Patents by Inventor Toshiya Aikawa

Toshiya Aikawa 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: 7532813
    Abstract: An electronic camera includes an image capturing section, a microphone, a lens driving section, and a focus controlling section. The image capturing section generates image data based on a subject image via an imaging optical system. The microphone records speech outside the camera. The lens driving section includes a motor and a drive mechanism to drive the imaging optical system. The focus controlling section controls the lens driving section according to a focusing state of the subject image and makes different at least one of a continuous driving time of the lens driving section and a drive frequency of the motor during the recording with microphone and that during the non-recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiya Aikawa
  • Publication number: 20060140613
    Abstract: An electronic camera includes an image capturing section, a microphone, a lens driving section, and a focus controlling section. The image capturing section generates image data based on a subject image via an imaging optical system. The microphone records speech outside the camera. The lens driving section includes a motor and a drive mechanism to drive the imaging optical system. The focus controlling section controls the lens driving section according to a focusing state of the subject image and makes different at least one of a continuous driving time of the lens driving section and a drive frequency of the motor during the recording with microphone and that during the non-recording.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiya Aikawa
  • Patent number: 6897980
    Abstract: An image reading system prescans and/or scans a film with magnetic recording and image data to be stored in a film cartridge after the film is developed. The image reading system employs a one-dimensional CCD and is capable of recording/reading retrievable ID numbers on a magnetic recording part. A thumbnail display simultaneously displays all image and magnetic information of all frames of a film, and selected frames to be scanned can be easily identified and compared after obtaining the image data of such film through prescanning. Magnetic recording information and image information are rapidly read during prescanning and selected frames are then scanned with more refinement as compared to the coarse scanning of the film during prescanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Aikawa, Toru Ochiai, Eisaku Maeda, Maki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030112482
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid state image sensor, an image scanner, and an image scanning program which realize substantial shortening of the total scan time of one screen of an original even if a required time for one cycle of processings is not shortened. In order to achieve this object, a solid state image sensor of the present invention includes: two or more linear arrays of photosites in which plural photosites for accumulating charge according to incident light are closely and one-dimensionally arranged in one direction; and a transfer part for transferring array by array the charge accumulated in each of the photosites of these two or more linear arrays, in which the two or more linear arrays of photosites are closely arranged in a direction perpendicular to the one direction in a rectangular region which is long in the one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Toshiya Aikawa
  • Publication number: 20020033972
    Abstract: An image reading system prescans and/or scans a film with magnetic recording and image data to be stored in a film cartridge after the film is developed. The image reading system employs a one-dimensional CCD and is capable of recording/reading retrievable ID numbers on a magnetic recording part. A thumbnail display simultaneously displays all image and magnetic information of all frames of a film, and selected frames to be scanned can be easily identified and compared after obtaining the image data of such film through prescanning. Magnetic recording information and image information are rapidly read during prescanning and selected frames are then scanned with more refinement as compared to the coarse scanning of the film during prescanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Aikawa, Toru Ochiai, Eisaku Maeda, Maki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6317221
    Abstract: An image reading system prescans and/or scans a film with magnetic recording and image data to be stored in a film cartridge after the film is developed. The image reading system employs a one-dimensional CCD and is capable of recording/reading retrievable ID numbers on a magnetic recording part. A thumbnail display simultaneously displays all image and magnetic information of all frames of a film, and selected frames to be scanned can be easily identified and compared after obtaining the image data of such film through prescanning. Magnetic recording-information and image information are rapidly read during prescanning and selected frames are then scanned with more refinement as compared to the coarse scanning of the film during prescanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Aikawa, Toru Ochiai, Yoshitaka Araki, Eisaku Maeda, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Nobukazu Ito, Hideya Nagata, Hidehisa Tsuchihashi, Maki Suzuki, Seiichi Morimatsu
  • Publication number: 20010017718
    Abstract: A film reading image device includes a data generation device to generate index display setting field data by receiving output from an image reading device. The film reading image device further includes a size data obtaining device to obtain size data of the monitor screen of the host apparatus and a control device to set the reading resolution based on the relationship between the number of frames to be index displayed on the monitor screen of the host apparatus and the size data obtained. The image reading device executes conversion operations with the resolution set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Ikeda, Toshiya Aikawa
