. Background Art

[0002] The projector in a depth camera is a key component used in depth imaging technology. It is responsible for projecting laser onto the surface of the object to be measured in order to obtain depth information.

[0003] Structured light technology is a technology widely used in the field of 3D vision. It actively projects an infrared light pattern invisible to the human eye (such as sine stripes, binary codes, etc.) onto an object, and then uses a camera to capture the deformation of these patterns. According to the principle of triangulation, the system can calculate the detailed depth information of the object surface and finally achieve three-dimensional reconstruction.

[0004] In the application of a depth camera, the projector usually works in cooperation with the camera. The projector emits a specific pattern of light, and the camera captures the reflected pattern. By analyzing the changes in these patterns, the spatial position and depth information of the object surface can be determined. This technology can not only provide richer data than traditional two-dimensional images but also work effectively in low-light environments, especially suitable for scenarios that require high-precision measurement at close range.

[0005] TOF technology is another widely used technology. It emits floodlight to achieve illumination over a larger range and uses the time-of-flight algorithm to calculate the surface depth of the object to be measured.

[0006] Generally speaking, the projector in a depth camera is an important part to achieve three-dimensional perception ability, which enables the depth camera to accurately obtain the three-dimensional coordinate information of an object in various environments.

[0007] However, in the prior art, the depth camera can only change the focal length of the laser and cannot make the depth camera automatically adjust the projection direction of the light according to the position of the object to be measured, nor can it automatically adjust according to the object to be measured. For the optical system, the light field is in a fixed state, and it is very difficult to overcome the problems of large field of view and uneven light field energy distribution, resulting in serious Shading in the obtained image and a decline in the quality of the edge image.

[0008] The disclosure of the above background art content is only used to assist in understanding the inventive concept and technical solution of the present utility model, and it does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. Without clear evidence indicating that the above content was publicly available on the filing date of this patent application, the above background art should not be used to evaluate the novelty and creativity of this application. Summary of the Utility Model

[0009] Therefore, the present utility model proposes a depth camera to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present utility model provides a depth camera, which is characterized by comprising: a projector, a receiver and a controller;

[0011] The projector comprises:

[0012] A light source for generating laser light;

[0013] A first liquid lens located on the optical path of the laser light for changing the outgoing direction of the laser light;

[0014] The first liquid lens comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a plurality of independent electrodes;

[0015] The receiver for receiving the reflected signal;

[0016] The controller is connected to the projector and the receiver and is configured to control the projector and the receiver.

[0017] Optionally, the depth camera is characterized in that the projector further comprises: a liquid crystal glass located on the optical path of the laser light for changing the form of the laser light into structured light or floodlight.

[0018] Optionally, the depth camera is characterized in that the laser light sequentially passes through the liquid crystal glass and the first liquid lens.

[0019] Optionally, the depth camera is characterized in that the receiver comprises:

[0020] A second liquid lens for changing the optical path of the reflected signal;

[0021] An imaging module for receiving the reflected signal processed by the second liquid lens.

[0022] Optionally, the depth camera is characterized in that when the second liquid lens changes its form, the first liquid lens also changes its form.

[0023] Optionally, the depth camera is characterized in that the controller changes the optical axis direction of the outgoing direction by controlling the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0024] Optionally, the depth camera is characterized in that the controller changes the projection area of the laser light by controlling the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0025] Optionally, in the depth camera described above, the first liquid lens further includes an optically active substance; the optically active substance changes the propagation path of the laser according to the voltage change between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0026] Optionally, in the depth camera described above, the controller controls the liquid crystal glass to display a preset pattern, so that only a partial area is penetrable to the laser, and by changing the shape of the preset pattern, the irradiation area and light intensity of the structured light are changed.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present utility model provides an intelligent device, which includes a depth camera according to any one of the above.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] The present utility model adopts a first liquid lens, and the first liquid lens includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a plurality of independent electrodes, so that the plurality of electrodes can be controlled separately, enabling more precise control of the shape of the first liquid lens, and enabling both the emission direction and focal length of the laser to be changed.

