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Posts Tagged ‘patent’

Canon patent application details hybrid speedlight with active cooling via internal fan

04 Nov
The fan, labeled ‘155,’ is located on the bottom of the flash head.

A recent patent application from Canon details the schematics for a hybrid speedlight that has built-in cooling for keeping the speedlight cool with continuous use.

Japanese patent application 2019-185021 shows various ways in which a fan underneath the flash head of the speedlight would pull in air from the ambient environment, direct it over the front of the main flash tube and cycle it out to keep temperatures at a more manageable level. Interestingly, the patent also shows a pair of LED lights above and below the main flash tube, the reason we consider this a ‘hybrid’ speedlight.

Various illustrations in the patent show how the air would be channeled through the flash head depending on where the flash tube is located inside the speedlight. This particular example shows how the air would flow in front of the flash tube (and LED lights, labeled 102 and 104) and cycle out of the speedlight via the empty space behind the flash head and LED lights.

The patent doesn’t specify whether or not the cooling mechanism is more for the main flash tube or the LED lights. But, considering fans aren’t necessarily a requirement on traditional speedlights and the incredible amount of heat LEDs can put out — especially in a confined package without much passive cooling — we believe it would make the most sense that this fan would run at times when the LED lights would be on for extended periods of time, where heat could built up without the chance to dissipate in a reasonable timeframe.

As noted by Canon News, who first broke down the patent, the detailed drawings and tech specifications for this speedlight indicate that quite a bit of work has gone into it already. As with all patents, it might never see the light of day, but it’s an interesting concept nonetheless.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon patent application sheds more light on its upcoming IBIS technology

17 Sep

Rumors about Canon’s much-anticipated in-body stabilization (IBIS) are a dime a dozen, but a recent patent application from Canon dives into more detail than we’ve seen before, further lending credence to the rumors the technology could make it into Canon’s next R-series camera body.

First discovered by Canon News, Japan patent application 2019-152785 details how in-body stabilization technology can be improved by more accurately moving and positioning the sensor along its axes. According to the patent, Canon plans to do this through the use of a magnetic circuit known as the Halbach array.

An illustration from the patent showing how in-lens stabilization would work alongside the in-body stabilization to achieve optimal results.

The Halbach array, believed to have first been discovered by John C. Mallinson in 1973, is a collection of magnets that is particularly arranged so that one side of the magnetic field is magnified while the opposite side is effectively canceled out. Halbach arrays have multiple uses ranging from something as simple as a refrigerator magnet to something as intricate as a particle accelerator (where it’s used to focus particle accelerator beams).

Canon’s implementation, however, would use Halbach arrays to ensure that when a correction is applied to one axis, it won’t negatively affect another axis. Particularly, Canon’s patent application details how it would use a Halbach array on the vertical (y-axis) stabilization unit to ensure that the horizontal correction (x-axis) isn’t skewed when applying y-axis corrections.

A pair of illustrations from the patent showing how the Halbach array would be positioned.

The patent application also explains how the IBIS would work hand-in-hand with in-lens stabilization units to create the most effective stabilization possible. Specifically, the patent says the in-lens stabilization would account for corrections on the XY planes (2-axis stabilization) while the in-body stabilization would be able to account for shake on XY-theta planes (3-axis stabilization with vertical, horizontal and roll compensation). Similarly, gyro units within both the lens and camera would work alongside one another to account for angular corrections so the image stabilization element in the lens could be adjusted in coordination with the image sensor to most accurately correct the optical axis.

Below is a brief illustration of XY-theta alignment at work:

It’s unknown, of course, if this particular patent application will be used down the road in a future IBIS arrangement, but it is one of the more detailed patents we’ve come across from Canon regarding the technology. Based on this particular patent application, it would be a 5-axis IBIS unit, similar to those found in Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon files patent application for eye-controlled AF system for mirrorless cameras

11 Aug
The item labeled ‘10’ in the figure is described in the patent application’s text as an LCD screen, showing this patent is specifically made with a mirrorless camera in mind. Item number 15 is a light-splitter that will redirect the image of the camera operator’s eye to a dedicated lens and CCD sensor, which is detailed in the next illustration.

