US20180109712A1 - Computing device camera view controller and shutter - Google Patents
Computing device camera view controller and shutter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180109712A1 US20180109712A1 US15/846,714 US201715846714A US2018109712A1 US 20180109712 A1 US20180109712 A1 US 20180109712A1 US 201715846714 A US201715846714 A US 201715846714A US 2018109712 A1 US2018109712 A1 US 2018109712A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- camera
- shutter
- movable shutter
- switch
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H04N5/2353—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/70—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene
- H04N23/73—Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene by influencing the exposure time
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/16—Sound input; Sound output
- G06F3/167—Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/51—Housings
-
- H04N5/2252—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/63—Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers
Definitions
- This application relates to a computing device camera and more specifically to a camera and microphone controller that operates to enable and disable the camera control functions responsive to predefined events.
- a camera, microphone or a combination of both could essentially be activated at any time as part of that device.
- Some applications, such as chat applications or video conferencing applications will invoke the camera by enabling power to the camera and/or the microphone.
- the result of the camera being enabled may be a live video or still image feed that is immediately enacted and recorded, and which may be streamed to a remote source.
- a user of the computing device may desire to have the camera/microphone immediately disabled or physically blocked to protect ones privacy from both video and audio being recorded. Manual efforts to block the camera or turn off video/audio controls may be time consuming and cumbersome.
- One example embodiment may provide an apparatus that includes a camera housing, a camera disposed inside the camera housing, a shutter track disposed adjacent the camera inside the camera housing, and a movable shutter on the camera track, and the movable shutter includes an open portion and a closed portion and a knob which extends beyond a surface area of the camera housing to control movement of the movable shutter along the shutter track.
- Another example embodiment may include an apparatus that includes a camera housing, a camera disposed inside the camera housing, a movable shutter disposed in front of the camera, a sensor configured to sense a condition, and a switch coupled to a power supply and configured to enact movement commands of the movable shutter when a sensed condition is detected via the sensor.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an automated camera control device module configuration according to example embodiments.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the camera configuration 100 includes a stand 116 which may support the camera housing 114 .
- a stand-alone camera may be an accessory or peripheral device, however, the camera may also be integrated into the camera portion of a computing device (e.g., laptop, tablet, smartphone, personal computer, etc.).
- the camera may be set along a top portion of the computing device as an add-on after-market device or as an integrated internal configuration.
- the camera lens 102 is shown in the middle of the shutter 110 illustrated in an open position.
- a protective film or glass layer 112 may be placed over the camera and shutter assembly to protect the camera.
- the shutter 110 may be activated and de-activated automatically and/or via manually via user interaction with a shutter movement control knob (see FIG. 3 ).
- the knob and shutter movement may be manually activated/de-activated by a user. Sliding the shutter 110 from side-to-side using the switch/arm or knob manually may open or close the shutter to permit/block the camera to capture video and/or images.
- FIG. 2 may include a camera housing 114 , a camera 102 disposed inside the camera housing, a shutter track 120 disposed adjacent the camera 102 inside the camera housing, and a movable shutter 110 movable on the camera track 120 .
- the shutter includes an open portion, which the camera may obtain access to record, and a closed portion which blocks the camera's view, and a knob (see FIG. 3 ) which extends beyond a surface area of the camera housing to control movement of the shutter 110 along the shutter track 120 .
- the camera housing may also have a protective shield 112 disposed over the camera 102 and the shutter 110 extending along a majority of a length of the camera housing 114 .
- the protective shield may be glass or plastic and may be a mesh net or other material.
- the knob is accessible via an open slot in a top portion of the camera housing.
- a power source may be included inside the housing along with a switch controller, memory and a power supply. Sensors may be part of the housing or may be separate and wired to the switch for sensory control (e.g., sound, voice recognition commands, light, audio, etc.).
- the power supply is configured to power the camera, the switch and even the shutter in an automated embodiment of FIG. 10 .
- the auxiliary sensor is in communication with the switch, and a sensed condition (e.g., audio, light, etc.) triggers the switch to power on the camera.
