Patents by Inventor Norio Oowada

Norio Oowada has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230303170
    Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus is configured to apply, to a steered wheel of a vehicle, a driving force for canceling a toe change amount caused by a road irregularity. The vehicle steering apparatus includes a road reaction force detector configured to detect a road reaction force received by a tire of the steered wheel, a toe adjustment actuator coupled to the steered wheel, and a controller configured to control a driving force of the toe adjustment actuator. The controller includes a toe change amount setter configured to set the toe change amount based on the road reaction force detected by the road reaction force detector, an operation amount calculator configured to calculate an actuator operation amount for canceling the toe change amount set by the toe change amount setter, and a driver configured to drive the toe adjustment actuator by the actuator operation amount calculated by the operation amount calculator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norio OOWADA, Hiroomi KOBAYASHI, Taichi MURAI, Yosuke TAKEBAYASHI, Takeshi YONEDA, Kaoru SUGANO, Akihiro NABESHIMA, Minoru SUYAMA, Tatsuya TAKAYANAGI
  • Publication number: 20230278421
    Abstract: A front-rear wheel driving force distribution device includes a center differential and a limited slip differential. The limited slip differential includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a first piston, a second piston, and a one-way clutch provided between the first clutch and a rear propeller shaft. If the second clutch is engaged by the second piston, the propeller shaft on the rear side rotates at increased speed as compared with a case where the first clutch is engaged by the first piston. The one-way clutch couples the first clutch and the rear propeller shaft if a number of rotations of the first clutch is same as or higher than a number of rotations of the rear propeller shaft, and idles if the number of rotations of the first clutch is lower than the number of rotations of the rear propeller shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Norio OOWADA, Hiroomi KOBAYASHI, Taichi MURAI, Takeshi YONEDA, Yosuke TAKEBAYASHI, Minoru SUYAMA, Tatsuya TAKAYANAGI, Akihiro NABESHIMA, Kaoru SUGANO
  • Patent number: 11578788
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism includes a first pinion gear meshed with a first sun gear coupled to a first output shaft; a second pinion gear meshed with a second sun gear coupled to a second output shaft and meshed with the first pinion gear; a differential case coupled to an input shaft and supporting the first and second pinion gears; an internal gear rotatable about the axes of the first and second output shafts; a motor generator coupled to the internal gear; a first one-way clutch including a first inner ring member configured to move in conjunction with the first pinion gear and a first outer ring member meshed with the internal gear; and a second one-way clutch including a second inner ring member configured to move in conjunction with the second pinion gear and a second outer ring member meshed with the internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norio Oowada, Akihiro Nabeshima, Takeshi Yoneda, Hiroshi Tatekawa, Masaki Takami, Katsuya Higuchi, Tatsuhiro Kubo
  • Publication number: 20230011741
    Abstract: A hybrid all-wheel-drive vehicle includes an engine, first and second motor generators, a first clutch between the second motor generator and a front wheel, a second clutch between the second motor generator and a rear wheel, and a control unit that controls, based on a vehicle traveling state, the engine, the motor generators, and the clutches. The first motor generator is coupled to the engine and the front wheel in a manner capable of transmitting torque. During regeneration, the control unit engages the first clutch and disengages the second clutch. When the all-wheel-drive vehicle shifts from motor traveling to hybrid traveling, the control unit restarts the engine by operating the first motor generator and regulates engagement forces of the clutches and output torque of the second motor generator to compensate driving torque of the front wheel by the second motor generator while maintaining driving torque of the rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Hiroshi TATEKAWA, Akihiro NABESHIMA, Norio OOWADA, Takeshi YONEDA, Masaki TAKAMI, Katsuya HIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20220307580
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism includes a first pinion gear meshed with a first sun gear coupled to a first output shaft; a second pinion gear meshed with a second sun gear coupled to a second output shaft and meshed with the first pinion gear; a differential case coupled to an input shaft and supporting the first and second pinion gears; an internal gear rotatable about the axes of the first and second output shafts; a motor generator coupled to the internal gear; a first one-way clutch including a first inner ring member configured to move in conjunction with the first pinion gear and a first outer ring member meshed with the internal gear; and a second one-way clutch including a second inner ring member configured to move in conjunction with the second pinion gear and a second outer ring member meshed with the internal gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Norio OOWADA, Akihiro NABESHIMA, Takeshi YONEDA, Hiroshi TATEKAWA, Masaki TAKAMI, Katsuya HIGUCHI, Tatsuhiro KUBO
  • Patent number: 11421770
