Camera shutter position detection via backlighting

Abstract

Electronic equipment (1), comprising: - a housing (100), - an image capture device (20), - a movable shutter (10) mounted movably such that, when the movable shutter (10) is in a working position, the image capture device (20) views the outside of the housing (100), and when the shutter (10) is in a rest position, the movable shutter (10) masks the outside of the housing for the image capture device (20), and - a light source (30). According to the invention, said movable shutter (10) includes an optical device (12) such 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 image capture device (20). FIGURE IN ABRIDGED DIAGRAM: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Camera shutter position detection by backlighting

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

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is known from the prior art that electronic equipment, such as a decoder box, can integrate a camera allowing a user to conduct video conferences.

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

[0005] Furthermore, the presence of a cap makes it possible to temporarily mask the field of vision of the camera, giving the user a more comfortable frame, from a point of view of his / her privacy.

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

[0007] It may then be some time before the user realizes his 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 in an image capture device when the device is switched on. Summary of the invention

[0010] For this purpose, the invention provides electronic equipment comprising:

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

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

[0013] - a movable shutter having an opening, said shutter being movable on the housing between a working position and a rest position so that, when the movable shutter is in its working position, the image capture device can view the outside of the housing in operation through the first opening and the opening of the movable shutter, and when the shutter is in its rest position, the movable shutter covers the first opening for the image capture device, and

[0014] - a light source.

[0015] According to the invention, the movable shutter includes an optical device arranged to guide the light such 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 vision of the image capture device.

[0016] Thus, 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 light guided by the optical device. Therefore, 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 possible risk of confusion when the image capture device images a black image: necessarily, it is because the ambient environment is too dark for said device to function correctly and not because it is imaging the shutter flap.

[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 be extended according to the position in service of the electronic equipment when it rests on a flat structure which is preferably parallel to the horizontal.

[0020] An electronic device as previously described is further proposed, wherein 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.

[0021] We further propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device of said movable shutter extends to the outside of said housing.

[0022] We further 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.

[0023] We further propose electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device of the movable shutter includes at least one translucent portion.

[0024] We further propose an electronic equipment as previously described, in which the optical device forms a single piece with said movable shutter.

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

[0026] Electronic equipment as previously described is also proposed, in in which the blinking responds to a complex sequence.

[0027] We further propose electronic equipment 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] We further propose an electronic equipment as previously described, in which the electronic equipment is a decoder box.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

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

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] 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 part of the portion of electronic equipment illustrated in [Fig.1];

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

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

[0035] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic top view of a part of the electronic equipment illustrated in [Fig.1], 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.1]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] With reference to figures 1 to 6, an electronic device 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 housing 100. The housing has an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one side wall connecting the upper and lower walls. Preferably, the lower and upper walls are parallel to each other. The lower and upper walls are, for example, rectangular or square, preferably with rounded edges. For example, four side walls connect the upper and lower walls. 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 as 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 enclosure 100 is provided with a first opening 101. Preferably, the first opening 101 is provided 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.

[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 into a truncated cone.

[0045] 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 field of view of the camera 20 extends through the first opening 101. Typically, the field of view 21 of the camera 20 is centered around at least one axis of view. Preferably, said axis of view extends parallel to the first X-axis. The field of view 21 preferably extends coaxially with the first X-axis and / or the first opening 101.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

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

[0050] Preferably, the light source 30 is fixed in a fixed position 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 by means of at least one electronic board.

[0051] 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.

[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 includes an optical device 12.

[0054] 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.

[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 provided (i.e. here the front wall 110 of the box) and the light source 30. The light source 30 is thus able to illuminate the rear of the optical device.

[0056] Part of the optical device 12 extends, however, to the outside of the housing 100 through at least a second opening 102 of the housing 100.

[0057] Preferably, the second opening 102 is provided in the upper wall of the box 100. The second opening 102 thus opens at one end inside the box 100 and at the other end outside the box 100. The second opening 102 is provided in the box 100 near 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 axis X. The second axis Y extends vertically here when the box 100 rests on a horizontal flat base.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The optical device 12 thus extends in 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 formed as 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 so as to extend parallel to the front wall 110 of the housing 200.

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

[0062] It is worth recalling here that an object is said to be translucent if it allows light to pass through it 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 allows light to pass through it and makes it possible to distinguish objects through it, and from an opaque object, which absorbs or reflects light rays. A translucent object scatters light as it passes 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 whole part constituting the optical device 12. Thus the whole optical device 12 is translucent here.

[0066] The electronic equipment 1 also includes 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 movable relative to the housing 100. For example, the movable shutter 10 is mounted movable within the housing 100 with respect to at least one translational movement and preferably with respect to a single movement of translation. For example, the movable shutter 10 is mounted movable in the housing 100 according to a translational movement about a third axis Z which is here orthogonal to the first axis X and the second axis Y. The third axis Z extends horizontally here when the housing 100 rests on a horizontal flat base.

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

[0069] For example the plate includes a base 15 extended superiorly by a rim 16.

[0070] The base 15 is, for example, formed into a 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 so as to extend parallel to the front wall of the housing 100 and / or to the optical device 12.

