Canon Patent: Three Camera System For Smartphones

Canon Patent

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.

[via asobinet]

Canon Announced Three New RF Lenses, Pre-orders Are Live

Canon

And here they are. Rumored since a while, now announced.


World-wide preorder:

RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM:

  • APS-C | f/4.5-6.3 to f/32
  • 16-29mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • STM Stepping AF Motor
  • 7-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • One Aspherical Element, Two UD Elements

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z:

  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two Nano USM Motors
  • 11-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 Aspherical Elements, 4 UD Elements
  • SSC, ASC & Fluorine Coating

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM:

  • Full-Frame | f/6.3-9 to f/54
  • Nano USM Motor
  • Focus/Control Ring & Two L-Fn Buttons
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 UD Elements
  • Super Spectra Coating

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE


Canon press release:

Canon Introduces Three New Lenses, Enhancing Still Photography and Video Production for Any Skill Level

MELVILLE, NY, November 2, 2023 – Photographers aiming to get a powerful, ultra-wide angle shot, or looking for a superb zoom range, can improve their images with three new lenses announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions.  The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses can benefit a wide range of users — from beginners all the way to working professionals.

The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers users of APS-C sensor size EOS R-series cameras an ultra wide-angle zoom, helping create strong still images and video.  It is an ideal lens for vloggers, travelers, and general shooters.  Beginners in video and still photography can make good use of this lens, as well as the more advanced pros.  Key features include:

  • 10–18mm ultra-wide zoom (equivalent to 16-29mm on full-frame camera).
  • Image Stabilization, for even greater hand-held sharpness and video steadiness.
  • Compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for travel.
  • A new optical design, optimized for RF lens mount and APS-C sensor size.
  • An affordable price tag for those just stepping into ultra-wide video and still imaging.

Still and video professionals who want a single lens that can handle most tasks with low-light capabilities will find what they’re looking for with the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z.  This is the world’s first 24-105mm focal length lens combined with consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture,1 offering true portrait-length telephoto coverage resulting in sharp images.  High-end photographers, photojournalists, and video content creators can utilize this lens’ other features that include:

  • Constant overall length when zooming.
  • Manual aperture ring for video use.
  • Optimized optics for high-level video.
  • Image stabilization.

A new Power Zoom Adapter will also be available for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens, an optional accessory for super-smooth zooming during video operation.  This detachable device allows for more natural movement when zooming in and out, and easier control for solo camera operators. A standard version of the Power Zoom Adapter will be available, as well as a 20-pin port version to support zoom and focus demands.  The firmware updates that will be available in early December for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras will add support for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens.  For more information on the new firmware updates, please visit here .

Last, but not least — nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports shooters will find the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM super telephoto zoom lens a great tool to take crystal-clear images of action at a distance.  This lens is lightweight and easy to hold in your hand, allowing most users to carry it to help capture a range of subjects, whether it’s a still image of a landscape, or video of a moving target.  Unique features of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens also include:

  • Up to 800mm focal length.
  • Up to 5.5 stops image stabilization.
  • Compatible with optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders.
  • Weather-resistant design.
  • Rotating tripod mount.

​​​Price & Availability

​​​​​​​The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses are expected to be available in December for estimated retail prices of $329.99, $2,999.00, and $1,899.00, respectively2.  The two versions of the Power Zoom Adapter for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available Spring 2024 for an estimated retail price of $999.99, and $1,299.002 for the version with the 20-pin port.  For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

Are These The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS Specifications?

Nab 2023 Canon Eos R5 Mark Ii Canon Eos R8 CP+ 2024 Mark Ii Canon EOS Rf 24-50mm R6 Mark Ii Rf Mount Eos R6 Mark Ii Rf 300mm Rf 35mm Canon Eos R100 Rf 24mm F/1.8 Rf-s Canon Eos R7 Eos R100 Canon High Resolution Eos R R10 Eos C5 Canon Canon Eos R1 Eos R5c Canon Rf 16mm Rf 35mm F/1.2L EF Lenses Tilt-shift Lenses Rumor

It is rumored to get announced on November 2, 2023, and here are some possible specifications.

Here are the alleged Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS specifications:

  • November 2, 2023
  • Compatible with RF teleconverters
  • Focus drive method is unknown
  • Not L series
  • It is unlikely that it will be dustproof and splashproof.
  • White
  • Equipped with DO lens
  • Possibly 300-800mm
  • Extending zoom structure

Stay tuned for more.

[via asobinet]

Canon Researching A Retro Designed Camera Was Just BS (maybe)

Canon

As most of us thought, the rumor that Canon was actively conducting market research to see how customers would react to a retro camera, was, well, barely more than crap.

asobinet.com got intel from a source stating that it was nothing more than “communication with fans”. The original message (see image on top) on Weibo seems to have been:

If you could recreate any old camera, which one would you like to recreate? We look forward to your participation. A limited gift bag will be given away through a lottery.

