Canon Patent: Tilting EVF For Mirrorless Camera

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Here is a new Canon patent application: a tilting Electronic ViewFinder (EVF) for mirrorless cameras. Rather interesting.

Canon patent application  2023-178037 (Japan, published 12/14/2023) discusses technology and methods for a tiltable EVF to build into a mirrorless camera.

From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to limit movement and deformation of a flexible substrate in response to movement and rotation of a movable unit.
  • BACKGROUND ART 
    A display unit such as an electronic viewfinder installed in an imaging device can be pulled out from the main body of the imaging device, and can be rotated in the pulled out state, so that the user can take an image. There is something that expands the degree of freedom in posture.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device equipped with a finder unit that can be pulled out and rotated. In this imaging device, a flexible board is used for electrical connection between the board provided in the finder unit and the control unit fixed to the main body, and the flexible board changes as the finder unit is pulled out and rotated relative to the main body. transform.
  • However, in the imaging device disclosed
    in Patent Document 1, there are insufficient restrictions on the movement and deformation of the flexible substrate in response to the pull-out and rotation of the finder unit relative to the main body. Therefore, there is a risk that an excessive load will be applied to the flexible substrate or that the flexible substrate will be caught between other members.
  • The present invention provides an electronic device in which excessive load or pinching of the flexible substrate can be avoided by restricting the movement and deformation of the flexible substrate in accordance with the movement and rotation of a movable unit such as a display unit. provide.

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Canon Patent: 70-150mm f/2 and 70-200mm f/2.8 With Inner Zoom

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Here is a new Canon patent application, two lenses with inner zoom mechanism.

Canon patent application 2023176289 (Japan, published 12/13/2023) discusses optical formulas and methods for two zoome lenses with a not extending zoom mechanism:

  • 70-150mm f/2
  • 70-200mm f/2.8

From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to provide a zoom lens that has a long focal length and a large aperture ratio, yet is both compact and lightweight and has high optical performance.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    Zoom lenses used in imaging devices are required to be small and lightweight, to satisfactorily correct various aberrations including chromatic aberration, and to have high optical performance. Furthermore, zoom lenses are required to have a long focal length at the telephoto end, a small F number, and a large aperture ratio. Furthermore, zoom lenses are required to have a large zoom ratio and be easy to manufacture.
  • However, the zoom lens described in Patent Document 1 tends to have large aberrations including chromatic aberration, making it difficult to have high optical performance. If the power of the lens groups making up the zoom lens is weakened in order to better correct the aberrations, the zoom lens will become larger. Furthermore, if aberrations are corrected by increasing the number of lens groups that make up the zoom lens, the mechanical mechanism will become complicated and the zoom lens will become larger.
  • The present invention provides a zoom lens that has a long focal length and a large aperture ratio, yet is both compact and lightweight and has high optical performance.

Example 1

  • Focal length: 72.10-146.49
  • F value: 2.05
  • Half angle of view: 16.70-8.40
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 217.31
  • Back focus: 13.71

Example 2

  • Focal length: 72.12-194.03
  • F value: 2.90
  • Half angle of view: 16.70-6.36
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 217.47
  • Back focus: 37.98

Example 3

  • Focal length: 98.00-291.00
  • F value: 2.90
  • Half angle of view: 12.64-4.25
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 317.42
  • Back focus: 38.00

Example 4

  • Focal length: 101.97-389.88
  • F value: 4.10
  • Half angle of view: 11.98-3.18
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 359.04
  • Back focus: 52.64

More Canon patents are listed here.

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Canon Patent: RF 70-200mm F2-2.8 DS, RF 70-135mm F2.5 DS, More Lenses

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A new Canon patent application for RF mount lenses with “Defocus Smoothing” (DS) optical technology. More about Defocus Smoothing is listed here.

Canon patent application 2023170260 (Japan, published 12/1/2023) discusses optical formulas for a bunch of RF mount lenses:

  • 70-200mm F2-2.8
  • 70-135mm F2.5
  • 28-70mm F1.6-2
  • 80-150mm F1.8

All, apparently, have DS on board. From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to provide a variable power optical system that obtains a uniform and good apodization effect over the entire zoom range and suppresses peripheral dimming.
  • Background Art
    Conventionally, in order to obtain an appropriately blurred image, an optical system equipped with a filter having a transmittance distribution, such as an apodization filter whose transmittance changes as the distance from the optical axis increases, has been known. There is. Patent Document 1 discloses an optical system in which apodization filters are arranged before and after the aperture of a single focus lens.
  • However, since the optical system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a single focus optical system, it is insufficient as a method for obtaining a sufficient apodization effect in each zoom state of a variable power optical system. Further, in a variable magnification optical system, it is required to suppress peripheral dimming and to obtain a good apodization effect during variable magnification.
  • Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a variable power optical system that obtains a good apodization effect over the entire zoom range and suppresses peripheral dimming.

