Samsung has reportedly patented a new under-display camera technology
Samsung has reportedly patented a new technology for its under-display camera (UDC) that will improve image quality compared to the existing optical sensors on the Galaxy Z series smartphones. According to the report, the new UDC addresses issues around image resolution and user experience. The camera will reportedly be added to the South Korean tech giant’s bar phones, foldable phones and rollable handsets in the future. The optical sensor will reportedly be accompanied by a new driver integrated circuit (IC) that will drive the display to ensure more light flows to the sensor.
Samsung reportedly patents new UDC technology
The patent was discovered by Teleprompter in collaboration with tipster David from @xleaks7 on X (formerly known as Twitter). According to the reportThe patent mentioned an under-display camera equipped with a display driver IC (DDI) to adjust the image output by controlling the display directly above the sensor.
According to the report, the patent stated that the UDC can be “implemented as an electronic device, such as a slideable, rollable, or foldable electronic device.” The innovation’s full tech stack would include the DDI chip, the new optical UDC sensor, and an OLED display.
The DDI chipset is crucial for image output, according to the report. It is said to either turn off the pixels in the display surrounding the optical sensor or display a different image to minimize the visual impact. Samsung is said to have said that this will improve the user experience, as users won’t have to worry about the cutout for the front-facing camera.
But its role doesn’t stop there. With the presence of a UDC, the display area above it will need less pixel density so that the sensor can get enough light. The DDI chipset can keep the camera hidden despite this, reportedly by brightening the OLED panel or intelligently placing an icon or other element.
As for the optical sensor, the report claims that the new UDC will have a higher resolution and a larger sensor to ensure better image output. Notably, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses a 4-megapixel selfie camera on the inner foldable display, which hasn’t been upgraded for multiple generations.
It is difficult to say if and when the new technology will appear in Samsung smartphones. Obtaining a patent does not confirm the development of a device.
