Camera having structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of light source

Abstract

A camera including a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a camera module; a first cover unit formed along the circumference of the camera module and covering the circumference of the camera module; an infrared light source unit disposed spaced apart from the camera module; and a second cover unit formed along the circumference of the infrared light source unit, connected to the first cover unit, and covering the circumference of the infrared camera module, wherein a first line (L1), which is formed by extending a contour line of the second cover unit covering the infrared light source unit, and a second line (L2), which is parallel to the first line and has a tangential relationship with the first cover unit covering the camera module, are spaced apart from each other and form a first gap (G1) in a cut cross section of the camera module, the first cover unit, the infrared light source unit, and the second cover unit.

Description

Camera with a structure that avoids diffuse reflection of light sources

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a camera having a structure that avoids diffuse reflection of a light source.

[0002] Surveillance cameras, such as those used in CCTV, typically use infrared light sources to illuminate dark scenes and assist the camera module in filming. These infrared light sources pass through a protective, waterproof cover, emitting light outside the camera.

[0003] Here, light from an infrared light source spreads as it passes through the cover, and at the same time, a phenomenon of diffuse reflection of light may occur.

[0004] When a phenomenon of light reflection occurs, some of the infrared light may be refracted at an unpredictable angle and may enter the lens of the camera module. If infrared light enters the lens of the camera module, there is a concern that the shooting performance of the camera module may deteriorate.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera having a structure that avoids diffuse reflection of a light source so that infrared light generated from an infrared light source does not enter the lens of a camera module.

[0006] However, these tasks are exemplary, and the tasks to be solved by the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0007] A camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a camera module; a first cover part formed along a periphery of the camera module and formed to cover the periphery of the camera module; an infrared light source part arranged to be spaced apart from the camera module; and a second cover part formed along a periphery of the infrared light source part, connected to the first cover part, and formed to cover the periphery of the camera module, wherein, in a cross-section of the camera module, the first cover part, the infrared light source part, and the second cover part, a first line (L1) formed by extending an outer line of the second cover part covering the infrared light source part, and a second line (L2) parallel to the first line and forming a tangential relationship with the first cover part covering the camera module are spaced apart from each other to form a first gap (G1).

[0008] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cover part may be spaced apart from the camera module to form a second gap (G2).

[0009] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second cover part may be spaced apart from the infrared light source part to form a third gap (G3).

[0010] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cover part connecting part may be arranged between the first cover part and the second cover part.

[0011] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cover part and the second cover part can be fixed to the cover part connecting part by a cover part fixing part.

[0012] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first width (W1) of the cover portion connecting portion may be larger than the first gap (G1).

[0013] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cover part may be arranged to be spaced apart from a first area (A1) in which infrared light emitted through the infrared light source part is diffusely reflected through the second cover part.

[0014] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module may be arranged such that a plurality of camera modules are arranged peripherally in a direction facing the outside of the first cover portion based on the center of the base portion.

[0015] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module can be rotated along a first rotation direction (R1) with respect to the center of the base portion.

[0016] In a camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cover portion is formed to be convex toward the outside of the camera, and the camera module covered by the first cover portion can be rotated in a second rotational direction (R2) along the inner surface of the first cover portion.

[0017] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims and drawings for carrying out the invention.

[0018] A camera having a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a second cover part for covering an infrared light source part and a first cover part for covering a camera module, which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other so that light generated from the infrared light source does not enter a lens of the camera module.

[0019] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a drawing of the lower part of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a drawing looking in direction I of Figure 3.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Figure 4.

[0025] Fig. 6(a) is a drawing showing an image in which a diffuse reflection phenomenon occurs and lens flare (LF) occurs when shooting using a camera without a gap (G1) between L1 and L2 in the past. Fig. 6(b) is a drawing showing an image in which a diffuse reflection phenomenon does not occur when shooting using a camera with a gap (G1) formed between L1 and L2 according to the present embodiment.