[0071] 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 has, for example, a circular cross-section. The third opening 11 has, for example, a cross-section that narrows towards the inside of the housing 100. The third opening 11 is thus shaped into a truncated cone.

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

[0073] The edge 16 is, for example, formed into a flat piece. The edge 16 thus has an upper principal face arranged opposite the upper face of the housing and a lower principal face opposite the upper principal face. The thickness of the edge is therefore much less than the dimensions of the two principal faces. The edge 16 is thus arranged so as to extend parallel to the upper wall of the housing 100 and / or orthogonally to the front wall 110 of the housing including 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 straight from the edge along an axis that is orthogonal to the edge and, in particular, orthogonal to the upper face of the edge.

[0075] Preferably, the movable shutter 10 is arranged in the housing so that the 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 by 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 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 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 attached 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 to rest against one of the longitudinal edges of the second opening 102, called the working position ([Fig.1]), - a second end position in which the gripping tongue 14 comes to rest 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 follow 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 housing 100 between the front wall 110 of the housing 100 and the camera 20.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[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 fixed in translation to 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 arranged so that its main front face is opposite the main rear face of the base 15 of the movable shutter 10.

[0088] The optical device 12 is further arranged such 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The optical device 12 is further 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.

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

[0092] When a user wishes to conduct a video conference, he activates the camera 20. At that 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 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 surrounding lighting is sufficient for the camera 20 to properly image said environment.

[0094] A control element of the 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 commands the activation of the light source 30.

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

[0096] 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 housing 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, when 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 obscures the field of vision of the camera 20; or the environment in which the electronic equipment 1 is located is particularly dark. The distinction between these two scenarios 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 regard to the electronic equipment 1. However, the user must increase the lighting in their environment.

[0098] 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 on this principle.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The control unit can then warn the user that he must move the movable shutter 10, for example by means of an audible and / or visual 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 the blinking because it is no longer aligned with the optical device 12, its field of vision being unobstructed. Therefore, 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.

[0103] 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 that its field of vision 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.

[0104] Preferably, the light source 30 emits a complex blinking sequence. By "complex", it is understood that the blinking emitted by the light source is different from a simple alternation between a light flash of a predetermined duration and an absence of illumination of a predetermined duration identical to the duration of the light flash, or from a simple succession of 0s and 1s if the blinking is related to a binary signal.

[0105] 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 an absence of illumination 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 features flashes of light of different durations and / or periods of absence of illumination of different durations, such as, for example and without limitation, the following sequence: Flash of a duration At Absence of lighting for a duration of 2 times At Flash of a duration At Absence of lighting for a duration At Flash lasting 2 times At Absence of lighting for a duration At.

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

[0108] This complex sequencing helps to limit the risk of confusion between the cli intended blinking of said light source 30 with respect to a potential secondary blinking from another device placed in the field of vision of the camera 20. The control organ could otherwise deduce from the second case 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 visualizes the blinking of the light source 30.

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

[0111] 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).

[0112] 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.

[0113] The control unit therefore detects the amount of light captured by the camera 20 over time, enabling it to recognize a complex blinking sequence.

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

[0115] In this second embodiment, 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 in part 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 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, ...). A non-limiting example of a figure is illustrated in [Fig.7].

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

[0118] When a user wishes to conduct a video conference, he activates the camera 20. At that 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 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.

[0120] 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 obscures the field of vision of the camera 20; or the environment in which the electronic equipment 1 is located is particularly dark.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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 member deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its rest position.

[0123] The control unit can then warn the user that he must move the movable shutter 10, for example by means of an audible and / or visual 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 aligned with the optical device 12, its field of vision being unobstructed. Therefore, 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 (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 aligned with the optical device 12 and that its field of vision is therefore clear. The control unit deduces from this that the movable shutter 10 is in its working position. The control unit can then warn the user that they must illuminate further the ambient environment, 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 this was not already the case).

[0126] For example, the control unit detects the figure by analyzing the images transmitted by the camera 20. For example, the control unit 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 incorporating an image capture device (set-top-box, video-sound-box, ...).

[0129] In particular, the box 100 can 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 can 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 status 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 can also be carried directly by the optical device, for example by being printed, glued, screen-printed, engraved... directly onto the optical device.

[0133] 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.

[0134] At least a portion of the optical device may be made of a material other than that specified. This 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, or by fillers, for example, of plastic material, ...

[0135] It may also be possible to have 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

Demands

1. Electronic equipment (1), comprising: - a housing (100) having a first opening (101), - an image capture device (20) having a field of vision, - a movable shutter (10) having an opening (11), said shutter (10) being movablely mounted on the housing (100) between a working position and a rest position such that, when the movable shutter (10) is in its working position, the image capture device (20) can view the outside of the housing (100) in operation through 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 in relation to 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 any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image capture device (20) and said light source (30) are fixed on an electronic board (40) of the electronic equipment (1), the assembly formed by the electronic board (40), the image capture device (20) and the light source (30) being fixed with respect to the housing (100).

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

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

7. Electronic equipment (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light source (30) is capable of emitting a blink that 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, wherein the blinking responds to a complex sequence.

9. Electronic equipment, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 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 any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic equipment (1) is a decoder box.

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