PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8797451-B2
Application Number: US-201213594575-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Embedded camera with privacy filter

Abstract:
An apparatus includes a housing having an integrated camera. A panel is positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and is operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus, comprising:
 a housing adjacent at least a portion of a display of a device; 
 a camera integrated into the housing and oriented to capture images proximate the display of the device; and 
 a panel positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state, the substantially opaque state substantially prevents the camera from detecting images of a user of the device when interacting with the device display, wherein the panel in the substantially opaque state has a substantially similar appearance as a portion of the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a housing for at least one of a computer or display. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel in the substantially opaque state and the housing are substantially the same color. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a screen; and 
 wherein the housing comprises a bezel for the screen and the panel is integrated within the bezel. 
 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD). 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing and the panel are relatively disposed to provide the substantially consistent appearance when the panel is in the substantially opaque state. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the substantially consistent appearance is based on a similar depth from a surface of the housing. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel in the opaque state prevents the camera from capturing images. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises a non-optical transparent cover, the apparatus further comprising a processor for processing images to remove distortion caused by the non-optical transparent cover. 
     
     
       10. An apparatus, comprising:
 a housing adjacent at least a portion of a display of a device; 
 a camera integrated into the housing and oriented to capture images proximate the display of the device; and 
 a panel positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state, the substantially opaque state substantially prevents the camera from detecting images of a user of the device when interacting with the device display, wherein the housing includes a transparent portion and an opaque portion adjacent the transparent portion and a surface of the opaque portion defining boundary perceivable through the transparent portion, and a surface of the panel in the substantially opaque state is substantially coplanar with at least a portion of the perceivable boundary. 
 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the transparent portion comprises optical grade plastic. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the panel in the substantially opaque state and the perceivable boundary are substantially the same color. 
     
     
       13. A method, comprising:
 constructing a device having a bezel operable to secure a screen within the device, the device including a camera oriented to capture images proximate the device screen; 
 forming a window in the bezel; and 
 integrating a panel in the window, the panel positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state, the substantially opaque state substantially prevents the camera from detecting images of a user of the device when interacting with the device display, wherein the bezel includes an opaque layer, the method further comprising aligning the opaque layer with a surface of the panel to provide a substantially similar depth of the opaque layer and the panel surface from a surface of the bezel. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising connecting the panel to a switch for controlling the switching between the states. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the panel comprises an LCD. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the camera comprises a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the bezel and the panel are substantially the same color. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the panel in the opaque state substantially prevents a user of the device from viewing the camera. 
     
     
       19. A system comprising:
 a housing; and 
 means for selectively transforming a surface between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state, the substantially transparent state for enabling light from a viewable object on a first side of the surface to pass through the surface to a second side of the surface and the substantially opaque state for preventing light from the viewable object from passing through the surface to the second side of the surface, wherein the surface in the substantially opaque state has a substantially similar appearance as at least a portion of the housing adjacent to the surface. 
 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 19 , wherein the viewable object is situated within the housing. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 19 , further comprising a means, disposed on the second side of the surface, for detecting an image of the viewable object. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 19 , further comprising an optical grade cover for the surface, an exterior surface of the optical grade cover flush with an exterior surface of the housing. 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a substantially transparent cover for the surface; and 
 means for removing distortion in a detected image introduced by the cover. 
 
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 19 , further comprising means for at least substantially reducing a difference in a perceived depth between the surface in the substantially opaque state and an opaque facade of the housing. 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 19 , wherein the substantially opaque state for the panel is associated with a dormant state of the panel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/716,454 which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,728,906, which issued on Jun. 1, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to electronic devices and, more particularly, to an embedded camera with privacy filter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Image sensors can be used to detect video sequences that can be used by various client processes in a laptop or desktop computer environment. For example, detected video sequences can be used for webcam applications, videophone operations, or video editing. In a typical webcam or videophone operation, images detected by an image sensor are transmitted over the Internet to one or more remote computers on which the images can be viewed. By detecting and transmitting images at a sufficient rate, a user at a remote computer can view a video sequence in substantially real-time. 
     Conventional cameras for use with computers are external peripherals, although built-in cameras can also be used. Such cameras can use charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) digital image sensors to detect images. CCD sensors are commonly used in digital still and video cameras and provide a relatively high quality image. CMOS sensors generally require less power and are less expensive but provide a lower quality image than CCD sensors, especially at low light levels. 
     SUMMARY 
     An apparatus includes a housing having an integrated camera. A panel is positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and is operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state. 
     Implementations can include one or more following features. The housing comprises a housing for a computer and/or display device. The panel in the substantially opaque state is perceived as a portion of the housing. The panel in the substantially opaque state and the housing are substantially the same color. The housing comprises a bezel for s screen, and the panel is integrated within the bezel. The housing includes a perceivable boundary, and the panel is substantially coplanar with at least a portion of the perceivable boundary. The housing includes a transparent portion, and the perceivable boundary is adjacent the transparent portion. The panel in the substantially opaque state and the perceivable boundary are substantially the same color. The panel comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD). The housing and the panel are relatively disposed to provide a substantially consistent appearance when the panel is in the substantially opaque state. The substantially consistent appearance is based on a similar depth from a surface of the housing. The panel in the opaque state prevents the camera from capturing images. The panel comprises a non-optical transparent cover, and the apparatus includes a processor for processing images to remove distortion caused by the non-optical transparent cover. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative diagram of a computer that includes a display; 
         FIGS. 2A-C  are illustrative diagrams of a privacy element of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram for controlling the privacy element of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative diagram of a computer system  100  for selectively switching a panel  106  between optical states. For example, the system  100  may provide a window that switches between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state. The substantially transparent state is typically sufficiently transparent to enable a camera embedded in the system  100  and oriented to capture an image through the window. The substantially opaque state is generally sufficiently opaque to prevent the camera from capturing images through the window. Typically, elements associated with a system are affixed to the exterior of the system such as to the frame. For example, a camera for a computer is typically mounted on the top portion of the frame (e.g., above a display screen) for capturing image data. The image data can be used, for example, by a webcam application, a videophone application, video editing software, other image processing software, or an application that stores the image data onto a storage medium for subsequent retrieval and viewing. 
     Although software that supports processing of image data received from the camera can be used to turn off the camera and/or preclude the capture of image data, users may be uncertain as to the current state of the camera and may feel anxiety over the possibility that image data is being captured unknown to the user or at times when the user desires privacy. To provide a more tangible and evident privacy feature, such cameras may have an opaque shutter or cover that is manually controlled or uses a servo controller to prevent image data from being captured by the camera. 
     Also, such a physical shutter or cover may be used to cover symbols and/or logos that are typically painted on a portion of the frame to convey information, such as brand or available control functions, to the user or to provide other aesthetic or functional features. The user does not have the option to easily hide, obscure, or otherwise cover such elements. The illustrated system  100  includes a panel  106  that is operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state. As a result, at least a portion of an embedded element  108  may hidden, obscured, or otherwise covered. Indeed, the system  100  may enhance or otherwise improve the aesthetics of the system  100  when the embedded element  108  is not in use by automatically (or in response to a command received through a user interface) switching the panel  106  to an opaque state. 
     The system  100  may include any processing device operable to present images through a screen  102 . As used in this document, the system  100  is intended to encompass a personal computer, a workstation, network computer, kiosk, wireless data port, personal data assistant (PDA) or other portable device, a cellular telephone, a television, one or more processors within these or other devices, or any other suitable processing device. In some cases, the system  100  may present, process, capture, and/or transmit images. For example, the system  100  may include a videoconferencing system that enables a user to communicate with remote parties who wish to approximate face-to-face contact without travel. 
     In general, the system  100  may include input devices, output devices, mass-storage media, processors, memory, interfaces, communication ports, or other suitable components for communicating with the user. For example, the system  100  may comprise a computer that includes input devices, such as a keypad, touch screen, mouse, camera, or other device that can accept information, and output devices that conveys information associated with the operation of the system  100 , including digital data, visual information, or any other suitable information. Both the input devices and output devices may include fixed or removable storage media such as magnetic computer disk, CD-ROM, or other suitable media to both receive input from and provide output to users of the system  100  through a portion of a data display, namely the screen  102 , and/or through one or more networks. At a high level, the system  100  includes at least the screen  102 , a bezel  104 , the panel  106 , and the embedded element  108 . 
     The screen  102  may be any suitable device operable to present information in an electronic form. For example, the screen  102  may present dynamic and/or static images such as video, text, photos, and graphical elements. The screen  102  may be a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED), analog or digital projection, or other displays suitable for creating graphic images and characters recognizable to the user. The screen  102  may be a device that is typically available to the general public such as a computer monitor or television. In the illustrated example, the screen  102  comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the user of the interface to interact with at least a portion of the system  100  for any suitable purpose. Generally, the screen  102  provides the user of system  100  with an efficient and user-friendly presentation of data provided by the system  100 . The screen  102  may include customizable frames or views having interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons operated by the user. 
