Patents by Inventor Junichi Shima

Junichi Shima 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: 8295516
    Abstract: An output control system includes a plurality of output control apparatuses, the output control apparatuses controlling audio signals supplied to respective two-dimensionally arranged loudspeakers, including at least two loudspeakers in a vertical direction, and at least two loudspeakers in a horizontal direction, the audio signals respectively corresponding to images displayed on an array of a plurality of displays forming a multi-display apparatus. Each of the output control apparatuses includes a communication unit for exchanging information relating to one of a state and a process result of own apparatus with another output control apparatus, and a signal processing unit for processing an audio signal to be output to the corresponding loudspeaker based on the information relating to the other output control apparatus received via the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 8233645
    Abstract: An audio signal output apparatus includes a driving unit and an output unit. The driving unit is configured to receive incident waves and generate a driving signal with the same phase as the incident waves. The output unit is configured to be driven by the driving signal and output waves with the same phase as the incident waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 8170243
    Abstract: An audio output apparatus is provided. The audio output apparatus includes: a vibration member, a vibrator, a vibrator positioning unit, and a vibrator-depth positioning unit. The vibration member vibrates to output a sound. The vibrator is in contact with the vibration member and detachably attached thereto to allow the vibration member to vibrate in response to an input audio signal. The vibrator positioning unit controls a contact position between the vibrator and the vibration member. The vibrator-depth positioning unit adjusts a position of the vibrator in the direction of being pressed against the vibration member and brought into contact with the vibration member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 8126179
    Abstract: A diaphragm for outputting sound by vibrating has a hole of a predetermined shape that allows another member to extend therethrough. A sound output apparatus includes a first member, the diaphragm, and a second member. The first member extends through the hole of the diaphragm, and the first member is screwed into the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 8073145
    Abstract: In a sound-source signal separating method, a target sound-source signal in an input audio signal is enhanced, the input audio signal being from a mixture of acoustic signals from a plurality of sound sources picked up by a plurality of sound pickup devices. The pitch of the target sound-source signal in the input audio signal is detected, and the target sound-source signal is separated from the input audio signal based on the detected pitch and the enhanced sound-source signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Akihiko Arimitsu, Hiroshi Ichiki, Junichi Shima
  • Patent number: 8041072
    Abstract: An audio output apparatus for converting an input audio signal into audio and outputting the audio includes a first oscillation enhancing panel for outputting the audio as a result of being oscillated; a second oscillation enhancing panel for outputting the audio as a result of being oscillated; a first transducer for allowing the first oscillation enhancing panel to oscillate on the basis of an audio signal, the first transducer being disposed in the first oscillation enhancing panel; and a second transducer for allowing the second oscillation enhancing panel to oscillate on the basis of an audio signal, the second transducer being disposed at a position on the second oscillation enhancing panel, the position on the second oscillation enhancing panel differing from the position corresponding to the position of the first transducer in the first oscillation enhancing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu
  • Patent number: 7980704
    Abstract: There is a need for being able to excellently audiovisually receive contents without disordering a room atmosphere. An audiovisual room 1 is provided with one wall including an inner wall 2 and an outer wall 3. Part or all of the inner wall 2 forms a rear-projection screen 6C or a diaphragm (speaker unit) 6A. Equipment such as a projector 10 and an amplifier is placed in a space between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. The space is large enough for a person to enter. Accordingly, a serviceperson etc. can enter the space to easily do works such as maintaining the equipment. The equipment such as the projector is not placed in the audiovisual room 1, making it possible to audiovisually receive contents without disordering a room atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Yasushi Tatehira, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Tsugihiko Haga, Nobuyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100198426
    Abstract: A partition, a control device and method, a program, and a recording medium that can enhance the acoustic effect. Partitions are set in a room beforehand. The partitions are movable along a guide provided in a ceiling. In the room, furniture and a speaker are set. When sound from the speaker is reflected by the furniture and the reflected sound is given to a user, the acoustic effect is lessened. Accordingly, the partitions are moved in front of the furniture. Further, the partitions are moved so as to be symmetrically arranged with respect to the speaker. The movement of the partitions can produce an acoustic space in which the reflected sound is uniform. The present invention is applicable to a partition that enhances the acoustic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Publication number: 20100195200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen, a control method, a program, and a recording medium that can provide audio and video at an optimal position for a user. A beam 111 is fixed to a frame 24. The beam 111 is connected to a beam 112 through a rotation shaft 113. Wheels 23A, 23B are fixed to the beam 112, and the wheels 23A, 23B allows movement along a rail provided in a ceiling. A speaker, a display, etc., is mounted on the frame 24. In a case in which the speaker is mounted, when the frame 24 is rotated around the rotation shaft 113, the front surface of the speaker can be directed toward a position of a user. The present invention may be applied to, for example, a screen speaker device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Takuro Ema
  • Publication number: 20090268929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound output device, method and program, and room capable of producing sounds from individual parts in a wide range of a vibrating member by appropriately vibrating the parts. A vibrating member 26A vibrates to thereby output sounds. A vibrator 27A is mounted to the vibrating member 26A, and vibrates the vibrating member 26A based on a first sound signal. A vibrating member 27B is mounted to the vibrating plate 26A such that a given space is formed between the vibrator 27A and the vibrating member 27B. The vibrating member 27B vibrates the vibrating member 26A based on a second sound signal to thereby appropriately vibrate individual parts of a wide range of the vibrating member 26A. Sounds can be produced from the individual parts. The present invention can be applied to a sound output device and to a room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu
  • Publication number: 20090232333