- An auxiliary sensor (not shown) may be in communication with the switch and a second sensed condition, such as the opposite of the first sensed condition or a different sensed condition triggers the switch to power off the camera.
- a microphone or pair of microphones 121 are disposed inside the camera housing and are communicatively connected to the switch and powers source.
- An auxiliary sensor in communication with the switch may trigger the switch when the condition is sensed, and a first sensed condition triggers the switch to power off the microphone while a second sensed condition triggers the switch to power on the microphone.
- the microphone may be de-activated and then activated by sliding the shutter closed which may trigger an optical sensor so the shutter will pass through a sensor field of view. This then signals the processor 1080 to disable the microphone input.
- the microphone and video functions can also be disabled by higher level applications (i.e. SKYPE) using a “mute” and “unmute” feature, provided the shutter is not closed.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the configuration 200 illustrates the glass 112 removed exposing the shutter track 120 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and camera blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the configuration 300 illustrates the top portion of the housing with the manual shutter control knob 134 in an open position
- the shutter 136 is in a partial blocking position
- the shutter 138 is in a fully closed position.
- the power line 132 feeds through the back of the housing to the power supply distribution unit inside the housing.
- the back of the housing 130 is wider to allow the components to fit inside the housing and to allow the power supply to vent and release heat from the power supply.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the configuration 400 includes an example where the shutter 110 is partially closed and is partially obstructing the view of the camera lens 102 .
- the solid portion of the shutter 140 is in view in this configuration.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the configuration 500 includes the same partial overlapping position of the shutter 110 except the glass cover is not present to provide a more detailed view of the shutter track 120 and the shutter 110 in a partial blocking position.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a top view 600 of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the top view is substantially the same as FIG. 3 , however, the shutter control knob 136 is in a partially closed/partially open position.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the configuration 700 includes the shutter being in a fully closed position 170 thus blocking the camera's view.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the configuration 800 includes the camera being in a fully closed position without the glass cover 112 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- the top view is substantially the same as FIG. 3 , however, the shutter control knob 138 is in a closed position.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a camera device configuration 1000 according to another example embodiment.
- the camera 1010 is in communication with a motor 1060 , switch 1020 , sensors 1070 , a power supply 1040 , a microphone 1030 , a memory 1050 and a processor 1080 .
- the microphone 121 could be turned off by a verbal command received (e.g., On, Off, Record, Stop, Save, etc.) via an audio sensor 1070 and an added speech recognition program stored in memory 1050 and processed by processor 1080 .
- a verbal command received e.g., On, Off, Record, Stop, Save, etc.
- This configuration also permits the shutter to be turned on manually or automatically by the motor control 1060 attached to the shutter which is enabled by the switch 1020 providing power to the motor 1060 when the proper signal is received by the sensors 1070 .
- the motor may be affixed to the shutter via an actuation arm that moves back and forth with the movement of the motor.
- a video processing application could be enabled by the processor 1080 to send the camera or microphone an “Off” command upon receipt of a specific image, and a separate camera would be used to pick up the “on” image and trigger a USB command to the standalone camera to turn the video back to the “on” status.
- the camera would include certain specifications including but not limited to a resolution: 1080p30, an output format: H.264, MJPEG, a digital zoom: 4 ⁇ , a field of view: 120°, microphone: dual microphone with beam forming, an interface: USB 2.0 (UAC/UVC), device compatibility: Enzo, WINDOWS 7, WINDOWS 8, Mac OS X.
- the external interfaces may include a USB cable that is used to connect the webcam to a PC or related device.
- the camera unit will have a flexible mounting system that includes a removable mounting bracket.
- the mounting bracket may facilitate mounting above or below a display and also includes threads for a tripod mount.
- the capabilities of the system of FIG. 10 can be performed by one or more of the modules or components described herein or in a distributed architecture and may include a transmitter, receiver or pair of both.
- the functionality described herein may be performed at various times and in relation to various events, internal or external to the modules or components.
