Scene Illuminator for Electro-Optic Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that can distinguish between authorized and unauthorized electro-optic devices and take appropriate action against unauthorized ones, particularly in scenarios where recording or imaging is permitted but unauthorized recording or imaging needs to be prevented, such as in movie sets, research facilities, military installations, and private residences.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize optical energy to interrogate and identify electro-optic devices by comparing their optically detectable characteristics with stored data, determining if they are authorized, and if not, hampering their operation through techniques like blinding or disabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical energy is used to interrogate and identify electro-optic devices, then the ability to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized devices is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or electronic identification systems with an optical interrogation system. Optical sources emit light that interacts with electro-optic devices, and optical detectors capture the reflected or transmitted light patterns. This substitution enables precise identification through optical characteristics while maintaining system manageability through well-established optical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical energy as an intermediary medium between the identification system and electro-optic devices. The optical sources and detectors serve as intermediaries that non-contactually interact with the devices, allowing identification without direct physical contact or complex electronic coupling. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If optical interrogation is used to detect unauthorized devices, then the capability to prevent unauthorized recording is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed optical interrogation rather than continuous illumination. The optical sources can be activated in intermittent cycles, detecting electro-optic devices only when needed. This periodic action maintains security effectiveness by continuously monitoring when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies optical interrogation selectively only to areas or devices where unauthorized recording is suspected or detected, rather than uniformly scanning entire environments continuously. This partial action approach concentrates energy resources on high-risk areas, improving security effectiveness where needed while minimizing overall energy consumption through selective deployment.
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
Effectively differentiates between authorized and unauthorized electro-optic devices, preventing unauthorized recording or imaging by disrupting the operation of unauthorized devices, thus protecting privacy and security in desired areas.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a reflection from a first electro-optic device
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed to identify authorized EO devices and unauthorized EO devices within a scene. The system hampers the operation of the unauthorized EO devices detected within the scene.