Canon patent to improve raw file burst rate through lossy compression

canon patentCanon patent application US20170359471 describes an algorithm to improve raw file writing performance during burst shoots. This is an example of patent that likely will be found on a future Canon DSLR.

The patent abstract:

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: an imaging unit configured to generate RAW image data by imaging; a generation unit configured to generate record RAW image data from the RAW image data; and a recording unit configured to record in a storage unit the record RAW image data, wherein the generation unit generates the record RAW image data by performing Lossy compression on the RAW image data in a case where consecutive shooting is performed, and generates the record RAW image data by performing Lossless compression on the RAW image data in a case where single shooting or bracket photographing is performed.

The interesting aspect is: raw files are compressed and saved lossy only when burst shooting, during normal operation raw files will be saved lossless. The patent literature states the algorithm:

  • record RAW image data is generated by performing lossy compression on the RAW image data in a case where consecutive shooting is performed, and
  • record RAW image data is generated by performing lossless compression on the RAW image data in a case where single shooting or bracket photographing is performed.

I am not sure if I want lossy compressed raw files on my camera. What about you?

Canon patent shows a better way to review multiple shots

canon patentHere is a Canon patent (United States Patent 9843731) which might show how you may review multiple shots on your Canon camera in the future.

Multiple shots are sequences of photos produced by continuous shooting or bracketed shooting. Usually, sequence of pictures obtained by such “shooting instructions” (that’s patent language) are reviewed in a sequential form (although with some variations). Canon want’s to offer a better experience.

According to the patent literature, there a two ways photos can be displayed for review:

(a) sequentially displaying each image of the generated set of images in a single image display form on a display unit, wherein in the single image display form each image of the generated set of images is switched from one to another, and then, (b) displaying the generated set of images in a multi-image display form, wherein in the multi-image display form each image of the generated set of images are displayed on a same screen of the display unit without displaying any live view image and any image shot in response to any shooting instruction other than the single shooting instruction, wherein each image of the generated set of images displayed in the single image display form is displayed in a larger size on the display unit than each image of the generated set of images displayed in the multi-image display form.

If I got it right, and having a look to the patent illustrations, this means that you’ll see a bunch of photo on your camera display, that you can navigate this photo set though a touch sensitive interface, and the magnify any photo from the set. Have a look at the images below.

Any idea/suggestion/correction is welcome.

Canon patent to miniaturise the aperture mechanism of a lens (new pancake lenses?)

canon patent
Drawing from the patent literature

Canon patent regarding how to miniaturise the aperture mechanism of a lens. Specifically, the patent seems to refer to lenses where miniaturisation plays an important role. Such lenses may be made for special application, but it could also mean a pancake lens.

Let’s see patent JP2017-187730A’s abstract:

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light quantity adjusting device capable of achieving downsizing of a device while obtaining a good aperture stop shape.
A diaphragm driving section disposed outside of the base plate, a pair of linearly advancing blades linearly advancing and retracting with respect to the opening section, 107, and a plurality of oscillating blades 105, 109, 106, 108 which oscillate diagonally from both sides in the moving direction of the pair of rectilinearly moving blades in the moving direction toward the center of the opening to obtain a good aperture opening shape while trying to downsize the device.

I hope this Canon patent points to new, compact lenses, preferably pancake lenses for Canon APS-C and EOS M systems.

Canon patent for illuminated rear buttons on camera body

illuminated rear buttons
A drawing from the patent application

Interesting patent that already started speculations.

Patent JP2017-147019A (which can be seen here in its entirety) refers to illuminated buttons on the rear of a Canon camera body (a DSLR, typically).

This is something Nikon already has: illuminated rear buttons. This lead someone to the speculation that the EOS 7D Mark III may have these buttons. While possible, there are no hints it will. So far we have to deal with wishful thinking and not with a rumor.