- the information sent between various modules can be sent between the modules via at least one of: a data network, the Internet, a voice network, an Internet Protocol network, a wireless device, a wired device and/or via plurality of protocols. Also, the messages sent or received by any of the modules may be sent or received directly and/or via one or more of the other modules.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Studio Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A camera control device may include a housing to store the camera and various control modules. The housing may also have a movable camera shutter operating on a shutter track that is close to the camera inside the camera housing. The shutter may include an open portion and a closed portion and a knob which extends beyond a surface area of the camera housing to control movement of the shutter along the shutter track. The movement of the shutter may also be automated and may be subject to sensors triggering sensed conditions.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/561,753, filed Dec. 5, 2014, entitled COMPUTING DEVICE CAMERA VIEW CONTROLLER AND SHUTTER.
- This application relates to a computing device camera and more specifically to a camera and microphone controller that operates to enable and disable the camera control functions responsive to predefined events.
- Conventionally, when a user accesses their computing device, a camera, microphone or a combination of both could essentially be activated at any time as part of that device. Some applications, such as chat applications or video conferencing applications will invoke the camera by enabling power to the camera and/or the microphone.
- The result of the camera being enabled may be a live video or still image feed that is immediately enacted and recorded, and which may be streamed to a remote source. There are instances when a user of the computing device may desire to have the camera/microphone immediately disabled or physically blocked to protect ones privacy from both video and audio being recorded. Manual efforts to block the camera or turn off video/audio controls may be time consuming and cumbersome.
- One example embodiment may provide an apparatus that includes a camera housing, a camera disposed inside the camera housing, a shutter track disposed adjacent the camera inside the camera housing, and a movable shutter on the camera track, and the movable shutter includes an open portion and a closed portion and a knob which extends beyond a surface area of the camera housing to control movement of the movable shutter along the shutter track.
- Another example embodiment may include an apparatus that includes a camera housing, a camera disposed inside the camera housing, a movable shutter disposed in front of the camera, a sensor configured to sense a condition, and a switch coupled to a power supply and configured to enact movement commands of the movable shutter when a sensed condition is detected via the sensor.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an automated camera control device module configuration according to example embodiments. - It will be readily understood that the components of the present application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of a method, apparatus, and system, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the application.
- The features, structures, or characteristics of the application described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 1 , thecamera configuration 100 includes astand 116 which may support thecamera housing 114. A stand-alone camera may be an accessory or peripheral device, however, the camera may also be integrated into the camera portion of a computing device (e.g., laptop, tablet, smartphone, personal computer, etc.). For example, the camera may be set along a top portion of the computing device as an add-on after-market device or as an integrated internal configuration. Thecamera lens 102 is shown in the middle of theshutter 110 illustrated in an open position. A protective film orglass layer 112 may be placed over the camera and shutter assembly to protect the camera. - According to example embodiments, the
shutter 110 may be activated and de-activated automatically and/or via manually via user interaction with a shutter movement control knob (seeFIG. 3 ). The knob and shutter movement may be manually activated/de-activated by a user. Sliding theshutter 110 from side-to-side using the switch/arm or knob manually may open or close the shutter to permit/block the camera to capture video and/or images. - One example configuration of
FIG. 2 may include acamera housing 114, acamera 102 disposed inside the camera housing, ashutter track 120 disposed adjacent thecamera 102 inside the camera housing, and amovable shutter 110 movable on thecamera track 120. The shutter includes an open portion, which the camera may obtain access to record, and a closed portion which blocks the camera's view, and a knob (seeFIG. 3 ) which extends beyond a surface area of the camera housing to control movement of theshutter 110 along theshutter track 120. The camera housing may also have aprotective shield 112 disposed over thecamera 102 and theshutter 110 extending along a majority of a length of thecamera housing 114. - The protective shield may be glass or plastic and may be a mesh net or other material. The knob is accessible via an open slot in a top portion of the camera housing. A power source may be included inside the housing along with a switch controller, memory and a power supply. Sensors may be part of the housing or may be separate and wired to the switch for sensory control (e.g., sound, voice recognition commands, light, audio, etc.). The power supply is configured to power the camera, the switch and even the shutter in an automated embodiment of
FIG. 10 . The auxiliary sensor is in communication with the switch, and a sensed condition (e.g., audio, light, etc.) triggers the switch to power on the camera. An auxiliary sensor (not shown) may be in communication with the switch and a second sensed condition, such as the opposite of the first sensed condition or a different sensed condition triggers the switch to power off the camera. - A microphone or pair of
