PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11595559-B2
Application Number: US-202117214775-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Tamper-resistant indicators for electronic devices

Abstract:
Aspects of the subject technology relate to a tamper-resistant indicator of recording by a camera. Electronic devices are disclosed that include a camera, an indicator light for the camera, and a light sensor. The light sensor is disposed proximate to the indicator light so that blocking or masking the indicator light also prevents light from reaching the light sensor. In this way, the light sensor can be used to detect tampering with, masking, blocking, destroying, or otherwise preventing the indicator light from indicating when the camera is recording.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a camera disposed within the housing and configured to capture images of an environment external to the housing; 
 a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light out of the housing at all times during which the camera is operating; and 
 a light sensor disposed within the housing adjacent to the light source and configured to:
 receive light from the external environment; and 
 disable the camera if an amount of light received by the light sensor is below a threshold. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light source and the light sensor are co-located within the housing in sufficient proximity that masking or destroying the light source to prevent the projection of the light out of the housing correspondingly masks or destroys the light sensor. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the light source and the light sensor are disposed on a common substrate. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the camera is disposed on the common substrate. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the camera, the light source, and the light sensor are disposed adjacent to a transparent portion of the housing, wherein the electronic device comprises a masking layer on the transparent portion of the housing, the masking layer having an opening that is aligned with the light source and the light sensor to allow light to pass through the opening to the light sensor and through the opening from the light source. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light sensor is configured to disable the camera if the amount of light received by the light sensor is below the threshold by disabling the camera if the amount of the light from the external environment is below the threshold. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the threshold is a first threshold, and wherein the light sensor is further configured to:
 receive light from the light source when the light source is operating; and 
 disable the camera when an amount of the light from the light source is below a second threshold. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , further comprising an ambient light sensor, wherein the first threshold is adjustable based on an amount of ambient light as measured by the ambient light sensor. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the camera is configured to receive power from system circuitry for the electronic device, wherein the light source is communicatively uncoupled from the system circuitry and configured to receive power from the camera at all times during which the camera is operating, and wherein the light sensor is hardwired to the camera and inaccessible by the system circuitry. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light sensor is configured to disable the camera by preventing power provided by system circuitry of the electronic device from reaching the camera. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light sensor is configured to disable the camera by preventing output from the camera. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light sensor is hardwired to the camera. 
     
     
       13. A method, comprising:
 providing an electrical signal to operate a camera of an electronic device that includes an indicator light that is configured to be active when the camera is active; and 
 preventing, by a light sensor of the electronic device, the electrical signal from operating the camera if an amount of light received at the light sensor from an environment external to the electronic device is less than a threshold. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 receiving, by the light sensor during a first period of time, a first amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device, the first amount of light greater than the threshold; 
 allowing, by the light sensor, the electrical signal to operate the camera during the first period of time, 
 wherein preventing the electrical signal from operating the camera if the amount of light received at the light sensor from the environment external to the electronic device is less than the threshold comprises:
 receiving, by the light sensor during a second period of time after the first period of time, a second amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device, the second amount of light less than the threshold; and 
 preventing, by the light sensor, the electrical signal from operating the camera during the second period of time. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the electrical signal to operate the camera comprises an electrical signal to activate the camera from an inactive state, and wherein preventing the electrical signal from operating the camera if the amount of light received at the light sensor from the environment external to the electronic device is less than the threshold comprises:
 receiving, by the light sensor prior to providing the electrical signal, an amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device that is less than the threshold; and 
 preventing, by the light sensor and responsive to receiving the amount of the light from the environment external to the electronic device that is less than the threshold, the electrical signal from activating the camera. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the light sensor is disposed adjacent to the indicator light. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the light sensor is hardwired to the camera. 
     
     
       18. An electronic device, comprising:
 a camera; 
 a light source configured to be active whenever the camera is active; and 
 a light sensor disposed adjacent to the light source and configured to prevent activation of the camera or deactivate the camera when at least one of:
 a first amount of light received at the light sensor from an external environment of the electronic device is less than a first threshold; and 
 a second amount of light received from the light source is less than a second threshold. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the light sensor and the light source are disposed in sufficient proximity that masking or destroying the light source to prevent the projection of the light out of the housing correspondingly masks or destroys the light sensor. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the light source comprises an indicator light for the camera. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 18 , further comprising a flash for the camera, and an ambient light sensor that is separate from the light source. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the light sensor is coupled to a switch that is operable responsive to a sensor signal from the light sensor to prevent the activation of the camera or deactivate the camera. 
