Google has recently filed a patent that has the potential to revolutionize the way we control the privacy of our cameras in wearable devices. The patent, titled 'Systems and Devices for Controlling Camera Privacy in Wearable Devices,' describes a system that could provide users with the ability to control the privacy of their cameras.
It would work by using a camera cover, which could be moved between a closed position (blocking the camera's view) and an open position (allowing the camera to capture data). This camera cover could be activated by an actuator outside the device, giving users full control over when their camera is enabled and when it is not.
If this patent is put into action, it could provide a much-needed level of privacy for those who wear wearable devices. For example, many people use smartwatches and fitness trackers that have cameras built-in. With this patent, users would have the ability to control when the camera is active and when it is not. This would ensure that the camera is not capturing any unwanted images or data without the user's knowledge.
In addition to providing users with a greater sense of privacy, this patent could also open the door to new types of applications. For example, users with wearable devices could create custom camera covers that light up when the camera is enabled, allowing them to take pictures with the camera more easily. Or, the actuator could be used to trigger a voice command, allowing users to take pictures by simply speaking a command.
The patent also mentions the potential for other types of actuators, such as motion sensors and pressure sensors, to be used to control the camera cover. This would allow the camera cover to be opened and closed in response to a user's movements or other external stimuli.
This patent could also have implications for the future of augmented reality (AR). With the camera cover and actuator in place, users could have more control over when they use their camera to capture AR data. This could be particularly useful for applications such as AR gaming, where users could enable their camera only when they want to capture and interact with the game.
Overall, Google's patent for controlling camera privacy in wearable devices provides an interesting solution to a problem that many people face today. With a camera cover and actuator, users could have more control over when their camera is enabled and when it is not, providing them with a greater sense of privacy. Additionally, this patent could open the door to new types of applications and could be particularly useful for augmented reality applications. While this patent is still pending, it could have the potential to revolutionize the way we use our cameras in wearable devices.