CAMERA FLAP POSITION DETECTION USING BACKLIGHT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic equipment incorporating an image capture device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known from the state of the art that electronic equipment, such as a set-top box, can integrate a camera allowing a user to conduct video conferences.

[0003] Usually an LED is arranged near the camera so that a user can tell if the camera is on or off.

[0004] Furthermore, the presence of a cap allows the camera's field of vision to be temporarily obscured, giving the user a more comfortable frame from a privacy perspective.

[0005] Sometimes the user launches an application requiring the use of the camera without removing the cover from its field of vision.

[0006] It can then take some time before the user realizes their mistake, which is not ideal. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention aims in particular to more easily detect the closed position of a shutter of an image capture device when it is switched on. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] For this purpose, the invention provides electronic equipment comprising: a housing provided with a first opening, an image capture device with a field of view, a movable shutter provided with an opening, said shutter being movablely mounted on the housing between a working position and a rest position such that, when the movable shutter is in its working position, the capture device imagescan view the outside of the housing in use through the first opening and the opening of the movable shutter, and when the shutter is in its rest position, the movable shutter masks the first opening for the image capture device, and a light source.

[0009] According to the invention, the movable shutter includes an optical device arranged to guide light so that when the shutter When the mobile is in its resting position, the optical device is arranged to guide light from the light source to the field of view of the image capture device.

[0010] In this way, if the capture device imagesIf the shutter is switched on while it is in the rest position, the image capture device will capture an image that will not be black due to the light received by the optical device. Therefore, the electronic equipment will be able to detect, via the image capture device itself, the unwanted association of the image capture device being switched on and the shutter being in the rest position.

[0011] Advantageously, with the invention, there is no risk of possible confusion when the capture device images image a black image: necessarily this means that the ambient environment is too dark for the said device to function correctly and not that it images the shutter flap.

[0012] In an advantageous way, the invention has no need to use an additional dedicated sensor to detect the position of the moving shutter.

[0013] Subsequently the terms "superior", "inferior" »," Before », " back " ... must extend depending on the position in service of the electronic equipment when it rests on a flat structure which is preferably parallel to the horizontal.

[0014] We also propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device is arranged on the movable shutter so as to extend in relation to the image capture device and said light source when the movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0015] We also propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device of said movable shutter extends to the outside of said housing.

[0016] We also propose an electronic equipment as previously described, in which the image capture device and said light source are fixed on an electronic board of the electronic equipment, the assembly formed by the electronic board, the image capture device and the light source being fixed with respect to the housing.

[0017] We also propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device of the movable shutter includes at least one translucent portion.

[0018] We also propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device forms a single piece with said movable shutter.

[0019] We also propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which said light source is capable of emitting a blink which is detectable by the image capture device, when the movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0020] We also propose an electronic device as previously described, in which the blinking responds to a complex sequence.

[0021] We further propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device of said movable shutter includes a figure positioned opposite the field of vision of the image capture device, when the movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0022] We also propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the electronic equipment is a decoder box.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, including: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a front view of a portion of the electronic equipment according to a particular embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a front view of a portion of the electronic equipment shown in the figure 1 ; Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a rear view of the part illustrated in the figure 2 , a movable shutter of the electronic equipment being in its working position; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a view identical to that of the figure 3 , the movable shutter being in its rest position; Fig. 5 ] there figure 5is a schematic top view of some of the electronic equipment shown in the figure 1 , when said movable shutter is in its working position; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a view identical to that of the figure 5 , when said movable shutter is in its rest position. Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 illustrates a figure that can be carried by the movable shutter of the electronic equipment shown in the figure 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] With reference to figures 1 to 6 , an electronic device 1 is described according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0026] The electronic equipment 1 is a decoder box. The electronic equipment 1 includes a housing 100. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall connecting the top and bottom walls. Preferably, the bottom and top walls are parallel to each other. The bottom and top walls are, for example, rectangular or square, preferably with rounded edges. For example, four side walls connect the top and bottom walls. The side walls extend, for example, parallel to each other in pairs. For example, each side wall extends orthogonally to at least one, and preferably to both the bottom and top walls.