     
     
       23. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the light sensor is hardwired to the camera.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/082,422, entitled “Tamper-Resistant Indicators for Electronic Devices,” filed on Sep. 23, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to tamper-resistant indicators for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, and tablet computers are often provided with cameras. Electronic devices with cameras can include an indicator light to indicate when the camera is recording, to alert the user and/or others in the vicinity of the camera that they may be being recorded. However, conventional devices having cameras and indicator lights can be vulnerable to tampering to disable the indicator light, which can expose the user or others to being recorded without notification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an example electronic device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a top view of a portion of an example electronic device having camera, a light source, and a light sensor in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of an example of an imaging component for an electronic device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an example arrangement of a light sensor and a light source for a camera of an electronic device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates another example arrangement of a light sensor and a light source for a camera of an electronic device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a schematic view of example circuitry for an electronic device in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic view of an example arrangement of a light sensor configured to prevent operation of a camera in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic view of another example arrangement of a light sensor configured to prevent operation of a camera in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a flow chart of an example process for operating an electronic device having a camera, a light source, and a light sensor in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an electronic system with which one or more implementations of the subject technology may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     The subject disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for prevention of masking, disabling, destroying, and/or otherwise tampering with a visual indicator that a camera is recording or otherwise capturing images or other information. In one or more implementations, a light sensor is provided in close proximity to a visual indicator (e.g., a light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) configured as an indicator light for the camera) and coupled to the camera, such that insufficient light received by the light sensor disables the camera. In this way, if the indicator light is covered, masked, or damaged (e.g., in an attempt to allow the camera to record and/or capture other information such as images, sound, depth or other information without an indication of recording by the indicator light), the light sensor resultantly disables operation of the camera. 
     An illustrative electronic device that can implement the subject matter described herein is shown in  FIG.  1   . In the example of  FIG.  1   , device  100  has been implemented in the form of a portable computer. As shown in  FIG.  1   , electronic device  100  may include keyboard  102  with keys  110 , display  104 , housing  106 , and a touch pad such as touch pad  112 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , display  104  may be mounted on the front of housing  106 . 
     Housing  106 , which may sometimes be referred to as a case, may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramics, fiber composites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of any two or more of these materials. Housing  106  may be formed using a unibody configuration in which some or all of housing  106  is machined or molded as a single structure or may be formed using multiple structures (e.g., an internal frame structure, one or more structures that form exterior housing surfaces, etc.). As shown in  FIG.  1   , housing  106  may have multiple parts. For example, housing  106  may have upper portion  106 A and lower portion  106 B. Upper portion  106 A may be coupled to lower portion  106 B using a hinge that allows upper portion  106 A to rotate about rotational axis  108  relative to lower portion  106 B. Keyboard  102  and touch pad  112  may be mounted in lower portion  106 B, in some implementations. 
     Display  104  may be a touch screen that incorporates capacitive touch electrodes or other touch sensor components or may be a display that is not touch-sensitive. Display  104  may include display pixels formed from light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), plasma cells, electrophoretic display elements, electrowetting display elements, liquid crystal display (LCD) components, or other suitable display pixel structures. Display  104  may have openings (e.g., openings in the inactive or active portions of display  104 ) such as an opening to accommodate a button or one or more openings to accommodate cameras such as camera  105 , light sources such as light source  116  (e.g., an indicator light for the camera), light sensors such as light sensor  118  associated with the light source  116 , and/or other light sensors such as ambient light sensor  120 . 
     Camera  105  and/or other cameras disposed around or behind the display may be operated by electronic device  100  to capture images (e.g., including still images and/or video image frames), record sound, and/or capture other information such as depth information for an environment around the electronic device. Electronic device  100  may also include a flash  122  that generates light to illuminate a scene for imaging and/or other recording by the camera  105 . 
