Camera system and welding information provision device having the same

Abstract

To provide a camera system and welding information provision device, which allow for improving welding accuracy of a worker by illustrating a welding surrounding environment to the worker, and securing an accurate view during welding by preventing foreign substances from penetrating into a space providing welding information, and are free from ghost phenomena.SOLUTION: One embodiment of the present invention provides a welding information provision device comprising: a body configured to cover the face of a worker and provided with a first region facing the face of the worker and a second region located in a region opposite the first region; a camera unit located in the second region of the body to acquire video frames; and a display unit located in the first region of the body to provide a video generated from the video frames.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera system and a welding information providing device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Protective gear is worn to protect workers from the light and heat generated during the welding process, but in order to check various information during the welding process, workers must remove the gear and check with their naked eyes, which is a hassle.

[0003] In order to solve such problems, a welding information providing device has been proposed that can provide a high-quality image to a worker so that the worker can visually check the welding environment and provide the worker with specific information about the welding status.

[0004] However, in the welding video camera and welding information providing device proposed in the past, when shooting high-temperature welding light, the strong light source of the welding light is reflected on the lens or sensor surface inside the camera, resulting in a ghost phenomenon in which multiple images are captured.

[0005] For this reason, there is a need for a camera system and a welding information providing device that do not cause ghosting even when capturing high-temperature welding light, allowing workers to perform welding safely. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0165238 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a welding information providing device capable of improving the welding accuracy of a worker by also showing the welding surrounding environment to the worker.

[0008] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a welding information providing device that can prevent foreign matter from entering a space that provides welding information and ensure an accurate field of view during welding.

[0009] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera system and a welding information providing device in which a ghost phenomenon does not occur.

[0010] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above technical objective, one embodiment of the present invention provides a camera system including an imaging unit having a camera that captures welding images and acquires image frames, and a light-shielding unit that is disposed between the camera and a welding light source and has a light-shielding cartridge structure that controls the welding light entering the imaging unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light-tight cartridge structure may be a camera system including a liquid crystal panel and an anti-reflective coating layer disposed on at least one surface of the liquid crystal panel.

[0013] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-tight cartridge structure may be a camera system having an anti-reflection coating layer with a reflectance of less than 4.0%.

[0014] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-tight cartridge structure may be a camera system in which an imaginary line perpendicular to a main surface of the cartridge structure intersects with an imaginary line connecting the lens of the camera and a light source.

[0015] In order to achieve the above technical objective, one embodiment of the present invention provides a welding information providing device including a main body including a first area facing the face of a worker and arranged to cover at least a portion of the face of the worker and a second area arranged in an opposite area to the first area, a camera unit arranged in the second area of ​​the main body for capturing welding images and acquiring image frames, and a display unit arranged in the first area of ​​the main body for providing images generated through the image frames.

[0016] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit may be a welding information providing device including a first camera that captures non-welding images to obtain a first image frame, and a second camera that captures welding images to obtain a second image frame.

[0017] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the welding information providing device may further include an outer cover unit arranged in a region of the second region, and the outer cover unit may be arranged in an outer region of the camera unit to protect the camera unit.

[0018] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the outer cover unit may be a welding information providing device further including an outer cover frame and a light-shielding cartridge structure disposed between the outer cover frame and the second camera.

[0019] Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the welding information providing device may be such that an imaginary line perpendicular to a main surface of the cartridge structure and an imaginary line connecting the lens of the second camera and a light source intersect with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a welding information providing device that can improve the welding accuracy of a worker by also showing the welding surrounding environment to the worker.

[0021] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a welding information providing device can be provided that can prevent foreign objects from entering a space where welding information is provided, thereby ensuring an accurate field of view during welding.

[0022] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera system and a welding information providing device in which a ghost phenomenon does not occur.

[0023] It should be understood that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a conventional camera system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera system provided by one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera system provided by one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera system provided by one embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera system provided by one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram for explaining a structure of a welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of a welding system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 2 is a rear view of the welding information providing device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8A] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' in FIG. 6. [Figure 8B] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 8A provided in accordance with one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the explanation are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0026] In the drawings, the size of each component may be enlarged or reduced for the convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings may be arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0027] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component can be named a second component, and similarly, the second component can be named a first component, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term and / or includes any combination of two or more associated listed items or any of two or more associated listed items.

