{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854227","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854227","title":"Depth sensor","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-06-06T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A depth sensor comprises at least one imaging sensor, at least one multifocal lens, and a focus analyzer. The depth sensor analyzes the in-focus status of electromagnetic radiation, directed by the multifocal lens(es) onto sensing zone(s) of the imaging sensor(s) from spatial zone(s) in a measurement field, to detect the presence of object(s) in the spatial zone(s)."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Depth Sensor patent introduces a novel approach to depth sensing, utilizing a multifocal lens and a focus analyzer to improve object detection accuracy. This invention addresses the limitations of existing depth-sensing technologies, which often struggle with accuracy and resolution in complex environments. By analyzing the in-focus status of electromagnetic radiation directed by the multifocal lens onto an imaging sensor, the system can detect the presence of objects in spatial zones within a measurement field.\n\nThe core technical approach involves using a multifocal lens to capture multiple focal points simultaneously, providing a richer dataset for analysis. The focus analyzer then processes this data to determine the presence and location of objects with greater precision. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional depth sensors, which often rely on a single focal point or require complex calibration procedures.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve the performance of various applications that rely on accurate depth perception. These include autonomous vehicles, robotics, augmented reality, and virtual reality. By providing more accurate and reliable depth data, this invention can enable more sophisticated and efficient applications in these fields.\n\nThe market opportunity for the Depth Sensor is substantial. As the demand for more accurate and reliable depth-sensing solutions continues to grow, this patent is poised to capture a significant share of the market. The system's ability to operate effectively in diverse environments and its potential for integration into a wide range of applications make it a valuable asset for companies operating in the autonomous vehicle, robotics, and AR/VR industries.","layman_explanation":"The Depth Sensor patent addresses the challenge of accurately perceiving depth in various applications, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality. Existing solutions often fall short due to limitations in accuracy, particularly in environments with varying lighting conditions or complex geometries.\n\nThis technology works by employing a multifocal lens to capture multiple focal points simultaneously. This provides a richer dataset for analysis compared to traditional single-lens systems. A focus analyzer then processes this data to determine the in-focus status of different spatial zones, allowing for more accurate depth perception.\n\nThis matters because it enables more reliable and efficient operation of systems that rely on depth perception. For example, autonomous vehicles can navigate more safely and effectively, robots can manipulate objects with greater precision, and augmented reality applications can provide more immersive and realistic experiences. The market impact is significant, with potential applications across numerous industries.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further developed to improve its performance and expand its capabilities. Market adoption is likely to be driven by the increasing demand for accurate depth perception in various applications. Investment implications are positive, as this technology has the potential to generate significant returns for investors.","technical_analysis":"The Depth Sensor patent presents a significant advancement in depth-sensing technology, primarily through its innovative combination of a multifocal lens and a focus analyzer. The technical architecture hinges on capturing electromagnetic radiation, directing it through the multifocal lens onto an imaging sensor, and then analyzing the resulting data to ascertain depth information.\n\nThe multifocal lens is a critical component, enabling the system to capture multiple focal points simultaneously. This is achieved through precise engineering of the lens geometry, allowing for the creation of multiple distinct focal planes. The design considerations for the lens include minimizing aberrations and distortions to ensure high-quality image capture across all focal planes.\n\nThe imaging sensor is responsible for converting the electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals. The choice of sensor is crucial, with considerations including resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic range. The sensor must be capable of capturing high-resolution images across the multiple focal planes generated by the multifocal lens.\n\nThe focus analyzer processes the data from the imaging sensor to determine the in-focus status of different spatial zones. This involves complex algorithms that analyze the sharpness and contrast of the captured images. The algorithms must be robust to noise and variations in lighting conditions.\n\nIntegration patterns for this technology involve interfacing the depth sensor with other systems, such as autonomous vehicle control systems or robotic navigation systems. This requires careful consideration of communication protocols, data formats, and real-time processing requirements.\n\nPerformance characteristics of the Depth Sensor include accuracy, resolution, and range. Accuracy is determined by the precision with which the system can measure depth. Resolution is determined by the density of depth measurements. Range is determined by the maximum distance at which the system can accurately measure depth.\n\nCode-level implications involve the development of software libraries and APIs for accessing and processing the depth data. This includes algorithms for calibration, filtering, and data fusion.","business_analysis":"The Depth Sensor patent holds significant commercial potential due to its innovative approach to depth sensing and its broad applicability across various industries. The market opportunity for this technology is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for accurate and reliable depth perception in applications such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology include its improved accuracy, robustness, and resolution compared to existing depth-sensing solutions. The use of a multifocal lens and focus analyzer allows the system to capture more detailed depth information, enabling more sophisticated and efficient applications.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. The Depth Sensor can be commercialized through various business models, including licensing, direct sales, and integration into end-user products. The licensing model involves granting rights to other companies to use the patented technology in their products. The direct sales model involves selling the depth sensor as a standalone product to end-users. The integration model involves incorporating the depth sensor into end-user products, such as autonomous vehicles or AR/VR headsets.\n\nStrategic positioning for this technology involves targeting key markets and applications where accurate depth perception is critical. This includes the autonomous vehicle market, where the Depth Sensor can enhance obstacle detection and navigation capabilities. It also includes the robotics market, where the Depth Sensor can enable more precise manipulation and interaction with the environment.\n\nROI projections for this technology are highly favorable, driven by the large market opportunity and the competitive advantages of the Depth Sensor. The system's ability to improve the performance of various applications that rely on accurate depth perception can generate significant cost savings and revenue gains for end-users.","faqs":null,"topics":["depth sensor","object detection","imaging sensor","multifocal lens","focus analysis","depth","sensor","patent"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Depth Sensor - Revolutionizing Depth Perception - Patent US-9854227","description":"Discover the Depth Sensor patent US-9854227: innovative multifocal lens technology for enhanced object detection and depth perception. Full analysis, claims, and applications.","keywords":["depth sensor","object detection","imaging sensor","multifocal lens","focus analysis","patent","patent US-9854227"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854227","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854227","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Depth sensor\" (US-9854227). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854227","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854227","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854227","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T01:06:53.120Z"}