  • Patent number: 6034719
    Abstract: An image input apparatus enables image reading at a number of different resolutions including higher and lower resolutions without incurring excessive costs. In the present invention, the image input apparatus includes two scanning states. A first scanning state is achieved by performing film take-up with a take-up spool driven by a DC motor and high-speed image reading during the scan. A second scanning state is achieved by performing film feeding with a scan roller driven by a step motor and lower speed image reading during this scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tazawa, Toshiya Aikawa, Maki Suzuki, Eisaku Maeda
  • Patent number: 6008910
    Abstract: A film image reading apparatus reads the image of a strip film and can generate index display screen data to be displayed on a monitor screen of a host apparatus with the contents arbitrarily selected and set by the user. The film image reading apparatus also includes a memory to store index display setting screen data to be displayed on the monitor screen of the host apparatus and an display data generator which takes an output from an image reader and from a magnetic information reader which are entered from the host apparatus according to setting data selected and set on the index display setting screen, and which generates index display screen data to be displayed on the monitor screen of the host apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Ikeda, Masashi Tazawa, Toshiya Aikawa, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Yoshiyuki Takeda
  • Patent number: 5926289
    Abstract: A transporting system for an image digitizer can handle both positive and negative transparent film material. The transport features accurate linear motion with high resolution in a single compact unit. For the processing of individually framed slides, an automatic eject mechanism is provided. Both manual and motor driven focus adjustments are provided. Individual images can be oriented by an angular adjustment option. A special carrier allows the system to process negatives in uncut strips. The transport can manage larger number of images using either a slide tray or roll feed attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard A. Ferraro, Masashi Tazawa, Eisaku Maeda, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Osamu Ikeda, Toshiya Aikawa
  • Patent number: 5844730
    Abstract: The line bow phenomenon is reduced by appropriately setting the reflective surface and/or the external shape of an optical element (e.g., a toric mirror) thereby realizing approximately linear illumination of the surface of the original document that is being read. In order to do this, optical elements can be formed so that the external shape of the reflective surface of the optical element is bow-shaped. Alternatively, the optical element can be arranged so that the optical axis of the reflective surface is parallel to the axis of the light reflected from the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Aikawa, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Masayuki Inami
  • Patent number: 5790716
    Abstract: An image input apparatus includes an illumination unit to produce a quantity of light to illuminate a transmitting original and a support unit operable to allow the quantity of light to be scanned and to support and move the transmitting original. Additionally, the image input apparatus includes a reading unit to read light which is received by or passed through the transmitting original.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tazawa, Toshiya Aikawa, Eisaku Maeda, Maki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5754314
    Abstract: An image input system having an image input device and an original holder that can read images from different configurations of original documents. An image input device includes a light emitting assembly that irradiates light onto an original document, a reading assembly that reads and composes the reading light passing the original document into an image and an assembly for moving the reading assembly and the original document relative to each other to scan the reading light over the original document. The original holder includes a cartridge housing component for housing a film cartridge. The original holder can be removed from the image input device, making possible the reading of images from different kinds of original documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Araki, Toshiya Aikawa
  • Patent number: 5742326
    Abstract: An image reading device and method for producing a uniformly focused light image on a source document includes a document mount, an imaging device, and a drive assembly for moving at least one of the mounting device and the imaging device in a secondary scanning direction. The image reading device includes a control circuit for establishing multiple designated positions on the source document in the primary scanning direction and in the secondary scanning direction and for calculating the focus position from a signal output from the imaging device for the multiple designated positions. A cam member can be provided to adjust the position of the document mount along the optical axis of the light striking the document, a cam surface of the cam member contacting the document mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kumiko Matsui, Hidehisa Tsuchihashi, Takahiro Ikeda, Toru Ochiai, Seiichi Morimatsu, Masashi Tazawa, Toshiya Aikawa, Eisaku Maeda
  • Patent number: 5646746