[0027] The 100 box is generally shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The 100 box preferably has rounded edges and not sharp edges.

[0028] The 100 box is shaped so that when it rests on a support, its lower and upper walls extend parallel to the support and its side walls extend orthogonally to the support.

[0029] The enclosure 100 is provided with a first opening 101. Preferably, the first opening 101 is made in a side wall of the enclosure 100. The first opening 101 thus opens at one end inside the enclosure 100 and at a second end outside the enclosure 100. The first opening 101 extends along a first axis X through the side wall of the enclosure 100. The first axis X is horizontal here when the enclosure 100 rests on a horizontal flat base.

[0030] The first opening 101, for example, has a cross-section that narrows as it approaches the interior of the housing 100. The first opening 101 is thus shaped like a truncated cone. The electronic equipment 1 also includes an image capture device. The image capture device is, for example, a camera 20. The camera 20 is positioned inside the housing 100 so that it can view the outside of the housing through the first opening 101. Typically, the camera 20 has a field of view 21 which, when the camera is switched on, is aligned with the first opening 101. In this way, at least a portion of the camera 20's field of view extends through the first opening 101. Typically, the camera 20's field of view 21 is centered around at least one axis of vision. Preferably, said line of sight extends parallel to the first X-axis.The field of view 21 preferably extends coaxially to the first X axis and / or the first aperture 101.

[0031] Preferably, the camera 20 is fixed to the housing 100. The camera 20 is thus attached either directly or indirectly to at least one wall of the housing. For example, the camera 20 is attached to at least one wall of the housing by means of at least one electronic board 40.

[0032] For example, the camera 20 is fixedly mounted on an electronic board 40 which is itself fixedly mounted on at least part of the housing 100. The electronic board 40 and the camera are thus fixed in the housing 100.

[0033] The side wall of the box 100 in which the first opening 101 is made thus forms the front wall 110 of the box 100, that is to say the wall of the box 100 intended to face the user.

[0034] Furthermore, the electronic equipment 1 also includes a light source 30. The light source 30 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The light source 30 is positioned inside the housing 100. Typically, the light source 30 has an illumination field 31 which, when the light source 30 is activated, is aligned with at least one wall of the housing 100. Typically, the illumination field 31 of the light source 30 is centered around at least one illumination axis. Preferably, this illumination axis extends parallel to the first X-axis and / or the viewing axis of the camera 20. The light source 30 and the camera 20 are thus preferably arranged opposite the same wall of the housing 100, side by side and oriented in the same direction.

[0035] Preferably, the light source 30 is fixed in place relative to the housing 100. The light source 30 is thus attached either directly or indirectly to at least one wall of the housing. For example, the light source 30 is attached to at least one wall of the housing via at least one electronic circuit board.

[0036] For example, the light source 30 is fixedly mounted on an electronic board which is itself fixedly mounted on at least part of the housing 100. The electronic board and the light source 30 are thus fixed in the housing 100.

[0037] Preferably, the electronic board is the electronic board 40. The light source 30 and the camera 20 are thus supported by the same support.

[0038] Furthermore, the electronic equipment 1 also includes an optical device 12.

[0039] Preferably, the optical device 12 is a light guide. The optical device 12 thus guides the light emitted by the light source 30 as will be described below.

[0040] For this purpose, the optical device 12 is arranged in the housing between the housing wall in which the first opening 101 is provided (here, the front wall 110 of the housing) and the light source 30. The light source 30 is thus able to illuminate the rear of the optical device. A portion of the optical device 12, however, extends outside the housing 100 through at least one second opening 102 of the housing 100.

