Translucent Camera Flap for Privacy-Preserving Standby Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic equipment with image capture devices, such as set-top boxes, continue to record images in standby mode, posing privacy concerns for users who are not actively using the device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a movable shutter system that can switch between a working state allowing clear viewing, a protective state blurring images, and a rest state blocking the view, along with a control unit managing standby modes based on image analysis to conserve energy and protect privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera continues to record images during standby mode, then motion detection capability is maintained, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into multiple regions with different optical properties: a first region that is opaque to block clear images, and a second region that is translucent to allow blurred images. This local differentiation enables the camera to detect motion while preventing clear viewing of the user, thus resolving the contradiction between motion detection capability and privacy protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter is made opaque to protect privacy, then privacy is improved, but motion detection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter incorporates both opaque and translucent regions, where the translucent region allows sufficient light transmission for motion detection while the opaque region blocks clear imaging. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining motion detection reliability while ensuring privacy protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a translucent shutter is used to blur images, then privacy is protected, but image quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter uses a translucent region that selectively degrades image quality only where needed for privacy protection, while leaving other regions opaque for complete blocking. The translucent material is designed to allow sufficient light transmission for motion detection while blurring detailed features, thus protecting privacy without completely sacrificing image utility.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter is positioned to block the opening, then privacy is protected, but the camera cannot view outside
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is positioned in front of the camera opening with a mixed opaque-translucent structure. The opaque portions block the view to protect privacy, while the translucent portions allow light transmission for motion detection. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between privacy protection and viewing capability by providing selective transparency.
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 shutter system effectively blurs images to protect user privacy while allowing motion detection, reducing energy consumption by intelligently managing standby modes based on user presence.
Implementation Method 1
the translucent cover allows the images acquired to be blurred when it is in a protective state
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Electronic equipment (1), comprising: - a housing (100) having at least one opening, - an image capture device, - a shutter (10) movably mounted in the housing between an operating state and a resting state such that, when the shutter is in its operating state, the image capture device views the outside of the housing through the opening, and, when the shutter is in its resting state, the shutter covers the opening for the image capture device, the equipment comprising a flap (11) movably mounted in the housing between a retracted state and a protective state such that, when the flap is in its protective state and the shutter is in its operating state, the image capture device views the outside of the housing through the opening and a translucent area of the flap. Corresponding management method.