Electrochromic AR Camera Privacy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing consumer electronics, particularly augmented reality (AR) devices, lack the ability to dynamically control light transparency after manufacturing, raising privacy concerns as users cannot ensure their cameras are not recording without physical occlusion, which is bulky and power-intensive with mechanical mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electrochromic material connected to a power source within the AR device's frame, which can change from transparent to opaque based on detected do-not-record permissions, allowing for dynamic control of camera visibility through mode states such as AR, etiquette, and privacy modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical mechanisms are used to physically occlude cameras, then camera visibility is blocked, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera visibilityVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical occlusion mechanisms with an electrochromic material that changes optical properties electrically. Instead of using moving parts to physically block cameras, the system uses voltage-controlled transparency changes in the electrochromic material to achieve the same privacy effect without mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the frame material from fixed to dynamic. The electrochromic material allows the frame to transition between transparent and opaque states by changing its optical properties in response to electrical signals, enabling dynamic camera visibility control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical mechanisms are used to physically occlude cameras, then camera visibility is blocked, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical occlusion mechanisms with an electrochromic material that responds to electrical signals. The electrochromic material achieves transparency changes through electrochemical reactions rather than mechanical work, significantly reducing power consumption compared to motors or actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements privacy control as an on-demand periodic action rather than continuous operation. The electrochromic material transitions to opaque state only when privacy is needed and returns to transparent state when not needed, reducing overall power consumption compared to continuously engaged mechanical occlusion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed transparency material is used in frame, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different privacy situations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidprivacy control adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static transparency property of the frame material into a dynamic one. The electrochromic material allows the frame to adapt its transparency level based on operational mode and privacy requirements, enabling the same frame structure to serve multiple functions across different situations

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 provides users with control over their digital presence by ensuring cameras are visibly non-operational in privacy-sensitive situations, enhancing trust and societal acceptance by appearing as normal glasses when not in use, while maintaining functionality when needed.

Implementation Method 1

A first electrochromic material is connected with the frame, removably coupled to a power source, and disposed over the multiple front facing cameras

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS11726339B2System for digital recording protection and electrochromic device frame

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An augmented reality (AR) device includes a frame and multiple front facing cameras connected with the frame. A first electrochromic material is connected with the frame, removably connected to a power source, and disposed over the multiple front facing cameras. AR display circuitry is connected to the frame and the power source. A mode state of the AR device is modified based on a detected do-not-record permission.