Patents by Inventor Toshio Iwai
Toshio Iwai 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).
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Publication number: 20240070062Abstract: According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory includes a memory chip and a command processing unit. The command processing unit stores data read from a first position of the memory chip in a memory when a first command for compaction is received from a controller, transmits validity determination information used for determining whether or not the data read from the first position is valid to the controller, and writes valid data of the data stored in the memory to a second position of the memory chip when a second command for the compaction and validity identification information that identifies the valid data are received from the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Daisuke IWAI, Toshio FUJISAWA, Keigo HARA
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Patent number: 8633801Abstract: A battery authentication system according to the present invention includes a battery and an electronic device. The battery includes a battery authentication portion that includes battery identification information and performs authentication between the battery and the electronic device. The electronic device includes: a power source that supplies electric power from the battery to respective portions in the electronic device; a storage portion that stores the battery identification information of usable batteries; a device authentication portion that performs authentication of the battery; and a control portion that compares the battery identification information of the battery with the battery identification information stored in the storage portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Toshio Iwai
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Patent number: 8008565Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
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Patent number: 7709724Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
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Publication number: 20100088051Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device capable of displaying a remaining capacity of a battery 1 that includes a battery microcomputer 2 capable of outputting battery information including remaining capacity information. The device includes: a main body microcomputer 4 that obtains the battery information from the battery microcomputer 2, and calculates a remaining capacity actual value representing an actual remaining capacity of the battery 1 based on the battery information; and a display portion 5 that displays the remaining capacity of the battery 1 under the control of the main body microcomputer 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Toshio Iwai, Toshiyuki Okamura, Katsuhiro Yokoyama, Hiroki Takahara, Osamu Ohashi
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Publication number: 20100052608Abstract: During charging of a battery, the start-up of the main body of an apparatus due to the switching on of a controller leads to increased consumption of power and also leads to heating of the battery, and therefore it is not possible to pass a sufficient charging current. A main microcomputer 5 serving as a main control apparatus, a charging IC 2 that performs charging of a battery 6, and a charging microcomputer 3 are provided. The charging microcomputer 3 monitors the operation of the main microcomputer 5, and the charging microcomputer 3 prohibits the charging operation by the charging IC 2 if the main microcomputer 5 is operating, and permits the charging operation by the charging IC 2 if the main microcomputer 5 is not operating.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yusuke Ota, Toshio Iwai, Yoshiharu Takemori
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Publication number: 20100037754Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yu NISHIBORI, Toshio IWAI
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Publication number: 20090256717Abstract: A battery authentication system according to the present invention includes a battery and an electronic device. The battery includes a battery authentication portion that includes battery identification information and performs authentication between the battery and the electronic device. The electronic device includes: a power source that supplies electric power from the battery to respective portions in the electronic device; a storage portion that stores the battery identification information of usable batteries; a device authentication portion that performs authentication of the battery; and a control portion that compares the battery identification information of the battery with the battery identification information stored in the storage portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Toshio IWAI
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Patent number: 7536257Abstract: A performance apparatus which can realize interesting performance with game elements. Coordinates are designated in a matrix display input section, and sounding data corresponding to the designated coordinates are generated. Sounding of musical tones based on the generated sounding data is instructed. Based on the designation of coordinates, a moving route is set, and a moving ball indicating corresponding present position coordinates on the set moving route among coordinates in the matrix display input section is generated. At least when the moving ball has reached predetermined coordinates on the moving route, sounding data corresponding to the predetermined coordinates is generated, and sounding of a musical tone based on the sounding data generated in association with the predetermined coordinates is instructed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Yasuhiko Asahi, Toshio Iwai
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Patent number: 7394010Abstract: A Plurality of key switches for tone-generating are arranged two-dimensionally. Mode setting section sets a tone adjusting mode in which the key switches are caused to function as tone-adjusting operators. In the tone adjusting mode, adjustment of a predetermined tone factor (e.g., tone pitch, tone length, tone volume or tone color) is permitted in response to operation of the key switch. For example, once a user moves a finger to change a Y-coordinate position of the key switch in the tone adjusting mode, an amount of the movement, i.e. a difference between Y-coordinates of two or more successively-operated key switches, is detected, and the thus-detected movement amount is set as a value for adjusting a tone volume or the like. All of light-emitting elements located at Y-coordinate positions of the key switches may be illuminated in a line, to allow the user to visually confirm the adjustment and operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
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Patent number: 7342164Abstract: Key switches are arranged to form plural rows, and light emitting elements are provided in corresponding relation to the key switches. For each of the rows, any operated key switch is detected, and, on the basis of such detection, the light emitting elements are sequentially illuminated so that an illuminated position reciprocates between the operated key switch and the key switch located at a predetermined position of the row the operated key switch belongs to. In synchronism with illumination of the key switch located at a predetermined position of the row, at least one of tones allocated to the row is generated. When duration of operation of the operated key switch is greater than a predetermined time, the light emitting elements located in a predetermined range may be illuminated in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and an effect may be imparted to a tone corresponding to the operated key switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