     Light source  116  may include one or more LEDs and/or other sources of light, and may be configured as an indicator light for the camera  105 . For example, light source  116  located near the camera and/or may be hardwired to camera  105  so that the light source  116  operates (e.g., to project light out of the housing  106 ) at all times during which the camera  105  is operating (e.g., capturing images and/or other information). In this way, a user of the electronic device  100  and/or others within or near the field of view of camera  105  can be visually notified that they may be being recorded. 
     In some scenarios, a user of the device or another actor may attempt to operate the camera  105  without alerting the user or others that the camera is operating, by attempting to disable, destroy, or mask the light source  116 . Such an attempt can be a physical attempt made by a person at the physical location of the electronic device  100  (e.g., by placing a finger or a material such as tape, ink, or paint over the light source  116  or by physically destroying the light source) to prevent the light from being generated by the light source and/or projected from the housing  106 . Such an attempt can alternatively be an electronic attempt made by a person or machine at the location of the electronic device  100  or at another location by attempting to reprogram software and/or firmware at the device to allow operation of the camera  105  without operating the light source  116 . 
     In accordance with one or more implementations, the electronic device  100  of  FIG.  1    implements one or more components and/or processes as described herein to prevent physical and/or electronic attempts to operate camera  105  without the operation of a corresponding indicator light (e.g., light source  116 ). 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , electronic device  100  includes a light sensor  118 . Light sensor  118  may disposed adjacent to the light source  116  and arranged to receive light from the external environment of electronic device  100 . Light source  118  may be configured to disable the camera  105  if, for example, an amount of light received by the light sensor is below a threshold. For example, in one or more implementations, the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  are co-located within the housing  106  in sufficient proximity that masking or destroying the light source  116  (e.g., to prevent the projection of the light out of the housing  106 ) correspondingly masks or destroys the light sensor  118 . 
     For example, if a finger or a piece of tape is placed over the light source  116 , due to the position of the light sensor  118  in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the light source  116 , the light sensor  118  will also be blocked from receiving light from the environment external to the electronic device  100 . The amount of light received by light sensor  118  from the external environment may then fall below the threshold, resulting in disabling of the camera  105 . 
     In one or more implementations, electronic device  100  may also include an ambient light sensor  120 . The ambient light sensor  120  may also receive light (e.g., ambient light) from the environment external to the electronic device  100 , and may be used to measure the amount of ambient light. In one or more implementations, the threshold for light sensor  118  to disable the camera  105  may be adjustable based on the amount of ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor  120 . For example, the threshold may be adjustable (e.g., adjustable downward toward or to a non-zero lower limit when the ambient light sensor  120  detects low amounts of ambient light) to allow the camera to be operated in low-light scenarios (e.g., scenarios in which the light sensor  118  receives low amounts of light from the external environment) as long as the light source  116  is operating and projecting light out of the housing  106 . In one or more implementations, the adjustable threshold may include an adjustable upper threshold and an adjustable lower threshold, so that that the light sensor  118  only allows the camera  105  to operate if the amount of light received by the light sensor  118  is within a range of the amount of ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor  120 . In this way, if the amount of light received by the light sensor  118  is substantially less than the amount of light received by the ambient light sensor  120  (e.g., if the light sensor  118  and light source  116  are covered/masked and the ambient light sensor is not covered/masked in an environment with substantial detectable ambient light) or if the amount of light received by the light sensor  118  is substantially more than the amount of light received by the ambient light sensor  120  (e.g., due to reflection of light from a covering or masking over the light source  116  onto the light sensor in a low light environment in which the ambient light sensor detects a small amount of ambient light or no ambient light), the camera can be disabled or otherwise prevented from operating and/or communicating with the system circuitry of the device. 
     In one or more implementations, the light sensor  118  may also be arranged to receive light from the light source  116  when the light source  116  is generating light. The light sensor may be arranged to disable the camera  105  when an amount of the light from the light source  116  is below a second threshold. In this way, the light sensor  118  can also, or alternatively, prevent operation of the camera  105  by directly detecting whether light is being generated by the light source  116 . In one or more implementations, the light sensor  118  may receive the light from the external environment and the light from light source  116  so that the light sensor  118  can be used to verify both that the light source  116  is generating light and is not covered, masked, or blocked from projecting the light out of the housing. 
     The configuration of electronic device  100  in the example of  FIG.  1    is merely illustrative. In other implementations, electronic device  100  may be implemented in the form of a computer such as a computer that is integrated into a display such as a computer monitor, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a somewhat smaller portable device such as a wrist-watch device, pendant device, or other wearable or miniature device, a media player, a gaming device, a navigation device, a computer monitor, a television, or other electronic equipment. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a top view of a portion  200  of the housing  106  of electronic device  100  (e.g., a portion of the housing formed by a portion of the display  104 ). As shown in  FIG.  2   , the camera  105 , the light source  116 , and the light sensor  118  may be disposed adjacent to an opening  206  in the portion  200  of the housing  106 , the opening allowing light to pass therethrough from the light source out of the housing, and from the external environment into the housing. 
     Opening  206  may be formed from, for example, a hole in an opaque portion of the housing, or may be an opening in a masking layer on a transparent layer of the housing. In the example of  FIG.  2   , the opening  206  is an opening in a masking layer  204  that is formed on a transparent portion  202  of the housing. The transparent portion  202  may, for example, be a cover glass layer of display  104 . In this example, the masking layer  204  includes the opening  206  that is aligned with the light source  116  and the light sensor  118 , to allow light  236  to pass through the opening  206  to the light sensor  118  and to allow light  232  to pass through the opening  206  from the light source  116 . In the example of  FIG.  2   , camera  105  is adjacent to the same opening  206  as the light source  116  and the light sensor  118 , to allow the camera  105  to receive light  230  through the opening. In other implementations, the camera  105  may be disposed adjacent to a separate opening from the opening  206  for the light source  116  and the light sensor  118 . Because the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  are co-located within the housing  106  in sufficient proximity that masking or destroying the light source  116  to prevent the projection of the light  232  out of the housing  106  correspondingly masks or destroys the light sensor  118 , the light source  116  and  118  may be disposed in sufficient proximity to share a single opening  206  in the masking layer  204  (or a single hole in an opaque portion of the housing). 
     In the example of  FIG.  2   , the flash  122  is disposed adjacent a separate opening  210  and configured to project light  234  out of the housing to illuminate a scene for imaging by the camera  105  in some operational scenarios (e.g., when a low light condition is detected using ALS  120  and/or based on a user flash setting) The flash  122  can be disabled by a user via, for example, an application running on system circuitry for the device. In the example of  FIG.  2   , the ALS  120  is disposed adjacent to another opening  214  so that light  238  (e.g., ambient light) can pass through the opening  214  to the ALS  120 . In various other implementations, the ALS  120 , the flash  122 , the camera  105  can be disposed adjacent to and/or within one, two, or three openings in common with or separate from the opening  206  for the light source  116  and the light sensor  118 . 
     In one or more implementations, the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  may be disposed in close proximity by forming the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  on a common substrate.  FIG.  3    illustrates an implementation of a light source  116  and a light sensor  118  that are disposed adjacent to each other on a common substrate  300 . In the example of  FIG.  3   , camera  105  is formed on the same common substrate  300  as the light source  116  and the light sensor  118 . However, in other implementations, the camera  105  may be formed on a separate substrate and communicatively coupled to the substrate  300  for light source  116  and the light sensor  118  (e.g., via an electrical connector between the substrates). In the example of  FIG.  3   , an imaging component  301  formed by the substrate  300 , the camera  105 , the light source  116 , and the light sensor  118  is coupled to a connector  302  (e.g., a flexible integrated circuit) that communicatively couples the camera  105  to system circuitry (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  6 - 8   ) for the electronic device  100 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  may be separated by a distance D that is less than, for example, 2 millimeters (mm), less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm. By arranging the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  within the distance D, the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  can be positioned in sufficient proximity that masking the light source  116  (e.g., directly or by covering some or all of the opening  206 ) or damaging the light source  116  (e.g., with a pin or another sharp object) correspondingly masks or damages the light sensor  118 . 
       FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate other arrangements of the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  that form the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  co-located in sufficient proximity that masking or destroying the light source to prevent the projection of the light out of the housing correspondingly masks or destroys the light sensor. 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   , the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  are formed as a stacked emitter/receiver component in which light  236  must pass through at least a portion of the light source  116  in order to pass from the external environment to the light sensor. In this configuration, masking or destroying the light source  116  to prevent the projection of the light  232  out of the housing correspondingly masks or destroys the light sensor  118 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the light source  116  and the light sensor  118  are formed as elements of a common package having a package housing  500  through which light  232  and  236  passes from light source  116  and to light sensor  118 , respectively. In this configuration, damage to the package housing  500  that prevents light  232  from being projected from light source  116  correspondingly prevents light  236  from exiting through the damaged package housing. In one or more implementations, a light barrier  502  may be provided that prevents light generated by the light source  116  from reaching the light sensor  118 . However, in other implementations, a portion of the light from light source  116  may be directed to and/or be detectable by the light sensor  118  (e.g., to allow the light sensor  118  to verify that the light source  116  is generating light). 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a schematic diagram of various components of electronic device  100  in accordance with aspects of the subject technology. As shown in  FIG.  6   , camera  105  may be communicatively coupled to system circuitry for the electronic device, such as system circuitry  600 . System circuitry may include one or more processors, memory, and/or other circuitry for running an operating system and/or various applications for the electronic device (e.g., a camera application and/or other applications that access the camera  105 ), and/or for operating one or more components of the device. For example, camera  105  may be configured to receive power from system circuitry  600  for the electronic device  100  and/or to read out image data and/or other captured data to the system circuitry  600 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the light source  116  may be communicatively uncoupled from the system circuitry  600  and configured to receive power from the camera  105  (e.g., at all times during which the camera is operating). In this way, the light source  116  is configured as an indicator light for the camera  105 , and is insulated from, for example, a hack of the system circuitry  600  and/or the camera  105 . As indicated in  FIG.  6   , the light sensor  118  may be hardwired to the camera and inaccessible by the system circuitry  600 . Responsive to receiving light  236  from external to the device and above a threshold, the light sensor  118  may provide a signal to camera  105  that allows the camera to be activated and/or to continue to operate. Responsive to an amount of light  236  that is below the threshold, light sensor  118  may provide a different signal to the camera to prevent activation of or continued operation of the camera, or may discontinue providing the signal to camera  105  that allows the camera to be activated and/or to continue to operate. As shown in the example of  FIG.  6   , the light sensor  118  can control the activation/operation of the camera  105  via direct communication with the camera, and without communicating with the system circuitry  600 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , in one or more implementations, light sensor  118  may be configured to receive light  232 A from the light source when the light source  116  is operating. Light sensor  118  may also, or alternatively, disable the camera  105  when an amount of the light  232 A from the light source  116  is below a second threshold. For example, the light sensor  118  may detect the light  236  and the light  232 A separately (e.g., using multiple sensor elements such as a first sensor element configured to detect a wide range of visible light wavelengths that are common in sunlight and/or common interior lighting, and a second sensor element configured to detect a narrow range of wavelengths that are emitted by the light source  116 ), and compare the amount of the light  236  to a first threshold and the amount of the light  232 A to a second threshold. For example, light source  116  may be a substantially green source that emits light in a narrow band of green wavelengths, and the light sensor  118  may include a separate sensing element configured to sense light in the narrow band of green wavelengths. In another example, the light source  116  may emit a known amount of infrared light (e.g., from a separate infrared emitting element and in addition to the visible light  232  for indicating that the camera is on) that can be detected by an infrared sensing element in the light sensor  118 . By detecting light  232 A separately from light  236  from the ambient environment, the light sensor  118  can disable or prevent activation of the camera  105  in scenarios in which the light sensor  118  receives ambient light from external to the device, but the light source  118  is not operating. 
     In one or more other implementations, light sensor  118  may allow or prevent operation of the camera  105  based on a total amount of light received at the light sensor (e.g., a combination of the light  232  from external to the device and the light  232 A from light source  116 ), such as by using a single sensing element, and comparing the total amount of light to a single threshold (e.g., a threshold that is set based on a known expected amount of light  232 A and a predetermined or adjustable minimum amount of external light). 
