Electrically Controlled Privacy Shutter for Camera Lens Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with cameras can unintentionally transmit user views without the user's intent, necessitating manual intervention to block the camera lens, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A shutter system with a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer that transitions between opaque and transparent states in response to voltage, controlled by a controller with a timer and user-activated switches, ensuring privacy by automatically managing lens coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual sliding shutter is used to block the camera lens, then privacy protection is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need for manual operation and memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sliding shutter with an electrically controllable liquid crystal shutter. The liquid crystal layer transitions between opaque and transparent states when voltage is applied, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operation while maintaining privacy protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic control of the shutter through sensors that detect environmental conditions (such as ambient light levels) and automatically adjust the shutter state. The timer function also enables automatic operation based on predetermined time intervals, allowing the system to serve itself without continuous user intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque mechanical shutter is used, then light blocking capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical sliding components by using a liquid crystal layer that changes its optical properties electrically. This substitution removes complex mechanical parts while maintaining effective light blocking capability when the liquid crystal is in the opaque state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the shutter material by applying voltage to the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal transitions between transparent and opaque states through electrical parameter changes, replacing the need for mechanical position changes while maintaining light blocking functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a variable transparency layer is used, then ease of operation is improved through automatic control, but energy consumption increases due to continuous voltage application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage application to the liquid crystal layer rather than continuous voltage. The timer function controls voltage application in periodic intervals, allowing the liquid crystal to return to its default state between active periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining automatic control functionality.
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 shutter system provides automatic and user-controlled privacy management, preventing unintended image transmission by dynamically adjusting lens opacity based on user settings and environmental cues.
Implementation Method 1
A shutter system with a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer that transitions between opaque and transparent states in response to voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
A device includes a shutter configured to block light transmission in a first state and permit light transmission in a second state in response to a sufficient voltage being applied across the shutter. The shutter is supported over a camera lens of a device. A controller is coupled to the shutter to selectively apply the voltage.