Patents by Inventor Katsuya Shirai
Katsuya Shirai 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).
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Patent number: 8612030Abstract: In a health exercise assist system, a portable music playback apparatus acquires a preset exercise plan, a history of exercise information, and a music playback history and stores them. An information processing apparatus produces a service request including at least one of the preset exercise plan, the history of exercise information, and the music playback history acquired from the portable music playback apparatus, and transmits it to a service information providing apparatus. In accordance with the service request received from the information processing apparatus, the service information providing apparatus produces service information and returns the produced service information to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus provides the received service information to a user of the audio playback apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yuichi Sakai, Katsuya Shirai, Yoichiro Sako, Masamichi Asukai, Akane Sano, Motoyuki Takai, Makoto Inoue
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Patent number: 8518756Abstract: A method for crystallizing a thin film A gate insulating film formed on a substrate so as to cover a gate electrode. A light absorption layer is formed thereon through a buffer layer. Energy lines Lh are applied to the light absorption layer from a continuous-wave laser such as a semiconductor laser. This anneals only a surface side of the light absorption layer Lh and produces a crystalline silicon film obtained by crystallizing the amorphous silicon film using heat generated by thermal conversion of the energy lines Lh at the light absorption layer and heat of the annealing reaction.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko Umezu, Koichi Tsukihara, Goh Matsunobu, Yoshio Inagaki, Koichi Tatsuki, Shin Hotta, Katsuya Shirai
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Patent number: 8387947Abstract: A capacity control valve includes a solenoid portion; a tube placed in the solenoid portion; and a movable core which forms a slide surface that is fitted to the tube. An actuation rod has a joint portion and a valve body, the joint portion being engaged with an abutting surface of a solenoid rod portion, and the valve body opening or closing a control fluid passage. The joint surface of the solenoid rod portion or the abutting face of the actuation rod has a concave cone-shape surface while the other has a convex cone-shape portion. A bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface is formed as a wide area of either a planar surface or a circular cross section, wherein a head portion of the convex cone-shape portion is truncated to form a truncated cone surface, the truncated cone surface corresponding to the bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norio Uemura, Toshiaki Iwa, Katsuya Shirai, Keigo Shirafuji
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Patent number: 8358906Abstract: By allowing the movement of a user to affect the playback of content, the entertainment characteristic or uplifting spirits derived from content playback itself can be enhanced. The timing at which the user places his/her foot on the ground while walking or the timing at which the user shakes or changes from swinging in one direction to swinging to another direction is detected. Then, content, such as a music piece or moving pictures, is played back by allowing the timing of beats or bars of the music piece or the timing of scene changes or cut changes of the moving pictures to be synchronized with the timing of the movement of the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Motoyuki Takai, Toshiro Terauchi, Yoichiro Sako, Yasushi Miyajima, Kosei Yamashita, Makoto Inoue, Masamichi Asukai, Katsuya Shirai, Kenichi Makino
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Patent number: 8311654Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus is disclosed which includes: a sensor; a discrimination circuit configured to discriminate whether a movement of a user is a first movement or a second movement based on a detection output from the sensor; a storage configured to store contents; a reproduction circuit configured to reproduce the contents; and a control circuit configured to supply the reproduction circuit with contents retrieved from the storage in accordance with a discrimination output from the discrimination circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yoichiro Sako, Kenichi Makino, Akane Sano, Katsuya Shirai, Motoyuki Takai, Makoto Inoue
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Publication number: 20120231559Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor thin film includes the steps of: forming an amorphous semiconductor thin film on a substrate; forming a crystalline semiconductor thin film partially in each element region by applying laser light to the amorphous semiconductor thin film to selectively perform a heating process on the amorphous semiconductor thin film, thereby crystallizing the amorphous semiconductor thin film in a region irradiated with the laser light; and inspecting the crystallinity degree of the crystalline semiconductor thin film. The step of inspecting includes the steps of determining a contrast between the luminance of a crystallized region and the luminance of a non-crystallized region by applying light to the crystalline semiconductor thin film and the amorphous semiconductor thin film, and performing screening of the crystalline semiconductor thin film on the basis of the determined contrast.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Nobuhiko UMEZU, Koichi TSUKIHARA, Hirohisa AMAGO, Go MATSUNOBU, Katsuya SHIRAI
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Patent number: 8264456Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed which includes: a main body motion determination device configured to determine whether a predetermined accelerated motion is exerted on a main body of the electronic apparatus in a predetermined axial direction; and a control device configured to control the electronic apparatus to perform a predetermined action based on a pattern of the predetermined accelerated motion determined to occur by the main body motion determination device.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Ito, Akane Sano, Makoto Inoue, Katsuya Shirai, Motoyuki Takai, Hirofumi Tamori, Kenichi Makino