Canon has been on a roll with the patent applications recently. In addition to the wireless charging solution for cameras, Canon has also filed a patent application in Japan for an eye-controlled autofocus system for mirrorless cameras.

Japanese patent application 2019-129461 details a system for mirrorless cameras that will use the camera operator’s eye to determine the focus point of the camera, a system not much different than the Eye-Control system first seen in Canon’s EOS 5/A2E camera back in 1992.

Items 13a and 13b are described as infrared light sources that would illuminate the eye. Item 16 is a lens, which will focus the image of the eye onto item 17, a dedicated CCD sensor for tracking where the eye is looking.

According to the patent’s text, the system would use infrared light sources and accompanying sensor to capture and calculate the direction of the camera operator’s line of sight. The resulting information is then used to adjust the focus point, including any corrections that would be made in the event the calculations were unable to get a definitive read on the line of sight.

One area where the eye-controlled autofocus system struggled on the EOS 5 (as well as the EOS 3, EOS Elan II E and EOS Elan 7NE) is when the user would be wearing glasses or contacts. It doesn’t appear as though the patent specifically addresses this issue, but newer prediction algorithms and other technological improvements could potentially rid an eye-controlled autofocus system of this issue.

Examples of the eye-controlled autofocus system at work, including details on how it would account for times when the camera operator’s eye isn’t able to be captured/detected.

As with all patent applications, there’s no guarantee this eye-controlled autofocus will ever see the light of day. But, if Canon did it over 25 years ago, there’s little reason it can’t do it with today’s technology.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon patent application details wireless charging setup for camera systems

07 Aug

Wireless charging has become a standard in flagship smartphones, but like so many other technologies, the camera world seems a bit behind. Canon seems interested in changing that though if a recent patent application is any indication.

United States patent application 10,375,639 B2 details the schematics for a wireless charging setup that uses a combination of a power mat and a compatible device to offer wireless charging capabilities. The patent doesn’t limit the device being charged to cameras, but does explicitly say ‘the electronic apparatus [being charged] can be an imaging apparatus.’

According to the patent application text, the mat would be able to detect when a camera is present via near field communication (NFC) and adapt the power output to match the required power of the camera unit while also monitoring the temperature to prevent overheating.

It’s not clear whether Canon would rely on a pre-existing wireless charging standard, such as the Wireless Power Consortium’s Qi standard, but considering Qi’s ubiquity, it’s likely to be the case. Of course, there’s always the possibility this patent application never sees the light of day, so don’t get too excited.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon patent details triple image stabilization system for low-light video recording

28 Jun
A diagram from the patent that details the process of integrating multiple image stabilization systems together.

Canon has patented a new image stabilization system that utilizes three different technologies to prevent blurry images: lens stabilization, image sensor stabilization and electronic image stabilization. The system would add another layer of movement prevention over Canon’s existing dual image stabilization option that uses both lens and digital stabilization when shooting in video mode.

The patent was first posted on the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website (USPTO) on June 27. According to the document, Canon’s triple image stabilization system, which uses a combination of lens, sensor and electronic image stabilization technologies, kicks in to prevent slow shutter speed blurs that may otherwise exceed the capabilities of the current Dual IS system.

Canon splits camera shakes into two different categories: low-frequency for slight movements that can be corrected using electronic stabilization and high-frequency for stronger shakes like the vibration from a moving vehicle that can be corrected using optical stabilization.

The patent details a third type of movement Canon called ’accumulated shake’ resulting from low shutter speeds experienced in dim environments. In the case of recording in low-light situations, Canon explains:

…so-called ‘accumulated shake’ may occur, which is a blur occurring in a subject image due to the position at which an optical image is formed being displaced during exposure, and therefore, it may be impossible to acquire a favorable image even if a region that is to be cut out is adjusted.

It appears Canon patented this new system as a potential solution for this problem; the patent explains the system offers ‘favorable shake correction corresponding to the shutter speed.’ Based on the details provided in the patent, Canon may envision future cameras that utilize a detection method for determining when accumulated shake is a problem in order to utilize the triple image stabilization system.

