Patents Assigned to NEC Toshiba Space Systems, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 9160950
    Abstract: Provided is an image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of a target object by optically scanning the target object by moving in a predetermined scanning direction. The apparatus includes light-receiving devices that are arranged on a light-receiving surface of the image capturing apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, where each light-receiving device accumulates an electric charge according to an amount of light received from the target object; and an output device that outputs the electric charge accumulated by each light-receiving device regularly at a predetermined output period which is determined in a manner such that the larger the length in the scanning direction of a light-receiving range for the target object by the light-receiving device, the longer the output period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Noguchi, Takashi Sakashita, Jun Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9048534
    Abstract: It is possible to obtain a wide-band feeder circuit a lower conductive plate provided substantially in parallel to an upper conductive plate, a short-circuit portion provided in a concave manner at a central portion of the lower conductive plate, and a countersunk portion provided in a convex manner at a central portion of a short-circuit plate forming a bottom of the short-circuit portion. It is also possible to obtain an antenna including such a wide-band feeder circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD., JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY
    Inventors: Osamu Amano, Shuichi Koreeda, Yukio Kamata, Makoto Ando
  • Patent number: 8957620
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus that controls the rotational angle of a motor (111) which drives a rotating body (112) includes a synchronizing means (200) for generating and outputting an interrupt signal (700) based on an external reference signal (600) input from outside and a rotating body reference signal (500) generated by the rotating body, and a controlling means (300) for computing a command value for making the rotational angle of the motor follow a target rotational angle and outputting the command value to the motor each time the interrupt signal is inputted. The synchronizing means (200) changes the output period of the interrupt signal (700) in accordance with a time difference between the external reference signal (600) and the rotating body reference signal (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiho Yanagita, Kazuhiko Aoki, Toshihiro Kurii
  • Patent number: 8922456
    Abstract: A deployable antenna which has a larger aperture diameter by four-side links provided in at least three stages and which includes: six deployment link mechanisms (20) arranged radially from a central shaft so as to support an outer edge portion of a flexible reflector mirror surface; and one deployment driving mechanism (30) arranged at a lower portion of a center of arrangement of the six deployment link mechanisms, for unfolding the six deployment link mechanisms. Each of the six deployment link mechanisms includes a first four-side link (5), a second four-side link (6), and a third four-side link (7) arranged in an order from a position of the central shaft, around which the six deployment link mechanisms are arranged, toward an outer side of the each of the six deployment link mechanisms so that the each of the six deployment link mechanisms is structured to be foldable in three stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Minoru Tabata, Kiyoshi Fujii, Kyoji Shintate, Satoru Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8817155
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes first through N-th selective operation driving portions selectively producing first through N-th selective operation driving signals, a selection circuit selectively driving the first through the N-th selective operation driving portions in response to an input signal and a control signal, and a supplying arrangement combining the first through the N-th selective operation driving signals to supply a combined driving signal to a solid-stage image pickup device. An n-th selective operation driving portion includes (M×2(n-1)) P-channel FETs connected in parallel with each other and (M×2(n-1)) N-channel FETs connected in parallel with each other. The (M×2(n-1)) P-channel FETs have drains connected to drains of the (M×2(n-1)) N-channel FETs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Misu, Hirokazu Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20140225666
    Abstract: Provided is a redundant amplifier, including: a first switch for connecting, on a one-to-one basis, inputs P1 to Pm to m of outputs Q1 to Qn, where m and n are natural numbers and m<n is satisfied; a second switch for connecting, on a one-to-one basis, m of inputs R1 to Rn to m outputs S1 to Sm; and amplifiers A1 to An connected on a one-to-one basis between the outputs Q1 to Qn and the inputs R1 to Rn. Signal paths L1 to Lm are formed in accordance with a connection state between an input and an output of each of the first switch and the second switch, the signal paths L1 to Lm connecting the input P1 and the output S1, the input P2 and the output S2, . . . , and the input Pm and the output Sm, respectively, via any one of the amplifiers A1 to An. The connection state has at least two types in which the signal paths L1 to Lm each have the same length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomomichi Kusu, Ikuo Hosoda
  • Patent number: 8593712
    Abstract: A fast steering mirror has n plate springs (40a to 40d) and m drive means (50a to 50d). The plate springs (40a to 40d) are arranged such that a cross-sectional plane passing through the center of the thickness of each of the plate springs is on the same plane as the reflection surface of a mirror (20), and are arranged rotationally symmetric to each other about the center (O20). The plate springs each have a section extending along the circumference of the mirror holder, the section being obtained by dividing the perimeter of the mirror holder substantially into n sections. The drive means (50a to 50d) are arranged such that a cross-sectional plane passing through the center of torque generated by each of the drive means is on the same plane as the reflection surface of the mirror (20) and are rotationally symmetric to each other about the center (O20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, NEC Toshiba Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Eto, Kazuhiko Aoki, Hisaya Niizawa
  • Patent number: 8589581
    Abstract: Broadcast signal c is transmitted from a broadcast transmitter 5 to an artificial satellite 1 for predetermined signal conversion, whereby broadcast signals al to an are transmitted to all of Japan. On-earth stations 6-1 to 6-n are installed for weather forecast data. These on-earth stations receive the broadcast signals al to an, respectively, transmitted from the artificial satellite 1, and transmit receiving state data b1 to bn, respectively, based on receiving level data to the artificial satellite 1. The receiving state signals are changed with variations of their radio wave attenuation according to whether it is cloudy, rainy, snowy, the cloud density, etc. The receiving state data are collectively sent back to a weather forecast center 9. Weather forecast data e obtained by analysis in the weather forecast center 9 is transmitted to the artificial satellite 1, which in turn sends weather forecast data f back to all of Japan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaya Mine
  • Publication number: 20130175432
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes first through N-th selective operation driving portions selectively producing first through N-th selective operation driving signals, a selection circuit selectively driving the first through the N-th selective operation driving portions in response to an input signal and a control signal, and a supplying arrangement combining the first through the N-th selective operation driving signals to supply a combined driving signal to a solid-stage image pickup device. An n-th selective operation driving portion includes (M×2(n-1)) P-channel FETs connected in parallel with each other and (M×2(n-1)) N-channel FETs connected in parallel with each other. The (M×2(n-1)) P-channel FETs have drains connected to drains of the (M×2(n-1)) N-channel FETs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD.
  • Patent number: 8456035
    Abstract: Main arrays (MA1-MAm) of solar cells (2) are provided so as to correspond to shunt circuits (SM1-SMm), respectively. Charge arrays (CA1-CAn) are provided so as to correspond to shunt circuits (SC1-SCn) and charging circuits (CH1-CHn), respectively. Each shut circuit operates independently from other shunt circuits, and each charging circuit operates independently from other charging circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Teiji Yoshida, Tomotake Gondai, Koichi Kibe, Hiroaki Kusawake, Hitoshi Naito, Go Segami
  • Patent number: 8444281
    Abstract: An optical device has a reflecting mirror using a particle-dispersed silicon material including silicon carbide and silicon. The reflecting mirror includes a plurality of segments joined to each other by reaction sintering. Producing the segments is easy in comparison with that of a reflecting mirror of one piece. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce probability of breakage of the segments and to shorten process time of production of a reflecting mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Toshiba Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Tsuno, Shoko Suyama, Yoshiyasu Ito
  • Publication number: 20130026966
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus that controls the rotational angle of a motor (111) which drives a rotating body (112) includes a synchronizing means (200) for generating and outputting an interrupt signal (700) based on an external reference signal (600) input from outside and a rotating body reference signal (500) generated by the rotating body, and a controlling means (300) for computing a command value for making the rotational angle of the motor follow a target rotational angle and outputting the command value to the motor each time the interrupt signal is inputted. The synchronizing means (200) changes the output period of the interrupt signal (700) in accordance with a time difference between the external reference signal (600) and the rotating body reference signal (500).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD., NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiho Yanagita, Kazuhiko Aoki, Toshihiro Kurii
  • Publication number: 20120193498
    Abstract: A deployable antenna which has a larger aperture diameter by four-side links provided in at least three stages and which includes: six deployment link mechanisms (20) arranged radially from a central shaft so as to support an outer edge portion of a flexible reflector mirror surface; and one deployment driving mechanism (30) arranged at a lower portion of a center of arrangement of the six deployment link mechanisms, for unfolding the six deployment link mechanisms. Each of the six deployment link mechanisms includes a first four-side link (5), a second four-side link (6), and a third four-side link (7) arranged in an order from a position of the central shaft, around which the six deployment link mechanisms are arranged, toward an outer side of the each of the six deployment link mechanisms so that the each of the six deployment link mechanisms is structured to be foldable in three stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY, NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru TABATA, Kiyoshi FUJII, Kyoji SHINTATE, Satoru OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20120162039
    Abstract: A radial line slot array antenna has a slotted conductor plate in which a plurality of slots are formed and arranged in a spiral. The plurality of slots are arranged in the slotted conductor plate such that the arrangement distance in a radial direction between the slots varies gradually between a first portion determined based on a first frequency and a second portion determined based on a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Amano, Makoto Ando
  • Patent number: 8186627
    Abstract: In order to control an attitude of a movable object having a flexible member (50) through an attitude maneuver, first, based on vibration of the flexible member at the time of the attitude maneuver, for example, a sampling function including no frequency components equal to or higher than a particular frequency is obtained. With the use of the sampling function, a control target value is created as a previously-frequency-shaping-type feedforward control law. Based on the control target value, attitude control data is created. The attitude control data can be used for the attitude maneuver with respect to the movable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd., Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Toshio Kamiya, Ken Maeda, Tatsuaki Hashimoto, Shinichiro Sakai
  • Publication number: 20120127551
    Abstract: A fast steering mirror has n plate springs (40a to 40d) and m drive means (50a to 50d). The plate springs (40a to 40d) are arranged such that a cross-sectional plane passing through the center of the thickness of each of the plate springs is on the same plane as the reflection surface of a mirror (20), and are arranged rotationally symmetric to each other about the center (O20). The plate springs each have a section extending along the circumference of the mirror holder, the section being obtained by dividing the perimeter of the mirror holder substantially into n sections. The drive means (50a to 50d) are arranged such that a cross-sectional plane passing through the center of torque generated by each of the drive means is on the same plane as the reflection surface of the mirror (20) and are rotationally symmetric to each other about the center (O20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD., NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Eto, Kazuhiko Aoki, Hisaya Niizawa
  • Publication number: 20120127542
    Abstract: Provided is an image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of a target object by optically scanning the target object by moving in a predetermined scanning direction. The apparatus includes a light-receiving device that is disposed on a light-receiving surface of the image capturing apparatus and accumulates an electric charge according to an amount of light received from a light detection window, a length of which in the scanning direction is shorter than a length in the scanning direction of an area defined as one pixel of the target object; and an output device that outputs the electric charge accumulated by the light-receiving device when the light-receiving device has completed the optical scanning of the area defined as one pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: NEC TOSHIBA SPACE SYSTEMS, LTD., NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsaku Okada, Kazuhide Noguchi, Takashi Sakashita
  • Publication number: 20120069211
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with: an optical system including a lens or a reflecting mirror; an image pickup device having a light-receiving surface on which light rays from the optical system are focused and a plurality of light-receiving pixels which generate charges on the light-receiving surface by the light rays; a bias voltage generation unit which supplies power to the image pickup device; a signal processing unit which processes a signal output from the image pickup device and outputs the processed signal as image data; and a control unit which inputs into the image pickup device a driving clock that controls transmission of the charges generated in the light-receiving pixels of the image pickup device. The image pickup device is bent so that distortion aberration present in the optical system is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Takemura, Kazuhide Noguchi, Takashi Sakashita
  • Patent number: 8112101
    Abstract: A communication terminal which communicates with a communication device includes a position detecting section which detects a current position of the communication terminal, and a control section which automatically notifies the communication device of the current position obtained from the position detecting section, in response to an instruction from the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Toshiba Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaya Mine
  • Patent number: 8038101
    Abstract: Disclosed is an attitude change control system that is designed to efficiently output a torque for attitude change of a space craft using CMGs and realizes a real time CMG driving rule. A CMG gimbal steering law 15 generates target profiles for setting angle and angular velocity for each gimbal by applying an anisotropic weighted gradient method based upon the necessary torque calculated by a feed back controller 13 and a feed forward controller 14 from the angle and angular velocity in the target direction from the attitude navigator 12 and the current angle and angular velocity of the space craft estimated by the attitude estimator 11 as well as the current condition of each gimbal from the CMG 40, thereby controlling the CMG 40 for changing the attitude of the space craft dynamics 50 to the target direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: NEC TOSHIBA Space Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Ogo, Toshio Kamiya, Ken Maeda