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Apple was granted 59 patents today covering improved Ultrasonic Touch Sensing & Fingerprint Imaging accuracy and more

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Today the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 59 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. In this particular report we briefly cover a patent that relates to improving the accuracy of ultrasonic touch sensing and fingerprint imaging using acoustic impedance matching. We also cover a patent regarding an Intelligent portrait photography enhancement system and more. We wrap up this week's granted patent report with our traditional listing of the remaining granted patents that were issued to Apple this week.

Intelligent Portrait Photography Enhancement System

Apple notes that it would be beneficial to have methods and systems that bring enhanced, i.e., DSLR-like, quality to portrait mode photography on smartphones and other mobile multifunction camera devices—without the need for expensive and bulky equipment, such as DSLR cameras or fast prime lenses.

Today's granted patent covers devices, methods, and non-transitory program storage devices to provide enhanced images, especially in portrait photography scenarios, e.g., by leveraging deep neural networks (DNNs) and machine learning (ML) to deploy a trained model on mobile, multifunction camera devices to produce more “realistic” (e.g., DSLR-level quality) portrait photography on demand and in a computationally-efficient manner.

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For full details, review Apple’s granted patent 12205249.  Another granted patent for camera's titled "Shock Limiters And Dampers For Improved Camera Reliability," (12206989) can be reviewed here.

Geometric Structures for Acoustic Impedance Matching and Improved Touch Sensing and Fingerprint Imaging

Apple's granted patent covers improving the accuracy of ultrasonic touch sensing and fingerprint imaging using acoustic impedance matching.

Acoustic impedance mismatches between an ultrasonic transducer array and a sensing plate can be reduced to maximize energy transfer and minimize parasitic reflections. A reduction in acoustic impedance mismatches can be accomplished using (i) a composite epoxy having a higher acoustic impedance than epoxy alone, (ii) one or more matching layers having an acoustic impedance that is approximately the geometric mean of the acoustic impedance of the sensing plate and the acoustic impedance of the transducer array, (iii) pores or perforations in the sensing plate, or (iv) geometric structures formed in the sensing plate. In addition, parasitic reflections can be suppressed using an absorbent layer.

Apple also notes that the patent covers improved touch sensing for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, AirPods Max and a possible future touch screen for a MacBook.

Apple's patent FIG. 2 below illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device including ultrasonic touch sensing and fingerprint imaging with acoustic impedance matching. Also the patent illustrates the devices that the invention could be used on in the future.

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For full details, review Apple’s granted patent 12205399.

Product Display Stand with Reduced Movement

Apple notes that product display stands are used in retail environments, such as retail stores, or at functions displaying products for viewing by potential customers. Such display stands may hold the product above a display surface to allow for a better view of the product, or to keep the display surface free and available for other purposes.

Apple's granted patent covers a product display stand for reducing displayed product movement can be used in a retail environment to reduce movement of a product displayed by the product display stand. Such product display stand includes a damping assembly configured to attach to a display platform. The damping assembly includes a housing configured to attach to the display platform. The housing defines a damping chamber. The assembly also includes within the chamber a damping flange and damping material. The product display stand also includes a display post fixed to the damping flange. The display post extends above the display platform and to retain and display a product.

Below is an example of this product stand that was at an Apple Event. Below it is patent FIG. 3 that show a display fixture in a retail environment having several product display stands.

4 stand apple patentFor full details, review Apple’s granted patent 12201227.

Systems With Sensor Deployment Mechanisms

Lastly, Apple was granted a new Project Titan, autonomous vehicle patent titled "Systems With Sensor Deployment Mechanisms." Apple could either resurrect the project at a later day when there's a sufficient energy  supply to support EV and smart roads become a reality. In the shorter term, Apple could also license their inventions to interested parties.

Apple's patent abstract states that "A vehicle may have a vehicle body and one or more movable sensors mounted to the body. A movable sensor may be rotated, linearly translated, or otherwise moved between multiple positions in response to location information, driving mode information, vehicle speed, and/or other information. The movable sensor may be moved to track objects, to provide pedestrians and others with visual feedback, to allow the sensor to gather desired sensor information to support driver assistance and autonomous driving operations, to place the sensor in a stowed position, and to perform other functions. The movable sensor may be protected with a movable cover. A cleaner may clean the sensor. The sensor may be a radar sensor, lidar sensor, camera, or other sensor. Information from the sensor may be used to detect roadway obstructions, to detect objects near the vehicle, to monitor pedestrians, and to monitor other conditions."

For full details, review Apple’s granted patent 12202413.

This Week's Remaining Granted Patents

5 - WEEKLY APPLE GRANTED PATENTS FOR JAN 21  2025
10.52FX - Granted Patent Bar