Patents by Inventor Masao Kobayashi

Masao Kobayashi 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: 20090040234
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a first conversion unit including a color conversion matrix circuit that inputs first image data and outputs second image data. The color conversion matrix circuit is able to arbitrarily set a conversion coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao KOBAYASHI, Tadashi HAYASHI
  • Patent number: 7480450
    Abstract: Coordinated image capturing is appropriately performed even if an error occurs in the synchronization between cameras that are connected via a network. Camera A for image capturing and camera B for providing strobe light are connected via a radio network, and camera A sets a point at which to start exposure for image capturing Tx and a point at which to start strobe emission Tf such that Tx is earlier than Tf, the time difference Id between Tx and Tf becomes larger than a synchronization error Ie between a synchronous clock of camera A and a synchronous clock of camera B, and the sum (Id+If+Ie) of the time difference Id, the strobe emission period If and the synchronization error Ie becomes smaller than exposure period Ix. Then, camera A outputs a strobe emission command with Tf designated and an exposure command with Tx designated, and controls the exposure control mechanism to start exposure at Tx in response to the exposure command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Shuji Asami, Kunihiko Kanai
  • Patent number: 7466912
    Abstract: A storage compartment for loading and unloading batteries of varying sizes efficiently. The storage compartment is internally equipped with a position regulating plate part on a ceiling part, an ejection urging part, a thickness judging part, and a contact point part on an end surface at the back side. The position regulating plate part is equipped with rotatable position regulating plates urged to protrude vertically into the storage compartment. When a battery is inserted, the position regulating plates guide the battery and cause it to be pressed to a bottom surface part of the storage compartment. Any one of the position regulating plates that does not abut the battery opposes the battery in a perpendicular direction and prohibits movement of the battery in the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kazuo Ishikawa, Masao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7456794
    Abstract: In the foldable mobile radio apparatus constructed by coupling two cases to open and close, the high antenna performance can be secured over the wider band with the simple structure. A foldable mobile radio apparatus, includes a first case, an antenna element provided to the first case, a second case, a hinge portion for joining the first case and the second case turnably, a circuit board provided to an inside of the second case and having a ground pattern, and a feeding portion connected to a radio circuit on the circuit board. The hinge portion is formed of a nonconductive resin, and has a rotation shaft made of conductive metal to join the first case and the second case turnably. The rotation shaft is spatially coupled to the antenna element at a predetermined interval, and the rotation shaft is arranged to separate from the ground pattern on the circuit board, and is connected electrically to the feeding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akito Sakamoto, Hideo Nakanishi, Masao Kobayashi, Masanori Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20070223900
    Abstract: When composition of a first captured image having a tilted subject image is corrected, the first image is rotated such that the subject image stands in an erect position, according to the attitude of the camera achieved during capture of the first image. Images corresponding to missing portions, which arise in the image area for recording due to rotation, are extracted from a second captured image as compensation images. The second image is obtained by capturing an image of the same subject as that captured by the first image, at the different angle of view and attitude of the camera. An image obtained by enlarging the compensation images extracted from the second image according to the angle of view employed for capturing the first image is synthesized with the rotated first image, to thus make the subject image stand in an erect position and to obtain a corrected image without involving a decreased number of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Kazuyasu Kurata, Hirokazu Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20070188650
    Abstract: A digital camera enables high-speed zooming operation without use of a zoom lens. Light originating from a fixed-focal-length lens is split into two beams by a beam splitter, to thus form respective images on a first image sensor and a second image sensor. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are equal to each other in terms of the number of pixels, but differ from each other in terms of a pixel size. The first image sensor acquires a wide image, and the second image sensor acquires a telephotography image. An output is produced by means of switching between the first image sensor and the second image sensor, in response to zooming operation. When the image from the first image sensor is recorded, focus detection is performed by use of an image signal from the second image sensor, to thus effect automatic focusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Hideo Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20070164913
    Abstract: In the foldable mobile radio apparatus constructed by coupling two cases to open and close, the high antenna performance can be secured over the wider band with the simple structure. A foldable mobile radio apparatus, includes a first case, an antenna element provided to the first case, a second case, a hinge portion for joining the first case and the second case turnably, a circuit board provided to an inside of the second case and having a ground pattern, and a feeding portion connected to a radio circuit on the circuit board. The hinge portion is formed of a nonconductive resin, and has a rotation shaft made of conductive metal to join the first case and the second case turnably. The rotation shaft is spatially coupled to the antenna element at a predetermined interval, and the rotation shaft is arranged to separate from the ground pattern on the circuit board, and is connected electrically to the feeding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akito Sakamoto, Hideo Nakanishi, Masao Kobayashi, Masanori Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7226106