[0041] Preferably, the second opening 102 is made in the upper wall of the enclosure 100. The second opening 102 thus opens at one end inside the enclosure 100 and at the other end outside the enclosure 100. The second opening 102 is made in the enclosure 100 near the first opening 101. For example, the second opening 102 is made directly above the first opening 101. The second opening 102 extends along a second Y-axis through the upper wall of the enclosure 100. The second Y-axis is orthogonal here to the first X-axis. The second Y-axis extends vertically here when the enclosure 100 rests on a horizontal flat base.

[0042] The second opening 102, for example, has an oblong cross-section. The second opening 102, for example, has a regular cross-section along its entire length.

[0043] The optical device 12 thus extends into the box 100 from the light source 30 to the outside of the box 100 via the second opening 102.

[0044] The optical device 12 is formed into a flat piece. The optical device 12 thus has a main front face 12.1 arranged opposite the wall of the housing 110, in which the first opening 101 is provided, and a main rear face 12.2, opposite the main front face 12.1. In operation, the light source 30 illuminates the main rear face 12.2 of the optical device 12. The thickness of the piece is therefore much less than the dimensions of the two main faces. The optical device 12 is thus arranged to extend parallel to the front wall 110 of the housing 200.

[0045] Furthermore, the optical device 12 includes at least one portion allowing light transmission. This portion is preferably neither transparent nor opaque. Preferably, this portion is milky in color. Preferably, this portion is translucent. It is worth recalling here that an object is said to be translucent if it allows light to pass through without allowing light to pass through. of It is possible to clearly distinguish other objects through it, due to multiple anisotropic refractions of light rays. This distinguishes it from a transparent object, which allows light to pass through. And allow of To distinguish objects through it, and from an opaque object that absorbs or reflects light rays. A translucent object diffuses light as it passes through it, making observation through said object difficult or impossible.

[0046] For example, the portion has a transmittance that is between 40 and 80%, and that is for example between 50 and 70%, and that is for example 60%.

[0047] The said portion is for example made of tinted polycarbonate and for example made of polycarbonate tinted with titanium dioxide.

[0048] Preferably, the said portion allowing the transmission of light forms the whole part constituting the optical device 12. Thus the whole optical device 12 is translucent here.

[0049] The electronic equipment 1 also includes a movable shutter 10 of the camera 20. The movable shutter 10 is arranged inside the housing 100.

[0050] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 is mounted to move relative to the housing 100. For example, the movable shutter 10 is mounted to move within the housing 100 with at least one translational movement, and preferably with a single translational movement. For example, the movable shutter 10 is mounted to move within the housing 100 with a translational movement along a third axis Z, which is orthogonal to the first axis X and the second axis Y. The third axis Z extends horizontally when the housing 100 rests on a horizontal flat base. The movable shutter 10 has a plate extending into a gripping tab 14.

[0051] For example, the plate includes a base 15 extended superiorly by a rim 16.

[0052] The base 15, for example, is formed as a single flat piece. The base 15 thus has a main front face arranged opposite the wall of the housing 110, in which the first opening 101 is formed, and a main rear face, opposite the main front face. The thickness of the base 15 is therefore much less than the dimensions of the two main faces. The base 15 is thus arranged to extend parallel to the front wall of the housing 100 and / or the optical device 12.

[0053] A third opening 11 is provided inside the movable shutter 10 and is preferably located inside the base 15. The third opening 11 thus opens at one end inside the housing 100 (on the rear main face of the movable shutter 10) and at the other end outside the housing 100 (on the front main face of the movable shutter 10). The third opening 11 extends along a given axis T, which is preferably parallel to the first axis X. The third opening 11 may, for example, have a circular cross-section. The third opening 11 may, for example, have a cross-section that narrows towards the interior of the housing 100. The third opening 11 is thus shaped like a truncated cone.

[0054] The border 16 here overhangs an upper end of the base 15. Preferably, the border 16 extends orthogonally from the base 15.

