Patents by Inventor Masanobu Yamamoto

Masanobu Yamamoto 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: 20230252183
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus performing processing for protecting privacy and security on an image uploaded to an SNS site is provided. The information processing apparatus includes: a region estimating unit configured to estimate candidate regions of object detection from an image; a topic estimating unit configured to estimate a topic of the image on the basis of text information accompanying the image; a region evaluating unit configured to evaluate the candidate regions estimated by the region estimating unit on the basis of relationships with the topic estimated by the topic estimating unit; and an image generating unit configured to generate an image on the basis of evaluation results acquired by the region evaluating unit. The topic estimating unit described above estimates the topic on the basis of words to which tags are added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: CHIE YAMADA, NORIKO TOTSUKA, HIROAKI OGAWA, YASUHARU ASANO, AKIRA TAKAHASHI, CHIKA MYOGA, MASANOBU NAKAMURA, KANA NISHIKAWA, MASAHIRO YAMAMOTO, MICHAEL HENTSCHEL
  • Publication number: 20230251133
    Abstract: A flow cytometry measurement system is disclosed which includes a flow chamber configured to flow particles of interest in a flow stream, one or more optical sources configured to excite the particles of interest by an excitation light activated and deactivated according to a pulse train thus causing particles of interest emitting emission light, one or more sensor packages each comprising a plurality of photodetectors configured to receive emission light from the particles of interest and, in response, provide an output voltage signal and an output current signal corresponding to photoelectron response of an incident photon on the one or more sensor packages, and a detector configured to determine successive single molecular decay of the particles of interest, generate an emission pulse associated with each incident photon on the one or more sensor packages, and count the number of emission pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: MIFTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, Keegan Hernandez, J. Paul Robinson, John Jaiber González Murillo
  • Publication number: 20230251134
    Abstract: An optical underwater communication system is disclosed which includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver, each including one or more optical sources configured to provide light activated and deactivated according to a first bit stream, one or more sensor packages each comprising a plurality of photodetectors configured to receive light from the other transceiver and, in response, provide an output voltage signal and an output current signal, a detector configured to i) convert the output voltage signal and the output current signal to pulses associated with arrival of photons, and ii) count the number of pulses based on a predetermined timing sequence, an encoder configured to encode a message to be sent into a first bit stream, and a decoder configured to decode a message received into a second bit stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: MIFTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, Keegan Hernandez, J. Paul Robinson, John Jaiber González Murillo
  • Publication number: 20230242116
    Abstract: To start an engine while a clutch start cancel switch is ON and a clutch is connected, an electric parking brake ECU releases an electric parking brake regardless of the accelerator position or the clutch stroke, providing that a shift lever is in a drive position, and an engine ECU allows the engine to start after the electric parking brake is released by the electric parking brake ECU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinsuke YAMAMOTO, Satoru TSURUBUCHI, Masanobu HORIO, Masaya AKITA, Tomohiko NAKA
  • Publication number: 20220318134
    Abstract: A storage system monitors the first access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a first period, and the second access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a second period shorter than the first period. Along with performing data relocation among the tiers (levels) in the first period cycle based on the first access frequency of occurrence, the storage system performs a decision whether or not to perform a second relocation based on the first access frequency of occurrence and the second access frequency of occurrence, synchronously with access from a host device. Here the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the first relocation is different from the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the second relocation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Hiroaki AKUTSU, Akira YAMAMOTO, Shigeo HOMMA, Masanobu YAMAMOTO, Yoshinori OHIRA
  • Patent number: 11372755
    Abstract: A storage system monitors the first access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a first period, and the second access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a second period shorter than the first period. Along with performing data relocation among the tiers (levels) in the first period cycle based on the first access frequency of occurrence, the storage system performs a decision whether or not to perform a second relocation based on the first access frequency of occurrence and the second access frequency of occurrence, synchronously with access from a host device. Here the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the first relocation is different from the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the second relocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Akutsu, Akira Yamamoto, Shigeo Homma, Masanobu Yamamoto, Yoshinori Ohira
  • Publication number: 20220146401
    Abstract: A system is described wherein multiple lasers are used to irradiate particles in a flow cytometer's flow stream. In certain embodiments, a light source having a first laser configured for continuous irradiation of a flow stream and one or more second lasers configured for irradiation of the flow stream in discrete intervals where each discrete interval of irradiation by the second laser is triggered by irradiation of one or more particles in the flow stream with the first laser. Methods for modulating the laser irradiation and measuring light intensity are also described. Also described is the computations and systems required to operate the one or more second lasers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson, Keegan Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20220082440