     The bezel  104  comprises any suitable material for covering the edges of the screen  102  or for otherwise securing the screen  102  within the system  100  or within a portion of the system  100 . For example, the bezel  104  may be a plastic component operable to cover at least a portion of the screen  102  to secure the screen  102  within a display housing. The bezel  104  may cover the entire perimeter of the screen  102  or a portion of the perimeter of the screen  102 . In some examples, the bezel  104  is an ornamental covering affixed to the perimeter of the screen  102 . Alternatively or in addition, the bezel  104  may be operable to retain the screen  102  in a particular position relative to the frame of the system  100 . The bezel  104  may be affixed to the display with an adhesive such as an epoxy, glue, or others. Alternatively or in addition, the bezel  104  may be fixed to another portion of the system  100  using fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, or others. For example, the bezel  104  may include one or more slots for receiving screws used to fasten the bezel  104  to another portion of the system  100 . In the illustrated example, the bezel  104  includes the panel  106  for covering at least a portion of the embedded element  108 . 
     The panel  106  can include any device operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state. For example, the panel  106  may switch between an optically transparent state and an opaque state. In this case, images transmitted through the panel  106  may be captured by an image sensor connected to the system  100  and located behind the panel  106 . Alternatively or in addition, the embedded element  108  may be perceived by the user of the system  100  when the panel  106  is in an optically transparent state. The panel  106  may be based on any suitable material or component operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state. For example, the panel  106  may include a liquid crystal filter (LCD), electrochromic material, thermochromic material, smart glass, a transparent screen with an angled reflective surface that reflects light from a light source adjacent to an edge of the screen, or other suitable material and/or device operable to switch between optical states. 
     In the case that that panel  106  comprises an LCD, the rate of switching between optical states may be based, at lest in part, on an applied voltage. For example, an applied voltage of about 3 V may provide a slow fade between states over about 1 second (sec.). In contrast, an applied voltage equal to 110 V may switch the panel  106  between states at a rate that is perceived by the viewer as instantaneous. The LCD screen can be a conventional LCD display screen or can be an LCD panel with limited functionality. For example, the LCD panel may include a single pixel that results in the entire panel having substantially the same appearance. Alternatively, the LCD panel may have a large number of pixels that enable the panel to present a textured appearance through the use of some color variation between pixels. In some implementations, the LCD panel may have a limited range of color capabilities. 
     In some implementations, the panel  106  in the substantially opaque state is the same color as the bezel  104  or spectrally proximate to the color of the bezel  104  such that the user of the system  100  perceives the panel  106  as the same color as the bezel  104 . In some implementations, it may be possible to distinguish between the panel  106  and the bezel  104  upon closer inspection, but the appearance may be sufficiently similar that, at least upon first glance, the distinction is not readily apparent. As a result, in switching between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state, the panel  106  can appear to fade away or transform into a solid portion of the bezel  104 , similar to the adjacent bezel surfaces. 
     The state of the panel  106  may be switched in response to any appropriate event. For example, the panel  106  may be switched in response to one or more of the following: a request from the user, a selection from the user via the screen  102 , a request automatically generated by the system  100 , an initiation of an application executed by the system  100 , or other suitable events that are based, at least in part, on the actions of the user and/or processing by the system  100 . In some implementations, the state of the panel  106  is switch by applying a voltage. For example, the default state of the panel  106 , i.e., when substantially not voltage is applied to the panel  106 , may be the transparent state. Ideally, however, the default would be the opaque state, which would allow the panel  106  to be in the opaque state when the device is completely powered down and/or is unplugged. In some implementations, both states may require some voltage applied to the panel  106  to have the appropriate appearance/optical characteristics. In some implementations, the panel  106  selectively switches between states in which the embedded element  108  is perceivable and not generally perceivable to the user of the system  100 . 
     The embedded element  108  is any article that can at least be partially position behind the panel  106 . In some implementations, the embedded element  108  is a symbol (e.g., logo), design, text, or other static image that may be presented to the user of the system  100  when the panel  106  is in a transparent state. Alternatively or in addition, the embedded element  108  may be a dynamic image that may be presented to the user of the system  100  when the panel  106  is in a transparent state. In other implementations, the embedded element  108  includes a device for capturing or otherwise receiving information transmitted through the panel  106 . For example, the embedded element  108  may comprise a camera such that the lens of the camera is positioned behind the panel  106 . In this case, the panel  106  may switch between states that substantially enable and substantially prevent the camera  108  from capturing images. In some examples, the camera  108  is a CMOS or CCD detector. In addition, the panel  106  may hide or otherwise cover the camera  108  when it is not in use. As result, the user may not be aware that the camera  108  is included in the system  100 , or may not be distracted or bothered by the presence of the camera  108 , when the panel  106  is in the opaque state. Furthermore, the ability to fade between a substantially transparent and a substantially opaque state provides an added aesthetic feature. 
