Smart Glasses Camera Locking for Tamper-Resistant Recording Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices with integrated image and audio capture capabilities pose privacy and security concerns due to the risk of unauthorized access and surreptitious recording, as existing software-based security measures can be overcome.

Innovation Solution

A securable image capture device with hardware-based access control, featuring a locking component that physically secures the image capture component by manipulating its power source and using LED indicators or augmented reality displays to notify users and observers of the recording status, ensuring secure data collection and preventing unwanted surveillance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If software-based security measures are used to protect image capture devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to the risk of hacking and surreptitious access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based security controls with a hardware-based locking mechanism that physically prevents the image capture component from capturing images when locked. This mechanical/physical approach substitutes the unreliable software authentication system, providing tamper-resistant security that cannot be bypassed through hacking or software exploits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a locking component as an intermediary between the processor and the image capture component. This locking mechanism acts as a physical gatekeeper that must be unlocked before the image capture component can operate, adding a hardware layer of security that mediates access to the capture device and prevents unauthorized access regardless of software security measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to physically secure the image capture component, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing device housing or frame structure, integrating the security feature into the overall device design rather than adding it as a separate, bulky component. The locking component is coupled to both the housing and the image capture component, creating a unified structure that provides security without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If LED indicators or AR displays are added to notify recording status, then object-generated harmful factors are reduced by preventing surreptitious recording, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy concernsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses LED indicators that change color or illuminate to communicate the recording status to observers. This visual signaling system provides transparent notification of when the device is capturing images, addressing privacy concerns by making surreptitious recording impossible. The LED indicators are integrated into the device housing, adding minimal complexity while effectively communicating device state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

The solution effectively prevents unauthorized data capture by physically securing the image and audio capture functions, enhancing user privacy and security while ensuring compliance with desired security standards through factory testing and quality assurance measures.

Implementation Method 1

a first light emitter coupled to the housing and configured to emit first light and a second light emitter coupled to the housing and configured to emit second light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3676683B1Wearable electronic device with hardware secured camera
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 SNAP INC
  • EP3676683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3676683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3676683B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses and systems for electronic wearable devices such as smart glasses are described. The wearable device can comprise a housing, an image capture component, a locking component, and a control component. The housing defines an imaging aperture. The image capture component is coupled to the housing and aligned with the imaging aperture. The image capture component is configured to capture image data of a field of view aligned with the imaging aperture. The locking component is coupled to the image capture component. The locking component modifies a capture state of the image capture component to selectively enable image capture in response to a selection releasing the locking component. The control component is coupled to the locking component. Interaction with the control component comprises the selection releasing the locking component and triggering modification of the capture state of the image capture component.