Patents by Inventor Kohichi Nakamura

Kohichi Nakamura 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: 20130087687
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes, on one substrate, a pixel driving unit and a signal processing unit that includes a digital circuit configured to execute signal processing. A first voltage and a second voltage different in value from the first voltage are supplied to the digital circuit of the pixel driving unit. A third voltage and a fourth voltage different in value from the third voltage are supplied to the digital circuit of the signal processing unit. A main portion of a first conductor that supplies the first voltage to the digital circuit of the pixel driving unit and a main portion of a second conductor that supplies the third voltage to the digital circuit of the signal processing unit are isolated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Hiyama, Tetsuya Itano, Kazuhiro Saito, Kohichi Nakamura, Yu Maehashi, Koichiro Iwata
  • Publication number: 20130070136
    Abstract: In an A/D converter, a first analog signal which is input to an input terminal in a state in which the input terminal and a reference voltage line are connected via a first capacitor is converted into digital data when a reference signal is supplied to the reference signal line in a state in which the reference signal line and a first input terminal of a comparator are connected via the first capacitor. A second analog signal which is input to the input terminal in a state in which the input terminal and the reference voltage line are connected via a second capacitor is converted into digital data when the reference signal is supplied to the reference signal line in a state in which the reference signal line and the first input terminal of the comparator are connected via the second capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Hiyama, Kohichi Nakamura, Kazuhiro Saito, Tetsuya Itano
  • Publication number: 20130068930
    Abstract: Provided is an A/D converter including an input terminal, a reference signal line for supplying a reference signal which changes temporally, a comparator, a correction capacitor connected to an inverting input terminal of the comparator; and an output circuit which outputs digital data corresponding to an analog signal input to the input terminal. In a first state in which a total voltage of a first analog signal and an offset voltage of the comparator is held in the correction capacitor, a second analog signal input to the input terminal is supplied to a non-inverting input terminal of the comparator, and the second analog signal or the total voltage is changed using the reference signal, thereby outputting, from the output circuit, digital data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Hiroki Hiyama, Tetsuya Itano, Kazuhiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20130062503
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a ramp signal generator for generating first and second time-changing ramp signals during first and second analog-to-digital conversion periods, respectively; comparators for comparing a reset signal of a pixel with the first ramp signal during the first analog-to-digital conversion period, and comparing a pixel signal with the second ramp signal during the second analog-to-digital conversion period; and memories for storing, as first and second digital data, count values of counting from a start of changing the first and second ramp signals until an inversion of outputs of the comparators, during the first and second analog-to-digital conversion periods, wherein the ramp signal generator supplies a current from a current generator to a first capacitor element by a sampling and holding operation of a switch, and generates the first and second ramp signals based on the same bias voltage held by the first capacitor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Saito, Hiroki Hiyama, Tetsuya Itano, Kohichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130057742
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix, a reference signal generating circuit adapted to generate a ramp signal, a counter circuit adapted to perform a counting operation according to output of the ramp signal, comparators arranged on a column by column basis and adapted to compare signals read out of the pixels with the ramp signal, and memories arranged on a column by column basis and adapted to store digital data, wherein if output of the comparator is not changed during an AD conversion period, digital data of a predetermined value is stored in the memory. The solid-state imaging apparatus implements overflow handling using a simplified circuit configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Hiroki Hiyama, Tetsuya Itano, Kazuhiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20130026343
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus comprises a plurality of matrix pixels, a reference signal generator for generating a ramp signal, a counter for performing counting according to the ramp signal output, and an AD converter, arranged for each pixel column, for performing AD conversion by comparing a pixel signal from the pixel with the ramp signal. Further, the AD converter includes a comparator to which the pixel signal and the reference signal are input, a storage for storing the AD conversion result, and an slope converter, between the output terminal of the reference signal generator and the input terminal of the comparator, for changing a gradient of the ramp signal, so that the noise overlaid on the ramp signal changes depending on the gradient of the ramp signal. Thus, it is possible to prevent generation of a horizontal-line noise in the ramp signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Saito, Hiroki Hiyama, Tetsuya Itano, Kohichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8159489