     In one aspect of operation, the panel  106  switches from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state. As mentioned above, the switching may occur in response to an event such as a request automatically generated by the system  100 . For example, the panel  106  may switch in response to the user selecting an application that utilizes the camera  108 . In the substantially transparent state, the user may be able to perceive the embedded element  108  and/or the embedded element  108  may be able to capture or otherwise receive information transmitted through the panel  106 . In the camera example, the camera  108  may be able to capture visible light transmitted through the panel  106  such that the system  100  may be able to generate an image based, at least in part, on the captured light. In the event that the panel  106  includes a non-optical grade transparent cover, the system  100  may perform additional processing to enhance the captured image. In addition, optical characteristics may be mapped out and image capturing may be calibrated based on these measurements prior to providing the system  100  to the user (e.g., during manufacturing). In addition, parameters such as glass thickness, acceptable actuating voltage, optical quality of glass, and color of opacity may be coordinated or matched to provide acceptable performance of the panel  106 . In response to one or more predetermined events, the panel  106  switches to a substantially opaque state. In this state, the panel  106  may cover, hide, or other decrease the visibility of the embedded element  108 . In the camera example, the panel  106  may prevent the camera  108  from detecting sufficient light and, thus, prevent the system  100  from generating an image. As mentioned above, the panel  106  in the opaque state may be the same color or spectrally proximate to the color of the bezel  104 . 
     In some cases, techniques for switching between optical states can be implemented on devices other than the type of device depicted in  FIG. 1 . For example, the panel  106  may be included in a display device separate and distinct from a computer or other processing device, in a camera peripheral designed to connect to a computer through a universal serial bus (USB) or otherwise, or in any other type of device. In such an implementation, the panel  106  can be configured and arranged to fade between a substantially transparent state and a color and appearance of an adjacent portion of a housing for the device. 
       FIGS. 2A-C  are illustrative diagrams of the panel  106  and the camera  108  of  FIG. 1 . It will be understood that illustrated configurations of viewable areas  106  and cameras  108 , are for example purposes only. Accordingly, the panel  106  and camera  108  may be arranged in a different orientation as well as include different and/or additional elements. For example, instead of a camera, alternative or additional embedded elements  108  can be positioned behind the panel  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , the camera system  200  illustrates an example configuration for combining the panel  106  and the camera  108 . In the illustrated example, the bezel or housing  104  includes a transparent portion  202 , an impregnated portion  204 , and an optical portion  206 . The bezel  104  is initially manufactured using a material that is sufficiently transparent such that an observer may perceive a color transmitted through the transparent material. For example, this material may comprise a plastic (e.g., clear plastic), epoxy, or other material that transmits a least a portion of visible light. The transparent portion  202  is constructed of this material. The bezel  104  is then injected or otherwise impregnated with a material that is substantially opaque, forming the impregnated portion  204 . The bezel  104  may be injected or otherwise impregnated with any suitable material such as a plastic (e.g., white plastic), paint, epoxy, or other material. The boundary between the impregnated portion  204  and the transparent portion  202  forms an impregnated boundary  208 . Thus, the bezel  104  has an appearance to users or other observers of having the color of the impregnated portion  204 , which is visible through the transparent portion  202 . 
     The optical portion  206  is any suitable material that sufficiently transmits visible light such that the camera  108  may capture at least a portion of the light and the system  100  may generate an image based, at least in part, on the captured light. For example, the optical portion  206  may comprise glass, plastic, or other sufficiently transparent material. In a typical implementation, the transparent portion  202  is not capable of transmitting light without distortion because it is made with a non-optical grade plastic or other material. The optical portion  206 , on the other hand, can be made with an optical grade plastic, glass, or other material to allow light to pass with a relatively low level of distortion. As a result, the camera  108  can clearly and sharply capture images through the optical portion  206 , and/or the camera  108  or other embedded elements can be clearly viewed through the optical portion  206  by a user. 
