Canon Patent Application: Lens functions adjusted with orientation

[Canon Rumors]

In this patent application, Canon describes setting lens barrel button functions based on the orientation of the camera body. The idea that they are batting around is that as you change the orientation and you are hand holding a heavy lens, the buttons can be then in an awkward position when you are trying to

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[cgc]

An example of what shouldn't be authorized to be patentable. Trivial ideas like this one protected by patents are only used to hamper and block competitors.

With things like this we have reached a point where a full abolition of the patents system would actually protect the innovation.

 

[EOS 4 Life]

An example of what shouldn't be authorized to be patentable. Trivial ideas like this one protected by patents are only used to hamper and block competitors.

With things like this we have reached a point where a full abolition of the patents system would actually protect the innovation.

What is patentable is the implementation.
Richard gave a simple description.
All that it really does is allow for multiple assignable function buttons which switch depending on the orientation.
It does not block any other camera company from doing the same thing.
It might require a third party lens manufacturer to get a license but they would need one for the RF mount anyway.

 

[Richard CR]

An example of what shouldn't be authorized to be patentable. Trivial ideas like this one protected by patents are only used to hamper and block competitors.

With things like this we have reached a point where a full abolition of the patents system would actually protect the innovation.

I won't disagree with you - but it's devil in the details. if they research it and spend time on it, I don't blame them for wanting to protect it.

US patent office can be silly. This was a patent in 1882. I don't think we are there yet with camera technology.

 

[josephandrews222]

From the (enjoyable-to-read) piece:

"Of course, Canon could remove this problem by doing a square sensor, but we aren't there yet."

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Lens Image Circle – Sunex Inc.

sunex.com

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Images from the past: Circular snapshots from the Kodak 1

The first consumer point-and-shoots didn't have art effect modes or face detection smile-shutters. They looked like the Kodak 1, a leather-encased box with a key to wind the film, a shutter release and not much else. Introduced to the public in 1888, each Kodak 1 contained a roll of film with...

www.dpreview.com

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Square sensor?

Circle sensor!

...there's nothing new under the sun

 

[Maximilian]

I can see this being useful even on fairly standard portrait/studio lenses

Me, too.
Seems to be coming first with the new WA primes, doesn't it?