Electronic Shutter for Embedded Camera Privacy

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embedded camera systems in display devices face challenges in providing a privacy function due to limited space in narrow bezel designs, making it difficult to integrate mechanical shutter systems effectively.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electronic shutter component within the display device frame, which restricts visual access to the camera when in a camera off mode and provides access when in a camera on mode, utilizing an electronically controllable obfuscation device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or switchable film polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical shutter system is integrated into the display device, then privacy function is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements are not met in narrow bezel designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy functionVSAvoidshutter system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic shutter component that uses an electronically controllable obfuscation device (such as liquid crystal or PDLC material) to block or allow visual access to the camera. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while achieving the same privacy function through electronic control, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the obfuscation device between opaque and transparent by applying or removing electrical voltage. When voltage is applied, the liquid crystal or PDLC material becomes transparent allowing camera access; when voltage is removed, it becomes opaque blocking the camera. This parameter change approach enables privacy control without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a mechanical shutter system is integrated into the display device, then privacy function is improved, but the available space in narrow bezel designs is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy functionVSAvoidbezel space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic shutter component that uses an electronically controllable obfuscation device (such as liquid crystal or PDLC material) to block or allow visual access to the camera. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while achieving the same privacy function through electronic control, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin film obfuscation device made of liquid crystal or PDLC material that can be integrated into the narrow bezel space. These flexible thin films require minimal space compared to mechanical shutter components, allowing privacy functionality to be achieved within the constrained bezel area of modern display devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If an electronic shutter component is used, then device complexity is reduced and space requirements are met, but the privacy control mechanism becomes electronically dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter system complexityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic shutter component that uses an electronically controllable obfuscation device (such as liquid crystal or PDLC material) to block or allow visual access to the camera. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while achieving the same privacy function through electronic control, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the electronic shutter component can be rapidly switched between opaque and transparent states based on real-time operational requirements. The system adapts to different camera states (active/inactive) and provides appropriate privacy control, demonstrating operational flexibility despite electronic dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for the implementation of a privacy function in display devices with embedded camera systems, even in narrow bezel designs, by electronically controlling the shutter component to manage visual access to the camera.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing an electronically controllable obfuscation device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal display (LCD): Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

switchable film polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC): Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS12222637B1Display device having an integrated camera shutter system

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A display device which includes a display component; a display frame; an embedded camera system, the embedded camera system including a camera component, the camera component being physically coupled to the display frame to embed the camera component within the display device and an electronic shutter component, the electronic shutter component being physically coupled to a display frame of the display device, the electronic shutter component restricting visual access to the camera component when the electronic shutter component is functioning in a camera off mode of operation, the electronic shutter component providing visual access to the camera component when the electronic shutter component is functioning in a camera on mode of operation.