[0055] The edge 16, for example, is formed into a flat piece. The edge 16 thus has a main upper face aligned with the upper face of the enclosure and a main lower face, opposite the main upper face. The thickness of the edge is therefore much less than the dimensions of the two main faces. The edge 16 is thus arranged to extend parallel to the upper wall of the enclosure 100 and / or orthogonally to the front wall 110 of the enclosure containing the first opening 101.

[0056] The gripping tab 14 preferably extends from the edge towards the upper wall of the box. The tab 14 extends straight from the edge along an axis that is orthogonal to the edge and, in particular, orthogonal to the upper face of the edge.

[0057] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the housing so that the gripping tab 14 extends through the second opening 102 to protrude from said second opening 102. Thus, a user can move the movable shutter relative to the housing 100 using the gripping tab 14.

[0058] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 and / or the rest of the electronic equipment 1 are equipped with at least one guiding means to facilitate the movement of the shutter within the housing 100. For example, the movable shutter 10 and the rest of the electronic equipment are respectively equipped with male guiding means and female guiding means to guide the translation of the movable shutter 10 within the housing 100. For example: the edge 16 is equipped on its upper face with at least one pin capable of cooperating with at least one rail (not visible here) provided inside the housing, the rail extending parallel to the Z axis, and / or the base 15 is equipped on its rear face with at least one rail extending parallel to the Z axis capable of cooperating with at least one finger attached to the camera 20.

[0059] The gripping tab 14 is preferably oblong in shape. The cross-section (along a section plane normal to the Y-axis) of the gripping tab is thus oblong in shape.

[0060] It is thus understood that the second aperture 102 defines two end positions of the movable shutter 10: a first end position in which the gripping tab 14 comes to a stop against one of the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102, called the working position ( figure 1), a second end position in which the gripping tab 14 comes to a stop against the other of the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102, called the rest position ( figure 4 ).

[0061] Preferably, the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102 follow the shape of a corresponding edge of the gripping tab 14.

[0062] It is also understood that the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the housing 100 between the front wall 110 of the housing 100 and the camera 20.

[0063] It is also understood that the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the housing 100 between the front wall 110 of the housing 100 and the light source 30.

[0064] Part of the movable shutter 10 (here the gripping tab 14) extends, however, to the outside of the housing 100 through the second opening 102 of the housing 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the housing so that, in its working position, its third opening 11 is opposite the first opening 101 of the housing 100. Preferably, in this position, the first opening 101 and the third opening 11 extend coaxially to each other. In this way, the camera 20 can view the outside of the housing 100.

[0066] Furthermore, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the housing so that in its rest position, its third opening 11 is offset from the first opening 101 of the housing 100. The field of vision of the camera 20 is then masked by the movable shutter 10 and more precisely by the base 15. In this way, the camera 20 cannot view the outside of the housing 100.

[0067] Furthermore, the optical device 12 is carried by the movable shutter 10. The optical device 12 is thus fixed to the movable shutter 10. The optical device 12 is therefore fixed in translation to the movable shutter 10.

[0068] Preferably, the optical device 12 and the movable shutter 10 form a single piece. For example, the movable shutter 10 is overmolded onto the optical device 12.

[0069] The optical device 12 is arranged between the movable shutter 10 and the light source 30. The optical device 12 is arranged so that its main front face is opposite the main rear face of the base 15 of the movable shutter 10.

[0070] The optical device 12 is further arranged so that a portion of said optical device 12 extends through the gripping tab 14 to the outside of the housing 100. For example, the gripping tab 14 has a fourth opening through which said portion extends. In this way, a user can view said portion from outside the housing 100 when looking at the gripping tab. The fourth opening extends along a given axis, which is preferably parallel to the second Y-axis. The fourth opening thus opens onto the upper face of the gripping tab 14. The fourth opening has, for example, a circular cross-section. The fourth opening has, for example, a circular cross-section along its entire length.

[0071] The optical device 12 is also arranged so as to always present at least one area opposite the light source 30, regardless of the position of the movable shutter 10 relative to the housing. Thus, the position of the movable shutter 10 does not affect the diffusion of light from the light source 30 by the optical device 12, since the light source 30 is permanently mounted opposite the optical device 12.

