TWI668565B - Method and electronic device for automatically testing and repairing camera function - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic test and repair method for a camera function and an electronic device thereof. The automatic testing and repairing method of the camera function comprises: a processing unit automatically starting an image capturing function of a camera module after the electronic device is powered on, and the processing unit determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal, and when the image capturing function is abnormal The processing unit controls the camera module to reset. When the image capturing function is still abnormal after the camera module is reset, the processing unit controls a power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module, and the processing unit stops after the camera module stops operating. The power supply module is controlled to re-power the camera module.

Description

Automatic test and repair method of camera function and electronic device thereof

The invention provides an automatic test and repair method for a camera function and an electronic device thereof.

With the needs of people, most electronic devices are equipped with camera modules, especially portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc., people can take pictures or video at any time through electronic devices. Instead of carrying the camera with you, you can greatly enhance the convenience of life.

However, the camera module contains different components. The manufacturer of the camera module usually purchases different components in the camera module from different manufacturers, and then integrates to manufacture the camera module, and between the components provided by different manufacturers. The compatibility is different, causing manufacturers to produce camera modules of varying quality. For example, some camera modules may have the problem of no image output after booting, which may cause inconvenience to subsequent users, or the repairer of the camera module must recycle the electronic device to remove the camera module. Wrong, it is inconvenient.

In view of this, the present invention provides an automatic test and repair method for a camera function and an electronic device thereof.

In one embodiment, an electronic device having an automatic test and repair camera function includes a camera module, a power supply module, and a processing unit. The power supply module is coupled to the camera module, and the processing unit is coupled to the camera module and the power supply module. The camera module has an image capture function. The power supply module supplies power to the camera module. The processing unit automatically activates the camera module to perform image capturing function. After the electronic device is turned on, the processing unit automatically starts the camera module to perform image capturing function, and the processing unit determines whether the image capturing function of the camera module is abnormal, when the image capturing is performed. When the function is abnormal, the processing unit controls the camera module to reset. When the image capturing function is still abnormal after the camera module is reset, the processing unit controls the power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module, and stops the operation of the camera module. The rear control power supply module is re-powered to the camera module.

In an embodiment, a method for automatically testing and repairing a camera function includes: a processing unit automatically starts an image capturing function of a camera module after the electronic device is powered on, and the processing unit determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal, when the image is defective. When the function is abnormal, the processing unit controls the camera module to reset. When the image capturing function is still abnormal after the camera module is reset, the processing unit controls a power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module, and the processing unit is in the camera. After the module stops operating, the power supply module is controlled to re-power the camera module.

In summary, according to an embodiment of the camera function automatic test and repair method and the electronic device thereof, the processing unit can automatically detect whether the image capture function is abnormal, and can automatically repair the abnormal image capture function. In this way, the repairer of the camera module does not need to recover the electronic device equipped with the camera module, and the user of the electronic device can repair the abnormal camera model by simply updating the software or firmware in the electronic device. group.

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device 1 for automatically testing and repairing camera functions in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device 1 includes a camera module 11 , a power supply module 12 , and a processing unit 13 . The processing unit 13 is coupled to the camera module 11 and the power supply module 12 , and the power supply module 12 is coupled to the camera module 11 . The power supply module 12 supplies power to the camera module 11 to provide power required for the operation of the camera module 11. The camera module 11 has an image capturing function, and the camera module 11 performs an image capturing function to perform photography or video recording. In an embodiment, the electronic device 1 can be a point of sale (POS) terminal, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or the like. Processing unit 13 can be a central processing unit, an embedded controller, or a microprocessor.

