A camera and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a camera and an electronic device. The camera includes an optical path adjustment module and an imaging sensor arranged sequentially in the optical path transmission path. The imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed passes through the optical path adjustment module and is imaged on the imaging transmitter. The optical path adjustment module includes an aperture stop and a filter component. The aperture stop has a light-transmitting port with an adjustable aperture size. When the light-transmitting port is at a first aperture size, the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop covers the first aperture. When the light-transmitting port is at a second aperture size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop and the second aperture. This allows the camera to adjust the light-transmitting aperture of the aperture stop to the size of the filter component during the day to meet the imaging requirements during the day, and to adjust the light-transmitting aperture of the aperture stop to its maximum size at night to receive as much light energy as possible to meet the imaging requirements at night.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optics, and more particularly to a camera and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of camera technology, the application of cameras is becoming increasingly widespread. For example, in scenarios such as checkpoints or traffic monitoring, cameras are required to achieve clear imaging in all weather conditions. The imaging conditions differ between daytime and nighttime scenarios, thus requiring different imaging lenses and supplementary lighting.

[0003] During the day, intense sunlight and complex sources of scattered light in the environment make it difficult to capture clear images. Therefore, daytime scenes require cameras to reduce aperture to prevent overexposure, while using polarization filtering imaging schemes to detect and highlight targets of interest against complex backgrounds. At night, the environment is dark, requiring as much light energy as possible to enter the camera. This necessitates high-intensity supplemental lighting to illuminate the capture area, while simultaneously increasing the camera's aperture. However, polarization filtering imaging schemes lose a significant amount of light energy, making them highly unsuitable for nighttime imaging. Optical systems based on polarization principles, while meeting daytime imaging requirements, are difficult to integrate with nighttime imaging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a camera and electronic device for reducing the size of polarization filtering devices to simultaneously meet the imaging requirements of the camera during both day and night.

[0005] In view of this, the first aspect of this application provides a camera, which includes an optical path adjustment module and an imaging sensor arranged sequentially in the optical path transmission path. The imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed passes through the optical path adjustment module and is imaged on the imaging transmitter. The optical path adjustment module includes an aperture stop and a filter component. The aperture stop has a light-transmitting port with an adjustable aperture size. When the light-transmitting port is at a first aperture size, the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop covers the first aperture. When the light-transmitting port is at a second aperture size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop and the second aperture.

[0006] The camera in this application includes an optical path adjustment module and an imaging sensor, both of which are located on the optical path transmission path. The optical path transmission path is the transmission path of the light beam within the camera, and the light beam first passes through the optical path adjustment module before reaching the imaging sensor.

[0007] When the camera in this application is working, the imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed enters the camera, first passes through the optical path adjustment module, and then reaches the imaging sensor, where it is imaged. The object to be photographed refers to all objects that the camera can capture from its current viewing angle; for example, the object to be photographed includes a vehicle's license plate number and a person's image behind a car window. After the beam of light shines on the object to be photographed, it is reflected to form an imaging beam that enters the camera.

[0008] The optical path adjustment module in this application includes an aperture stop and a filter assembly, which can be fitted together or have a certain gap. Optionally, both the aperture stop and the filter assembly can be circular or polygonal.

[0009] The aperture stop in this application has an adjustable aperture size. Users can adjust the aperture size of the aperture stop by adjusting the aperture of the camera.

[0010] In this application, when the aperture stop's aperture opening is at the first aperture size, the orthographic projection of the filter component onto the aperture stop covers the first aperture. This means that the entire imaging beam reaching the imaging sensor at this time passes through the filter component. In other words, after adjusting the aperture stop's aperture opening to the first aperture size, the camera can employ a polarization filtering imaging scheme, meeting the imaging requirements for daytime.

[0011] When the aperture stop's opening is at the second aperture size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component onto the aperture stop and the second aperture. This means that only a portion of the imaging beam reaching the imaging sensor passes through the filter component; the beam at the gap does not pass through it. By adjusting the aperture stop's opening to the second aperture size, the imaging sensor in the camera can receive the imaging beam that is not blocked by the filter component, maximizing the amount of light energy received and meeting the imaging requirements at night (or on cloudy days).

[0012] The first aspect involves switching between day and night imaging by changing the aperture size of the aperture stop. During the day, the aperture size of the aperture stop can be adjusted to match the size of the filter component to meet daytime imaging requirements, while at night, the aperture size of the aperture stop can be adjusted to its maximum size to receive as much light energy as possible to meet nighttime imaging requirements.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the area of ​​the filter component projected onto the aperture stop is smaller than the area of ​​the light-passing port at its maximum aperture.