[0030] The present utility model can achieve changes in the emission direction and focal length of the laser, and can focus the laser from a large range to any smaller range of the measured object within the field of view, increasing the laser intensity projected onto the measured object. Especially in the scenario where the measured object is relatively far away, more accurate information of the measured object can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained according to the provided drawings without creative efforts. By reading the detailed description of the non-restrictive embodiments with reference to the following drawings, other features, objectives, and advantages of the present utility model will become more obvious:

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a depth camera in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a projector in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the light-transmitting area of a liquid crystal glass in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first liquid lens in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrode distribution in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic optical path diagram of a first liquid lens in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a receiver in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an image change in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 1 - Light source;

[0041] 2 - First liquid lens;

[0042] 3 - Controller;

[0043] 4 - First electrode;

[0044] 5 - Second electrode;

[0045] 6 - Receiver;

[0046] 7 - Liquid crystal glass;

[0047] 8 - Second liquid lens; <e

[0048] 9 - Imaging module;

[0049] 10 - Projector;

[0050] 11 - Receiver; Detailed implementation manners

[0051] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the present invention in any form. It should be noted that those of ordinary skill in the art can make several deformations and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0052] In the description, claims and above-mentioned drawings of the present utility model, terms such as "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data used can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present utility model described herein, for example, can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0053] A depth camera provided by an embodiment of the present utility model aims to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0054] The technical solutions of the present utility model and how the technical solutions of this application solve the above technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present utility model will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a depth camera in an embodiment of the present utility model. As Figure 1 shown, a depth camera in an embodiment of the present utility model includes: a projector 10, a receiver 11, and a controller 3.

[0056] The projector 10 includes:

[0057] A light source 1 for generating laser light.

[0058] Specifically, the light source 1 may be a solid-state laser, a gas laser, a semiconductor laser, etc., depending on the required laser wavelength, power, and application scenario. The laser light generated by the light source 1 can be floodlight, structured light, or any other type of light. When the light source projects floodlight, the depth camera projects floodlight. When the light source projects structured light, after being processed by the first liquid lens, the depth camera projects structured light or floodlight.

[0059] A first liquid lens 2 located on the optical path of the laser for changing the exit direction of the laser.

[0060] Specifically, the first liquid lens is a new type of optical element that utilizes the gradient refractive index of liquid to achieve optical zoom, with advantages such as high efficiency, flexibility, and thinness. The working principle of the first liquid lens mainly adjusts the focal length by changing the refractive index of the liquid, and this change can be achieved through various means, such as using an electric field (electrowetting effect) or by changing the shape of the liquid (filling effect). The first liquid lens can provide optical adjustment without mechanical moving parts in different application scenarios, which gives them advantages in terms of volume, response speed, and durability. The main types of the first liquid lens include liquid lenses based on different working principles, such as electrowetting effect lenses, thermal effect lenses, etc. Each type has its specific application scenarios, advantages, and disadvantages, but the common feature is that they can all achieve changes in optical parameters through external control. The first liquid lens is located on the optical path of the laser, and it can not only change the focus of the laser but also change the output direction of the laser, making the area irradiated by the laser change.

[0061] A controller 3, connected to the projector and the receiver, and configured to control the projector and the receiver.

[0062] Specifically, the controller is connected to the projector and the receiver and is responsible for controlling the working states of these two components. The controller can be a microprocessor or other forms of electronic control units, which adjust the intensity, frequency of the laser, and the refractive index of the first liquid lens according to preset programs or user inputs, so as to achieve precise control of the output direction of the laser. The controller includes the switch, power adjustment, modulation, etc. of the light source, and can achieve voltage control, shape adjustment, etc. of the first liquid lens.

[0063] The first liquid lens 2 includes: a first electrode 4 and a second electrode 5; at least one of the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 includes multiple independent electrodes.

[0064] Specifically, a conductive transparent liquid (such as electrolyte) is filled between the first electrode and the second electrode. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the charges in the liquid will redistribute, resulting in changes in the shape or refractive index of the liquid, thereby changing the propagation path of the laser. By independently controlling the voltage on each electrode, the shape change of the first liquid lens can be more precisely controlled, and thus more refined beam control can be achieved. One of the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 includes multiple independent electrodes, or both may include multiple independent electrodes. The independent electrodes can be powered separately for control, so as to achieve more refined control of the transparent liquid.

[0065] A receiver 10, for receiving the reflected signal.

[0066] Specifically, the receiver 10 is the part used to capture the laser signal reflected from the target object. According to the characteristics of the reflected signal (such as time delay, light intensity change, etc.), the position, shape, and other characteristics of the target object can be determined. The receiver 10 can be a structured light receiver or a TOF receiver. The specific selection of the receiver 10 is based on the application scenario of the depth camera.

[0067] For the light source 1, the emitted light field is a light field with a fixed FOV and constant light intensity. At this time, the energy density on the surface of the target object will be inversely proportional to the square of the distance. As the target object moves away from the light source, the surface brightness will decrease rapidly. At this time, to meet the imaging brightness of the target object, it is necessary to increase the current or select a light source with a small FOV, which is very unfriendly to the scenario with a large FOV requirement.

[0068] In this embodiment, the light source 1 and the first liquid lens 2 are pre - arranged. By controlling the curvature of the first liquid lens, the diffusion and convergence of the light source 1 can be achieved; at the same time, by applying a gradient voltage to the electrode to control the first liquid lens, the first liquid lens can achieve aspherical deformation, and in addition to converging at the center, the direction of the emitted light can also be controlled to Figure 6 achieve a rapid change between directions c and e.

[0069] In this embodiment, an RGB or IR camera is used to capture the area size of the position where the target object is located, so that the required irradiation range can be identified and fed back to the controller 3. According to the number of pixels occupied by the target object in the image and the focal length, the required FOV to be irradiated can be calculated. At the same time, the angle by which the target object deviates from the optical axis of the depth camera can be calculated by the position of the object center in the image, that is, the angle θ;

[0070] FOV = atand( number of pixels * pixel size / f )

[0071] The light source and the first liquid lens correspond to different gradient change amounts, and a matching one - to - one correspondence relationship is established with the focusing direction and the converging angle for calibration. In this way, after the FOV and the angle θ of the target object are known, a set of gradient change voltages can be quickly corresponded by looking up the table, and the surface of the first liquid lens is controlled to change, realizing rapid focusing at different angles and different FOVs.

[0072] This embodiment can automatically pursue the target object. At the same time, the method of controlling the emission angle can effectively increase the FOV of the light source, and at the same time avoid the edge Shading problem caused by too large FOV. The light energy density irradiated on the object surface can always be maintained at a sufficiently strong level, effectively utilizing the optical power of the depth camera and reducing the power consumption.

[0073] The present utility model can achieve rapid deformation of the lens through electrical signals, enabling the change of the direction of the light field. By cooperating with an algorithm for rapid positioning of the target object, it can achieve sufficient uniformity of illumination in the target object area and enhance the light energy density. While achieving arbitrary changes in the light field, it can also expand the field of view angle of the depth camera, improve the surface uniformity of the target object, reduce shading, and improve the image quality.

[0074] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a projector in an embodiment of the present utility model. As Figure 2 shown, compared with the foregoing embodiments, a projector in an embodiment of the present utility model further includes:

[0075] Liquid crystal glass 7, located on the optical path of the laser, is used to change the form of the laser into structured light or floodlight.

[0076] Specifically, liquid crystal glass, also known as liquid crystal display (LCD), is a display technology that uses the electro-optical effect of liquid crystals to control the transmission of light. Its working principle is mainly based on the characteristic of the arrangement change of liquid crystal molecules under the action of an electric field. When there is no electric field, the liquid crystal molecules are randomly arranged, causing light to scatter, and at this time the liquid crystal glass presents an opaque state. When an electric field is applied, the liquid crystal molecules will be arranged in a certain order according to the direction of the electric field, allowing light to pass straight through, thereby making the liquid crystal glass become transparent. The liquid crystal glass contains two glass substrates with liquid crystal material sandwiched in the middle. By changing the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules, it can control whether light can pass through, thereby achieving the display or hiding of images. The liquid crystal glass is used to change the form of the laser. It can convert the laser from one form to another form, for example, converting a laser point into a specific pattern (structured light) or diffusing it into floodlight. The liquid crystal glass adjusts the phase of the light passing through it by changing the arrangement of its molecules, thereby changing the propagation characteristics of the laser.

[0077] The laser sequentially passes through the liquid crystal glass and the first liquid lens, so that the laser can be emitted onto the measured object after being processed by the liquid crystal glass and the first liquid lens.

[0078] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal glass is used to change the form of the laser, making the form of the laser more variable. Combined with the first liquid lens, it can achieve arbitrary adjustment of the laser form and irradiation range; at the same time, since both the liquid crystal glass and the first liquid lens are controlled by voltage, rapid response and adjustment can be achieved through the controller, which can meet the requirements of various application scenarios, especially complex application scenarios.

[0079] In some embodiments, the controller controls the liquid crystal glass to display a preset pattern, making only some areas penetrable to the laser, and by changing the shape of the preset pattern, the irradiation area and light intensity of the structured light are changed. AsFigure 3 As shown, a and b are different patterns, that is, the liquid crystal glass can display different preset patterns, so that the emitted laser presents different coding structures. Different preset patterns can have different densities, different spot sizes, etc. When the spot is small, the power supply of the light source can be increased at the same time, and the power of the light source can be increased, so that the power of each spot remains relatively stable, thereby ensuring the intensity of the laser.

