Movable Lens Cover for Selective Camera Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device cases do not effectively enhance user privacy by selectively obstructing the operations of multiple cameras on electronic devices, such as smartphones, which can capture images and videos from various angles, potentially infringing on user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A device case with a movable lens cover that can be positioned to expose or cover one or both camera lenses while keeping the user interface display exposed, allowing users to control camera accessibility through multiple positions, including fully exposed, partially occluded, and fully occluded configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device case covers all camera lenses to protect privacy, then user privacy is enhanced, but the user interface display becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cover is divided into multiple independent sections: a first lens cover section for the front-facing camera and a second lens cover section for the rear-facing camera. Each section can be independently positioned to cover or expose its corresponding camera lens, allowing selective privacy protection while maintaining access to the display and necessary camera functions.
2Reliability
If a device case provides multiple camera coverage, then privacy protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case integrates multiple functional elements into a unified structure: the lens cover sections are incorporated directly into the case body, and the positioning mechanisms (such as magnets or mechanical guides) are embedded within the case structure. This merging approach provides comprehensive camera coverage and privacy protection while maintaining a streamlined, single-unit design rather than adding separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device case has a body forming a compartment holding an electronic device with a back facing camera lens and a front side with a user interface display and front facing camera lens. The device case has a movable lens cover attached to the body and held by the body when moved to any of an open position, a first position, and a second position. The movable lens cover, in the open position, leaves the front facing camera lens, the user interface display, and the back facing camera lens exposed. The movable lens cover, in the first position, covers the back facing camera lens while leaving the user interface display and the front facing camera lens exposed, and when in the second position, covers both the front facing camera lens and the back facing camera lens while leaving the user interface display exposed.