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Publication number: 20120196395Abstract: A method for crystallizing a thin film A gate insulating film formed on a substrate so as to cover a gate electrode. A light absorption layer is formed thereon through a buffer layer. Energy lines Lh are applied to the light absorption layer from a continuous-wave laser such as a semiconductor laser. This anneals only a surface side of the light absorption layer Lh and produces a crystalline silicon film obtained by crystallizing the amorphous silicon film using heat generated by thermal conversion of the energy lines Lh at the light absorption layer and heat of the annealing reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko UMEZU, Koichi TSUKIHARA, Goh MATSUNOBU, Yoshio INAGAKI, Koichi TATSUKI, Shin HOTTA, Katsuya SHIRAI
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Patent number: 8212136Abstract: Provided is a device for playing audio with improved convenience, wherein music can be played such that oneness with the actions of the user can be obtained at all times, without giving the user any unnaturalness whatsoever such as unpleasant sensations. After starting playing of music data through such as an audio signal output processing unit 31, action tempo of the user is detected by an exercise information analyzing circuit 23, based on detection output from an exercise information sensor 24, and in the event that the difference between the detected action tempo of the user and the tempo of the music data being played is not a predetermined range, music data with a tempo of which the difference as to the action tempo of the user is within the predetermined range is searched by searching means such as a music playing data generating device unit 22, and a control unit 10 changes the music data to be played so as to play this searched music data.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Katsuya Shirai, Yuichi Sakai, Yoichiro Sako, Masamichi Asukai, Makoto Inoue, Motoyuki Takai, Akane Sano
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Patent number: 8199937Abstract: A contents reproduction apparatus that reproduces contents suitable for a user's environment includes a position detecting unit detecting a user's position, an operation detecting unit detecting a movement of a user's body, a contents generating unit generating contents based on the user's position and the movement of the user's body, and a contents reproducing unit reproducing the generated contents.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Motoyuki Takai, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Masamichi Asukai, Katsuya Shirai, Yasushi Miyajima, Kenichi Makino
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Patent number: 8193008Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor thin film includes the steps of: forming an amorphous semiconductor thin film on a substrate; forming a crystalline semiconductor thin film partially in each element region by applying laser light to the amorphous semiconductor thin film to selectively perform a heating process on the amorphous semiconductor thin film, thereby crystallizing the amorphous semiconductor thin film in a region irradiated with the laser light; and inspecting the crystallinity degree of the crystalline semiconductor thin film. The step of inspecting includes the steps of determining a contrast between the luminance of a crystallized region and the luminance of a non-crystallized region by applying light to the crystalline semiconductor thin film and the amorphous semiconductor thin film, and performing screening of the crystalline semiconductor thin film on the basis of the determined contrast.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko Umezu, Koichi Tsukihara, Hirohisa Amago, Go Matsunobu, Katsuya Shirai
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Patent number: 8168518Abstract: A gate insulating film (13) is formed on a substrate (1) so as to cover a gate electrode (11), and an amorphous silicon film (semiconductor thin film) (15) is further formed. A light absorption layer (19) is formed thereon through a buffer layer (17). Energy lines Lh are applied to the light absorption layer (19) from a continuous-wave laser such as a semiconductor laser. This oxidizes only a surface side of the light absorption layer Lh and produces a beautiful crystalline silicon film (15a) obtained by crystallizing the amorphous silicon film (15) using heat generated by thermal conversion of the energy lines Lh at the light absorption layer (19) and heat of the oxidation reaction. This provides a method for crystallizing a thin film with good controllability at low costs achieved with simpler process.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Nobuhiko Umezu, Koichi Tsukihara, Goh Matsunobu, Yoshio Inagaki, Koichi Tatsuki, Shin Hotta, Katsuya Shirai
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Publication number: 20120066637Abstract: A content playback apparatus includes: a display section that displays a plurality of indicators associated with a plurality of pieces of content, and a specifier to be used to specify one of the indicators; a playback section that plays back the piece of content associated with the indicator specified by the specifier; a switch section that switches, in accordance with a user's operation, what the specifier specifies to new the indicator; and a playback control section that controls the playback section such that if the user's operation switches, while the piece of content associated with the indicator specified by the specifier is played, what the specifier specifies to next the indicator and the user's subsequent operation switches, within a predetermined period of time from when the previous switch is completed, what the specifier specifies to subsequent the indicator, the playback section keeps playing back the piece of content.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Yuichi Abe, Yoichiro Sako, Masamichi Asukai, Mitsuru Takehara, Katsuya Shirai, Toru Sasaki, Toshiro Terauchi
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Patent number: 8128061Abstract: A capacity control valve includes a solenoid portion; a tube placed in the solenoid portion; and a movable core which forms a slide surface that is fitted to the tube. An actuation rod has a joint portion and a valve body, the joint portion being engaged with an abutting surface of a solenoid rod portion, and the valve body opening or closing a control fluid passage. The joint surface of the solenoid rod portion or the abutting face of the actuation rod has a concave cone-shape surface while the other has a convex cone-shape portion. A bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface is formed as a wide area of either a planar surface or a circular cross section, wherein a head portion of the convex cone-shape portion is truncated to form a truncated cone surface, the truncated cone surface corresponding to the bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norio Uemura, Toshiaki Iwa, Katsuya Shirai, Keigo Shirafuji