[0072] The optical device 12 is also arranged so that when the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position, the camera 20 is opposite at least one area of ​​the optical device 12. On the other hand, in the working position of the movable shutter 10, the optical device 12 is not opposite the camera 20.

[0073] The operation of the electronic equipment 1 according to a first implementation will now be described below. When a user wishes to conduct a videoconference, they activate the camera 20. At this moment, the light source 30 is deactivated.

[0074] Therefore, if the camera 20 detects an image other than a black image, the situation is nominal. This means that the user has correctly moved the movable shutter 10 into its working position. The third aperture 11 is then aligned with the first aperture 101, and the camera 20 can thus view the outside of the housing 100 and therefore the user. This also means that the ambient lighting is sufficient for the camera 20 to properly image the environment.

[0075] A control unit for electronic equipment 1 (such as a controller, a processor ...integrated into the electronic board 40 and / or the camera 20 and / or at least one other element of the housing 100) thus deduces that the movable shutter 10 is in its working position and then controls the activation of the light source 30.

[0076] Preferably, the light source 30 then emits a continuous light signal.

[0077] The user can then verify that the camera 20 is switched on via the portion of the optical device 12 accessible through the gripping tab 14. The light source 30 illuminates the optical device 12, which then diffuses light to the outside of the housing 100 through the second opening 102. However, if the camera 20 is switched on and detects a black image, the situation is problematic. Indeed, if the camera 20 identifies a black image, two possibilities exist. Either the movable shutter 10 is still in its resting position and is blocking the camera 20's field of view, or the environment in which the electronic equipment 1 is located is particularly dark. Distinguishing between these two scenarios is crucial because in the first case, the user must move the movable shutter 10 to clear the camera 20's field of view.Whereas, in the second case, no action is required with regard to the electronic equipment 1. On the other hand, the user must illuminate his environment more.

[0078] The optical device 12 guides the light from the light source 30 to the camera 20. This allows the camera 20 to detect the light. The position of the movable shutter 10 will be determined based on this principle.

[0079] When the camera 20 detects a black image, the control unit of the electronic equipment 1 then orders the light source 30 to emit a discontinuous signal such as a blink.

[0080] If this blinking is detected by the camera 20, it means that the camera 20 is in relation to the optical device 12: indeed, the optical device 12 diffuses the blinking emitted by the light source 30 to the camera 20. The control element deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position.

[0081] The control unit can then warn the user that they must move the movable shutter 10, for example, by means of an audible and / or visual signal.

[0082] Once the user has moved the movable shutter 10 into its working position, the camera 20 is normally no longer able to detect the blinking because it is no longer aligned with the optical device 12, its field of vision being unobstructed. Consequently, the control element of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous light signal to return to the nominal state.

[0083] If the blinking is not detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is not aligned with the optical device 12 and its field of view is therefore unobstructed. The control unit deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its working position. The control unit can then warn the user to increase the ambient lighting, for example, by means of an audible and / or visual signal. Since the movable shutter 10 is in its working position, the control unit of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous light signal.

[0084] Preferably, the light source 30 emits a complex blinking sequence. By "complex," we mean that the blinking emitted by the light source is different from a simple alternation between a light flash of a predetermined duration and a lack of illumination of a predetermined duration identical to the duration of the light flash, or from a simple succession of 0s and 1s if we relate the blinking to a binary signal.

[0085] Preferably, the blinking emitted by the light source 30 is also different from a simple alternation between a light flash of a predetermined duration with a lack of illumination of a predetermined duration different from that of the light flash.

[0086] Preferably, the flashing sequence emitted by the light source 30 is not regular and includes flashes of light of different durations and / or periods of absence of light of different durations, such as, for example and without limitation, the following sequence: Flash of a duration Δt Absence of lighting of a duration of 2 times Δt Flash of a duration Δt Absence of lighting of a duration Δt Flash of a duration of 2 times Δt Absence of lighting of a duration Δt.

