Camera shutter position detection by backlighting

Abstract

Electronic equipment (1), comprising: - a housing (100), - an image capture device (20), - a movable shutter (10) mounted movably so that, when the movable shutter (10) is in a working position, the image capture device (20) views the exterior of the housing (100), and when the shutter (10) is in a rest position, the movable shutter (10) masks the exterior of the housing for the image capture device (20), and - a light source (30). According to the invention, said movable shutter (10) comprises an optical device (12) so 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 image capture device (20). FIGURE OF THE ABSTRACT: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Camera shutter position detection by backlighting

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic equipment integrating an image capture device.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is known from the state of the art that electronic equipment, such as a decoder box, can integrate a camera allowing a user to carry out videoconferences.

[0004] Usually an LED is arranged near the camera so that a user can know whether the camera is on or off.

[0005] Furthermore, the presence of a hood makes it possible to temporarily mask the field of vision of the camera, giving the user a more comfortable setting, from a privacy point of view.

[0006] It happens that the user launches an application requiring the use of the camera without removing the cap from the field of vision of the latter.

[0007] It may then take some time before the user realizes their mistake, which is not ideal.

[0008] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention aims in particular to more easily detect the closed position of a shutter of an image capture device when the latter is switched on. Summary of the invention

[0010] For this purpose, according to the invention, electronic equipment is provided, comprising:

[0011] - a box provided with a first opening,

[0012] - an image capture device having a field of vision,

[0013] - a movable shutter provided with an opening, said shutter being mounted movable on the housing between a working position and a rest position such that, when the movable shutter is in its working position, the image capture device can view in use the exterior of the housing via 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

[0014] - a light source.

[0015] According to the invention, the movable shutter comprises an optical device arranged to guide the light so that when the movable shutter is in its rest position, the optical device is arranged to guide the light from the light source up to the field of view of the image capture device.

[0016] In this way, if the image capture device is switched on while the shutter is in the rest position, the image capture device will image an image that will not be black due to the reception of the light guided by the optical device. From then on, the electronic equipment will be able to detect via the image capture device itself the unwanted association of image capture device switched on / shutter in the rest position.

[0017] Advantageously, with the invention, there is no risk of possible confusion when the image capture device images a black image: necessarily it is because the ambient environment is too dark for said device to be able to function correctly and not because it images the shutter.

[0018] Advantageously, the invention does not need to use an additional dedicated sensor to detect the position of the movable shutter.

[0019] Subsequently, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”... must extend according to the position in service of the electronic equipment when the latter rests on a flat structure which is preferably parallel to the horizontal.

[0020] Electronic equipment is further proposed as previously described, in which the optical device is arranged on the movable shutter so as to extend opposite the image capture device and said light source when the movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0021] Electronic equipment is further proposed as previously described, in which the optical device of said movable shutter extends to the outside of said box.

[0022] Electronic equipment is further proposed as previously described, in which the image capture device and said light source are fixed on an electronic card of the electronic equipment, the assembly formed by the electronic card, the image capture device and the light source being fixed with respect to the box.

[0023] Electronic equipment is further provided as previously described, in which the optical device of the movable shutter comprises at least one translucent portion.

[0024] Electronic equipment is further provided as previously described, in which the optical device forms a single piece with said movable shutter.

[0025] Electronic equipment is further provided as previously described, in which said light source is capable of emitting a flashing which is detectable by the image capture device, when the movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0026] Electronic equipment as previously described is further provided, in which flashing responds to a complex sequence.

[0027] Electronic equipment is further proposed as previously described, in which the optical device of said movable shutter comprises a figure positioned opposite the field of vision of the image capture device, when the movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0028] Electronic equipment as previously described is further provided, wherein the electronic equipment is a decoder box.

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the following description of a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a front view of a portion of the electronic equipment according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of a portion of the electronic equipment portion illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a rear view of the part illustrated in [Fig.2], a movable shutter of the electronic equipment being in its working position;

[0034] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view identical to that of [Fig.3], the movable shutter being in its rest position;

[0035] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic top view of a part of the electronic equipment illustrated in [Fig.l], when said movable shutter is in its working position;

[0036] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view identical to that of [Fig.5], when said movable shutter is in its rest position.

