Patents by Inventor Kunihiro Mima

Kunihiro Mima 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: 11519722
    Abstract: A position detection system detects a position of an object by using a plurality of frames, each of the plurality of frames being divided into a plurality of subframes. The position detection system includes: a projector configured to project a plurality of gray code patterns having different gray code values in an order of ascending and then descending or descending and then ascending of the different gray code values, each of the plurality of gray code patterns corresponding to a corresponding one of the plurality of subframes, each of the different gray code values being a power of two; an imaging device configured to generate a captured image by, for each of the plurality of subframes, imaging the object on which the plurality of gray code patterns are projected; a controller configured to estimate the position of the object based on the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunihiro Mima
  • Publication number: 20200386542
    Abstract: A position detection system detects a position of an object by using a plurality of frames, each of the plurality of frames being divided into a plurality of subframes. The position detection system includes: a projector configured to project a plurality of gray code patterns having different gray code values in an order of ascending and then descending or descending and then ascending of the different gray code values, each of the plurality of gray code patterns corresponding to a corresponding one of the plurality of subframes, each of the different gray code values being a power of two; an imaging device configured to generate a captured image by, for each of the plurality of subframes, imaging the object on which the plurality of gray code patterns are projected; a controller configured to estimate the position of the object based on the captured image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventor: Kunihiro MIMA
  • Patent number: 10582170
    Abstract: A video display device includes: a receiver receiving video information including a bit string which defines a gradation value of an input image with a first frame rate; a video generator generating output images including multiple frames corresponding to a one-frame input image, based on the received video information; and a display displaying the generated output images for each frame rate. The bit string includes an upper bit, a middle bit, and a lower bit which are arranged in descending order therein. The upper bit corresponds to a number of gradations per frame of the output images. The video generator varies the gradation value among multiple frames in the output images according to the middle bit of the input image, and performs spatial dithering to correct the output images according to the lower bit of the input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunihiro Mima
  • Publication number: 20200021785
    Abstract: A video display device includes: a receiver receiving video information including a bit string which defines a gradation value of an input image with a first frame rate; a video generator generating output images including multiple frames corresponding to a one-frame input image, based on the received video information; and a display displaying the generated output images for each frame at a second frame rate higher than the first frame rate. The bit string includes an upper bit, a middle bit, and a lower bit which are arranged in descending order therein. The upper bit corresponds to a number of gradations per frame of the output images. The video generator varies the gradation value among multiple frames in the output images according to the middle bit of the input image, and performs spatial dithering to correct the output images according to the lower bit of the input image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventor: Kunihiro MIMA
  • Patent number: 10194125
    Abstract: A projector apparatus includes a projection unit and a controller. The projection unit projects projection video of an image at a set angle of view on a projection surface in accordance with a video signal indicating the angle of view of the image including an object. The controller performs video signal processing for changing a position or size of the object in the image and controls the position or size of the projection video on the projection surface. In a case where the position or size of the object is to be changed by the video signal processing, when a resolution of the projection video of the changed object is less than a predetermined value, the controller controls the projection unit to decrease the angle of view so that the resolution of the projection video is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the controller sets the size of the object in the image by the video signal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mima, Satoshi Kamiya, Keigo Ono
  • Publication number: 20170263047
    Abstract: Included are display unit (2) configured to display an image, recording unit (3) configured to record three-dimensional data of an object to be displayed on display unit (2), and arithmetic unit (4) configured to, based on a first irradiation direction in which luminance of light irradiated on display unit (2) is highest, a first luminance of light from the first irradiation direction, and a second luminance of light from a direction other than the first irradiation direction, the second luminance being lower than the first luminance, calculate a shape of a shade of the object using the three-dimensional data and the first irradiation direction, calculate a density of the shade using the first luminance, and calculate a correction coefficient of the density of the shade using the second luminance. Display unit (2) displays an image of the object being shaded based on a result calculated by arithmetic unit (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventor: Kunihiro MIMA
  • Patent number: 9690427
    Abstract: A user interface device for detecting an operation, by a finger of a user, on an operation member presented on a projection surface includes a distance detector for detecting a distance to the projection surface, and a distance to the finger, and a controller for detecting the operation based on the distances detected by the distance detector. When presence of the finger between the projection surface and the distance detector is determined, the controller calculates a normal vector of the projection surface based on distances from the distance detector to positions of at least three points on a surface of the projection surface and a distance from the distance detector to the finger, and detects, based on the normal vector, presence or absence of an operation on the operation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keigo Ono, Kunihiro Mima, Satoshi Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20160337626
