Patents by Inventor Akira Nagano

Akira Nagano 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).

  • Patent number: 9855786
    Abstract: A display including one or more first relief structures is provided. Each of the one or more first relief structures includes a smooth first reflection surface and a plurality of protrusions or recesses. Each top surface of the protrusions or each bottom of the recesses is a smooth second reflection surface parallel to the first reflection surface. Each of the one or more first relief structures is configured to display a mixed color as a structural color by mixing a plurality of wavelength components of visible light wavelengths. Also provided is a labeled article that includes the display, and an article supporting the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Nagano, Takashi Nishihara, Kazunari Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20170334232
    Abstract: There is provided a versatile optical element applicable both to an electrode layer required in a bank bill field and to an optical element required in an ID field. In an optical element (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first layer (2) is arranged on a second layer (3) having a relief structure on a surface thereof, and a first region (4) and a second region (5) are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Kazuhiro YASHIKI, Akira NAGANO, Keitaro SUGIHARA, Tomoko TASHIRO
  • Publication number: 20170297361
    Abstract: A display body includes lattice lines that are arranged along a plane of incidence on which light is incident. The lattice lines have properties for forming a bright image with diffracted light of the incident light in an oblique view in which the plane of incidence is viewed obliquely, and absorbing some of the incident light. The surface of each of the lattice lines includes dispersed fine step parts that are repetitive in the direction in which the lattice lines extend. The steps have an antireflection function and form a dark image in a front view directly facing the plane of incidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventor: Akira NAGANO
  • Publication number: 20170100956
    Abstract: An image display according to an embodiment includes a first image-displaying portion that displays first information about a certain object as a first image of object color, and a second image-displaying portion that displays second information about the object as a second image of structural color provided by a relief structure, the relief structure including at least one structure selected from the group consisting of diffraction grating, hologram, and light-scattering structure having an anisotropic light-scattering property. According to an example, the object is a person, and the first image includes a facial image of the person. A labeled article according to another embodiment includes the image display, and a substrate supporting the image display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi GOCHO, Takayoshi HAYASHI, Yasushi KISHIMOTO, Toshiki TODA, Akira NAGANO
  • Patent number: 9557457
    Abstract: An image display according to an embodiment includes a first image-displaying portion that displays first information about a certain object as a first image of object color, and a second image-displaying portion that displays second information about the object as a second image of structural color provided by a relief structure, the relief structure including at least one structure selected from the group consisting of diffraction grating, hologram, and light-scattering structure having an anisotropic light-scattering property. According to an example, the object is a person, and the first image includes a facial image of the person. A labeled article according to another embodiment includes the image display, and a substrate supporting the image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Satoshi Gocho, Takayoshi Hayashi, Yasushi Kishimoto, Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano
  • Publication number: 20170011665
    Abstract: A display body includes a first display part, which displays first information, and a second display part, which displays second information of a larger display size than the first information. The second display part includes the entire first display part as a part of the second display part. The first display part has a plasmon structure. The plasmon structure includes an interface between a metal layer and a dielectric layer, which transmits light, and is configured so that surface plasmons are excited in the interface to change irradiation light with which the interface is irradiated to transmitted light having a color different from that of the irradiation light. The first information is displayed with the transmitted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Soko KODA, Akira NAGANO
  • Publication number: 20160121641
    Abstract: A display includes a substrate with a light-transmitting property, a relief structure-forming layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and including a relief-structured region on a surface thereof opposite to its surface in contact with the substrate, a light-reflecting layer disposed on the surface of the relief structure-forming layer including the relief-structured region, and a printed layer formed on a surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the relief structure-forming layer is disposed, or between the relief structure-forming layer and the light-reflecting layer, or on a side of the light-reflecting layer opposite to its surface in contact with the relief structure-forming layer. The relief-structured region is constituted by recessed or protruding portions arranged two-dimensionally, has low reflectivity and low diffusibility under a normal illumination condition, and exhibits a diffracted light-emitting property under a specific condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama, Seiko Matsuno
  • Patent number: 9266371
    Abstract: A display includes a substrate with a light-transmitting property, a relief structure-forming layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and including a relief-structured region on a surface thereof opposite to its surface in contact with the substrate, a light-reflecting layer disposed on the surface of the relief structure-forming layer including the relief-structured region, and a printed layer formed on a surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the relief structure-forming layer is disposed, or between the relief structure-forming layer and the light-reflecting layer, or on a side of the light-reflecting layer opposite to its surface in contact with the relief structure-forming layer. The relief-structured region is constituted by recessed or protruding portions arranged two-dimensionally, has low reflectivity and low diffusibility under a normal illumination condition, and exhibits a diffracted light-emitting property under a specific condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama, Seiko Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20150362642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display exhibiting high anti-counterfeiting effects and special visual effects. The display of the present invention includes a relief structure-forming layer having a plurality of relief structure-forming areas that are provided on one principal surface side of a light transmissive base, a light reflection layer covering at least a part of the relief structure-forming layer, and a light scattering layer provided on a light reflection layer side of the relief structure-forming layer. The plurality of relief structure-forming areas have a plurality of convexities or a plurality of concavities having a first surface substantially parallel to the principal surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicant: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira NAGANO
  • Publication number: 20150124323
    Abstract: A higher forgery prevention effect is realized. A display includes a first interface section provided with a relief-type diffraction grating constituted by a plurality of grooves, and a second interface section provided with a plurality of recesses or projections arranged two-dimensionally at a center-to-center distance smaller than the minimum center-to-center distance of the plural grooves, and each having a forward tapered shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiki TODA, Akira NAGANO, Shingo MARUYAMA
  • Patent number: 8957761