microphones 121 are disposed inside the camera housing and are communicatively connected to the switch and powers source. An auxiliary sensor in communication with the switch may trigger the switch when the condition is sensed, and a first sensed condition triggers the switch to power off the microphone while a second sensed condition triggers the switch to power on the microphone. - The microphone may be de-activated and then activated by sliding the shutter closed which may trigger an optical sensor so the shutter will pass through a sensor field of view. This then signals the
processor 1080 to disable the microphone input. The microphone and video functions can also be disabled by higher level applications (i.e. SKYPE) using a “mute” and “unmute” feature, provided the shutter is not closed. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 2 , theconfiguration 200 illustrates theglass 112 removed exposing theshutter track 120. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and camera blocking configuration in an open non-blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 3 , theconfiguration 300 illustrates the top portion of the housing with the manualshutter control knob 134 in an open position, InFIG. 6 , theshutter 136 is in a partial blocking position, and inFIG. 9 theshutter 138 is in a fully closed position. Thepower line 132 feeds through the back of the housing to the power supply distribution unit inside the housing. The back of thehousing 130 is wider to allow the components to fit inside the housing and to allow the power supply to vent and release heat from the power supply. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 4 , theconfiguration 400 includes an example where theshutter 110 is partially closed and is partially obstructing the view of thecamera lens 102. The solid portion of theshutter 140 is in view in this configuration. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 5 , theconfiguration 500 includes the same partial overlapping position of theshutter 110 except the glass cover is not present to provide a more detailed view of theshutter track 120 and theshutter 110 in a partial blocking position. -
FIG. 6 illustrates atop view 600 of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a partially open and partially blocking shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 6 , the top view is substantially the same asFIG. 3 , however, theshutter control knob 136 is in a partially closed/partially open position. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 7 , theconfiguration 700 includes the shutter being in a fullyclosed position 170 thus blocking the camera's view. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position with the cover removed according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 8 , theconfiguration 800 includes the camera being in a fully closed position without theglass cover 112. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a computer camera controller and blocking configuration in a blocked shutter position according to an example embodiment of the present application. Referring toFIG. 6 , the top view is substantially the same asFIG. 3 , however, theshutter control knob 138 is in a closed position. -
FIG. 10 illustrates acamera device configuration 1000 according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 10 , thecamera 1010 is in communication with amotor 1060,switch 1020,sensors 1070, apower supply 1040, amicrophone 1030, amemory 1050 and aprocessor 1080. - According to example embodiments, the
microphone 121 could be turned off by a verbal command received (e.g., On, Off, Record, Stop, Save, etc.) via anaudio sensor 1070 and an added speech recognition program stored inmemory 1050 and processed byprocessor 1080. This configuration also permits the shutter to be turned on manually or automatically by themotor control 1060 attached to the shutter which is enabled by theswitch 1020 providing power to themotor 1060 when the proper signal is received by thesensors 1070. The motor may be affixed to the shutter via an actuation arm that moves back and forth with the movement of the motor. - A video processing application could be enabled by the
processor 1080 to send the camera or microphone an “Off” command upon receipt of a specific image, and a separate camera would be used to pick up the “on” image and trigger a USB command to the standalone camera to turn the video back to the “on” status. The camera would include certain specifications including but not limited to a resolution: 1080p30, an output format: H.264, MJPEG, a digital zoom: 4×, a field of view: 120°, microphone: dual microphone with beam forming, an interface: USB 2.0 (UAC/UVC), device compatibility: Enzo, WINDOWS 7, WINDOWS 8, Mac OS X. The external interfaces may include a USB cable that is used to connect the webcam to a PC or related device. There is also a single white LED indicator that is used to indicate that the camera is actively capturing video and/or that the microphone is capturing audio and/or that the microphone and/or camera have been disabled. The camera may be powered via its USB connection or another power supply source. In another example, the camera unit will have a flexible mounting system that includes a removable mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may facilitate mounting above or below a display and also includes threads for a tripod mount. - Although an exemplary embodiment of the system, method, and device of the present application has been illustrated in the accompanied drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit or scope of the application as set forth and defined by the following claims. For example, the capabilities of the system of
FIG. 10 can be performed by one or more of the modules or components described herein or in a distributed architecture and may include a transmitter, receiver or pair of both. For example, all or part of the functionality performed by the individual modules, may be performed by one or more of these modules. Further, the functionality described herein may be performed at various times and in relation to various events, internal or external to the modules or components. Also, the information sent between various modules can be sent between the modules via at least one of: a data network, the Internet, a voice network, an Internet Protocol network, a wireless device, a wired device and/or via plurality of protocols. Also, the messages sent or received by any of the modules may be sent or received directly and/or via one or more of the other modules. - It will be readily understood that the components of the application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the application.