[0028] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a part is "connected (connected, in contact, coupled)" to another part, this includes not only "directly connected" but also "indirectly connected" via another member in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "comprise" certain elements, this means that it may further comprise other elements, but not excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0029] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context.

[0030] As used herein, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, but are to be understood as not precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] When something is said to be "on" or "above" another object, it does not only mean directly on top of the other object, but also includes cases where there is an intervening object.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a conventional camera system.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, in the conventional welding video camera and welding information providing device, in the process of capturing high-temperature welding light, a ghost phenomenon occurs frequently in which a strong light source of the welding light is reflected on the internal lens or sensor surface, resulting in the capture of another image. Therefore, there is a need for a camera system and welding information providing device that does not cause the ghost phenomenon even when capturing high-temperature welding light.

[0034] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 1, in the conventional welding video camera system, the welding light L1 emitted from the light source passes through at least one transparent member arranged in the front area of ​​the camera 110'. At this time, the light L2 passing through the first transparent member T1 is partially transmitted (L3) through the second transparent member T2, while the other portion is reflected (L2') from the surface of the second transparent member T2. At this time, the reflected welding light L2' is reflected again by the first transmissive member T1 as L2-1', and during this process, a primary ghost phenomenon may occur.

[0035] In addition, a portion L3 of the light transmitted through the second transparent member T2 is reflected again by the camera 110' as L3', and this portion L3' of the reflected welding light is reflected again by one surface of the second transparent member T2 as L3-1'. During this process, a secondary ghost phenomenon may occur.

[0036] As described above, in the conventional camera system, the welding light is reflected multiple times at the boundary surface between the transparent members T1 and T2, and the reflected welding light re-enters the camera 110', causing a ghost phenomenon.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera system provided according to one embodiment.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the present invention provides a camera system Sy1 including an imaging unit C having a camera for capturing welding images and acquiring image frames, and a light-shielding unit disposed between the camera 110 and a welding light source and having a light-shielding cartridge structure for controlling the welding light entering the imaging unit C.

[0039] The camera system according to an embodiment may be realized in the form of a camera, a camera unit, a camera module, a camera device, or the like, and such examples are not particularly limited.

[0040] On the other hand, by disposing the light-shielding section S between the photographing section C and the welding light source as in the above configuration, the amount of welding light entering the photographing section C can be controlled to capture a clear welding image.

[0041] The photographing unit C according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include additional configurations for fixing and / or operating the camera 110, such as a camera fixing unit (not designated by a reference symbol) for fixing the camera 110, and these configurations are not particularly limited.

[0042] The light-shielding part S according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include additional components for fixing the light-shielding cartridge structure 132, such as a structure fixing part (not designated by a reference number) for fixing the light-shielding cartridge structure 132, and these configurations are not particularly limited.

[0043] The light-shielding cartridge structure 132 according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform a function of blocking welding light generated during welding work. Meanwhile, as an optional embodiment, the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 can adjust the light-shielding degree based on welding light information detected via a sensor unit (not shown). At this time, as another optional embodiment, the degree of light blocking can be adjusted based on welding light information detected through a separate photosensor (not shown).

[0044] The light-shielding cartridge structure 132 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include, for example, a liquid crystal panel 1321 (LCD panel) capable of adjusting the degree of blackness according to the alignment direction of liquid crystal. The liquid crystal panel 1321 can be realized by various types of panels or liquid crystal panels, such as a Vertical Align type, a Twist Nematic type, or an In Plane Switching type. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and any liquid crystal panel that can be easily selected by a person skilled in the art should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] The degree of blackening of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be automatically adjusted according to the brightness of the welding light. When the degree of blackening is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of the welding light as described above, a sensor unit (not shown) can be used.

[0046] A sensor unit (not shown) according to one embodiment of the present invention detects the intensity of the welding light to obtain welding light information, converts information regarding the intensity of the welding light included in the welding light information into a predetermined electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to a processor (not shown). The processor (not shown) can then control the blackening degree based on the intensity of the welding light.

[0047] The light-shielding cartridge structure 132 according to one embodiment of the present invention can change the light-shielding degree of the liquid crystal panel 1321 in real time in response to the intensity of light generated on the welding surface at a welding work site, and the photographing unit C can photograph a welding image in which a certain amount of welding light is blocked by the light-shielding cartridge 132 provided on the front part.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 2, the camera system Sy1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a lid portion Co that is disposed in an outer region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and covers the outside of the cartridge structure 132. In this case, as an optional embodiment, the cover part Co can cover the cartridge structure 132 and the imaging part C together.