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Publication number: 20070214947Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yu NISHIBORI, Toshio IWAI
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Publication number: 20070022868Abstract: A Plurality of key switches for tone-generating are arranged two-dimensionally. Mode setting section sets a tone adjusting mode in which the key switches are caused to function as tone-adjusting operators. In the tone adjusting mode, adjustment of a predetermined tone factor (e.g., tone pitch, tone length, tone volume or tone color) is permitted in response to operation of the key switch. For example, once a user moves a finger to change a Y-coordinate position of the key switch in the tone adjusting mode, an amount of the movement, i.e. a difference between Y-coordinates of two or more successively-operated key switches, is detected, and the thus-detected movement amount is set as a value for adjusting a tone volume or the like. All of light-emitting elements located at Y-coordinate positions of the key switches may be illuminated in a line, to allow the user to visually confirm the adjustment and operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2006Publication date: February 1, 2007Applicant: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
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Publication number: 20070022865Abstract: Key switches are arranged to form plural rows, and light emitting elements are provided in corresponding relation to the key switches. For each of the rows, any operated key switch is detected, and, on the basis of such detection, the light emitting elements are sequentially illuminated so that an illuminated position reciprocates between the operated key switch and the key switch located at a predetermined position of the row the operated key switch belongs to. In synchronism with illumination of the key switch located at a predetermined position of the row, at least one of tones allocated to the row is generated. When duration of operation of the operated key switch is greater than a predetermined time, the light emitting elements located in a predetermined range may be illuminated in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and an effect may be imparted to a tone corresponding to the operated key switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: February 1, 2007Applicant: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Toshio Iwai
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Patent number: 7062157Abstract: Image processing means comprises image converting means for converting manipulation data inputted by a user with a manual controller or a mouse into an input pattern image, geometric shape judging means for determining a type of an input geometric shape indicated by the input pattern image based on a plurality of geometric shape judging criterion, image appearance displaying means for displaying a symbolic image corresponding to the type of the input geometric shape on the monitor, and image form determining means for determining a form of the symbolic image displayed on the monitor. The image form determining means comprises accuracy calculating means for determining accuracy of the input geometric shape based on the number of deviations from an allowable range of a judging criteria used in judgment for the determined type of the input geometric shape, and modification displaying means for modifying the form of the symbolic image displayed on the monitor based on the accuracy of the input geometric shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Toshio Iwai, Tsutomu Kobayashi, Yuki Kobayashi, Takumi Abe, Shuichi Ezura, Toshimitsu Ohdaira
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Patent number: 7053288Abstract: A skateboard has a board that is rotatably provided with a front wheel and rear wheel. Disposed on the both sides of the board are speakers. On the front wheel there is provided a steering angle sensor, while on the rear wheel there is provided a rotational speed sensor in order to sense the traveling direction and traveling speed of the skateboard. A control box disposed on the undersurface of the board is equipped with a computer device and tone generator. The computer device controls, in accordance with the traveling direction and speed of the skateboard, the performance tempo of automatic rhythm and automatic performance, the switching between automatic rhythm patterns, and the generation of musical tone signals. The present invention brings more fun to a player without making the player tired by adding variation to music to which the player listens during the ride on the moving apparatus in accordance with the movement of the moving apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignees: Yamaha Corporation, Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshio Iwai, Nobuo Hara, Masanori Negoro, Yasuhiko Asahi
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Patent number: 7053289Abstract: A skateboard SB has a board 10 that is rotatably provided with a front wheel 25 and rear wheel 26. Disposed on the both sides of the board 10 are speakers 12a, 12b. On the undersurface of the board 10 there are provided a floor sensor 66 having a CCD camera for shooting a floor and a distance sensor 67 for sensing the distance to the floor. A control box 13 disposed on the undersurface of the board 10 is equipped with a computer device and a tone generator. The computer device controls, in accordance with the color and lightness of the floor sensed by the floor sensor 66 and the distance sensed by the distance sensor 67, the generation of musical tone signals by the tone generator and the mode in which the musical tone signals are generated. A moving apparatus constructed as described above enables a player to listen to music that corresponds to changes in external conditions where the moving apparatus is placed, bringing more fun to the player without making the player tired.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignees: Yamaha Corporation, Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshio Iwai, Nobuo Hara, Masanori Negoro, Yasuhiko Asahi
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Publication number: 20060005693Abstract: A performance apparatus which can realize interesting performance with game elements. Coordinates are designated in a matrix display input section, and sounding data corresponding to the designated coordinates are generated. Sounding of musical tones based on the generated sounding data is instructed. Based on the designation of coordinates, a moving route is set, and a moving ball indicating corresponding present position coordinates on the set moving route among coordinates in the matrix display input section is generated. At least when the moving ball has reached predetermined coordinates on the moving route, sounding data corresponding to the predetermined coordinates is generated, and sounding of a musical tone based on the sounding data generated in association with the predetermined coordinates is instructed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2005Publication date: January 12, 2006Applicant: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yu Nishibori, Yasuhiko Asahi, Toshio Iwai
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Patent number: D563458Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignees: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Toshio Iwai, Yu Nishibori
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Patent number: D563459Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignees: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Toshio Iwai, Yu Nishibori