- One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the application as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations that are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the application has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the application. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the application, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.
- While preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and the scope of the application is to be defined solely by the appended claims when considered with a full range of equivalents and modifications thereto.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a camera housing;
a camera disposed inside the camera housing;
a switch coupled to the camera, and configured to control a power on and a power off status of the camera;
wherein a sensed light condition triggers the switch to perform a power on to the camera and an opposite sensed light condition triggers the switch to perform a power off to the camera;
a processor communicatively connected to a microphone;
a movable shutter included within the camera housing; and
a knob which extends beyond a surface area of the camera housing to control movement of the
movable shutter along a shutter track disposed adjacent the camera;
wherein the movable shutter movement enables an optical sensor to signal the processor to activate the microphone when the movable shutter is slid open and to deactivate the microphone when the movable shutter is slid closed.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a protective shield disposed over the camera and the movable shutter extending along a majority of a length of the camera housing.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the protective shield comprises at least one of glass and plastic.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the knob is accessible via an open slot in a top portion of the camera housing.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a shutter track disposed adjacent the camera inside the camera housing.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a power source communicatively connected to the camera and configured to power the camera.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the switch is coupled to the power source.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein a microphone is coupled to the power source.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary sensor in communication with the switch.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a movable shutter included within the camera housing and comprising an open portion and a closed portion.
11. An apparatus, comprising:
a camera housing;
a camera disposed inside the camera housing;
a movable shutter disposed in front of the camera;
a motor attached to the movable shutter and configured to control movement of the movable shutter via an actuation arm affixed to the motor and the movable shutter, wherein the movable shutter is movable via a shutter track disposed inside the camera housing;
an optical sensor disposed on the movable shutter track;
a microphone disposed inside the camera housing and communicatively connected to the switch,
wherein the movable shutter movement enables the optical sensor to signal a processor to activate the microphone when the movable shutter is slid open and to deactivate the microphone when the movable shutter is slid closed.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising an audio sensor configured to sense a condition.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a protective shield disposed over the camera and the movable shutter extending along a majority of a length of the camera housing.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the protective shield comprises at least one of glass and plastic.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the processor is configured to process a voice control algorithm, the audio sensor is configured to sense an audible voice command, and the processor is further configured to process the audible voice command and open the movable shutter.
16. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the processor is configured to process a voice control algorithm, the audio sensor is configured to sense an audible voice command, and the processor is further configured to process the audible voice command and close the movable shutter.
17. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a switch coupled to a power supply and the camera.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the switch is configured to perform a power on to the camera.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the switch is configured to perform a power off to the camera.
20. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the shutter track is disposed adjacent the camera.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/846,714 US20180109712A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2017-12-19 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,753 US9871974B2 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
US15/846,714 US20180109712A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2017-12-19 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,753 Continuation US9871974B2 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180109712A1 true US20180109712A1 (en) | 2018-04-19 |
Family
ID=56092586
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,753 Active US9871974B2 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
US15/846,714 Abandoned US20180109712A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2017-12-19 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/561,753 Active US9871974B2 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2014-12-05 | Computing device camera view controller and shutter |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9871974B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3227752B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN107003589B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015357467B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016090351A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109040572A (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2018-12-18 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Cam device and air conditioner indoor unit |
WO2021112878A1 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2021-06-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Camera shutters |
BE1029098B1 (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2023-05-17 | Zebra Technologies | CONTACTLESS CAMERA SHUTTER ARRANGEMENT FOR PRIVACY PROTECTION |
US20230421884A1 (en) * | 2022-06-24 | 2023-12-28 | Dell Products L.P. | Detection of image sensor shutter state |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9826599B2 (en) * | 2015-12-28 | 2017-11-21 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Voice-controlled light switches |
WO2018002681A1 (en) * | 2016-07-01 | 2018-01-04 | Manuel Hirschfelder | Lock for permanently installed digital cameras or digital cameras integrated in mobile devices |
WO2019009880A1 (en) * | 2017-07-03 | 2019-01-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Electronically operated shutter to secure an input device |
CN110476411B (en) * | 2017-07-19 | 2022-07-22 | 惠普发展公司,有限责任合伙企业 | Sensing position of a movable camera of a computing device |
WO2020006477A1 (en) | 2018-06-29 | 2020-01-02 | Purism | Electronic kill and physical cover switch |
CN109167896A (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2019-01-08 | 徐州国宏信息技术有限公司 | A kind of automatic range regulating device of computer camera lens |
JP2020113040A (en) * | 2019-01-11 | 2020-07-27 | レノボ・シンガポール・プライベート・リミテッド | Electronic apparatus |
US11451692B2 (en) * | 2019-10-18 | 2022-09-20 | Roo, Inc. | Systems and methods for secure video devices |
USD954008S1 (en) * | 2020-03-27 | 2022-06-07 | Yealink (Xiamen) Network Technology Co., Ltd. | Videoconferencing unit |
JP2022035786A (en) * | 2020-08-21 | 2022-03-04 | 日本電産コパル株式会社 | Blade open-close device and electronic device |
USD1021993S1 (en) * | 2022-07-14 | 2024-04-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Camera for television receiver |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070153119A1 (en) * | 2006-01-04 | 2007-07-05 | Brett Bilbrey | Embedded camera with privacy filter |
US7267456B1 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2007-09-11 | Henkel Corporation | Operating status of a shutter for electromagnetic energy curing systems |
US20090166430A1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Target Brands, Inc. | Transaction product with electrical plug |
US8126720B2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2012-02-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image capturing apparatus and information processing method |
US20130088639A1 (en) * | 2011-10-05 | 2013-04-11 | Kevin Mundt | Information Handling System Integrated Camera Lens Cover |
US8988532B2 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2015-03-24 | High Sec Labs Ltd. | Secure video camera device |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2002023250A (en) * | 2000-07-12 | 2002-01-23 | Canon Inc | Camera, image input/output device and recording medium |
US20030133022A1 (en) * | 2002-01-15 | 2003-07-17 | Melton Gerod C. | Digital video editing device and method |
DE202004019149U1 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2005-08-18 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Video and audio data receiving apparatus for network, has audio-conversion module converting signals from headset into signals for transmission over bus, and bus interface circuit sending both video and audio signals over bus |
US7755697B2 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2010-07-13 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Webcam with moveable zoom lens |
CN101932215B (en) * | 2008-12-31 | 2014-03-26 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Sliding mechanism applied to portable electronic device |
DE202009014628U1 (en) | 2009-10-29 | 2010-01-07 | Bornbex Handels- Und Vertriebs Gmbh & Co. Kg | Closure device for an image capture device |
