Patents by Inventor Hirokazu Maeda

Hirokazu Maeda 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).

  • Publication number: 20230174162
    Abstract: A vehicle side structure includes a side door and a pillar which includes at least a pillar reinforcement. In the vehicle side structure, an end portion, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of the side door incorporates a digital key sensor and has a protruding region, and the pillar reinforcement includes an outer wall facing outward in the vehicle width direction and having an indented region in which a part of a main surface of the outer wall is curved or bent so as to protrude inward in the vehicle width direction, a center concave bead extending along the vehicle vertical direction at the center, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the outer wall, and a center convex bead raised from a bottom surface of the center concave bead, in which a vertical length range of the center convex bead is overlapped at least partially with the indented region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Hirokazu MAEDA, Masahiro NOZAWA, Tomohito SONO, Yoshihiro KOJIMA, Nobuhito NISHIO
  • Patent number: 9669877
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle body framework structure, the vehicle body framework structure including (1) a framework main body that is provided with a closed cross-sectional structure which is formed by joining together a first panel, and a second panel having less strength than the first panel, and (2) a cylindrical reinforcing member that is provided inside the framework main body and extends along the framework main body, a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the second panel side being formed thicker overall than a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the first panel side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu Maeda, Yasuhide Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20170036703
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle body framework structure, the vehicle body framework structure including (1) a framework main body that is provided with a closed cross-sectional structure which is formed by joining together a first panel, and a second panel having less strength than the first panel, and (2) a cylindrical reinforcing member that is provided inside the framework main body and extends along the framework main body, a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the second panel side being formed thicker overall than a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the first panel side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirokazu MAEDA, Yasuhide Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8310565
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a monitor, a face detector, and an electronic zoom controller. The monitor displays a first through-image based on image data. The face detector performs face detection on an image of an area displayed on the monitor, based on the image data. The electronic zoom controller performs first electronic zoom control that enlarges and displays a second through-image corresponding to a predetermined area including a face area detected by the face detector, to the size of a display area of the first through-image, on the monitor. The electronic zoom controller performs second electronic zoom control that enlarges and displays an intermediate through-image corresponding to an intermediate area including the predetermined area and larger than the predetermined area, to the size of the display area of the first through-image, on the monitor, before performing the first electronic zoom control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
  • Patent number: 8306411
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises an information obtaining unit and a controller. The information obtaining unit obtains information regarding a photographic subject image. The controller performs a switching control that changes a first use mode to a second use mode on a basis of the information. The first use mode is set by a user, and the second use mode is different from the first use mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
  • Patent number: 8284273
    Abstract: An imager is provided having an image-capturing device, a display, and a view angle controller. The image-capturing device captures a subject image and outputs an image signal. The display displays a through image consisting of multiple images continuously displayed. The view angle controller controls a view angle of an image so that a ratio of an area of a subject in an area of an image is maintained at a certain value when the display displays a through image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Maeda, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8265475
    Abstract: A focus-point selection system comprising an image sensor, a target detector, a location detector, and a first selector is provided. The focus-point selection system selects a subset of focus points corresponding to the location of a target in an image capturing area from a plurality of focus points positioned at predetermined locations. The target is a subject that is brought into focus according to a phase-difference autofocus method. The image sensor generates an image signal corresponding to the captured optical image. The target detector detects the target on the basis of the image signal. The location detector detects a subject location. The subject location is a location of the target detected by the target detector in the image capturing area. The first selector selects the focus point with the shortest distance from the subject location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
  • Patent number: 8026957
    Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus is provided having a storage control device, a writing speed measuring device, and a selecting device. The storage control device writes image data into memory devices. The writing speed measuring device measures the writing speed of the memory devices by writing dummy data into the memory devices. The selecting device compares the writing speeds of the memory devices, and selects the memory device having the fastest writing speed. The storage control device stores image data in the selected memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20110200315
    Abstract: A focus-point selection system comprising an image sensor, a target detector, a location detector, and a first selector is provided. The focus-point selection system selects a subset of focus points corresponding to the location of a target in an image capturing area from a plurality of focus points positioned at predetermined locations. The target is a subject that is brought into focus according to a phase-difference autofocus method. The image sensor generates an image signal corresponding to the captured optical image. The target detector detects the target on the basis of the image signal. The location detector detects a subject location. The subject location is a location of the target detected by the target detector in the image capturing area. The first selector selects the focus point with the shortest distance from the subject location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu MAEDA
  • Patent number: 7840131
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a flash that flashes and a controller. The controller obtains information regarding state of charge of the flash when an operation for preparing a photographic operation is conducted before the photographic operation corresponding to fully depressing a release button, calculates a first time until the flash reaches a charged state where the flash can flash on the basis of the information, calculates a second time after fully depressing said release button, and determines whether the photographic apparatus performs the photographic operation using the flash after the second time has elapsed or the photographic apparatus aborts the photographic operation on the basis of a comparison between the second time and a threshold. The second time is a difference between the first time and an elapsed time from a time point when the first time is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
