Camera Lens Shutter for Reliable Photo Disclosure Privacy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack an intuitive and effective way to inform subjects when they are being photographed, as indicator lights can be easily circumvented and sound prompts are not suitable for recording, compromising privacy.

Innovation Solution

A handheld electronic device with a light beam adjustment element that can be controlled to either allow or block the imaging of light on a photosensitive element, using electrochromic materials and electronically controlled components to control the light beam transmittance of the light beam adjustment element, providing a visual cue to the subject about the shooting state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an indicator light is used for shooting disclosure, then the subject can know when being shot, but the indicator light can be easily circumvented by blocking or disassembling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshooting disclosure reliabilityVSAvoidcircumvention risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shooting disclosure function from the traditional indicator light and relocates it to the lens assembly itself. The lens assembly changes its optical properties (focus state, light transmission) to indicate shooting status, making the disclosure integral to the imaging function rather than a separate indicator that can be blocked or removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly serves multiple functions: it focuses light for imaging when in the open state and simultaneously provides shooting disclosure through its optical state changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator lights and prevents circumvention by integrating the disclosure mechanism into the essential imaging component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a sound prompt is used for shooting disclosure, then the subject can know when being shot, but sound prompts are not suitable for recording with electronic products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshooting disclosure reliabilityVSAvoidrecording compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces acoustic mechanisms (sound prompts) with optical mechanisms (lens optical state changes). The lens assembly uses optical property changes—such as focus state transitions and light transmission variations—to convey shooting status, providing a visual disclosure method that is compatible with recording operations and does not interfere with audio recording functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the light beam adjustment element is opened for shooting, then clear imaging is achieved, but the photosensitive element may capture images when it should remain closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidshooting disclosure control

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a clear optical state correlation before imaging occurs. The light beam adjustment element's optical state (open/closed) is pre-established to correspond with the intended imaging state, ensuring that the photosensitive element only captures images when the adjustment element is intentionally opened for shooting, preventing unintended capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback through the optical state of the light beam adjustment element itself. The element's position (open or closed) directly indicates the shooting intent and controls light transmission to the photosensitive element, creating a self-regulating mechanism that prevents images from being captured when the element is closed, while ensuring clear imaging when opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device intuitively informs subjects when they are being photographed, preventing circumvention of shooting disclosure and protecting their privacy by ensuring the photosensitive element does not capture images when the light beam adjustment element is closed.

Implementation Method 1

a light transmittance of the light beam adjustment element is reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmittance control: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The lens group is adapted to receive a light beam and is disposed between the photosensitive element and the light beam adjustment element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS20260063959A1Handheld electronic device

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 HTC CORP

AI summary

A handheld electronic device includes a photosensitive element, a lens group, and a light beam adjustment element. The lens group receives a light beam and is disposed between the photosensitive element and the light beam adjustment element. When the light beam adjustment element is in an open state, the light beam passes through the light beam adjustment element and the lens group and is imaged on the photosensitive element. When the light beam adjustment element is in a closed state, a light transmittance of the light beam adjustment element is lower than a threshold.