A low-power intelligent camera system

Abstract

This application relates to a low-power intelligent camera system, belonging to the field of camera technology. It includes a sensing module, a communication module, and an image acquisition module. The sensing module is electrically connected to the image acquisition module and is used to respond to objects in the monitored scene and output a first detection signal to the image acquisition module. The communication module is also electrically connected to the image acquisition module and is used to receive a wake-up command sent by a terminal through a remote wake-up server, and output a wake-up signal to the image acquisition module based on the wake-up command. The image acquisition module is used to change from a sleep state to a wake-up state to perform image acquisition after receiving the first detection signal and / or the wake-up signal. This system achieves intelligent control of the camera through the electrical connection between the sensing module and the image acquisition module, and the communication module's support for receiving wake-up commands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of camera technology, specifically relating to a low-power intelligent camera system, an exterior rearview mirror, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of IoT, AI, and edge computing technologies, smart cameras, as core devices in scenarios such as home security, community monitoring, and industrial inspection, are evolving towards intelligence, miniaturization, and wireless connectivity. However, in practical applications, smart cameras generally suffer from high power consumption, poor battery life, and limited deployment, severely restricting their widespread application in scenarios such as battery-powered, outdoor deployment, and mobile device integration.

[0003] Traditional smart cameras typically operate in a continuous, real-time recording mode. Even when there is no target activity or user demand, the camera continues to run high-power modules such as image acquisition, data transmission, and cloud interaction, resulting in significant energy waste. This high-power operation mode not only shortens the device's battery life but also increases system heat generation, affecting the device's stability and lifespan.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a low-power intelligent camera system. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a low-power intelligent camera system that solves the problem of high power consumption in camera systems by integrating a sensing module, a communication module, and an image acquisition module together.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: This application provides a low-power intelligent camera system, including a sensing module, a communication module, and an image acquisition module. The sensing module is electrically connected to the image acquisition module, and the sensing module is used to respond to objects in the monitored scene and output a first detection signal to the image acquisition module. The communication module is electrically connected to the image acquisition module, and the communication module is used to receive a wake-up command sent by the terminal through a remote wake-up server, and output a wake-up signal to the image acquisition module based on the wake-up command. The image acquisition module is used to change from a sleep state to a wake-up state to perform image acquisition after receiving the first detection signal and / or the wake-up signal.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a multimodal sensor module, which includes at least one of millimeter-wave radar, a photosensor, and an audio sensor. The multimodal sensor module is used to generate a second detection signal and transmit it to the sensing module and / or the image acquisition module.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a dynamic power management module, which is connected to the image acquisition module and is used to provide hierarchical power supply to the various functional modules of the intelligent camera system.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the dynamic power management module includes a sleep power supply unit and a wake-up power supply unit. The sleep power supply unit is used to supply power to the sensing module, the communication module and the multimodal sensor module in a sleep state. The wake-up power supply unit is used to gradually activate the image sensor and the local storage unit in the image acquisition module in a wake-up state.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the dynamic power management module further includes a power monitoring unit, which is used to monitor the power of the sleep power supply unit and the wake-up power supply unit in real time, and output a warning signal when the power is lower than a set value.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the image acquisition module further includes a main control chip and a gimbal assembly. The image sensor is connected to the main control chip via an I2C bus for acquiring image data. The main control chip is connected to the gimbal assembly via a UART communication interface for controlling the rotation of the gimbal assembly to adjust the image acquisition direction based on the first detection signal.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the local storage unit is connected to the main control chip via an SPI bus and is used to cache image data acquired after the image sensor is woken up.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the gimbal assembly includes a horizontal rotation motor and a vertical pitch motor for driving the camera to perform multi-angle scanning in a wake-up state.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a housing assembly, which includes a front cover, a middle frame, and a rear cover. The front cover has a light-transmitting window for accommodating the lens of the image acquisition module. A circuit board is disposed inside the middle frame, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the image acquisition module, the sensing module, and the communication module. The housing assembly is also used for the fixed installation of the intelligent camera system.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] This application proposes a low-power intelligent camera system, the main purpose of which is to provide an intelligent camera system that can effectively reduce energy consumption, extend battery life, and quickly wake from sleep mode to acquire images when needed. The system achieves intelligent control of the camera through the electrical connection between the sensing module and the image acquisition module, and through the communication module's support for receiving wake-up commands. Specifically, when the sensing module detects abnormal activity, it immediately sends a signal to the image acquisition module, triggering it to start working, thus minimizing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring monitoring effectiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a low-power intelligent camera system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Among them, 100 is the sensing module; 200 is the communication module; 300 is the image acquisition module; 400 is the multimodal sensor module; and 500 is the dynamic power management module. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0022] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a low-power intelligent camera system, including a sensing module 100, a communication module 200, and an image acquisition module 300. The sensing module 100 is electrically connected to the image acquisition module 300. The sensing module 100 is used to respond to objects in the monitored scene and output a first detection signal to the image acquisition module 300. The communication module 200 is electrically connected to the image acquisition module 300. The communication module 200 is used to receive a wake-up command sent by the terminal through a remote wake-up server and output a wake-up signal to the image acquisition module 300 based on the wake-up command. The image acquisition module 300 is used to change from a sleep state to a wake-up state to perform image acquisition after receiving the first detection signal and / or the wake-up signal.

