Patents by Inventor Atsushi Shirata

Atsushi Shirata 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: 11839810
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: BACKBONE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Francois Pierre René Dransart, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Patent number: 11826642
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller including a first handle, a second handle, a bridge, and a flat, flexible cable. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device. The first handle includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The second handle is configured to contact and support the mobile device. The second handle includes a user-accessible, second hardware interface on a main body portion of the second handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The bridge couples the first handle to the second handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle and the second handle. The flat, flexible cable is configured to conduct an electrical signal between the first handle and the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BACKBONE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Patent number: 11707670
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device that includes a first handle, a first bumper, and a first switch. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device. The first bumper is coupled to the first handle. The first bumper is configured to accept touch inputs. The first bumper includes a pivot rod at a first end of the first bumper that is configured to engage a track slot of the first handle. The pivot rod is configured to rotate within the track slot and to translate within the track slot. The first bumper further includes a plunger at a first-span distance from the pivot rod. The first switch is within the first handle and is configured to be activated by touch inputs to the first bumper. The plunger of the first bumper is configured to contact and impart a force to the first switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: BACKBONE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20220347563
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller including a first handle, a second handle, a bridge, and a flat, flexible cable. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device. The first handle includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The second handle is configured to contact and support the mobile device. The second handle includes a user-accessible, second hardware interface on a main body portion of the second handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The bridge couples the first handle to the second handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle and the second handle. The flat, flexible cable is configured to conduct an electrical signal between the first handle and the second handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20220347564
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device that includes a first handle, a first bumper, and a first switch. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device. The first bumper is coupled to the first handle. The first bumper is configured to accept touch inputs. The first bumper includes a pivot rod at a first end of the first bumper that is configured to engage a track slot of the first handle. The pivot rod is configured to rotate within the track slot and to translate within the track slot. The first bumper further includes a plunger at a first-span distance from the pivot rod. The first switch is within the first handle and is configured to be activated by touch inputs to the first bumper. The plunger of the first bumper is configured to contact and impart a force to the first switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20220323857
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Francois Pierre René Dransart, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Patent number: 11389721
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: BACKBONE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Francois Pierre René Dransart, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20220032179
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device that includes a first handle, a first bumper, and a first switch. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device. The first bumper is coupled to the first handle. The first bumper is configured to accept touch inputs. The first bumper includes a pivot rod at a first end of the first bumper that is configured to engage a track slot of the first handle. The pivot rod is configured to rotate within the track slot and to translate within the track slot. The first bumper further includes a plunger at a first-span distance from the pivot rod. The first switch is within the first handle and is configured to be activated by touch inputs to the first bumper. The plunger of the first bumper is configured to contact and impart a force to the first switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20220032178
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller including a first handle, a second handle, a bridge, and a flat, flexible cable. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device. The first handle includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The second handle is configured to contact and support the mobile device. The second handle includes a user-accessible, second hardware interface on a main body portion of the second handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The bridge couples the first handle to the second handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle and the second handle. The flat, flexible cable is configured to conduct an electrical signal between the first handle and the second handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20220032180
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller including a first handle, a bridge, and an acoustic waveguide. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle that is configured to accept touch inputs. The bridge extends from the main body portion of the first handle. The acoustic waveguide is at a juncture of the first handle and the bridge. The acoustic waveguide is configured to redirect sound emitted from the mobile device toward at least one of a front side of the game controller, a top side of the game controller, and a bottom side of the game controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Publication number: 20210275907
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Francois Pierre René Dransart, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Patent number: 9904373