[0014] In this possible implementation, the size of the filter component is smaller than the size of the aperture stop, so that the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop covers the light-transmitting port or has a gap with the light-transmitting port, which improves the feasibility of the solution.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the area of ​​the filter component projected onto the aperture stop is twice as small as the area of ​​the light-passing port at its maximum aperture.

[0016] In this possible implementation, by limiting the specific size of the filter component, the amount of light transmitted at night can be further guaranteed, thereby improving the imaging effect at night.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical path adjustment module further includes a light-transmitting component for transmitting the imaging beam, the light-transmitting component including a hollow region, and a filtering component coupled to the light-transmitting component in the hollow region.

[0018] In this possible implementation, fixing the filter component in the camera using a light-transmitting component improves the feasibility of the solution.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting component onto the aperture stop is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the light-transmitting aperture at its maximum diameter.

[0020] In this possible implementation, the area of ​​the light-transmitting component is larger than the maximum light-transmitting aperture of the aperture stop, ensuring that the light-transmitting component can cover the optical path of the aperture stop, thus improving the feasibility of the solution.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical path adjustment module further includes a fixing bracket for fixing the filter component to the aperture stop.

[0022] In this possible implementation, fixing the filter component in the camera using a fixed bracket improves the feasibility of the solution.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical path adjustment module further includes a control unit connected to the filter component, which is used to move the position of the filter component based on the aperture size of the light-passing port.

[0024] In this possible implementation, the filter is moved by the control unit so that the orthogonal projection of the filter component on the aperture stop covers the light-transmitting port or has a gap with the light-transmitting port, which improves the feasibility of the solution.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the control unit is specifically used to move the filter assembly to a position perpendicular to the aperture stop.

[0026] In this possible implementation, the control unit can flip the filter component, which improves the feasibility of the solution.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the control unit is a rotary motor.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical path adjustment module further includes at least one imaging lens, wherein the at least one imaging lens, the aperture stop, the filter component and the imaging sensor are parallel and coaxial, and the distance between the filter component and the aperture stop is less than a first threshold, the first threshold being determined based on the maximum aperture of the light-passing port.

[0029] In this possible implementation, at least one imaging lens, aperture stop, filter assembly, and imaging sensor are placed coaxially, with their center points at the same location and on the optical axis, ensuring the imaging function of the camera and improving the feasibility of the solution.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first threshold is 0.2 times the maximum aperture of the light-transmitting port.

[0031] In this possible implementation, limiting the distance between the filter component and the aperture stop ensures the imaging function of the camera, thus improving the feasibility of the solution.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first threshold is 3 millimeters.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the filtering component includes a bonded color filter and a polarizer.

[0034] In this possible implementation, the filtering component is a polarization-color filter used to achieve polarization optical imaging, detecting and highlighting targets of interest against complex backgrounds.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the filtering component is a red-green-blue (RGB) narrowband filter.

[0036] In this possible implementation, the filtering component is a red-green-blue RGB narrowband filter, used to reduce sunlight reflection on the captured object during the day.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the camera is a security camera.

[0038] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device that includes a camera as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the camera being used to acquire image data of an object to be photographed.

[0039] In this embodiment, day and night imaging is switched by changing the aperture size of the aperture stop. During the day, polarization imaging can be achieved through the polarization-color filter, while at night, imaging with almost no light loss is achieved without removing the polarization-color filter. Specifically, during the day, the aperture stop is reduced so that its size is smaller than or equal to the area of ​​the polarization-color filter. At night, the aperture stop is increased so that the light-receiving area is much larger than the area of ​​the polarization-color filter, avoiding light loss at night. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a polarization-color filter;

[0042] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path adjustment module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of a camera provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a fixed filtering component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the moving filter component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that with technological development and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0049] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0050] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0051] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0052] First, for ease of understanding, some terms or concepts involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced.

[0053] (1) Aperture

[0054] An aperture stop is a physical component in an optical system that limits the beam of light, typically manifested as a perforated barrier, lens frame, or thin metal sheet. Its core function is to control the beam aperture and imaging range, directly affecting the imaging quality, luminous flux, and adaptability of the optical system.

