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Sony patents sensor that identifies conditions by matching changing data patterns

Sony describes a sensor device that changes its measurement settings over time in a specific, repeating pattern. It compares the resulting data to stored records of how the sensor behaves under different conditions to identify the current situation.

Why it mattersThis method could help sensors automatically detect their operating environment without needing complex external inputs.

In the filing’s own words

A sensor device comprises a measurement unit configured to make measurements based on measurement parameters, wherein measuring the same quantity with different parameters yields different measurement results. A control unit varies the measurement parameters over time according to a predetermined variation pattern during measurement operations. A storage unit stores multiple temporal series of measurement results, each series representing measurements made with the predetermined variation pattern in different measurement situations. The control unit compares current measurements made with the predetermined variation pattern against the stored temporal series of measurement results. When the current measurements match one of the stored temporal series, the control unit identifies the measurement situation associated with the matching stored temporal series as the current measurement situation.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A sensor device comprising: a measurement unit that is configured to make measurements based on measurement parameters, wherein measuring the same quantity twice with different parameters may yield different measurement results; a control unit that is configured to vary the measurement parameters over time according to a predetermined variation pattern while the measurement unit makes measurements; and a storage unit that is configured to store a plurality of temporal series of measurement results, wherein different temporal series represent measurements made with the predetermined variation pattern of measurement parameters in different measurement situations; wherein the control unit is configured to compare measurements made by the measurement unit with the predetermined variation pattern of measurement parameters and the stored plurality of temporal series of measurement results, and, if said measurements match one of the stored temporal series of measurement results, to identify the measurement situation of the one stored temporal series of measurement results as the measurement situation of the measurements made by the measurement unit.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title
SENSOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SENSOR DEVICE
Publication number
US20260270574A1
Application number
19165592
Filed
Mar 7, 2024
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
13

Classified under

H04N 25/47 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.