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism including a planetary mechanism, an electronically controlled clutch, and a motor generator. The planetary mechanism is coupled to an input shaft and first and second output shafts. The planetary mechanism includes a differential element rotating the first and second output shafts at different rotation speeds. The planetary mechanism outputs a torque input to the first and second output shafts. The electronically controlled clutch includes first and second clutch plates. The first clutch plate is coupled to a member different from the differential element. The second clutch plate is coupled to the differential element. The electronically controlled clutch allows the differential element to rotate the first and second output shafts at the different rotation speeds when the first and second clutch plates are released. The electronically controlled clutch restricts a rotation speed difference in response to engaging between the first and second clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norio Oowada, Tatsuhiro Kubo, Gen Hariu, Ryou Kanome
  • Publication number: 20210317901
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism including a planetary mechanism, an electronically controlled clutch, and a motor generator. The planetary mechanism is coupled to an input shaft and first and second output shafts. The planetary mechanism includes a differential element rotating the first and second output shafts at different rotation speeds. The planetary mechanism outputs a torque input to the first and second output shafts. The electronically controlled clutch includes first and second clutch plates. The first clutch plate is coupled to a member different from the differential element. The second clutch plate is coupled to the differential element. The electronically controlled clutch allows the differential element to rotate the first and second output shafts at the different rotation speeds when the first and second clutch plates are released. The electronically controlled clutch restricts a rotation speed difference in response to engaging between the first and second clutch plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Norio OOWADA, Tatsuhiro KUBO, Gen HARIU, Ryou KANOME
  • Patent number: 8831306
    Abstract: At each of mutually different multiple focal positions, focal adjustment parameter values are obtained from images of standard particles made of the same substance. Each focal adjustment parameter value is figured out as any one of the ratio between the density value around the center of the standard particle image and the density value around the outline, the difference therebetween, and the density value around the center. The in-focus position is adjusted on the basis of the relationship between the obtained focal adjustment parameter values and the focal positions. Moreover, on the basis of the relationship between the focal adjustment parameter values and the focal positions, the parameter values are converted into focal positions, and the focal positions and dispersion thereof are used to check the displacement of the in-focus position and the thickness of the sample liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Chihiro Manri, Norio Oowada, Satoshi Mitsuyama
  • Patent number: 8538119
    Abstract: A particle image analyzing method is adapted so that while raising image-reviewing efficiency at a cropped image level of particle components in a sample, the entire sample can be observed without significantly changing a related apparatus configuration. Prior to image reviewing of an imaging region, cropped images thereof are reviewed and, with reference to the images arranged for each kind of particle component, if the operator judges any particles to have been falsely identified, the operator uses an operating unit to modify positions of the particles to those of correct component items. An overall image of the imaging region is displayed and if any components to be added (overlooked components) appear, the kinds of these components are identified and quantitative data on each kind of component is registered. Upon completion of the registration, the concentration of the sample is recalculated and a comment is entered in a comment field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Miki Taki, Norio Oowada
  • Publication number: 20120134559
    Abstract: The particle analysis apparatus includes means that perform processes upon image processing of images (110) acquired in a measurement of the sample, simultaneously with a normal image processing for classifying target particles. The means included are: image processing means (110a) for calculating information of RGB density distributions of each whole image; abnormal state determination processing means (110c) for determining whether or not the acquired images are in an abnormal state according to tendencies of the RGB density distributions; and an abnormality judgment process means for making final determination of the existence of an abnormality by calculating an appearance frequency of abnormal images after all measurements for the one sample is completed. These means allow diagnosis of abnormalities to be conducted simultaneously with normal analysis without changing the configuration of the conventional apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akiko Suzuki, Norio Oowada, Miki Taki, Satoshi Mitsuyama, Chihiro Manri
  • Publication number: 20120076349
    Abstract: At each of mutually different multiple focal positions, focal adjustment parameter values are obtained from images of standard particles made of the same substance. Each focal adjustment parameter value is figured out as any one of the ratio between the density value around the center of the standard particle image and the density value around the outline, the difference therebetween, and the density value around the center. The in-focus position is adjusted on the basis of the relationship between the obtained focal adjustment parameter values and the focal positions. Moreover, on the basis of the relationship between the focal adjustment parameter values and the focal positions, the parameter values are converted into focal positions, and the focal positions and dispersion thereof are used to check the displacement of the in-focus position and the thickness of the sample liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chihiro Manri, Norio Oowada, Satoshi Mitsuyama
  • Publication number: 20110090247