[0026] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, identical components are identified by the same reference numerals even when illustrated in different embodiments.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

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

[0029] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0031] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0032] In the following examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes on an orthogonal coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0033] In some embodiments, where implementations are otherwise feasible, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the described order.

[0034] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0035] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a camera including a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view looking at the lower side of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view looking at the side of a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view looking in direction I of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 4.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a camera (1) including a structure for avoiding diffuse reflection of a light source according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a camera module (10), a first cover part (100) formed along the periphery of the camera module and formed to cover the periphery of the camera module, an infrared light source part (IR) arranged to be spaced apart from the camera module, and a second cover part (200) formed along the periphery of the infrared light source part, connected to the first cover part (100), and formed to cover the periphery of the infrared camera module.

[0039] At this time, in the cross-section of the camera module (10), the first cover part (100), the infrared light source part (IR), and the second cover part (200), the first line (L1) formed by extending the outer line of the second cover part (200) covering the infrared light source part (IR) and the second line (L2) which is parallel to the first line (L1) and forms a tangential relationship with the first cover part (100) covering the camera module (10) are spaced apart from each other to form a first gap (G1).

[0040] The infrared light source (IR) can emit infrared light to assist the camera module (10) in capturing images and videos of the outside world, so that the surrounding environment can be captured clearly even in a dark environment, when the camera (1) uses the camera module (10).

[0041] Light emitted from an infrared light source (IR) can travel to the outside of the camera (1) through a second cover (200) that covers the infrared light source (IR). At this time, when the infrared light passes through the second cover (200) formed of glass, the infrared light spreads through the second cover (200) and travels to the outside of the camera (1), and at this time, a diffuse reflection phenomenon of the light generated through the infrared light source (IR) may occur.

[0042] Infrared light that undergoes diffuse reflection can cause diffuse reflection in the first area (A1) of Fig. 5. At this time, the boundary of the first area (A1) where diffuse reflection occurs of light that has passed through the second cover part (200) can be a first line (L1) formed by extending the outer line of the second cover part (200) that covers the infrared light source part (IR) of Fig. 5. Accordingly, the first cover part (100) can be arranged to be spaced apart from the first area (A1) where infrared light emitted through the infrared light source part (IR) is diffusely reflected through the second cover part (200).

[0043] That is, the first line (L1) may form an extension of the outer line of the second cover part (200) that forms an outer line perpendicular to the direction of travel (P1) of light generated through the infrared light source (IR). The infrared light that is diffusely reflected and travels along the first line (L1) may have a maximum refraction angle of the infrared light diffusely reflected through the infrared light source (IR) based on the direction of travel (P1) of light.

[0044] If the first line (L1) and the first cover part (100) that covers the camera module (10) and includes glass come into contact, infrared light that is diffusely reflected and travels along the first line (L1) may be diffusely reflected again through the first cover part (100) and enter the lens part (L) of the camera module (10). If infrared light is incident on the lens part (L), there is a concern that the photographing performance through the camera module (10) may be significantly reduced.

[0045] Accordingly, according to this embodiment, a structure is proposed to avoid diffuse reflection of the infrared light source so that infrared light generated from the infrared light source (IR) does not enter the lens section (L) of the camera module (10).

[0046] That is, referring to FIG. 5, the positional relationship between the first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) is set so that the second line (L2) that is parallel to the first line (L1) and forms a tangential relationship with the first cover part (100) that covers the camera module (10) are spaced apart from each other to form a first gap (G1), thereby preventing infrared light generated from the infrared light source part (IR) from entering the lens part (L) of the camera module (10), thereby ensuring the photographing performance of the camera module (10).

[0047] The first cover part (100) is formed in a dome shape, and a camera module (10) can be arranged inside the first cover part (100). According to the present embodiment, a plurality of camera modules (10) can be arranged. The camera module (10) can be mounted on the base part (B). A center part (C) can be formed at the center of the base part (B). The camera module (10) can be arranged such that a plurality of camera modules (10, 10') are arranged around the center of the base part (B) in a direction facing the outside of the first cover part (100). Although only two camera modules are disclosed in FIG. 4, the number of camera modules is not limited to two, and a plurality of camera modules can be arranged around the center part (C) of the base part (B) to capture the surrounding environment in a 360-degree direction based on the camera (1).

