Tintable Camera Lens Layer for Privacy and Functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with camera lenses lack a mechanism to dynamically adjust the tint of the lens for privacy and aesthetic purposes while ensuring the camera remains functional.
Innovation Solution
Integration of tintable layers, such as polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) layers or other electro-chromatic materials, over the camera lenses that can transition between opaque and transparent states in response to user inputs or camera activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a camera lens is made opaque to provide privacy when not in use, then privacy is improved, but the camera cannot capture images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic tintable layer that can change its optical properties between opaque and transparent states. This allows the camera lens to adapt its appearance and functionality based on operational state - opaque when inactive for privacy, and transparent when active for image capture, thus resolving the contradiction between privacy and camera functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The tintable layer changes its optical parameters (transparency/opacity) in response to different states. By controlling the tintability parameter of the layer, the system achieves both privacy protection in idle state and camera functionality in active state, eliminating the need to choose between the two opposing requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tintable layer is added over the camera lens to enable privacy control, then privacy and aesthetic benefits are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film tintable layer deposited over the camera lens. This thin film structure provides the privacy functionality without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the device, as it integrates as a coating rather than a separate mechanical component
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a composite structure by depositing the tintable layer over the existing camera lens. This composite approach combines the optical functionality of the lens with the privacy-control properties of the tintable material, achieving enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing complexity
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
Enables the camera lens to appear opaque to the human eye when not in use, while remaining transparent to the camera, thus maintaining functionality and providing privacy and aesthetic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more tintable layers are configured to change the transparency of the layer by tinting or untinting the one or more tintable layers in response to electrical stimulation
Implementation Method 2
The one or more tintable layers are optionally polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) layers
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an electronic device includes a structure defined by a housing or other barriers. This structure optionally includes one or more transparent portions, one or more opaque portions, and/or one or more tintable layers covering one or more components of the electronic device. These layers may switch between operating states responsive to operation of the electronic device.