     Signal(s) from light sensor  118  may be processed by circuitry of the camera  105  and/or may be used to allow or interrupt signals between the camera  105  and the system circuitry  600 , to allow or prevent activation/operation of the camera. For example, in one or more implementations, the light sensor  118  may be coupled to a switch that is operable responsive to a sensor signal from the light sensor  118  to prevent the activation of the camera or deactivate the camera.  FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate examples in which the signal(s) from the light sensor  118  are coupled to a switch for control of the communication between the camera  105  and the system circuitry  600 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  7   , the light sensor  118  is configured to enable and/or disable the camera  105  by allowing and/or preventing power and/or other control signals provided by system circuitry  600  of the electronic device from reaching the camera  105 . For example, a signal from the light sensor  118  that increases or decreases with the amount of light (e.g., light  232  and/or  232 A) received by the light sensor may be provided as a control signal to open and/or close a switch  700  along a power line or other control line from the system circuitry  600  to the camera  105  (e.g., by providing the light sensor signal to the gate terminal of a transistor along the power line in one illustrative example). For example, when sufficient light  232  and/or  232 A is received by the light sensor  118  (e.g., indicating that the light source  116  is operating and/or capable of projecting light out of the housing), the signal from the light sensor  118  may close the switch  700  to allow power to reach the camera  105  from the system circuitry  600 , and when insufficient light  232  and/or  232 A is received by the light sensor  118  (e.g., indicating that the light source  116  is not operating and/or is blocked from projecting light out of the housing), the signal from the light sensor may open the switch  700  to prevent the power from the system circuitry  600  from reaching the camera  105 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the light sensor  118  is configured to enable and/or disable the camera  105  by allowing and/or preventing output from the camera  105  to the system circuitry  600 . For example, a signal from the light sensor  118  that increases or decreases with the amount of light (e.g., light  232  and/or  232 A) received by the light sensor may be provided as a control signal to open and/or close a switch  800  along a communications line from the camera  105  to the system circuitry  600  (e.g., by providing the light sensor signal to the gate terminal of a transistor along the communications line in one illustrative example). For example, when sufficient light  232  and/or  232 A is received by the light sensor  118 , the signal from the light sensor may close the switch  800  to allow output from the camera  105  to the system circuitry  600 , and when insufficient light  232  and/or  232 A is received by the light sensor  118 , the signal from the light sensor may open the switch  800  to prevent the output from the camera  105  from reaching the system circuitry  600 . 
     Although the switches  700  and  800  of  FIGS.  7  and  8    are illustrated as being external to the camera, in one or more implementations, switch  700  and/or switch  800  and/or one or more additional and/or other components for enabling/disabling the camera  105  responsive to the signal(s) from the light sensor) may be implemented as a part of the circuitry of the camera  105 . Although a single light sensor  118  is depicted in  FIGS.  7  and  8    as controlling the switches  700  and  800 , in other implementations, multiple light sensors  118  (e.g., each having a corresponding indicator light source co-located therewith) can feed into the control mechanism (e.g., switch  700 , switch  800 , or another control mechanism) for camera  105  (e.g., so that multiple light sensors  118  must be receiving external light and/or detected to be emitting light in order to allow operation/activation of the camera). 
       FIG.  9    depicts a flow diagram of an example process  900  for operating an electronic device having a camera, an indicator light, and a light sensor, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. For explanatory purposes, the example process of  FIG.  9    is described herein with reference to the components of  FIGS.  1 - 8   . Further for explanatory purposes, the blocks of the example process of  FIG.  9    are described herein as occurring in series, or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the example process of  FIG.  9    may occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of the example process of  FIG.  9    need not be performed in the order shown and/or one or more of the blocks of the example process of  FIG.  9    need not be performed. 
     In the depicted example flow diagram, at block  902 , an electrical signal is provided (e.g., from system circuitry  600  of an electronic device such as electronic device  100 ) to operate a camera (e.g., camera  105 ) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device  100 ) that includes an indicator light (e.g., light source  116 ) that is configured to be active when the camera is active (e.g., at all times when the camera is operating to capture images and/or other information). 