The feature may be used to reduce blurs in videos recorded in low-light settings, but only speculation about Canon’s intentions is possible at this time. As with any patent, Canon may never bring this technology to the consumer market.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple smartwatch patent hints at future Apple Watch models with built-in cameras

27 Jun

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published an Apple patent detailing a method for adding a camera to future Apple Watch models. Rather than packing the camera module into the smartwatch body like some competing models, Apple’s design embeds the camera into an adjustable strap over the wrist band.

Based on images included with the patent, Apple envisions a smartwatch camera that is hidden out of sight against the wrist band when not in use. To capture images, the user extends the flexible strap in which the camera is embedded, making it possible to capture selfies without contorting one’s wrist at an uncomfortable angle.

Apple explains in its patent:

‘Such functionality can replace or at least meaningfully augment a user’s existing camera or camera-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet). Such a wearable device that captures images and video may do so via an optical lens integrated into a distal end portion of a watch band that retains the device on a user’s wrist.’

Apple’s design involves a ‘core’ in the camera band that enables it to hold its position at whatever angle the user chooses. The patent indicates that some Apple Watch models may feature two cameras on the flexible band, making it possible to capture scenes both facing toward and away from the user.

In its latest iteration, the Apple Watch enables users to leave their iPhone behind by offering built-in cellular capabilities. The newly published patent indicates Apple views the camera as a possible future element for expanding the wearable’s independent functionality — users won’t have to choose between being able to snap images or leaving their iPhone at home.

The patent explains:

‘A smartwatch that has the capability of capturing images and video may provide an opportunity for users to be more reliant on their smartwatch and less reliant on other devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, digital cameras) to capture images or videos. Thus, a smartwatch with the capability of capturing images or videos may enable a user to forego carrying a smartphone when doing some activities, especially activities or environments where it would be difficult to take a smartphone (e.g., hiking, running, swimming, surfing, snowboarding, and any number of other situations).’

The patent raises questions over whether camera functionality is something consumers truly want from a smartwatch. Though it would be convenient for taking stealthy images (that is, without pulling out a phone), the image quality would likely be considerably lower than what can be captured with the iPhone. As well, a camera positioned at the end of a thin extended band on one’s wrist would likely face blur issues due to slight tremors and other movements.

As with any patent, it’s possible Apple will never bring an Apple Watch with built-in cameras to the market.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon could put continuous LED lights inside pop-up flash units according to patent application

15 Apr

Canon is looking into putting continuous LED lights into the pop-up flash of its cameras, according a recent patent application.

Japanese patent application 2019-056787 (translated) details how Canon could put continuous LED lights inside the pop-up flash alongside the conventional xenon tubes used for still photography. This combo would not only provide a modeling light function, but also serve as a continuous lighting source for video.

An illustration from the patent application highlights the LED lights (part 15) attached to the heat-dissipating substrate (part 16a), which would then be reflected off the aluminum substrate (part 14) through the fresnel lens (part 11) at the front of the flash unit.

According to the patent text, the LED array would lay flat at the bottom part of the flash housing with the diodes facing upwards. When turned on, the LED light is then reflected off a specialized aluminum substrate through the fresnel lens on the front of the flash unit. This arrangement not only allows space for the standard Xenon tube to operate, but also helps to dissipate the intense heat the LEDs will put out when used for extended periods of time. Canon does note, however, that the exact arrangement is still ‘flexible’ to account for any overheating and alignment issues.

A profile shot of the flash unit showing the LED lights (part 15) attached to the heat-dissipating substrate (part 16), which would then be reflected off the aluminum substrate (part 14) through the fresnel lens (part 11, 11a) at the front of the flash unit.

Canon also addresses the spread of light from the LED units, saying it can narrow or widen the spread of light through alteration of the fresnel lens and limiting the throw of the LEDs, but notes it also has to balance the throw of the xenon tube as well.

An illustration showing the pop-up unit open (left) and closed (right). Note the illustration shows a DSLR, not a mirrorless camera, although that could be because Canon hadn’t yet launched the EOS R at the time of this patent application’s development and didn’t want to give away any hints.