Market research or just “communication with fans”? But there is a “but”. At the end of asobinet’s post there is this:

After the rumors started circulating, it seems that the company has started discussing the possibility. I don’t know, maybe that’s a good thing. “Everything depends on official information,” a friend said after the meeting.

So, how to interpret this? After someone made the rumor circulating, Canon decided to give it a try?

Share your thoughts if you fancy.

It Seems Canon Is Researching If A Retro Camera Would Make Any Sense

Nikon Z Fc

Is Canon doing a market research to see if a retro design camera would be a good idea? It looks like.

It’s not the first time that a Canon camera with retro design comes up. Something like the Nikon Z f or Nikon Z fc, just to be clear. Indeed, a few months ago, there was a sort of hint in an interview with a Canon exec.

Canon has a lot of bodies that go down in history, do you have any plans or ideas to release a retro camera? 

In conclusion, I can’t say yes or no, but you are right that some consumers prefer some of the best-selling models in the past, their design and appearance.

Also, you can see that we have listened to the voices and requests of our customers and made improvements to our EOS body, whether it be appearance or operability. It is very important to me that there is a consumer base that wants a retro body, but unfortunately I have no more information to share.

Yeah, neither yes nor no. However, according to some posts on Weibo, Canon might be actively conducting market research in this direction. And that’s all. So, just a rumor for now.

Stay tuned.

Canon Patent: Camera Built-in Fan Stops When Removing Lens

Canon Patent

A rather interesting Canon patent application, but we doubt it will go into production soon.

Canon patent application 2023157248 (Japan, published 10/26/2023) discusses technology and methods to implement a heat dissipation fan into an interchangeable lens camera. From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can ensure heat dissipation performance while preventing dust from entering the device when a lens is attached or detached.

[Background technology]

  • [0002] In recent years, with the demand for smaller electronic devices, the smaller size and higher density of components mounted inside the devices has become noticeable.
  • [0003] On the other hand, there is a growing demand for higher functionality in imaging devices, especially higher performance in video functions, and the amount of heat generated by the equipment is on the rise.
  • [0004] When shooting a video in a high-temperature environment, the temperature inside the imaging device increases, which is likely to cause malfunctions and performance degradation of mounted components, and eventually cause failure of the imaging device.
  • [0005] Furthermore, in recent years, in order to improve image quality, imaging devices that perform blur correction by moving an imaging element in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction have become popular.
  • [0006] Even in an imaging device that performs such shake correction, heat generated in the image sensor affects image quality when driving the shake correction mechanism, during continuous shooting, or when shooting a video, so sufficient heat dissipation is required. is required.
  • [0007] Therefore, when the amount of heat dissipated by natural heat dissipation is not sufficient for the amount of heat generated by the imaging device, a heat dissipation structure using forced air cooling using a fan is used.
  • [0008] Furthermore, in an imaging device using an image sensor, an optical low-pass filter or an infrared cut filter is arranged on the subject side of the image sensor. It is known that when foreign matter such as dust that enters when a lens is replaced adheres to the filter surface, the attached portion becomes a black dot that appears in the photographed image, degrading the quality of the photographed image.
  • [0009] Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for cooling an optical system and a heat generating element arranged in a closed space using a fan.
  • [0011] However, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, although a cooling effect can be obtained by the fan, it is necessary to maintain a closed space.
  • [0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging device that can ensure heat dissipation performance while preventing dust from entering the device when a lens is attached or detached. The purpose is to provide

[Means to solve the problem]

  • [0013] An imaging device including an image sensor of the present invention includes a mount to which a lens can be attached and detached, a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount, an image pickup element, and a cooling device for cooling the image pickup element. In the imaging device, the imaging device includes a heat dissipation fan that generates an air flow, and a control means that controls driving of the heat dissipation fan, wherein the control means detects whether the lens is attached to the mount by the lens attachment/detachment detection means while the heat dissipation fan is being driven. If it is detected that the heat dissipation fan is removed from the heat dissipation fan, the heat dissipation fan is stopped.
  • [0014] Further, an imaging device including an image sensor of the present invention includes a mount to which a lens can be attached and detached, a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount, an image pickup element, and a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount. In the imaging device, the imaging device includes a heat dissipation fan that generates a cooling air flow, a control means that controls the drive of the heat dissipation fan, and a mechanical
    shutter that is disposed closer to the subject than the image sensor. If the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens is removed from the mount while the fan is being driven, the drive of the heat dissipation fan is not stopped when the mechanical shutter is closed.

【Effect of the invention】

  • [0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently remove foreign matter such as dust attached to the imaging surface by the fan at a more effective timing.

More Canon patents are listed here.

[via asobinet]