[0049] The cover Co according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a light-transmitting member (not shown in the drawing) at least partially made of a light-transmitting material. The welding light can pass through the light-transmitting member (not shown in the drawing) and then through the cartridge structure 132, and finally a welding image can be captured by the imaging unit C.

[0050] A light-transmitting member (not shown in the drawing) according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed on the front side of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and may include a cover plate 133 ′ for protecting the light-tight cartridge structure 132 . The cover plate 133' may be light-transmitting and may include a resin material such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic, and may be formed by injection molding, but is not limited to the above examples.

[0051] Referring again to FIG. 2, a light-tight cartridge structure 132 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a liquid crystal panel 1321 and an anti-reflective coating layer 1322a disposed on at least one surface of the liquid crystal panel. In this case, as an optional embodiment, the anti-reflection coating layer may include a first coating layer 1322a and a second coating layer 1322b disposed on one side opposite to one side of the liquid crystal panel.

[0052] 3A to 3C are conceptual diagrams illustrating a camera system provided according to one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3A, the welding light passing through the cover plate 133' can reduce the light reflected by the anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b disposed on at least one surface of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132, thereby minimizing the ghost phenomenon.

[0054] Specifically, by disposing the first coating layer 1322a, when a portion of the light L2 that passes through the cover plate 133' is reflected L2', the amount of the reflected welding light L2' is minimized, and the amount of the welding light L2-1' that reaches the cover plate and is reflected is also minimized, thereby minimizing the primary ghost phenomenon.

[0055] In addition, by providing the above structure, specifically by arranging the second coating layer 1322b as shown in FIG. 3A, in the process in which the welding light L3 passing through the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 is reflected by the camera as L3' and then reflected by the other surface of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 as L3-1', the amount of reflected welding light can be minimized, thereby minimizing the secondary ghost phenomenon.

[0056] The anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed by a method such as vacuum deposition, sputtering and / or wet coating, in which a coating layer is applied and dried and / or cured to form a film. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned formation and / or coating methods, and any method of forming and / or coating an anti-reflective coating layer that can be easily selected by a person having ordinary skill in the art should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ), silicon (Si), silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) and the like, but is not limited to the above materials, and any material for the anti-reflective coating layer that can be easily selected by a person having ordinary skill in the art should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, if the reflectivity of the anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b is too high, there is a problem that the amount of welding light passing through the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 is insufficient and the clarity of the image is reduced, while if the reflectivity of the anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b is too low, the efficiency of the anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b is reduced and a problem that the ghost phenomenon is not resolved occurs. Therefore, the reflectivity can be less than 4%, as another example, less than 3.5%, less than 3.0%, and as another example, 1.0% or less.

[0059] The refractive index of the anti-reflective coating layers 1322a and 1322b according to an embodiment of the present invention may be 1.3 to 1.36.

[0060] The anti-reflective coating layers 1322a, 1322b according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a single layer or multiple layers, where at least two or more layers have different refractive indices.

[0061] Referring again to Figure 3B, a light-shielding cartridge structure 132 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured so that an imaginary 1-1 line a perpendicular to the main surface of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 intersects with an imaginary second line b connecting the camera and the light source W. In this case, the b-line may be, for example, the optical axis.

[0062] In this specification, the term "principal surface" can mean the widest surface of a film, film structure, thin film, membrane, layer, or similar structure having a wide surface.

[0063] In this specification, the term "light source" may refer to an object or tool that emits light, for example, the place where welding is performed or the object to be welded that is photographed by a worker and generates welding light.

[0064] When line b and line a intersect as in the above structure, if the welding light L2' reflected by one surface of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 reaches the cover plate 133' and is reflected as L2-1', the reflected light L2-1' does not head toward the camera 110, thereby minimizing the above-mentioned primary ghost phenomenon (see FIG. 3B).

[0065] When line b and line a intersect as in the above structure, even if the welding light L3' reflected in one area of ​​the camera 110 reaches the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 and is then reflected L3-1', the reflected welding light L3-1' does not head toward the camera 110, thereby minimizing the secondary ghost phenomenon (see FIG. 3B).

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 3B, according to an embodiment, the angle n between line b and line a may be 0 degrees to 10 degrees. With this configuration, even when the welding light is reflected by the cover plate 133' and / or the light-shielding cartridge structure 132, the ghost phenomenon can be minimized.

[0067] 3B is a diagram relating to the movement path of the welding light in the yz direction indicating the side direction of camera 110, and FIG. 3C is a diagram relating to the movement path of the welding light in the yx direction indicating the up-down direction of camera 110. As shown in FIG.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3C, in one embodiment, a light-shielding cartridge structure 132 may be configured such that an imaginary 1-2 line a' perpendicular to the main surface of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 intersects with an imaginary second line b connecting the camera 110 and the light source W. In this case, the lines a, a' and b may intersect with each other.

[0069] On the other hand, the angle m between the line a' and the line b can be determined independently of the angle n between the line a and the line b.

[0070] As in the above configuration, by changing the angle between the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 and the camera 110 and / or the cover plate 133', a camera system can be provided that can minimize the ghost phenomenon by taking into consideration the position where the camera system is operated and the size of the welding environment, etc.

[0071] Although not shown in the drawings, the camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (not shown) that controls the angle n between line a and line b and / or the angle m between line a' and line b. In the camera system, the path through which the welding light enters can vary depending on where the photographing unit is placed, but by having the above configuration, it is possible to provide the effect of preventing the ghost phenomenon depending on the position used.

[0072] In the camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a part of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 may further include a driving unit (not shown) for adjusting the arrangement angle of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 . For example, the driving range of at least one of the angles n and m may be set to be at least 3 degrees or more.

[0073] On the other hand, such control unit and driving unit are not particularly limited, and any configuration that can control the arrangement surface and / or arrangement angle of the panel and / or thin plate and can be easily selected by a technician with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0074] Referring again to FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, the distance D1 between a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the camera 110 can be smaller than the distance D2 between a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the cover plate 133'. Referring to FIG. 3A, in an optional embodiment, D1 may refer to the distance between the second coating layer 1322b and the camera 110. As another optional embodiment, D1 can refer to the distance between the second coating layer 1322b and the camera 110.

[0075] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, in this case, in an optional embodiment, a region of the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 may be in contact or in close contact with a portion of the camera 110, and in another optional embodiment, a region of the cartridge structure 132 may be in contact or in close contact with a portion of the lens of the camera 110. As in the above configuration, by making D1 small, the amount of welding light L3' reflected by the camera 110 can be minimized, thereby minimizing the ghost phenomenon.

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, the minimum distance D1' between a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the camera 110 can be smaller than the minimum distance D2' between a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the cover plate 133'.

[0077] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, in this case, as an optional embodiment, a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 may be in contact or in intimate contact with at least a portion of the camera 110 . As in the above configuration, by making D1' small, the amount of welding light L3' reflected by the camera unit 110 can be minimized, thereby suppressing the ghost phenomenon.

[0078] Referring again to FIG. 3C, in one embodiment, the minimum distance D1'' between a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the camera 110 can be smaller than the minimum distance D2'' between a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the cover plate 133'.

[0079] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, in this case, as an optional embodiment, a region of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 may be in contact or in intimate contact with at least a portion of the camera 110 . As in the above configuration, by making D1'' small, the amount of welding light L3' reflected by the camera 110 can be minimized, thereby suppressing the ghost phenomenon.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of a welding system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4 , a welding system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a welding information providing device 10 and a welding torch 20 .

[0082] The welding information providing device 10 and the welding torch 20 are connected to each other through a communication network so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The welding information providing device 10 and the welding torch 20 can be matched one-to-one and operated, but this is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible, such as being able to operate in a one-to-many correspondence. That is, n welding torches 20 may be connected to one welding information providing device 10, and one welding torch 20 may be connected to n welding information providing devices 10.

[0083] As an optional embodiment, the welding information providing device 10 and the welding torch 20 may communicate with a separate server (not shown) to transmit and receive data.

[0084] The welding information providing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a worker with information regarding a welding status. Specifically, the welding information providing device 10 can acquire welding video frames and / or welding images using at least one camera attached to the welding information providing device 10.

[0085] Based on this, a composite image can be generated and displayed to the worker. The welding information providing device 10 according to an embodiment can generate a composite image using a high dynamic range (HDR) technology and can display and provide a high-quality composite image to a worker. In this case, the worker can visually confirm the shape of the weld bead and information about the surrounding environment other than the area adjacent to the welding light through the high-quality composite image.

[0086] Meanwhile, the conventional welding information providing device 10 has a problem that during the process of capturing high-temperature welding light, a ghost phenomenon occurs frequently in which a strong light source of the welding light is reflected on the internal lens or sensor surface, resulting in another image being captured, making it difficult for the worker to perform the work.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, a welding system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a camera unit 110 that acquires image frames and a display unit 120 that provides an image to a worker using the acquired image frames, and may include a processor 140 that controls the camera unit 110 and the display unit 120. A more detailed description of the welding system 1 according to one embodiment will be provided below.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, in order to solve the above technical problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a welding information providing device 10 including a main body 101 arranged to cover at least a portion of a worker's face, a camera unit 110 arranged in one area of ​​the main body 101 to photograph a welding scene and obtain image frames, and a display unit 120 arranged in another area of ​​the main body 101 to provide an image generated through the image frames.

[0090] In this case, the main body 101 may include a first area 1011 facing the face of the operator and a second area 1012 arranged in an opposite area of ​​the first area 1011, and the camera unit 110 may be arranged in the second area 1012 and the display unit 120 may be arranged in the first area 1011.

[0091] The main body 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention is for protecting the face of a worker performing welding work, and may be provided so as to be wearable by the worker. The body 101 may be made of a material having a certain strength, for example, reinforced plastic, etc. However, the body 101 is not limited thereto, and various materials may be used as long as they are resistant to elements such as sparks that may occur during welding work.

[0092] The main body 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be fixed to the head of an operator via a head fixing portion 180 provided inside the main body 101. Specifically, the head fixing part 180 may be rotatably connected to the main body 101, and the position of the head fixing part 180 may be stably fixed by contacting the operator's head and fixing the position of the head fixing part 180.

[0093] The head fixing part 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the first region 1011 of the body 101 and can be connected to the body 101 . The worker may place the head fixing portion 180 in contact with the worker's head, and thus the position of the welding information providing device 10 may be stably fixed.

[0094] The head fixing part 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an adjustment part (not shown) that can adjust the inner circumference of the head fixing part 180 according to the head size of the user.

[0095] The operator grasps the adjustment part (not given a reference number in the drawing) and rotates it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the circumference of the head fixing part 180, thereby enabling the head fixing part 180 and the main body 101 connected to the head fixing part 180 to be stably fixed in position on the outside of the operator's head.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, both sides of a head fixing part 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be connected to a body 101 . Both sides of the head fixing part 180 can be rotatably connected to the main body 101, and the operator can rotate the main body 101 with the head fixing part 180 fixed in position on the operator's head, thereby ensuring the operator's field of view of the external environment.

[0097] The rotating part according to one embodiment of the present invention adjusts the circumference of the head fixing part 180 by a rotation method, but is not limited to this. Various modifications can be made within the technical idea of ​​being able to make close contact with the operator's head, such as adjusting the circumference of the head fixing part 180 by a sliding movement method, a button method, etc.

[0098] The head fixing portion 180 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of ribs (not shown) such as head gear, and may further include a configuration including a soft material such as a fiber member (not shown) or a cushion member (not shown) in at least a portion of the inner surface that comes into direct contact with the head of a worker performing a welding operation.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, a main body 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an outer frame portion 101a that forms the outer periphery of the main body 101, and an inner main body portion 101b that is disposed in the central region of the outer frame portion 101a and in which a camera unit 110, a display unit 120, an outer cover unit 130, an inner cover unit (not given reference numerals), etc., described below, are disposed.

[0100] The main body 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be equipped with a camera unit 110, a display unit 120, a processor 140, a sensor unit 150, an outer cover unit 130, a head fixing unit 180, a communication unit 160, etc., which will be described later, and can protect the worker from sparks, heat, etc. generated during welding work.

[0101] The camera unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the main body 101, and can include a camera to capture and acquire welding video frames and / or welding images related to a welding operation.

[0102] A camera unit 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be disposed in the second region 1012 of the body 101 and can include at least one camera for capturing welding video frames and / or welding images. Meanwhile, the camera unit 110 according to an embodiment may include a first camera 1101 that captures a scene outside welding to obtain a first image frame, and a second camera 1102 that captures a welding scene to obtain a second image frame.