As with all patent applications and patents, there’s no way of knowing whether or not this technology will make it into future cameras, but it’s interesting to see what Canon is cooking up behind the scenes regardless.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple wants to patent a ‘Synthetic Selfie’ app

05 Apr

Group self portraits are a great way of capturing memories with friends at events or while traveling. However, they’re notoriously difficult to take. It tends to be near impossible to get everyone together to pose for the shot and then there´s always someone in the group who don’t like their expression in the photo and want it retaken or even deleted.

Apple is now tackling this problem with technology. In a recent patent application titled ‘Generating Synthetic Group Selfies’ the company describes a system in which several mobile devices are used to capture self portraits of each user individually. This allows everyone to get the perfect shot of themselves in their own time.

The process is started by one user sending out invitations to the rest of the group. Everyone then captures their selfie and sends it to the first user’s device. Invited users have the possibility to reject participation. The app could also be setup to limit participants to persons within a certain geographical distance to the originator. This way only people at a specific event at that time will be able to appear in the shot.

Computational imaging methods are then used to cut out the subjects in all images and arranged in one shot in a way that resembles a real group shot, with heads staggered in rows to fit subjects at the back into the gap between the to faces in front of them. The final layout will be be optimized for the number of people in the shot and the scaling of the image.

Once all subjects have been arranged, a background is added to the image. This could be the background of the initiator’s selfie shot or a completely different photograph. Of course the final result can be saved and shared via all usual methods.

The final synthetic group portrait can also be stored as a collection of self portraits, along with the background image, and data on positioning of each person within the group shot. This allows for manual reordering of faces by each participant to their own liking.

As usual there is now way of knowing if we will ever see the system operational on a smartphone or other mobile device. However, all the technologies to create the described system in the form of a mobile app should already be at Apple’s disposal today.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple patent application details tech to improve mobile underwater photography

29 Mar

Underwater photographers and cameras have to deal with less than ideal conditions. Light levels are low, water can be murky and add color casts to your images. Underwater modes on rugged cameras and (waterproof) smartphones are not new but now a patent application filed by Apple suggests mobile users could soon benefit from a more sophisticated version and achieve better underwater imaging results in the future if the system is ever implemented.

Apple’s patent application is titled ‘Submersible Electronic Devices with Imaging Capabilities and describes a system that automatically detects when the shutter button is pressed under water and makes the necessary adjustments to optimize image quality.

The device uses a range of sensors to detect if it is underwater and determines what steps are required to improve image results. A color ambient light sensor could be used to measure ambient light spectra above and under water and help calculate how much light is absorbed by the water. Depth, distance, pressure, and orientation sensors can be deployed to measure the water´s murkiness as well as the distances to the surface and subject. Backscattered light could be measured as well to find out how it affects the image.

With the data from all sensors collected, the system would then make adequate adjustments to camera settings and image processing, for example modify the white balance to avoid greenish color casts, or enhance exposure and texture rendition on the subject in murky conditions with low visibility.

As usual, there is no way of knowing if the patent ever makes it into a final product but given most of the sensors mentioned in the document are already present in current iPhone models, the system could probably be pretty easily implemented via a software update.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Profoto prepares to sue Godox over alleged A1 light patent infringement

19 Mar

Swedish lighting company Profoto is preparing to file a patent infringement lawsuit against Godox, according to Fotosidan. The complaint targets the newly listed Godox V1, which Profoto alleges is in violation of multiple patents it filed for its own A1 light. The Profoto A1 round head flash was launched in September 2017, a year before Godox introduced its cheaper V1 alternative at Photokina 2018.

The Profoto A1 costs $ 995 USD; though pricing information for the Godox V1 hasn’t been revealed, the product is expected to be cheaper than Profoto’s model. The Godox V1 sports a number of similarities with the A1, including a round head design, Fresnel lens, magnetic modifier mount, and LED modelling lights.

Speaking to Fotosidan, Profoto CEO Anders Hedebark said the company spoke with Godox about its V1 light during Photokina 2018, and that it has continued to reach out to Godox in the months since. Profoto has filed seven patents related to its A1, which spent four years in development.

‘We spend a lot of time and money on development and will protect our investments,’ Hedebark said, also warning that manufacturers and other companies may face lawsuits if they market the Godox V1. ‘It feels like we have an obligation to act.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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