     At block  904 , a light sensor (e.g., light sensor  118 ) of the electronic device may prevent the electrical signal from operating the camera if an amount of light received at the light sensor from an environment external to the electronic device is less than a threshold. Preventing the electrical signal from operating the camera may include preventing the electrical signal from activating the camera when the camera is inactive, or may include deactivating the camera when the camera is active. The light sensor may be disposed adjacent to the indicator light (e.g., to detect an approximate amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device that reaches the light source to indicate whether the light source has a clear path to emit light to the external environment). 
     In one or more implementations, the light sensor may deactivate, disable, or otherwise prevent operation or activation of the camera by preventing power provided by system circuitry of the electronic device from reaching the camera. In one or more implementations, the light sensor may deactivate, disable, or otherwise prevent operation or activation or the camera by preventing output from the camera from reaching the system circuitry for the device. 
     In one or more implementations, the threshold may be a first threshold corresponding to an amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device. The light sensor may prevent the electrical signal from operating the camera if a first amount of light received at the light sensor from an external environment of the electronic device is less than the first threshold. In one or more implementations, the light sensor may also, or alternatively, prevent the electrical signal from operating the camera when a second amount of light received from the light source is less than a second threshold. 
     In one or more implementations, preventing the electrical signal from operating the camera if the amount of light received at the light sensor from the environment external to the electronic device is less than the threshold may include receiving, by the light sensor during a first period of time, a first amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device, the first amount of light greater than the threshold; allowing, by the light sensor, the electrical signal to operate the camera during the first period of time; receiving, by the light sensor during a second period of time after the first period of time, a second amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device, the second amount of light less than the threshold; and preventing, by the light sensor, the electrical signal from operating the camera during the second period of time. 
     As another example, in one or more implementations, the electrical signal to operate the camera may be an electrical signal to activate the camera from an inactive state, and preventing the electrical signal from operating the camera if the amount of light received at the light sensor from the environment external to the electronic device is less than the threshold may include receiving, by the light sensor prior to providing the electrical signal, an amount of light from the environment external to the electronic device that is less than the threshold. Preventing the electrical signal from operating the camera if the amount of light received at the light sensor from the environment external to the electronic device is less than the threshold may also include preventing, by the light sensor and responsive to receiving the amount of the light from the environment external to the electronic device that is less than the threshold, the electrical signal from activating the camera. 
     In one or more implementations, the electronic device may also include an ambient light sensor (e.g., ALS  120 ). In one or more implementations, the first threshold may be adjustable based on an amount of ambient light as measured by the ambient light sensor. In this way, the camera can be allowed to operate in low light conditions (e.g., when both the ambient light sensor  120  and the light sensor  118  receive low amounts of light from the external environment) as long as the light source  116  is operational. 
     Although various examples are described herein in which a light source is implemented as an indicator light for a camera, it should be appreciated that a light sensor can also, or alternatively, be provided in association with indicator lights for other components and/or processes of an electronic device. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be captured by a camera in an image. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that those entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities would be expected to implement and consistently apply privacy practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. Such information regarding the use of personal data should be prominently and easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate uses only. Further, such collection/sharing should occur only after receiving the consent of the users or other legitimate basis specified in applicable law. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations which may serve to impose a higher standard. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of capturing images by a camera, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection and/or sharing of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing identifiers, controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at city level rather than at an address level or at a scale that is insufficient for facial recognition), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods such as differential privacy. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates an electronic system  1000  with which one or more implementations of the subject technology may be implemented. The electronic system  1000  can be, and/or can be a part of, electronic device  100  shown in  FIG.  1    and/or  FIG.  3   . The electronic system  1000  may include various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. The electronic system  1000  includes a bus  1008 , one or more processing unit(s)  1012 , a system memory  1004  (and/or buffer), a ROM  1010 , a permanent storage device  1002 , an input device interface  1014 , an output device interface  1006 , and one or more network interfaces  1016 , or subsets and variations thereof. 
     The bus  1008  collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of the electronic system  1000 . In one or more implementations, the bus  1008  communicatively connects the one or more processing unit(s)  1012  with the ROM  1010 , the system memory  1004 , and the permanent storage device  1002 . From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s)  1012  retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the subject disclosure. The one or more processing unit(s)  1012  can be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations. 