[0103] In this specification, "non-welding scene" may mean a scene in which welding is being performed, and "non-welding image" may mean an image of a non-welding scene, or all images excluding welding images obtained by filming a welding scene, for example, images excluding welding images, and may include pre-welding images and / or post-welding images.

[0104] As used herein, "welding video" may include video that includes video frames in which welding is occurring.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first camera 1101 may be located at the front of the body 101 corresponding to the field of view of the operator. According to an optional embodiment, a first camera 1101 may be positioned near the field of view of the worker. As a result, the welding information providing device 10 can obtain video images similar to those seen directly without using the welding information providing device 10 while the worker is performing work other than welding, and can provide more accurate information to the worker.

[0106] The first camera 1101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one camera and can capture welding video frames related to a welding operation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an optional embodiment, the first camera 1101 may include two cameras positioned corresponding to the left and right eyes of the operator, respectively.

[0107] The second camera 1102 according to an embodiment of the present invention may capture a welding scene to obtain a second image frame. In this case, the second camera 1102 may be located at the front of the main body 101 corresponding to the field of view of the worker. As a result, while the worker is performing welding work, the welding information providing device 10 can obtain a welding image similar to that seen when viewed directly without using the welding information providing device 10, and can provide more accurate welding information to the worker.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first camera 1101 and the second camera 1102 can be arranged one above the other when the welding information providing device 10 is worn by a worker. In this case, the intermediate region of the imaginary line connecting the centers of the first camera 1101 and the second camera 1102 may be located in the front portion corresponding to the field of view of the worker. As in the above structure, by arranging the first camera 1101 and the second camera 1102 at positions corresponding to the field of view of the worker, it is possible to obtain welding images similar to those seen directly without using the welding information providing device 10, and to provide more accurate welding information to the worker.

[0109] The camera unit 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a thermal imaging camera. The welding information providing device 10 can synthesize a thermal image video acquired through a thermal imaging camera with a welding work video to obtain a specific temperature video of the welding work.

[0110] The camera unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a camera that receives control commands from a processor 140 described below and changes settings such as shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and gain in response to the control commands to capture welding work footage.

[0111] Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' in Fig. 6. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in Fig. 6. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 8A provided according to one embodiment.

[0112] 8A and 9, the welding information providing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an outer cover unit 130 disposed in one area of ​​the second area 1012. The outer cover unit 130 can cover at least a portion of the camera unit 110 from the outside of the camera unit 110 , so that the camera unit 110 can be protected by the outer cover unit 130 .

[0113] Referring again to FIG. 8A, an outer cover unit 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an outer cover frame 131, an outer cover plate 133, and a light-tight cartridge structure 132.

[0114] The outer cover frame 131 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a function of connecting the outer cover unit 130 to the main body 101. This allows the outer cover unit 130 to be stably positioned and / or fixed to the main body 101.

[0115] The outer cover plate 133 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed on the front side of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 described below, and can protect the light-tight cartridge structure 132 . The outer cover plate 133 may include a material that allows light to pass through, for example, a transparent material. The outer cover plate 133 may include a resin material such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic, and may be molded by injection molding, but is not limited to the above examples.

[0116] For more detailed and specific descriptions of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the relationship between the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the cover plate 133' and / or the outer cover plate 133, and the relationship between the light-tight cartridge structure 132 and the camera 110, please refer to the descriptions in the previous embodiments.

[0117] Referring again to Figures 3A to 3C, the welding information providing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a light-shielding cartridge structure 132 control unit (not shown) that controls the angle n between line a and line b and / or the angle m between line a' and line b. At this time, a driving unit (not shown) for adjusting the arrangement angle of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 may be further included in a part of the light-tight cartridge structure 132 . At this time, for example, it is possible to make it possible to drive at least one of the drive ranges of the angle n and the angle m to a range of at least 3 degrees or more.

[0118] With the above-described configuration, when a ghost phenomenon occurs due to the welding environment, etc. while using the welding information providing device 10, the worker can eliminate the ghost phenomenon by adjusting the angle at which the light-shielding cartridge structure 132 is positioned according to the situation.

[0119] On the other hand, such control unit and driving unit are not particularly limited, and any configuration that can control the arrangement surface and / or arrangement angle of the panel and / or thin plate and can be easily selected by a technician with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0120] The welding information providing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a function of displaying welding information in a preferred color (eg, green, blue) using RGB.

[0121] The welding information providing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a magnifying glass power adjustment function (for example, enlarging and reducing the screen).

[0122] Referring again to FIG. 5, the processor 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected to the communication unit 160, the display unit 120, the sensor unit 150, and / or the camera unit 110, and can control the operation of the welding information providing device 10 by transmitting and receiving electrical signals therebetween. For example, the processor 140 can control the display unit 120 to display the welding video generated based on the welding video frames and / or welding images.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 140 can synthesize welding image frames received via the camera unit 110 to generate a high-quality synthetic image. The processor 140 can set different shooting conditions for each frame of the camera unit 110 and synthesize frames acquired in chronological order in parallel to obtain a composite image. In an optional embodiment, the processor 140 can control the camera unit 110 to change the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, gain, and the like of the camera of the camera unit 110 when taking pictures.

[0124] The processor 140 may set different imaging conditions depending on conditions such as the welding light, the ambient light, and the degree of movement of the welding torch 20 at the sensed welding site. Specifically, the processor 140 can set the shooting conditions such that the ISO sensitivity and gain are reduced as the welding light and / or ambient light at the welding site increases. If the movement and / or working speed of the welding torch 20 is detected to be fast, the photographing conditions may be set to increase the shutter speed.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 140 may synthesize a preset number of frames of images in parallel, where each image in the preset number of frames may have been captured under different shooting conditions.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the camera unit 110 has two or more cameras, the processor 140 can control the cameras to set different shooting conditions for each camera before taking pictures. In this case as well, the processor 140 can synthesize a preset number of frames of video in parallel.

[0127] The processor 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention may control the overall operation of the welding information providing device 10 using various programs stored in a memory (not shown).

[0128] For example, the processor 140 may include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a system bus. Here, the ROM may be configured to store an instruction set for starting the system, and the CPU can copy the operating system stored in the memory of the welding information providing device 10 to the RAM according to the instructions stored in the ROM, and execute the O / S to start the system. Once boot-up is complete, the CPU can copy various applications stored in memory to RAM and execute them to perform various operations. Although processor 140 has been described above as including only one CPU, it may be implemented using multiple CPUs (or DSPs, SoCs, etc.).

[0129] The processor 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by a digital signal processor (DSP) for processing digital signals, a microprocessor, and / or a time controller. However, the above examples are not limited to these, and the term may include or be defined by one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor, a communication processor, or an ARM processor.

[0130] The processor 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be realized as a System on Chip (SoC) incorporating a processing algorithm, a Large Scale Integration (LSI), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0131] Referring again to FIG. 5, the communication unit 160 according to one embodiment of the present invention can receive welding information from the welding torch 20 and transmit commands for controlling the welding torch 20 .

[0132] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 160 can transmit the composite image to an external device other than the welding torch 20 . In this case, the external device may include various devices including communication modules such as the operator's / third party's smartphone, computer, etc.

[0133] The communication unit 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention can communicate with various types of external devices according to various types of communication methods. The communication unit 160 may include at least one of a WiFi chip, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip, a wireless communication chip, and an NFC chip.

[0134] In particular, when using a WiFi chip or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip, various connection information such as an SSID and a session key can be first transmitted and / or received, and then various information can be transmitted and / or received after establishing a communication connection using that information.

[0135] A wireless communication chip may refer to a chip that communicates according to various communication standards such as IEEE, Zigbee (registered trademark), 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project (registered trademark)), and LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0136] The NFC chip may refer to a chip that operates in a Near Field Communication (NFC) method using the 13.56 MHz band among various RFID frequency bands such as 135 kHz, 13.56 MHz, 433 MHz, 860 to 960 MHz, and 2.45 GHz.

[0137] The communication unit 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention can transmit and receive data to and from the welding information providing device 10 . The communication unit 160 may include a module capable of short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wifi, Wifi-Direct) or long-range wireless communication (e.g., 3G, High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) or Long Term Evolution (LTE)).

[0138] Referring again to FIG. 5, the sensor unit 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of sensor modules configured to sense various information related to a welding site and obtain welding information. The welding information may include the welding temperature, welding direction, welding angle, welding speed, and the spacing between the workpiece and the welding torch 20 for the real-time welding operation. Additionally, the sensor section 150 may include an optical sensor module configured to detect welding light information at least within the welding work area.

[0139] The sensor unit 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in the welding torch 20 and / or the welding information providing device 10, and can sense welding conditions such as the welding temperature, welding speed, welding angle, welding direction, and the distance between the base material and the welding torch 20.