[0026] This application proposes a low-power intelligent camera system, the main purpose of which is to provide an intelligent camera system that can effectively reduce energy consumption, extend battery life, and quickly wake from sleep mode to acquire images when needed. The system achieves intelligent control of the camera through the electrical connection between the sensing module 100 and the image acquisition module 300, and the support of the communication module 200 for receiving wake-up commands. Specifically, when the sensing module 100 detects abnormal activity, it immediately sends a signal to the image acquisition module 300, triggering it to start working, thus minimizing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring monitoring effectiveness.

[0027] Specifically, the sensing module 100 is mainly used to monitor objects within the scene and output a first detection signal. In one embodiment, the sensing technology adopted is PIR sensing technology. By setting the sensing module 100, a rapid response to environmental changes can be achieved, especially when a moving target enters the monitoring area, which can promptly trigger the operation of the image acquisition module 300, thereby avoiding the high energy consumption problem caused by long-term continuous recording. The communication module 200 is responsible for receiving the wake-up command sent by the terminal through the remote wake-up server, and outputting a wake-up signal to the image acquisition module 300 based on the command. The communication module 200 typically includes a WIFI module and / or a Bluetooth Low Energy module. The WIFI module is used to maintain a long connection with the remote server, ensuring that the wake-up command can be received even in sleep mode; the Bluetooth Low Energy module can provide a lower energy consumption communication method over short distances. The image acquisition module 300 is used to transition from sleep mode to wake-up mode to perform image acquisition after receiving the first detection signal or wake-up signal. The image acquisition module 300 mainly includes an image sensor and a main control chip. The image sensor is responsible for capturing image data, and the main control chip is responsible for processing this data and storing or transmitting it to external devices. Because the system uses a sensor-triggered mechanism and remote wake-up function, the camera can be in a low-power sleep mode when there is no activity or when it does not need to be viewed, which greatly reduces power consumption and extends battery life.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a multimodal sensor module 400, which includes at least one of millimeter-wave radar, a photosensor, and an audio sensor. The multimodal sensor module 400 is used to generate a second detection signal and transmit it to the sensing module 100 and / or the image acquisition module 300.

[0029] The sensing module 100 receives a second detection signal from the multimodal sensor module 400 and combines it with its own first detection signal to make a comprehensive judgment on whether to trigger the image acquisition module 300. Upon receiving either the first or second detection signal, the image acquisition module 300 transitions from sleep mode to wake-up mode to acquire images. The additional information provided by the multimodal sensor module 400 helps the image acquisition module 300 more accurately identify targets, avoiding unnecessary activation and further reducing energy consumption. Through the collaborative work of multiple sensors, the sensing module 100 and the multimodal sensor module 400 can acquire more multidimensional information, improving the perception accuracy of the intelligent camera system for environmental changes and reducing false alarm rates. The system only wakes up the image acquisition module 300 when it confirms the presence of actual target activity, thus significantly reducing unnecessary power consumption and extending battery life.

[0030] Specifically, the multimodal sensor module 400 generates a second detection signal and transmits it to the sensing module 100 and / or the image acquisition module 300, thereby achieving more accurate target detection and recognition. For example, millimeter-wave radar is used to detect long-range moving targets, providing high-precision distance and speed information; photosensors are used to measure ambient light intensity to determine whether it is day or night, in order to adjust the camera's operating mode; and audio sensors are used to capture changes in ambient sound to help determine if there is any abnormal activity. The multimodal sensor module 400 is typically connected to the sensing module 100 or the image acquisition module 300 via a GPIO interface or a UART interface to ensure efficient data transmission.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a dynamic power management module 500, which is connected to the image acquisition module 300 and is used to provide tiered power supply to the various functional modules of the intelligent camera system. By setting the dynamic power management module 500, the power supply status of each functional module can be flexibly adjusted according to the working status and needs of the intelligent camera system, enabling tiered power supply to the various functional modules of the intelligent camera system, achieving a more refined power management strategy, thereby minimizing overall power consumption, extending battery life, and ensuring that the system can respond and operate quickly when needed.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the dynamic power management module 500 includes a sleep power supply unit and a wake-up power supply unit. The sleep power supply unit is used to supply power to the sensing module 100, the communication module 200 and the multimodal sensor module 400 in a sleep state. The wake-up power supply unit is used to gradually activate the image sensor and local storage unit in the image acquisition module 300 in a wake-up state.

