Camera unit and welding information providing device including the same

Abstract

To provide a camera unit that enables a worker to accurately recognize a welding process by acquiring and providing a clear video related to welding work, and a welding information providing device including the same.SOLUTION: A camera unit includes: a camera module configured to acquire a welding video frame from a welding work area according to imaging conditions; an illuminance sensor configured to detect intensity of light in the welding work area; and a control unit configured to determine the operation mode of the camera module to be one of a first mode and a second mode based on intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor, and to change the imaging conditions of the camera module to an imaging setting value set in advance corresponding to a determined mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera unit that changes shooting conditions based on light intensity, and a welding information providing device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Protective equipment is worn to protect workers from light and high heat generated during the welding process. While wearing the protective gear, a worker can only see that welding is being performed through the protective gear, so in order to check various welding information such as the conditions set in the welding equipment, the worker must remove the protective gear and check with the naked eye, which is a hassle.

[0003] When an operator is not highly skilled, especially when wearing an automatic welding mask or a manual welding mask, the operator can only see the area adjacent to the welding light, making it difficult for the operator to recognize the specific welding conditions, such as the welding environment. This provides the worker with high-quality images that enable him or her to visually check the welding environment.

[0004] However, during welding, the illuminance / brightness of the welding light spot is very high, so the video capture environment when welding is in progress is significantly different from the video capture environment when welding is temporarily interrupted.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can acquire and provide accurate images of welding work by adaptively changing the camera shooting conditions according to the video shooting environment. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a camera unit and a welding information providing device including the same, which adaptively changes an operation mode of a camera module and an image capturing condition according to the operation mode according to a shooting environment to obtain and provide clear images related to welding work, thereby enabling a worker to accurately recognize the welding process.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a welding information providing device that determines the operating mode of a camera unit to be one of a first mode and a second mode depending on the light intensity in a welding work area detected by an illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera unit to shooting setting values ​​that are preset in a memory corresponding to the determined mode, thereby enabling the shooting conditions of the camera unit to be quickly switched without delay.

[0008] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention provides a welding information providing device that can immediately control the shading degree of the shading panel depending on the light intensity in the welding work area detected by an illuminance sensor using a processor separately provided in the shading panel, thereby obtaining welding images in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked without processing images captured separately.

[0009] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems and advantages of the present invention that have not been described will be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that the problems and advantages that the present invention aims to solve can be realized by the means and combinations thereof recited in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A camera unit according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a camera module that acquires welding video frames from a welding work area according to shooting conditions, an illuminance sensor that detects the intensity of light in the welding work area, and a control unit that determines the operating mode of the camera module to one of a first mode and a second mode based on the light intensity detected by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera module to shooting setting values ​​preset corresponding to the determined mode.

[0011] The camera module includes an image sensor that recognizes light during welding operation, and the camera unit may further include a light-shielding panel that is disposed in front of the camera module that includes the image sensor and blocks a portion of the light incident during welding operation and transmits the remaining light to the image sensor.

[0012] The shading panel may include a processor (ie, a second processor) electrically connected to the illuminance sensor, the processor being adapted to control the degree of shading of the shading panel based on the intensity of the light.

[0013] The processor may control the degree of shading of the shading panel in proportion to the intensity of the light, or may control the degree of shading of the shading panel to a preset value based on the result of comparing the intensity of the light with a preset intensity.

[0014] The camera unit may further include an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light, and the control unit may adjust the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated from the illumination unit based on the intensity of the light.

[0015] The illuminance sensor may detect the light intensity at a set period, and the control unit may count the number of times the operating mode of the camera module is changed due to a change in the light intensity, and if the counted number exceeds a preset number at a preset time, generate and output a notification message.

[0016] A welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main body wearable by a user, a camera unit arranged on the outside of the main body and configured to acquire welding video frames from a welding work area according to shooting conditions, an illuminance sensor that detects the intensity of light within the welding work area, and a processor that determines an operating mode of the camera unit to one of a first mode and a second mode based on the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera unit to shooting setting values ​​preset corresponding to the determined mode.

[0017] In addition, other methods and systems for implementing the present invention, and computer-readable recording media having computer programs for executing the methods can also be provided.

[0018] Further aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, the claims, and the following detailed description of the invention. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera unit and a welding information providing device including the same, which can obtain and provide clear images of welding work by adaptively changing an operation mode of a camera module and an imaging condition according to the operation mode according to a shooting environment, thereby enabling a worker to accurately recognize the welding process.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operating mode of the camera unit is determined to be one of the first and second modes depending on the light intensity in the welding work area detected by the illuminance sensor, and the shooting conditions of the camera unit are changed to shooting setting values ​​pre-set in the memory corresponding to the determined mode, thereby enabling the shooting conditions of the camera unit to be switched quickly and without delay.

[0021] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a processor separately provided in the shading panel can immediately control the shading degree of the shading panel depending on the light intensity in the welding work area detected by the illuminance sensor, thereby obtaining a welding image in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked without processing an image captured separately.

[0022] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining a structure of a welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of the welding information providing device of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing only the configuration of the camera unit in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 shows a camera unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a method of controlling a light-shielding panel in the camera unit. [Figure 10] 3 is a diagram showing an example of shooting setting values ​​for each mode stored in the memory of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the welding information providing device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods of achieving them, will become more apparent by reference to the embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but may be embodied in various different forms, and includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments presented below are provided to completely disclose the present invention and to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of related publicly known techniques is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0025] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" and "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof set forth in the specification, but are not intended to preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as first and second 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.

[0026] Furthermore, in this specification, a "unit" may be a hardware component such as a processor or a circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] In the following embodiments, the terms "first", "second", etc. are not used in a limiting sense but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0029] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context.

[0030] In the following embodiments, terms such as "comprise" and "have" mean the presence of features or components described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of adding one or more other features or components.

