Patents Assigned to Pioneer Electronic Corporation
  • Structure for mounting driver module of flat panel display
    Patent number: 6366264
    Abstract: The present invention includes a structure for mounting the driver module of a flat panel display to its display panel such that the depth and width of the display can be made smaller than in a conventional flat panel display. A flexible printed circuit extends from its position mounted to a PDP glass panel along a side surface of a metallic chassis and is bent to a direction vertical to the glass panel such that the flexible printed circuit extends rearwardly. An IC chip and a chip capacitor are disposed between a straight portion of the flexible printed circuit and a side surface of the chassis and connected with the flexible printed circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignees: Pioneer Electronic Corporation, Shizuoka Pioneer Electrojic Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Kurumada
  • System for discriminating optical discs
    Publication number: 20020031072
    Abstract: A laser beam is focused at positions on an optical axis of the optical pickup by a focusing device, corresponding to kinds of the discs which are different in thickness. The focusing device is moved along the optical axis. A photodetector is provided for receiving a laser beam reflected from the disc and for producing a focus error signal. A detector is provided for detecting the difference between the focus error signals, caused by the difference in thickness of the discs and the difference in focal point of the laser beam, thereby discriminating the kind of the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyo Kamiyama, Akira Kawakami
  • Map information display device for navigation apparatus
    Patent number: 6356835
    Abstract: In a map information display device, the map data extracting unit extracts character data corresponding to characters from map data corresponding to the map, and the map data converting unit converts the map data including no character data to a bird's-eye-view map data. The character data converting unit selects designated character data from the extracted character data and converts the character data other than the designated character data to bird's-eye-view character data. Then, the combining unit combines the bird's-eye-view character data, the bird's-eye-view map data and the designated character data to produce combined bird's-eye-view data. Then, the display unit displays the map of bird's-eye-view using the combined bird's-eye-view data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Hayashi, Kenichiro Yano, Makoto Hijikata
  • Apparatus for measuring S/N ratio of composite video signal
    Patent number: 6356302
    Abstract: An S/N ratio measuring method of a video signal which is suitable for the formation of an IC and can precisely detect a fluctuation of an S/N ratio of a video signal at high response speed while suppressing the total cost and a system based on this method. In operation, a composite video signal is received, a noise density in a predetermined period of the composite video signal is detected, and an S/N ratio of a video signal included in the composite video signal is recognized basis on the detected noise density. The S/N ratio measuring system has a demodulator for demodulating the composite video signal from the reception signal and a counter for counting noises which are generated in a predetermined period of time of the composite video signal and recognizes the S/N ratio of the video signal included in the composite video signal based on a count value obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Kawakami, Koji Shibata, Yutaka Miyahara, Tadao Nuka
  • Audio signal mixer for long mix editing
    Publication number: 20020029088
    Abstract: An audio signal mixer capable of performing a long mix editing with simple manipulations. A second audio signal producing means is prevented from producing a second audio signal when an operating member is positioned at a first end, while a first audio signal producing means is prevented from producing a first audio signal when the operating member is positioned at a second end. As the operating member is moved away from the first end or the second end, the first and second audio signals are mixed. As the operating member is moved toward the second end, the level of the first audio signal is gradually decreased while the level of the second audio signal is gradually increased. Conversely, as the operating member is moved toward the first end, the level of the second audio signal is gradually decreased while the level of the first audio signal is gradually increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: PIONEER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Takeaki Funada, Gen Inoshita
  • CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20020018415
    Abstract: A clock signal generating system of the present invention is provided for recording information on a disc. The disc has a plurality of recording tracks wobbled by a wobble signal having a predetermined frequency and a plurality of prepits disposed at positions having a predetermined phase relation with respect to a phase of the wobble signal. A clock signal is generated based on the wobble signal. A prepit signal is produced from the prepit. The phase of the wobble signal is compared with a phase of the prepit signal, thereby generating a phase adjusting signal. The phase of the clock signal is adjusted based on the phase adjusting signal. A recording clock signal for recording the information is produced by an adjusted clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kuroda, Toshio Suzuki, Masayoshi Yoshida
  • Optical pickup device
    Patent number: 6346695
    Abstract: A light beam is emitted by a light source, and an optical system separates the light beam into a main-portion and a sub-portion. The main-portion of the light beam is guided to an information storage medium. A monitor detector receives the sub-portion of the light beam and outputs a detection signal. A controller controls the output power of the light beam emitted by the light source based on the detection signal. Thus, the light beam of the sub-portion, which is not generally used as a light beam to be irradiated on a storage medium, can be efficiently used, and hence the output power of the light beam from the light source may be accurately controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoharu Yanagawa, Takahiro Togashi, Shinichi Nagahara
  • Apparatus for and method of reproducing music together with information representing beat of music
    Patent number: 6343055
    Abstract: A music reproducing apparatus is provided. The apparatus reproduces music on the basis of music data which includes music information representing music to be reproduced and beat information representing a beat of the music and which is recorded on a recording medium. The music information is divided into a plurality of music information pieces whose time length are equal to each other. The beat information is divided into a plurality of beat information pieces. Each of the beat information pieces includes information for designating one of the music information pieces in which the beat of the music is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Shozo Ema, Hidehiro Ishii, Takao Sawabe, Yoshinori Hasegawa, Kaoru Yamamoto, Hirokazu Inotani, Tokihiro Takahashi, Yoichi Yamada
  • Speaker apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 6343136
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus includes a frame having a magnetic circuit, a voice coil bobbin installed in the frame to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic circuit, and a diaphragm movably installed in the frame and fixed to the voice coil bobbin so as to be driven by activating the magnetic circuit. The diaphragm has a positioning portion that had been used for securing the diaphragm relative to the magnetic circuit during an installation of the diaphragm in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignees: Pioneer Electronic Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Tokusho, Yasuhisa Abe, Fumio Murayama
  • Plasma display panel of a surface discharge type and a driving method thereof
    Patent number: 6342874
    Abstract: A plasma display panel has a first sustain electrode and a second sustain electrode, a plurality of address electrodes disposed in a direction perpendicular to the first and second sustain electrodes. Each of the first and second sustain electrodes is formed by a transparent conductive film and a metallic film mounted on the transparent conductive film. A dielectric layer is mounted on the transparent conductive film and the metallic film. The first sustain electrodes and the second sustain electrodes are alternately disposed at every display line. A surface of the dielectric film corresponding to the metallic film is projected from a surface corresponding to other portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tokunaga, Mitsunori Nozu
  • Optical pickup system
    Patent number: 6339570
    Abstract: A light source is provided for emitting a light beam. The light beam from the light source is applied to a recording and reproducing plane of an optical disc and to a front surface of a transparent substrate of the optical disc. A photodetector is provided for detecting return light beams from the recording and reproducing plane and the front surface. A first signal is generated based on an output signal of the photodetector dependent on the return light beam from the recording and reproducing plane, and a second signal is generated based on an output signal of the photodetector dependent on the return light beam from the front surface. A signal relating to thickness information on a thickness of the transparent substrate is produced by comparing the first and second signals with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuya Kikuchi, Takanori Maeda
  • Electroluminescent display and drive method therefor
    Patent number: 6339415
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electroluminescent display which allows each of Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B) light-emitting elements to be built up simultaneously for emitting light at predetermined instantaneous luminance in order to improve the reproducibility of gradations when addressed by a pulse-width modulation drive. The electroluminescent display has a charging means for charging at least any one of the R, G, and B light-emitting elements in the duration between the end of a scan and the start of the subsequent scan. The charging means charges different amounts of charge to each of the R, G, and B light-emitting elements. While scanning a scanning line, a power supply is connected to a predetermined drive line in response to the scan on the scanning line, hereby causing a light emission by the light-emitting element connected to the intersection of the scanning line and the drive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Ishizuka
  • Dye record medium, record disk producing apparatus, and information recording/reproducing apparatus
    Publication number: 20020003771
    Abstract: A dye record disc has a disc shape substrate having a track-forming surface divided into a read-only area and a recordable area. A reproducing track is formed on the track-forming surface in the read-only area, and has a plurality of pits, each of the pits comprising a dye material, and having a shape corresponding to the reproducing information. A recording/reproducing track is formed on the track-forming surface in the recordable area, and extends continuously, the recording/reproducing track comprising the same dye material as each of the pits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kuroda, Shoji Taniguchi, Akiyoshi Inoue
  • Disc changer for a disc player
    Patent number: 6337843
    Abstract: A disc storage is provided for storing a plurality of trays, each for holding a disc. The trays are stacked in the storage. A movable member is provided to be moved in the vertical direction. A disc player, a tray moving device are mounted on the movable member. The tray moving device is provided to be engaged with trays for moving the trays and for forming spaces between trays for receiving disc player. A driving device is provided for vertically moving the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Yoshida, Toru Suzuki, Tomomichi Kimura, Kenjiro Ido, Takashi Mizoguchi, Kenji Uchiyama
  • Information recording apparatus capable of avoiding erroneous recording of information in the event of external disturbances due to movement
    Patent number: 6335910
    Abstract: An information recording apparatus includes recording means for recording information onto a recording medium; detection means for detecting vibrations or possibilities of vibrations of the apparatus; and recording control means for prohibiting or suspending recording of the information onto the recording medium in accordance with a detection result of the detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Yoshizawa, Hiroaki Shibasaki, Junichi Yoshio, Takayuki Iijima, Katsuaki Yamanoi, Jun Shinohara
  • Audio information recording medium and audio information reproducing apparatus
    Publication number: 20010055250
    Abstract: An information recording medium has:a plurality of audio information which are independent of each other; and a plurality of reproducing control information to be used for reproducing the audio information. Each of the plurality of reproducing control information is assigned to any one of the plurality of audio information. The reproducing control information includes double reproducing control information. The double reproducing control information is assigned to one of the plurality of audio information to which different one of the plurality of reproducing control information has been assigned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ishii, Takao Sawabe, Shozo Ema, Kaoru Yamamoto, Yoshinori Hasegawa, Tokihiro Takahashi
  • Audio signal mixer for long mix editing
    Publication number: 20010055401
    Abstract: An audio signal mixer capable of performing a long mix editing with simple manipulations. A second audio signal producing means is prevented from producing a second audio signal when an operating member is positioned at a first end, while a first audio signal producing means is prevented from producing a first audio signal when the operating member is positioned at a second end. As the operating member is moved away from the first end or the second end, the first and second audio signals are mixed. As the operating member is moved toward the second end, the level of the first audio signal is gradually decreased while the level of the second audio signal is gradually increased. Conversely, as the operating member is moved toward the first end, the level of the second audio signal is gradually decreased while the level of the first audio signal is gradually increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: PIONEER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Takeaki Funada, Gen Inoshita
  • Plasma display panel with color filter layers
    Patent number: 6333597
    Abstract: A plasma display panel includes a front substrate plate providing a display surface; a plurality of row electrode pairs formed on an inner surface of the front substrate plate; a dielectric layer formed on the plurality of row electrode pairs; a protection layer formed on the dielectric layer; a rear substrate plate spaced apart from the front substrate plate with a discharge space formed therebetween; a plurality of column electrodes formed on an inner surface of the rear substrate layer and arranged in a direction orthogonal to the row electrode pairs; a plurality of elongated partitions disposed between the plurality of column electrodes; a plurality of elongated fluorescent layers covering the column electrodes and side walls of the elongated partitions; a plurality of color filter layers formed on the inner surface of the front substrate plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Mitomo
  • Display panel driving apparatus of a simplified structure
    Patent number: 6333738
    Abstract: A driving apparatus of a display panel performs a high speed operation with a construction having a small scale. The driving apparatus is constituted by a DC power source to generate a DC voltage, a first capacitor connected in parallel with the DC power source, a coil whose one end is connected to a positive side terminal of the DC power source, switching device which alternately connects and disconnects the other end of the coil to a negative side terminal of the DC power source, a diode whose anode is connected to the other end of the coil and whose cathode is connected to the negative side terminal of the DC power source, and a second capacitor connected in parallel with the diode. A change in electric potential occurring at the other end of the coil is outputted as a driving pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Ide
  • Information record medium, apparatus for recording the same and apparatus for reproducing the same
    Publication number: 20010051040
    Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus has a read device, is capable of reproducing sub picture information and is also capable of performing a highlight display of the sub picture information. In an information record medium to be reproduced by this reproducing apparatus, at least the sub picture information and reproduction control information to control a reproduction of the sub picture information are recorded on the record track such that the sub picture information and the reproduction control information are divided into a plurality of groups. Each of the groups is a predetermined unit able to be accessed by the information reproducing apparatus, and has a sub picture pack in which the sub picture information is contained and a control pack in which the reproduction control information is contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Yoshio, Ryuichiro Yoshimura, Takao Sawabe, Yoshiaki Moriyama, Kaoru Yamamoto, Akihiro Tozaki