US Patent 10481469 Camera shutters

An example shutter assembly for protecting cameras, such as webcams, integrated into computing devices is disclosed. The shutter assembly includes an actuator element and shutter element. The actuator element can rotate an axis to pivot the shutter element into and out of the field of view of the camera assembly. The actuator can extend through or be otherwise accessible through the housing of the computing device so that the shutter can move in a plane parallel to the front surface or bezel of the computing device. Because the shutter element operated from a surface other than the front facing surface, the bezel can include a single surface with a window to protect the camera assembly and allow for a touch control capabilities. The shutter element can be disposed between the bezel and the camera assembly to provide privacy from the camera being inadvertently or maliciously activated.