    Abstract: A particle image analyzing method is adapted so that while raising image-reviewing efficiency at a cropped image level of particle components in a sample, the entire sample can be observed without significantly changing a related apparatus configuration. Prior to image reviewing of an imaging region, cropped images thereof are reviewed and, with reference to the images arranged for each kind of particle component, if the operator judges any particles to have been falsely identified, the operator uses an operating unit to modify positions of the particles to those of correct component items. An overall image of the imaging region is displayed and if any components to be added (overlooked components) appear, the kinds of these components are identified and quantitative data on each kind of component is registered. Upon completion of the registration, the concentration of the sample is recalculated and a comment is entered in a comment field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miki Taki, Norio Oowada
  • Patent number: 6229912
    Abstract: A particle image analyzing apparatus of high classifying accuracy and high efficiency in which a criterion for determining whether fine classification is required or not can be set for every facility such as hospital, or the like. A rough classification unit executes rough classification of particles and supplies results of the rough classification to a fine classification necessity determination unit. The necessity determination unit compares the results of the rough classification with reference values stored in a reference value storage unit and determines from the comparison whether every sample is normal or abnormal to thereby determine whether fine classification is required or not. The reference values stored in the storage unit can be changed in accordance with the subject of examination through an input/output control unit from a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hatsue Katahira, Kazuhiro Sano, Hideki Asai, Norio Oowada
  • Patent number: 5911002
    Abstract: In a pattern recognition system provided with a pattern recognition processing unit having a network structure constructed of an input layer for inputting a feature parameter of a subject under recognition as input information an intermediate layer for processing the input information and an output layer for outputting a processed result output values of respective output nodes for constituting the output layer, corresponding to the input information, are compared with each other by the pattern recognition processing unit, and a classification item corresponding to the output node whose output value is maximum is stored into a storage unit as a recognized result with respect to the input information. The pattern recognition system is also provided with a reliability evaluating unit for setting a threshold with respect to an output value of each of the output nodes and for evaluating reliability of the recognized result based upon the output values of the respective output nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Mitsuyama, Jun Motoike, Norio Oowada, Yasuaki Kojima
  • Patent number: 5878160
    Abstract: A flow type particle image analytical method for feeding a particles-suspended sample by surrounding it by a cleaning solution, imaging particles in the sample by irradiating light to it, and automatically classifying the particles in the sample by analyzing the picked-up particle images, wherein the method comprises a means for designating the kind of particles to be reviewed beforehand among the classified particles, a means for storing only particles which are automatically classified to the designated particle kind in a review image memory, a means for displaying particles of the same kind on a CRT display in batch so as to review particle images, and a means for classifying each of the displayed particles finally by an operator or for changing the particle name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Horiuchi, Hideki Asai, Yasuaki Kojima, Norio Oowada, Kazuhiro Sano
  • Patent number: 5715182
    Abstract: A particle image in a sample is formed at an imaging position by an objective lens of a microscope, projected on the image picking up plane of a TV camera via a projection lens and is subjected to photo-electric conversion. Image signals from the TV camera are supplied to an image memory via an A/D converter as well as to an image processing control unit. Image signals outputted from the image memory are supplied to a characteristic picking out unit and there a plurality of characteristics of the particle concerned are picked out. The picked-out characteristics are supplied to the classification unit and there classification of the sediment components is perfumed via a neural network with a learning capability. Accordingly, the classification unit performs provisionally an automatic classification of the objective sediment components by making use of the inputted characteristic parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Asai, Hideyuki Horiuchi, Ryohei Yabe, Norio Oowada
  • Patent number: 5561517
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for flow type particle image analysis generate a pulse light emission in any one of the odd and the even field image reading-out periods, and multiple exposure is prevented by prohibiting the next pulse light emission in the predetermined period after the emission. The method includes the steps of flowing a sample liquid in a flow cell, detecting particles passing through the flow cell by a laser beam, making a flash lamp emit light after the predetermined period from the particle detection, picking up a particle still image by a TV camera, and further preventing the multiple exposure by providing emission-prohibiting periods which are established by controlling the timings of flash lamp emission and image transfer with the TV camera, a flash lamp emission control circuit, and an image processing control circuit which are controlled by a central control part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Horiuchi, Norio Oowada, Hideki Asai, Ryohei Yabe