Canon Patent: AF-Motor With Reduced Size And Lower Power Consumption

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A new Canon Patent application.

Canon patent application 2023096628 (Japan, published 7/7/2023) discusses technology and methods for a autofocus-driving motor with reduced size and lower power consumption.

The motor described in the the patent literature is a “linear motor”. Canon interchangeable lenses have a “ring-type USM”-motor for single-lens reflex cameras and a “NanoUSM”-motor for mirrorless cameras. Both are driven by ultrasonic waves, so this would be a new kind of motor driving Canon lenses.

From the patent literature:

A linear motor, a lens barrel, and a driving device that can improve power efficiency while suppressing an increase in external size are provided. BACKGROUND ART A linear motor is a motor that mainly generates force in one direction

It is used in a wide range of industrial fields. Linear motors are often used exclusively in linear drive applications and are often used in combination with linear guide mechanisms. Linear motors are classified into electromagnetic, pressure, friction, and tension/extrusion types according to the principle of thrust generation, and into finite tracks, endless tracks, etc. according to the drive range. be. In addition, devices that use mechanisms such as so-called rack and pinions and tires to convert the thrust of a normal rotary motor into linear thrust are also broadly classified as linear motors (linear actuators).

An example of the use of a linear motor is a focusing mechanism in a lens barrel. In the lens barrel, the focus operation is performed by moving the focus lens group inside the lens barrel back and forth on the optical axis perpendicular to the camera’s image sensor in order to focus on the subject at the desired position when shooting. is done. A linear motor is used to adjust the movement of the focus lens group.

Necessary conditions for the linear motor used in the focus mechanism in the lens barrel are that it has a size that fits inside the lens barrel, and that the maximum output and resolution of the thrust force sufficient to move and adjust the focus lens group are required. Being prepared, being quiet, etc. To meet these conditions, among the above categories, electromagnetic linear motors with finite trajectories are used, especially voice coil motors (VCMs), which generate the Lorentz force through a combination of permanent magnets and coils. may occur.

Since the VCM does not generate thrust when it is not energized, when using the VCM as a focus mechanism in the lens barrel, it is necessary to always energize the VCM to hold the focus lens group during use. For this reason, depending on the shooting scene, it may consume a large amount of power and the battery of the camera will be consumed faster than when using other friction type ultrasonic motors for the focusing mechanism in the lens barrel. be. Therefore, when a VCM is used as a focusing mechanism in the lens barrel, it is required to improve the power efficiency of the VCM.

In order to improve the power efficiency of a VCM with a finite orbit without increasing the external size, the efficiency of a magnetic circuit composed of a permanent magnet and a yoke (hereinafter simply referred to as magnetic efficiency), that is, the coil area of ​​the VCM The key is how to increase the density of the magnetic flux that contributes to the generation of thrust. The magnetic circuit here is an expression that compares the flow of magnetic flux in space to the flow of current in a circuit, and indicates the direction and magnitude of the magnetic flux density at each point. itself is also shown. In addition, in general finite orbit VCM, it is known that the magnetic efficiency is relatively lower at both ends of the drive stroke than at the center, and it is important in practice to suppress this. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the VCM of Patent Document 1, since the magnetic efficiency in the central portion of the driving stroke is reduced in order to equalize the magnetic efficiency in the driving stroke, there is a problem that the power efficiency as a whole deteriorates. In addition, since the configuration of Patent Document 2 requires a separate fixing means for fixing the magnet, there is a problem that the external size of the linear motor tends to increase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a linear motor, a lens barrel, and a driving device that can improve power efficiency while suppressing an increase in external size.

More Canon patent applications are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

[via asobinet]

Today Only: Lensbaby Fixed Body with Fisheye Optic (RF & EF) – $125 (reg. $200)

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Only for today (7/6/2023) B&H Photo has a $75 discount on the Lensbaby Fixed Body with Fisheye Optic for Canon EF and RF mounts.

At a glance:

  • 12mm Fisheye Lens
  • Manual Focus

Offering an expansive ultrawide-angle perspective, the Lensbaby Fixed Body with Fisheye Optic is a unique almost-circular fisheye lens for Canon RF-mount cameras. It offers a spacious angle of view, a distinct fisheye look, and provides a vast depth of field for creating memorable and dynamic imagery with a distorted and slightly cropped perspective on the top and bottom of the image.

Get the Lensbaby Fixed Body with Fisheye Optic on sale at $125:

More selected deals:

First Canon EOS R5 Mark II Bodies Undergoing Testing In The Wild?

It’s along running rumor, but we can sure the EOS R5 Mark II will be released, sooner or later.

Latest murmurings has it that Canon might already test the EOS R5 Mark II with selected photographers. The rumor originated from the YouTube channel of Ordinary Filmmaker. I wouldn’t rate it as very reliable. On the other hand, rumors that go on since such long time have a high probability to become reality, sooner or later. For the mere simple fact that there will be a successor to the EOS R5.

According to the rumor in the video below, Canon put EOS R5 Mark II bodies into the hands of content creators, videographers, and photographers. Basically everyone who might need a camera to get things done. According to the rumor, the EOS R5 Mark II might be released in Q4 2023. Time will tell.

Another Milestone For Canon: 100 Million EOS Cameras And 160 Million RF/EF Lenses

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Canon press release:

Canon celebrates significant milestones with production of 110 million EOS series cameras and 160 million interchangeable RF/EF lenses

TOKYO, June 29, 2023—Canon Inc. announced today that the company has reached two major production milestones—a cumulative total of 110 million1 EOS Series interchangeable-lens cameras in March and 160 million2 RF/EF series interchangeable lenses in May. An EOS R6 Mark II (released in December 2022) was the 110 millionth EOS series camera produced, while an RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM (released in July 2021) became the Company’s 160 millionth interchangeable lens.

Production of EOS Series cameras reaches 110 million mark through Canon’s pursuit of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality”

EOS, or Electro Optical System, is also the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn. Canon’s EOS system debuted alongside the EF series of interchangeable lenses in March 1987 as the world’s first fully-electronic mount system for silver halide film AF SLR cameras. During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018. By striving to expand its lineup of attractive products to meet a diverse range of needs, Canon’s EOS series has gained and maintained the support of many users over the years. As a result, the company has maintained the world’s No. 1 share3 of digital SLR cameras over 20 years, from 2003 to 2022. In March 2023, Canon produced its 110 millionth EOS series camera.

Production of Canon RF/EF lenses reaches 160 million unit production milestone on the strength of advanced imaging technology

Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts4 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.

With the addition of the RF Lens—which achieves unprecedented high image quality by leveraging a large aperture and short-back focus, along with a high-speed signal transmission system, that are the hallmarks of the EOS R System launched in 2018—the entire range of lenses has been expanded to include a total of 115 models5, expanding the possibilities of image capture. In May 2023, the Company celebrated the production of 160 million EOS series interchangeable lenses.

Refining its proprietary imaging technologies, Canon will continue to strengthen and expand the EOS series along with its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to push the frontier of imaging forward and to contribute to the further development of photographic and video imaging culture.

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Canon Designs Recognized With Internationally Renowned iF Design Awards (29th consecutive year)

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EDIT: the iF Awards Canon got are listed here.

Canon press release:

Canon Designs Recognized with Internationally Renowned iF Design Awards for 29th Consecutive Year

Seven Canon Products Have Been Recognized With This Prestigious Award

MELVILLE, NY, June 22, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that seven Canon product designs were recognized by iF International Forum Design GmbH with prestigious 2023 iF Design Awards. It marks the 29th consecutive year that Canon has won iF Design Awards. Encouraged by the recognition of the Company’s design excellence, Canon will continue striving to realize products that combine the highest levels of performance and design.

Established in 1953, the iF Design Awards are recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious awards within the field of design, with outstanding industrial designs chosen from all over the world each year. This year over 10,000 entries from 56 countries and regions were judged by internationally active design experts across nine disciplines: product, packaging, communication, interior architecture, professional concept, service design, architecture, user experience and user interface.

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Canon Is The Official Image Provider For The Los Angeles Times

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Canon press release:

The Los Angeles Times Selects Canon as Official Imaging Provider

MELVILLE, NY, June 22, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and the Los Angeles Times, the West Coast’s leading news organization, announced today a new multi-year partnership that makes Canon the Official Imaging Provider of the L.A. Times.

“As one of the world’s most notable newspapers, the Los Angeles Times had numerous digital imaging solutions the company could have selected as a partner,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The range of Canon cameras and lenses, as well as our industry-leading service and support, can help the Los Angeles Times connect readers with high quality, impactful visual content.”

The Los Angeles Times’ mission is to inform, engage and inspire people through its high-quality journalism and compelling storytelling. Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future – complements that mission and forms the basis of a partnership that will support visual storytelling that originates in California and resonates around the world.

“The Los Angeles Times has a long and distinguished history of visual journalism, and Canon’s cameras have been an invaluable tool for our news photographers for generations,” said Chris Argentieri, President & C.O.O. of the Los Angeles Times. “Our partnership with Canon will allow us to outfit our staff with best-in-class imaging equipment and expand on the range of visual journalism and storytelling we produce.”

As the Los Angeles Times’ official imaging provider, The Times’ award-winning photo and video journalists and the L.A. Times Studios video production team will use a range of Canon equipment, including Cinema E.O.S. cameras, lenses and accessories; P.T.Z. and remote cameras and accessories; camcorders and accessories; and other Canon digital cameras, lenses and accessories for use in newsgathering and video production.

In addition, Canon will become the presenting sponsor of the L.A. Times Short Docs, a showcase for short films that amplify underrepresented voices and foster diversity in the film community, and will commission a branded video series on iconic photographs of Los Angeles captured by L.A. Times photographers.

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