     As discussed above, the panel  106  selectively switches between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state. In the illustrated example, the panel  106  is inserted or formed in the bezel  104  such that the boundary  210  of the panel  106  (i.e., between the panel  106  and the optical portion  206 ) substantially aligns with the embedded boundary  208 . Indeed, the area boundary  210  and the embedded boundary  208  are substantially coplanar. As a result, a user of the system  100  may perceive that the panel  106  and the embedded portion  204  as substantially flush. In this case, the panel  106  and the impregnated portion  204  have the same depth from the surface of the bezel  104 , preventing users from being able to use depth perception to distinguish between the viewing area  106  and the impregnated portion  204 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , the camera system  220  illustrates an example configuration for combining the panel  106  and the camera  108 . In the illustrated example, the bezel  104  includes a transparent portion  202 , a painted portion  222 , a window  224 , and a cavity  226 . The bezel  104  is initially manufactured using a material that is sufficiently transparent such that an observer may perceive a color transmitted through the transparent material. For example, this material may comprise a plastic, epoxy, or other material that transmits a least a portion of visible light. The transparent portion  202  comprises this material. The transparent portion  202  is then painted or otherwise coated with a material that is sufficiently opaque and, thus, forming the painted portion  204  on one side of the transparent portion  202  (i.e., on the side opposite an exterior surface of the bezel  104 ). The coating material may be any suitable material such as paint, plastic, epoxy, or other material. The boundary of the transparent portion  202  that abuts the painted portion  222  forms an outer boundary  228 . The window  224  is any suitable material that sufficiently transmits visible light such that the camera  108  may capture at least a portion of the light and the system  100  may generate an image based, at least in part, on the captured light. For example, the window  224  may comprise glass, plastic, or other sufficiently transparent material. The cavity  226  is formed by the bezel  104 , the window  224 , and the panel  106 . 
     As discussed above, the panel  106  selectively switches between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state. In the illustrated example, the panel  106  is affixed to the bezel  104  such that the boundary  210  of the panel  106  substantially aligns with the outer boundary  228 . Indeed, the area boundary  210  and the outer boundary  228  are substantially coplanar. As a result, a user of the system  100  may perceive that the panel  106  and the painted portion  222  are substantially flush. In this case, the panel  106  and the painted portion  222  have the same depth from the surface of the bezel  104 , preventing users from being able to use depth perception to distinguish between the viewing area  106  and the painted portion  222 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C , the camera system  240  illustrates an example configuration for combining the panel  106  and the camera  108 . In the illustrated example, the bezel  104  includes an opaque portion  242  and the panel  106 . The bezel  104  is initially manufactured using a material that is sufficiently opaque. For example, this material may comprise a plastic, epoxy, or other material that does not substantially transmit visible light. In the case that the opaque portion  242  is sufficiently opaque, the boundary of the opaque portion  242  is perceived to be an outer boundary  244 . As discussed above, the panel  106  includes the area boundary  210 . In the illustrated example, the panel  106  is inserted, formed, or otherwise included in the bezel  104  such that the area boundary  210  substantially aligns with the outer boundary  244 . Indeed, the area boundary  210  and the outer boundary  228  are substantially coplanar. As a result, a user of the system  100  may perceive that the panel  106  and the opaque portion  242  are substantially flush. In this case, the panel  106  and the opaque portion  242  have the same depth from the surface of the bezel  104 , preventing users from being able to use depth perception to distinguish between the viewing area  106  and the opaque portion  242 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating example method  300  for optically switching the panel  106  of  FIG. 1 . Generally, method  300  describes one example technique for the system  100  to switch the panel  106 . The following descriptions will focus on the operation of the system  100  in performing this method. But system  100  can use any appropriate combination and arrangement of logical elements implementing some or all of the described functionality. 
     Method  300  begins at step  302  where a request to switch the panel  106  is received. As discussed above, the request may be generated in response to a suitable event such as a request from the user or a request automatically generated by the system  100 . Next, at step  304 , the system  100  transmits a command to the panel  106  to selectively switch the panel  106  in accordance with the request. If the request is for the opaque state at decisional step  306 , then the panel  106  terminates any voltages applied to switch to the default state at step  308 . If the request is for the transparent state at decisional step  306 , then the panel  106  applies the appropriate voltage to switch to the active state at step  310 . In connection with activating the active state of the panel  106 , the camera  108  is activated, at step  312 , to capture light such that the system  100  may generate images based, at least in part, on the captured light. 
     The invention and all of the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, or in combinations of them. The invention can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. 
     The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the invention, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the invention can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). 
     Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. 
     To provide for interaction with a user, the invention can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     Although certain embodiments and generally associated methods have been described, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain the invention. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120824
Publication Date: 20140805
Grant Date: 20140805
Priority Date: 20060104
Inventors: BILBREY BRETT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1605", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N7/142", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1605", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N7/142", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 38223935