[0031] Certain steps may be performed in a different order than that described, when different implementations of an embodiment are possible. For example, two steps described as successive may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in the reverse order from that described.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a welding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a welding system 10 of the present invention may include a welding information providing device 100 and a welding torch 200 . The welding information providing device 100 and the welding torch 200 are connected to each other via a communication network, and can transmit and receive data. The welding information providing device 100 and the welding torch 200 may be matched one-to-one to operate, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a one-to-n relationship may also be possible. That is, one welding information providing device 100 may be connected to n welding torches 200, or one welding torch 200 may be connected to n welding information providing devices 100. In addition, the welding information providing device 100 and the welding torch 200 may communicate with another server (not shown) to transmit and receive data.

[0034] The welding information providing device 100 can provide information on the welding status to a worker. Specifically, the welding information providing device 100 can obtain welding images obtained using at least one camera attached to the welding information providing device 100, and generate and display a composite video based on the welding images. Here, the welding information providing device 100 can generate a composite image by using HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology and can display and provide a high-quality composite image to the worker. At this time, the worker can visually confirm the shape of the welding bead and information about the surrounding environment other than the area adjacent to the welding light from the high-quality composite image.

[0035] The welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can obtain images by two or more cameras and display each image on at least one display unit in order to synthesize and provide a high-quality welding image. Here, the welding information providing device 100 can repeatedly take images by changing the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and gain value of each camera to synthesize the images. The welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve image quality by performing contrast ratio processing on the acquired composite image.

[0036] Furthermore, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a function of displaying welding information in a preferred color (for example, green, blue) using RGB. Furthermore, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a magnifying glass power correction function (for example, screen enlargement and screen reduction). Furthermore, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a temperature composite image using another thermal imaging camera. Here, the welding information providing device 100 can display the welding temperature in color. The welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can support a function of providing all the above-mentioned functions by sound (e.g., a guide alarm) or guidance voice.

[0037] The welding torch 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect welding conditions including welding temperature, welding direction, welding inclination, welding speed, and the gap between the base material and the welding torch during real-time welding operation using at least one sensor. The welding torch 200 can monitor the torch status and change the settings of the torch operation depending on the welding situation.

[0038] The welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can receive information regarding work settings and work status from the welding torch 200 via a communication network connected to the welding torch 200, and can provide the worker with visual feedback of the work information based on the received welding information.

[0039] For example, when the welding information providing device 100 receives sensing information regarding a welding temperature value, it can output a notification corresponding to the temperature value in various ways such as lighting, vibration, message, etc. Here, the notification may be visual feedback provided on a display unit or display of the welding information providing device 100, or may be auditory feedback using a sound (e.g., a guidance alarm) or a guidance voice.

[0040] Meanwhile, the sensing information on the temperature value includes information on whether or not the temperature exceeds a preset temperature range, etc. Also, the sensing information on the temperature value includes a numerical value, a rank, a level, etc. corresponding to the temperature value of the welding surface.

[0041] The welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can guide the worker to stop the work when it is determined that the temperature values ​​of the torch and the welding surface are out of a preset temperature range. When the welding is out of the preset temperature range, there is a risk of quality deterioration, so the welding information providing device 100 can guide the worker to adjust the torch temperature value.

[0042] When an abnormal current or voltage state of the welding torch 200 is detected, the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide visual feedback as a warning.

[0043] Here, the visual feedback may be a display of an icon indicating a danger in a partial area of ​​the display unit of the welding information providing device 100 displaying the work site. As another example, the welding information providing device 100 can provide a work stop guide by visual feedback by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the saturation of a specific color (eg, red) on the entire screen of the display unit.

[0044] In addition, the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention generates and outputs a notification message when the number of times that the operation mode of the camera unit (or the shooting conditions of the camera unit) is changed due to a change in light intensity exceeds a preset number within a preset time, thereby restricting frequent welding work within a short period of time and reducing eye fatigue.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the welding information providing device 100 can sense welding information using at least one sensor (e.g., a second sensor) included in the welding torch 200 as well as a sensor (e.g., a first sensor) included in the welding information providing device 100. Here, the welding information can be detected by at least one sensor to indicate the welding conditions including the light level, welding temperature, welding direction, welding inclination, welding speed, and the distance between the base material and the welding torch, related to the real-time welding work.

[0046] Similarly, based on welding information detected by a sensor (eg, a first sensor) included in welding information providing device 100, welding information providing device 100 can provide a guide corresponding to the welding information.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the welding information providing device 100 may change the operation of the welding torch by sensing a preset user movement or a preset user voice after a work stop guide is provided.

[0048] In another embodiment, the welding information providing device 100 may obtain the temperature values ​​of the torch and the welding surface by image sensing provided in the device itself when communication with the welding torch 200 is not smooth. As an example, the welding information providing device 100 can obtain the temperature values ​​of the torch and the welding surface based on image data obtained by a thermal imaging camera.

[0049] The above-mentioned example only describes the case where the information received from the welding torch 200 is welding temperature information, and the welding information providing device 100 can provide various guides regarding various welding information.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the welding information providing device 100 may include a camera unit 110, a communication unit 120, a display unit 130, a sensor unit 140, a first processor 150, an illumination unit 160, and a memory 170.

[0052] The camera unit 110 may include one or more cameras, but may include a camera for capturing images related to a welding work site. The camera unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a camera located adjacent to the display unit 130 of the welding information providing device 100 . For example, in the camera unit 110, the first camera and the second camera may be symmetrically mounted in one region on the front part of the welding information providing device 100, respectively. In another embodiment, the camera unit 110 is formed to be detachable, and can be attached at a different position as required. As described above, the camera unit 110 may be attached so as to be located adjacent to the display unit 130, but may also be attached to a different position on the side of the main body (101 in FIG. 5) as necessary. Also, the camera unit 110 may be attached to the top of the main body 101, that is, on the user's head.

[0053] Camera unit 110 (specifically, camera module 112 within camera unit 110) can capture welding video frames from a welding work area according to the imaging conditions. Here, the camera unit 110 (i.e., the camera module 112) can operate in one of a number of operating modes having different shooting conditions (e.g., a "welding mode" in which welding work is performed, and a "general mode" in which welding work is not performed) under the control of the first processor 150. The camera unit 110 receives control commands from the first processor 150, and in response to the control commands, can change settings such as shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, gain, etc. in accordance with the operating mode determined by the first processor 150 to capture the welding work site. The camera unit 110 may include a first camera and a second camera, each of which can capture images of the welding work site using different capture settings.

