Canon Patent: Quad Pixel Dual Cross Autofocus

Drawing From The Patent Literature
View Post

For once a Canon patent application that is not for an RF mount lens. It’s for what could be a future generation of autofocus.

Canon patent application 2022-2383 (Japan) discusses methods and technology for a Quad Pixel Dual Cross autofocus system which one day might well be featured on a Canon mirrorless camera.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the division direction of a pupil region while suppressing variation in sensitivity of an image signal.

As one of the focus detection methods of an image pickup device, a so-called image pickup surface phase difference method, in which a pupil division signal is acquired by using a focus detection pixel formed in an image pickup device and focus detection is performed by a phase difference method, is used. Are known. As a focus detection pixel, a configuration in which one microlens and a plurality of sensitivity regions are formed in each pixel is known, and each of the plurality of sensitivity regions is light that has passed through different pupil regions of the photographing optical system. The pupil division signal can be acquired by receiving light.

The patent application was spotted by asobinet.com. More Canon patent applications are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

Canon Instructs Users How To Overwrite “not genuine” Warning For Own Printer Cartridges

Canon
View Post

Remember when we found out that Canon multifunction printers refused to scan when the printer cartridge run out? Pretty lame it was.

Now it seems that the global chip shortage led Canon to produce printer cartridges without the chip which usually identifies them as genuine. What does that mean? Cartridges without the chip are seen as “not genuine”, i.e. as counterfeit, by the printer, and hence Canon now instructs customers on how to override the warnings for using “counterfeit” cartridges. Pretty funny it is.

Canon also made a dedicated site with all the instructions you need to use “counterfeit” cartridges on your multifunction printer (instructions in German are here).

Due to the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor components, Canon is currently experiencing challenges in procuring specific electronic components that are used in our consumable products for our multifunction printers (MFP). These components perform such functions as detecting remaining toner levels.

To ensure you enjoy a continuous and reliable supply of consumables, we have chosen to supply consumable products without the semiconductor component until normal supply resumes.

While there is no negative impact on print quality when using consumables without electronic components, certain ancillary functions, such as the ability to detect toner levels, may be affected.

The video below by Louis Rossmann sums it up neatly.

Well, it seems a bit irony of the destiny that hit Canon here ;-)

canon

Canon Reimagines The Future Of Work With AMLOS (Activate My Line Of Sight)

AMLOS
View Post

More people working from home and Canon wants to make their experience better with AMLOS.

Canon press release:

Canon Reimagines The Future Of Work – Introduces New Single, Simple And Seamless Gesture-Intuitive Hybrid Work Solution, AMLOS (Activate My Line Of Sight)

Being Designed to Work with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure, Canon is looking to elevate the future of remote work experience by designing an interactive video software

MELVILLE, NY, January 4, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduces an amazing collaborative work tool that is in development, AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight)1 a hybrid meeting software solution that can harness the power of Canon’s image processing technology that is being designed to help create an immersive hybrid work experience.

The development of the AMLOS solution stemmed from the challenges faced over the past two years with remote working. Several months into the pandemic, teams at Canon USA began to personally feel some challenges of remote work, like the majority of those in the American office culture. While the convenience factor of working from home benefited people in many ways, after a few months, many Canon USA employees found some hurdles to conducting productive meetings with high engagement over video.

To keep colleagues connected on a deeper level, the solution of AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight) was born, with the goal of being single, simple and seamless while creating inclusion among members of a hybrid team, uniting them on a virtual and emotional level. The software uses a single camera enabling multiple lines of sight, is simple to operate through intuitive gesture control (for in office members), and provides seamless connectivity with others through Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure.2

“We have come to know remote working well over the past two years, and we recognize that hybrid teams need a great way to collaborate. With AMLOS and the use of a single camera, we’re aiming to alleviate the pain points that come with group interaction and are pleased to be working with Microsoft on this endeavor,” said Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Experiences like serendipitous interactions, which were lost with remote working, can be restored by the AMLOS solution. A person in an office can launch a meeting with AMLOS using a hand gesture and then send invites to remote colleagues to join them.

Further, instead of remote participants struggling to participate in group conference room meetings virtually, they will be able to drag and drop on their device screen to zoom in on areas that the in room participant focuses on, like text on whiteboards, presenters in the room, and objects on a table, giving them control over what they want to interact with during a meeting. In-office participants can use hand gestures to identify what they want to share with remote users.

