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

More Canon patent applications are listed here.

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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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Canon Patent: On Camera Display Of Tilt-shift Information

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Here is a new Canon patent, and it is another one referring to tilt-shift lenses.

Canon patent application 2023160385 (japan, published 11/2/2023) discusses methods and technology to display tilt-shift lens information on the camera display.

From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device that makes it possible to check the amount of tilting on a display screen provided in an imaging device.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    Conventionally, interchangeable lens cameras have been known that adjust the amount of tilt, such as the amount of shift and tilt amount, with respect to the imaging surface of the lens in order to perform tilted imaging. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the depth of field based on the amount of tilt is displayed on a screen provided in a camera.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device that makes it possible to check the amount of fanning on a display screen provided in an imaging device.
  • Means for Solving the Problems
    A lens device according to one aspect of the present invention is a lens device that can be attached to an imaging device, and includes at least one optical member that is moved to perform tilted imaging. It is characterized by having an imaging optical system and a transmitter that transmits information regarding the movable range of at least one optical member to the imaging device.
  • Effects of the Invention
    According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device that allows the amount of tilting to be confirmed on a display screen provided in an imaging device.
  • The zoom lens 102 is movable along the optical axis of the imaging optical system, which is indicated by a broken line in the figure. When the user operates a zoom operation ring connected to a zoom mechanism (not shown), the zoom lens 102 moves along the optical axis. Thereby, zooming is performed in which the focal length of the photographing optical system is changed by moving the zoom lens 102. The zoom lens position detection unit 106 detects the position of the zoom lens 102 using a position detection sensor such as a variable resistor, and outputs position data to the lens microcomputer 111. The output position data is used by the lens microcomputer 111 to control zoom tracking operations and the like.
  • The aperture unit 103 includes sensors such as aperture blades and a Hall element. The state of the aperture blades is detected by the aforementioned sensor and output to the lens microcomputer 111. The aperture control unit 107 drives actuators such as a stepping motor and a voice coil motor in accordance with commands from the lens microcomputer 111. This allows the aperture unit 103 to adjust the amount of light.
  • The image blur correction lens 104 reduces image blur caused by hand shake and the like by moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system. The image shake correction lens control unit 108 drives the shake prevention actuator in response to a shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro based on a command from the lens microcomputer 111. As a result, image stabilization processing for controlling the shift operation of the image shake correction lens 104 is performed.
  • The focus lens 105 is movable along the optical axis. Position data of the focus lens 105 detected using a position detection sensor such as a photo interrupter is output to the lens microcomputer 111. The focus lens control unit 109 adjusts the focus by driving an actuator such as a stepping motor and moving the focus lens 105 based on a command from the lens microcomputer 111. Further, the focus lens 105 corrects image plane fluctuations caused by zooming by the zoom lens 102.
  • The revolving drive unit (rotating member) 114 is configured to be rotatable around the optical axis of the imaging optical system, and rotates at least a portion of the imaging optical system around the optical axis by rotating. The revolving control unit 117 moves the revolving drive unit 114 according to a command from the lens microcomputer 111. The position of the revolving drive unit 114 may be detected by a position detection unit (not shown). By executing a revolving drive that moves the revolving drive unit 114, the moving directions of the tilt lens 112 and the shift lens 113 can be controlled.

More Canon patents are listed here.

Canon Patent: Three Camera System For Smartphones

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A Canon patent related to a camera system for smartphones is a rather unusual patent for Canon. I let it to your educated speculations what if means. Do not be surprised if suddenly everyone starts spreading rumors about Canon making a smartphone.

Canon patent application 2023160089 (Japan, published 11/2/2023) discusses technology and methods for a camera system for devices like smartphones, that allows to seamlessly zoom between cameras in multiple shooting modes.

From the patent literature:

  • When capturing images in parallel in a plurality of imaging modes, the angle of view can be seamlessly switched from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting the imaging.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    Conventionally, a photographing method has been well known in which a subject is simultaneously recorded using both an imaging section for photographing a still image and an imaging section for photographing a moving image, which are included in an imaging device. Furthermore, in recent years, imaging devices such as smartphones are equipped with a plurality of imaging units having different focal lengths, and each imaging unit can simultaneously record a subject. Furthermore, when switching the angle of view, the smartphone uses an imaging unit with the desired focal length. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically moving the zoom position of an imaging device for capturing a moving image in conjunction with a zoom operation of an imaging device for capturing a still image.
  • In Patent Document 1, each imaging device can switch to an arbitrary angle of view by performing optical zoom by driving a lens. In contrast, smartphones use multiple imaging units (lenses) with different focal lengths to switch the angle of view. For example, when capturing images in parallel in two imaging modes, still image and video, with a smartphone, in order to switch the lens for video to the lens used for still images, you must first stop using the imaging unit for still images. After that, you will be able to switch the viewing angle for video recording. Therefore, it is difficult to seamlessly adjust the angle of view from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting imaging.
  • Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to seamlessly switch the angle of view from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting the imaging when images are taken in parallel in a plurality of imaging modes.
  • Means for Solving the Problem
    In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging
    device having a plurality of lenses having different angles of view, and which has a
    first imaging mode and a first imaging mode. 2. A reception means that receives a switching operation to switch the lens used for imaging when images are captured in parallel in two imaging modes, and in response to receiving the switching operation of the lens used for imaging, a control unit configured to control switching of lenses used for imaging, the control unit controlling the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode so that different lenses are used in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode. The present
    invention is characterized in that the lens used in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode is controlled to be switched .
  • According to the present invention, when images are taken in parallel in a plurality of imaging modes, the angle of view can be seamlessly switched from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting the imaging.

Is Canon about to license this to smartphone makers?

More Canon patents are listed here.

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