  • Patent number: 7812861
    Abstract: An imaging device controller that controls an imaging device, comprising a detector and a driver, is provided. The imaging device is mounted in an image capturing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus has plural functions. The detector detects that the first function among the functions is carried out. The driver orders the imaging device to capture an optical image in a first interval before or after a detection period. The detector is detecting that the first function is carried out during the detection period. The driver orders the imaging device to capture an optical image in a second interval during the detected-period. The second interval is longer than the first interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Hirokazu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20100149383
    Abstract: An imager is provided having an image-capturing device, a display, and a view angle controller. The image-capturing device captures a subject image and outputs an image signal. The display displays a through image consisting of multiple images continuously displayed. The view angle controller controls a view angle of an image so that a ratio of an area of a subject in an area of an image is maintained at a certain value when the display displays a through image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu MAEDA, Hiroyuki TANAKA
  • Patent number: 7688360
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus control unit, comprising a calculation block, a first control block, an output block, and a second control block, is provided. The calculation block calculates the number of possible photographs. The number of possible photographs is set as the sequential-photographing number. The first control block carries out imaging control for either sequential-photographing or single-photographing. The output block outputs the compressed image signal to the memory. The second control block either repeatedly carries out the sequential control for sequential-photographing, or stops carrying out the sequential control for sequential-photographing and begins carrying out the sequential control for single-photographing when the sequential-photographing number is below a first predetermined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20100039535
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a monitor, a face detector, and an electronic zoom controller. The monitor displays a first through-image based on image data. The face detector performs face detection on an image of an area displayed on the monitor, based on the image data. The electronic zoom controller performs first electronic zoom control that enlarges and displays a second through-image corresponding to a predetermined area including a face area detected by the face detector, to the size of a display area of the first through-image, on the monitor. The electronic zoom controller performs second electronic zoom control that enlarges and displays an intermediate through-image corresponding to an intermediate area including the predetermined area and larger than the predetermined area, to the size of the display area of the first through-image, on the monitor, before performing the first electronic zoom control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20100040358
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a flash that flashes and a controller. The controller obtains information regarding state of charge of the flash when an operation for preparing a photographic operation is conducted before the photographic operation corresponding to fully depressing a release button, calculates a first time until the flash reaches a charged state where the flash can flash on the basis of the information, calculates a second time after fully depressing said release button, and determines whether the photographic apparatus performs the photographic operation using the flash after the second time has elapsed or the photographic apparatus aborts the photographic operation on the basis of a comparison between the second time and a threshold. The second time is a difference between the first time and an elapsed time from a time point when the first time is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20100040734
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide water-soluble dietary fiber obtained by hot water extraction from cacao husks, and to use the water-soluble dietary fiber for addition to acidic protein foods such as milk component-containing beverages, dispersion stabilizers for chocolate beverages and the like, coating agents with improved coatability, age resistors for starch-containing food products, and shelf-life extenders for foods and beverages which continue to maintain their microbiostatic properties even when added only in small amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: FUJI OIL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakamura, Ryuji Yoshida, Hirokazu Maeda, Shushi Nagaoka
  • Publication number: 20100040359
    Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises an information obtaining unit and a controller. The information obtaining unit obtains information regarding a photographic subject image. The controller performs a switching control that changes a first use mode to a second use mode on a basis of the information. The first use mode is set by a user, and the second use mode is different from the first use mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu MAEDA
  • Patent number: 7601381
    Abstract: Emulsifying agents of the natural polvymer type, especially polysaccharide type, attain excellent emulsion stability and give a stable emulsion. However, their emulsifying power is not always high and these emulsifying agents have been still insufficient in giving an emulsion having a small particle diameter. A polymer-type emulsifying agent is provided which has high emulsifying power and with which an emulsion having a small emulsified-particle diameter can be obtained. The emulsifying agent, which is of the natural polymer type having high emulsifying power, is an emulsifying agent containing as an active ingredient a composite of a polysaccharide with a specific protein which was contained in soybean and has a proline content of 10% or higher and a molecular weight of 50,000-80,000 Da.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Oil Company, Limited
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakamura, Ryuji Yoshida, Hirokazu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20090131699
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of practically obtaining a natural antioxidant, which gives a sense of security to consumers when added to foods, by efficiently taking out an antioxidant component from soybeans. It is confirmed that a hot water extract obtained by extracting a soybean seeds with hot water at a high temperature exceeding 100° C. under weakly acidic conditions has an antioxidant effect. A low-molecular weight fraction of this hot water extract is further fractionated by taking advantage of a difference in solubility in a water-containing organic solvent or using an appropriate filter suitable for the molecular weight size to thereby efficiently give a highly antioxidant fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakamura, Ryuji Yoshida, Hirokazu Maeda, Hitoshi Furuta, Yasuki Matsumura, Tomohiko Mori
  • Patent number: 7524118
    Abstract: A mode dial mechanism for a photographing device comprising a photographing lens, according to the present invention, includes a lens mover, a mode dial, and a mode judge. The lens mover moves the photographing lens. The mode dial is for selecting a mode from a plurality of modes, including a lens housing mode where the photographing lens is housed in a housed position which is inside the photographing device. The mode judge determines whether the lens housing mode should be set or not, when the lens housing mode is selected. When the mode judge determines that the lens housing mode should be set, the lens housing mode is set, and the lens mover moves the photographing lens to the housed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda