Electro-Optical Shutter Variable Transmissivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Information Handling Systems (IHSs) equipped with cameras use mechanical shutters that lack variable or controllable transmissivity characteristics, limiting their ability to adapt to different privacy and usage settings.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical shutter with variable transmissivity is controlled by a processor-based system that adjusts transmissivity based on context information such as privacy settings, user proximity, and other factors, using a liquid crystal material between glass substrates with transparent electrodes and a voltage ladder to manage light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical shutter is used in a camera, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the transmissivity cannot be varied or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electro-optical shutter that uses electric fields to control light transmission. The electro-optical shutter comprises transparent electrodes, liquid crystal material, and glass substrates, eliminating moving mechanical parts while enabling variable transmissivity control through voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and optical properties of the liquid crystal material by applying different voltage levels. By varying the electrical parameter (voltage), the transmissivity of the shutter can be dynamically adjusted between opaque and transparent states, providing continuous control over light transmission.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electro-optical shutter is kept in off-state to minimize power consumption, then power usage is reduced, but the camera cannot capture images when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the electro-optical shutter transmissivity based on contextual information. The system can transition between off-state (minimal power consumption), activated state (camera capture enabled), and variable transmissivity states (privacy control), adapting its operational mode to current usage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic activation of the electro-optical shutter based on detected context information such as user presence, privacy settings, or application requirements. The shutter transitions between opaque and transparent states periodically or event-driven, minimizing power consumption during idle periods while enabling camera functionality when needed.
3Measurement precision
If the transmissivity is increased for clear image capture, then image quality improves, but privacy protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes variable transmissivity parameter control to balance image quality and privacy protection. By adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal material, the system can dynamically change the shutter's optical density, allowing selective transmission of light based on privacy requirements while maintaining adequate image capture capability when privacy is not a concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of shutter transmissivity based on real-time context information including privacy settings, user presence detection, and application type. The system can transition between fully transparent (image capture optimized), semi-transparent (partial privacy protection), and fully opaque (maximum privacy protection) states, adapting to current operational requirements.
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
Enables adaptive control of camera transmissivity, optimizing power consumption and privacy settings by minimizing power usage in off-states and allowing for various activation states, such as transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque, based on context information.
Implementation Method 1
An electro-optical shutter with variable transmissivity is controlled by a processor-based system that adjusts transmissivity based on context information
Implementation Method 2
The electro-optical shutter may include a liquid crystal material disposed between at least two glass substrates, each glass substrate having a respective transparent electrode coupled thereto, and to control the transmissivity of the electro-optical shutter, the program instructions, upon execution, may cause the IHS to control a voltage applied to the liquid crystal material via the transparent electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for operating an electro-optical shutter with variable transmissivity are described. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the IHS to: receive context information, and control a transmissivity of the electro-optical shutter of a camera coupled to the IHS, at least in part, based upon the context information.