Camera Shutter Control via Power Sensing for Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-connected video cameras raise privacy and security concerns as they may capture and transmit video without the end user's knowledge, leading to potential violations of privacy or security.
Innovation Solution
An automated shutter control system that includes a shutter to block or unblock a camera lens based on the power usage of a set-top box (STB) and/or a display, using power sensing circuitry and a processing system to determine the appropriate shutter position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is installed to enable remote face-to-face communications, then communication capability is improved, but privacy and security are compromised due to unauthorized video capture
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-configured in a blocked position by default and automatically actuated to block the camera lens when the STB enters standby mode. This preliminary protective action prevents unauthorized video capture before it can occur, resolving the security concern while preserving the camera's communication functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the power consumption state of the STB and uses this feedback to automatically control the shutter position. When the STB transitions between active and standby modes, the shutter responds accordingly, creating a closed-loop security mechanism that protects privacy without interfering with legitimate communication use.
2Ease of operation
If the camera remains continuously accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to risk of unauthorized video capture
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is pre-positioned to block the camera lens and automatically actuates when the STB enters standby mode, creating a security barrier before unauthorized access can occur. This preliminary protective action maintains ease of operation for authorized users while ensuring security against unauthorized video capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors STB power state and controls the shutter without requiring user intervention. The automated mechanism serves itself by detecting when the STB is in standby mode and actuating the shutter accordingly, eliminating the need for manual security checks while maintaining both accessibility and security.
3Reliability
If the shutter blocks the camera lens continuously, then security is improved, but the camera cannot capture video when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter transitions dynamically between blocked and unblocked positions based on the STB's operational state. When the STB is active, the shutter remains unblocked to enable video capture; when the STB enters standby mode, the shutter automatically blocks the lens. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the security state to the actual need for video capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from the STB's power consumption state to control the shutter position. The automated mechanism detects when video capture is needed (STB active) and removes the blocking shutter accordingly, while maintaining security (shutter blocked) when video capture is not needed (STB standby). This feedback-driven control resolves the contradiction between security and productivity.
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 system effectively improves security and privacy by ensuring the camera is blocked when the STB and/or display are in standby mode, and unblocked when they are in active mode, thus preventing unauthorized video capture.
Implementation Method 1
a power sensing circuitry that measures a power consumption of the set top box
Implementation Method 2
a shutter motor that moves the shutter
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements are presented that involve an automated shutter control system being used with a separate and distinct video camera. The automated shutter control system can include a shutter, a shutter motor, power sensing circuitry that measures an amount of power being supplied to the electronic display, and a processing system. The processing system controls the shutter motor that causes the shutter to be actuated to an open position or a closed position based on the amount of power being supplied to the electronic display as measured by the circuitry of the power sensing circuitry.