    Abstract: An audio output apparatus is provided. The audio output apparatus includes: a vibration member, a vibrator, a vibrator positioning unit, and a vibrator-depth positioning unit. The vibration member vibrates to output a sound. The vibrator is in contact with the vibration member and detachably attached thereto to allow the vibration member to vibrate in response to an input audio signal. The vibrator positioning unit controls a contact position between the vibrator and the vibration member. The vibrator-depth positioning unit adjusts a position of the vibrator in the direction of being pressed against the vibration member and brought into contact with the vibration member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro KONDO, Akihiko ARIMITSU, Junichi SHIMA, Takuro EMA
  • Publication number: 20090177302
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor information obtaining apparatus that includes a plurality of sensors each configured to obtain positional information thereof, and a sensor position control unit configured to control positions of the sensors to be moved based on distribution of data obtained by the sensors and distribution of positions of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro KONDO, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Takuro Ema
  • Publication number: 20090175469
    Abstract: An audio signal output apparatus includes a driving unit and an output unit. The driving unit is configured to receive incident waves and generate a driving signal with the same phase as the incident waves. The output unit is configured to be driven by the driving signal and output waves with the same phase as the incident waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 7555429
    Abstract: Speech likeliness or a degree of speech is determined with a simple configuration or with a small amount of processing, and speech parts are separated from an input sound signal. The input sound signal is subjected to a waveform slicing process in frame units. The increase and decrease rate of a half wavelength in the frame is computed. The rate of a zero cross in the frame is computed. The increase and decrease rate of a half wavelength is computed by determining the rate of the portion where the upward half-wavelength or the downward half-wavelength of the waveform of the input sound signal changes to increase and decrease alternately or to decrease and increase alternately. The degree of speech is determined using each rate. Speech processing for separating or accentuating/attenuating speech and background noise in accordance with the degree of speech is performed on the sound signal for each frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Hiroshi Ichiki, Akihiko Arimitsu
  • Publication number: 20090100767
    Abstract: There is a need for being able to excellently audiovisually receive contents without disordering a room atmosphere. An audiovisual room 1 is provided with one wall including an inner wall 2 and an outer wall 3. Part or all of the innerwall 2 forms a rear-projection screen 6C or a diaphragm (speaker unit) 6A. Equipment such as a projector 10 and an amplifier is placed in a space between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. The space is large enough for a person to enter. Accordingly, a serviceperson etc. can enter the space to easily do works such as maintaining the equipment. The equipment such as the projector is not placed in the audiovisual room 1, making it possible to audiovisually receive contents without disordering a room atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Yasushi Tatehira, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Tsugihiko Haga, Nobuyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090028368
    Abstract: A diaphragm for outputting sound by vibrating has a hole of a predetermined shape that allows another member to extend therethrough. A sound output apparatus includes a first member, the diaphragm, and a second member. The first member extends through the hole of the diaphragm, and the first member is screwed into the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Publication number: 20080165992
    Abstract: An output control system includes a plurality of output control apparatuses, the output control apparatuses controlling audio signals supplied to respective two-dimensionally arranged loudspeakers, including at least two loudspeakers in a vertical direction, and at least two loudspeakers in a horizontal direction, the audio signals respectively corresponding to images displayed on an array of a plurality of displays forming a multi-display apparatus. Each of the output control apparatuses includes a communication unit for exchanging information relating to one of a state and a process result of own apparatus with another output control apparatus, and a signal processing unit for processing an audio signal to be output to the corresponding loudspeaker based on the information relating to the other output control apparatus received via the communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Takuro Ema
  • Publication number: 20070092092
    Abstract: An audio output apparatus for converting an input audio signal into audio and outputting the audio includes a first oscillation enhancing panel for outputting the audio as a result of being oscillated; a second oscillation enhancing panel for outputting the audio as a result of being oscillated; a first transducer for allowing the first oscillation enhancing panel to oscillate on the basis of an audio signal, the first transducer being disposed in the first oscillation enhancing panel; and a second transducer for allowing the second oscillation enhancing panel to oscillate on the basis of an audio signal, the second transducer being disposed at a position on the second oscillation enhancing panel, the position on the second oscillation enhancing panel differing from the position corresponding to the position of the first transducer in the first oscillation enhancing panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu
  • Publication number: 20060004568
    Abstract: Speech likeliness or a degree of speech is determined with a simple configuration or with a small amount of processing, and speech parts are separated from an input sound signal. The input sound signal is subjected to a waveform slicing process in frame units. The increase and decrease rate of a half wavelength in the frame is computed. The rate of a zero cross in the frame is computed. The increase and decrease rate of a half wavelength is computed by determining the rate of the portion where the upward half-wavelength or the downward half-wavelength of the waveform of the input sound signal changes to increase and decrease alternately or to decrease and increase alternately. The degree of speech is determined using each rate. Speech processing for separating or accentuating/attenuating speech and background noise in accordance with the degree of speech is performed on the sound signal for each frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Hiroshi Ichiki, Akihiko Arimitsu
  • Publication number: 20050195990
    Abstract: In a sound-source signal separating method, a target sound-source signal in an input audio signal is enhanced, the input audio signal being from a mixture of acoustic signals from a plurality of sound sources picked up by a plurality of sound pickup devices. The pitch of the target sound-source signal in the input audio signal is detected, and the target sound-source signal is separated from the input audio signal based on the detected pitch and the enhanced sound-source signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Akihiko Arimitsu, Hiroshi Ichiki, Junichi Shima