Solid-State Imaging Device Light Emission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera technologies do not adequately protect privacy, as notifications about camera operation can be bypassed by malicious applications, and data transmission from image sensors to external servers may not be properly controlled, leading to insufficient protection for imaging targets.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging system that includes an image sensor with a local authentication unit and data transmission decision unit, which controls the transmission of captured images or metadata based on the detection of light emission from a light source, ensuring that data is only transmitted when the light source is operational, thereby enhancing privacy protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera operation notification is implemented, then privacy protection is improved, but malicious applications can bypass the notification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light emitting unit as an intermediary physical indicator between the camera operation and the user. Instead of relying solely on software notifications that can be bypassed, the system uses a physical light signal that is controlled by the control unit and can be directly observed by the imaging target, creating a more reliable notification mechanism that cannot be easily suppressed by malicious applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors camera operation status and automatically activates the light emitting unit to provide visual feedback to the imaging target. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the notification is directly tied to the actual camera operation state, making it difficult for malicious applications to fake or suppress the notification without triggering the physical light indicator.
2Productivity
If data transmission from image sensor to external server is enabled, then imaging functionality is improved, but unauthorized data transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authorization verification before data transmission occurs. The control unit checks whether the imaging target has authorized data transmission to the external server before allowing the image sensor to transmit captured data. This preliminary check prevents unauthorized transmission by ensuring that the transmission condition is met before the actual data transfer takes place.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of transmission authorization by having the control unit automatically check the authorization status and control the data transmission accordingly. The system serves itself by monitoring its own transmission conditions and making autonomous decisions about whether to allow data transmission, reducing reliance on external security mechanisms that could be compromised.
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 effectively enhances privacy protection by ensuring that data from image sensors is only transmitted when the camera is intentionally capturing images, preventing unauthorized data transmission and improving authentication accuracy through neural networks.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element configured to obtain first captured image data of a first imaging target by converting a light signal of light received from the imaging target into an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting unit configured to emit light
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a solid-state imaging device including an imaging unit (211) that captures a first captured image, a light emission controlling unit (271) that controls emission of light from the light emitting unit, a decision unit (2331) that decides whether or not the emission of light is detected from within the first captured image, and a transmission controlling unit (2333) that controls, when the emission of light is detected, transmission of a second captured image or data based on the second captured image.