[0055] (2) Aperture stop

[0056] An aperture stop is a physical element in an optical system that actually limits the aperture (width) of the imaging beam (such as a lens frame, aperture blades, or a dedicated aperture). It limits the aperture angle (beam solid angle) of the imaging beam of an on-axis object point through its light-passing hole. Its position and size directly affect the imaging quality, light throughput, and depth of field.

[0057] A smaller aperture stop results in lower image brightness but reduces stray light interference; a larger aperture stop increases brightness. Reducing the aperture stop can reduce aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma, improving image sharpness, but too small an aperture stop will reduce resolution due to diffraction effects. A smaller aperture stop results in a greater depth of field (a wider range of depth for sharp imaging).

[0058] (3) Pupil

[0059] The pupil is a virtual opening formed by the aperture stop in an optical system through the imaging of optical elements. According to its spatial position, it can be divided into two types: entrance pupil and exit pupil. Its core function is to control the aperture angle and path of the imaging beam.

[0060] The incident pupil is the image formed in object space by the optical system in front of the aperture stop, which determines the maximum incident angle of the beam of light from the object point.

[0061] The exit pupil is the image formed in image space by the optical system behind the aperture stop, which determines the exit angle of the image beam.

[0062] (4) Aperture

[0063] Aperture specifically refers to the adjustable aperture diaphragm composed of multiple blades in a photographic lens; it is essentially a form of aperture diaphragm implementation. In photography, aperture refers to the adjustable opening inside the lens that determines how much light can pass through the lens and reach the camera's sensor. Aperture is a device used to control the amount of light passing through the lens and reaching the sensor inside the camera body; it is usually located inside the lens. For a manufactured lens, its diameter cannot be arbitrarily changed, but the amount of light passing through the lens can be controlled by incorporating a polygonal or circular aperture diaphragm with a variable area inside the lens; this device is called aperture.

[0064] Aperture is expressed as f-number (aperture factor), and the formula is f-number = lens focal length / aperture diameter. For example, a 50mm lens has an aperture diameter of 25mm at f / 2. The smaller the f-number, the larger the aperture opening (e.g., f / 1.4), and the more light enters. The larger the f-number, the smaller the aperture opening (e.g., f / 16).

[0065] Aperture number (F) and aperture are inversely proportional. That is, the smaller the F-number, the larger the aperture. The larger the F-number, the smaller the aperture.

[0066] The following examples illustrate the application scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0067] With the rapid development of camera technology, the application of cameras is becoming more and more widespread.

[0068] like Figure 1A As shown, in a traffic scenario, cameras are installed to identify vehicle license plate numbers or capture images of passengers inside vehicles, enabling safe control of vehicle movement. This scenario requires cameras to provide clear imaging in all weather conditions. The imaging conditions differ between daytime and nighttime (or cloudy) scenarios, thus requiring different imaging lenses and lighting conditions.

[0069] During the day, intense sunlight and complex sources of diffused light in the environment create strong glare and reflections of surrounding objects on car windows or windshields, making it difficult for cameras to clearly see faces behind them and capture clear images. Therefore, daytime scenes require cameras to reduce aperture to prevent overexposure and to use high-intensity fill light, with the light almost directly incident through the car window to clearly see faces behind it. Daytime fill light intensity needs to reach tens of thousands of lux at the car window, causing light pollution.

[0070] To reduce the intensity of daytime illumination or even achieve clear imaging under conditions without illumination, polarization imaging schemes can be used to detect and highlight targets of interest against complex backgrounds.

[0071] like Figure 1B As shown, in the polarization filtering imaging scheme, a specially designed polarization-color filter is placed at the aperture stop of the imaging lens. This polarization-color filter contains three color channels, each corresponding to a polarizer in one direction. Using a standard color camera and an imaging lens equipped with the polarization-color filter, the target scene is imaged. The modulated incident light is incoherently superimposed on the image plane, simultaneously imaging the entire optical detector. Utilizing the characteristics of the Bayer filter in the color camera, the polarization image of the scene is calculated based on the red, green, and blue (RGB) three-channel image, ultimately achieving simultaneous polarization optical imaging. The polarization filtering imaging scheme can significantly reduce the complexity of optical system design, facilitate the miniaturization and integration of polarization cameras, and retain the imaging resolution of the original camera system.

