TWI617193B - Active image recording system and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An active recording system includes a sensor, a control unit, and a camera module. A sensor is used to provide sensing data. The control unit is configured to determine whether the sensing data meets the preset condition, and generate a recording enable signal when the sensing data meets the preset condition. The camera module is used to respond to the recording enable signal to enable the recording function for taking pictures or recording.

Description

Active recording system and control method thereof

The present invention relates to an active recording system and a control method therefor.

During the exercise, people often want to record key or exciting moments. However, current motion cameras or mobile phones must manually control the buttons before they can start taking photos or videos. Users need to be distracted during the exercise, and they need to search for the desired images in long time video data or numerous photo materials. Or photos, making the screening process time consuming and laborious. In addition, for long-term sports (such as riding long-distance bicycles), users often cannot take photos or videos at important timings or locations because of insufficient battery power of the camera.

Therefore, how to propose a recording technique that can automatically record key or exciting moments in the activity process is an important issue to be solved.

The invention relates to an active recording system and a control method thereof. When the sensing data measured during the activity meets a preset condition, the recording function of the device is automatically turned on to take a photo or video.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an active recording system is proposed, It includes a sensor, a control unit, and a camera module. A sensor is used to provide sensing data. The control unit is configured to determine whether the sensing data meets the preset condition, and generate a recording enable signal when the sensing data meets the preset condition. The camera module is used to respond to the recording enable signal to enable the recording function for taking pictures or recording.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method of controlling an active recording system is proposed. The control method includes the following steps: receiving the sensing data from the sensor; determining whether the sensing data meets the preset condition; when the sensing data meets the preset condition, generating a recording enable signal to control the camera module to open the recording Take a photo or video.

In order to better understand the above and other aspects of the present invention, the preferred embodiments are described below, and in conjunction with the drawings, the detailed description is as follows:

10, 30‧‧‧Active Recording System

102_1~102_i‧‧‧Sensor

104, 304, 504‧‧‧ control unit

106, 306, 502‧‧‧ camera module

SEN1~SENi‧‧‧Sensing data

EN‧‧‧ Recording enable signal

DE‧‧‧ Recording Disability Signal

Steps 202, 204, 206, 208, 210‧‧

300, 500‧‧‧ active recording device

302A‧‧‧Internal Sensor Set

302B‧‧‧External sensor set

308‧‧‧ display module

310‧‧‧Control button touch screen

312‧‧‧Wireless transceiver interface

314‧‧‧System Memory

402‧‧‧Electronic map

404‧‧‧Activity route

P1~P6‧‧‧ Shooting point

T0, t1, t2, t3‧‧‧ time points

41, 43‧‧‧ Curve

502A‧‧‧ first shot

502B‧‧‧second lens

V1‧‧‧ first field of vision

V2‧‧‧ second field of view

1 is a simplified block diagram of an active recording system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a control method of an example of an active recording system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an active recording system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an active recording device that activates its camera module to perform photography and/or photographing according to position coordinate data.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an active recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the present description, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings, but not all embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. In fact, these inventions may use a variety of different variations and are not limited to the embodiments herein. In contrast, the present disclosure provides these embodiments to meet the statutory requirements of the application. The same reference symbols are used in the drawings to refer to the same or similar elements.

1 is a simplified block diagram of an active video recording system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The active recording system 10 includes one or more sensors 102_1~102_i, a control unit 104, and a camera module 106, where i is a positive integer. The sensors 102_1~102_i can be various types of sensors, such as a barometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, a gravity sensor, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a photometer, a heartbeat sensor, a cadence meter, and a speedometer. A power sensor, a composite meter, and the like, which are suitable for measuring user motion data, or a position sensor (such as a Global Positioning System (GPS)) that is suitable for providing position coordinate data of a user. Device). The sensors 102_1~102_i can transmit the measured corresponding sensing data SEN1~SENi to the control unit 104 by wire or wirelessly.

