The latest Nikon patents





Nikon filed a patent application (US20180095275) in 2016 for some kind of an image stabilization system designed only for the lens array (other IS systems stabilize the entire sensor):

“An image-capturing device includes: a micro-lens array in which a plurality of micro-lenses are arranged in a two dimensional configuration; an image sensor that comprises a plurality of pixel groups each comprising a plurality of pixels, and that receives light with each of the pixel groups that has passed through a respective micro-lens of the micro-lens array; and a drive unit that changes a positional relationship of the image sensor and the micro-lens array to prevent blurring of an image captured by the pixel groups.”



Nikon patent US9942485 is for creating trailing motion blur without the use of flash:

“A camera system and method provide a trailing motion blur effect without the use of a flash. In one embodiment, a variable light-transmissive filter is positioned in front of an image sensor. While the light-transmissive property of the filter is lower, the blurred image of the object in motion is produced. The light-transmissive property of the filter is increased during the exposure in order to produce a clearer image of the object. In a method, a plurality of images taken in rapid succession are combined to produce a clear image of the object with a trailing blurred image of the object.”



Nikon patent application JP2017032660 is for an 860mm f/6.6 mirror/reflex telephoto lens.



Nikon patent application (JP2018066649) is for a 50-240mm f/4.5-6.3 DX mirrorless lens.