According to the patent, fingerprints, greasy marks, and other dirt on the screen surface can be removed without any manual cleaning. The concept relies on a combination of new light sources and a special coating to keep displays looking pristine with minimal effort from users.
First, the design includes LEDs in standard colors red, green, and blue, and adds a fourth type that emits ultraviolet light, which is invisible to the human eye. This UV component is not meant for visible illumination but to trigger the cleaning mechanism at the microscopic level without affecting how the image appears to the user.
Second, the display surface is coated with a photocatalytic layer. This layer remains transparent, so the screen retains its original appearance. When ultraviolet light from the LEDs activates the photocatalyst, chemical reactions with water molecules present in the surrounding air help break down and remove fingerprints and other residues. The process can be initiated at any time, even during nighttime use, providing continuous, passive cleaning without the need for wiping or scrubbing.
The technology is currently in the patent stage, so it remains to be seen whether it will reach mass production. If it progresses to serial manufacturing, the cleaning system could become a standard feature in future screens and touch surfaces, enhancing durability and user experience across devices.
- “Drive” can be read in Viber