Example 1

  • Focal length: 71.79-193.181
  • F value: 2.00-2.85
  • Half angle of view: 16.77-6.39
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 161.48-219.93
  • Back focus: 15.67-31.62

Example 2

  • Focal length: 28.91-68.11
  • F value: 1.60-2.06
  • Half angle of view: 36.81-17.62
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 157.90-179.46
  • Back focus: 19.11-33.77

Example 3

  • Focal length: 35.02-68.11
  • F value: 1.80-2.06
  • Half angle of view: 31.71-17.62
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 162.01-179.46
  • Back focus: 22.26-33.77

Example 4

  • Focal length: 78.18-145.50
  • F value: 1.87
  • Half angle of view: 15.47-8.46
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 300.20-300.18
  • Back focus: 70.00

Example 5

  • Focal length: 72.00-135.00
  • F value: 2.50
  • Half angle of view: 16.72-9.10
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 250.00
  • Back focus: 40.00

More Canon patents are listed here.

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Canon Patent: Quad Pixel Phase Detection Auto-Focus

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Here is a new and definitely interesting Canon patent application: Quad Pixel Phase Detection AF. It’s not the first patent for this technology.

Canon patent application 2023166867 (Japan, published 11/22/2023) discusses methods and technology for Canon’s next generation autofocus technology, Quad Pixel Detection AF.

From the patent literature:

  • [Problem] To improve the performance of focus detection in focus detection using an image plane phase difference method that uses signals output from image sensors having different vertical and horizontal lengths.
  • TECHNICAL FIELD
    The present invention relates to an image sensor in which a pixel section having a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections is two-dimensionally arranged, and an image sensor equipped with the image sensor.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    Conventionally, as one of the focus detection methods performed in an imaging device, a pair of pupil division signals are acquired using focus detection pixels formed on an image sensor, and a focus detection method using a phase difference method is used. A so-called imaging plane phase difference method for performing detection is known.
  • As an example of such an imaging surface phase difference method, there is an imaging device using a two-dimensional imaging element in which one microlens and a plurality of divided photoelectric conversion sections are formed for one pixel. It is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The plurality of photoelectric conversion units are configured to receive light transmitted through different regions of the exit pupil of the imaging lens via one microlens, and perform pupil division. Then, by calculating the amount of image shift from the phase difference signal that is a signal of each photoelectric conversion unit, focus detection using a phase difference method can be performed. Further, by adding up the signals of the individual photoelectric conversion units for each pixel, a normal image signal can be obtained. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the saturation resistance of the pixel is increased by arranging a plurality of types of pixels having different heights of separation barriers between photoelectric conversion parts in the pixel.
  • In such an image sensor, in a configuration in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion units are arranged horizontally within a pixel and the pupil division direction is horizontal, for example, when the subject has a horizontal striped pattern, parallax is This may be difficult to see, and focus detection accuracy may deteriorate.
  • On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for improving focus detection accuracy by providing two types of arrangement directions of photoelectric conversion units for each microlens and two types of pupil division directions. There is. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure that separates vertically adjacent photoelectric conversion units and a structure that separates horizontally adjacent photoelectric conversion units, and has a structure that allows electric charges to leak to adjacent photoelectric conversion units. It is disclosed that the With this structure, supersaturated charges received in excess of the amount of charge that can be accumulated by one photoelectric conversion section leak and accumulate in different photoelectric conversion sections arranged in a predetermined direction. Even in the case of saturation, horizontal or vertical phase difference focus detection is possible.
  • Most conventional image sensors do not have an aspect ratio of 1:1. Therefore, when focus detection pixels using the image plane phase difference method in the vertical direction and focus detection pixels in the horizontal direction are arranged on the image sensor, focus detection using the image plane phase difference method is difficult, especially in the periphery of the image sensor. Performance is biased towards either the vertical or horizontal direction.
  • The image sensor described in Patent Document 1 changes the separation state of the photoelectric conversion unit depending on the saturation state of the pixel. Therefore, depending on the aspect ratio of the image sensor, the state of charge crosstalk (a phenomenon in which charge leaks to the adjacent photoelectric conversion unit) between the photoelectric conversion units in the vertical focus detection pixels and the horizontal focus detection pixels respectively occurs. It is not possible to control the above problems and cannot solve the above problems.
  • Furthermore, the image sensor of Patent Document 2 does not have a configuration that controls charge crosstalk when the photoelectric conversion section is not saturated, and also controls charge crosstalk between the photoelectric conversion sections according to the aspect ratio of the image sensor. Since there is no mention of the talk rate, the above problem cannot be solved.
  • The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is intended to improve the performance of focus detection in focus detection using an image plane phase difference method that utilizes signals output from image sensors having different lengths and widths. The purpose is to

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Canon Patent: Cooling And Image Stabilization For Cinema EOS-like Body

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Here is a new Canon patent application, about cooling and image stabilisation in a Cinema EOS camera body.