[0037] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a figure that can be carried by the movable shutter of the electronic equipment illustrated in [Fig.l]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] With reference to figures 1 to 6, an electronic equipment 1 is described according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The electronic equipment 1 is here a decoder box.

[0040] The electronic equipment 1 comprises a box 100. The box is provided with an upper wall, a lower wall and at least one side wall connecting the upper wall and the lower wall to each other. Preferably, the lower wall and the upper wall are parallel to each other. The lower wall and the upper wall are for example shaped as a rectangle or a square, preferably with rounded edges. For example, four side walls connect the upper wall and the lower wall to each other. The side walls extend for example parallel to each other. two by two. For example, each of the side walls extending orthogonally to at least one and preferably to both the lower and upper walls.

[0041] The box 100 is generally shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The box 100 preferably has rounded edges and not sharp edges.

[0042] The box 100 is shaped so that when it rests on a support, its lower wall and its upper wall extend parallel to the support and its side walls extend orthogonally to the support.

[0043] The box 100 is provided with a first opening 101. Preferably, the first opening 101 is formed in a side wall of the box 100. The first opening 101 thus opens at a first end inside the box 100 and at a second end outside the box 100. The first opening 101 extends along a first axis X through the side wall of the box 100. The first axis X is here horizontal when the box 100 rests on a horizontal plane base.

[0044] The first opening 101 has, for example, a cross-section that narrows as said opening 101 approaches the interior of the box 100. The first opening 101 is thus shaped like a truncated cone.

[0045] The electronic equipment 1 also comprises an image capture device. The image capture device is for example a camera 20. The camera 20 is positioned inside the box 100 so as to be able to view the exterior of the box via the first opening 101. Typically, the camera 20 has a field of vision 21 which, when the camera is switched on, is opposite the first opening 101. In this way, at least a portion of the field of vision of the camera 20 extends through the first opening 101. Typically, the field of vision 21 of the camera 20 is centered around at least one axis of vision. Preferably, said axis of vision extends parallel to the first axis X. The field of vision 21 preferably extends coaxially to the first axis X and / or to the first opening 101.

[0046] Preferably, the camera 20 is mounted fixedly relative to the box 100. The camera 20 is thus fixed either directly or indirectly to at least one wall of the box. For example, the camera 20 is fixed to at least one wall of the box by means of at least one electronic card 40.

[0047] For example, the camera 20 is fixedly mounted on an electronic card 40 which is itself fixedly mounted on at least part of the box 100. The electronic card 40 and the camera are thus fixed in the box 100.

[0048] The side wall of the box 100 in which the first opening 101 is formed 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.

[0049] Furthermore, the electronic equipment 1 also comprises a light source 30. The light source 30 is for example a light-emitting diode (better known by the English acronym LED). The light source 30 is positioned inside the box 100. Typically, the light source 30 has a lighting field 31 which, when the light source 30 is activated, is opposite at least one wall of the box 100. Typically, the lighting field 31 of the light source 30 is centered around at least one lighting axis. Preferably, said lighting axis extends parallel to the first axis X and / or to the vision axis of the camera 20. The light source 30 and the camera 20 are thus preferably arranged opposite the same wall of the box 100, one next to the other and oriented in the same direction.

[0050] Preferably, the light source 30 is mounted fixedly relative to the box 100. The light source 30 is thus fixed either directly or indirectly to at least one wall of the box. For example, the light source 30 is fixed to at least one wall of the box by means of at least one electronic card.

[0051] For example, the light source 30 is fixedly mounted on an electronic card which is itself fixedly mounted on at least part of the box 100. The electronic card and the light source 30 are thus fixed in the box 100.

[0052] Preferably, said electronic card is the electronic card 40. The light source 30 and the camera 20 are thus carried by the same support.

[0053] Furthermore, the electronic equipment 1 also comprises an optical device 12.

[0054] Preferably, the optical device 12 is a light guide. The optical device 12 thus makes it possible to guide the light emitted by the light source 30 as will be described below.

[0055] For this purpose, the optical device 12 is arranged in the box between the wall of the box in which the first opening 101 is formed (here the front wall 110 of the box) and the light source 30. The light source 30 is thus capable of illuminating the rear of the optical device.

[0056] A portion of the optical device 12 however extends to the outside of the box 100 through at least one second opening 102 of the box 100.

[0057] Preferably, the second opening 102 is provided in the upper wall of the box 100. The second opening 102 thus opens at a first end inside the box 100 and at a second end outside the box 100. The second opening 102 is provided in the box 100 close to the first opening 101. For example, the second opening 102 is provided directly above the first opening 101. The second opening 102 extends along a second axis Y through the upper wall of the box 100. The second axis Y is orthogonal here to the first X axis. The second Y axis here extends vertically when the box 100 rests on a horizontal plane base.

[0058] The second opening 102 has, for example, an oblong cross-section. The second opening 102 has, for example, a regular cross-section over its entire length.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The optical device 12 is shaped as a flat part. The optical device 12 thus has a front main face 12.1 arranged opposite the wall of the box 110 in which the first opening 101 is formed and a rear main face 12.2, opposite the front main face 12.1. In use, the light source 30 thus illuminates the rear main face 12.2 of the optical device 12. The thickness of the part is therefore much less than the dimensions of the two main faces. The optical device 12 is thus arranged so as to extend parallel to the front wall 110 of the box 200.

[0061] Furthermore, the optical device 12 comprises at least one portion allowing the transmission of light. Said portion is preferably neither transparent nor opaque. Preferably, said portion is milky in color. Preferably, said portion is translucent.

[0062] It is recalled here that an object is said to be translucent if it lets light pass through without allowing other objects to be clearly distinguished through it, due to multiple anisotropic refractions of the light rays. It is thus distinguished from a transparent object, which lets light pass through and allows objects to be distinguished through it, and from an opaque object which absorbs or reflects the light rays. A translucent object diffuses light during its transmission through it, which makes observation through said object difficult or impossible.

[0063] For example, the portion has a transmittance which is between 40 and 80% and which is, for example, between 50 and 70% and which is, for example, 60%.

[0064] Said portion is for example made of tinted polycarbonate and for example made of polycarbonate tinted with titanium dioxide.

[0065] Preferably, said portion allowing the transmission of light forms the entire part constituting the optical device 12. Thus the entire optical device 12 is here translucent.

[0066] The electronic equipment 1 also comprises a movable shutter 10 of the camera 20. The movable shutter 10 is arranged inside the housing 100.

[0067] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 is mounted to move relative to the box 100. For example, the movable shutter 10 is mounted to move in the box 100 according to at least one translational movement and preferably according to a single translational movement. translation. For example, the movable shutter 10 is mounted movably in the box 100 according to a translation movement along a third axis Z which is here orthogonal to the first axis X and to the second axis Y. The third axis Z here extends horizontally when the box 100 rests on a horizontal plane base.

[0068] The movable shutter 10 comprises a plate extended by a gripping tab 14.

[0069] For example, the plate comprises a base 15 extended at the top by a border 16.

[0070] The base 15 is for example shaped as a flat part. The base 15 thus has a front main face arranged opposite the wall of the box 110 in which the first opening 101 is formed and a rear main face, opposite the front main 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 so as to extend parallel to the front wall of the box 100 and / or to the optical device 12.

[0071] A third opening 11 is provided inside the movable shutter 10 and is preferably here inside the base 15. The third opening 11 thus opens at a first end inside the box 100 (on the rear main face of the movable shutter 10) and at a second end outside the box 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 has for example a circular cross-section. The third opening 11 has for example a cross-section narrowing towards the inside of the box 100. The third opening 11 is thus shaped into a truncated cone.

[0072] The edge 16 here overhangs an upper end of the base 15. Preferably, the edge 16 extends orthogonally to the base 15.

[0073] The edge 16 is for example shaped into a flat piece. The edge 16 thus has an upper main face arranged opposite the upper face of the box and a lower main face, opposite the upper main face. The thickness of the edge is therefore much less than the dimensions of the two main faces. The edge 16 is thus arranged so as to extend parallel to the upper wall of the box 100 and / or orthogonally to the front wall 110 of the box comprising the first opening 101.