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes an image display unit including electro-optic elements and pixel drive circuits arranged two-dimensionally in row and column directions, a first power supplying line for supplying a first potential to the image display unit, and plural data lines severally connected to columns of the image display unit for supplying data signals to the pixel circuits. In addition, plural scanning lines cross the data lines, a data line drive circuit drives the data lines, and a scanning line drive circuit drives the scanning lines. A second potential is supplied to the scanning line drive circuit through a second power supplying line, and the display apparatus is provided with elements for shifting potential of the scanning lines to the first potential of the first electric power supplying line when the second potential is lower than the first potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Masami Iseki, Fujio Kawano
  • Patent number: 7938398
    Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus used in a state where the apparatus accumulates paper sheets for an image forming apparatus to form images thereon and the paper feeding apparatus is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein an engaging-holding member is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and the engaging-holding member engages and holds the paper feeding apparatus with an exterior housing of the image forming apparatus so as to enable the paper feeding apparatus to move into/from the exterior housing of the image forming apparatus, is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and wherein the engaging-holding member is provided for a specific one of the exterior wall faces of the paper feeding apparatus corresponding to the moving direction determined according to the specification of the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Yamauchi, Nobuo Manabe, Kohichi Nakamura, Shinichi Takeda, Ayumu Oda
  • Patent number: 7929038
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display area, in which pixels each including an EL device and a pixel circuit are arranged in a matrix on a substrate, and a column control circuit for controlling the pixel circuit column by column. The EL device is disposed between a lower pixel electrode and an upper transparent electrode on the substrate. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the pixel circuit, and the transparent electrode is electrically connected to a common interconnecting line via a contact hole. The contact hole and the common interconnecting line are disposed to surround a periphery of the display area. The column control circuit is divided into two circuits one of which is disposed between the contact hole and the display area and the other of which is disposed outside the area between the contact hole and the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7851996
    Abstract: In order to suppress potential fluctuation by increases in wiring resistance and necessary current amount caused by increases in the size and resolution of a display area, a display area in which a plurality of EL devices and a plurality of pixel circuits are disposed on a substrate is formed. Each EL device is disposed between a lower pixel electrode and an upper transparent electrode on the substrate. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to a power supply line through the pixel circuit, and the transparent electrode is electrically connected to a common voltage line through a contact hole. The power supply line and the common voltage line are disposed parallel to each other at a periphery of the display area, and the power supply line is divided into two lines disposed on both sides of the contact hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20100295978
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus that shortens a time for reading out pixel signals of all pixels and improves the aperture ratio of pixels is provided. The solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels (3) arranged in a matrix along a plurality of rows and columns, in which each of the pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element and a color filter; a plurality of buffers (2) arranged with each one corresponding to a plurality of pixels; and a plurality of vertical output lines (1) arranged such that two or more of the vertical output lines (1) are arranged correspondingly to one of the columns of the pixels; in which an input node of each of the buffers is connected commonly to a plurality of pixels having color filters of different colors, and output nodes of the plurality of buffers are connected alternately to a plurality of vertical output lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Hiroki Hiyama
  • Patent number: 7692377
    Abstract: A display apparatus capable of preventing thermal deterioration of an organic EL layer to improve a reliability without increasing a frame area thereof includes a display area, a circuit and wiring area, a pixel circuit common supply line, a contact hole, an external connection terminal, and an adhesion area. In the display area, EL devices and pixel circuits are arranged in a matrix. In the contact hole, a common voltage line and a transparent electrode electrically connected to an output of the EL device are electrically connected to each other. To the external connection terminal, an image signal, a control signal, and electric power are externally supplied. The contact hole and the common voltage line are disposed to surround a peripheral of the display area. To the pixel circuit common supply line, the electric power is supplied from the external connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20090289966
    Abstract: A display apparatus for driving light emitting elements to emit light at a timing shifted according to the order of scanning lines, is arranged to control the light emission intensity of the light emitting element in accordance with an image signal and include a drive unit for driving the light emitting elements of the respective scanning lines in a light emission pattern including a first impulse operation period light emission pattern and a second impulse operation period light emission pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouji Ikeda, Kohichi Nakamura, Masami Iseki
  • Publication number: 20090135110
