Wireless charging seems to be the big thing with portable devices right now. There are various phones and tablets out there that support it, and as the technology evolves, companies are looking to see what other items can utilise it. Canon seems to think that cameras are one such possible device. At least if this new patent application being reported by Canon Watch is anything to go by.
Wireless charging certainly has its advantages, but it has some disadvantages, too. I just don’t know if it’s really going to be all that practical except in the most consumer level of devices that only see occasional use.
The patent application describes the requirements of the technology…
An electronic device comprising: a power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power supply apparatus; a first communicator; a connection interface that connects a detachable communication device to the electronic device, wherein the detachable communication device includes a second communicator that performs wireless communication; and a CPU that (a) determines whether the detachable communication device that is currently connected is capable of using a wireless power supply from the power supply apparatus, if the detachable communication device and the connection interface are connected, and (b) controls the first communicator to transmit data for notifying the power supply apparatus that the detachable communication device that is currently connected is not capable of using the wireless power supply if the detachable communication device that is currently connected is not capable of using the wireless power supply. An electronic device comprising: a power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power supply apparatus; a first communicator; a connection interface that connects a detachable communication device to the electronic device, wherein the detachable communication device includes a second communicator that performs wireless communication; and a CPU that (a) determines whether the detachable communication device that is currently connected is capable of using a wireless power supply from the power supply apparatus, if the detachable communication device and the connection interface are connected, and (b) controls the first communicator to transmit data for notifying the power supply apparatus that the detachable communication device that is currently connected is not capable of using the wireless power supply if the detachable communication device that is currently connected is not capable of using the wireless power supply.
So, in short, a wireless charging system. It recognises your camera when you set it down on top and starts sending out power to charge it up. And it sure is convenient. Get home, plop your camera down, and leave it to it while you carry on with the rest of your day. Or take the dock with you on a shoot, and pop it down to top it up in between sessions. Seems like a great idea.
But I don’t think it’ll be all that practical for more dedicated photographers. For a start, wireless charging is much slower than using a cable or dedicated charger. Right now, wireless charging dramatically impacts cost. Even when close by the charger, you can’t just pick up the camera and start using it while expecting it to keep charging. And if you’re the kind of photographer who goes through 3-5 batteries a day, it’s never going to be able to keep up.
For more occasional users, though, I think it could potentially be a fantastic idea. Perhaps a small consumer camera that also acts as a webcam. When it’s at home sitting on your desk, wirelessly connected to your computer, it’s charging. Then, when you head out the door to use it, it’s just a regular battery powered camera. This wouldn’t be too far-fetched a concept, as I remember seeing several USB webcams in years past that would work this way, too.
The patent does mention potential conflicts with Wi-Fi and specifically wireless memory cards. Basically that you won’t be able to access it over Wi-Fi while it’s charging. But, I’m sure they’ll figure it out. After all, iPhones still get notifications when they’re wirelessly charging.
It will be interesting to see how Canon may implement wireless charging technology. Extending the consumer camera idea a little, the charging station could potentially be built right into home photo printers. Come home, plop your camera down on top of the printer, have it start charging and printing out your favourites right away.
On the other hand, they may never implement it at all. Remember, just because a patent is filed doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to happen.
Update: It appears that this patent application is from 2015, and a working prototype was shown off by Canon at Canon Expo 2015.
[via Canon Watch]
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