[0074] The gripping tab 14 preferably extends from the edge towards the upper wall of the box. The tab 14 extends rectilinearly from the edge along an axis which is orthogonal to the edge and in particular which is orthogonal to the upper face of the edge.

[0075] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the box 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.

[0076] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 and / or the rest of the electronic equipment 1 are equipped with at least one guide means to facilitate the movement of the shutter in the box 100. For example, the movable shutter 10 and the rest of the electronic equipment are one equipped with male guide means and the other with female guide means to guide the translation of the movable shutter 10 in the box 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) arranged inside the box, 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 secured to the camera 20.

[0077] 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.

[0078] It is thus understood that the second opening 102 defines two end positions of the movable shutter 10: - a first end position in which the gripping tab 14 comes into abutment against one of the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102, called the working position ([Fig.l]), - a second end position in which the gripping tab 14 comes into abutment against the other of the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102, called the rest position ([Fig.4]).

[0079] Preferably, the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102 match the shape of a corresponding edge of the gripping tab 14.

[0080] It is also understood that the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the box 100 between the front wall 110 of the box 100 and the camera 20.

[0081] It is also understood that the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the box 100 between the front wall 110 of the box 100 and the light source 30.

[0082] A part of the movable shutter 10 (here the gripping tab 14) however extends to the outside of the box 100 through the second opening 102 of the box 100.

[0083] In addition, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the box so that in its working position, its third opening 11 is located opposite the first opening 101 of the box 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 exterior of the box 100.

[0084] Furthermore, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the box so that in its rest position, its third opening 11 is offset from the first opening 101 of the box 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 exterior of the box 100.

[0085] 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 integral in translation with the movable shutter 10.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The optical device 12 is arranged between the movable shutter 10 and the light source 30. The optical device 12 is thus arranged so that its front main face is opposite the rear main face of the base 15 of the movable shutter 10.

[0088] The optical device 12 is furthermore arranged so that a portion of said optical device 12 extends through the gripping tab 14 to the outside of the box 100. For example, the gripping tab 14 comprises a fourth opening through which said portion extends. In this way, a user can view said portion from outside the box 100 when looking at the gripping tab. The fourth opening extends along a given axis which is preferably parallel to the second axis Y. 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 over its entire length.

[0089] The optical device 12 is furthermore arranged so as to always have at least one zone facing the light source 30 regardless of the position of the movable shutter 10 relative to the box. Thus, the position of the movable shutter 10 does not influence the diffusion of the light coming from the light source 30 by the optical device 12 since the light source 30 is permanently mounted facing the optical device 12.

[0090] The optical device 12 is furthermore arranged so that when the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position, the camera 20 is opposite at least one zone 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.

[0091] The operation of the electronic equipment 1 according to a first implementation will now be described below.

[0092] When a user wishes to carry out a videoconference, he activates the camera 20. At this moment, the light source 30 is deactivated.

[0093] 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 opening 11 is then aligned with the first opening 101 and the camera 20 can thus view the exterior of the box 100 and therefore the user. This also means that the surrounding lighting is sufficient for the camera 20 to correctly image said environment.

[0094] A control member of the electronic equipment 1 (such as a controller, a processor, etc. integrated into the electronic card 40 and / or into the camera 20 and / or into 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.

[0095] Preferably, the light source 30 then emits a continuous light signal.

[0096] From then on, the user can ensure that the camera 20 is switched on via the portion of the optical device 12 accessible by 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] On the other hand, if the camera 20 is switched on and detects a black image, the situation is degraded. Indeed, in the case where the camera 20 identifies a black image, two options are possible. On the one hand, either the movable shutter 10 is still in the rest position and masks the field of vision of the camera 20; or the environment in which the electronic equipment 1 is placed is particularly dark. The distinction between these two cases is particularly important because in the first case, the user must move the movable shutter 10 to clear the field of vision of the camera 20. Whereas, in the second case, no action is required with respect to the electronic equipment 1. On the other hand, the user must further illuminate his environment.

[0098] The optical device 12 makes it possible to guide the light from the light source 30 to the camera 20. It will thus be possible for the camera 20 to detect this light. It is on this principle that we will rely to determine the position of the movable shutter 10.

[0099] When the camera 20 detects a black image, the control member of the electronic equipment 1 then orders the light source 30 to emit a discontinuous signal such as a flashing.

[0100] If this flashing is detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is facing the optical device 12: in fact, the optical device 12 diffuses the flashing emitted by the light source 30 to the camera 20. The control member deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position.

[0101] The control member can then warn the user that he must move the movable shutter 10, for example by means of an audible and / or luminous signal.

[0102] Once the user has moved the movable shutter 10 into its working position, the camera 20 is normally no longer able to detect said flashing because it is no longer facing the optical device 12, its field of vision being free. From then on, the control member of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous light signal to return to the nominal situation.

[0103] If the flashing is not detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is not facing the optical device 12 and that its field of vision is therefore free. The control member deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its working position. The control member can then warn the user that he must illuminate the ambient environment more, for example by means of an audible and / or luminous signal. Since the movable shutter 10 is in its working position, the control member of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous luminous signal.

[0104] Preferably, the light source 30 emits a complex flashing sequence. By “complex” is meant that the flashing emitted by the light source is different from a simple alternation between a light flash of a predetermined duration with an absence of lighting of a predetermined duration identical to the duration of the light flash, or from a simple succession of 0s and 1s if the flashing is related to a binary signal.

[0105] Preferably, the flashing emitted by the light source 30 is also different from a simple alternation between a light flash of a predetermined duration with an absence of lighting of a predetermined duration different from that of the light flash.

[0106] Preferably, the flashing sequence emitted by the light source 30 is not regular and has light flashes of different durations and / or absences of lighting of different durations such as, for example and in a non-limiting manner, the following sequence: Flash of duration At Absence of lighting lasting 2 times At Flash of duration At Absence of lighting for a duration of At Flash lasting 2 times At Absence of lighting for a duration of At.

[0107] Preferably, the flashing sequence emitted by the light source 30 is repeated periodically.

[0108] This complex sequencing makes it possible to limit the risk of confusion between the cli intended switching of said light source 30 with respect to a potential secondary flashing coming from another device placed in the field of vision of the camera 20. The control member could in fact otherwise deduce from the second scenario that the movable shutter 10 is in the rest position, which is not the case.

[0109] For example, the movable shutter 10 determines whether the camera 20 displays the flashing of the light source 30.

[0110] The detection of flashing can be done by image analysis for example or by analysis of the quantity of light captured by the optical cells of the camera 20.

[0111] In the latter case, the calculation member 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).

[0112] In operation, if the quantity of light captured is less than 50% of the value of Lm, then it is considered that the light source 30 does not emit light. On the other hand, if the quantity of light captured is greater than 50% of Lm, then it is considered that the light source 30 emits a flash.

[0113] The control member therefore detects the quantity of light captured by the camera 20 over time, allowing it to recognize a complex flashing sequence.

[0114] The operation of the electronic equipment 1 according to a second implementation will now be described below.

[0115] In this second implementation, the optical device 12 of said movable shutter 10 comprises a figure (symbol, drawing, two-dimensional or three-dimensional barcode, alphanumeric signs, pattern, print or any other representation) positioned at least partly opposite the field of vision of the camera 20, when the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position.

[0116] To facilitate its detection, the figure must preferably be abstract and / or not represent an object or a 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 [Fig.7].

[0117] The figure is for example arranged on a transparent label itself affixed to the optical device 12. The figure is for example printed, glued, screen-printed, engraved, etc. on said label.

[0118] When a user wishes to carry out a videoconference, he activates the camera 20. At this moment, the light source 30 is deactivated.

[0119] 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 opening 11 is then aligned with the first opening 101 and the camera 20 can thus view the exterior of the box 100 and therefore the user. This also means that the surrounding lighting is sufficient for the camera 20 to correctly image said environment. Following this, the light source 30 is activated following an order given by the control member. Preferably, the light source 30 emits a continuous light signal. Therefore, the user can ensure that the camera 20 is correctly switched on via the portion of the optical device 12 accessible by 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.

[0120] On the other hand, if the camera 20 is switched on and detects a black image, the situation is degraded. Indeed, in the case where the camera 20 identifies a black image, two options are possible. On the one hand, either the movable shutter 10 is still in the rest position and masks the field of vision of the camera 20; or the environment in which the electronic equipment 1 is placed is particularly dark.

