Submitted in July 2007, the filing details plans for a camera mounted behind a display that could capture an image “while the display elements are in an inactive state (in which the display elements are darkened and at least partially transparent)
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for capturing photographic images with a camera integrated in an electronic display. The system includes: a display screen; a set of display elements coupled to a front side of the display screen; and an image-capturing mechanism coupled to a backside of the display screen. The display elements are configured to cycle between an active state, in which the display elements are illuminated to display a display image on the display screen, and an inactive state, in which the display elements are darkened and at least partially transparent. While the display elements are in the inactive state, the image-capturing mechanism is configured to capture a photographic image of objects in front of the display screen through the display screen and the display elements.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display elements are organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
16. The computing device of claim 10, wherein the display elements are organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Source: US Patent
