Movable Camera Power Control for Privacy and Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses with image communication cameras face issues of unnecessary power consumption and privacy invasion due to their always-on design, making it difficult for users to determine if the camera is operating and vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a movable image communication camera that can be manually switched on and off, featuring a sensor to control power supply and display operation states, allowing users to set a privacy protection mode and enter a sleep mode when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image communication camera is designed to maintain an activated state with continuous power supply, then the camera is always ready for use, but electric power is wastefully consumed and privacy security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to dynamically change its state between extended (active) and retracted (inactive) positions. The camera moves from a first position where it protrudes and is accessible to a second position where it is retracted and protected, allowing the system to adapt its operational state based on usage requirements rather than maintaining a fixed active state.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is physically extracted from the display apparatus housing and made movable. By separating the camera from the fixed structure and enabling it to be retracted into the housing, the system can isolate the camera from power supply when not in use, eliminating continuous power consumption while maintaining quick access capability.
2Reliability
If the image communication camera remains in an activated state, then image communication functionality is maintained, but user privacy is vulnerable to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by retracting the camera module into the display apparatus housing when not in use. This physical retraction creates a protective barrier that prevents unauthorized access and potential hacking before such threats can occur, while the camera can be quickly extended when legitimate use is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module transitions between dynamic states of being extended (accessible) and retracted (protected). This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while actively preventing privacy invasion risks by physically isolating the camera sensor from external access when not in operational use.
3Loss of energy
If the camera is made movable and retractable, then power consumption is reduced and privacy is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is equipped with a sensor that automatically detects whether the camera is in the extended or retracted position and autonomously controls the power supply accordingly. When the sensor detects the camera is retracted, it automatically cuts power; when extended, it restores power. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual control systems while achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor provides feedback about the camera's positional state (extended or retracted) to the power supply control system. This feedback loop enables automatic power management where the power supply adjusts its output based on real-time camera position information, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining power efficiency.
4Productivity
If the camera is automatically controlled based on position sensing, then power management is optimized, but the system requires additional sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the camera's positional state (extended or retracted), provides feedback for automatic power supply control, and enables the system to distinguish between active and inactive states. By making the sensor multi-functional, the system achieves optimized power management without requiring separate components for each function, thereby minimizing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus and a control method thereof include a display and a camera configured to be provided at an upper portion of the display apparatus to generate an image signal, the camera being movable to an up position or a down position. Also included are a voice sensor configured to receive a voice of a user, a power supply configured to supply electric power to the camera and a controller configured to control the camera to generate the image signal when the camera is in the up position. The controller is also configured to control the camera to disable the generation of the image signal and to output a message indicating that the camera is in the down position, when the camera is in the down position.