canonpatents

Canon has filed a patent for a new "image pickup-up device and adjustment mechanism" that appears to be a high-powered clip-on-style telephoto camera accessory for smartphones.

Canon has filed a patent for a new shutter-like barrier mechanism that appears designed to protect the shutter and image sensor of its mirrorless cameras when a lens is removed, ensuring that no dust or debris can enter and cause damage.

Canon has been busy: it has recently applied for a number of patents for its mirrorless system, including a new version of the popular 100mm f/2.8 macro, two fast wide-angle lenses, and an RF cinema camera mount.

According to a new report, Canon has patented 10 new fast prime lenses that run the gamut of focal lengths from 50mm through 130mm and are specifically designed for cameras using a curved sensor. As such, some of the lenses noted are extremely fast.

Canon has patented a rather unusual product: a variable, zoomable 1.0x-1.5x-2.0x teleconverter that changes by moving a lever. Based on the design, it's likely that a lens like the RF 100-500mm would be compatible with it.

Canon has patented a new sensor design that mimics the design of backside-illuminated (BSI) sensors made by Sony. Mixing Dual Pixel with BSI would likely result in huge leaps in low light performance, dynamic range, and readout speeds.

A new patent filed by Canon Japan shows multiple optical formulas for an RF 50mm f/1.4 and f/1.8 design as well as a new RF 35mm f/1.4. The patents deal with increasing focusing speed when using lenses with large diameter elements.

If you look at patents awarded as a measure of innovation, Canon is one of the most innovative companies on Earth. In 2016, Canon was granted the third most US patents of any company, beating out the likes of Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and even Google.