[0054] The camera unit 110 may also include an image sensor 112-4 that recognizes light during welding work and generates a video signal that forms the basis of a welding video frame, and a shading panel 113 that is disposed in front of the image sensor 112-4 (e.g., in front of the camera module 112 that includes the image sensor 112-4) and performs a shading function. Here, the light blocking panel 113 can block a portion of the light incident during welding work and transmit the remaining light to the image sensor 112-4.

[0055] The shading panel 113 may include a second processor 113-5 electrically connected to the illuminance sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140. Here, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 based on the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor 141. In one embodiment, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 in proportion to the intensity of the light, or can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 to a preset value based on the result of comparing the intensity of the light with a preset intensity. For example, the second processor 113-5 can increase the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 as the light intensity increases. In addition, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 to be a first numerical value when the light intensity exceeds a first intensity, and can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 to be a second numerical value lower than the first numerical value when the light intensity is equal to or lower than the first intensity and exceeds a second intensity. Furthermore, when the light intensity is equal to or lower than the second intensity, the second processor 113-5 can control the light blocking degree of the light blocking panel 113 to a third numerical value lower than the second numerical value. Here, the second intensity is lower than the first intensity, but is not limited thereto and may be the same.

[0056] In another embodiment, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel based on the operating mode of the camera unit 110. When the first processor 150 determines that the operating mode of the camera unit 110 is the first mode, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 so that it becomes a first numerical value preset corresponding to the first mode. When the first processor 150 determines that the operating mode of the camera unit 110 is the second mode, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 so that it becomes a second numerical value preset corresponding to the second mode.

[0057] The shading panel 113 may be controlled by a second processor 113-5 connected to the illuminance sensor 141, but is not limited to this, and may be controlled by the first processor 150 as shown in FIG. Here, the first processor 150 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 based on the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor 141, or can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 based on a mode determined based on the intensity of light.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit 110 may include a thermal imaging camera. The welding information providing device 100 may acquire a temperature image by synthesizing a thermal image acquired by the thermal imaging camera with an image related to a welding site.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the welding information providing device 100 may further include an illumination unit 160 electrically connected to the first processor 150. Here, the illumination unit 160 may be located outside the camera unit 110, but is not limited thereto, and may be located inside the camera unit 110.

[0060] The lighting unit 160 is located outside the welding information providing device 100 and is configured to irradiate illumination light toward at least the welding work area. The lighting unit 160 may include multiple LED modules, and the output intensity (degree) of the illumination light emitted by the lighting unit 160 can be adjusted under the control of the first processor 150 (or the control unit 114 in FIG. 4) based on the intensity of the light detected by the illuminance sensor 141. Here, the first processor 150 can increase the output intensity of the illumination light emitted from the illumination unit 160 as the intensity of the light detected by the illuminance sensor 141 decreases.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the illumination unit 160 can operate in conjunction with the operation of the camera unit 110 under the control of the first processor 150 (or the control unit 114 in FIG. 4). For example, when the operating mode of camera unit 110 is determined to be the first mode, first processor 150 can change the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated from illumination unit 160 based on a first output value pre-set in memory 170 corresponding to the first mode, and when the operating mode of camera unit 110 is determined to be the second mode, first processor 150 can change the output intensity of the illumination light irradiated from illumination unit 160 based on a second output value pre-set in memory 170 corresponding to the second mode.

[0062] The communication unit 120 is configured to receive welding information from the welding torch 200 and to transmit commands for controlling the welding torch 200 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 120 can transmit the composite image to an external device other than the welding torch 200. Here, the external device may include various devices including a communication module, such as a smartphone or computer of a worker / third party.

[0063] The communication unit 120 may be configured to communicate with various types of external devices using various types of communication methods. The communication unit 120 may include at least one of a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip, a wireless communication chip, and an NFC chip. In particular, when a Wi-Fi chip or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip is used, various connection information such as an SSID and a session key can be transmitted and received first, a communication connection can be established using the information, and then various information can be transmitted and received. A wireless communication chip refers to a chip that communicates in accordance with 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). An NFC chip refers to a chip that operates using the NFC (Near Field Communication) method, which uses the 13.56 MHz band among various RF-ID frequency bands such as 135 kHz, 13.56 MHz, 433 MHz, 860-960 MHz, and 2.45 GHz.

[0064] The display unit 130 is configured to provide a high-quality composite image to the worker. Specifically, the display unit 130 may be realized in the form of goggles including a display 131 (see FIG. 6) that displays a composite image obtained by combining images acquired by the camera unit 110 to the worker.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear portion of the display unit 130, i.e., the portion facing the user, may include a display 131 (see FIG. 6) for displaying high-quality images to the user, and a main lens member 135 (see FIG. 6) for viewing the display 131.

[0066] The display included in the display unit 130 can display a high-quality composite image so that the worker can visually check the surrounding environment other than the area adjacent to the welding light (e.g., the shape of the welding bead that has already been worked on). Furthermore, the display unit 130 can provide the operator with visual feedback regarding the welding progress (eg, the welding progress direction).

[0067] The display 131 included in the display unit 130 may be realized using various display technologies such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), LED (Light-Emitting Diode), LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), and DLP (Digital Light Processing). Here, the display according to an embodiment of the present invention may be realized as a panel made of an opaque material so that the operator is not directly exposed to harmful light, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the display may be provided as a transparent display.

[0068] The sensor unit 140 may include a plurality of sensor modules configured to detect various information related to the welding site and acquire welding information, including welding temperature, welding direction, welding inclination, welding speed, and the distance between the base material and the welding torch related to real-time welding work. The sensor portion 140 may also include a light sensor configured to detect the degree of light within at least the welding work area.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 140 may include an illuminance sensor 141 that detects the intensity of light in a welding work area. Here, the illuminance sensor 141 can obtain information regarding the intensity of light at the welding site (e.g., the intensity of the welding light, the intensity of the ambient light). The illuminance sensor 141 may be included in the sensor unit 140, but is not limited to this. For example, the illuminance sensor 141 may be configured to be included in the camera unit 110. In addition to the illuminance sensor, the sensor unit 140 may further include various sensors such as a proximity sensor, a noise sensor, a video sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and an RF sensor, and can detect various changes related to the welding work environment.

[0070] The first processor 150 can generate a high-quality composite image by synthesizing the welding image frames received via the camera unit 110. The first processor 150 can set different shooting conditions for each frame of the camera unit 110 and synthesize the welding video frames acquired in chronological order in parallel to acquire a composite video. Specifically, the first processor 150 can control the camera unit 110 so as to change the ISO sensitivity, gain, shutter speed, and the like of the camera unit 110 and capture an image.

[0071] Here, the first processor 150 may set different photographing conditions depending on conditions such as the welding light, the ambient light, and the degree of movement of the welding torch 200 at the sensed welding site.

[0072] Specifically, the first processor 150 can set the shooting conditions such that, for example, the higher the welding light and / or the ambient light at the welding site, the lower at least one of the ISO sensitivity, the gain, and the shutter speed.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first processor 150 (or the control unit 114 in FIG. 4) can operate the camera unit 110 (specifically, the camera module 112 in the camera unit 110) in one of a number of operating modes with different shooting conditions depending on the light intensity in the welding work area. Here, the first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 to be either a first mode (e.g., a "welding mode") or a second mode (e.g., a "general mode") based on the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor 141. First processor 150 changes the shooting conditions of camera unit 110 to shooting setting values ​​previously set in memory 170 corresponding to the determined mode, thereby enabling quick switching of the shooting conditions of camera unit 110 without delay. Here, memory 170 can store shooting setting values ​​for each mode (see FIG. 10).

[0074] Specifically, when the light intensity is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 to be a first mode (e.g., "welding mode") and change the shooting conditions of the camera unit 110 to shooting setting values ​​(1010 in FIG. 10) detected from the memory 170 corresponding to the first mode. In addition, when the light intensity is less than a threshold value, the first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 to be a second mode (e.g., "general mode") and change the shooting conditions of the camera unit 110 to shooting setting values ​​(1020 in FIG. 10) detected from the memory 170 corresponding to the second mode.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first processor 150 (or the control unit 114 in FIG. 4) can control the operating mode of the camera unit 110 based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 141, which detects light at set intervals or continuously. Here, the first processor 150 counts the number of times that the operating mode of the camera unit 110 (camera module) (or the shooting conditions of the camera unit) is changed due to a change in light intensity, and if the counted number exceeds a preset number within a preset time, it generates a notification message and outputs it to the display unit 130, for example, thereby limiting frequent welding work within a short period of time and protecting the eyes.

[0076] In another embodiment, the first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 based on the intensity of light in the welding work area detected by the illuminance sensor 141, but is not limited to this.

[0077] The first processor 150 can also estimate the light intensity in the welding work area using the image sensor 112-4, and determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 based on the estimated light intensity. Here, the first processor 150 can estimate the light intensity in the welding work area based on a video signal generated by the image sensor 112-4 recognizing the light during welding work, or can estimate the light intensity in the welding work area based on a welding video frame acquired by the camera unit 110 based on the video signal.

[0078] For example, the first processor 150 can first determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 based on the light intensity in the welding work area estimated using the image sensor 112-4, and when a change in the light intensity (or a change in the operating mode of the camera unit) is a set condition, the first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 based on the light intensity detected by the illuminance sensor 141. The set condition may be, for example, when the change in light intensity estimated using image sensor 112-4 at a set time is less than a set value (or when the operating mode of camera unit 110 is not changed at a set time). In other words, when the first processor 150 cannot accurately detect changes in light intensity using the image sensor 112-4, the first processor 150 can sensitively control the operating mode of the camera unit 110 according to the surrounding environment by more accurately detecting the light intensity using the illuminance sensor 141.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first processor 150 can estimate light intensity from a video signal generated by the image sensor 112-4 (or a welding video frame acquired by the camera unit 110) using a deep learning-based light estimation learning model pre-trained to estimate light intensity from a video signal (or a video frame). The light estimation learning model may be trained, for example, using a supervised learning method with training data that uses a video signal (or a video frame) as input and labels of light intensity, but is not limited to this.

[0080] The first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 using the image sensor 112-4, and then determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 using the illuminance sensor 141, but is not limited to this.The first processor 150 can also determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 using the illuminance sensor 141, and then determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 using the image sensor 112-4. In one embodiment, the first processor 150 can determine the operating mode of the camera unit 110 using at least one of the illumination sensor 141 and the image sensor 112-4. In addition, the first processor 150 can determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 using the image sensor 112-4 and the illuminance sensor 141 according to the set priority order.

[0081] Furthermore, the photographing conditions can be set such that the shutter speed increases when the movement and / or working speed of the welding torch (200 in FIG. 1) is detected to be fast.

[0082] The first processor 150 may synthesize a preset number of frames of images in parallel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each image in the preset number of frames may be captured under different shooting conditions.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first processor 150 may control the camera units 110 to set different shooting conditions for each camera when there are two or more camera units 110. In this case, the first processor 150 may synthesize a preset number of frames of video in parallel.

[0084] The first processor 150 may be located outside the camera unit 110 and control the camera unit 110, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 114 that controls the camera unit 110 may be located inside the camera unit 110 , and the control unit 114 can communicate with a first processor 150 . Here, the control unit 114 can receive shooting setting values ​​based on the determination of the operating mode of the camera unit 110 from the first processor 150, and change the shooting conditions of the camera unit 110 to the received shooting setting values, but is not limited to this, and can perform all of the functions of the first processor 150 related to the camera unit 110. For example, the control unit 114 of the camera unit 110 can determine the operation mode of the camera unit 110 and change the shooting conditions of the camera unit 110 to shooting setting values ​​that are preset in accordance with the operation mode of the camera unit 110 . Here, the shooting setting values ​​may be stored in memory 170 or in a memory (not shown) within camera unit 110. Furthermore, the control unit 114 may be configured to include a second processor 113-5.

[0085] The first processor 150 may control the overall operation of the welding information providing device 100 using various programs stored in the memory 170 . For example, the first processor 150 may include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a system bus. Here, the ROM is configured to store a command set for starting the system, and the CPU copies the operating system stored in the memory of the welding information providing device 100 to the RAM according to the commands stored in the ROM, and executes the O / S to start the system. When the startup is complete, the CPU copies various applications stored in the memory to the RAM and executes them to perform various operations. Although the above describes a case where first processor 150 includes only one CPU, it may be realized by multiple CPUs (or DSPs, SoCs, etc.).

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first processor 150 may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) for processing digital signals, a microprocessor, and / or a Time controller (TCON). The term may include or be defined as, but is not limited to, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), and an ARM processor. In addition, the first processor 150 may be realized as a system on chip (SoC) or large scale integration (LSI) incorporating a processing algorithm, or may be realized in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0087] On the other hand, although not shown in FIG. 2, the welding torch 200 may include a communication unit, a sensor unit, and a third processor.

[0088] The communication unit of the welding torch 200 transmits and receives data to and from the welding information providing device 100. The communication unit may include a module capable of short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi, WiFi-Direct) or long-range wireless communication (3G, High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), or Long Term Evolution (LTE)).

[0089] The sensor unit or second sensor of the welding torch 200 is included in the welding torch (200 in FIG. 1) and is configured to sense welding conditions such as welding temperature, welding speed, welding inclination, welding direction, and the distance between the base material and the welding torch.

[0090] Here, the sensor unit can detect at least one of various changes such as a change in posture of the user holding the welding torch 200, a change in illuminance on the welding surface, and a change in acceleration of the welding torch 200, and transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the third processor. That is, the sensor unit can detect a state change caused by the welding torch 200, generate a detection signal based on the state change, and transmit the detection signal to the third processor.

[0091] In the present disclosure, the sensor unit may consist of various sensors, and power is supplied to at least one pre-set sensor by control when the welding torch 200 is driven (or based on user settings), so that changes in the state of the welding torch 200 can be detected.

[0092] In this case, the sensor unit may include at least one of all types of sensing devices capable of detecting a change in the state of the welding torch 200. For example, the sensor unit may 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, and a gravity sensor. The degree of light in the welding work area detected by the illuminance sensor of the welding torch 200 can be transmitted to the first processor 150 via the communication unit, and the first processor 150 can control the lighting unit 160 and / or the camera unit 110 based on the degree of light transmitted through the illuminance sensor of the welding torch 200, rather than through the sensor unit 140 of the welding information providing device 100.

[0093] On the other hand, the acceleration sensor is a component for detecting the movement of the welding torch 200. Specifically, the acceleration sensor can measure dynamic forces such as acceleration, vibration, and impact of the welding torch 200, and therefore can measure the movement of the welding torch 200.

[0094] The gravity sensor is a component for detecting the direction of gravity. That is, the detection result of the gravity sensor can be used together with the acceleration sensor to determine the movement of the welding torch 200. The gravity sensor can also determine the direction in which the welding torch 200 is held.

[0095] In addition to the above-mentioned types of sensors, the welding torch 200 may further include various sensors such as a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and an RF sensor, and can detect various changes related to the welding work environment.

[0096] 5 to 8 are diagrams shown for explaining a welding information providing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of the welding information providing device 100 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing only the configuration of the camera unit 110 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a camera unit 110 according to another embodiment.

[0098] 5 and 6, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention may include a main body 101, a display unit 130 provided on the front side of the main body 101, a camera unit 110, and a first processor 150. In addition, welding information providing device 100 may include at least one sensor unit 140 (see FIG. 2) and a fixing unit (not shown) arranged on the rear surface of main body 101 to fix welding information providing device 100 to the head of a worker.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the camera unit 110 may be mounted on the outside of the body 101 and may be realized in one or more units. When there is only one camera unit 110, it may be attached to the center of the upper end of the main body 101. In another embodiment, when there are two camera units 110, the camera units 110 may be symmetrically attached to one area of ​​the front surface of the display unit . Here, the front part of the display unit 130 may be an external area (the area shown in FIG. 5) corresponding to the direction in which the welding work is performed, whereas the rear part of the display unit 130 may be an internal area corresponding to the direction of the worker's face. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the camera unit 110 may be disposed in an area outside the main body 101 corresponding to the direction in which the welding operation is performed. Also, the camera unit 110 may be formed in a detachable form so that its position can be changed as necessary.

[0100] Meanwhile, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention may include a main lens member 135 for transmitting a welding image provided from the display 131 at a short distance to both eyes of a user.

[0101] The welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a welding image through a display 131 that is spaced a predetermined distance from a user to ensure a viewing area for the user. Therefore, instead of receiving welding images via displays corresponding to each eye, the user can receive welding images from a single display, thereby ensuring a wide field of view even in the enclosed space within the welding information providing device 100. In this case, however, the welding information providing device 100 may include a main lens member 135 in order to provide the welding image provided by the display 131 to the user more clearly.

[0102] When the display 131 of the present invention is composed of one unit, a virtual center line Ax1 passing through the center O1 of the display unit 130 may be located between the user's eyes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that a plurality of displays 131 may be arranged at positions spaced a predetermined distance from both eyes of the user.

[0103] The main lens member 135 is disposed on a path through which the welding image provided from the display 131 passes, and may have a convex surface so as to adjust the size of the welding image and guide it to both eyes E of the user. The primary lens member 135 may be a convex lens that includes a convex surface to magnify the welding image provided.

[0104] The main lens member 135 may be made of a glass material, a plastic material, or the like. In the case of a plastic material, a transparent resin obtained by curing a polymerizable composition containing a (thio)epoxy compound having one or more disulfide bonds in its molecule, can be used, such as (meth)acrylic resin, styrene resin, polycarbonate resin, allyl resin, allyl carbonate resin such as diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate resin (CR-39), vinyl resin, polyester resin, polyether resin, urethane resin obtained by reacting an isocyanate compound with a hydroxy compound such as diethylene glycol, thiourethane resin obtained by reacting an isocyanate compound with a polythiol compound, or the like. The main lens member 135 may also be coated with a filter that blocks light of a specific wavelength band. For example, the main lens member 135 may be a lens coated with a blue light blocking filter.

[0105] The main lens member 135 may be movable back and forth with respect to an initial position. As described above, the power of the main lens member 135 is determined taking into consideration the user's eyesight. However, since each user has different eyesight, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention can provide a welding image with the best image quality by adjusting the distance between the main lens member 135 and the user. For this purpose, the welding information providing device 100 of the present invention may further include a distance adjustment member (not shown) for adjusting the distance between the main lens member 135 and the display 131.

[0106] Similar to the main lens member 135, the display unit 130 may be provided with another distance adjustment member to adjust the distance to the main lens member 135 or to adjust the distance from the display 131 to the user's eyes. For example, the welding information providing device 100 may further include a lens barrel support for fixing the display unit 130 to one side. The distance adjustment member can move the lens barrel support back and forth by manual distance adjustment by a user or automatic distance adjustment. Therefore, the display unit 130 can be recessed inside the front part of the main body 101 or protrude outside the front part.

[0107] At least one sensor unit 140 (or a first sensor) may be attached to a region of the front surface of the display unit 130. In another embodiment, the sensor unit 140 may be included in the main body 101. Here, the sensor unit 140 may be attached to the front side of the main body 101 so as to detect the welding status.

[0108] The main body 101 that protects the worker's face may be made of a material having a certain strength, such as reinforced plastic, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various materials can be used as long as they are resistant to elements such as sparks generated during welding.

[0109] The fixing part (not shown) is configured to come into direct contact with the worker's head, and one side of the fixing part (not shown), i.e., at least a portion of the inner surface that comes into direct contact with the worker's head, may include a soft material such as a fiber material or a cushioning material.

[0110] Camera unit 110 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0111] Further, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a camera unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an exterior housing 111, a camera module 112 provided inside the exterior housing 111, and a light-shielding panel 113. The camera unit 110 may further include at least one of an illuminance sensor that detects the intensity of light within the welding work area, an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light, and a control unit that controls the overall operation of the camera unit 110.

[0112] The camera module 112 includes a camera housing 112-1, a lens assembly 112-2, and a substrate assembly 112-3, and can capture welding image frames from a welding work area according to shooting conditions (eg, settings of shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, gain, etc.).

[0113] The camera housing 112-1 functions to fix a camera module consisting of a lens assembly 112-2 and a board assembly 112-3. The camera housing 112-1 has a through hole formed in a region corresponding to the lens assembly 112-2, allowing the welding light to enter the camera module.

[0114] Lens assembly 112-2 may include an actuator and one or more lenses housed therein. The actuator may include an autofocus actuator and / or a vibration correction actuator, but the autofocus actuator and the vibration correction actuator may be provided integrally.

[0115] The substrate assembly 112-3 may have a structure in which an image sensor IS (112-4 in FIG. 8) is coupled onto a PCB substrate on which a conductive wiring pattern is formed.

[0116] The shading panel 113 can function to block welding light (or ambient light) generated during welding work. The camera unit 110 can capture, via the camera module 112, a welding image frame in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked by the light blocking panel 113. The light blocking panel 113 is disposed in front of the camera, and more specifically, may be structured to be located in front of the lens that receives light from the subject.

[0117] In one embodiment, the shading panel 113 may include a blackening filter 113-3 and a second processor (113-5 in FIG. 9). The blackening filter 113-3 can block the welding light generated when a worker is welding. That is, the second processor 113-5 can increase the light blocking degree of the blackening filter 113-3 by blackening the blackening filter 113-3 based on the welding light information (or ambient light information) detected by the illuminance sensor 141 (or light sensor) of the sensor unit 140. Here, the blackening filter 113-3 may include, for example, a liquid crystal protection panel (LCD panel) whose blackening density is adjusted according to the alignment direction of liquid crystal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be realized by various panels such as a VA (Vertical Align) LCD, a TN (Twist Nematic) LCD, and an IPS (In Plane Switching) LCD.

[0118] The blackening density of the blackening filter 113-3 can be automatically adjusted by the second processor 113-5 depending on the presence or absence of welding light or the intensity of the welding light (or ambient light). As described above, when the illumination is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of the welding light, the illumination sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140 can be used. The illuminance sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140 detects the presence or absence of welding light or the intensity of the welding light to obtain welding light information, and can convert information regarding the intensity of the welding light contained in the welding light information into a predetermined electrical signal. The illuminance sensor 141 of the sensor unit 140 transmits the converted electrical signal to the second processor 113-5, and the second processor 113-5 can control the blackening density based on the intensity of the welding light. The blackening filter 113-3 may be controlled by, but is not limited to, the second processor 113-5, and may be controlled by the first processor 150.

[0119] In other words, the blackening filter 113-3 can change the light blocking degree of the panel in real time to correspond to the intensity of light generated from the welding surface at the welding work site, and the camera unit 110 can capture, via the camera module 112, a welding image frame in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked by the blackening filter 113-3 provided on the front part.

[0120] In another embodiment, the shading panel 113 may further include a neutral density filter 113-2. The neutral density filter 113-2 (for example, a variable neutral density filter) can transmit the welding light generated during welding to the camera module 112 while reducing the amount of the welding light. The neutral density filter 113-2 can reduce the amount of welding light by a preset neutral density. For example, when the neutral density filter 113-2 with a neutral density of 50% is applied, the amount of welding light can be further reduced compared to when the neutral density filter 113-2 with a neutral density of 15% is applied.

[0121] The light-shielding panel 113 may have a structure in which the neutral density filter 113-2 is replaceable, so that an operator can replace the neutral density filter 113-2 with a filter having a different neutral density as necessary.

[0122] As another embodiment, the neutral density filter 113-2 may be a digital filter whose neutral density is controlled by the second processor 113-5 (or the first processor 150). Similar to the blackening filter 113-3, the neutral density filter 113-2, which is a digital filter, can increase the neutral density based on welding light (or ambient light) information detected by the sensor unit 140, for example, the illuminance sensor 141, thereby increasing the degree of light blocking of the neutral density filter 113-2.

[0123] Here, the neutral density filter 113-2 is located in front of the camera module 112, but may be located farther from the camera module 112 than the blackening filter 113-3. Since the blackening filter 113-3 has a greater ability to block the welding light than the neutral density filter 113-2, the camera unit 110 first blocks the light using the neutral density filter 113-2 depending on the intensity of the welding light, and then, when the intensity of the welding light is high, it can block the light using the blackening filter 113-3, or it can block the light using both the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2.

[0124] Meanwhile, although not shown, the light blocking panel 113 may further include a band pass filter. The neutral density filter 113-2 or the blackening filter 113-3 functions to reduce the amount of welding light regardless of the wavelength of the light, while the bandpass filter can function to block light of a specific wavelength band. The light-shielding panel 113 can further include a band-pass filter (not shown) to block ultraviolet or infrared rays generated during welding work. The bandpass filter (not shown) blocks infrared and ultraviolet rays and may be disposed farthest from the face of the operator. The bandpass filter (not shown) may have a dielectric multilayer film formed on one surface facing the other filters.

[0125] When welding light is generated during welding work by a worker, infrared and ultraviolet light in the welding light are reflected and blocked by the dielectric multilayer film of the bandpass filter, and only visible light passes through the bandpass filter and is irradiated toward the camera module 112.

[0126] The light-shielding panel 113 may have a protective glass 113-1 disposed at the frontmost position facing the welding light to prepare for accidents such as the flying of flames that may occur during welding work. A coating layer that can prevent condensation or moisture may be formed on the front surface of the protective glass 113-1 using a hydrophilic coating material, etc. Therefore, the shading panel 113 can prevent contaminants from adhering to the shading panel 113.

[0127] Specifically, the coating layer formed on the front surface of the protective glass 113-1 may be formed of a hydrophilic photocatalytic material such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) with self-cleaning capabilities to prevent adsorption of organic substances around the welding operation.

[0128] On the other hand, the light-shielding panel 113 may further include a glass portion 113-4 disposed between the blackening filter 113-3 and the face of the operator. The glass portion 113-4 is directly or indirectly coupled to the blackening filter 113-3 to prevent the blackening filter 113-3 from being damaged by external foreign objects. The glass portion 113-4 may be made of a transparent material.

[0129] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, the shading panel 113 may be structured to be coupled to the camera module 112 . The shading panel 113 may be disposed on the path of light traveling inside the lens assembly 112-2 of the camera module 112. The light blocking panel 113 is disposed in front of the lens assembly 112-2 that receives light, or between the lens assembly 112-2 and the image sensor IS(112-4) and can perform a function of blocking light. That is, the light blocking panel 113 may be formed in a form that can be combined with the camera module 112 while forming an external appearance as a separate housing. The light-shielding panel 113 may be coupled to the front of the camera module 112, or may be disposed and coupled between the lens assembly 112-2 and the image sensor IS (112-4) of the camera module 112. In another embodiment, the shading panel 113 may be integrally formed with the lens assembly of the camera module 112 . The blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2 of the shading panel 113 may be disposed on the optical axis of the lens L and combined in one housing. In that case, the shading panel 113 may be formed in a circular shape similar to the shape of the lens L. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shading panel 113 may be formed in a shape different from the lens L, for example, in a rectangular shape. In this case, the lens assembly 112-2 may have an internal structure of a housing capable of accommodating both the circular lens L and the rectangular shading panel 113.

[0130] In that case, as described above, the shading panel 113 may include the blackening filter 113-3, and may further include the neutral density filter 113-2, which is a digital neutral density filter. Although not shown, the shading panel 113 may further include a bandpass filter.

[0131] The method in which the second processor 113-5 controls the shading panel 113 will now be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a method of controlling the light blocking panel in the camera unit.

[0132] 9, the welding information providing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may obtain information on the welding light by the sensor unit 140. Here, the sensor unit 140 is an optical sensor and includes an illuminance sensor 141, and may detect the presence or absence or intensity of the welding light. The illuminance sensor 141 can convert the presence or absence or intensity of the welding light into an electrical signal and transmit it to the second processor 113-5 of the shading panel 113. Here, the shading panel 113 of the camera unit 110 may include a controllable blackening filter 113-3 and a neutral density filter 113-2 together with the second processor 113-5. When the second processor 113-5 receives an electrical signal from the illuminance sensor 141, it generates a control signal and immediately transmits it to the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2, thereby immediately controlling the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 in accordance with the light detection result of the illuminance sensor 141.

[0133] When the welding light detected by the illuminance sensor 141 exceeds a predetermined first intensity, the second processor 113-5 generates a first control signal S1 and a second control signal S2 to control both the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density filter 113-2 to operate, thereby controlling the degree of shading of the shading panel 113. Here, the second processor 113-5 can adjust both the blackening density of the blackening filter 113-3 and the neutral density of the neutral density filter 113-2 according to the intensity of the detected welding light.

[0134] When the welding light detected by the illuminance sensor 141 is equal to or less than a pre-set first intensity and exceeds a pre-set second intensity, the second processor 113-5 can control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 by generating a second control signal S2 to control only the neutral density filter 113-2, or by generating a first control signal S1 to control only the blackening filter 113-3.

[0135] In addition, when the welding light is not detected by the illuminance sensor 141 or the intensity is below the set second intensity, the second processor 113-5 can transmit the welding light directly to the camera module 112 without separately controlling the neutral density filter 113-2 or the blackening filter 113-3.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second processor 113-5 can generate a first control signal S1 and a second control signal S2 to control the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 in proportion to the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor 141, or can generate the first control signal S1 and the second control signal S2 so that the degree of shading of the shading panel 113 becomes a preset value based on the comparison result between the intensity of light and a preset intensity.

[0137] The welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can obtain a welding image (frame) in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked by placing a light-blocking panel in front of a camera, without processing a separately captured image. In addition, the welding information providing device includes a blackening filter and a neutral density filter, and by controlling the blackening density or neutral density depending on the presence or absence or intensity of the welding light, the degree of blocking can be effectively controlled.

[0138] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of the welding information providing device according to the present embodiment. The method of operating the welding information providing device (or the method of controlling the camera unit) can be performed by the welding information providing device (or the camera unit) according to this embodiment.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1110, the welding information providing device can detect the intensity of light within the welding work area by the illuminance sensor.

[0140] In step S1120, if the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, in step S1130, the welding information providing device can determine, by the first processor, the operating mode of the camera unit to be a first mode (e.g., "welding mode").

[0141] In step S1140, the welding information providing device can change the shooting conditions of the camera unit to shooting setting values ​​(1010 in FIG. 10) detected from the memory corresponding to the first mode. Here, the shooting setting values ​​corresponding to the first mode may be ISO sensitivity, gain, shutter speed, etc. corresponding to the "welding mode."

[0142] In step S1120, if the light intensity detected by the illuminance sensor is less than a preset threshold, in step S1131, the welding information providing device can cause the first processor to determine the operating mode of the camera unit to be a second mode (e.g., “general mode”) and change the shooting conditions of the camera unit to the shooting setting values ​​(1020 in FIG. 10) detected from the memory corresponding to the second mode. The shooting setting values ​​corresponding to the second mode may be the ISO sensitivity, gain, shutter speed, etc. corresponding to the "normal mode."

[0143] Here, the ISO sensitivity, gain, and shutter speed corresponding to the "welding mode" may be smaller than the ISO sensitivity, gain, and shutter speed corresponding to the "general mode."

[0144] The first processor of the welding information providing device can determine the operating mode of the camera unit to be "welding mode" or "general mode" based on the light intensity detected by the illuminance sensor, and can quickly change the shooting conditions of the camera unit to the shooting setting values ​​corresponding to the determined mode.

[0145] In step S1150, the welding information providing apparatus can control the degree of shading of the shading panel based on the intensity of the light. Here, the welding information providing device controls the degree of shading of the shading panel based on the light intensity using the second processor of the shading panel, so that the degree of shading of the shading panel can be immediately controlled in accordance with the light detection result. Here, the welding information providing device can control the degree of shading of the shading panel in proportion to the intensity of the light, or can control the degree of shading of the shading panel to a preset value based on the result of comparing the intensity of the light with a preset intensity. In addition, in one embodiment, the welding information providing device can change the light blocking degree of the light blocking panel to a preset value corresponding to the operation mode of the camera unit.

[0146] As described above, the welding information providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention adaptively changes the operation mode of the camera unit and the shooting conditions according to the operation mode according to the shooting environment, thereby obtaining and providing clear images related to the welding work, thereby enabling a worker to accurately recognize the welding process.

[0147] A welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention determines the operating mode of a camera unit to one of a first mode and a second mode depending on the light intensity in a welding work area detected by an illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera unit to shooting setting values ​​preset in a memory corresponding to the determined mode, thereby enabling the shooting conditions of the camera unit to be switched quickly and without delay.

[0148] A welding information providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can immediately control the shading degree of the shading panel according to the light intensity in the welding work area detected by the illuminance sensor using a processor separately provided in the shading panel, thereby obtaining a welding image in which a predetermined amount of welding light is blocked without processing an image captured separately.

[0149] The above-described embodiments of the present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program executable by various components on a computer, and such a computer program can be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Here, media includes magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory.

[0150] On the other hand, the computer programs may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind commonly known and available to those skilled in the computer software art. Examples of computer programs include not only machine code, such as produced by a compiler, but also high level language code that is executed by the computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0151] Use of the terms "said" and similar directives in the present specification (particularly in the claims) may refer to both the singular and the plural. Furthermore, when a range is described in the present invention, it includes the invention to which each individual value belonging to the above range is applied (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the above range in the detailed description of the invention.

[0152] Unless there is an explicit order dictated or stated to the contrary with respect to steps making up a method in accordance with the present invention, the steps can be performed in any suitable order. The present invention is not necessarily limited to the order of steps described above. The use of any examples or exemplary terms (such as, for example, etc.) in the present invention is merely for the purpose of illustrating the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by said examples or exemplary terms unless otherwise limited by the claims. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents depending on design conditions and factors.

[0153] Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and all scopes equivalent to or modified equivalently to the scope of the attached claims, as well as the scope of the present invention, fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. a camera module for acquiring welding video frames from a welding work area according to a shooting condition; an illuminance sensor that detects the intensity of light within the welding work area; a control unit that determines an operating mode of the camera module to be one of a first mode and a second mode based on the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera module to shooting setting values ​​that are preset corresponding to the determined mode.

2. The camera module includes: an image sensor that recognizes light during the welding operation; The camera unit includes: The camera unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a light blocking panel disposed in front of the camera module including the image sensor, blocking a portion of light incident during the welding operation and transmitting the remaining light to the image sensor.

3. the shading panel includes a processor electrically connected to the illuminance sensor; The processor, The camera unit according to claim 2 , wherein a degree of light blocking of the light blocking panel is controlled based on the intensity of the light.

4. The processor, The camera unit of claim 3, wherein the degree of shading of the shading panel is controlled in proportion to the intensity of the light, or the degree of shading of the shading panel is controlled to a preset value based on a comparison result between the intensity of the light and a preset intensity.

5. Further including an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light, The control unit is The camera unit according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control section for controlling an output intensity of the illumination light emitted from the illumination section based on the intensity of the light.

6. The illuminance sensor detects the intensity of the light at set intervals, The control unit is The camera unit of claim 1 , further comprising: a counting unit that counts the number of times that the operational mode of the camera module is changed due to a change in the light intensity; and generates and outputs a notification message if the counted number exceeds a preset number within a preset time.

7. A main body provided so as to be wearable by a user; a camera unit disposed outside the body and adapted to capture welding video frames from a welding work area according to a photographing condition; an illuminance sensor that detects the intensity of light within the welding work area; and a processor that determines an operation mode of the camera unit to be one of a first mode and a second mode based on the intensity of light detected by the illuminance sensor, and changes the shooting conditions of the camera unit to shooting setting values ​​that are preset corresponding to the determined mode.

Images