[0048] A plurality of camera modules (10) can be rotated along a first rotation direction (R1) with respect to the center (C) of the base (B). When the base (B) is rotated with respect to the center (C), a plurality of camera modules (10) coupled to the base (B) can be rotated together along the first rotation direction (R1).

[0049] At this time, a plurality of infrared light sources (IR) are arranged on the upper side of each of the plurality of camera modules (10), and the plurality of infrared light sources (IR) can be rotated along the first rotation direction (R1) together with the plurality of camera modules (10).

[0050] On the upper part of the first cover part (100), a second cover part (200) formed to have a larger circumference than the first cover part (100) may be arranged. The second cover part (200) is formed in a ring shape and can protect the infrared light source part (IR) from the outside. The first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) can protect the camera module and the infrared light source part (IR) from external physical impact, respectively, and have a waterproof performance so that they can have a function of blocking moisture from entering from the outside.

[0051] In addition, the first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) are formed of glass material, so that the camera module (10) can take pictures of the external environment, and infrared light is emitted to the outside of the camera, which can help the camera module (10) take pictures of the external environment more clearly.

[0052] The second cover part (200) is designed to protrude more outwardly from the center (C) than the first cover part (100), so that infrared light emitted through the second cover part (200) does not interfere with the first cover part (100).

[0053] A cover part connecting part (300) is positioned between the first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200). The first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) can be connected to each of the two sides of the cover part connecting part (300). The cover part connecting part (300) can be formed of a material such as a metal or plastic that does not transmit light.

[0054] The first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) can be fixed to the cover part connecting part (300) by the cover part fixing part (300a). The cover part fixing part (300a) has grooves formed on both sides, and the first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) can be inserted and connected to the grooves on both sides, respectively, and connected to the cover part connecting part (300).

[0055] Referring to Fig. 5, the width (W1) of the cover portion connecting portion (300) through which light is not transmitted may be greater than the first gap (G1). At this time, a step may be formed between the first cover portion (100) and the second cover portion (200) through the cover portion connecting portion (300). The cover portion connecting portion (300) may be formed such that the outer line is bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the first cover portion (100) and the second cover portion (200) to form a step.

[0056] According to this embodiment, a step is formed between the first cover part (100) and the second cover part (200) through the cover part connecting part (300), and at the same time, the width (W1) of the cover part connecting part (300) is formed to be larger than the first gap (G1), so that the size of the step can be designed so that infrared light passing through the first cover part (100) does not reach the second cover part (200) even though it is diffusely reflected.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the first cover part (100) can be spaced apart from the camera module (10) to form a second gap (G2). Rotational space for the camera module (10) can be secured through the second gap (G2).

[0058] Additionally, according to the present embodiment, the first cover portion (100) is formed to be convex toward the outside of the camera (1), and the camera module (10) covered by the first cover portion (100) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (R2) along the inner surface of the first cover portion (100). As the camera module (10) is rotated in the second rotational direction (R2), the second gap (G2) between the first cover portion (100) and the lens portion (L) of the camera module (10) can continuously change.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the second cover portion (200) can be spaced apart from the infrared light source portion (IR) to form a third gap (G3). By adjusting the third gap (G3), the degree of diffuse reflection of infrared light can be controlled.

[0060] According to the present embodiment, the material of the first cover part (100) and the material of the second cover part (200) may be the same. However, the thickness (T1) of the first cover part (100) may be different from the thickness (T2) of the second cover part (200). For example, the thickness (T1) of the first cover part (100) may be thicker than the thickness of the second cover part (200). Since the size of the first cover part (100) is larger than the size of the second cover part (200), the thickness of the flesh is proportional to the size when manufacturing the mold, and thus the thickness (T1) of the first cover part (100) may be larger than the thickness (T2) of the second cover part (200).