    Abstract: A resin molding includes an elongate body and a bent end that is continuous with the elongate body and is formed by a pressing operation. A back side of an intersecting portion of the elongate body and the bent end has reinforcing ribs formed by resin melted during the pressing operation. The resin molding is formed by extruding a melted resin, cutting the extruded resin into a predetermined length to form an intermediate product, heating and pressing an end of the intermediate product to bend the end, and introducing a melted resin onto the intermediate product during the pressing to form at least one reinforcing rib thereon to support the bent end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Hiroshi Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20070058961
    Abstract: In an image-capturing device having multiple optical systems, power consumption is reduced and operativity by the user is improved. The image-capturing device has an optical system having a relatively wide angle of view, and an optical system having a relatively narrow angle of view. An image processing system displays an image obtained by the optical system on a display device, crops, from the image of the optical system, an image corresponding to an image-capturing area according to an amount of operation of a zoom operation lever by the user, and displays the cropped image on the display device. When the user operates a release button, the image processing system and a lens control system drive the optical system to an angle of view corresponding to the image-capturing area and stores an image obtained by the optical system in a storage device. Information obtained by means of the optical system is used for focus adjustment, etc. of the optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Taro Kushida
  • Publication number: 20070050829
    Abstract: In order to efficiently transmit captured image data to a server using multiple digital cameras having a communication function, a plurality of digital cameras constitute a group with a master function allocated to the digital camera. Each of the digital cameras includes a plurality of communication units. The digital camera divides into three segments image data to be transmitted (uploaded) to a server, and allocates two of the three segments to the digital cameras, respectively. The digital camera transmits the allocated segments of image data to the digital cameras. The digital camera transmits to the server the one of the three segments allocated to the digital camera, and issues a transfer request to the digital cameras. The digital cameras transmit the received image data to the server according to the transfer request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Shuji Asami, Masao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070047950
    Abstract: Image data captured by digital cameras are shared among the digital cameras. Image data captured by digital cameras constituting members of an image-sharing group are shared, by way of a network, within the image-sharing group. Every time captured image data are output, the digital camera generates for each of the members distribution information, including a storage source directory, a distribution destination address, and a storage destination directory, all pertaining to the image data, by reference to a group list where member information is registered for each of the members, including a distribution destination address and a storage destination directory, to thus generate a distribution list having respective pieces of distribution information registered therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Shuji Asami, Masao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070024737
    Abstract: In a digital camera having multiple optical systems, multiple image capturing elements are effectively driven to reduce power consumption. A digital camera has a first image capturing optical system having a lens and a first image sensor and a second image capturing optical system having a lens and a second image sensor. A controller and timing generator selects the image signal from the first image capturing optical system while controlling an operation or power of the second image sensor and a clock driver to be OFF when the zoom position falls within a first zoom range. When the zoom position falls within a second zoom range, the image signal from the second image capturing optical system is selected while an operation or power of the first image sensor and a clock driver is controlled to be OFF. An operation or power of the image capturing optical system which is not selected is stopped so that power consumption is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: Hideo Nakamura, Gakuji Horigome, Masao Kobayashi, Kazuyasu Kurata
  • Publication number: 20070013807
    Abstract: To provide a camera which enables photographing while intentionally, subtly shifting operation timing from that of another camera. A digital camera has a timing computing circuit. The timing computing circuit receives a reset request from another digital camera by way of a communications interface. The timing computing circuit awaits a reset request for a standby period shown by the reset request, and outputs a reset command to a reset circuit. The reset circuit outputs a reset signal to a timing generator (TG) in accordance with the reset command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Kunihiko Kanai, Shuji Asami, Masao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20060284996
    Abstract: Image capture devices are synchronized without using a communication unit for an image capture device to perform communication with other image capture device. When an image capture device 10 is set to the main device mode, it outputs a reset signal to a timing generator 40 simultaneously with the time when a flash circuit 50 performs pre-light emission and, when the image capture device 10 is set to the auxiliary device mode, the flash circuit 50 detects pre-light emission performed by other image capture device and outputs a reset signal to the timing generator 40 in accordance with the detection of the pre-light emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Kunihiko Kanai, Shuji Asami, Masao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20060222748
