Nikon are at it again, releasing patents that make me smile. I found this a number of days ago, but have been too busy to put it together.

Let’s start with the first one.The patent was filed on the 12th Dec 2008, and published on the 2nd July 2009.

It’s a patent for having auto focus pixels on a sensor. They have suggested that we can have some rows on the sensor of a camera dedicated to auto-focus. The pixel rows on either side of the auto focus pixels will have slightly different sensitivities to make up for the ‘lost’ row of data. See below (from the patent), I’ve broken it up a little for easier reading:

1. An image sensor, comprising:

-a plurality of imaging pixel rows, which include a plurality of types of imaging pixels with varying spectral sensitivity characteristic that are arrayed two-dimensionally based upon a first spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern; –

- and at least one non-imaging pixel row, which includes a plurality of non-imaging pixels that are disposed in place of some of the plurality of types of imaging pixels in the plurality of imaging pixel rows,

- wherein: the plurality of imaging pixel rows include adjacent imaging pixel rows made up with the plurality of types of imaging pixels and set adjacent to the non-imaging pixel row;

-and the adjacent imaging pixel rows assume a second spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern different from the first spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern, so that spectral sensitivity characteristics different from spectral sensitivity characteristics achieved in conformance to the first spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern are achieved via specific imaging pixels making up part of the adjacent imaging pixel rows.

Now the very interesting patent. The patent is for have a mechanism that will close shut when the lens is removed. Basically, for ease of use and to keep out foreign particles, it’s a built-in body cap.

Why? Well, have a look at the diagram in the patent…… no mirror. Whoo-hoo! You’ll have to login to view the pdf and hence the pictures.

Here is the extract:

Heretofore, lens-interchangeable type cameras provided with a barrier that, in a state in which an interchangeable lens is not attached, closes off an aperture that is provided in a casing for allowing the passage of object light has been known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the camera described in the above Reference, the barrier is opened/closed in accordance with operations of mounting of the interchangeable lens. However, even when the interchangeable lens is mounted, there are cases in which it is desirable to close the barrier, for reasons such as the protection of an imaging unit and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera in which closing a barrier is possible in accordance with need, even in a state in which an interchangeable lens is mounted.

Lastly, Fujifilm seems to be attacking the mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) camera market as well. They have a strange patent that shows a folding camera here.  I really like this quote from the patent:

“a lens adapted to monochromatic photography, and a lens adapted to infrared photography.”

Popularity: 87%

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3. Nikons Interchangeable 85mm f1.2 lens
4. Nikon 18mm f1.4 lens… on what camera?
5. Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera