Samsung seems to be gearing up for the next big step in foldable tech.
A newly surfaced (thanks to our collab with David from @xleaks7) hints that the company is working on a breakthrough that could finally bring a reliable in-display fingerprint sensor to its foldable phones.
The patent describes a special screen structure that can detect cracks, prevent damage, and even heal sensitive areas around camera and sensors.
In other words, Samsung is finding a way to make foldables tougher and smarter, so users might soon unlock their phones by touching anywhere on the screen, without needing a separate button or side-mounted sensor.
The system consistently checks the condition of the areas around the camera and sensors | Image: SummarizeMeeting
The Problem
Front cameras, face/IR sensors, and even on-screen microphones often sit behind a punch-hole or cutout in the display.
Creating that hole stresses the layered stack of materials (glass, films, electrodes, sealants). Two big issues follow:
- Hidden cracks: Tiny cracks can form around the hole during drilling, laser processing, or later in daily use. They’re hard to spot but can grow and cause failures
- Ingress paths: The hole can become a shortcut for moisture and oxygen, which slowly damages OLEDs and touch layers.
These weak spots make the area around the camera/sensors less reliable than the rest of the screen.
When cracks are detected, the dummy patterns activate to prevent further damage | Image: SummarizeMeeting
The Technology
Samsung developed the design that places a tiny sensing loop around the hole in the screen that can detect even the smallest cracks or stress.
Two thin wires, located on different display layers, constantly check the condition of that area, like a built-in health monitor for the screen.
To add more protection, Samsung equips the hole area with microscopic grooves and sealants that block moisture and oxygen.
The patent also uses dummy metal patterns that are activated once cracks are detected, healing the damaged areas around the camera, sensors, or speakers.
In short, the screen near the camera or sensor becomes smarter, stronger, and safer, a big step toward foldables that can finally support an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Key Points
- Smart crack-sensing ring: A tiny wire loop surrounds the hole and instantly detects if the screen’s inner layers start to crack
- Real time protection: Two sensing paths on different layers monitor the display in real time, boosting accuracy and durability
- Self-healing system: When a crack is detected, dummy metal patterns automatically activate to reinforce the weak spot and stop further damage
- Moisture shield: Microscopic grooves filled with sealant block water and oxygen, protecting the delicate foldable layers from long-term damage
- Universal use: Works for cameras, fingerprint readers, and other sensors hidden beneath the display, perfect for future foldables
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