Microsoft patents a four-color camera system inspired by its logo
We don’t cover too many Microsoft hardware patents. The Surface Duo was probably the most adventurous product in recent years. However, a new patent suggests that the company may be working on a new “logo camera” system for use in its products.
According to the patent discovered by LetsGoDigitalthe company develops an under-display camera system inspired by the company logo. The design would include four cameras arranged in a square array under the screen. Each camera can pack a color filter that matches the Microsoft logo. This means red, green, blue and yellow cameras. When not in use, the pixels can display the company logo on these cameras or act as notification lights.
What’s the point of a Microsoft logo camera?
It seems excessive, but there is a method to this madness. The documentation suggests that each camera be optimized for its particular color. In terms of computer photography, this approach could provide a lot of data to the device to produce stunning images. Microsoft also argues that using four cameras instead of one could result in a thinner device.
Using four cameras to do a job for one seems excessive. The design also has its drawbacks. The array would be exposed to software processing to merge the data from the four cameras. It’s also unclear whether Microsoft can solve the quality problems inherent in cameras under the display. However, the patent does not exclude the use of the array on the rear of the device. Microsoft is envisioning this technology on phones, tablets, and desktop displays as well. We suspect that such a novel design would, at least initially, be associated with a considerable price disadvantage.
As with all patents, don’t expect Microsoft to have a product with this technology anytime soon. The company filed for the patent in 2019, so it’s unclear whether it is still working on this technology. However, who better to design a camera inspired by the Microsoft logo than Microsoft?
What do you think of Microsoft’s camera patent? Let us know in the comments below!