[0080] As Figure 4 shown, the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 are arranged opposite to each other. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on both sides of the transparent liquid. When the voltages of different first electrodes or second electrodes are different, the shape or refractive index of the corresponding transparent liquid will change, thereby causing different degrees of change in the propagation path of the laser. The electrodes are made of transparent materials to allow the laser to pass through.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first electrode includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode; the voltages of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different. The number of the third electrode and the fourth electrode can be multiple. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrode distribution. The electrodes can be evenly distributed on the surface of the first liquid lens or unevenly distributed on the surface of the first liquid lens. As Figure 5 shown in a, multiple electrodes are evenly distributed on the surface of the first liquid lens, which is symmetrically distributed, and uniform adjustment of the first liquid lens can be achieved. As Figure 5 shown in b, multiple electrodes are unevenly distributed on the surface of the first liquid lens, with more on one side and less on the other side, and key monitoring of a specific area can be achieved. The voltages of the third electrode and the fourth electrode can be controlled separately, so that compared with the second electrode, one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode is positive and the other is negative. As Figure 6 shown, when the third electrode is positive and the fourth electrode is negative, it will cause a lateral movement of the interface of the first liquid lens, thereby causing a change in the projection direction of the laser on the z-axis. Figure 6 The optical path directions in c, d, and e are all different.

[0082] In some embodiments, the second electrode includes a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode; the voltages of the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode are different. Similar to the first electrode, when the second electrode includes a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode, it will also have the characteristics and advantages described above. Therefore, the case where the first electrode includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, and the second electrode includes a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode will be described in detail here. Taking the third electrode and the fifth electrode being disposed opposite to each other, and the fourth electrode and the sixth electrode being disposed opposite to each other as an example for illustration. Since the voltages of the third electrode, the fourth electrode, the fifth electrode, and the sixth electrode can be controlled independently, the third electrode and the fifth electrode, and the fourth electrode and the sixth electrode respectively form different electrode pairs, which can form situations with different voltage directions and different voltage differences, so that the transparent liquid presents various regular and irregular shapes, with a higher degree of freedom.

[0083] In some embodiments, the controller changes the optical axis direction of the emitted light by controlling the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode. The optical axis refers to the virtual line at the center of the path along which light propagates, which defines the direction of light propagation. The first liquid lens in the prior art can only change the focal length and cannot change the optical axis direction. However, in this embodiment, through the fine control of the electrodes, the movement of the optical axis in various directions such as up and down, left and right can be changed, so that the irradiation direction changes. Coupled with the adjustment of the focal length, while the irradiation area of the depth camera changes, the center point of irradiation also changes.

[0084] In some embodiments, the controller changes the projection area of the laser by controlling the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode. The change in the projection area will change the laser density within the projection area, thereby playing a role in adjusting the light intensity per unit area, and can perform targeted and detailed detection on the measured object after identifying the measured object, and obtain more accurate detection results.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first liquid lens further includes an optically active substance; the optically active substance changes the propagation path of the laser according to the voltage change between the first electrode and the second electrode. Optically active substances refer to those substances that have the ability to rotate the vibration plane of polarized light passing through them. This ability is not limited to molecules containing chiral carbon atoms, and even some molecules without chiral carbon atoms may exhibit optical activity. For example:

[0086] Hexahelicene: This is a molecule that can exhibit optical activity even without chiral atoms. Its optical activity is generated by the interaction of benzene rings within the molecule.

[0087] Benzophenone: This is another compound that does not contain chiral atoms but has optical activity due to its molecular structure.

[0088] In addition, optical activity is also related to the different degrees of refraction or absorption of substances for left-handed circularly polarized light and right-handed circularly polarized light. This phenomenon was first discovered by Pasteur when studying tartaric acid. He observed that two crystalline forms of tartaric acid rotated light in opposite directions.

[0089] Generally speaking, the characteristics of these optically active substances make them play an important role in scientific research and technological applications. Especially in fields such as the first liquid lens, they can be used to change the propagation path of light, thereby achieving different optical effects.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first liquid lens is asymmetric along the outgoing direction. The first liquid lens in this embodiment presents an asymmetric shape, so that the emitted laser is also asymmetric, thereby enabling uneven distribution of the light spot or light irradiation intensity. While detecting key areas, information can also be obtained from other areas.

