Nikon Patent - Autofocus sensor

[chambeshi]

https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1800/PU/JP-2020-109779/FA4D5F5FA725E0761F8A3C8C1EB4931A31E6F11E9EC1634AD20ABD35B5D40FD6/11/en

"Much of the Internet seems to think that Nikon R&D has gone away and that they can't be competitive with Canon and Sony. In doing a deeper dive into recent patents, I'd say that Nikon is still doing as much deep engineering work that's integrated between the Precision and Imaging teams as before, and is still coming up with new and interesting twists like this one.

Can this sensor design go into production? Yes, I'm pretty sure it lies within Nikon's technical capabilities. Moreover, it involves some changes in how the stepper is used at the semiconductor maker, and guess what, Nikon makes steppers."

https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/nikon-autofocus-patent.html