[0072] Nighttime environments are dark, requiring as much light as possible to enter the camera. This necessitates high-intensity supplemental lighting to illuminate the capture area, while simultaneously increasing the camera's aperture. However, polarization imaging solutions typically require the use of polarizers and filters, resulting in significant light loss. This is highly detrimental to nighttime imaging, making it difficult for polarization-based optical systems to maintain compatibility with nighttime imaging while reducing daytime supplemental lighting intensity.

[0073] In view of this, the first aspect of this application provides a camera, which includes an optical path adjustment module and an imaging sensor arranged sequentially in the optical path transmission path. The imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed passes through the optical path adjustment module and is imaged on the imaging transmitter. The optical path adjustment module includes an aperture stop and a filter component. The aperture stop has a light-transmitting aperture with an adjustable diameter. When the light-transmitting aperture is at a first diameter size, the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop covers the first diameter. When the light-transmitting aperture is at a second diameter size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop and the second diameter. This allows the camera to adjust the light-transmitting aperture of the aperture stop to the size of the filter component during the day to meet the imaging requirements during the day, and to adjust the light-transmitting aperture of the aperture stop to its maximum size at night to receive as much light energy as possible to meet the imaging requirements at night.

[0074] The camera provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with the above-mentioned terminology explanations and application scenarios.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, one embodiment of the camera provided in this application includes an optical path adjustment module 10 and an imaging sensor 20 arranged sequentially in the optical path transmission path. The imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed passes through the optical path adjustment module 10 and forms an image on the imaging sensor 20.

[0076] The optical path adjustment module 10 includes an aperture stop 11 and a filter component 12. The aperture stop 11 has an adjustable aperture. When the aperture is at a first aperture size, the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 on the aperture stop 11 covers the first aperture. When the aperture is at a second aperture size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 on the aperture stop 11 and the second aperture.

[0077] The camera in this embodiment includes an optical path adjustment module 10 and an imaging sensor 20, both of which are located on the optical path transmission path. The optical path transmission path is the transmission path of the light beam within the camera, and the light beam first passes through the optical path adjustment module 10 before reaching the imaging sensor 20.

[0078] When the camera is working, the imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed enters the camera, first passes through the optical path adjustment module 10, and then reaches the imaging sensor 20, where it is imaged. The object to be photographed refers to all objects that the camera can capture from its current viewing angle; for example, the object to be photographed includes a vehicle's license plate number and a person's image behind a car window. After the beam of light shines on the object to be photographed, it is reflected to form an imaging beam that enters the camera.

[0079] The optical path adjustment module 10 in this embodiment includes an aperture stop 11 and a filter component 12. The aperture stop 11 and the filter component 12 can be fitted together or have a certain gap. Optionally, both the aperture stop 11 and the filter component 12 are circular or polygonal.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the aperture of the aperture stop 11 is adjustable. Users can adjust the aperture of the camera to change the size of the aperture stop 11.

[0081] For example, aperture stop 11 is a mechanically variable aperture, such as an iris diaphragm. A mechanically variable aperture consists of multiple thin metal blades (typically 5-10 blades) arranged in an overlapping pattern around a central circular aperture. One end of each blade is pinned into a groove in a fixed ring, and the other end is pinned into a groove in a rotatable adjustment ring. When the aperture is reduced, rotating the adjustment ring (usually via the aperture ring on the lens or a camera / device command) moves the groove, forcing all blades to slide towards the center simultaneously. The overlap of the blades increases, and the diameter of the central aperture (light-passing aperture) they enclose decreases. When the aperture is increased, rotating the adjustment ring in the opposite direction causes the groove to move the blades away from the center simultaneously. The overlap of the blades decreases, and the diameter of the central aperture increases.

[0082] It should be understood that the aperture stop 11 can also take other forms. For example, an insertable / removable slot can be designed at the location of the aperture stop 11 to provide a series of metal or plastic sheets (aperture plates) with circular holes of different diameters, so as to realize the replacement of the fixed aperture plates. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form of the aperture stop 11.

[0083] When the aperture stop 11 is at the first aperture size, the orthographic projection of the filter assembly 12 onto the aperture stop 11 covers the first aperture. This means that the entire imaging beam reaching the imaging sensor 20 passes through the filter assembly 12. In other words, after adjusting the aperture stop 11 to the first aperture size, the camera can employ a polarization filtering imaging scheme, meeting the imaging requirements during the day.