    Abstract: An image input device having a movable carriage is provided with an origin detection element that moves out of the path of the document when the document is inserted into the carriage. Because the origin detection element moves out of the path of the document, even long documents, such as, for example, long strips of film containing multiple frames, can be read by the image input device without increasing the size of the carriage or of the image input device. The origin detection element includes a tapered edge that functions as a contrast marker. When the edge is located in the path of the light between the illumination source and the image reading device, the edge can be used to cause the generation of a signal by the image reading device to enable the detection of the point of origin of the carriage in the secondary scanning direction and/or in the focusing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tazawa, Toru Ochiai, Toshiya Aikawa, Eisaku Maeda, Maki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5627689
    Abstract: An optical element that produces line bow, for example, a toric or cylindrical mirror or lens, is provided in a light-supplying optical device in addition to a first line-bow-producing optical element already present in the device so that a substantially straight line of light is formed on an original document. The light-supplying optical device also includes a light source that generates illuminating light to illuminate the original document and the first optical element that has a toric surface for collecting the illuminating light onto the original document and that is positioned so that the illuminating light shines at a certain angle relative to its toric surface. With this device, the second optical element having a toric surface is positioned in the optical path of the light source and of the original document so as to offset the curve of the illuminating light that otherwise would be generated on the original document by the first optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Masayuki Inami, Toshiya Aikawa
  • Patent number: 5612811
    Abstract: A scanning device for scanning an original which is set at a predetermined position and has information recorded thereon comprises: a plurality of light emission members for emitting lights of different wavelengths from each other; a first reflection member having a plurality of reflection planes for selectively reflecting emitted lights of a plurality of wavelengths coming from the light emission members and an optical aid portion; a second reflection member for reflecting the lights reflected by the first reflection member to focus them on the original in a linear pattern; and an imaging optical system for focusing the lights of the linear pattern onto a sensor, whereby the sensor receives the information of the original.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Aikawa, Masashi Tazawa, Nobuhiro Fujinawa
  • Patent number: 5568225
    Abstract: An image input device that includes an illumination optical system to illuminate an original with light, a reading unit imaging light transmitted by the original, an original retaining unit retaining the original during a reciprocating motion of the original, and a reciprocating motion guide unit guiding the reciprocating motion of the original retaining unit. The original retaining unit has an aperture portion of a size not covered by the original. Output adjustment of the reading unit is performed in accordance with the light which passes through the portion of the aperture which is not covered by the original. A reciprocating motion guide unit is included to guide the reciprocating motion of the original retaining unit. The original retaining unit has an aperture portion having a first region through which the light of the original is caused to pass and a second region through which light is caused to pass in order for output adjustment of the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tazawa, Toshiya Aikawa, Eisaku Maeda, Nobuhiro Fujinawa
  • Patent number: 5420700
    Abstract: An image conversion apparatus for converting an image recorded on an original into an electrical signal upon reception of illumination light transmitted through the original, includes a moving device for mechanically moving the original while holding the original, an optical device for focusing the illumination light transmitted through the original on a focal plane as an image, and an image sensor device for converting the image focused on the focal plane into an electrical signal. The moving device and the optical device share a single base, and a shielding device for preventing a lubricant from being scattered from the moving device to the optical device is formed between the moving device and the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Eisaku Maeda, Toshiya Aikawa, Masashi Tazawa, Hideaki Kishino
  • Patent number: 5420712
    Abstract: A scanning device for scanning an original which is set at a predetermined position and has information recorded thereon comprises: a plurality of light emission members for emitting lights of different wavelengths from each other; a first reflection member having a plurality of reflection planes for selectively reflecting emitted lights of a plurality of wavelengths coming from the light emission members and an optical aid portion; a second reflection member for reflecting the lights reflected by the first reflection member to focus them on the original in a linear pattern; and an imaging optical system for focusing the lights of the linear pattern onto a sensor, whereby the sensor receives the information of the original.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Eisaku Maeda, Osamu Ikeda, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Toshiya Aikawa, Masashi Tazawa