Canon patent application 2023163923 (Japan, published 11/10/2023) discusses methods and technology for a cooling structure and an image stabilisation system for what appears to be a Cinema EOS camera body.

From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is miniaturized, can arrange a portion that can provide an image stabilization function for an imaging section, and can rapidly cool an imaging element.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    In recent years, imaging devices have been achieving higher image quality such as higher resolution and higher frame rate of recorded images. In such imaging devices, the signal processing load and power consumption during image recording tend to increase, and as a result, electronic components such as the imaging section and the data recording section generate significant heat. Since the performance of electronic components within an imaging device may deteriorate at high temperatures, it is necessary to cool the electronic components. The imaging device described in Patent Document 1 includes an imaging element and a heat radiating component, and is configured to cool the imaging element by forcibly air cooling the heat radiating component. The imaging device described in Patent Document 2 is configured such that a cooling device is attached to the outside of the main body of the imaging device in order to forcibly air-cool the imaging device. In addition, some imaging devices are known that have an anti-vibration function that detects vibrations transmitted from the outside and cancels the vibrations based on the detection results. This anti-shake function allows you to record high-quality images.
  • However, in the imaging device described in Patent Document 1, the area where the heat dissipation components are cooled is a limited area of ​​a part of the casing, so it is difficult to sufficiently cool the image sensor . There is a risk. Furthermore, in the imaging device described in Patent Document 2 , there is a risk that the size will increase due to the attachment of a cooling device.
  • The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is miniaturized, can arrange a portion that can provide an image stabilization function for the imaging section, and can quickly cool an imaging element.
  • Effects of the Invention
    According to the present invention, while achieving miniaturization, it is possible to arrange a portion that can exert an anti-vibration function for the imaging section, and the imaging device can be quickly cooled.

More Canon patents are listed here.

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Canon Patent: TS-R 180mm F3.5 And TS-R 100mm F2.8 Lenses

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There must be a tilt-shift lens for the RF mount on Canon’s release radar, given all these pertinent patents we are seeing. I am pretty sure that soon the clickbaiters out there will break the news with rumors about…tilt-shift lenses for the RF mount.

Canon patent 2023162714 (Japan, published 11/9/2023) discusses optical formulas for two tilt-shift lenses for the RF mount:

  • TS-R 180mm F3.5
  • TS-R 100mm F2.8

From the patent literature:

  • [Problem] To obtain an optical system that can greatly tilt an in-focus object surface while reducing composition shift while the entire system is small.
  • BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY: Photography that focuses on an object surface that is tilted with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is called tilt photography. In tilt photography, it is necessary to greatly tilt the surface of the object in focus in order to expand the range of image expression.
  • As an optical system for realizing this photographing, an imaging optical system equipped with a tilt mechanism is known.
  • On the other hand, in an imaging optical system having a tilt mechanism, the composition shifts (hereinafter also referred to as “composition shift”) when the system is tilted, which may impair convenience.
  • On the other hand, an imaging optical system is known that includes a plurality of lens sections that move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, during tilt photography, the lens section A moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the lens section B moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction so as to correct the shift effect generated in the lens section A. By moving the lens in the vertical direction, it is possible to take tilted shots with small composition shifts.
  • An imaging optical system that includes a plurality of lens units that move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction as in Patent Document 1 moves the lens unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction during tilt photography. Aberrations occur due to optical eccentricity. The amount of aberration caused by this eccentricity increases as the amount of inclination of the object surface for tilt photography increases. In Patent Document 1, since the lens group A that moves in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction has negative refractive power, the height from the optical axis of off-axis light incident on the lens section B increases, and the lens The amount of eccentric aberration that occurs when portion B is decentered increases. Furthermore, since the height of the off-axis light from the optical axis increases, the diameter of the lens portion B increases. Therefore, it becomes difficult to increase the eccentricity of the lens portion B, and as a result, it is difficult to greatly tilt the object surface that is in focus.
  • Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical system that can greatly tilt the object surface in focus while reducing composition shift while the entire system is small, and an imaging apparatus having the same.

Example 1

  • Focal length: 179.88
  • F value: 3.60
  • Half angle of view: 6.86
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 198.10
  • Back focus: 27.03

Example 2

  • Focal length: 193.86
  • F value: 2.88
  • Half angle of view: 6.37
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 182.73
  • Back focus: 26.48

Example 3

  • Focal length: 97.23
  • F value: 2.88
  • Half angle of view: 12.54
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 176.52
  • Back focus: 14.71

Example 4

  • Focal length: 89.85
  • F value: 3.50
  • Half angle of view: 13.54
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 184.06
  • Back focus: 28.19

Example 5

  • Focal length: 134.80
  • F value: 3.50
  • Half angle of view: 9.12
  • Image height: 21.64
  • Total length: 135.33
  • Back focus: 37.11

More Canon patents are listed here.

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