2 is a flow chart of one embodiment of an automatic test and repair method for camera functions in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together, when the electronic device 1 is in operation, the processing unit 13 automatically performs a detection process on the camera module 11. In the detection process, the processing unit 13 activates the camera module 11 to perform an image capturing function after the electronic device 1 is powered on (step S01), and the processing unit 13 determines whether the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal (step S02). The image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal (the determination result is "YES"), and the processing unit 13 performs a repair process. In the repair process, the processing unit 13 first controls the camera module 11 to reset (step S06), and the processing unit 13 repairs the camera module 11 by a faster reset means. Next, the processing unit 13 performs step S02 again, and the processing unit 13 determines whether the image capturing function of the camera module 11 returns to normal after resetting. If the processing unit 13 determines that the image capturing function is still abnormal after the camera module 11 is reset (determined as YES), the processing unit 13 controls the power supply module 12 to stop supplying power to the camera module 11 (step S03). The camera module 11 is stopped, and the processing unit 13 controls the power supply module 12 to re-power the camera module 11 after the camera module 11 stops operating (step S04), so that the camera module 11 is reactivated to repair the abnormality. Image capture function.

In an embodiment, after the processing unit 13 re-powers the power supply module 12 to the camera module 11, the processing unit 13 further activates the camera module 11 to perform an image capturing function and determines the re-powered camera module 11 Whether the image capturing function returns to normal (step S07), if the determination is no, the processing unit 13 classifies the abnormal image capturing function as a hardware abnormality (step S09) instead of the software abnormality.

In one embodiment, the camera module 11 has a reset control terminal coupled to the processing unit 13, and the processing unit 13 can control the camera module 11 to be restarted by the reset control terminal. Moreover, after the processing unit 13 resets the control camera module 11 (step S06), the processing unit 13 waits for a preset time to wait for the camera module 11 to complete the reset operation, and the processing unit 13 waits for the preset time. It is further determined whether the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is restored to normal. Further, after the processing unit 13 re-powers the power supply module 12 to the camera module 11 (step S04), the processing unit 13 also waits for a preset time to wait for the camera module 11 to be restarted, and the processing unit 13 is also waiting. After the preset time, it is judged whether the image capturing function of the camera module 11 returns to normal (step S07).

In this case, the electronic device 1 includes a camera module 11 as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of camera modules included in the electronic device 1 may be two or more. If the electronic device 1 includes two camera modules, the processing unit 13 can simultaneously perform detection procedures and repair procedures for the two camera modules. In detail, the processing unit 13 can activate the two camera modules when performing step S01, and determine the two camera modules in step S02 (for convenience of description, the two camera modules are respectively referred to as the first camera module and the first If the image capturing function of the first camera module is abnormal, the processing unit 13 simultaneously executes the detection process of the second camera module and the first camera module. Group of fixes. When performing the repair process of the first camera module, the processing unit 13 controls the first camera module reset in step S06, and the processing unit 13 re-determines the first camera module after controlling the reset of the first camera module. Whether the image capturing function is still abnormal after the resetting, in the step S03 of the subsequent repairing process, the power supply module 12 is controlled to stop supplying power to the first camera module and control the power supply module 12 after the first camera module stops operating. Re-powering the first camera module to repair the first camera module; on the other hand, if the processing unit 13 performs the repair process of the first camera module, it is determined that the image capturing function of the second camera module is abnormal, The processing unit 13 can perform the repair process of the second camera module simultaneously or sequentially. When performing the repair process of the second camera module, the processing unit 13 controls the second camera module reset in step S06, and the processing unit 13 re-determines the second camera module after controlling the second camera module reset. Whether the image capturing function is still abnormal after the resetting, in the step S03 of the subsequent repairing process, the power supply module 12 is controlled to stop supplying power to the second camera module, and the power supply module 12 is controlled after the second camera module stops operating. Re-powering the second camera module to repair the second camera module.

In an embodiment, the abnormal image capture function of the camera module 11 occurs probabilistically. Before the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal, the processing unit 13 may repeatedly perform step S02 until the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal. When the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal, the processing unit 13 executes steps S03 and S04, and starts the camera module 11 again after performing steps S03 and S04 (step S01) and determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal. (Step S02). After the repair process is performed, the processing unit 13 determines that the image capture function is normal. At this time, the processing unit 13 stops executing step S02 and ends the detection process and the repair process. After the electronic device 1 is turned off, the processing unit 13 performs steps S01 and S02 to perform a detection process during another power-on period after the electronic device 1 is restarted, until the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal. Therefore, before receiving the activation signal of the image capturing function of the camera module 11 by the user of the electronic device 1, the processing unit 13 automatically starts in the background during the startup process of the electronic device 1 or when the operating system is running. The background execution mode is executed as a firmware or firmware of the BIOS code to perform the foregoing detection process; and when the processing unit 13 determines that the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal, the image module 11 continues to be automatically executed in the background in the background. The method of performing the foregoing repair process, that is, the user of the electronic device 1 does not perceive that the image capturing function is abnormal, and the user does not perceive that the processing unit 13 is performing the detecting program and the repairing program to avoid affecting the use. The operation of the person.

