Under-Display Camera Pixel Control for Privacy-Aware Image Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user devices with front-facing cameras struggle to effectively modify captured images in response to user privacy preferences, environmental sensitivity, or location-specific conditions, leading to potential exposure of sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
An under-display camera system where disabled display pixels are selectively enabled to modify captured images based on predetermined conditions, such as user privacy settings, facial recognition, location detection, or data connections, using techniques like blurring, blending, or adjusting contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If display pixels overlying the camera sensor are disabled to improve camera capture, then image capture quality is improved, but the display shows visible defects or holes at the camera location
Solution Approach 1:
The display pixels overlying the camera sensor are dynamically controlled - disabled during camera capture mode and enabled during normal display mode. The system transitions between states based on operational context, allowing the same pixels to serve dual purposes without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The display pixels are periodically enabled and disabled based on the operational state. During camera capture, the pixels are disabled; during normal display operation, they are enabled. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by alternating between the two conflicting requirements.
2Ease of operation
If display pixels are enabled to show content, then display functionality is improved, but the camera capture quality deteriorates due to pixels blocking the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of display pixels based on operational mode. When the display is active, pixels are enabled for content presentation. When the camera is active, the same pixels are disabled to prevent interference with light reaching the sensor, ensuring optimal capture quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the specific display pixels overlying the camera sensor are selectively disabled during capture mode, while the rest of the display pixels remain enabled. This localized control maintains display functionality in non-camera areas while ensuring camera capture quality where needed.
3Reliability
If all display pixels are disabled over the camera sensor, then camera capture is maximized, but the display area loses visual coverage and shows large defects
Solution Approach 1:
The display pixel array is segmented into two functional zones: pixels overlying the camera sensor that are disabled during capture mode, and the surrounding pixels that remain enabled. This segmentation allows the system to maximize camera capture while preserving most of the display coverage area, minimizing visual defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The disabling of display pixels is localized only to the region overlying the camera sensor, rather than affecting the entire display. This localized approach minimizes the impact on display coverage area while ensuring optimal camera capture conditions in the critical region.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to an apparatus, method and computer program associated with modification of captured images. The method may comprise capturing images using an under-display camera of an apparatus in which at least some display pixels which overlie a camera sensor are disabled. The method may also detecting at least one predetermined condition and enabling at least some of the disabled display pixels to modify at least part of an image or images being captured, responsive to detecting the at least one predetermined condition.