    Abstract: A higher forgery prevention effect is realized. A display includes a first interface section provided with a relief-type diffraction grating constituted by a plurality of grooves, and a second interface section provided with a plurality of recesses or projections arranged two-dimensionally at a center-to-center distance smaller than the minimum center-to-center distance of the plural grooves, and each having a forward tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20120236415
    Abstract: A display including one or more first relief structures is provided. Each of the one or more first relief structures includes a smooth first reflection surface and a plurality of protrusions or recesses. Each top surface of the protrusions or each bottom of the recesses is a smooth second reflection surface parallel to the first reflection surface. Each of the one or more first relief structures is configured to display a mixed color as a structural color by mixing a plurality of wavelength components of visible light wavelengths. Also provided is a labeled article that includes the display, and an article supporting the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Nagano, Takashi Nishihara, Kazunari Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20120127547
    Abstract: An image display according to an embodiment includes a first image-displaying portion that displays first information about a certain object as a first image of object color, and a second image-displaying portion that displays second information about the object as a second image of structural color provided by a relief structure, the relief structure including at least one structure selected from the group consisting of diffraction grating, hologram, and light-scattering structure having an anisotropic light-scattering property. According to an example, the object is a person, and the first image includes a facial image of the person. A labeled article according to another embodiment includes the image display, and a substrate supporting the image display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Gocho, Takayoshi Hayashi, Yasushi Kishimoto, Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano
  • Patent number: 8147945
    Abstract: [Problems] A higher forgery prevention effect is realized. [Means for Solving Problems] A display according to the present invention is characterized by includes a relief-structured region as an image-constituting element including recessed portions, protruding portions or both of them arranged two-dimensionally on one of main surfaces of a light-transmitting layer, and a reflection layer supported by the one of the main surfaces and covering at least a part of the relief-structured region, wherein a center-to-center distance of the recessed portions, protruding portions or both of them falls within a range of 200 nm to 500 nm. Further, it is characterized in that it comprises multiple relief-structured regions, and a shape, depth or height, the center-to-center distance and an arrangement pattern of the recessed portions, protruding portions or both of them in at least one of the relief-structured regions are different from those in other relief-structured region(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama, Seiko Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20100080938
    Abstract: A display includes a substrate with a light-transmitting property, a relief structure-forming layer disposed on at least one surface of the substrate and including a relief-structured region on a surface thereof opposite to its surface in contact with the substrate, a light-reflecting layer disposed on the surface of the relief structure-forming layer including the relief-structured region, and a printed layer formed on a surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the relief structure-forming layer is disposed, or between the relief structure-forming layer and the light-reflecting layer, or on a side of the light-reflecting layer opposite to its surface in contact with the relief structure-forming layer. The relief-structured region is constituted by recessed or protruding portions arranged two-dimensionally, has low reflectivity and low diffusibility under a normal illumination condition, and exhibits a diffracted light-emitting property under a specific condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama, Seiko Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20100071237
    Abstract: [Problems] A higher forgery prevention effect is realized. [Means for Solving Problems] A display according to the present invention is characterized by includes a relief-structured region as an image-constituting element including recessed portions, protruding portions or both of them arranged two-dimensionally on one of main surfaces of a light-transmitting layer, and a reflection layer supported by the one of the main surfaces and covering at least a part of the relief-structured region, wherein a center-to-center distance of the recessed portions, protruding portions or both of them falls within a range of 200 nm to 500 nm. Further, it is characterized in that it comprises multiple relief-structured regions, and a shape, depth or height, the center-to-center distance and an arrangement pattern of the recessed portions, protruding portions or both of them in at least one of the relief-structured regions are different from those in other relief-structured region(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama, Seiko Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20080272883
    Abstract: A higher forgery prevention effect is realized. A display includes a first interface section provided with a relief-type diffraction grating constituted by a plurality of grooves, and a second interface section provided with a plurality of recesses or projections arranged two-dimensionally at a center-to-center distance smaller than the minimum center-to-center distance of the plural grooves, and each having a forward tapered shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano, Shingo Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20040003120
    Abstract: A digital data broadcasting program producing apparatus is provided, in which the content of a digital data broadcasting program is produced on the Web by using an application through a network. As a result, costs are considerably reduced and efficiency is enhanced. The apparatus is provided with a client terminal which has a function of being connected with a network such as the Internet and the like and can produce the content of the data broadcasting program, and a Web server capable of accessing the network to be connected with the client terminal. The client terminal produces the content of the data broadcasting program on the Web by means of a software for producing the data broadcasting program. The software may reside in the Web server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Nagano, Hideki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020036731
    Abstract: An optical diffusion film comprises a plurality of diffraction grating cells formed on a substrate, each cell comprising a plurality of curved gratings disposed in parallel with each other and containing the same profile. Such film can be manufactured by embossing, using an original plate formed by etching a photosensitive material by means of an electronic beam exposure system to produce gratings. When such a film is provided with a reflection layer and exposed to light coming obliquely from above, highly bright and diffracted light is emitted in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Toppan Printing Co.
    Inventors: Susumu Takahashi, Toshiki Toda, Akira Nagano
  • Patent number: 4740884
    Abstract: A programmable temperature controller comprises a storage member having a plurality of bank storage areas each for storing bank data having a series of control steps and a link storage area for storing link data designating a combination of the bank storage areas. An input member is provided for entering the bank data and the link data into the storage member. A sensing member senses measured data from an object to be controlled by the controller. An output member powers the object, and a control member controls the output member based on the sensed measured data generated from the sensing member so that the object may be controlled in accordance with the bank data and the link data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Toshio Shiho, Kenji Matsui, Toshiaki Nagao, Akira Nagano