The patent’s abstract:

To provide a light emission button mechanism that enables a letter or character on the surface of a button to emit light uniformly with a simple configuration without providing any dedicated separate member for light guiding and light shielding, and can prevent light leakage to the inside and outside of the device.
SOLUTION: A light emission button mechanism includes an operation portion having a light guide portion that transmits light, an exterior cover having a hole through which the operation portion is inserted, a switch unit having a movable unit which is elastically deformed by pressing the operation unit, and a contact unit which is to operate by further pressing the operation unit, light emitting mans which is arranged in a substantially sealed space formed by the operation unit and the switch unit and causes the light guide portion to emit light, and a conductive pattern connected to the light emitting means and formed in the switch unit, and at least the conductive pattern formed in the movable portion out of the conductive patterns is not linear.

Source

Nikon working on full-frame mirrorless camera, patents suggest (and where is Canon’s?)

mirrorless
Patent for 50mm f/0.9 lens

While the Canon community is eagerly waiting to know more (or at least something really reliable) about the long rumored (and much wished) Canon full-frame mirrorless camera (all rumors), we learn that Nikon is also working on such a camera.

Two Nikon patents for 50mm f/0.9 and 35mm f/1.2 lenses specifically designed to be featured on a full-frame mirrorless camera have been spotted. It is a hint that Nikon has such a camera on a blueprint at least.

We found similar patents filed by Canon in the past (1 | 2), and even a patent for an EF/EF-S adapter for a full-frame mirrorless camera. I just wish we would know something more. The latest rumor regarding Canon’s full-frame mirrorless camera is here, I sum it up:

  • Different sources and sites were reporting that early prototypes exist, at least to be tested inside Canon’s labs. This intel came in 2016 and early 2017.
  • Canon is possibly working on a full-frame mirrorless camera with EF mount. There have been rumors saying that Canon is delaying this camera because of issues in implementing the EF mount. There is a lot of talk about this. If Canon manages to engineer a full-frame mirrorless camera with EF mount, thus allowing us to use our beloved EF lenses on a smaller and hopefully performing body, it will be a winner. Imagine what you could do with a MILC that goes along with your EF lenses. There is serious a chance we may see this.
  • The latest bit of info I got suggests Canon will announce a full-frame mirrorless camera with a sensor having a resolution of 36-38MP.
  • A possible announcement date is around Photokina 2018, which happens in September.
  • And for all those 4K fans out there: we have been told that, yes!, most likely it will feature 4K video.

Do you think we will see a Canon full-frame mirrorless camera in 2018?

  • Yes (56%, 195 Votes)
  • No (44%, 156 Votes)

Total Voters: 351

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Does this Canon patent for a 15-43mm f/2-4 lens for APS-C sensors refer to the Powershot G1 X Mark III?


Very interesting patent for 15-43mm f/2-4 lens for APS-C sensors that may point to the upcoming Canon Powershot G1 X Mark III camera, rumored to have an APS-C sensor.

  • Zoom ratio: 2.74
  • Focal length: 15.65 29.18 42.90
  • F No.: 2.06 2.99 4.00
  • Half angle: 41.12 25.09 17.66
  • Image height: 13.66 13.66 13.66
  • Back focus: 8.52 8.01 7.20

Patent literature is hard to grasp. Any help is welcome.

In a zoom lens from which an interval of a lens group which comprises the 1st lens group of negative refracting power, the 2nd lens group of positive refracting power, the 3rd lens group of positive refracting power, the 4th lens group of negative refracting power, and the 5th lens group of positive refracting power, and is adjacent to on the occasion of zooming arranged in order from the object side to the image side changes, between said 2nd lens group and the 3rd lens group, have an aperture diaphragm and said 4th lens group moves on the occasion of focusing — said 4th lens group — most — a curvature radius of a lens surface on the object side — a time of setting a curvature radius of a lens surface on the image side to R4b most of R4a and said 4th lens group, 0.2<(R4b+R4a)/(R4b-R4a)<3.0 A zoom lens satisfying a becoming conditional expression.


[via Hi Lows Note]