    Abstract: The projection apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a projection unit, a detector, and a controller. The projection unit projects a projection image. The detector detects a state of an obstruction in projecting a projection image within a predetermined first projection region. The controller sets a region where a projection image is projected first to the first projection region. The controller changes the region where the projection image is projected from the first projection region to a predetermined second projection region different from the first projection region, when the state of the obstruction detected by the detector corresponds to a predetermined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Kunihiro MIMA
  • Patent number: 9465280
    Abstract: A projector apparatus includes a projector and a projector support table. The projector support table includes a turning unit and a fixed unit. The turning unit includes a projector support unit to which the projector can be attached. The fixed unit includes an intake port, and turnably supports the turning unit. The fixed unit also includes a first intake passage through which the intake air taken from the intake port passes. The turning unit also includes an intake air taking port for taking the intake air having passed through the first intake passage, a second intake passage through which the intake air taken from the intake air taking port passes, and an intake air discharging port for discharging, to the intake port of the projector, the intake air having passed through the second intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunihiro Mima
  • Publication number: 20160295185
    Abstract: A projector apparatus includes a projection unit and a controller. The projection unit projects projection video of an image at a set angle of view on a projection surface in accordance with a video signal indicating the angle of view of the image including an object. The controller performs video signal processing for changing a position or size of the object in the image and controls the position or size of the projection video on the projection surface. In a case where the position or size of the object is to be changed by the video signal processing, when a resolution of the projection video of the changed object is less than a predetermined value, the controller controls the projection unit to decrease the angle of view so that the resolution of the projection video is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the controller sets the size of the object in the image by the video signal processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: KUNIHIRO MIMA, SATOSHI KAMIYA, KEIGO ONO
  • Publication number: 20160252716
    Abstract: A projection system includes an excitation light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, a projecting unit, and a dichroic mirror. The excitation light source applies to a subject light of a predetermined wavelength band including excitation light. The imaging unit captures a fluorescent image resulting from fluorescence emission of the subject. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the fluorescent image captured by the imaging unit. The projecting unit projects a projection image based on the image data for projection onto the subject with visible light. The dichroic mirror transmits light of a wavelength band of fluorescence emitted by the object and reflects the visible light from the projecting unit. The dichroic mirror is disposed to match an optical axis of light incident on the imaging unit with an optical axis of light exiting from the projecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Masaaki NAKAMURA, Kunihiro MIMA
  • Publication number: 20160188028
    Abstract: A user interface device for detecting an operation, by a finger of a user, on an operation member presented on a projection surface includes a distance detector for detecting a distance to the projection surface, and a distance to the finger, and a controller for detecting the operation based on the distances detected by the distance detector. When presence of the finger between the projection surface and the distance detector is determined, the controller calculates a normal vector of the projection surface based on distances from the distance detector to positions of at least three points on a surface of the projection surface and a distance from the distance detector to the finger, and detects, based on the normal vector, presence or absence of an operation on the operation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Keigo ONO, Kunihiro MIMA, Satoshi KAMIYA
  • Patent number: 9354493
    Abstract: A projection system includes a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, and a projecting unit. The light source applies a light beam having a predetermined wavelength. The imaging unit captures a subject to which the light beam is applied. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the captured image. The projecting unit projects a projection image onto the subject. The imaging unit captures the projection image together with an image of a region responding to the light beam. The control unit corrects the image data for projection to additionally display the projection image on a region which responds to the light beam and does not overlap a region onto which the projection image is projected, and to erase the projection image in a region onto which the projection image is projected and does not overlap the region responding to the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mima, Masaaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9235108