The AMLOS software is compatible with Canon’s CR-N300 and CR-N500 PTZ cameras3, which produce incredible 4K and HD image quality, with image-processing power and speed that enables 4K UHD video acquisition, image stabilization and precise Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus. These features can clearly capture detailed visuals, such as writing on a whiteboard.

By utilizing both digital and optical zoom capabilities, the camera can keep the presenter in the room in-focus and onscreen, while the software reacts to gestures given by participants in the room. The software and camera can target an area designated by the in-office user and capture snap shots, bringing a specific point of reference into focus.

The software works with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Azure. Businesses who already use Teams to instant message, video conference and store files, and those who use Azure for cloud services, will have the opportunity to increase productivity by taking advantage of the AMLOS solution’s intuitive, collaborative software.

Canon U.S.A. is currently scheduled to make the AMLOS software available in the first half of 2022. For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.

Today Only: Canon XC15 4K Professional Camcorder – $1499 (reg. $2199)

Canon XC15
View Post

Only for today (01/05/2022) B&H Photo has a 32% discount on the Canon XC15 4K Professional Camcorder.

Canon XC15 at a glance:

  • 1″ CMOS Sensor and DIGIC DV 5 Processor
  • UHD 4K at up to 29.97 fps
  • 8.9 – 89mm Zoom Lens with f/2.8 – f/5.6
  • XLR Audio Input & MA-400 Mic Adapter
  • 24p Mode for 4K and 1080p Video
  • New Looks/Menu Options
  • Three New Shutter Speeds
  • Waveform Monitor Display
  • Highlight Priority HDR-Like Gamma
  • Rules Assignable to Files & Metadata

Get the Canon XC15 4K Professional Camcorder on sale at $1,499. Compare at $2,199.

More selected deals:

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon Announces Kokomo, Social VR Platform For An Immersive Experience

Kokomo
View Post

Canon announced the development of Kokomo, a virtual reality (VR) platform for an “immersive virtual reality experience“. To use Kokomo you need a Canon camera, a VR headset, and a smartphone. The recently announced Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens will be used for an “ImmersiveCall” demonstration at CES 2022.

Kokomo gives people a new way to be together, catch up, and explore new places. The Kokomo app combines the immersive 3D experiences of virtual reality, with the ease and excitement of video calling. Make eye contact, travel to incredible destinations, and connect with family and friends on a whole new level.

Canon lists the EOS M200 and the EF-M 15-45mm among the Canon gear to use with Kokomo. The video below gives a complete introduction to Kokomo, the app and how Canon wants the 3D experiences of VR to be combined with the ease of video calling.

Canon press release:

A Real “Together” Experience Canon Enters The Virtual Reality Platform Software Market By Introducing An Interactive VR Experience With Immersive Calling

Introducing The Kokomo Software By Canon, A First-Of-Its-Kind VR Platform Software for the Company, Currently Being Developed by Canon1

MELVILLE, NY, January 4, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today showcases a first of its kind immersive virtual reality experience, the Kokomo Software by Canon. Kokomo is a software platform (currently in development1) designed to change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience.

This innovative software is being designed to provide users with a way to meet friends and family virtually “in-person” by using a compatible Canon camera, a VR headset and a compatible smart phone. Kokomo will allow users to see and hear one another in real time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment, while experiencing a premium virtual reality setting in captivating locations like Malibu, New York, or Hawaii.

The app uses Canon cameras and imaging technology to create realistic representations of users, so calls feel like you are interacting face-to-face, rather than through a screen or an avatar. This creates a Real“Together” Experience.

“With Kokomo we’re tapping into Canon’s innovative spirit and heritage of high-quality imaging to enable people to have real, authentic interactions when they get together in VR. Every ImmersiveCall should be a memorable experience,” said Kazuto “Kevin” Ogawa, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Kokomo will enable people to create memorable, meaningful connections.”

CES® attendees will be amongst the first to try out the Kokomo software (currently in development) by Canon during the ImmersiveCall demonstration which will feature the Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens. Kokomo will be available in 2022 and the company plans to add new destinations, functionalities, and features to the Kokomo app, along with expanded compatibility with Canon cameras.

Today Only: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports – $1599 (reg. $1999)

Sigma 150-600mm
View Post

Only for today (01/03/2022) B&H Photo has a 20% discount on the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF mount.

At a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/5 to f/22
  • Two FLD Elements, Three SLD Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
  • OS Image Stabilization
  • Fixed, Rotating Tripod Collar
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Get the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens on sale at $1,599. Compare at $1,999.

More selected deals:

Click here to open the rest of the article