[0087] Preferably, the flashing sequence emitted by the light source 30 is repeated periodically.

[0088] This complex sequencing helps to limit the risk of confusion between the intended blinking of said light source 30 and a potential secondary blinking from another device placed in the field of vision of the camera 20. The control unit could otherwise deduce from the second case that the movable shutter 10 is in the rest position, which is not the case.

[0089] For example, the movable shutter 10 determines whether the camera 20 visualizes the blinking of the light source 30. The detection of the blinking can be done by image analysis for example or by analyzing the amount of light captured by the optical cells of the camera 20.

[0090] In the latter case, the calculation unit is based on the value of the maximum quantity of light that can be captured by the optical cells of the camera Lm when a light flash is generated by the light source 30 and transmitted by the optical device 12. For example, the maximum quantity of light is predetermined (for example via one or more manufacturer data) and / or estimated during an initialization phase of the electronic equipment 1 during at least one qualification test by exposing the camera 20 to at least one very strong light source such as a powerful lamp arranged at a short distance from the camera (the value thus estimated can optionally be compared to at least one manufacturer data to be corrected accordingly).

[0091] In operation, if the amount of light captured is less than 50% of the Lm value, then the light source 30 is considered not to emit light. Conversely, if the amount of light captured is greater than 50% of Lm, then the light source 30 is considered to emit a flash.

[0092] The control unit therefore detects the amount of light captured by the camera 20 over time, allowing it to recognize a complex blinking sequence.

[0093] The operation of the electronic equipment 1 according to a second embodiment will now be described below. In this second embodiment, the optical device 12 of said movable shutter 10 includes a figure (symbol, drawing, two-dimensional or three-dimensional barcode, alphanumeric characters, pattern, print, or any other representation) positioned at least partially opposite the field of vision of the camera 20 when the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position. To facilitate its detection, the figure should preferably be abstract and / or not represent an object or person potentially present in the environment of the electronic equipment 1 (chair, pen, face, etc.). A non-limiting example of a figure is illustrated in Figure 1. figure 7 .

[0094] The figure is for example placed on a transparent label which is itself affixed to the optical device 12. The figure is for example printed, glued, screen printed, engraved ... on said label.

[0095] When a user wants to conduct a video conference, they activate camera 20. At that moment, light source 30 is deactivated.

[0096] Therefore, if the camera 20 detects an image other than a black image, the situation is nominal. This means that the user has correctly moved the movable shutter 10 into its working position. The third aperture 11 is then aligned with the first aperture 101, and the camera 20 can thus view the outside of the housing 100 and therefore the user. This also means that the ambient lighting is sufficient for the camera 20 to properly image the environment. Following this, the light source 30 is activated by a command from the control unit. Preferably, the light source 30 emits a continuous light signal. The user can then verify that the camera 20 is switched on via the portion of the optical device 12 accessible through the gripping tab 14.Indeed, the light source 30 illuminates the optical device 12 which diffuses light to the outside of the box 100 via the second opening 102.

[0097] However, if the camera 20 is switched on and detects a black image, the situation is degraded. Indeed, if the camera 20 identifies a black image, two options are possible. On the one hand, either the movable shutter 10 is still in its rest position and is blocking the field of vision of the camera 20; or the environment in which the electronic equipment 1 is located is particularly dark.

[0098] When the camera 20 detects a black image, the control unit of the electronic equipment 1 then orders the light source 30 to emit a light signal (continuously or by flashing).

[0099] If the figure is detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is opposite the optical device 12: indeed, the optical device 12 diffuses the light emitted by the light source 30 to the camera 20. The control element deduces that the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position.

[0100] The control unit can then warn the user that they must move the movable shutter 10, for example, by means of an audible and / or visual signal.

