Peripheral Camera Shutter Mechanism for Privacy and Compact Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral cameras face challenges in integrating high-resolution capabilities and security features within limited housing dimensions, leading to unsatisfactory aesthetics and complex internal arrangements, while existing security mechanisms are not effectively coordinated with information handling systems to prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that incorporate a cylindrical camera housing with a dual leaf shutter mechanism or rotating cap to selectively block visual images, audio, and depth images, using gears and actuators to manage camera functions and enhance security by integrating a security module that monitors user presence and context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high resolution camera modules are integrated into peripheral cameras, then image quality is improved, but housing size increases leading to unsatisfactory aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into modular components including the camera module, processing resources, and housing, allowing high-resolution camera modules to be integrated without requiring the entire housing to be large. The modular approach enables compact arrangement of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested arrangement where the camera module is positioned within the housing in a space-efficient manner, and components are arranged in layers or nested configurations to maximize space utilization while maintaining high resolution imaging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional processing components are added for artificial intelligence analysis, then functionality is improved, but internal arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Processing resources for artificial intelligence analysis are merged with the camera module or integrated into the housing in a unified manner. The system combines multiple functions (imaging, processing, analysis) into an integrated architecture that reduces internal complexity despite enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing resources are designed to perform multiple functions including artificial intelligence analysis, image processing, and other computational tasks. This multi-functionality approach allows a single integrated system to handle diverse processing needs without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If security features are integrated into the camera housing, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Security features such as shutters are integrated into the housing structure in advance, positioned to automatically block camera functions when needed. The shutter mechanism is pre-configured within the housing rather than added as a separate external component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system operates autonomously with the shutter mechanism automatically responding to security conditions without requiring complex external control systems. The integrated design allows the security features to serve themselves through coordinated operation with the camera module and housing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system peripheral camera ensures privacy with a cover that minimizes distance of a camera module to a front opening of the camera housing. For instance, opposing cover members rotate about geared ends that engage to translate rotation between the members, where the members meet over a camera opening to block capture of visual images and move to opposing sides to expose the camera module. In an alternative embodiment, a rotating shutter arrangement selectively covers the camera for security and also covers a microphone to provide security against unauthorized audible access through the camera. Selective covering and exposing of a camera module, infrared camera, microphone and user presence detection sensor support adaptive security at a camera based upon end user context.