Camera with Liquid Crystal Light-Adjusting Layer for Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with cameras lack protection against surreptitious photo-taking, as they can be compromised by Trojan-horse viruses allowing unauthorized access and illegal activities.
Innovation Solution
A camera with an electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer, made of PDLC, is integrated into the device, which can be switched between transparent and non-transparent states using a voltage-controlled switch, preventing unauthorized photo-taking by blocking light when the switch is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no protection device is provided for the camera, then the camera can freely capture images, but the camera becomes vulnerable to surreptitious photo-taking by hackers or trojan-horse programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer as an intermediary component between the lens and the camera sensor. This layer acts as a mediator that can control light transmission, blocking light when in the non-transparent state to prevent surreptitious photo-taking while allowing normal image capture when transparent. This resolves the contradiction by adding a security function without fundamentally redesigning the camera structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical property changes of liquid crystal material, which can transition between transparent and non-transparent states based on electrical control. This principle allows the camera to change its light transmission characteristics dynamically, providing security protection by blocking light when needed while maintaining normal imaging functionality when the protective state is not required.
2Reliability
If an electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer is added to the camera, then surreptitious photo-taking is prevented, but the camera structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin film liquid crystal light-adjusting layer that can be integrated into the existing camera structure. This thin film approach adds minimal structural complexity while providing the required security function. The flexible nature of the thin film allows it to conform to the camera lens assembly without requiring substantial structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal layer serves as an intermediary component that can be electrically controlled to switch between transparent and non-transparent states. By positioning this layer in front of the lens, the patent adds security functionality without requiring fundamental changes to the camera's core imaging structure, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If the liquid crystal light-adjusting layer is always transparent, then image capture is uninterrupted, but the camera is vulnerable to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic light transmission control system using an electrically-controlled liquid crystal layer that can switch between transparent and non-transparent states. This dynamic capability allows the camera to adapt its security state based on operational requirements, being transparent during authorized image capture and non-transparent when security protection is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the liquid crystal material's optical properties, specifically its transparency, which can be controlled by electrical signals. By changing the transparency parameter of the light-adjusting layer, the system can switch between allowing light transmission for image capture and blocking light to prevent unauthorized access, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and security.
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
Effectively prevents surreptitious photo-taking by ensuring the camera cannot capture images when manipulated by hackers or malicious software, thereby protecting user rights and preventing psychological damage.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer, wherein a lens is provided in the camera body, the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer is correspondingly arranged outside the lens
Implementation Method 2
the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer is made of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC)
Implementation Method 3
the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer is electrically connected to the camera body through a switch
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a camera and an electronic device. The camera comprises a camera body (1) and an electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer (13), wherein a lens (11) is provided in the camera body (1), and the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer (13) is correspondingly arranged outside the lens (11) and configured to allow the lens (11) to receive outside light through the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer (13); the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer (13) is electrically connected to the camera body (1) through a switch (14). In the camera provided by embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer (13) is provided on the front of the lens (11); in a case in which the electrically-controlled liquid crystal light-adjusting layer (13) is turned off, it is not possible to take pictures even if the camera (1) is manipulated by a hacker or a trojan-horse program. Therefore, it can prevent surreptitious photo-taking performed by lawbreakers using the camera, protect the user's rights, and avoid damage to the user.