20240085223.Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors simplified abstract (apple inc.)
Contents
- 1 Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Michael J Glickman of Mountain View CA (US)
David Macneil of San Mateo CA (US)
John P Bergen of San Jose CA (US)
Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240085223 titled 'Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors
Simplified Explanation
The electronic device described in the patent application includes an environmental sensor with a layer of metal that can function as an anemometer, thermometer, bolometer, and/or heat flux sensor. The sensor operates by heating the metal layer and calculating air speed based on the temperature decay, measuring solar radiation based on differences in heating/cooling of different metal portions, and measuring Seebeck voltages between different metals for heat flux sensing.
- The sensor can operate as an anemometer or thermometer by heating the metal layer and calculating air speed based on temperature decay.
- To function as a bolometer, the metal layer has different optical absorption/insulation properties in different portions, allowing for the measurement of solar radiation.
- Different metals can be used for heat flux sensing, with Seebeck voltages between them being measured.
Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in weather monitoring systems, solar energy systems, and building energy efficiency systems.
Problems Solved
This technology solves the problem of accurately measuring environmental parameters such as air speed, temperature, solar radiation, and heat flux in a compact and efficient manner.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include accurate and reliable environmental sensing, versatility in measuring different parameters, and potential cost savings in system integration.
Potential Commercial Applications
Potential commercial applications include weather stations, solar panel monitoring systems, smart building energy management systems, and environmental monitoring devices.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be existing environmental sensors with separate components for measuring air speed, temperature, solar radiation, and heat flux. These sensors may not be as compact or versatile as the device described in the patent application.
Unanswered Questions
How does the device handle calibration for accurate measurements?
The article does not mention the calibration process for ensuring accurate measurements from the environmental sensor.
What materials are used for the different metal layers in the sensor?
The article does not specify the exact materials used for the metal layers in the sensor for different functions.
Original Abstract Submitted
an electronic device may include an environmental sensor. in particular, the sensor may include a layer of metal and be operable as an anemometer, a thermometer, a bolometer, and/or a heat flux sensor. to operate as an anemometer or thermometer, circuitry may heat the layer of metal and calculate an air speed based on a decay of the metal temperature. to operate as a bolometer, a first portion of the metal may have a first optical absorption/insulation (e.g., be insulated), while a second portion may have a second optical absorption/insulation (e.g., be uncoated). differences in heating/cooling of the first and second portions may be used to measure solar radiation. to operate as a heat flux sensor, different metals may be used, and seebeck voltages between the different metals may be measured. the metal may be deposited on the housing or may be incorporated into a mesh on the device.
