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SamsungGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 7/10

Samsung patents screen that narrows viewing angle for privacy

This patent describes a display design using two types of sub-pixels with different physical openings. By controlling which pixels are active, the screen can switch to a mode that limits the angle from which the image is visible, making it harder for people standing to the side to see the content.

Why it mattersThis could help protect sensitive information like passwords or private messages on phones and laptops without needing a separate physical cover.

In the filing’s own words

An electronic device comprising a display is provided. The display includes a first sub-pixel visible at a first viewing angle, a second sub-pixel visible at a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle, first pixel definition portions defining a first light emission portion of the first sub-pixel, second pixel definition portions defining a second light emission portion of the second sub-pixel, first opaque portions disposed above the first pixel definition portions, and second opaque portions disposed between the first pixel definition portions and the first opaque portions, wherein a first width between the first opaque portions through which light emitted from the first sub-pixel passes is narrower than a second width between the second opaque portions.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: at least one processor including processing circuitry; memory including one or more storage mediums storing instructions; and a display, the display including: first light emission groups each including a first light emission region; second light emission groups alternatively disposed with the first light emission groups, the second light emission groups each including a second light emission region; first pixel definition portion surrounding the first light emission region; second pixel definition portion surrounding the second light emission region; first opaque portion disposed above the first pixel definition portions to define a first opening, the first opening allowing light from the first light emission region to be observable at a narrower viewing angle than a viewing angle at which light from the second light emission region is observed; and second opaque portion disposed between the first pixel definition portion and the first opaque portion to define a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are substantially center-aligned with each other, wherein a first width of the first opening is substantially equal to or narrower than a second width of the second opening, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to: based on a state of the electronic device being in a normal display mode, control the first light emission groups and the second light emission groups to display a screen; and based on a state of the electronic device being changed from the normal display mode to a privacy display mode, control the first light emission groups to narrow a viewing angle of the screen displayed via the display.

Facts

Company
Samsung (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Official title
Display including a plurality of opaque members stacked above a plurality of sub-pixels
Patent number
US12740253B2
Application number
19377661
Filed
Nov 3, 2025
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
14

Classified under

H10K 59/122 Electricity & electronicsG09G 3/3225 Physics & computingH10K 50/844 Electricity & electronicsH10K 59/353 Electricity & electronicsH10K 59/38 Electricity & electronicsH10K 59/40 Electricity & electronics

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.