US20110262125A1 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2011-10-27 | Facevsion Technology Inc. | Camera |
US8496390B2 (en) | 2010-05-14 | 2013-07-30 | Sony Corporation | Cover unit and mobile terminal including the same |
US8632264B2 (en) * | 2010-12-08 | 2014-01-21 | Honeywell International Inc. | Privacy shutter for cameras |
-
2014
- 2014-12-05 US US14/561,753 patent/US9871974B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-12-06 CN CN201580065589.6A patent/CN107003589B/en active Active
- 2015-12-06 AU AU2015357467A patent/AU2015357467B2/en active Active
- 2015-12-06 EP EP15865374.1A patent/EP3227752B1/en active Active
- 2015-12-06 WO PCT/US2015/064156 patent/WO2016090351A1/en active Application Filing
-
2017
- 2017-12-19 US US15/846,714 patent/US20180109712A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7267456B1 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2007-09-11 | Henkel Corporation | Operating status of a shutter for electromagnetic energy curing systems |
US20070153119A1 (en) * | 2006-01-04 | 2007-07-05 | Brett Bilbrey | Embedded camera with privacy filter |
US8126720B2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2012-02-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image capturing apparatus and information processing method |
US20090166430A1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Target Brands, Inc. | Transaction product with electrical plug |
US20130088639A1 (en) * | 2011-10-05 | 2013-04-11 | Kevin Mundt | Information Handling System Integrated Camera Lens Cover |
US8988532B2 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2015-03-24 | High Sec Labs Ltd. | Secure video camera device |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109040572A (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2018-12-18 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Cam device and air conditioner indoor unit |
WO2021112878A1 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2021-06-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Camera shutters |
US20220417398A1 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2022-12-29 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Camera shutters |
US11991433B2 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2024-05-21 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Camera and microphone enabling shutters |
BE1029098B1 (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2023-05-17 | Zebra Technologies | CONTACTLESS CAMERA SHUTTER ARRANGEMENT FOR PRIVACY PROTECTION |
US11940723B2 (en) | 2021-02-25 | 2024-03-26 | Zebra Technologies Corporation | Contactless camera privacy shutter assembly |
US20230421884A1 (en) * | 2022-06-24 | 2023-12-28 | Dell Products L.P. | Detection of image sensor shutter state |
US11985411B2 (en) * | 2022-06-24 | 2024-05-14 | Dell Products L.P. | Detection of image sensor shutter state |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9871974B2 (en) | 2018-01-16 |
AU2015357467A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 |
EP3227752A4 (en) | 2018-04-18 |
US20160165116A1 (en) | 2016-06-09 |
EP3227752B1 (en) | 2022-01-26 |
AU2015357467B2 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
EP3227752A1 (en) | 2017-10-11 |
CN107003589A (en) | 2017-08-01 |
WO2016090351A1 (en) | 2016-06-09 |
CN107003589B (en) | 2020-10-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20180109712A1 (en) | Computing device camera view controller and shutter | |
JP6743691B2 (en) | Display control device, display control method, and computer program | |
KR101743194B1 (en) | Video recording method and device, program and recording medium | |
KR101937708B1 (en) | Control System For Camera and Portable Device including the same, and control Method thereof | |
US20150116501A1 (en) | System and method for tracking objects | |
JP6493860B2 (en) | Monitoring control system and monitoring control method | |
US8848082B2 (en) | Image capturing apparatus, information processing method and storage medium for estimating a position of a sound source | |
JP2010529738A5 (en) | ||
US10354678B2 (en) | Method and device for collecting sounds corresponding to surveillance images | |
NZ603337A (en) | Components for a portable digital video camera | |
US7986299B2 (en) | Remote control apparatus, remote control system and device-specific information display method | |
US9826134B2 (en) | Imaging apparatus having a microphone and directivity control | |
US20160198093A1 (en) | Information processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, imaging system, control method of information processing apparatus, control method of imaging apparatus, and program | |
KR20150104183A (en) | Panoramic camera | |
US10462346B2 (en) | Control apparatus, control method, and recording medium | |
JP2016019155A5 (en) | COMMUNICATION DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM | |
US7871209B1 (en) | Camera that warns lens cover still attached | |
KR101616469B1 (en) | Emergency rescue mobile device and method thereof | |
WO2017147827A1 (en) | Image acquisition method | |
WO2017147825A1 (en) | Intelligent device | |
CN116055869B (en) | Video processing method and terminal | |
CN203825752U (en) | Alarming and monitoring apparatus able to recognize animal sounds | |
US8478121B2 (en) | Camera with infrared shutter module | |
CN203851242U (en) | Animal alarm monitoring device | |
CN220022918U (en) | Gun-ball linkage network camera |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |