Camera system operation method and camera system

Abstract

This provides a novel method for operating a camera system. [Solution] A method for operating a camera system having a camera head and control equipment interconnected by a high-frequency channel, comprising the following steps: detecting physical parameters in the camera head; outputting them as a first signal by a detection unit; converting the first signal into a low-frequency signal within a carrier frequency range by a carrier frequency modulator; transmitting the low-frequency signal to the control equipment via the high-frequency channel by a first passive coupler; receiving the low-frequency signal by a second passive coupler in the control equipment; demodulating the low-frequency signal by an envelope detector; matching the demodulated signal with a reference value by a threshold circuit to obtain a matching result; and outputting a control signal depending on the matching result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a camera system and a camera system based on the independent claims.

Background Art

[0002] DE102024201747 discloses an image capturing device, which includes an optical unit formed to direct light towards a capture range, a sensor support disposed at least partially within the capture range, and an image sensor for capturing an image using the light directed towards the capture range. The image sensor is disposed within the capture range on the sensor support, and this image capturing device includes at least one detection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of the light directed towards the capture range. The at least one detection unit is disposed within the capture range on the sensor support adjacent to the image sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention starts with a method for operating a camera system having a camera head and control equipment interconnected by a high-frequency channel. This method includes the following steps: detecting at least one physical parameter in the camera head; outputting it as a first signal by a detection unit; converting the first signal into a low-frequency signal within a carrier frequency range by a carrier frequency modulator; transmitting the low-frequency signal to the control equipment via the high-frequency channel by a first passive coupler; receiving the low-frequency signal by a second passive coupler in the control equipment; demodulating the low-frequency signal by an envelope detector; matching the demodulated signal with at least one reference value by a threshold circuit to obtain a matching result; and outputting a control signal depending on the matching result.

[0005] The method described herein can be carried out within a camera system in which the camera head and control equipment are formed independently within separate modules. The camera head and control equipment have, in addition to the units required for this method, further units. Specifically, the camera head further has an image sensor formed to detect light incident from around the camera system as image data. The camera head further has a serializer formed to convert the image data into a serial data format and transmit it to the control equipment via a high-frequency channel. The camera head further has a PODL filter, in which case PODL stands for Power-Over-Dataline. The PODL filter is formed to apply or decouple the image data to the high-frequency channel, in which case. The control equipment further has a deserializer formed to deserialize the image data transmitted via the high-frequency channel and transmit it to an image signal processor further, in which the control equipment further has a PODL filter.

[0006] The camera system described here can be used, for example, in a vehicle. A vehicle could be, for example, a passenger car, truck, or commercial vehicle. This camera system could be used, for example, for a driver assistance system. Alternatively, this camera system may be used in other fields.

[0007] High-frequency channels can also be called high-speed video data channels or SerDes channels, where Ser stands for serializer and Des for deserializer. Such high-frequency channels are used, in particular, for transmitting image data from the camera head to control equipment when the camera system is active. High-frequency channels can also be used as the current supply for the camera system.

[0008] The physical parameters within the camera head may be the characteristics of the light incident on the camera head from the surroundings of the camera system. These characteristics could be, for example, luminance values, spectral composition, and, in addition or alternatively, differential signals of the incident light. The incident light can be detected, for example, by an image sensor in the camera head. In this case, the image sensor in the camera head can act as a detection unit for detecting at least one physical parameter. Alternatively, a separately fabricated detection unit can detect the incident light. Such a separately fabricated detection unit may be positioned adjacent to the image sensor on the sensor support of the camera head, for example.

[0009] A physical parameter within the camera head could be the temperature inside the camera head. In this case, the detection unit could be, in particular, a temperature sensor. The conversion of the first signal to a low-frequency signal may involve the modulation of the first signal over the carrier frequency. In this case, the carrier frequency modulator may be interpreted as a tone generator. The carrier frequency modulator may be formed, for example, as a controllable oscillator. The low-frequency signal has a carrier frequency in the range of several kilohertz to several megahertz, among other things. The carrier frequency range is in the range of several kilohertz to several megahertz, among other things.

[0010] Envelope detectors are designed to detect the envelope of low-frequency signals in particular. In this case, the envelope is a curve that represents the amplitude of the signal over time. In the threshold circuit, at least one reference value is stored. It is advantageous that the matching result can indicate, for example, an upward or downward deviation in luminance values, a change in the spectral composition of ambient light, and, in addition to or instead of, a change in the differential signal due to changes in the surrounding environment of the camera system, such as an object moving into or out of the field of view of the camera system. It is also advantageous that the matching result can indicate, for example, an upward or downward deviation of a reference value for temperature within the camera head.

[0011] If the demodulated signal exceeds or falls below a stored reference value, this can act as the trigger for a subsequent action. For example, a control signal may be output to turn the image sensor of the camera head on or off. For example, a control signal may be output to turn the temperature control unit on or off. In this case, the temperature control unit is adapted to change the temperature on or inside the camera head.

[0012] The method described here has the advantage of potentially enabling the inexpensive and easy implementation of additional functionality within the camera system. In this case, it becomes possible to utilize the return channel to the camera head via an existing high-frequency channel. The high-frequency channel can be used for a second purpose, particularly when the camera head is off. This second purpose could be the transmission of low-frequency signals. The advantage is that the high-frequency transmission path in the active state is not interfered with. Another advantage is that this method can be performed even when the image sensor or serializer of the camera head is just not operating, i.e., just in a so-called deep sleep mode. Such a deep sleep mode can occur, for example, when a vehicle is parked. The method described here makes it possible, for example, to use a detection unit to recognize changes around the vehicle while the camera head is stopped, and to output a wake-up signal for the camera head as a control signal.

[0013] The method described here can achieve significantly lower power consumption. A major advantage of this method is that it can be implemented with very low energy consumption by the camera system. For operating conditions that do not require continuous image transmission, the energy requirements of the camera system and, in particular, the camera head can be significantly reduced. This significantly increases the service life, especially for battery-powered systems, such as those in vehicles.

[0014] Furthermore, this method can be implemented in camera systems that already utilize high-frequency channels, and this implementation is independent of the manufacturing method of the high-frequency channels or the protocol for transmission over the high-frequency channels.

[0015] In one advantageous configuration, the carrier frequency range is intended to be different from the frequency range used to transmit image data from the camera head's image sensor. In other words, the transmission of low-frequency signals takes place in a frequency range where transmission by the camera head's serializer to the control equipment's deserializer does not occur. The advantage of this configuration is that interference with the transmission of image data from the camera head to the control equipment via the high-frequency channel can be avoided. Loading of the high-frequency channel can be avoided.

[0016] In one advantageous configuration, the low-frequency signal is intended to be formed in a sinusoidal shape. The advantage of this configuration lies in the fact that it allows for precise modulation and demodulation. This results in reliable transmission with less interference and disruption compared to other signal shapes.

[0017] In one advantageous configuration, the method is intended to include a further step of filtering the received low-frequency signal by a bandpass filter. The advantage of this configuration is that frequency ranges outside the carrier frequency range can be shielded. This significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the method.

[0018] In one advantageous form, the method is intended to include a further step of controlling the image sensor on the camera head to switch the image sensor to an active or inactive state depending on the matching result. The output control signal in this case is transmitted, in particular, from the control equipment to the camera head. The control signal may also be called a wake-up signal when switching the image sensor to an active state. It is therefore advantageous that on or off conditions for the image sensor can be defined. It is also advantageous that the image sensor can be switched to a stopped or active state depending on the matching result. In addition, the image sensor can be left in its current operating state depending on the matching result. This may be, for example, when the demodulated signal does not fall below or exceed a reference value.

[0019] In one advantageous form, the method is intended to include a further step of controlling a unit formed to change at least one physical parameter of the camera head. Such a unit may be a temperature control unit adapted to change, for example, the temperature of the surface or inside the camera head. For example, it is advantageous that the temperature control unit may be controlled to lower the temperature of the surface or inside the camera head if a matching result is obtained in which the temperature of the camera head is above the limit when the demodulated signal is matched to a reference value.

[0020] In one advantageous configuration, the control signal is intended to be output to additional sensor units outside the camera system. This is advantageous because it allows for the activation of further sensor units, such as cameras, installed inside the vehicle. This makes it easy for the additional sensor units to also receive the wake-up signal. This can be beneficial, for example, if initially only the camera system perceives changes around the vehicle based on a specific arrangement within the vehicle. This perception can then be transmitted to further sensor units located elsewhere within the vehicle. In this case, these additional sensor units can, for example, transition from deep sleep mode to an active state more advantageously earlier.

[0021] The present invention further starts with a camera system having a camera head and control equipment interconnected by a high-frequency channel. In this case, the camera head includes a detection unit formed to detect at least one physical parameter of the camera head and output it as a first signal, a carrier frequency modulator formed to convert the first signal into a low-frequency signal, and a first passive coupler formed to transmit the low-frequency signal to the control equipment via the high-frequency channel. The control equipment includes a second passive coupler formed to receive the low-frequency signal, an envelope detector formed to demodulate the low-frequency signal, and a threshold circuit formed to match the demodulated signal with at least one reference value to obtain a matching result and to output a control signal.

[0022] In an advantageous form, it is contemplated that the first and / or second passive coupler is formed as a directional coupler, as a high-ohm resistive coupling, and / or as a resistor. The advantage of this form is that it enables reliable and precise transmission of low-frequency signals via the high-frequency channel. The directional coupler can reduce unwanted feedback. The high-ohm resistive coupling can reduce signal loss and interference. The use of a resistor can match the impedance, which can improve the accuracy and reliability of the transmission.

[0023] In an advantageous form, it is contemplated that the control device further has a band-pass filter. The advantage of this form is that frequencies outside the carrier frequency range can be shielded. The camera system introduced here may also be formed such that energy is supplied to the camera head in the form of a DC voltage. The image sensor and the control signal generation circuit can also be supplied with energy in the form of a DC voltage. Instead, the camera head has a capacitor or a battery that can store energy. Such a capacitor or battery can be replenished with energy during the normal operation of the camera system, and this energy can be supplied to the detection unit, for example, in the sleep mode.

[0024] It is self-evident that the features listed above and the features further explained below can be used not only in the presented combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail based on the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in these figures denote the same elements or elements having the same function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [[ID=​​​This figure shows one exemplary embodiment of a camera system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Figure 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of a camera system operation method 100. In this case, the camera system has a camera head and control equipment interconnected by a high-frequency channel. Method 100 begins in step 101. In step 102, a detection unit detects at least one physical parameter in the camera head. In step 103, the result of detection 102 is output from the detection unit as a first signal. In step 104, the first signal is converted into a low-frequency signal within the carrier frequency range by a carrier frequency modulator. In step 105, the low-frequency signal is transmitted to the control equipment via the high-frequency channel by a first passive coupler. In step 106, the low-frequency signal is received by a second passive coupler in the control equipment. In step 107, the low-frequency signal is demodulated by an envelope detector. In step 108, the demodulated signal is matched with at least one reference value by a threshold circuit to obtain a matching result. In step 109, a control signal is output depending on the matching result. Method 100 ends at step 113.

[0028] In step 104, the first signal is converted into a low-frequency signal within a carrier frequency range that is different from the frequency range used to transmit image data from the image sensor of the camera head. In addition, the low-frequency signal is formed in a sinusoidal shape.

[0029] Method 100 may include a further step 110 performed after step 106, in which the received low-frequency signal is filtered by a bandpass filter.

[0030] Method 100 may include a further step 111 performed after the output of the control signal 109. In step 111, the image sensor on the camera head is controlled to move the image sensor to an active or inactive state depending on the matching result.

[0031] Method 100 may include a further step 112 performed after the output of the control signal 109. In step 112, a unit formed to change at least one physical parameter of the camera head is controlled.

[0032] The coupling coefficient for transmitting low-frequency signals from the camera head to the control equipment is selected to be low, in particular, so that the outputted control signal can still be detected, while at the same time the high-frequency channel is not unnecessarily interfered with during operation.

[0033] Method 100 can be carried out by a camera system as shown exemplarily in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of the camera system 200, which has a camera head 201 and control equipment 202 interconnected by a high-frequency channel as 203. In this case, the camera head 201 and control equipment 202 are formed in different modules. In this case, the camera head 201 and control equipment 202 have various units that can be used to carry out the method described exemplary in Figure 1. The units required for this will be described after introducing further components of the camera system 200.

[0034] As can be seen in Figure 2, the camera head 201 has an image sensor 204 formed to detect light incident from around the camera system 200 as image data in the example shown. The camera head 201 further has a serializer 205 formed to convert the image data into a serial data format and transmit it to the control device 202 via a high-frequency channel 203. In addition, the camera head 201 may have a PODL filter 208. The control device 202 has a deserializer 206 formed to deserialize the image data transmitted via the high-frequency channel 203 and transmit it to the image signal processor 207 of the control device 202. In addition, the control device 202 may have a PODL filter 209.