    Abstract: A projection system includes a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a projecting unit. The light source applies light beam having a predetermined wavelength. The imaging unit captures a subject to which the light beam is applied. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the captured image. The storage unit stores plural pieces of figure information each representing image data of an object having a predetermined figure. The projecting unit projects a projection image onto the subject. The control unit selects figure information from the stored figure information, based on a degree of similarity with an image of a captured region responding to the light beam. The control unit generates the image data for projection such that an image including a figure indicated by the selected figure information is projected onto the region responding to the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mima, Masaaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20150370154
    Abstract: A projector apparatus includes a projector and a projector support table. The projector support table includes a turning unit and a fixed unit. The turning unit includes a projector support unit to which the projector can be attached. The fixed unit includes an intake port, and turnably supports the turning unit. The fixed unit also includes a first intake passage through which the intake air taken from the intake port passes. The turning unit also includes an intake air taking port for taking the intake air having passed through the first intake passage, a second intake passage through which the intake air taken from the intake air taking port passes, and an intake air discharging port for discharging, to the intake port of the projector, the intake air having passed through the second intake passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventor: Kunihiro MIMA
  • Publication number: 20150181153
    Abstract: A projection system includes a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, and a projecting unit. The light source applies a light beam having a predetermined wavelength. The imaging unit captures a subject to which the light beam is applied. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the captured image. The projecting unit projects a projection image onto the subject. The imaging unit captures the projection image together with an image of a region responding to the light beam. The control unit corrects the image data for projection to additionally display the projection image on a region which responds to the light beam and does not overlap a region onto which the projection image is projected, and to erase the projection image in a region onto which the projection image is projected and does not overlap the region responding to the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Kunihiro MIMA, Masaaki NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150177598
    Abstract: A projection system includes a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and a projecting unit. The light source applies light beam having a predetermined wavelength. The imaging unit captures a subject to which the light beam is applied. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the captured image. The storage unit stores plural pieces of figure information each representing image data of an object having a predetermined figure. The projecting unit projects a projection image onto the subject. The control unit selects figure information from the stored figure information, based on a degree of similarity with an image of a captured region responding to the light beam. The control unit generates the image data for projection such that an image including a figure indicated by the selected figure information is projected onto the region responding to the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Kunihiro MIMA, Masaaki NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 8305300
    Abstract: The method for driving a plasma display panel effects control of the sub-fields in a manner that at least one sub-filed carries out, in its initializing period, an all-cell initializing operation on the discharge cells and the plurality of sub-fields other than the aforementioned sub-field selectively carry out an addressing operation in each discharge cell; at the same time, two or more predetermined sub-fields carry out an addressing operation only when at least one sub-field had an addressing operation after the all-cells initializing operation; and an unusual-charge erase period, where scan electrodes SC-SCn undergo application of voltage with a rectangular waveform, is provided after the initializing period of at least one sub-field of the predetermined sub-fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mima, Kosuke Makino, Tooru Kawase
  • Patent number: 7633464
    Abstract: Driving a plasma display panel, in which generation of a region having brightness non-uniformity can be reduced over an entire screen without changing the voltage and pulse width of sustain pulses, to enable suppression of an increase in power consumption. This driving of the plasma display panel comprises (i) an initialization period for forming a discharge cell at an intersection where a scan electrode and a sustain electrode meet a data electrode and generating initialization discharge in the cell, (ii) a writing period for generating writing discharge in the discharge cell, and (iii) a sustain period for generating sustain discharge by alternately applying sustain pulses to the scan electrode and sustain electrode of the discharge cell. The rise time of the sustain pulses applied to the scan electrode and sustain electrode during the sustain period is shortened at a frequency of once every several times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mima, Masanori Kimura, Teiichi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20090303223
    Abstract: A method for driving a plasma display panel including a plurality of discharge cells each having a scan electrode and a sustain electrode. One field includes a plurality of subfields each having an address period for generating address discharge in a discharge cell, and a sustain period for alternately applying a sustain pulse to the scan electrode and the sustain electrode to generate sustain discharge in the discharge cell in which the address discharge has been generated. The sustain pulse includes a first sustain pulse rising gently and a second sustain pulse rising more steeply than the first sustain pulse. At least one of the sustain pulses applied secondly and thirdly to the scan electrode is the second sustain pulse, and at least one of the sustain pulses applied secondly and thirdly to the sustain electrode is the second sustain pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Makino, Yoshiki Tsujita, Kunihiro Mima, Kenji Sasaki