Canon patents fingerprint scanner for cameras

Canon has applied for a patent for the placement of fingerprint sensors on cameras and lenses. Among other things, the option should make it possible to set the camera’s functions for individual, authenticated users.

In patent application 20180012061, discovered by Canon Watch, Canon describes how to provide a camera with memory to store fingerprint information of different users. Once a fingerprint sensor on the camera or lens registers a user, the functionality can be adjusted based on the detection. The accompanying images show that Canon has the idea that, for example, the af/mf switching and the image stabilization are adjusted, depending on which user is registered.

Canon mentions the problem that authentication can take a relatively long time for implementation for different people, but refers to previous patent applications. It describes how a fingerprint-based scan can be supplemented with the detection of temperature, humidity and pressure to make a quick estimate of which user is handling the camera. Canon also makes a reference to a link with a smartphone for the detection of the user.