Patents by Inventor Michimasa Obana

Michimasa Obana 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: 7672536
    Abstract: A signal processing device, signal processing method, and program and recording medium which provide images and the like closer approximating real world signals. The signal processing device includes a processing region setting unit, a motion vector setting unit, a model generator, a normal equation generator, a weighting change unit, and a real world estimating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Masanori Kanemaru, Hideo Kasama
  • Patent number: 7672526
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing device and signal processing method, and program and recording medium, whereby images and the like closer approximating real world signals can be obtained. With regard to an input image of dimensions fewer than the dimensions of actual world light signals, wherein actual world light signals have been projected and a part of the continuity of the actual world light signals has been lost, actual world signals are estimated at an actual world signal estimating unit 10003 from the input image within a processing region set at a processing region setting unit 10001, corresponding to continuity set at a continuity setting unit 10002. On the other hand, information relating to at least one of processing region, continuity, and actual world signals, is supplied from a user I/F 10006 to the processing region setting unit 10001, continuity setting unit 10002, or actual world signal estimating unit 10003, according to user operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Masanori Kanemaru, Hideo Kasama
  • Publication number: 20090296986
    Abstract: An image processing device includes: a tracking unit to track a predetermined point on an image as a tracking point, to correspond with an operation of a user; a display control unit to display the tracking point candidate serving as the tracking point candidates, which are greater in number than objects moving on the image and fewer than the number of pixels of the image, on the image; and a setting unit to set the tracking point candidates as the tracking points on the next frame of the tracking unit, corresponding to an operation by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michimasa OBANA
  • Publication number: 20090259653
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus searches search target frame images in video data to find a frame image matching a search query frame image. An extractor extracts characteristic quantities expressing the characteristics of respective images. A reliability judge judges the reliability of the values of each characteristic quantity in a characteristic quantity group extracted from the search query frame. If certain characteristic quantity values in the search query frame are judged to be of low reliability, the converter converts those values into predetermined values. Values are similarly converted for all search target frames. A comparer compares the converted characteristic quantities in the search query frame to the converted characteristic quantities in all search target frames. On the basis of the comparisons, a decision unit then chooses a search solution frame that matches the search query frame. In so doing, search processing robustness with respect to data variance is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Michimasa OBANA, Tetsujiro KONDO
  • Patent number: 7512285
    Abstract: A signal processing device, signal processing method, and program and recording medium which provide images and the like closer approximating real world signals. The signal processing device includes a processing region setting unit, a movement vector setting unit, a model generator, a normal equation generator, an activity detector, a weighting change unit, and a real world estimating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Hideo Kasama, Masanori Kanemaru
  • Patent number: 7499895
    Abstract: A signal processing device for learning operations made by a user, and for generating signal optimal to the user based on the learning results. A learning unit monitors supplied operating signals generated based on user operations, and judges whether to learn the operating signals. When the operating signals are to be learned, the learning unit learns a correction norm for correcting input signals, based on the learning operating signals and outputs the correction norm to a correcting unit. The correcting unit corrects input signals based on the correction norm and outputs the corrected signals as output signals. The present invention can be applied to an NR (Noise Reduction) circuit which removes noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Hideo Kasama, Masanori Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20080319930
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: strength estimation means for calculating an operation frequency for each predetermined time period from an operation history, and estimating a time period of the operation frequency which exceeds a predetermined value as a time period over which the user has a strong desire to adjust; detecting means for calculating, from the operation history, an operation frequency for each function of the electronic apparatus of the operation history in a time period corresponding to the time period of the strong desire to adjust estimated by the strength estimation means, and detecting a feature of the adjustment operation made by the user for the function of the electronic apparatus, the feature corresponding to the operation frequency for each function of the electronic apparatus; and determination means for determining a function, desired by the user to adjust, of the electronic apparatus, the function corresponding to the feature detected by the detecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Michimasa Obana, Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20080310764
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes reproduction control means for controlling reproduction of a first parameter in order to reproduce an edit applied to a first image, generation means for generating a second parameter from a plurality of first parameters reproduced by the reproduction control means, and edit means for editing the first image based on the second parameter generated by the generation means, and generating a second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Miyake, Kei Hiraizumi, Yoshinori Takagi, Masato Akao, Yasunobu Node, Yoshihito Fujiwara, Kazutaka Ando, Naoki Kobayashi, Michimasa Obana, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Takeyuki Fujii, Masanori Machimura, Toru Nakagawa, Yusuke Kajio, Yasuhiro Fujimori, Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20080285800
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain feature quantities of an image; and a detector configured to detect a gazing point at which a user gazes within the image, wherein the gazing point detected by the detector among the feature quantities obtained by the obtaining unit or the feature quantities extracted from the image in a predetermined range containing the gazing point is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Miyake, Kei Hiraizumi, Yoshinori Takagi, Masato Akao, Yasunobu Node, Yoshihito Fujiwara, Kazutaka Ando, Naoki Kobayashi, Michimasa Obana, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Takeyuki Fujii, Masanori Machimura, Toru Nakagawa, Yusuke Kajio, Yasuhiro Fujimori, Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20080209463
    Abstract: The present invention provides users with functions matching their preferences. In an information processing apparatus, a user-information analyzing unit analyzes user information and calculates a variation in parameter. A procedure selecting unit classifies, based on the calculated amount, the user into a predetermined group, and acquires, from a procedure database, a procedure corresponding to the group of the user. A basic part producing unit records, in a product's ROM, various set values. Based on the result of analysis by the user-information analyzing unit, a unique part producing unit records an initial parameter value in the product's ROM. A system controller controls a storage unit to store a characteristic amount extracted by an image-characteristic-amount extracting unit and setting conditions on the image processing which are supplied from a remote control signal receiving circuit so that both are associated to each other. The present invention may apply to television receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kazutaka Ando, Tetsujiro Kondo, Hideo Nakaya, Masaaki Hattori, Michimasa Obana, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Takeyuki Fujii, Yasushi Tatehira