[0035] In this case, PODL filters 209 and 208 may be formed to apply or again separate the image data to the high-frequency channel. Thus, PODL filters 208 and 209 isolate the DC and AC components of the voltage on the high-frequency channel 203 from each other, among other things. It would be impossible to directly couple the output of the detection unit 210, which will be described further below in relation to the camera head 201, to the high-frequency channel. The first signal output from the detection unit 210 will be a DC voltage and will therefore be short-circuited to the DC supply. However, by transforming the first signal with a carrier frequency modulator, as defined in Method 100, the first signal is shifted to a carrier frequency range in which PODL filters 208 and 209 exhibit high impedance. This allows for transmission in parallel with the DC supply of the camera head 201.

[0036] The following describes units of the camera head 201 and control device 202 that may be used to carry out method 100 as illustrated in Figure 1. Specifically, the camera head 201 includes a detection unit 210 formed to detect at least one physical parameter of the camera head 201 and output it as a first signal. The camera head 201 further includes a carrier frequency modulator 211. The carrier frequency modulator 211 is formed to convert the first signal into a low-frequency signal. A first passive coupler 212 of the camera head 201 is formed to transmit the low-frequency signal to the control device 202 via a high-frequency channel 203. The control device 202 also includes a second passive coupler 213 formed to receive the low-frequency signal. An envelope detector 214 of the control device 202 is formed to demodulate the low-frequency signal. The control device 202 further has a threshold circuit 215 formed to match the demodulated signal with at least one reference value to obtain a matching result and to output a control signal depending on the matching result. In this case, the control signal can be transmitted to the high-frequency channel 203. For this purpose, it can be connected, for example, to the input of the deserializer 206, as indicated by the returning arrow 218. Alternatively, the control signal may be transmitted to a unit 217 outside the camera system 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 200 Camera System 201 Camera Head 202 Control Equipment 203 High-Frequency Channels 204 Image Sensor 205 Serializer 206 Deserializer 207 Image Signal Processor 208 PODL filters 209 PODL filter 210 detection unit 211 Carrier frequency modulator 212 First Passive Coupler 213 Second Passive Coupler 214 Envelope detector 215 Threshold Circuit 216 Bandpass Filter 217 External unit of camera system 200

Claims

1. A method (100) for operating a camera system having a camera head and control equipment interconnected by a high-frequency channel, comprising the following steps: - The steps of detecting at least one physical parameter within the camera head (102) and outputting it as a first signal by the detection unit (103), - A step (104) of converting the first signal into a low-frequency signal within the carrier frequency range using a carrier frequency modulator, - The step (105) of transmitting the low-frequency signal to the control device via the high-frequency channel using the first passive coupler, - The step (106) of receiving the low-frequency signal by the second passive coupler in the control device, - Step (107) of demodulating the low-frequency signal using an envelope detector, - The demodulated signal is matched with at least one reference value by a threshold circuit to obtain a matching result (108), A method (100) comprising the step (109) of outputting a control signal depending on the matching result.

2. The method according to claim 1 (100), wherein the carrier frequency range is different from the frequency range for transmitting image data from the image sensor of the camera head.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 (100), wherein the low-frequency signal is formed in a sinusoidal shape.

4. Further steps, namely The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 (100), comprising the step (110) of filtering the received low-frequency signal with a bandpass filter.

5. Further steps, namely The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), comprising the step (111) of controlling the image sensor of the camera head to move the image sensor to an active or inactive state depending on the matching result.

6. Further steps, namely The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), comprising the step (112) of controlling a unit formed to change at least one physical parameter of the camera head.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 (100), wherein the control signal is additionally output to a sensor unit outside the camera system.

8. A camera system (200) having a camera head (201) and control equipment (202) interconnected by a high-frequency channel (203), wherein the camera head (201) - A detection unit (210) formed to detect at least one physical parameter of the camera head (201) and output it as a first signal, - A carrier frequency modulator (211) formed to convert the first signal into a low-frequency signal, - A first passive coupler (212) formed for transmitting the low-frequency signal to the control device (202) via the high-frequency channel (203), Furthermore, the control device (202) - A second passive coupler (213) formed for receiving the low-frequency signal, - An envelope detector (214) formed to demodulate the low-frequency signal, A camera system (200) comprising: a threshold circuit (215) formed to match the demodulated signal with at least one reference value to obtain a matching result and to output a control signal.

9. The camera system (200) according to claim 8, wherein the first and / or second passive couplers (212, 213) are formed as directional couplers, as high-ohm resistive couplers, and / or as resistors.

10. The camera system (200) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control device (202) further comprises a bandpass filter (216).

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