[0084] When the aperture stop 11 is at the second aperture size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 onto the aperture stop 11 and the second aperture. This means that only a portion of the imaging beam reaching the imaging sensor 20 passes through the filter component 12, and the imaging beam at the gap does not pass through the filter component 12. By adjusting the aperture stop 11 to the second aperture size, the imaging sensor 20 in the camera can receive the imaging beam that is not blocked by the filter component 12, thus receiving as much light energy as possible and meeting the imaging requirements at night (or on cloudy days).

[0085] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific size of the first aperture and the second aperture, as long as the light passage of the aperture stop 11 is within the size of the first aperture or the second aperture to meet the corresponding requirements. It is understood that, under the corresponding requirements, the size of the second aperture must be larger than the size of the first aperture.

[0086] Furthermore, the filter component 12 includes a bonded color filter and a polarizer, that is, the filter component 12 is as follows: Figure 1B The polarizing-color filter shown is an example. The color filter and polarizer can be integrated onto the same optical sheet (the filter film of the color filter can be deposited on the polarizer), or the two optical sheets can be attached together. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0087] It should be understood that the filter component 12 can also take other forms to achieve different functions and meet different user needs. For example, the filter component 12 can be an RGB narrowband filter. RGB narrowband filters are used to reduce sunlight reflection on captured objects during the day. As another example, multiple ring-shaped filters can be set, with each ring having different transmittance for different wavelengths, achieving a filter effect. This application does not limit the specific form of the filter component 12.

[0088] For example, the object to be photographed is imaged onto the imaging sensor 20 through the imaging lens and polarizing-color filters. The imaging sensor 20 utilizes the characteristics of a Bayer filter in a color camera to calculate the polarization image of the object based on the RGB three-way image, achieving simultaneous polarization optical imaging. Specifically, the color filter is divided into three equal parts: red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and the polarizer is divided into three linear polarization sections: 0°, 60°, and 120°. The color filter and polarizer correspond one-to-one; that is, the red filter R modulates 0° linearly polarized light, the green filter G modulates 60° linearly polarized light, and the blue filter B modulates 120° linearly polarized light. Using this system, the imaging sensor 20 can calculate the three polarization images using an algorithm, and then calculate the scene reflection image to obtain a de-reflected image for daytime conditions.

[0089] In this embodiment, by changing the aperture size of the aperture stop 11, day and night imaging can be switched. During the day, polarization imaging can be achieved through the polarization-color filter, while at night, imaging with almost no light loss can be achieved without removing the polarization-color filter. Specifically, during the day, the aperture stop 11 is reduced so that its size is smaller than or equal to the area of ​​the polarization-color filter. At night, the aperture stop 11 is increased so that the light-receiving area is much larger than the area of ​​the polarization-color filter, avoiding light loss at night.

[0090] In this embodiment, the camera can adjust the aperture diameter of the aperture stop 11 to the size of the filter component 12 during the day to meet the imaging requirements during the day, and adjust the aperture diameter of the aperture stop 11 to the maximum size at night to receive as much light energy as possible to meet the imaging requirements at night.

[0091] Optional, such as Figure 4 As shown, the optical path adjustment module 10 also includes at least one imaging lens 13. The at least one imaging lens 13, aperture stop 11, filter assembly 12, and imaging sensor 20 are parallel and coaxial; that is, the at least one imaging lens 13, aperture stop 11, filter assembly 12, and imaging sensor 20 are placed coaxially, and their center points are all at the same position and located on the optical axis. The aperture stop 11 and filter assembly 12 are both perpendicular to the optical axis. The distance between the filter assembly 12 and the aperture stop 11 is less than a first threshold, which is determined based on the maximum aperture of the light-passing port.

[0092] The filter component 12 is placed at the aperture stop 11, and the first threshold is 0.2 times the maximum diameter of the aperture stop 11's light-transmitting aperture. For example, if the maximum diameter of the aperture stop 11's light-transmitting aperture is 15 mm, then the first threshold is 3 mm. Alternatively, the filter component 12 can be placed at the entrance pupil or exit pupil (e.g., when there is only one imaging lens 13), in which case the distance between the filter component 12 and the entrance pupil or exit pupil is also less than the first threshold.

[0093] For example, the optical path adjustment module 10 includes 12 imaging lenses 13, with the aperture stop 11 and filter assembly 12 located among the 12 imaging lenses 13 (e.g., in the middle). As another example, the optical path adjustment module 10 may include only one imaging lens 13, in which case the aperture stop 11 and filter assembly 12 are located at the entrance pupil or exit pupil. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of imaging lenses 13, or the positional relationship between the aperture stop 11, filter assembly 12, and imaging lenses 13.