  • Publication number: 20080019594
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus may include a feature value extraction unit adapted to extract a feature value from an image, a setting unit adapted to set setting-information defining a process to be performed on the image, an editing unit adapted to edit the setting-information set by the setting unit, and recording unit adapted to record the setting-information edited by the editing unit, in association with the feature value of the image, on a data recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Hiraizumi, Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazutaka Ando, Yasunobu Node, Michimasa Obana, Masanori Machimura, Masato Akao
  • Publication number: 20070297677
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus may include a feature quantity extraction unit configured to extract a feature quantity from an image, a setting unit configured to set setting information including a plurality of setting items used to perform processing upon the image so that a designated setting item can be changed among the setting items; and a recording unit configured to associate the setting information with a feature quantity of the image and record them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Machimura, Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazutaka Ando, Yasunobu Node, Michimasa Obana, Kei Hiraizumi, Masato Akao
  • Publication number: 20070209003
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a feature value extractor extracting a feature value from an image; a setting unit setting setting information for applying a process to the image; a recorder recording the setting information in association with the feature value in a data recording medium; a synchronizing unit synchronizing the feature value in the recording medium with the extracted feature value; a reader reading, when the feature value in the recording medium is synchronized with the extracted feature value, setting information recorded in association with the synchronized feature value from the recording medium; a reflecting unit reflecting the process applied to the image on the basis of the read setting information; a display image generator generating a display image by combining an object indicating the read setting information with the processed image; and a selector selectively supplying the setting information to the reflecting unit or the display image generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michimasa OBANA, Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20070201769
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a feature value extractor configured to extract a feature value from an image; a setting unit configured to set setting information for applying a process to the image; and a recorder configured to record the setting information in association with the feature value of the image in a data recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu Node, Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazutaka Ando, Kei Hiraizumi, Michimasa Obana, Masanori Machimura, Masato Akao
  • Publication number: 20070201107
    Abstract: An image processing system includes an image capturing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus is configured to capture an image including an object, to obtain status information of the object, and to record the image and the status information of the object. The image processing apparatus is configured to specify details of a modification to be applied to the image according to the recorded image and status information of the object, to set setting information for modifying the image on the basis of the details of the modification, to extract a feature value from the image, and to record the setting information in a setting-information recording medium in association with the extracted feature value of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutaka Ando, Tetsujiro Kondo, Yasunobu Node, Michimasa Obana, Kei Hiraizumi, Masanori Machimura, Masato Akao
  • Publication number: 20070116372
    Abstract: A signal processing device, signal processing method, and program and recording medium which provide images and the like closer approximating real world signals. The signal processing device includes a processing region setting unit, a movement vector setting unit, a model generator, a normal equation generator, an activity detector, a weighting change unit, and a real world estimating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Hideo Kasama, Masanori Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20070115286
    Abstract: A signal processing device, signal processing method, and program and recording medium which provide images and the like closer approximating real world signals. The signal processing device includes a processing region setting unit, a motion vector setting unit, a model generator, a normal equation generator, a weighting change unit, and a real world estimating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Masanori Kanemaru, Hideo Kasama
  • Publication number: 20070110333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing device and signal processing method, and program and recording medium, whereby images and the like closer approximating real world signals can be obtained. With regard to an input image of dimensions fewer than the dimensions of actual world light signals, wherein actual world light signals have been projected and a part of the continuity of the actual world light signals has been lost, actual world signals are estimated at an actual world signal estimating unit 10003 from the input image within a processing region set at a processing region setting unit 10001, corresponding to continuity set at a continuity setting unit 10002. On the other hand, information relating to at least one of processing region, continuity, and actual world signals, is supplied from a user I/F 10006 to the processing region setting unit 10001, continuity setting unit 10002, or actual world signal estimating unit 10003, according to user operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Masanori Kanemaru, Hideo Kasama
  • Publication number: 20070098289
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing device and signal processing method, and program and recording medium, whereby images and the like closer approximating real world signals can be obtained. An object which is moving at a movement amount v in the horizontal direction is photographed, and an image wherein the object is blurred is input into a signal processing device. A continuity setting unit 15012 supplies the movement amount v of the object to an actual world estimating unit 15013 as continuity information. The actual world estimating unit 15013 estimates a pixel value for an image without blurring, by computing a normal equation comprising a model equation which models the relation of the pixel values in the input image and the pixel values in an image without blurring according to the movement amount v, and a constraint condition expression which constrains between the pixels in an image without blurring, and supplies this to an image generating unit 15014.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Hideo Kasama, Masanori Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20050007159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing device which learns operations made by a user without the user knowing, and which can perform processing optimal to the user based on the learning results. At a learning unit 22, operating signals supplied according to user operations are monitored, and judgment is made whether or not these can be used for learning. In the event that the operating signals are learning operating signals which can be used for learning, the learning unit 22 learns a correction norm which is the norm for correcting input signals, based on the learning operating signals. On the other hand, at a correcting unit 21, post-correction signals, wherein the input signals are corrected based on the correction norm obtained by learning, are output as output signals. The present invention can be applied to an NR (Noise Reduction) circuit which removes noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kazushi Yoshikawa, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hisakazu Shiraki, Michimasa Obana, Hideo Kasama, Masanori Kanemaru