     The ROM  1010  stores static data and instructions that are needed by the one or more processing unit(s)  1012  and other modules of the electronic system  1000 . The permanent storage device  1002 , on the other hand, may be a read-and-write memory device. The permanent storage device  1002  may be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system  1000  is off. In one or more implementations, a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device  1002 . 
     In one or more implementations, a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device  1002 . Like the permanent storage device  1002 , the system memory  1004  may be a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike the permanent storage device  1002 , the system memory  1004  may be a volatile read-and-write memory, such as random access memory. The system memory  1004  may store any of the instructions and data that one or more processing unit(s)  1012  may need at runtime. In one or more implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in the system memory  1004 , the permanent storage device  1002 , and/or the ROM  1010 . From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s)  1012  retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of one or more implementations. 
     The bus  1008  also connects to the input and output device interfaces  1014  and  1006 . The input device interface  1014  enables a user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system  1000 . Input devices that may be used with the input device interface  1014  may include, for example, alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”). The output device interface  1006  may enable, for example, the display of images generated by electronic system  1000 . Output devices that may be used with the output device interface  1006  may include, for example, a display such as display  104  of  FIG.  1   . One or more implementations may include devices that function as both input and output devices, such as a touchscreen. In these implementations, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     Finally, as shown in  FIG.  10   , the bus  1008  also couples the electronic system  1000  to one or more networks and/or to one or more network nodes, such as the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , through the one or more network interface(s)  1016 . In this manner, the electronic system  1000  can be a part of a network of computers (such as a LAN, a wide area network (“WAN”), or an Intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of the electronic system  1000  can be used in conjunction with the subject disclosure. 
     In accordance with other aspects of the subject disclosure, an electronic device is provided that includes a housing; a camera disposed within the housing and configured to capture images of an environment external to the housing; a light source disposed within the housing and configured to project light out of the housing at all times during which the camera is operating; and a light sensor disposed within the housing adjacent to the light source and configured to: receive light from the external environment; and disable the camera if an amount of light received by the light sensor is below a threshold. 
     In accordance with other aspects of the subject disclosure, a method is provided that includes providing an electrical signal to operate a camera of an electronic device that includes an indicator light that is configured to be active when the camera is active; and preventing, by a light sensor of the electronic device, the electrical signal from operating the camera if an amount of light received at the light sensor from an environment external to the electronic device is less than a threshold. 
     In accordance with other aspects of the subject disclosure, an electronic device is provided that includes a camera; a light source configured to be active whenever the camera is active; and a light sensor disposed adjacent to the light source and configured to prevent activation of the camera or deactivate the camera when at least one of: a first amount of light received at the light sensor from an external environment of the electronic device is less than a first threshold; and a second amount of light received from the light source is less than a second threshold. 
     Various functions described above can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks. 
     Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and/or solid state hard drives, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. 
     While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself. 
     As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the terms “display” or “displaying” means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirely restricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in a form that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals. 
     To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device as described herein for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as 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, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     Many of the above-described features and applications are implemented as software processes that are specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer readable storage medium (also referred to as computer readable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing unit(s) (e.g., one or more processors, cores of processors, or other processing units), they cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard drives, EPROMs, etc. The computer readable media does not include carrier waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wired connections. 
     In this specification, the term “software” is meant to include firmware residing in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage, which can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Also, in some implementations, multiple software aspects of the subject disclosure can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program while remaining distinct software aspects of the subject disclosure. In some implementations, multiple software aspects can also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs that together implement a software aspect described here is within the scope of the subject disclosure. In some implementations, the software programs, when installed to operate on one or more electronic systems, define one or more specific machine implementations that execute and perform the operations of the software programs. 
     A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), 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 that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. 
     It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks be performed. Some of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject disclosure. 
     The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code 
     A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
     The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or design 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210326
Publication Date: 20230228
Grant Date: 20230228
Priority Date: 20200923
Inventors: VEDULA, SRINIVAS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/667", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/86", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/6245", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01J1/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01J1/4204", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/86", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/56", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/6245", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01J1/4204", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01J1/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/60", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/667", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2257", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2256", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2252", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01J1/4204", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/6245", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/232", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01J1/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80741880