In one embodiment, the camera module 11 includes an image sensor 112, and the image sensor 112 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device. The image sensor 112 is configured to sense light and perform image capture to generate an image signal. In step S01, the image sensor 112 operates as the camera module 11 is activated, and the image sensor 112 generates an image signal. In step S02, the processing unit 13 determines whether the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal according to the image signal generated by the image sensor 112. The processing unit 13 compares whether the image signal generated by the image sensor 112 conforms to a preset one of no image signals. The no-image signal is the image signal output by the image sensor 112 when its image capturing function is abnormal. When the image signal generated by the image sensor 112 matches the no image signal, the processing unit 13 performs steps S03 and S04 to perform the repair process.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the camera module 11 further includes a digital signal processing (DSP) 111. The digital signal processor 111 is coupled to the image sensor 112, and the digital signal processor 111 is used for the image. The image signal generated by the sensor 112 is subjected to analog signal processing of the digital conversion to generate an image signal as a digital signal. Therefore, the processing unit 13 can also determine whether the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal by determining whether the digital image signal generated by the digital signal processor 111 conforms to the no image signal.

In an embodiment, after the processing unit 13 performs the step S02, if the processing unit 13 determines that the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal, the processing unit 13 may first determine whether the number of resets of the camera module 11 reaches a predetermined value. The number of times (step S05), for example, the preset number of times may be three times. If the number of resets of the camera module 11 does not reach the preset number of times, the processing unit 13 controls the camera module 11 to reset (step S06), if the camera module 11 The number of resets reaches a preset number of times, and the processing unit 13 executes step S03 to control the power supply module 12 to stop supplying power to the camera module 11 and no longer control the camera module 11 to reset. In other words, after the processing unit 13 determines that the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal, the processing unit 13 can continuously control the camera module 11 to reset until the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is normal due to the reset or Is the number of resets to the preset number of times. When the number of resets of the camera module 11 reaches a preset number of times and the image capturing function is still abnormal, the processing unit 13 performs steps S03 and S04 to repair the image capturing function of the camera module 11.

In an embodiment, the digital signal processor 111 of the camera module 11 is coupled to the reset control terminal. In step S06, the processing unit 13 can control the camera module 11 by controlling the digital signal processor 111. Set. Furthermore, the processing unit 13 can execute two different programs to perform the aforementioned detection programs and repair programs (hereinafter, the two programs are respectively referred to as detection programs and repair programs). In detail, the processing unit 13 executes the steps S01, S02, and S07 in the detection program by the detection program. When the processing unit 13 determines that the image capturing function is abnormal, the processing unit 13 further executes the repair program to perform the repair. Steps S05, S06, S03, and S04 in the program are performed.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 1 further includes a universal serial bus (USB) port, the camera module 11 is plugged into the USB port, and the power terminal of the camera module 11 is connected to the USB port. The power module, the camera module 11 operates by receiving power from a power line of the USB port on its power terminal. The power supply module 12 is a USB power supply module. When the processing unit 13 determines that the image capturing function of the camera module 11 is abnormal, the processing unit 13 controls the power supply module 12 to stop supplying power to the USB port to enable the camera module. 11 Cannot receive power from the USB port and stop operating.

In summary, according to an embodiment of the automatic test and repair method of the camera function of the present invention and an electronic device thereof, the processing unit can automatically execute the software to detect whether the image capture function is abnormal, and can automatically repair the abnormal image capture. Features. In this way, the repairer of the camera module does not need to recover the electronic device equipped with the camera module, and the user of the electronic device can repair the abnormal camera model by simply updating the software or firmware in the electronic device. group.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some changes and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present case. This is subject to the definition of the scope of the patent application.

1‧‧‧Electronic device

11‧‧‧ camera module

111‧‧‧Digital Signal Processor

112‧‧‧Image Sensor

12‧‧‧Power supply module

13‧‧‧Processing unit

S01-S09‧‧‧Steps

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device for automatically testing and repairing camera functions in accordance with the present invention. [Fig. 2] A flow chart showing an embodiment of an automatic test and repair method for a camera function according to the present invention.

Claims (10)

An electronic device having an automatic test and repair camera function, comprising: a camera module having an image capture function; a power supply module coupled to the camera module for supplying power to the camera module; and a processing The unit is coupled to the camera module and the power supply module. After the electronic device is powered on, the processing unit automatically activates the camera module to perform the image capturing function, and the processing unit determines the image of the camera module. Whether the function is abnormal, when the image capturing function is abnormal, the processing unit controls the camera module to reset, and when the image capturing function is still abnormal after the camera module is reset, the processing unit controls the The power supply module stops supplying power to the camera module, and controls the power supply module to re-power the camera module after the camera module stops operating. The electronic device with the function of automatically testing and repairing the camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit automatically activates the camera module to perform the image capturing function in a background execution manner when running an operating system. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive the camera module by a user receiving the electronic device before the image capturing function is abnormal. The image capturing function automatically determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal in the background execution manner before starting the signal, and automatically controls the camera module in the background execution manner when it is determined that the image capturing function is abnormal. Reset, and automatically control the power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module in the background execution mode when the camera module is still abnormal. The electronic device of claim 1 or 3, wherein the camera module includes an image sensor for sensing light to generate an image signal. The processing unit determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal according to whether the image signal is abnormal. The electronic device of claim 1 or 3, wherein the camera module includes a reset terminal coupled to the processing unit, and when the image capturing function is abnormal The processing unit first determines whether the number of resets of the camera module reaches a preset number of times. When the number of resets of the camera module does not reach the preset number of times, the processing unit controls the camera by the reset end. The module is reset. When the number of resets of the camera module reaches the preset number of times, the processing unit controls the power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module. An automatic test and repair method for a camera function is suitable for an electronic device. The automatic test and repair method of the camera function comprises: a processing unit automatically starting an image capture function of a camera module after the electronic device is powered on; The processing unit determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal; when the image capturing function is abnormal, the processing unit controls the camera module to reset; when the image capturing function is still abnormal after the camera module is reset The processing unit controls a power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module; and the processing unit controls the power supply module to re-power the camera module after the camera module stops operating. The method for automatically testing and repairing the camera function according to claim 6, wherein in the step of automatically starting the camera module and determining whether the image capturing function is abnormal, the processing unit is when operating an operating system The camera module is automatically activated in the background execution mode to determine whether the image capturing function is abnormal. The method for automatically testing and repairing the camera function according to claim 7, further comprising: before the processing unit determines that the image capturing function is abnormal, the processing unit is configured to receive the user of the electronic device to activate the One of the image capturing functions of the camera module automatically determines whether the image capturing function is abnormal in the background execution mode before the signal is activated, and automatically controls the background execution mode when it is determined that the image capturing function is abnormal. The camera module is reset; wherein, when the camera module is still abnormal after resetting, the processing unit controls the power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module in a background execution manner. The method for automatically testing and repairing a camera function according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein in the step of determining, by the processing unit, whether the image capturing function is abnormal, the processing unit determines one of the camera modules Whether the image signal generated by the image sensor when the light is sensed is abnormal. The method for automatically testing and repairing the camera function according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the automatic testing and repairing method of the camera function further comprises: the processing unit determining whether the number of resets of the camera module reaches a pre-determination The number of times is set; wherein, when the image capturing function is abnormal and the number of times of resetting the camera module does not reach the preset number of times, and the processing unit controls the camera module by resetting the control terminal of the camera module The processing unit controls the power supply module to stop supplying power to the camera module when the image capturing function is abnormal and the number of resets of the camera module reaches the preset number of times.