Patents by Inventor Munehiro Yoshikawa

Munehiro Yoshikawa 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: 8190759
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission/reception apparatus capable of achieving both a high processing speed and good extensibility in performing communication protocol processes. Used for transmitting data in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol and receiving data transmitted in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol, the transmission/reception apparatus has a configuration capable of executing communication protocol processes by using hardware (in first and second communication-protocol-processing units) and software (in first and second control units). The hardware or the software can be selected properly in accordance with the type of data. For example, a communication protocol process for data regarded as a heavy processing load can be carried out by using the hardware at the high processing speed whereas a communication protocol process for data regarded as a light processing load can be carried out by using the software, which offers the good extensibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Hideki Yoshida, Manabu Onishi, Kei Yamashita, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7933949
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus constitutes a low-cost audio/video data transmission and reception system. A reception buffer monitoring circuit 21 monitors the size of receiver data being accumulated in a reception buffer 6. When the size of accumulated data is found to become higher than a high threshold, the circuit 21 causes a reception clock generation circuit 8 to generate a reception clock with a higher frequency. When the accumulated data size becomes lower than a low threshold, the reception clock is generated with a lower frequency. Based on the reception clock fed from the reception clock generation circuit 8, an audio/video decoder 7 decodes the audio/video data coming from the reception buffer 6. The data processing apparatus applies advantageously to a television transmission and reception system for transmitting and receiving TV broadcast signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshida, Jin Sato, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Takashi Norizuki, Kenichi Sakusabe, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20110007826
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission/reception apparatus capable of achieving both a high processing speed and good extensibility in performing communication protocol processes. Used for transmitting data in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol and receiving data transmitted in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol, the transmission/reception apparatus has a configuration capable of executing communication protocol processes by using hardware (in first and second communication-protocol-processing units) and software (in first and second control units). The hardware or the software can be selected properly in accordance with the type of data. For example, a communication protocol process for data regarded as a heavy processing load can be carried out by using the hardware at the high processing speed whereas a communication protocol process for data regarded as a light processing load can be carried out by using the software, which offers the good extensibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Satoru MAEDA, Hideki YOSHIDA, Manabu ONISHI, Kei YAMASHITA, Kazayuki IKEDA, Daisuke KAWAGUCHI, Munehiro YOSHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 7818439
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission/reception apparatus capable of achieving both a high processing speed and good extensibility in performing communication protocol processes. Used for transmitting data in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol and receiving data transmitted in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol, the transmission/reception apparatus has a configuration capable of executing communication protocol processes by using hardware (in first and second communication-protocol-processing units) and software (in first and second control units). The hardware or the software can be selected properly in accordance with the type of data. For example, a communication protocol process for data regarded as a heavy processing load can be carried out by using the hardware at the high processing speed whereas a communication protocol process for data regarded as a light processing load can be carried out by using the software, which offers the good extensibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Hideki Yoshida, Manabu Onishi, Kei Yamashita, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7610600
    Abstract: A television reception system is disclosed by which a television broadcasting program can be enjoyed at any place in a home without being influenced by connection to an antenna cable or a communication circuit and which can be connected to a network such as the Internet. A channel selection apparatus and a display apparatus are formed as separate apparatus from each other. The channel selection apparatus receives broadcasting signals, selects one of the broadcasting signals, forms a transmission signal from the selected broadcasting signal and transmits the transmission signal by radio. The radio signal from the channel selection apparatus is received by the display apparatus, and an image based on an image signal of the received signal is displayed on an LCD apparatus serving as a display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Noriyuki Uchiumi
  • Patent number: 7512087
    Abstract: A communication system, method and apparatus which can maintain favorable communication quality without imposing much burden upon a user. A plurality of communication networks are formed between first and second communication apparatus. Upon starting communication between the first and second apparatus, communication quality of the communication networks is measured using at least one of the communication apparatus. One of the communication apparatus is selected for communication based on a result of the measurement. The first and second apparatus may be a base apparatus and a portable terminal apparatus, respectively, for use in the home, in which the base apparatus receives a television broadcast and transmits a selected television program of the broadcast to the terminal apparatus for display thereon. The communication networks may include a radio network and a wireline network. The terminal apparatus may also be adapted to access the Internet via the base apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Munehiro Yoshikawa, Kenichi Sakusabe
