Single-Shutter Camera Module With Audible Privacy Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information handling systems face challenges in securely managing access to both visual and infrared cameras, particularly in reducing complexity and cost while ensuring unauthorized access is prevented.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a shutter assembly that uses a single electromechanical actuator to open and close both the visual and infrared camera fields of view, along with spring biased connectors for adaptable height configurations and manual override for external actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate shutters and dual shutter actuators are used for visual and infrared cameras, then each camera can be independently protected from unauthorized access, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate shutters into a single shutter that protects both the visual and infrared cameras simultaneously. This single shutter is controlled by one actuator mechanism, reducing the system from dual independent systems to one unified system, thereby lowering complexity while maintaining security functionality for both cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The single shutter is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects both the visual camera and the infrared camera, and can be controlled to allow access to one camera while denying access to the other. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate shutters for each camera type
2Reliability
If LED illumination logic is used to warn users of camera use, then user notification is provided, but the logic may be compromised and the warning may not be reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic LED warning system with a mechanical acoustic warning system. A small bell mechanically coupled to the shutter assembly produces an audible ringing sound when the shutter moves, providing user notification through pure mechanical action without electronic logic that could be compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical bell system is self-actuating through the shutter's own movement. The shutter's motion directly drives the bell mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors, control logic, or power sources for the warning system, thereby simplifying the overall system
3Ease of operation
If cameras are left exposed for authorized use, then camera functionality is maintained, but unauthorized access becomes possible without proper protection
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is positioned to block both cameras by default before any access request occurs. When authorized access is needed, the system selectively opens the shutter for the specific camera required, maintaining security through preliminary blocking and providing access only when and where authorized
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 reduces system complexity and cost by using a single actuator for both cameras, adapts to various camera heights, and provides secure unauthorized access prevention while offering audible feedback for user awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a single electromechanical actuator to open and close both the visual and infrared camera fields of view
Implementation Method 2
spring biased connectors for adaptable height configurations
Implementation Method 3
manual override for external actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system camera module has a single shutter that slides in response to a single shutter mechanism to manage access for a field of view of both a visual camera and an infrared camera by sliding only between first and second positions, the first position aligning an opening of the shutter with a visual camera and a shield visual camera opening, the second position blocking the opening of the shutter and extending an end of the shutter over infrared camera. The shutter actuates with an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field, such as voice coil. The magnetic field is applied to a speaker magnet that causes vibration at a speaker cone to generate an audible sound.