Patents by Inventor Shuji Fujita

Shuji Fujita 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: 20250149156
    Abstract: To provide a technique capable of delivering an odor component to a desired position. The present technology first provides an odor generation device including: a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing an odor component; a release unit that releases the odor component to an outside; and a placement drive unit that, among a plurality of the cartridges, places a specific cartridge near the release unit. Furthermore, the present technology also provides an olfactory examination or olfactory training system, an olfactory presentation neurodegenerative disease prevention and/or treatment device, and an odor experience device including the odor generation device and an information processing device that controls the placement drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita, Hirotaka Kihara, Shinya Ootani
  • Publication number: 20250114028
    Abstract: A device that is also applicable to an olfactory test is provided. The present technology provides an olfactory test device including: a main body; and a cartridge that holds an odor component, in which the main body includes a cartridge holding unit that holds the cartridge, a detection unit that detects an attachment status of the cartridge with respect to the cartridge holding unit, and an output unit that outputs a detection signal of cartridge attachment in the detection unit. The present technology also provides an olfactory test system including: the olfactory test device; and an information processing device including a processing unit that manages a state of the cartridge on the basis of the detection signal output from the output unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: YUKITO INOUE, SHUJI FUJITA, KAZUTAKA TAKAKI, YUKI HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 12226553
    Abstract: There is provided an aroma providing device which includes an aromatic holding structure that is detachable and has a plurality of holding spaces in which aromatics are respectively held. The aroma providing device further includes a blower device that supplies air to pass through the holding spaces, a plurality of air supply paths through which the air is introduced into the respective holding spaces, an opening/closing mechanism that includes a member that is deformed by a physical stimulus or a chemical stimulus and switches whether to allow the air to pass through or not for each of the holding spaces and a control unit that controls the opening/closing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita, Cedric Duvert, Akihiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 12121636
    Abstract: The present disclosure makes it possible to fill a fragrance-holding structure with a liquid fragrance more easily and more appropriately. Provided is a fragrance-filling structure (100) including: an accommodating portion (110) which accommodates a fragrance-holding structure; a fragrance-guiding portion (120) which includes an inclined surface that converges on a fragrance pool and guides a liquid fragrance poured from an outside onto the inclined surface to the fragrance pool; and a first impregnated body (130) which includes one end that enters the fragrance-holding structure and provides the liquid fragrance accumulated in the fragrance pool into the fragrance-holding structure using a capillary phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita
  • Publication number: 20240342334
    Abstract: An aroma generator including a cartridge holding unit equipped with a cartridge that holds a fragrance, and a control unit that automatically selects a type of the fragrance in the cartridge according to sensing information obtained from the outside. The sensing information may be external environment information and/or biological information. Furthermore, the aroma generator may further include an air blower that blows the fragrance in the cartridge, and the control unit may automatically change blowing intensity of the air blower according to the sensing information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: CEDRIC DUVERT, HIDEAKI TACHINO, YUKITO INOUE, SHUJI FUJITA
  • Patent number: 12083253
    Abstract: An aroma generator including a cartridge holding unit equipped with a cartridge that holds a fragrance, and a control unit that automatically selects a type of the fragrance in the cartridge according to sensing information obtained from the outside. The sensing information may be external environment information and/or biological information. Furthermore, the aroma generator may further include an air blower that blows the fragrance in the cartridge, and the control unit may automatically change blowing intensity of the air blower according to the sensing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cedric Duvert, Hideaki Tachino, Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita
  • Publication number: 20240270054
    Abstract: Provided is a scent output control unit that executes scent output control and a scent output unit that executes a scent output under control of the scent output control unit. The scent output control unit selects a scent to be output on the basis of an advertisement and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. The scent output control unit selects a scent to be output on the basis of the advertisement detected from an image captured by a vehicle exterior camera that captures the outside of the vehicle or an advertisement output to the information output terminal, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: SATOSHI KONYA, SHUJI FUJITA, YUKITO INOUE, CEDRIC DUVERT
  • Patent number: 12042583