Control unit 104 may perform the control methods of embodiments of the present invention, which may be implemented by appropriate logic, circuitry, and/or code that can be manipulated by a processor to perform control functions. The control unit 104 can turn on and off the recording function of the camera module 106 (such as taking a photo, performing a video, etc.) through the recording enable signal EN and the recording disable signal DE, respectively. The camera module 106 can be implemented, for example, by an optical lens and an image sensor.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of the control method of the active recording system 10 Figure. At step 202, the control unit 104 receives the sensing data SEN1~SENi from the sensors 102_1~102_i. The data type of the sensing data SEN1~SENi depends on the type of the corresponding sensors 102_1~102_i. For example, if the sensor is a motion data sensor, the corresponding sensing data generated is a user motion data, such as physiological information of the user (such as heartbeat, electromyogram), during exercise. Measured environmental data (such as speed, acceleration, pedaling power, speed, slope, altitude, vibration value). If the sensor is a position sensor, the corresponding sensed data generated is, for example, a position coordinate data such as a GPS coordinate.

At step 204, the control unit 104 determines whether the sensing data SEN1~SENi meet the preset condition. If at least one of the sensing data SEN1~SENi meets the preset condition, in step 206, the control unit 104 generates a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function for taking a picture or video. On the other hand, if the sensing data SEN1~SENi do not meet the preset condition, the process returns to step 204, and the control unit 104 determines the sensing data SEN1~SENi for the next moment.

To aid in the understanding of the present invention, a number of exemplary preset conditions corresponding to different types of sensing data are described below. It is to be noted that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. The judgment formula used in the preset condition can be adjusted according to the type and attribute of the sensing data.

In one embodiment, the sensing data is a user motion data. When the user motion data crosses a threshold, the control unit 104 generates a recording enable signal EN to enable the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function.

For example, if the sensed data represents a user's heartbeat data, If the user's heartbeat data exceeds a preset heartbeat value (such as 220-age), or reaches an aerobic upper limit (such as 85% of the highest heartbeat), the control unit 104 will generate a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module. 106 Turn on the recording function.

In another example, if the sensing data indicates a driving speed, when the driving speed exceeds a dangerous speed (for example, 45 km/h), or reaches an instantaneous acceleration value (for example, the speed increases by 2 km/hour in 10 seconds), the control is performed. The unit 104 will generate a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function.

In another example, if the sensing data indicates a stepping power, when the pedaling power exceeds an upper output limit (eg, 300% Functional Threshold Power (FTP), wherein FTP=20 minutes maximum average output power), or When the instantaneous power value is reached (for example, 200% FTP is added within 2 seconds), the control unit 104 generates a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function.

In another example, if the sensed data indicates a slope, when the slope is greater than or equal to an upper limit of the slope (eg, slope >15%), or is less than or equal to a lower limit of the slope (eg, slope <-10%), The control unit 104 will generate a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function.

In another example, if the sensed information represents a vertical acceleration, when the average maximum vertical acceleration exceeds three seconds within +/- 5G (9.8 m / s ^2), this case may represent a user vehicle (bicycle) to enter the off-road The route control unit 104 will generate a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function.

In another example, if the sensed data indicates a horizontal acceleration, when the average maximum horizontal acceleration in 3 seconds exceeds +/-5G, it may represent the user's vehicle. When the camera collides or dumps, the control unit 104 will generate a recording enable signal EN to control the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function.

In another embodiment, the sensing data is a position coordinate data. When the position coordinate data approaches or reaches the coordinates of a shooting point, the control unit 104 will generate the recording enable signal EN to enable the camera module 106 to turn on the recording function. Details regarding this embodiment will be described later in conjunction with Figure 4.

In step 208, the camera module 106 will continue to turn on the recording function in response to the recording enable signal EN.

At step 210, the control unit 104 will generate a recording disable signal DE to control the camera module 106 to turn off the recording function. For example, the control unit 104 automatically generates the recording disable signal DE for a specified period of time (eg, 5 to 10 seconds) after the recording enable signal EN is issued to control the camera module 106 to end shooting.

In an alternate embodiment, step 210 is omitted and the camera module 106 sets the time to turn on the recording function. Alternatively, the camera module 106 can receive the recording disable signal DE from other sources. Alternatively, the control unit 104 may enclose a timer in the recording enable signal EN to set the time when the camera module 106 automatically turns off the recording function. Alternatively, the user may manually set the time point at which the recording function of the camera module 106 is turned off.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an active recording system 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The active recording system 30 mainly includes an active recording device 300, which includes an internal sensor set 302A, a control unit 304, a camera module 306, a display module 308, a control button touch screen 310, and a wireless transceiver interface. 312 and system memory 314.