[0101] Once the user has moved the movable shutter 10 into its working position, the camera 20 is normally no longer able to detect the figure because it is no longer aligned with the optical device 12, its field of view being unobstructed. At this point, the control unit of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous light signal to return to the nominal state (if this was not already the case). If no figure is detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is not aligned with the optical device 12 and its field of view is therefore unobstructed. The control unit deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its working position. The control unit can then warn the user to increase the ambient lighting, for example, by means of an audible and / or visual signal.Since the movable shutter 10 is in its working position, the control element of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous light signal (if it was not already doing so). For example, the control element detects the figure by analyzing the images transmitted by the camera 20. Alternatively, the control element executes an image comparison algorithm (between the images generated by the camera and a reference image of the figure) with an acceptance threshold. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0102] In particular, the electronic equipment 1 is, here, a decoder box, but the invention can also be integrated into a computer, a television, and any other electronic equipment incorporating an image capture device (set-top-box, video-sound-box, ...).

[0103] In particular, the housing 100 can be a cube, a parallelepiped, a cylinder, a prism, or any other shape that allows the present invention to be incorporated. The optical device 12 and the movable shutter 10 can be two separate parts fixed to each other.

[0104] Although the electronic equipment here has only one light source, it could have two separate light sources. For example, one source could be used to indicate to the user the activation status of the image capture device; and the other source could be used to detect whether the movable shutter is in the working or resting position.

[0105] Although here the figure is carried by a label, the figure can also be carried directly by the optical device, for example by being printed, glued, screen-printed, engraved... directly onto the optical device.

[0106] The optical device described may be arranged entirely inside the housing. In this case, the electronic equipment will preferably include at least one additional optical device to guide the light from at least one source (the activation of which will be synchronized with that of the image capture device), the additional optical device including a portion extending outside the housing so that the user can detect whether the image capture device is on or off.

[0107] At least a portion of the optical device may be made of a material other than that specified. This portion may be made of or based on polycarbonate and / or polypropylene and / or PMMA... which will be (or will be) tinted with titanium dioxide, or with fillers such as plastic. ...

[0108] It is also possible to consider having an optical device that is at least partially transparent. However, it is preferable to have at least a portion of said optical device be translucent.

Claims

1. Electronic apparatus (1) comprising: - a casing (100) provided with a first opening (101), - an image capture device (20) having a field of view, - a movable shutter (10) provided with an opening (11), said shutter (10) being mounted on the casing (100) so as to be movable between a working position and a rest position so that when the movable shutter (10) is in its working position, the image capture device (20) can, during operation, see the exterior of the casing (100) via the first opening (101) and the opening (11) in the movable shutter, and when the shutter (10) is in its rest position, the movable shutter (10) blocks the first opening (101) for the image capture device (20), and - a light source (30); characterised in that said movable shutter (10) comprises an optical device (12) arranged to guide the light, and in that when the movable shutter (10) is in its rest position, the optical device (12) is arranged to guide the light from the light source (30) to the field of view of the image capture device (20).

2. Electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the optical device (12) is arranged on the movable shutter (10) so as to extend with respect to the image capture device (20) and said light source (30) when the movable shutter (10) is in its rest position.

3. Electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the optical device (12) of said movable shutter (10) extends as far as the exterior of said casing (100).

4. Electronic apparatus (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image capture device (20) and said light source (30) are fastened to an electronic card (40) of the electronic apparatus (1), wherein the assembly formed by the electronic card (40), the image capture device (20) and the light source (30) is fixed in place relative to the casing (100).

5. Electronic apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical device (12) of the movable shutter (10) comprises at least one translucent portion.

6. Electronic apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical device (12) and said movable shutter (10) are formed as a single piece.

7. Electronic apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said light source (30) is capable of emitting a blinking that is detectable by the image capture device (20) when the movable shutter (10) is in its rest position.

8. Electronic apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein the blinking has a complex sequence.

9. Electronic apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optical device (12) of said movable shutter (10) comprises a figure positioned facing the field of view of the image capture device (20) when the movable shutter (10) is in its rest position.

10. Electronic apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic apparatus (1) is a set-top box.