    Abstract: A measurement system includes an optical source (e.g., laser) to irradiate a sample (e.g., a cell); a solid-state photon detector (SSPD) to receive resultant light from the sample; and a photon counter to count photons received by the SSPD. The photon counter can include a differentiator to provide a differentiated photon signal and a crossing detector configured to count photons based on a number of times the differentiated photon signal crosses a predetermined threshold level. In some examples, a pulse detector can provide a pulse-width signal from the SSPD output photon signal, and a pulse counter can count based on both a number of pulses and widths of the pulses. The SSPD can include a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array or a solid-state photomultiplier. Some examples use the measurement system to measure samples in fluids, e.g., in flow cytometers or multi-well plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, Keegan Hernandez, J. Paul Robinson
  • Publication number: 20220057317
    Abstract: An example system can include a support and two or more sensor elements mounted to the support. Each sensor element can be electrically connected to a common electrical node and may include: a respective quench resistor connected to a respective internal node; and a respective photodiode (PD) connected to the respective internal node; a differentiating element fed by at least one of the photodiodes; a first readout electrode fed by the common electrical node; and a second readout electrode fed by the differentiating element. The common electrical node may be connected to at least one of the quench resistors or at least one of the photodiodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson, Keegan Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11255771
    Abstract: A photon-accounting system for use with a flow cytometry system is disclosed which includes a signal shaping sub-system, including a differentiator configured to generate a differentiated output of photodiode signals into corresponding zero-crossings each associated with one of the received photons, a comparator configured to receive the differentiated signal and compare to a threshold to thereby generate a comparator output digital signal associated with the crossing of the differentiated signal about the threshold, a front-end synchronization system adapted to receive and synchronize the comparator generated digital signal to a clock, thereby generate synchronized photon data with the clock and associated with the asynchronized photodiode signal, and a timestamping system adapted to receive the synchronized data as a bit stream and generate a timestamp associated with each photon data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson, Keegan Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11187584
    Abstract: A measurement system includes an optical source (e.g., laser) to irradiate a sample (e.g., a cell); a solid-state photon detector (SSPD) to receive resultant light from the sample; and a photon counter to count photons received by the SSPD. The photon counter can include a differentiator to provide a differentiated photon signal and a crossing detector configured to count photons based on a number of times the differentiated photon signal crosses a predetermined threshold level. In some examples, a pulse detector can provide a pulse-width signal from the SSPD output photon signal, and a pulse counter can count based on both a number of pulses and widths of the pulses. The SSPD can include a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array or a solid-state photomultiplier. Some examples use the measurement system to measure samples in fluids, e.g., in flow cytometers or multi-well plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, Keegan Hernandez, J. Paul Robinson
  • Publication number: 20210025757
    Abstract: A measurement system includes an optical source (e.g., laser) to irradiate a sample (e.g., a cell); a solid-state photon detector (SSPD) to receive resultant light from the sample; and a photon counter to count photons received by the SSPD. The photon counter can include a differentiator to provide a differentiated photon signal and a crossing detector configured to count photons based on a number of times the differentiated photon signal crosses a predetermined threshold level. In some examples, a pulse detector can provide a pulse-width signal from the SSPD output photon signal, and a pulse counter can count based on both a number of pulses and widths of the pulses. The SSPD can include a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array or a solid-state photomultiplier. Some examples use the measurement system to measure samples in fluids, e.g., in flow cytometers or multi-well plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, Keegan Hernandez, J. Paul Robinson
  • Patent number: 10900885
    Abstract: According to various aspects, a flow system for transporting microparticulate samples in a hydrodynamically planar flow in a selected flow direction includes a flow chamber extending in the flow direction, having first and second apertures on opposed surfaces of the flow chamber. A sheath-fluid channel has first and second branches to carry the sheath fluid into the flow chamber through the first aperture and having orientations separated by less than about 15° at the first aperture; and third and fourth branches to carry the sheath fluid through the second aperture and having orientations separated by less than about 15° at the second aperture. In some examples, guide channels extend from the apertures substantially perpendicular to the flow chamber at the apertures, and sheath-fluid channel supply sheath fluid to the guide channels. Flow systems can be used in image flow cytometers for observing microparticulate samples, e.g., using scanning irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson, Yuji Masuda, Tsukasa Kayou
  • Publication number: 20200400547