[0091] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a receiver in an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 7 shown, compared with the foregoing embodiments, a receiver in an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0092] A second liquid lens 8 for changing the optical path of the reflected signal.

[0093] Specifically, the second liquid lens 8 changes the optical path of the reflected signal. In the receiver 6, the second liquid lens 8 can adjust the focal length and direction of the laser signal reflected from the target object so that it can be captured more precisely by the imaging module. Similar to the first liquid lens, the second liquid lens also includes multiple independent electrodes, allowing fine control and adjustment of the reflected signal. By adjusting the optical path of the reflected signal, the second liquid lens can change the content of the signal irradiated on the imaging module 9, causing the signal area received by the imaging module to change, playing a role similar to zooming.

[0094] An imaging module 9 for receiving the reflected signal processed by the second liquid lens.

[0095] Specifically, the imaging module 9 receives the reflected signal processed by the second liquid lens and converts it into an electrical signal for subsequent analysis and processing. The imaging module usually includes one or more sensors, such as CCD or CMOS sensors, which are crucial for capturing high-quality images.

[0096] The second liquid lens and the imaging module of the receiver are key parts of the depth camera. They act together on the reflected signal, ensuring the accurate reception and processing of the signal, so that the depth camera can accurately obtain the three-dimensional information of the target object.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the second liquid lens changes its shape, the first liquid lens also changes its shape. The change in the direction of laser emission by the first liquid lens causes a change in the optical signal irradiated on the second liquid lens. The synchronous change of the second liquid lens causes a change in the imaging area of the imaging module, enabling the imaging module to image a new area and causing a change in the area measured by the depth camera. As Figure 8 shown, when the first liquid lens changes, the area irradiated by the laser becomes a part of the original irradiated area. The synchronous change of the second liquid lens magnifies the signal of the new area to the entire imaging module, and the obtained image is the information of a part of the original area, enabling better recognition of the part of the area. In Figure 8 , if a face is recognized in an image, the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens can be adjusted to increase the density of the laser irradiated on the face. Especially for a face in a relatively far area, a sufficiently clear image can be obtained for face recognition. Those skilled in the art can understand that this embodiment only illustrates the situation when the measurement area changes through the example of the area becoming smaller, and various scenarios such as the measurement area moving, getting larger, etc. can also be achieved by the hardware in this embodiment and also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0098] The embodiment of the present invention also provides an intelligent device, which includes the depth camera provided in any of the above embodiments. The intelligent device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a payment device, a drone, a robot, a digital camera, etc. The depth camera in this embodiment uses a first liquid lens, and the first liquid lens includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode contains multiple independent electrodes, so that multiple electrodes can be controlled separately, enabling more precise control of the shape of the first liquid lens, enabling the laser to switch between structured light and floodlight, and enabling the change of the laser emission direction and focal length.

[0099] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts among the various embodiments can be referred to each other. The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to these embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0100] The specific embodiments of the present utility model have been described above. It should be understood that the present utility model is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various deformations or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A depth camera, characterized in that: include: projectors, receivers, and controllers; The projector comprises: a light source for generating laser light; A first liquid lens is located on the optical path of the laser and is used to change the emission direction of the laser; The first liquid lens comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a plurality of independent electrodes; The receiver is used to receive the reflected signal; The controller is connected to the projector and the receiver and is configured to control the projector and the receiver.

2. A depth camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The projector further includes: liquid crystal glass, located on the optical path of the laser, for changing the form of the laser into structured light or flood light.

3. The depth camera according to claim 2, wherein: The laser passes through the liquid crystal glass and the first liquid lens in sequence.

4. The depth camera according to claim 1, wherein: The receiver comprises: a second liquid lens, configured to change the optical path of the reflected signal; The imaging module is configured to receive the reflected signal processed by the second liquid lens.

5. The depth camera according to claim 4, wherein: When the second liquid lens changes shape, the first liquid lens also changes shape.

6. The depth camera according to claim 1, wherein: The controller changes the optical axis direction of the emission direction by controlling the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode.

7. The depth camera according to claim 1, wherein: The controller changes the projection area of the laser by controlling the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode.

8. The depth camera according to claim 1, wherein: The first liquid lens further includes an optically active substance; the optically active substance changes a propagation path of the laser according to a change in a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

9. The depth camera according to claim 2, wherein: The controller controls the liquid crystal glass to display a preset pattern so that only a partial area is transparent to the laser, and changes the irradiation area and light intensity of the structured light by changing the shape of the preset pattern.

10. A smart device, characterized in that: A depth camera comprising any one of claims 1-9.

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