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes: an image display unit including plural electro-optic elements and plural pixel drive circuits, which elements and circuits being arranged two-dimensionally in row and column directions; a first power supplying line for supplying first potential to the image display unit; plural data lines severally connected to columns of the image display unit for supplying data signals to the pixel circuits; plural scanning lines crossing the data lines; a data line drive circuit for driving the data lines; and a scanning line drive circuit for driving the scanning lines, wherein second potential is supplied to the scanning line drive circuit through a second power supplying line and the display apparatus is provided with elements severally for shifting potential of the scanning lines to first potential of the first electric power supplying line when the second potential is lower than the first potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Masami Iseki, Fujio Kawano
  • Publication number: 20090066613
    Abstract: A display apparatus of the present invention has EL elements and pixel circuits 2 for supplying currents to the EL elements, which are arranged in a matrix fashion, and column control circuits 1 arranged corresponding to the number of columns of the matrix. The same number of column control circuits 1 and data lines 14 form a group, and the data line 14 which becomes an output of the column control circuit 1 is sequentially changed over in the group. Furthermore, the display apparatus includes means for correcting input signals among different groups. According to the present invention, even if a characteristic of the column control circuit 1 has a variation, no unevenness occurs in a displayed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kawasaki, Masami Iseki, Fujio Kawano
  • Publication number: 20080265491
    Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus used in a state where the apparatus accumulates paper sheets for an image forming apparatus to form images thereon and the paper feeding apparatus is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein an engaging-holding member is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and the engaging-holding member engages and holds the paper feeding apparatus with an exterior housing of the image forming apparatus so as to enable the paper feeding apparatus to move into/from the exterior housing of the image forming apparatus, is provided for an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and wherein the engaging-holding member is provided for a specific one of the exterior wall faces of the paper feeding apparatus corresponding to the moving direction determined according to the specification of the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kohichi YAMAUCHI, Nobuo Manabe, Kohichi Nakamura, Shinichi Takeda, Ayumu Oda
  • Publication number: 20070146246
    Abstract: A display apparatus capable of preventing thermal deterioration of an organic EL layer to improve a reliability without increasing a frame area thereof includes a display area, a circuit and wiring area, a pixel circuit common supply line, a contact hole, an external connection terminal, and an adhesion area. In the display area, EL devices and pixel circuits are arranged in a matrix. In the contact hole, a common voltage line and a transparent electrode electrically connected to an output of the EL device are electrically connected to each other. To the external connection terminal, an image signal, a control signal, and electric power are externally supplied. The contact hole and the common voltage line are disposed to surround a peripheral of the display area. To the pixel circuit common supply line, the electric power is supplied from the external connection terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20070120779
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display area, in which pixels each including an EL device and a pixel circuit are arranged in a matrix on a substrate, and a column control circuit for controlling the pixel circuit column by column. The EL device is disposed between a lower pixel electrode and an upper transparent electrode on the substrate. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the pixel circuit, and the transparent electrode is electrically connected to a common interconnecting line via a contact hole. The contact hole and the common interconnecting line are disposed to surround a periphery of the display area. The column control circuit is divided into two circuits disposed between the contact hole and the display area and outside the contact hole with respect to the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi NAKAMURA, Somei Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20070120473
    Abstract: In order to suppress potential fluctuation by increases in wiring resistance and necessary current amount caused due to increases in size and resolution of a display area, a display area in which a plurality of EL devices and a plurality of pixel circuits are disposed on a substrate is formed. Each EL device is disposed between a lower pixel electrode and an upper transparent electrode on the substrate. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to a power supply line through the pixel circuit, and the transparent electrode is electrically connected to a common voltage line through a contact hole. The power supply line and the common voltage line are disposed in parallel to each other at a periphery of the display area, and the power supply line is divided into two lines disposed on both sides of the contact hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohichi Nakamura, Somei Kakasaki
  • Publication number: 20060146059
    Abstract: An apparatus including a display unit for rearranging frames in a window that includes an event handler module for processing position coordinate data on a window object displayed on the display unit; a frame boundary rotatable determination module that obtains position coordinate data of an end point of the frame boundary formed in the window object so as to determine that the end point is rotatable around a specific end point; and a layout manager for processing coordinate conversion of the specific end point to the end point determined as being rotatable, calculating position coordinate data for changing the frame boundary to generate a predicted window object to be displayed, and storing the predicted window object into a memory unit apart from the window object. A method of providing a graphical user interface and a program product for providing the graphical user interface comprising similar attributes is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Motoharu Inoue, Kohichi Nakamura