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dough processing apparatus capable of not only stably thinning and shaping dough, such as a pizza dough, and so forth, into a thin sheet-like shape, but also coping with dough in a wide variety of shapes with ease. A rounded dough f obtained by portioning out dough to a predetermined quantity is transferred toward under a first beating mechanism, and a second beating mechanism by a belt conveyor. The first beating mechanism, and the second beating mechanism make the vertical movement, alternately, whereupon the dough f is pressed under pressure to be thereby thinned. The dough f after thinned is then transferred by the belt conveyor to be delivered to a dough-shaping apparatus. The dough f is transferred by a belt conveyor to be surrounded by a horizontal die. The dough f as surrounded by the horizontal die is pushed down from above by a rotator provided with a plurality of push-rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Hironori Kobayashi, Toru Fukiage
  • Publication number: 20060182431
    Abstract: Coordinated image capturing is appropriately performed even if an error occurs in the synchronization between cameras that are connected via a network. Camera A for image capturing and camera B for providing strobe light are connected via a radio network, and camera A sets a point at which to start exposure for image capturing Tx and a point at which to start strobe emission Tf such that Tx is earlier than Tf, the time difference Id between Tx and Tf becomes larger than a synchronization error Ie between a synchronous clock of camera A and a synchronous clock of camera B, and the sum (Id+If+Ie) of the time difference Id, the strobe emission period If and the synchronization error Ie becomes smaller than exposure period Ix. Then, camera A outputs a strobe emission command with Tf designated and an exposure command with Tx designated, and controls the exposure control mechanism to start exposure at Tx in response to the exposure command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Shuji Asami, Kunihiko Kanai
  • Publication number: 20050229522
    Abstract: A resin molding includes an elongate body and a bent end that is continuous with the elongate body and is formed by a pressing operation. A back side of an intersecting portion of the elongate body and the bent end has reinforcing ribs formed by resin melted during the pressing operation. The resin molding is formed by extruding a melted resin, cutting the extruded resin into a predetermined length to form an intermediate product, heating and pressing an end of the intermediate product to bend the end, and introducing a melted resin onto the intermediate product during the pressing to form at least one reinforcing rib thereon to support the bent end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Hiroshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6910722
    Abstract: A side moulding which is readily manufactured and mounted on an exterior side surface of a body or door of a motor vehicle, and is free from the generation of noise during the running of the motor vehicle or upon the opening and closing of the door of the motor vehicle. The side moulding includes a main body, clips for mounting the main body to the body or door of the motor vehicle, and cushion members provided in a rear surface of the main body. Each of the cushion members includes a cushion part for achieving a cushioning operation against the main body, and the body or door of the motor vehicle, and a fitting part for fitting to each of rib parts provided in the rear surface of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Takeda, Daiichiro Kawashima, Masao Kobayashi, Kazutoshi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20050042350
    Abstract: There is provided a method of and apparatus for forming a food by wrapping an inner material with an outer skin material, and the method of and apparatus for sealing the outer skin material more surely in a state where the inner material is disposed on the outer skin material. The food forming apparatus comprises a first shutter (1), a second shutter (2) disposed under the first shutter (1), and support means (6) disposed under the second shutter (2) wherein an operation start timing of the second shutter (2) subsequent to starting of the operation of the first shutter (1) is adjusted appropriately, and a position of the support member (60) is adjusted appropriately, thereby adjusting the amount of collection of the peripheral portion of the curst material (F), thereby wrapping an inner material (G) with the outer skin material (F) in response to the different sizes of the curst material (F) and the inner material (G), thereby surely forming the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Hironori Kobayashi, Toru Fukiage
  • Publication number: 20050026035
    Abstract: The invention enables to load and unload batteries of Varying sizes efficiently. Storage apparatus 10 is equipped with storage compartment 25 capable of storing battery A of three different kinds of thicknesses and a lid that covers an insertion port 34 of the storage compartment 25. Storage compartment 25 is internally equipped with position regulating plate part 70 on ceiling part 32 and ejection urging part 50, a thickness judging part, and contact point part 40 on end surface 33 at the back side. Position regulating plate part 70 is equipped with three rotatable position regulating plates 71, 72 and 73. Position regulating plates 71, 72 and 73 are urged by regulating springs 81, 82 and 83 to protrude vertically into storage compartment 25. When battery A is inserted, one through three position regulating plates 71, 72 and 73 guide battery A to cause it to be pressed to bottom surface part 31 of the storage compartment 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Applicant: Chinon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Ishikawa, Masao Kobayashi