The active recording device 300 is, for example, a Cycling Computer or other electronic device having a function of displaying motion data. The internal sensor set 302A includes one or more sensors built into the active recording device 300, such as a barometer, a thermometer, a gravity sensor, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a photometer, and position sensing. The device (such as a GPS receiver) or the like can provide corresponding sensing data to the control unit 304 for performing arithmetic processing.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the active recording system 30 further includes an external sensor set 302B. The external sensor set 302B includes one or more sensors disposed outside the active recording device 300, such as a heartbeat sensor, a cadence meter, a speedometer, a power meter, a composite meter, etc., which are And/or wirelessly establish a communication connection with the active recording device 300 to transmit corresponding sensing data to the control unit 304.

The control unit 304 can execute the control flow as shown in FIG. 2 to enable the recording function of the camera module 306 when the sensing data meets the preset condition. The control unit 304 can also present the relevant sensing data through the display module 308 in a graphical interface and/or data display manner, so that the user can immediately grasp the vehicle condition or the physiological condition. In an embodiment, the active recording device 300 further includes a control button touch screen 310 for the user to operate the function of the active recording device 300 through the touch mode.

The wireless transceiver interface 312 is responsible for providing the active camera recording apparatus 300 of the wireless transmission function, for example, includes a third-generation (3 ^rd generation, 3G) wireless communication module, Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth (Bluetooth) module, And/or other wireless transceiver modules including antennas and RF circuits. The sensor of the external sensor set 302B can establish a short-range wireless communication link (such as Bluetooth) with the active recording device 300 through the wireless transceiver interface 312, thereby transmitting the sensing data to the control unit 304.

The system memory 314 is primarily responsible for storing the programs, parameters, and data needed by the control unit 304 to perform the computational process. For example, the system memory 314 stores the threshold parameters of each preset condition for the control unit 304 to compare and determine whether the sensing data meets the preset condition.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the active recording device 300 starting its camera module to perform photography and/or photographing according to the position coordinate data. In this example, display module 308 displays an electronic map 402 that includes a pre-planned activity route 404. The electronic map 402 is, for example, a digital map downloaded through the Internet. A plurality of shooting points P1 to P6 are set on the activity route 404, each of which corresponds to a shooting point coordinate (such as a GPS coordinate). The shooting points P1~P6 can be set by the user, or can be analyzed by the control unit 304 after the activity route 404, according to the road condition and/or position characteristics of the activity route 404 (for example, hairpin bend, dangerous rise/down slope, start point, end point, etc.) And decided.

The shooting points P1 P P6 refer to locations or road segments that are preset to cause the camera module 306 to capture and/or record. That is, when the position sensor (such as the GPS receiver) in the active recording device 300 detects the coordinates of the position coordinate data approaching or reaching a shooting point (such as the shooting points P1 P P6), the control unit 304 will generate The recording enable signal EN enables the camera module 306 to turn on the recording function. Taking the curve 41 as an example, when the active recording device 300 reaches a shooting point at time t0 (such as shooting points P1 to P6) The coordinates of a), the control unit 304 will generate the recording enable signal EN at the time point t0 to turn on the recording function of the camera module 306, and generate the recording disable signal DE to close at a time point t3 after a period of time. The recording function enables the camera module 306 to perform photography and/or photographing within the time period [t0, t3]. Moreover, taking the curve 43 as an example, if the active recording device 300 is expected to arrive at a coordinate of a shooting point (such as one of the shooting points P1 to P6) at the time point t0, the control unit 304 will generate the recording ahead of the time point t1. The enable signal EN is turned on to enable the recording function of the camera module 306, and the recording disable signal DE is generated at the time point t2 to turn off the recording function, so that the camera module 306 performs photography during the time period [t1, t2]. / or take pictures.