    Abstract: To provide an aroma diffusing device and a method of controlling an aroma diffusing device that can enable a plurality of functions to be achieved by operation inputs to one operation input part. Provided is an aroma diffusing device including: a perfume holding part in which a perfume is held; an air blowing source configured to supply air to the perfume holding part; an aroma discharge part through which the air having passed through the perfume holding part is discharged; an operation input part on which an operation input for the air blowing source is performed by a user; and an air blowing source control part configured to control a supply state of the air on the basis of an operation input on the one operation input part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Konya, Shuji Fujita
  • Publication number: 20240197945
    Abstract: Provided is a perfume retaining member which is easy to handle and in which perfume can be stored for a long period of time without leakage. The perfume retaining member 101 includes: a housing 111 that includes an internal space, a first opening 117 and a second opening 118 that open the internal space to an outside, and movable portions 113 and 114 that are movable to open and close at least one of the first opening 117 or the second opening 118; a perfume storage unit 120 that stores perfume in a sealed manner; a perfume releasing mechanism 124 that releases the perfume from the perfume storage unit 120; and an impregnating material 115 in which the perfume released from the perfume storage unit 120 impregnates to be retained. The movable portions 113 and 114 seal the first opening 117 and/or the second opening 118 in a normal state, and open the first opening 117 and/or the second opening 118 when the internal space is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita, Shinya Ootani
  • Patent number: 11987102
    Abstract: To realize a device and method that outputs scents according to an advertisement. A scent output control unit that executes scent output control and a scent output unit that executes a scent output under control of the scent output control unit are included, and the scent output control unit selects a scent to be output on the basis of an advertisement and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. The scent output control unit selects a scent to be output on the basis of an advertisement detected from an image captured by a vehicle exterior camera that captures the outside of the vehicle or an advertisement output to the information output terminal, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. Furthermore, an occupant profile is analyzed on the basis of an image of an occupant, and a scent corresponding to the occupant is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Konya, Shuji Fujita, Yukito Inoue, Cedric Duvert
  • Publication number: 20240148928
    Abstract: To provide a scent dispensing device capable of appropriately and quickly removing an unnecessary scent component remaining in the device after dispensing a scent. A scent dispensing device 100 includes: a scenting portion 101 that emits a scent-containing air flow containing a scent; a space portion 102 that causes the scent-containing air flow emitted from the scenting portion 101 to pass or remain; a releasing portion 103 that releases the scent-containing air flow having passed through the space portion 102 to a user M; an exhaust portion 104 that exhausts the scent-containing air flow remaining in the space portion 102 to the outside; and a scent component trap portion 105 that traps a volatile component in the scent-containing air flow to be exhausted by the exhaust portion 104.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Fujita, Yukito Inoue, Kazutaka Takaki
  • Publication number: 20240017036
    Abstract: To Provide a scent provision apparatus capable of providing a scent to a user at a proper timing and preventing the provision of a scent at an unintended timing. Provided is a scent provision apparatus 200 that includes a main body section 201 and an air flow control unit 203. The main body section 201 has an opening portion 207 for discharging or taking in a scent-containing air flow that contains a scent. The air flow control unit 203 controls characteristics of the scent-containing air flow discharged or taken in from the opening portion 207. The air flow control unit 203 can generate a control air flow for accelerating and decelerating and/or diffusing the scent-containing air flow and can also generate a control air flow for interrupting a flow of the scent-containing air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: SHUJI FUJITA, YUKITO INOUE, KAZUTAKA TAKAKI
  • Publication number: 20230221293
    Abstract: Provided are a fragrance information processing system, a fragrance information processing device, and a fragrance information processing method for arranging pieces of information on fragrances using the similarity of the fragrances. The present technology provides a fragrance information processing system including a computer device that calculates a similarity between fragrances based on fragrance characteristic information indicating characteristics of the fragrances, the computer device including at least a calculation unit that arranges fragrance identification information for identifying the fragrances in an n-dimensional space with the fragrance characteristic information as an index using the similarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: SHUJI FUJITA, YUKITO INOUE
  • Publication number: 20230211033
    Abstract: To provide an aroma diffusing device and a method of controlling an aroma diffusing device that can enable a plurality of functions to be achieved by operation inputs to one operation input part. Provided is an aroma diffusing device including: a perfume holding part in which a perfume is held; an air blowing source configured to supply air to the perfume holding part; an aroma discharge part through which the air having passed through the perfume holding part is discharged; an operation input part on which an operation input for the air blowing source is performed by a user; and an air blowing source control part configured to control a supply state of the air on the basis of an operation input on the one operation input part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi KONYA, Shuji FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20230149585
    Abstract: A perfume holding member 101 includes: a perfume holder 208 that holds perfume; a holding space 209 where the perfume holder is disposed; a first opening 202 and a second opening 211 that open the holding space to the outside; movable portions 204 and 210 that move so as to open and close the first opening and the second opening; and a tolerance absorbing portion 207 that absorbs a tolerance between the first opening/closing position of the first opening of the movable portion and the second opening/closing position of the second opening of the movable portion. The holding space has an airflow passage including the first opening and the second opening, and the movable portions close the first opening and the second opening in a steady state and open the first opening and the second opening when the holding space is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Yukito Inoue, Shuji Fujita, Kazutaka Takaki
  • Patent number: 11648979
    Abstract: A steering system installed on a vehicle, including: a steering mechanism including a steering member and configured to enable a wheel to be steered in accordance with a movement of the steering member; an operation assist device configured to apply a torque to a steering shaft for assisting an operation of a steering operation member; a steering assist device configured to assist the movement of the steering member utilizing a working fluid; and a controller configured to control a torque applied to the steering shaft by the operation assist device and control a supply flow rate of the working fluid, wherein the steering assist device assists the movement of the steering member with an assist force that depends on the supply flow rate, and the controller increases the supply flow rate when an operation speed of the steering operation member becomes equal to or higher than a set threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimasa Aoki, Shuji Fujita, Koki Sato, Hiroki Fukui, Tsuyoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11633515
    Abstract: To provide an aroma diffusing device and a method of controlling an aroma diffusing device that can enable a plurality of functions to be achieved by operation inputs to one operation input part. Provided is an aroma diffusing device including: a perfume holding part in which a perfume is held; an air blowing source configured to supply air to the perfume holding part; an aroma discharge part through which the air having passed through the perfume holding part is discharged; an operation input part on which an operation input for the air blowing source is performed by a user; and an air blowing source control part configured to control a supply state of the air on the basis of an operation input on the one operation input part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Konya, Shuji Fujita
  • Patent number: 11541142
    Abstract: [Object] To propose a novel and improved fragrance material holding member and fragrance providing device that can improve persistence of a fragrance material while avoiding an increase in the size of the device. [Solution] Provided is a fragrance material holding member including: an airflow passage through which air supplied from an airflow source passes, the airflow passage being provided to penetrate the fragrance material holding member; and a holding space that branches from the airflow passage and holds a fragrance material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Fujita, Yuji Ishigaki, Yukari Tsunoda, Koya Nomoto, Tsunetoshi Samukawa
  • Publication number: 20220274465
    Abstract: To realize a device and method that outputs scents according to an advertisement. A scent output control unit that executes scent output control and a scent output unit that executes a scent output under control of the scent output control unit are included, and the scent output control unit selects a scent to be output on the basis of an advertisement and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. The scent output control unit selects a scent to be output on the basis of an advertisement detected from an image captured by a vehicle exterior camera that captures the outside of the vehicle or an advertisement output to the information output terminal, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. Furthermore, an occupant profile is analyzed on the basis of an image of an occupant, and a scent corresponding to the occupant is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: SATOSHI KONYA, SHUJI FUJITA, YUKITO INOUE, CEDRIC DUVERT
  • Publication number: 20220266661
    Abstract: To realize a device and method for controlling a scent to be output on the basis of various types of information acquired by an information acquisition unit. The device includes a scent output control unit that executes a scent output control, and a scent output unit that executes a scent output under the control of the scent output control unit, in which the scent output control unit selects a scent to be output according to input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. The scent output control unit selects information to be used for scent selection from the input information according to a preset mode, and selects a scent to be output according to the selected input information. For example, the control of the scent to be output is executed on the basis of a user utterance or information of an area, a facility, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: CEDRIC DUVERT, SATOSHI KONYA, SHUJI FUJITA, YUKITO INOUE