Thin Blade Open-Close Device for Camera Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recent electronic devices with cameras, such as smartphones and drones, face challenges in protecting user privacy due to cameras being constantly ready for image capturing, which can be operated maliciously without user intent, especially in devices with limited space and multiple cameras.
Innovation Solution
A thin blade open-close device is designed to fit within limited spaces, featuring a base with two lens units, a cover, and a blade with light shields that can move to block or allow light entry, utilizing a drive actuator and stopper actuator to control the blade's position between open and closed states, ensuring the camera lenses are covered when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera shutter is used to open and close the blade, then image capturing is prevented when unintended, but the device size becomes too large for modern electronic devices with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blade shielding function with the camera module housing structure. The blade is integrated into the housing that already contains the lens unit, eliminating the need for a separate, bulky shutter mechanism. This merging of functions achieves privacy protection while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for modern electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable blade that can dynamically transition between open and closed states based on operational requirements. The blade is driven by a motor that responds to control signals, enabling the system to adapt its shielding state in real-time. This dynamic mechanism provides effective privacy protection when needed while allowing camera operation when required, all within a compact structural framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are included in the device, then imaging functionality is enhanced, but the available space for camera modules becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the blade shielding mechanism is housed within the existing camera module housing. The blade is positioned between the housing and the lens unit, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization. This nesting approach enables multiple cameras to be accommodated within limited device space while maintaining effective shielding capability for each camera module.
3Volume of moving object
If the blade is made thin to fit limited space, then device compactness is improved, but the shielding effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin blade structure that maintains sufficient shielding effectiveness despite its reduced thickness. The blade is designed as a thin movable component that can effectively block light when in the closed position. The thin-film design enables the blade to fit within the limited space requirements of modern electronic devices while still providing adequate optical shielding to prevent unintended image capturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A thin blade open-close device includes a base member including spaces accommodating lens units, a cover plate covering the base member partially, and a blade member between the base member and the cover plate. The cover plate has openings aligned with optical axes of the lens units. The blade member includes a first light shield that covers the opening in the cover plate, a light entry opening that connects with the opening in the cover plate, and a second light shield that covers the opening in the cover plate. The blade open-close device includes a drive actuator that moves the blade member in a closing direction to change from an open state to a closed state in which the first light shield and the second light shield in the blade member cover the openings in the cover plate.