In the ever-evolving world of wearable technology, one company has embarked on an innovative path to address a common issue faced by many users - the need to charge their devices frequently. Meta Platforms Technologies, the mastermind behind the Meta Watch, has recently been granted a patent (patent number: US20240089627A1) for their groundbreaking voltage regulator module with shared storage capacitor architecture for a depth camera assembly. This patent holds the potential to revolutionize the way camera devices are powered and used in our daily lives.
The core problem that Meta Platforms Technologies aims to solve with this patent is the limited battery capacity found in small-form-factor devices that integrate depth cameras. Often, these devices, such as headsets and smartwatches, cannot sustain the power demands required by depth sensors. Traditional voltage regulator module (VRM) schemes, which rely on large batteries to meet high peak power demands, are simply not practical in wearable gadgets due to their compact nature.
The innovative solution presented by Meta Platforms Technologies lies in the VRM with shared storage capacitor architecture described in their patent. By utilizing this technology, the Meta Watch can utilize a relatively small battery while still efficiently servicing the power demands of the depth camera assembly. This breakthrough enables the use of the Meta Watch in small-form-factor devices where conventional solutions have fallen short.
One major advantage of this new architecture is the mitigation of brownout conditions that may occur on other components sharing the same battery as the depth camera assembly, during exposure windows. This means that users can capture high-quality images and videos without the worry of sudden power loss or instability affecting their entire device.
How will the world look after this problem is solved? Imagine a world where wearable gadgets, like the Meta Watch, seamlessly integrate depth camera capabilities without compromising on power management. Users could utilize their smartwatches or headsets to capture stunning photos and videos with ease. For instance, a hiker could document their breathtaking mountaintop view using their Meta Watch, or a traveler could snap immersive 3D images with their VR headset, all without having to worry about frequent recharging.
The figures provided in the patent (FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6) offer a glimpse into the potential applications and the charging process involving the Meta Watch and its shared storage capacitor architecture.
It is important to note that, as with any patent, there is no certainty that this invention will appear in the market. Patents represent an inventor's vision for potential future technologies, and whether they become commercially available depends on various factors, including market viability, production feasibility, and consumer demand.
As technology continues to push boundaries, Meta Platforms Technologies' patent for their voltage regulator module with shared storage capacitor architecture for a depth camera assembly paves the way for a new era in wearable camera devices. If this invention becomes a reality, it could reshape the way we capture and experience the world around us.
P.S. This article highlights a recently published patent (patent number: US20240089627A1) filed by Meta Platforms Technologies. It is important to note that being granted a patent does not guarantee that the technology described will eventually be available on the market. The article serves to provide an overview of the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and the potential impact on users and the industry.