In an embodiment, each shooting point corresponds to a shooting point type, and the control unit 304 will set the time when the camera module 306 turns on the recording function according to the shooting point type. The type of shooting point can be classified according to the position of the shooting point and/or the environmental characteristics, and the different shooting point types respectively correspond to a recording function opening time. The shooting point types include, for example, "Scenic Point", "Sprint Point", "Climbing Point", "Impact Point", "Start Point", "End Point", and the like. For example, the shooting point types of the shooting points P1 and P6 can be set to "starting point" and "end point" respectively, and the shooting point types of the shooting points P2 to P5 are set to "scenic point", "mountain point", and "sprint" respectively. Point" and "attack point". When the active recording device 300 detects the proximity or arrival of the shooting points P1/P2/P3/P4/P5/P6, the control unit 304 will correspondingly turn on the recording function of the camera module 306 for a period of time T1/T2/T3/ T4/T5/T6. The length of time T1~T6 can be preset in the factory when the active recording device 300 is shipped, or can be adjusted by the user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an active recording device according to an embodiment of the invention Schematic diagram of the configuration of 500. In this embodiment, the camera module 502 of the active recording device 500 includes a plurality of lenses to capture images of different fields of view, and the remaining components are similar to the active recording device 300 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the camera module 502 of the active recording device 500 includes a first lens 502A and a second lens 502B. The first lens 502A and the second lens 502B are respectively directed to different sides to respectively capture images for the first field of view V1 and the second field of view V2. For example, the first lens 502A is directed toward the front side of the user carrier 51 (such as a bicycle), that is, the direction of travel of the vehicle to capture an image in front of the user; and the second lens 502B is directed toward the user, that is, a self-timer. Direction to capture user images.

The control unit 504 of the active recording device 500 can activate at least one of the first lens 502A and the second lens 502B to perform image capturing through the recording enable signal EN. Among them, the configuration of the lens opening can be configured according to different preset conditions. For example, when the control unit 504 determines that the sensed slope value is greater than or equal to a dangerous slope upper limit, the first lens 502A will be separately turned on for image capture; when the control unit 504 determines the sensed user. The heartbeat data is greater than or equal to a preset maximum heartbeat value. At this time, the second lens 502B is separately turned on for image capturing; when the control unit 504 determines that the sensed pedaling power exceeds an output upper limit, the first time is simultaneously turned on. A lens 502A and a second lens 502B perform image capture.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above examples. The number of lenses and the lens setting position of the active recording device may be arbitrary, and some or all of the lenses may be disposed outside the active recording device and wired and/or wireless. The way is connected to the active recording unit. The correspondence between the lens open configuration and the preset conditions can also be arbitrary, depending on the actual application.

In summary, the active recording system and the control method thereof according to the present invention can automatically turn on the recording function of the device to take a photo or video when the sensing data measured during the user's activity meets the preset condition. . In this way, the user will not need to distract the camera function during the activity to record key or exciting moments, and the usage time of the device can be effectively extended due to power saving.

While the invention has been described above in the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. A person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (9)

An active recording system includes: a sensor for providing a sensing data; a control unit for determining whether the sensing data meets a predetermined condition, and the sensing data meets the preset a conditionally generating a recording enable signal; and a camera module for responding to the recording enable signal to enable a recording function; wherein the control unit opens the recording function for a specified period of time after the camera module is turned on A recording and disabling signal is generated to control the camera module to turn off the recording function. The active recording system of claim 1, wherein the sensing data is user motion data; and when the user motion data crosses a threshold, the control unit generates the recording enable signal So that the camera module can turn on the recording function. The active recording system of claim 1, wherein the sensing data is a position coordinate data; when the coordinate data of the position approaches or reaches a coordinate of a shooting point, the control unit generates the recording enable The signal enables the camera module to turn on the recording function. The active recording system of claim 3, wherein the shooting point corresponds to a shooting point type, and the control unit sets a time when the camera module turns on the recording function according to the shooting point type. The active video recording system of claim 1, wherein the camera module comprises: a first lens for capturing a first image; a second lens for capturing a second image, the second image corresponding to the first image having a different field of view; wherein the control unit activates the first lens and the second through the recording enable signal At least one of the lenses is used for image capture. A method for controlling an active recording system includes: receiving a sensing data from a sensor; determining whether the sensing data meets a preset condition; and generating a recording when the sensing data meets the preset condition The camera signal is controlled by a camera module to enable a camera function to perform photographing or video recording; and after the camera module is turned on for a period of time, a recording and disabling signal is generated to control the camera module. Turn off the recording function. The control method of claim 6, wherein the sensing data is a user motion data, the control method further comprising: generating the recording enable signal when the user motion data crosses a threshold value So that the camera module can turn on the recording function. The control method of claim 6, wherein the sensing data is a position coordinate data, and the control method further comprises: when the coordinate data of the position approaches or reaches a coordinate of a shooting point, generating the recording enable The signal enables the camera module to turn on the recording function. The control method of claim 8, wherein the shooting point corresponds to a shooting point type, and the controlling method further comprises: setting a time for the camera module to activate the recording function according to the shooting point type.