[0061] According to the present embodiment, the second line (L2) may be positioned apart from the first area (A1). The second line (L2) may form a line closer to the infrared light source (IR) and the lens unit (L) compared to the first line (L1). That is, the first line (L1) may be formed further outside the camera module than the second line (L2). The first line (L1) may be formed so as not to overlap the first cover unit (100).

[0062] Fig. 6(a) is a drawing showing an image in which a diffuse reflection phenomenon occurs when shooting using a camera without a gap (G1) between a conventional first line (L1) and a second line (L2). Fig. 6(b) is a drawing showing an image in which a diffuse reflection phenomenon does not occur when shooting using a camera in which a gap (G1) is formed between a first line (L1) and a second line (L2) according to the present embodiment.

[0063] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are images taken of the same part. In contrast to Figure 6(a), when taking an image with a camera according to the present embodiment of Figure 6(b), infrared light generated from an infrared light source (IR) is prevented from entering the lens section (L) of the camera module (10), thereby preventing a diffuse reflection phenomenon when taking a picture of the camera module (10).

[0064] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible based on the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims.

[0065] Specific technical details described in the examples are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the examples. To keep the description of the invention concise and clear, descriptions of conventional general techniques and configurations may be omitted.

[0066] Additionally, the connection or absence of connection between lines between components depicted in the drawings is merely an example of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be expressed as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that are replaceable or additional in an actual device. Furthermore, unless specifically mentioned as "essential," "important," or the like, a component may not be absolutely necessary for the application of the present invention.

[0067] The terms "above" and "above" or similar designators used in the description and claims of the invention may refer to both singular and plural numbers, unless specifically limited. Furthermore, when a range is described in the examples, the invention is intended to include individual values ​​within the range (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the range in the description of the invention.

[0068] Additionally, unless the steps constituting the method according to the embodiment are explicitly described in a specific order or are described in a different order, the steps may be performed in any appropriate order. The embodiments are not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., “for example,” etc.) in the embodiments is merely intended to describe the embodiments in more detail, and the scope of the embodiments is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms, unless otherwise defined by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, and variations can be configured according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. Camera module; A first cover portion formed along the perimeter of the camera module and formed to cover the perimeter of the camera module; An infrared light source positioned so as to be spaced apart from the above camera module; and A second cover part is formed along the perimeter of the infrared light source part, is connected to the first cover part, and is formed to cover the perimeter of the camera module. On the cross-section of the above camera module, the first cover part, the infrared light source part and the second cover part, A first line (L1) formed by extending the outer line of the second cover part covering the infrared light source, A camera in which a second line (L2) that is parallel to the first line and forms a tangential relationship with the first cover part that covers the camera module is spaced apart from each other to form a first gap (G1).

2. In paragraph 1, A camera wherein the first cover portion is spaced apart from the camera module to form a second gap (G2).

3. In paragraph 1, A camera in which the second cover portion is spaced apart from the infrared light source portion to form a third gap (G3).

4. In paragraph 1, A camera, wherein a cover part connecting part is arranged between the first cover part and the second cover part.

5. In paragraph 4, A camera wherein the first cover part and the second cover part are fixed to the cover part connecting part by a cover part fixing part.

6. In paragraph 4, A camera in which the first width (W1) of the above cover portion connection part is larger than the first gap (G1).

7. In paragraph 1, A camera in which the first cover part is positioned apart from a first area (A1) in which infrared light emitted through the infrared light source part is diffusely reflected through the second cover part.

8. In paragraph 1, The above camera module is a camera in which a plurality of camera modules are arranged around the center of the base portion in a direction facing the outside of the first cover portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above camera module is a camera that rotates along a first rotation direction (R1) based on the center of the base.

10. In paragraph 1, The above first cover portion is formed convexly toward the outside of the camera, The camera module covered by the first cover part is a camera that rotates in a second rotational direction (R2) along the inner surface of the first cover part.

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