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a touch screen device, the apparatus includes an elongated recess sized to receive a side edge of the touch screen device, a least one U-shaped resilient member disposed in the elongated recess, a first elastomer pad positioned on the at least one U-shaped resilient member, the first elastomer pad including a first touch screen device engaging surface, and in which the at least one U-shaped member includes at least one slot defining a first resilient portion that abuts the first elastomer pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirata, Hiroshi Tamaki, Tamio Nishino
  • Publication number: 20160252971
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a touch screen device, the apparatus includes an elongated recess sized to receive a side edge of the touch screen device, a least one U-shaped resilient member disposed in the elongated recess, a first elastomer pad positioned on the at least one U-shaped resilient member, the first elastomer pad including a first touch screen device engaging surface, and in which the at least one U-shaped member includes at least one slot defining a first resilient portion that abuts the first elastomer pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi SHIRATA, Hiroshi TAMAKI, Tamio NISHINO
  • Publication number: 20110103635
    Abstract: There are provided headphone which can provide a relatively small storage space when being carried around and which can prevent an unexpected breakage of the headphone. A headphone 1 includes a C-shaped headband 2, a band-plate-like arm part 3, a sound emission part 4 supported by the arm part 3, a first attachment portion 7 and a first maintaining body 48. The first attachment portion 7 rotatably connects the arm part 3 at a central portion of the sound emission part 4 on a side opposite to a sound emitting side of the sound emission part 4 about a first axis P1 along a width direction of the arm part 3. The first to maintaining body 48 maintains relative positions of the sound emission part 4 and the arm part 3 around the first axis P1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicants: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Michihito Asakura, Oriaki Nihei, Hironori Oishi, Atsushi Shirata
  • Patent number: 7627355
    Abstract: A cellular phone has an upper casing and a lower casing. The upper casing has a pair of slide grooves defined in a substantially lower half region thereof along respective opposite side faces of said upper casing, and the lower casing has a pair of slide grooves defined in a substantially upper half region thereof along respective opposite side faces of said lower casing. Slide connection members are fastened to the lower casing by screws threaded into respective joint holes in the lower casing through the respective slide grooves of the upper casing, and a bifurcated joint slide connection member and a slide connection member are fastened to a joint bar of the upper casing by screws threaded into respective joint holes in the joint bar through the respective slide grooves of the lower casing. The upper and lower casings are made slidable by the slide connection members, and are stably connected to each other against wobbling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Toru Amano, Yoshikazu Iino, Atsushi Shirata
  • Publication number: 20060205450
    Abstract: A cellular phone has an upper casing and a lower casing. The upper casing has a pair of slide grooves defined in a substantially lower half region thereof along respective opposite side faces of said upper casing, and the lower casing has a pair of slide grooves defined in a substantially upper half region thereof along respective opposite side faces of said lower casing. Slide connection members are fastened to the lower casing by screws threaded into respective joint holes in the lower casing through the respective slide grooves of the upper casing, and a bifurcated joint slide connection member and a slide connection member are fastened to a joint bar of the upper casing by screws threaded into respective joint holes in the joint bar through the respective slide grooves of the lower casing. The upper and lower casings are made slidable by the slide connection members, and are stably connected to each other against wobbling movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC.
    Inventors: Toru Amano, Yoshikazu Iino, Atsushi Shirata
  • Patent number: 6785396
    Abstract: An earphone comprises a main body and an ear hanger. The main body is to be placed at an entrance of an external auditory meatus of an ear of a user. The main body includes a loudspeaker received therein. The ear hanger is connected to the main body. The ear hanger is adapted to be mounted on the ear. The ear hanger has a curved shape. The ear hanger comprises a core and a sheathing member for surrounding at least part of the core so as to provide a dual structure. The core is formed of hard material and the sheathing member is formed of elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirata
  • Publication number: 20030044038
    Abstract: An earphone comprises a main body and an ear hanger. The main body is to be placed at an entrance of an external auditory meatus of an ear of a user. The main body includes a loudspeaker received therein. The ear hanger is connected to the main body. The ear hanger is adapted to be mounted on the ear. The ear hanger has a curved shape. The ear hanger comprises a core and a sheathing member for surrounding at least part of the core so as to provide a dual structure. The core is formed of hard material and the sheathing member is formed of elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirata
  • Patent number: 5191441
    Abstract: An image reading device includes an image reading device, a video memory for reading the read image and a device for controlling the reading frequency, when the video data recorded in the video memory are repeated read, so that the reading frequency will be equal to the scanning frequency of the television signals. The image read by the line sensor may be converted in this manner into video signals by a simplified operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyosuke Suzuki, Hideki Wanami, Atsushi Shirata, Noboru Koyama, Tatsuru Sato
  • Patent number: 5019897
    Abstract: There is provided a color image reading apparatus in which a directivity is given to the light emitted from a non-directinal light source and when the reading position changes, the reflected light of the light emitted from the non-directional light source is reduced in substantially the same manner as the reflected light of the light emitted from a directional light source, thereby preventing the color tone deviation which occurs because the directional light source and non-directional light source are mixedly provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirata, Kiyosuke Suzuki