Patents by Inventor Riichi Higaki

Riichi Higaki 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: 20180343759
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riichi HIGAKI, Koichiro KAWAMURA
  • Patent number: 10076048
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Koichiro Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20150156906
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Riichi HIGAKI, Koichiro KAWAMURA
  • Patent number: 8964114
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Koichiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8570399
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with: an imaging unit including an imaging sensor for imaging light from an object and a storage unit for storing image data generated based on an imaging signal output from the imaging sensor; and a GPS module. The GPS module is used for executing a process of calculating location information based on received data from a satellite. The GPS module shifts from the low power consumption mode or the power OFF state to a normal operation mode in which the process of calculating the location information is executed as a result of the imaging unit shifting from a low power consumption mode or a power OFF state to a normal image-capture mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Riichi Higaki
  • Patent number: 8477209
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises an image processing unit that performs image processing using a plurality of adjustment parameters and a parameter setting unit that sets each of the plurality of parameters for the image processing unit according to a single change command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Tomii, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Riichi Higaki
  • Patent number: 8233790
    Abstract: Provided is a control section that, when created data is set to be recorded in both a first memory card and a second memory card and an amount of empty space in a writing buffer memory is less than or equal to a predetermined value, performs control to record the created data in only the first memory card and erases, from the buffer memory, data that has been recorded in the first memory card; and a transmission control section that, while a transmission path for image files from the first memory card to the second memory card is open, transmits to the second memory card, from among pieces of image data recorded in the first memory card, image files that are not recorded in the second memory card. When a memory card with a low communication speed is used, the effective recording speed is not decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Riichi Higaki
  • Publication number: 20110261227
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus provided with: an imaging unit including an imaging sensor for imaging light from an object and a storage unit for storing image data generated based on an imaging signal output from the imaging sensor; and a GPS module for executing a process of calculating location information based on received data from a satellite, in which as a result of the imaging unit shifting from a low power consumption mode or a power OFF state to a normal image-capture mode, the GPS module shifts from the low power consumption mode or the power OFF state to a normal operation mode in which the process of calculating the location information is executed, and if it is not possible to perform the process of calculating the location information at the time of imaging the light from an object in the GPS module at a time point at which the light from an object is imaged after the imaging unit has been shifted to the normal image-capture mode, then image-capture-time location information obtained in consideration of
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Riichi HIGAKI
  • Publication number: 20110234839
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises an image processing unit that performs image processing using a plurality of adjustment parameters and a parameter setting unit that sets each of the plurality of parameters for the image processing unit according to a single change command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromi Tomii, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Riichi Higaki
  • Patent number: 7949251
    Abstract: A camera includes: an electrical-power-supply-source detection unit that detects, among a plurality of batteries, from which battery supply of electrical power is being received; a battery capacity detection unit that detects a remaining amount in each of the plurality of batteries; and a display control unit that displays, upon a display device, a result of detection by the electrical-power-supply-source detection unit and a result of detection by the battery capacity detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Fujita, Riichi Higaki
  • Publication number: 20100284680
    Abstract: Provided is a control section that, when created data is set to be recorded in both a first memory card and a second memory card and an amount of empty space in a writing buffer memory is less than or equal to a predetermined value, performs control to record the created data in only the first memory card and erases, from the buffer memory, data that has been recorded in the first memory card; and a transmission control section that, while a transmission path for image files from the first memory card to the second memory card is open, transmits to the second memory card, from among pieces of image data recorded in the first memory card, image files that are not recorded in the second memory card. When a memory card with a low communication speed is used, the effective recording speed is not decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Riichi HIGAKI
  • Publication number: 20100026382
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Koichiro Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20090279883
    Abstract: A camera includes: an electrical-power-supply-source detection unit that detects, among a plurality of batteries, from which battery supply of electrical power is being received; a battery capacity detection unit that detects a remaining amount in each of the plurality of batteries; and a display control unit that displays, upon a display device, a result of detection by the electrical-power-supply-source detection unit and a result of detection by the battery capacity detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki FUJITA, Riichi HIGAKI
  • Publication number: 20090040316
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises an image processing unit that performs image processing using a plurality of adjustment parameters and a parameter setting unit that sets each of the plurality of parameters for the image processing unit according to a single change command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromi Tomii, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Riichi Higaki
  • Patent number: 6275212
    Abstract: When displaying operational settings and measurements on a pointer type display device, the starting position of the needles is automatically adjusted even when there are battery exchange and needle drive process errors. The display device may be used to display physical quantities using pointers which move above scale plates. Even though the displays may be changed by electric supply loading, battery exchange or a fall in electric supply voltage, the display can be automatically corrected. A memory stores the movement destination position of the pointers, and instructions are generated by a controller which calculates the movement destinations of the pointers after the electrical supply voltage is stabilized properly. The instructions which control operation of a driver for the pointers preferably use a combination of movement to predefined positions and incremental movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Ohtani, Yoshikazu Iida, Hiroyuki Tsuru, Daiki Tsukahara, Riichi Higaki, Yukikazu Iwane
  • Patent number: 5727241
    Abstract: A camera system regulates electric power from a power supply within a camera body to a plurality of built-in actuators within a removable photographic lens. The actuators may include motors, solenoids, and the like which operate functions such as autofocus and image blur suppression. The photographic lens is equipped with a memory which stores data relating to the power supply characteristics of the built-in actuators. A transmission unit within the photographic lens transmits the stored data to a receiving unit within the camera body. A power supply characteristics measurement unit within the camera body measures data relating to power supply characteristics of the electric power supply while a determination unit determines whether to supply electric power from the electric power supply to the actuators in response to all of the data. A display unit on the camera body displays a warning when no electric power is supplied to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Shozo Yamano, Riichi Higaki
  • Patent number: 5708861
    Abstract: Disclosed is a camera comprising a plurality of controlled devices each operated in at least one of a photographing action and a photographing standby action, the photographing standby action having a first photographing standby action and a second photographing standby action, a release device having a first stroke of outputting a first signal for indicating an execution of the photographing standby action and a second stroke of outputting a second signal for indicating an execution of the photographing action and a control device for repeatedly executing a part of the second photographing standby action through a part of the controlled devices during the outputting of the first signal, repeatedly executing the first photographing action till a predetermined time elapses or till the first signal is outputted when the first signal annihilates without outputting the second signal after the first signal has been outputted, starting an execution of the second photographing standby action when the first signal is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Hiroyuki Tsuru
  • Patent number: 5539492
    Abstract: In order to delay the timing of photographing easily without releasing a self-timer even after the self-timer has been operated and also, to enable distance measurement or photometry to be easily effected over again without releasing the self-timer even after the self-timer has been operated, a camera has a self-timer, a self-timer extension switch and a control device responsive to the self-timer extension switch during the operation of the self-timer to control so as to effect the time extension of the self-timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Riichi Higaki
  • Patent number: 5534965
    Abstract: When a preparation for photography signal is input from a release switch assembly without said photography command signal being input therefrom, the brightness of an object to be photographed is measured and an exposure value is calculated therefrom, the focus adjustment state of the photographic lens is detected, and these values are displayed. At the time point when this display operation has been completed, if and only if the preparation for photography signal is still being input from the release switch assembly, focus adjustment of the photographic lens is performed based upon the detected focus adjustment state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Hiroyuki Tsuru, Hiroshi Wakabayashi, Daiki Tsukahara, Yoshikazu Iida, Tadashi Ohtani
  • Patent number: 5517276
    Abstract: An active distance measuring apparatus with the remote control function is provided with a plurality of light projecting portions, a plurality of light receiving portions, a distance measuring device for effecting active distance measurement at one or more points in an image field by the use of all or some of the plurality of light projecting portions and the plurality of light receiving portions, and a remote control for performing, when the light receiving portions receive signal light from a remote control transmitter, a predetermined remote control operation by the use of the output of the light receiving portion which has received the signal light, the distance measuring device distance-measuring a distance measuring point corresponding to the light receiving portion which has received the signal light from the remote control transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Toru Kosaka, Yoshikazu Iida, Hiroyuki Tsuru