    Abstract: A photon-accounting system for use with a flow cytometry system is disclosed which includes a signal shaping sub-system, including a differentiator configured to generate a differentiated output of photodiode signals into corresponding zero-crossings each associated with one of the received photons, a comparator configured to receive the differentiated signal and compare to a threshold to thereby generate a comparator output digital signal associated with the crossing of the differentiated signal about the threshold, a front-end synchronization system adapted to receive and synchronize the comparator generated digital signal to a clock, thereby generate synchronized photon data with the clock and associated with the asynchronized photodiode signal, and a timestamping system adapted to receive the synchronized data as a bit stream and generate a timestamp associated with each photon data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson, Keegan Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20200356471
    Abstract: A storage system monitors the first access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a first period, and the second access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a second period shorter than the first period. Along with performing data relocation among the tiers (levels) in the first period cycle based on the first access frequency of occurrence, the storage system performs a decision whether or not to perform a second relocation based on the first access frequency of occurrence and the second access frequency of occurrence, synchronously with access from a host device. Here the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the first relocation is different from the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the second relocation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Hiroaki AKUTSU, Akira YAMAMOTO, Shigeo HOMMA, Masanobu YAMAMOTO, Yoshinori OHIRA
  • Publication number: 20200340999
    Abstract: A measurement system includes a system for causing relative motion between a sample and an irradiation spot. The sample includes fluorescent markers having respective wavelengths. A gating system provides a gating signal based at least in part on resultant light substantially at an irradiation wavelength. A detection system detects fluorescent light from the irradiated markers and provides detection signals representing the fluorescent light detected concurrently with a gate-open signal. In some examples, the detection system detects fluorescent light at multiple wavelengths and provides respective detection signals. A spectral discriminator arranged optically between the sample and the detection system receives the fluorescent light from the sample and provides respective fluorescent light at the wavelengths to the detection system. A flow cytometer can spectrally disperse resultant fluorescent light and measure the wavelengths separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson
  • Patent number: 10775292
    Abstract: An image flow cytometer for observing a microparticulate sample includes a flow chamber having a flow channel that permits the microparticulate sample to travel in a flow direction. An irradiation system scans an irradiation spot across a sensing area of the flow channel in a scan direction different from the flow direction. A detection system detects resultant light from the sensing area and provides a detection signal. An alignment system alters a location of the sensing area with respect to the flow chamber. A control unit causes the irradiation system to scan the irradiation spot during a first measurement interval and operates the alignment system to translate the location of the sensing area along the flow direction. The flow chamber can be mounted to a movable stage in some examples, and the alignment system can move the flow chamber substantially opposite the flow direction using the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson
  • Patent number: 10733092
    Abstract: A storage system monitors the first access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a first period, and the second access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a second period shorter than the first period. Along with performing data relocation among the tiers (levels) in the first period cycle based on the first access frequency of occurrence, the storage system performs a decision whether or not to perform a second relocation based on the first access frequency of occurrence and the second access frequency of occurrence, synchronously with access from a host device. Here the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the first relocation is different from the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the second relocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Akutsu, Akira Yamamoto, Shigeo Homma, Masanobu Yamamoto, Yoshinori Ohira
  • Patent number: 10613096
    Abstract: A measurement system includes a system for causing relative motion between a sample and an irradiation spot. The sample includes fluorescent markers having respective wavelengths. A gating system provides a gating signal based at least in part on resultant light substantially at an irradiation wavelength. A detection system detects fluorescent light from the irradiated markers and provides detection signals representing the fluorescent light detected concurrently with a gate-open signal. In some examples, the detection system detects fluorescent light at multiple wavelengths and provides respective detection signals. A spectral discriminator arranged optically between the sample and the detection system receives the fluorescent light from the sample and provides respective fluorescent light at the wavelengths to the detection system. A flow cytometer can spectrally disperse resultant fluorescent light and measure the wavelengths separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CAPTL LLC
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson
  • Publication number: 20190049356
    Abstract: An image flow cytometer for observing a microparticulate sample includes a flow chamber having a flow channel that permits the microparticulate sample to travel in a flow direction. An irradiation system scans an irradiation spot across a sensing area of the flow channel in a scan direction different from the flow direction. A detection system detects resultant light from the sensing area and provides a detection signal. An alignment system alters a location of the sensing area with respect to the flow chamber. A control unit causes the irradiation system to scan the irradiation spot during a first measurement interval and operates the alignment system to translate the location of the sensing area along the flow direction. The flow chamber can be mounted to a movable stage in some examples, and the alignment system can move the flow chamber substantially opposite the flow direction using the stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Masanobu Yamamoto, J. Paul Robinson