  • Patent number: 7484235
    Abstract: A television reception system is disclosed by which a television broadcasting program can be enjoyed at any place in a home without being influenced by connection to an antenna cable or a communication circuit and which can be connected to a network such as the Internet. A channel selection apparatus and a display apparatus are formed as separate apparatus from each other. The channel selection apparatus receives broadcasting signals, selects one of the broadcasting signals, forms a transmission signal from the selected broadcasting signal and transmits the transmission signal by radio. The radio signal from the channel selection apparatus is received by the display apparatus, and an image based on an image signal of the received signal is displayed on an LCD apparatus serving as a display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Noriyuki Uchiumi
  • Publication number: 20080259213
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus constituting a low-cost audio/video data transmission and reception system is disclosed. A reception buffer monitoring circuit 21 monitors the size of receiver data being accumulated in a reception buffer 6. When the size of accumulated data is found to become higher than a high threshold, the circuit 21 causes a reception clock generation circuit 8 to generate a reception clock with a higher frequency. When the accumulated data size becomes lower than a low threshold, the reception clock is generated with a lower frequency. Based on the reception clock fed from the reception clock generation circuit 8, an audio/video decoder 7 decodes the audio/video data coming from the reception buffer 6. This invention applies advantageously to a television transmission and reception system for transmitting and receiving TV broadcast signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshida, Jin Sato, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Takashi Norizuki, Kenichi Sakusabe, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7389318
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus constituting a low-cost audio/video data transmission and reception system is disclosed. A reception buffer monitoring circuit 21 monitors the size of receiver data being accumulated in a reception buffer 6. When the size of accumulated data is found to become higher than a high threshold, the circuit 21 causes a reception clock generation circuit 8 to generate a reception clock with a higher frequency. When the accumulated data size becomes lower than a low threshold, the reception clock is generated with a lower frequency. Based on the reception clock fed from the reception clock generation circuit 8, an audio/video decoder 7 decodes the audio/video data coming from the reception buffer 6. This invention applies advantageously to a television transmission and reception system for transmitting and receiving TV broadcast signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshida, Jin Sato, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Takashi Norizuki, Kenichi Sakusabe, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7337228
    Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus for enabling more prompt sign-up. A network management server at step S62 received am equipment serial number from an information processing apparatus and, at step s63, references a database to retrieve a received equipment serial number. If the equipment serial number has not been found, the program moves to step S16 where a command for initiating manual setting is sent to an information processing apparatus. If the equipment serial number has been found, the program moves to step S81 to verify whether or not the admittance made or admittance not as yet made, recorded in the database in association with the equipment serial number received is admittance made. If the verified result indicates admittance not as yet made, the program moves to step S82 where the network management server sends an automatic setting initiating command to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Justsystem Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Nobutaka Tani, Shinji Okazaki, Natsuko Yotsumoto, Masahiro Asai, Mami Uchida, Takaaki Miura, Katsuhisa Takata
  • Publication number: 20070002186
    Abstract: A television reception system is disclosed by which a television broadcasting program can be enjoyed at any place in a home without being influenced by connection to an antenna cable or a communication circuit and which can be connected to a network such as the Internet. A channel selection apparatus and a display apparatus are formed as separate apparatus from each other. The channel selection apparatus receives broadcasting signals, selects one of the broadcasting signals, forms a transmission signal from the selected broadcasting signal and transmits the transmission signal by radio. The radio signal from the channel selection apparatus is received by the display apparatus, and an image based on an image signal of the received signal is displayed on an LCD apparatus serving as a display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Noriyuki Uchiumi
  • Publication number: 20040215796
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission/reception apparatus capable of achieving both a high processing speed and good extensibility in performing communication protocol processes. Used for transmitting data in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol and receiving data transmitted in accordance with the predetermined communication protocol, the transmission/reception apparatus has a configuration capable of executing communication protocol processes by using hardware (in first and second communication-protocol-processing units) and software (in first and second control units). The hardware or the software can be selected properly in accordance with the type of data. For example, a communication protocol process for data regarded as a heavy processing load can be carried out by using the hardware at the high processing speed whereas a communication protocol process for data regarded as a light processing load can be carried out by using the software, which offers the good extensibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Hideki Yoshida, Manabu Onishi, Kei Yamashita, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20040068482
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus constituting a low-cost audio/video data transmission and reception system is disclosed. A reception buffer monitoring circuit 21 monitors the size of receiver data being accumulated in a reception buffer 6. When the size of accumulated data is found to become higher than a high threshold, the circuit 21 causes a reception clock generation circuit 8 to generate a reception clock with a higher frequency. When the accumulated data size becomes lower than a low threshold, the reception clock is generated with a lower frequency. Based on the reception clock fed from the reception clock generation circuit 8, an audio/video decoder 7 decodes the audio/video data coming from the reception buffer 6. This invention applies advantageously to a television transmission and reception system for transmitting and receiving TV broadcast signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshida, Jin Sato, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Takashi Ikeda, Kenichi Sakusabe, Daisuke Kawaguchi, Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20020087984
    Abstract: In an apparatus for receiving digital television broadcast, a user may be safeguarded from misconception that the apparatus may be in disorder. When a channel for receipt is commanded in the apparatus for receiving digital television broadcast, the number of the channel is acquired at step S11. It is verified at step S12 whether or not the channel so selected has been set as being a channel for reception. If the result of check is affirmative, a picture for the channel is displayed at step S14. If otherwise, that is if the channel selected has not been set as the channel for reception, the effect that the channel cannot be viewed is displayed at step S15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Kazushige Tsurumi, Yushi Sayama, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Ayumi Mizobuchi, Takaaki Miura, Katsuhisa Takata, Yusuke Fujimaki
  • Publication number: 20020087677
    Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus for enabling more prompt sign-up. A network management server at step S62 received am equipment serial number from an information processing apparatus and, at step s63, references a database to retrieve a received equipment serial number. If the equipment serial number has not been found, the program moves to step S16 where a command for initiating manual setting is sent to an information processing apparatus. If the equipment serial number has been found, the program moves to step S81 to verify whether or not the admittance made or admittance not as yet made, recorded in the database in association with the equipment serial number received is admittance made. If the verified result indicates admittance not as yet made, the program moves to step S82 where the network management server sends an automatic setting initiating command to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Nobutaka Tani, Shinji Okazaki, Natsuko Yotsumoto, Masahiro Asai, Mami Uchida, Takaaki Miura, Katsuhisa Takata
  • Publication number: 20020075876
    Abstract: A communication system, method and apparatus which can maintain favorable communication quality without imposing much burden upon a user. A plurality of communication networks are formed between first and second communication apparatus. Upon starting communication between the first and second apparatus, communication quality of the communication networks is measured using at least one of the communication apparatus. One of the communication apparatus is selected for communication based on a result of the measurement. The first and second apparatus may be a base apparatus and a portable terminal apparatus, respectively, for use in the home, in which the base apparatus receives a television broadcast and transmits a selected television program of the broadcast to the terminal apparatus for display thereon. The communication networks may include a radio network and a wireline network. The terminal apparatus may also be adapted to access the Internet via the base apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Munehiro Yoshikawa, Kenichi Sakusabe
  • Publication number: 20020059585
    Abstract: A television reception system is disclosed by which a television broadcasting program can be enjoyed at any place in a home without being influenced by connection to an antenna cable or a communication circuit and which can be connected to a network such as the Internet. A channel selection apparatus and a display apparatus are formed as separate apparatus from each other. The channel selection apparatus receives broadcasting signals, selects one of the broadcasting signals, forms a transmission signal from the selected broadcasting signal and transmits the transmission signal by radio. The radio signal from the channel selection apparatus is received by the display apparatus, and an image based on an image signal of the received signal is displayed on an LCD apparatus serving as a display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Satoru Maeda, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Noriyuki Uchiumi
  • Patent number: 6308002
    Abstract: Picture data received in the order of DC components and AC components is stored in a frame memory 115. At this point, an ID number detecting portion 117 detects an ID of a sync block and sends the detected ID to an encoding portion 114. Corresponding to the ID, the encoding portion 114 determines whether or not data that is read from a frame memory 93 is a buffering unit that has been stored. Thus, when the read data is the buffering unit, the read data is output as it is. When the read data is not the buffering unit, gray data is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Nishimura, Munehiro Yoshikawa, Hiroyuki Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 6298372
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to control communication devices on a screen with a good operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Munehiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6253093
    Abstract: In a wireless communication system, which includes a fixed station device and a mobile station device, the efficiency of data communications is easily improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Munehiro Yoshikawa