Cylindrical Camera Shutter Mechanism for Privacy and Compact Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral cameras in information handling systems face challenges in integrating high-resolution capabilities and enhanced security within limited housing dimensions, leading to unsatisfactory aesthetics and security vulnerabilities due to the lack of coordinated control over camera functions.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical camera housing with a dual leaf shutter mechanism that rotates over the camera module, using gears and actuators to selectively block or allow camera functions, including visual, infrared, and audio capture, managed by a security module to enhance security and minimize housing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera module is positioned closer to the front glass to increase field of view, then the housing size can be minimized, but security control over camera functions becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is divided into multiple independent leaf elements that can be controlled separately. Each leaf can be positioned independently to block or expose the camera module, allowing selective control of camera functions while maintaining a compact housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is positioned to block the camera module before unauthorized access can occur. The system proactively prevents access by maintaining the shutter in a closed position until authentication is verified, rather than reacting after unauthorized access attempts.
2Reliability
If a traditional shutter mechanism is used to block camera access, then security is improved, but the housing size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual leaf shutter mechanism is nested within the cylindrical housing structure, with the leaves positioned to rotate within the existing housing volume. This nested arrangement provides effective security blocking without requiring additional external space or increasing overall housing dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter leaves are designed with curved surfaces that match the cylindrical housing geometry. This curved design allows the leaves to rotate smoothly within the circular housing cross-section, providing effective blocking while maintaining a compact cylindrical form factor.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution camera capabilities are integrated, then image quality is improved, but the housing footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-resolution camera module with the dual leaf shutter mechanism and infrared sensor within a single integrated cylindrical housing. This merging of multiple functions into one compact structure achieves high image quality without increasing overall footprint, as all components share the same housing space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera functions (visual, infrared, audio) are included, then versatility is improved, but coordinated security control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dual leaf shutter mechanism serves as a universal security control that simultaneously manages access to multiple camera functions including visual, infrared, and audio capture. By controlling the shutter position, the system can selectively enable or disable different sensor types through a single unified mechanism, simplifying security management despite multiple functions.
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.