[0140] The sensor unit 150 according to one embodiment of the present invention can detect at least one of various changes, such as a change in the posture of a worker holding the welding torch 20, a change in the illuminance of the welding surface, and a change in the acceleration of the welding torch 20, and transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the processor 140. That is, the sensor unit 150 can detect a change in state based on the welding torch 20 , generate a corresponding detection signal, and transmit the signal to the processor 140 .

[0141] The sensor unit 150 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various sensors, and power may be supplied to at least one pre-set sensor according to control when the welding torch 20 is driven (or based on operator setting), thereby detecting changes in the state of the welding torch 20. In an optional embodiment, the sensor portion 150 may include at least one of any form of sensing device capable of detecting a change in the state of the welding torch 20 .

[0142] For example, the sensor unit 150 may be configured to include at least one sensor among various sensing devices such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a noise sensor, a video sensor, a gravity sensor, etc.

[0143] According to the welding system 1 of one embodiment of the present invention, welding light information within the welding work area detected via an illuminance sensor arranged in a certain area of ​​the welding torch 20 can be transmitted to the processor 140 via the communication unit 160, and a lighting unit (not shown) and / or a camera unit 110, specifically a first camera 1101 and / or a second camera 1102, can be controlled based on the welding light information transmitted via the illuminance sensor of the welding torch 20.

[0144] An acceleration sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention can sense the movement of the welding torch 20 . Specifically, the acceleration sensor can measure dynamic forces such as acceleration, vibration, and impact of the welding torch 20, and can measure the movement of the welding torch 20.

[0145] A gravity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention can sense the direction in which gravity is pointing. The detection results of the gravity sensor can be used in conjunction with the acceleration sensor to determine the movement of the welding torch 20. Additionally, a gravity sensor may be used to determine the orientation in which the welding torch 20 is held. In addition to the types of sensors mentioned above, the welding torch 20 may further include various types of sensors, such as a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an RF sensor, etc., to detect various changes related to the welding work environment.

[0146] The welding information providing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an inner cover unit (not shown) that is provided in a main body 101 and disposed on a path of a welding image. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the internal space of the main body 101 from the outside.

[0147] It goes without saying that the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a mutually composite manner.

[0148] The above description of the present invention is given for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as being singular may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly components described as being distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0149] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below, and all modifications and variations that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. an imaging unit including a camera for capturing a welding image and acquiring an image frame; A camera system including a light-shielding unit disposed between the camera and the welding light source and having a light-shielding cartridge structure that controls the welding light entering the imaging unit.

2. The camera system of claim 1 , wherein the light-tight cartridge structure comprises a liquid crystal panel and an anti-reflective coating layer disposed on at least one side of the liquid crystal panel.

3. The camera system of claim 1 , wherein the light-tight cartridge structure includes an anti-reflective coating layer having a reflectance of less than 4.0%.

4. The camera system according to claim 1 , wherein the light-tight cartridge structure is arranged such that an imaginary line perpendicular to a main surface of the cartridge structure intersects with an imaginary line connecting the lens of the camera and a light source.

5. A body provided to cover at least a portion of a face of a worker, the body including a first region facing the face of the worker and a second region disposed in an opposite region of the first region; a camera unit disposed in a second region of the main body for capturing a welding image and acquiring an image frame; a display unit disposed in the first region of the body and configured to provide an image generated through the image frame.

6. The welding information providing device according to claim 5 , wherein the camera unit includes a first camera that captures a scene outside welding to obtain a first video frame, and a second camera that captures a welding video to obtain a second video frame.

7. The welding information providing device further includes an outer cover unit disposed in a region of the second region, The welding information providing device according to claim 6 , wherein the outer cover unit is disposed in an outer area of ​​the camera unit to protect the camera unit.

8. The welding information providing device according to claim 7 , wherein the outer cover unit further includes an outer cover frame and a light-tight cartridge structure disposed between the outer cover frame and the second camera.

9. The welding information providing device of claim 8 , wherein the light-tight cartridge structure comprises a liquid crystal panel and an anti-reflection coating layer disposed on at least one surface of the liquid crystal panel.

10. 9. The welding information providing device according to claim 8, wherein a virtual line perpendicular to a main surface of the cartridge structure intersects with a virtual line connecting a lens of the second camera and a light source.

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