STMicroelectronics had three patents in robotics during Q4 2023. The patent filed by STMicroelectronics NV in Q4 2023 relates to a method for cliff detection in robotic devices using a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor with single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensors. The method involves analyzing reflected signals from the ToF sensor to detect an approaching cliff edge and adjusting the robotic device’s propulsion to avoid falling off the edge. GlobalData’s report on STMicroelectronics gives a 360-degreee view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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STMicroelectronics grant share with robotics as a theme is 0% in Q4 2023. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Recent Patents
Application: Cliff detection in robotic devices (Patent ID: US20230356397A1)
The patent filed by STMicroelectronics NV describes a method for cliff detection in robotic devices using a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor with an array of single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) sensors. The method involves moving the robotic device towards an edge of a cliff while the ToF sensor senses reflected signals and comparing the statistical distribution of these signals to detect the approaching edge. Upon detection, the propulsion of the robotic device is changed to avoid falling off the cliff. The method includes different approaches for detecting the edge based on short, medium, and long distance ranges, utilizing factors such as peak rate of intensity, median distances, and loss of ground presence in the sensor's field of view.
The patent also covers a robotic device equipped with a ToF sensor with an array of SPAD sensors, a controller, and memory storing a program for cliff detection. The device can detect the approaching edge of a cliff from different distance ranges and adjust its path accordingly. The instructions in the program include determining peak rates of intensity, median distances, and loss of ground presence to identify the edge from short, medium, and long distances. The device's SPAD sensor array consists of eight rows and eight columns, and the ToF sensor can also be used for object detection, wall tracking, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), enhancing its functionality beyond cliff detection.
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