Microsoft is applying for a patent for the four-camera technology under the Logo Camera screen or using it on Surface devices – Microsoft Surface

By launching the Surface Duo, Microsoft has demonstrated its idea of ​​dual-screen mobile devices with hinges.However, recently, Dutch tech blog LetsGoDigital revealed Microsoft’s new Surface brewing device, which features four sensors/cameras operating under the screen.When the camera is off, a tag can also be displayed nearby so the user can make adjustments as needed.

(From: LetsGoDigital)

One of the shortcomings of the Surface Duo dual-screen mobile device is its camera system. As indicated by numerous reviews, the image quality of this 11-megapixel camera is poor.

However, based on what was recently revealed, Microsoft is expected to change this in the near future. For example, in October of last year, Microsoft released a job posting online, hoping to hire a “chief Android camera system engineer/Surface development engineer.”

(Image via LetsGoDigital)

Now, we learned that Microsoft Technology Licensing Co., Ltd. I applied for a design patent named “Logo Camera” in October 2020, and it was officially disclosed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on May 14, 2021.

From the 40-page document, we can see here a new invention that we have not seen before – a detailed introduction to four cameras hidden under the screen, and each camera has its own style.

(Image via LetsGoDigital)

The document states that this technology is primarily aimed at “portable computing devices such as the Microsoft Surface.” With the support of the filter, the four cameras at the bottom of the screen can also display color codes (for example, displaying a true color sign when the camera is turned off).

By default, Microsoft chose to allow them to display their own brand logo. Once the shutter is activated, the mark will disappear, and the menu can be set on demand (such as changing to a company or club logo).

(Image via LetsGoDigital)

In order to allow everyone to better understand this technology, Dutch tech blog LetsGoDigital has worked with designer Giuseppe Spinelli to produce a series of shows.

It can be seen that the four front hidden cameras are arranged in a 2 x 2 format, along with several different camera sensors, Microsoft can also use the modular design to keep the device slim.

(Image via LetsGoDigital)

Interestingly, the four sensors mentioned in the document are optimized for the four colors of red, yellow, blue and green (RYBG). In addition to the standard RGB, the fourth color enhancement can increase its range of application.

Notably, the filter can also help improve camera performance in low light, or be used to give different feedback to the user, such as color hints when the camera is enabled.

(Image via LetsGoDigital)

However, this technique is not without its drawbacks, as some color conversions can be very sensitive to signal noise (especially when color saturation is low).

However, Microsoft still hopes to eliminate the impact through software optimization. For example, using artificial intelligence / neural network technology to find out the difference between blurred and non-blurry light in an image to correct light loss and diffraction.

Finally, in order to implant the logo camera directly below, it is necessary to make a few 1mm holes on the screen to provide an optical path for the camera. In addition, it can be known from the document that this patented technology is also applicable to the rear camera.