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Patent number: 8119899Abstract: Provided is a device for playing audio with improved convenience, wherein music can be played such that oneness with the actions of the user can be obtained at all times, without giving the user any unnaturalness whatsoever such as unpleasant sensations. After starting playing of music data through such as an audio signal output processing unit 31, action tempo of the user is detected by an exercise information analyzing circuit 23, based on detection output from an exercise information sensor 24, and in the event that the difference between the detected action tempo of the user and the tempo of the music data being played is not a predetermined range, music data with a tempo of which the difference as to the action tempo of the user is within the predetermined range is searched by searching means such as a music playing data generating device unit 22, and a control unit 10 changes the music data to be played so as to play this searched music data.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Katsuya Shirai, Yuichi Sakai, Yoichiro Sako, Masamichi Asukai, Makoto Inoue, Motoyuki Takai, Akane Sano
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Publication number: 20120037822Abstract: A capacity control valve includes a solenoid portion; a tube placed in the solenoid portion; and a movable core which forms a slide surface that is fitted to the tube. An actuation rod has a joint portion and a valve body, the joint portion being engaged with an abutting surface of a solenoid rod portion, and the valve body opening or closing a control fluid passage. The joint surface of the solenoid rod portion or the abutting face of the actuation rod has a concave cone-shape surface while the other has a convex cone-shape portion. A bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface is formed as a wide area of either a planar surface or a circular cross section, wherein a head portion of the convex cone-shape portion is truncated to form a truncated cone surface, the truncated cone surface corresponding to the bottom face of the concave cone-shape surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Norio UEMURA, Toshiaki Iwa, Katsuya Shirai, Keigo Shirafuji
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Patent number: 8091027Abstract: A content playback apparatus includes: a display section that displays a plurality of indicators associated with a plurality of pieces of content, and a specifier to be used to specify one of the indicators; a playback section that plays back the piece of content associated with the indicator specified by the specifier; a switch section that switches, in accordance with a user's operation, what the specifier specifies to new the indicator; and a playback control section that controls the playback section such that if the user's operation switches, while the piece of content associated with the indicator specified by the specifier is played, what the specifier specifies to next the indicator and the user's subsequent operation switches, within a predetermined period of time from when the previous switch is completed, what the specifier specifies to subsequent the indicator, the playback section keeps playing back the piece of content.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Yuichi Abe, Yoichiro Sako, Masamichi Asukai, Mitsuru Takehara, Katsuya Shirai, Toru Sasaki, Toshiro Terauchi
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Patent number: 8073649Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes an acceleration detection unit, an evaluation-signal generation unit, and a control unit. The acceleration detection unit is configured to detect an acceleration generated in the portable electronic apparatus. The evaluation-signal generation unit is configured to carry out a predetermined process based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit in order to generate an evaluation signal representing the amplitude and positive or negative polarity of the acceleration. The control unit is configured to produce a result of determination as to whether or not the portable electronic apparatus has been driven to make a predetermined movement on the basis of the evaluation signal and carrying out a predetermined operation on the basis of the result of determination.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Akane Sano, Kenichi Makino, Motoyuki Takai, Hiroshi Ito, Makoto Inoue, Katsuya Shirai, Hirofumi Tamori
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Patent number: 8041801Abstract: State information of a user is detected via a biometric information sensor and is stored, in a nonvolatile memory, in association with a content identifier of content that is being reproduced for the user when the state information is detected. An information request, including the state information of another user at another terminal apparatus, is generated and transmitted. Provided information transmitted in response to the information request is received and provided to the user. When an information request is received by the user, information is extracted from the nonvolatile memory based on the state information of another user. Provided information that is based on the extracted information is transmitted to another user.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Toru Sasaki, Yuichi Sakai, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Hirofumi Tamori, Makoto Inoue, Katsuya Shirai, Motoyuki Takai, Kenichi Makino, Akihiro Komori, Akane Sano, Susumu Takatsuka
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Patent number: 8000822Abstract: An easy-to-use and user-friendly apparatus is provided that displays motivation for exercise to a user to allow the user to continue comfortably exercising. An audio signal output processor reproduces audio data and a music sound is thus emitted from a loudspeaker. The user practices exercise, such as walking or jogging, in synchronization with the tempo of the music sound. At the start of exercise, an exercise information analyzer calculates an amount of exercise of the user based on personal profile information relating to the body of the user, including the body weight, the body height, age and sex of the user received via a keyboard, and characteristic information, such as play time and tempo of reproduced music data acquired via a communication I/F and a controller. The controller outputs the amount of exercise to a display to notify the user of the amount of exercise.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Katsuya Shirai, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Masamichi Asukai, Yasushi Miyajima, Kenichi Makino, Motoyuki Takai, Kosei Yamashita