[0094] Optionally, the camera is a security camera, meaning it can be used in applications such as... Figure 1A The scenario shown is illustrated. It should be understood that the camera provided in this embodiment can also be applied to other scenarios.

[0095] In order to adjust the aperture size of the light passage of the aperture stop 11, the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 on the aperture stop 11 can cover the light passage or have a gap with the light passage. There are multiple ways to achieve this, which will be described below.

[0096] 1. The size of the filter component 12 is smaller than the size of the aperture stop 11.

[0097] Optionally, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 onto the aperture stop 11 is smaller than the area of ​​the aperture when it is at its maximum diameter. Taking the size of the aperture stop 11 as an example, where the aperture is at its maximum diameter, the size of the filter component 12 is smaller than the size of the aperture stop 11. When the aperture is at its maximum diameter, there will always be a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 onto the aperture stop 11 and the maximum diameter.

[0098] Alternatively, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the filter component 12 onto the aperture stop 11 is less than twice the area of ​​the aperture at its maximum diameter. That is, twice the area of ​​the filter component 12 is still less than the area of ​​the aperture stop 11.

[0099] In this case, there are multiple ways to fix the filter component 12, which will be described below.

[0100] 1. Light-transmitting components

[0101] Optionally, the optical path adjustment module 10 also includes a light-transmitting component for transmitting the imaging beam, the light-transmitting component including a hollow region, and the filter component 12 coupled to the light-transmitting component in the hollow region.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the light-transmitting component is a filter that allows all light in the visible and near-infrared bands to pass through. For example, the light-transmitting component is a fully transparent sheet with a transmittance of over 90% for light in the 300 nm-1000 nm band. The filter component 12 is fixed in the camera through this light-transmitting component.

[0103] Furthermore, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting component onto the aperture stop 11 is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the light-transmitting aperture at its maximum diameter. In other words, it is sufficient to ensure that the fully transparent sheet is greater than or equal to the maximum light-transmitting aperture of the aperture stop 11.

[0104] For example, a fully transparent film is combined with a polarizing-color filter. The polarizing-color filter is placed at the aperture stop 11 of the imaging lens. Each of the RGB color channels of the polarizing-color filter corresponds to a polarizer in one direction. The area size of the fully transparent film and the polarizing-color filter is designed according to the different pupil sizes for daytime and nighttime imaging. For example, the area of ​​the fully transparent film is much larger than the area of ​​the filter assembly 12.

[0105] 2. Fixed bracket

[0106] Optional, such as Figure 6 As shown, the optical path adjustment module 10 also includes a fixing bracket, which is used to fix the filter component 12 onto the aperture stop 11. The number of fixing brackets can be as follows: Figure 6The three shown may also be fewer or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0107] II. Switching filter component 12 via control unit 14

[0108] Optionally, the optical path adjustment module 10 also includes a control unit 14, which is connected to the filter component 12. The control unit 14 is used to move the position of the filter component 12 based on the aperture size of the light-transmitting port. The control unit 14 is a rotary motor, and there are several ways to move the filter component 12, which will be described below.

[0109] 1. Remove filter component 12.

[0110] Optionally, an openable slot can be provided in the camera, allowing the control unit 14 to remove the filter assembly 12 from the slot, so that the optical transmission path of the camera does not pass through the filter assembly 12. In this case, the filter assembly 12 is located outside the camera.

[0111] 2. Inverting filter component 12

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown and Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 14 is specifically used to move the filter assembly 12 to a position perpendicular to the aperture stop 11.

[0113] Specifically, the control unit 14 can flip the filter component 12 in two directions inside the camera so that the filter component 12 is perpendicular to the aperture stop 11, so that the optical path transmission path does not pass through the filter component 12.

[0114] The following example will be used to provide a detailed description of the camera provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0115] In this embodiment, the camera lens specifications are: focal length f = 40 mm, aperture number variable from F1.15 to F20. Depending on actual business applications, the aperture number is typically F5-F8 during the day and the maximum aperture of F1.15 at night.

[0116] The aperture size and F-number of a camera's aperture stop are usually mapped by actual measurements. Using the lookup table, we find that an aperture of F5 corresponds to an aperture size of 6.1mm, and an aperture of F1.15 corresponds to an aperture size of 30mm.

[0117] The filtering component is a polarizing-color filter, which is placed at the aperture stop of the imaging lens via a light-transmitting component. Specifically, the polarizing-color filter area is set within a 6mm diameter region of the aperture stop, while the light-transmitting component occupies a 6-30mm area. The size of the aperture stop determines the amount of light energy entering the lens, and the ratio of the aperture area's size to the total area reflects the ratio of energy entering the lens.

[0118] Assuming a 2 / 3 loss in color channels and a 1 / 2 loss in polarization, if the entire aperture stop were a polarizing-color filter, at night with the aperture open to F1.15, the energy loss would be 83.33% compared to a fully transparent aperture stop or no filter at all. In this embodiment, the area between 6.1-30mm of the aperture stop is configured as a transparent component, and the area within 6.1mm is configured as a polarizing-color filter. At night with the aperture open to F1.15, the energy loss is only 4.41% compared to a fully transparent aperture stop or no filter at all.

[0119] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages:

[0120] (1) While using polarization imaging to solve the problem of strong reflection of car windows during the day, the method of adjusting the filter components is used to meet the requirement of almost no loss of light energy at night.

[0121] (2) By reducing the size of the filter component, the camera can adapt to different scenarios, thus reducing structural complexity.

[0122] (3) The camera can adapt to different scenarios by moving the filter component, thus improving the scalability of the camera.

[0123] like Figure 9 As shown, this application embodiment also provides an electronic device 30, which includes a camera 31 provided in this application embodiment. The camera 31 is used to acquire image data of the object to be photographed.

[0124] Specifically, the electronic device can be any device that needs to use a camera, including but not limited to mobile devices, industrial inspection equipment, scientific and medical equipment, security equipment, etc.

[0125] The electronic device provided in this application embodiment can be understood by referring to the relevant content about the camera in the foregoing embodiment section. It has the same technical features and beneficial effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the structural units of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0127] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed structures can be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of the structure may be implemented in other ways in actual practice. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another structure, or some features may be ignored. Some or all of the structures can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, structures, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0128] In addition, the structures in the embodiments of this application can be integrated into one structure, or each structure can exist physically separately, or two or more structures can be integrated into one structure.

[0129] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A camera, characterized by, It includes an optical path adjustment module and an imaging sensor arranged sequentially in the optical path transmission path. The imaging beam reflected by the object to be photographed passes through the optical path adjustment module and is imaged on the imaging sensor. The optical path adjustment module includes an aperture stop and a filter component. The aperture stop has an adjustable aperture. When the aperture is at a first aperture size, the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop covers the first aperture. When the aperture is at a second aperture size, there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the filter component on the aperture stop and the second aperture.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the filter component projected onto the aperture stop is smaller than the area of ​​the light-transmitting port when it is at its maximum aperture.

3. The camera of claim 2, wherein, The area of ​​the filter component projected onto the aperture stop is twice the size of the area of ​​the light-transmitting port when it is at its maximum aperture.

4. The camera according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The optical path adjustment module further includes a light-transmitting component for transmitting the imaging beam, the light-transmitting component including a hollow region, and the filtering component coupled to the light-transmitting component in the hollow region.

5. The camera of claim 4, wherein, The area of ​​the light-transmitting component projected onto the aperture stop is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the light-transmitting opening at its maximum diameter.

6. The camera according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The optical path adjustment module also includes a fixing bracket, which is used to fix the filter component on the aperture stop.

7. The camera of claim 1, wherein, The optical path adjustment module also includes a control unit, which is connected to the filter component. The control unit is used to move the position of the filter component based on the aperture size of the light-passing port.

8. The camera of claim 7, wherein, The control unit is specifically used to move the filter component to a position perpendicular to the aperture stop.

9. The camera according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The control unit is a rotary motor.

10. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The optical path adjustment module further includes at least one imaging lens. The at least one imaging lens, the aperture stop, the filter component, and the imaging sensor are parallel and coaxial. The distance between the filter component and the aperture stop is less than a first threshold, which is determined based on the maximum aperture of the light-passing port.

11. The camera of claim 10, wherein, The first threshold is 0.2 times the maximum diameter of the light-transmitting port.

12. The camera of claim 10, wherein, The first threshold is 3 millimeters.

13. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The filtering component includes a bonded color filter and a polarizer.

14. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The filtering component is a red-green-blue RGB narrowband filter.

15. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The camera in question is a security camera.

16. An electronic device, comprising: Includes a camera as described in any one of claims 1-15, the camera being used to acquire image data of the object to be photographed.

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