[0121] When the camera 20 detects a black image, the control member of the electronic equipment 1 then orders the light source 30 to emit a light signal (continuously or by flashing).

[0122] If the figure is detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is facing the optical device 12: in fact, the optical device 12 diffuses the light emitted by the light source 30 to the camera 20. The control member deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position.

[0123] The control member can then warn the user that he must move the movable shutter 10, for example by means of an audible and / or luminous signal.

[0124] 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 facing the optical device 12, its field of vision being free. From then on, the control member of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a continuous light signal to return to the nominal situation (if this was not already the case).

[0125] If no figure is detected by the camera 20, this means that the camera 20 is not facing the optical device 12 and that its field of vision is therefore free. The control member deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its working position. The control member can then warn the user that he must illuminate further the ambient environment for example by means of an audible and / or light signal. Since the movable shutter 10 is in its working position, the control member of the electronic equipment 1 forces the light source 30 to emit a light signal continuously (if this was not already the case).

[0126] For example, the control member detects the figure by analyzing the images transmitted by the camera 20. For example, the control member executes an image comparison algorithm (between the images generated by the camera and a reference image of the figure) with an acceptance threshold.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 integrating an image capture device (set-top-box, video-sound-box, etc.).

[0129] In particular, the box 100 may be a cube, a parallelepiped, a cylinder, a prism or any other shape allowing the present invention to be integrated.

[0130] The optical device 12 and the movable shutter 10 may be two separate parts fixed to each other.

[0131] Although here the electronic equipment comprises a single light source, the electronic equipment may comprise two separate light sources. For example, one of the sources may be used to indicate to the user the activation state of the image capture device; and the other of the sources may be used to detect whether the movable shutter is in the working or resting position.

[0132] Although here the figure is carried by a label, the figure could also be carried directly by the optical device, for example by being printed, glued, screen-printed, engraved, etc., directly on the optical device.

[0133] The described optical device may be arranged entirely inside the box. In this case, the electronic equipment will preferably comprise at least one additional optical device for guiding 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 comprising a portion extending outside the box so that the user can detect whether the image capture device is on or off.

[0134] At least one portion of the optical device may be made of a material other than that indicated. Said portion may thus be made of or based on polycarbonate and / or polypropylene and / or PMMA ... which will be (or will be) tinted with titanium dioxide, by fillers for example made of plastic material, ...

[0135] It will also be possible to envisage having an optical device that is at least partly transparent. However, it will be preferable to have at least a portion of said optical device translucent.

Claims

Claims

1. Electronic equipment (1), comprising: - a housing (100) provided with a first opening (101), - an image capture device (20) provided with a field of vision, - a movable shutter (10) provided with an opening (11), said shutter (10) being movably mounted on the housing (100) 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 view in use the exterior of the housing (100) via the first opening (101) and the opening (11) of the movable shutter, and when the shutter (10) is in its rest position, the movable shutter (10) masks the first opening (101) for the image capture device (20), and - a light source (30);characterized in that said movable shutter (10) comprises an optical device (12) arranged to guide light and in that, when the movable shutter (10) is in its rest position, the optical device (12) is arranged to guide light from the light source (30) to the field of vision of the image capture device (20).;

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

3. Electronic equipment (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the optical device (12) of said movable shutter (10) extends to the outside of said housing (100).

4. Electronic equipment (1), according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the image capture device (20) and said light source (30) are fixed on an electronic card (40) of the electronic equipment (1), the assembly formed by the electronic card (40), the image capture device (20) and the light source (30) being fixed with respect to the box (100).

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

6. Electronic equipment (1), according to one of the preceding claims, in which the optical device (12) forms a single piece with said movable shutter (10).

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

8. Electronic equipment (1), according to claim 7, in which the flashing responds to a complex sequence.

9. Electronic equipment, according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the optical device (12) of said movable shutter (10) comprises a figure positioned opposite the field of vision of the image capture device (20), when the movable shutter (10) is in its rest position.

10. Electronic equipment (1), according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic equipment (1) is a decoder box.

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