Electronic Liquid Screen (ELS) is the world’s first electronic security screen for mobile and PC camera modules. The ELS conducts switchable open and close operation of a camera lens based on a novel microfluidic technology with outstanding advantages such as low thickness(<200 μm), low power consumption(<1 mW), and robust operation(>100000 cycles). For the first time, the ELS is applied to a camera module to improve the camera security and also design without the loss of the camera size and battery life. Hence, the ELS-aided camera can protect personal privacy from camera hacking and provide safe and convenient mobile internet environment.

Microsystems, Inc. develops the world's first electronic liquid screen (ELS) for security and also design of a camera module in a smart mobile device such as smartphone, notebook, and webcam. The ELS consists of an opaque conducting liquid for absorbing light and a transparent oil for transmitting light on two parallel plates with patterned transparent electrodes and hydrophobic dielectric layers. The ELS can conduct the open and close operation of a camera lens by sequentially applying an electrical voltage to the patterned electrodes through an advanced microfluidics technology based on electrowetting-on-dielectric principle.

The ELS can be manufactured by standard semiconductor processes and industrially proven materials, so that the production capability and quality can be well managed and controlled. The robust operation and environmental tests have been successfully carried out. The ELS also has outstanding advantages such as surprisingly low thickness (<200 μm) and low power consumption (<1 mW) compared to any other devices.

For the first time, Microsystems, Inc. applies the ELS to a camera module to improve the camera security and also design without the loss of the camera size and battery life. The proposed ELS not only allows a compact and simple design to be easily miniaturized with two patterned ITO glasses and two immiscible liquids, but also provides fast and robust switching operation for mobile and PC camera modules. Hence, the ELS-aided camera can protect personal privacy from internet camera hacking and provide safe and convenient mobile internet environment.

Mobile device security is a major concern for not only organizations but also private life, especially since mobile devices have become a target for malware and camera hacking. So far, the most obvious solution to prevent the risk of the camera hacking is to cover any cameras on the devices until it must be used, however most miniature camera modules built into the mobile smartphones and notebooks do not include a cover for a camera module, mainly due to market demands for thin form factors and low power consumption. Because an additional actuator for the cover may makes the device obtrusive and bulky.

In order to resolve such issues in the COVID-19 situation, Microsystems, Inc. first develops the ELS-aided camera based on a switchable liquid-based security screen operated by only electrical signal controls without mechanical moving parts. It is unlike the existing mechanical security systems such as mechanical screens and shutters consisting of solid moving parts; hence, there is no need for additional actuators, resulting in the excellent durability and the low power operation. Microsystems, Inc. also has technical knowledge for the design of special electrode patterns and the optimized electrical signals for efficient liquid manipulation, along with a micro-liquid packaging technology and an exclusive operational power driver.

1) The world's first electronic liquid screen (ELS) operated by an unique microfluidic technology based on electrowetting-on-dielectric

Microsystems, Inc. has developed the world’s first electronic liquid screen (ELS) for mobile and PC camera modules and obtained domestic and international patents for the technology innovation. For the first time, the ELS-aided camera will be unveiled through CES 2021.

2) The secure ELS-aided camera for personal privacy from internet hacking

As working at home and online distance learning become the new normal since the COVID-19, the demand for cameras including camera modules embedded in mobile and PC devices and internet webcams necessary for our daily life has steeply risen. The ELS-aided camera can protect personal privacy from internet camera hacking with the enhancement of the camera security and also design without any loss of the camera size and battery life.

3) The expandability of the creative ELS technology and application in industry.    

The proposed ELS is a major breakthrough to overcome the limitations of the existing mechanical screens or shutters consisting of solid moving parts in various industries. The ELS not only allows a simple design to be easily miniaturized and integrated with any electronic devices but also offers various industrial application such as color changing smart window and automotive windshield that can highly impact on our daily life in the post-COVID-19 world.