Not just foldable, but apparently transparent displays for a smartphone could be a thing next year. A new patent filed by Sony describes a method for a new kind of transparent display on a smartphone. First spotted by LetsGoDigital, the Sony patent shows a smartphone with two displays, one on the front and one at the rear.
It is noted that the display has self-illuminating pixels that are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix arrangement. The first display is equipped with light-emitting elements, while the second has light controls, using the reflection of incoming light. Also, to create a transparent display, two displays have to be placed opposite each other, which makes four screens in total for a foldable Sony smartphone.
The patent also hints at a possibility of integrating a camera and produce a foldable smartphone with three or more foldable display parts (six screens in total).
Sony filed this patent with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) under ‘Display device and electronic apparatus’ in May 2018, and WIPO published the patent on 22 November, 2018. Also, this patent builds on two patents that have already been applied for and approved at an earlier stage in Japan and America.
As per Sony patent, the transparent smartphone from Sony would have a light sensor and a gravity position sensor, such as an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor. This sensor would determine whether the display is in use at the front or rear.
Additionally, the patent description and illustrations show six different display modes. There are three modes for the front and three for the rear. It is noted that these modes vary from transparent, to semi-transparent to non-transparent, and a user will have the option to select the desired mode or switch between times.