[0033] When the system is in hibernation mode, the hibernation power supply unit can supply power to the sensing module 100, the communication module 200 and the multimodal sensor module 400. The hibernation power supply unit typically includes low-power power circuitry and control logic to ensure that these critical components can continue to operate in low-power mode while remaining in standby mode to respond to external trigger signals or environmental changes. By maintaining power supply to some modules in hibernation mode, the system can detect abnormal activity or receive remote wake-up commands in a timely manner and thus react quickly.

[0034] After the system is woken up, the wake-up power supply unit gradually activates the image sensor and local storage unit in the image acquisition module 300. This unit includes multiple power switches and control logic, and supplies power to high-energy-consuming components step-by-step according to system requirements. The specific steps include: first, powering the main control chip to put it into a ready state; then, sequentially powering the image sensor and local storage unit to ensure their normal operation; finally, the system begins image acquisition and data storage. The wake-up power supply unit ensures that the system can switch from sleep mode to operation in a short time. Gradually activating high-energy-consuming components helps reduce the impact of instantaneous current surges on the battery and improves system stability and reliability.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the dynamic power management module 500 further includes a power monitoring unit, which is used to monitor the power of the sleep power supply unit and the wake-up power supply unit in real time, and output a warning signal when the power is lower than a set value.

[0036] The power monitoring unit can monitor the power levels of both the dormant and active power supply units in real time and output a warning signal when the power level falls below a set threshold. This design ensures that the system can promptly remind the user to charge the battery when it is low, thus preventing monitoring failure or data loss due to depletion of power and improving system reliability. Specifically, the power monitoring unit includes voltage and current detection circuits to acquire battery voltage and current information in real time, calculate the remaining power level based on the acquired data, and compare it with a preset threshold. If the power level falls below the set threshold, a warning signal is triggered. The power monitoring unit's warning mechanism can remind the user to charge the battery in a timely manner through indicator light flashing, buzzer alarm, or sending notifications to the user terminal.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the image acquisition module 300 further includes a main control chip and a gimbal assembly.

[0038] The image sensor is connected to the main control chip via an I2C bus for acquiring image data. The main control chip is connected to the pan-tilt unit via a UART communication interface, and controls the pan-tilt unit to rotate and adjust the image acquisition direction based on the first detection signal. Through the collaborative work of the main control chip, image sensor, and pan-tilt unit, more precise image data acquisition and multi-angle monitoring functions are achieved, enabling the camera device to cover a wider monitoring range and accurately target the object, thus improving the accuracy and comprehensiveness of monitoring.

[0039] Specifically, the image sensor connects to the main control chip via an I2C bus to acquire image data. The main control chip connects to the pan-tilt unit via a UART communication interface to control the pan-tilt unit's rotation based on detection signals, adjusting the image acquisition direction. The image sensor, typically employing CMOS or CCD technology, is responsible for capturing image information from the scene and converting it into digital signals. The main control chip receives image data from the image sensor, performs preliminary processing (such as compression and encoding), and then stores or transmits the processed data to external devices. Furthermore, the main control chip controls the pan-tilt unit's movements. The pan-tilt unit connects to the main control chip via a UART communication interface to ensure accurate transmission of control commands. Based on the commands from the main control chip, the camera's angle and direction are adjusted to achieve multi-angle monitoring. This includes horizontal rotation and vertical tilt motors, and the pan-tilt unit's mechanical structure enables omnidirectional camera rotation.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the local storage unit is connected to the main control chip via an SPI bus and is used to cache image data acquired after the image sensor is woken up.

[0041] To ensure efficient and reliable transmission and storage of image data, while reducing reliance on external communication networks and improving system stability and response speed, the image acquisition module 300 also includes a local storage unit. This local storage unit caches image data acquired by the image sensor for subsequent processing or uploading to the cloud. It typically includes storage media such as flash memory or an SD card and connects to the main control chip via an SPI bus. This ensures efficient transmission and storage of image data in the local storage unit. The design of the local storage unit allows the system to retain important image data even without an external communication network, preventing data loss due to network interruptions. This improves the efficiency and reliability of data transmission.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a power supply module electrically connected to the dynamic power management module 500. The power supply module includes at least one of a battery, an external power cord, and a solar panel. By flexibly selecting and combining various power supply methods, the system can operate stably in different application scenarios, maximizing battery life and improving system reliability. Specifically, the battery, as the main power source, provides power support for the entire intelligent camera system. Its structure typically uses rechargeable lithium batteries, which feature high energy density and long service life. Additionally, in situations with a fixed power supply (such as indoor installation), using an external power cord can reduce reliance on batteries, extend battery life, and ensure long-term stable system operation. The external power cord provides a continuous and stable power input to the system through an external power adapter. Outdoors or in remote areas, solar panels can serve as supplementary power, particularly suitable for applications requiring long-term unattended operation, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and lowering maintenance costs.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the intelligent camera system further includes a housing assembly, which includes a front cover, a middle frame, and a rear cover. The front cover has a light-transmitting window for accommodating the lens of the image acquisition module 300. The middle frame houses a circuit board, which is electrically connected to the image acquisition module 300, the sensing module 100, and the communication module 200. The housing assembly is also used for the fixed installation of the intelligent camera system.

[0044] The front cover houses the lens of the image acquisition module 300 and features a light-transmitting window to ensure the image sensor can clearly capture the external scene. This window design ensures the normal operation of the image acquisition module 300 while preventing dust, rain, and other environmental factors from contaminating or damaging the lens. The mid-frame, as a core structural component, provides a stable mounting platform for the system. Internally, it houses a circuit board for connecting to the main control chip, image acquisition module 300, and sensing module 100, ensuring good electrical connections and structural support between the functional modules and improving the overall integration and reliability of the system.

[0045] The housing components adopt a modular design, with the front cover, middle frame, and rear shell connected by clips, screws, or integrated molding. This provides physical protection for the internal electronic modules, preventing damage from external factors such as dust, moisture, and vibration, and is a key structure for ensuring the long-term stable operation of the system. The light-transmitting window is precisely aligned with the 300mm lens of the image acquisition module, ensuring that image quality is not affected. In addition, the rear shell has reserved installation interfaces to adapt to different usage scenarios, thus enabling multiple installation and fixation methods.

[0046] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0047] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0048] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A low-power intelligent camera system, characterized in that, include: The system includes a sensing module (100), a communication module (200), and an image acquisition module (300). The sensing module (100) is electrically connected to the image acquisition module (300), and the sensing module (100) is used to respond to objects in the monitoring scene and output a first detection signal to the image acquisition module (300); The communication module (200) is electrically connected to the image acquisition module (300). The communication module (200) is used to receive a wake-up command sent by the terminal through a remote wake-up server, and output a wake-up signal to the image acquisition module (300) based on the wake-up command. The image acquisition module (300) is used to change from a sleep state to a wake-up state to perform image acquisition after receiving the first detection signal and / or the wake-up signal.

2. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent camera system further includes a multimodal sensor module (400), which includes at least one of millimeter-wave radar, a photosensitive sensor, and an audio sensor. The multimodal sensor module (400) is used to generate a second detection signal and transmit it to the sensing module (100) and / or the image acquisition module (300).

3. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The intelligent camera system also includes a dynamic power management module (500), which is connected to the image acquisition module (300) and is used to provide hierarchical power supply to each functional module of the intelligent camera system.

4. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dynamic power management module (500) includes a sleep power supply unit and a wake-up power supply unit; The sleep power supply unit is used to supply power to the sensing module (100), the communication module (200) and the multimodal sensor module (400) in sleep mode, and the wake-up power supply unit is used to gradually activate the image sensor and local storage unit in the image acquisition module (300) in wake-up mode.

5. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dynamic power management module (500) also includes a power monitoring unit, which is used to monitor the power of the sleep power supply unit and the wake-up power supply unit in real time, and output a warning signal when the power is lower than a set value.

6. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The image acquisition module (300) also includes a main control chip and a gimbal assembly. The image sensor is connected to the main control chip via an I2C bus for acquiring image data. The main control chip is connected to the gimbal assembly via a UART communication interface for controlling the rotation of the gimbal assembly to adjust the image acquisition direction according to the first detection signal.

7. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The local storage unit is connected to the main control chip via the SPI bus and is used to cache the image data acquired after the image sensor is woken up.

8. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gimbal assembly includes a horizontal rotation motor and a vertical tilt motor, used to drive the camera to perform multi-angle scanning in the wake-up state.

9. The low-power intelligent camera system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The intelligent camera system also includes a power supply module, which is electrically connected to the dynamic power management module (500). The power supply module includes at least one of a battery, an external power cord, and a solar panel.

10. The low-power intelligent camera system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The intelligent camera system also includes a housing assembly, which includes a front cover, a middle frame, and a rear cover. The front cover has a light-transmitting window for accommodating the lens of the image acquisition module (300). The middle frame has a circuit board inside, which is electrically connected to the image acquisition module (300), the sensing module (100), and the communication module (200). The housing assembly is also used for the fixed installation of the intelligent camera system.

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