Waymo has been granted a patent for an apparatus that includes a lens assembly, image sensor, actuator, and capacitive position sensor to adjust the position of the image sensor along the optical axis. The circuitry controls the actuator based on capacitance measurement and target position. GlobalData’s report on Waymo gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Waymo, was a key innovation area identified from patents.
Apparatus for adjusting image sensor position using capacitive position sensor
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11927440B2) discloses an innovative apparatus designed to enhance the functionality of image sensors in optical devices. The apparatus includes a lens assembly with at least one lens defining an optical axis, a substrate, and an image sensor. An actuator is integrated to adjust the position of the substrate relative to the lens assembly, moving the image sensor along the optical axis. A unique capacitive position sensor, comprising two capacitive plates oriented parallel to the substrate, generates capacitance measurements indicating the substrate's position relative to the lens assembly. The apparatus also features circuitry to control the actuator based on these measurements, ensuring precise adjustments for optimal image capture.
Furthermore, the patent details various configurations and methods to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the apparatus. These include minimizing sensitivity to lateral movements of the substrate, utilizing multiple capacitors to determine the image sensor's angle, and incorporating temperature sensors for additional control parameters. The design also accounts for variations in capacitive plate widths to maintain a constant capacitive area during positional changes. By combining advanced sensor technology with intelligent control mechanisms, the apparatus aims to enhance image quality and focus performance in optical systems, catering to a wide range of applications requiring precise image capture and analysis.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
