Patents by Inventor Tsutomu Mukai

Tsutomu Mukai 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: 20230370726
    Abstract: A visible light communication method transmits a signal by visible light communication. The visible light communication method includes modulating the signal into a predetermined blinking pattern, and transmitting the signal by causing visible light to blink according to the predetermined blinking pattern, from a projector disposed in an indoor space surrounded by a wall toward the wall. The visible light communication method also includes projecting video from the projector toward the wall, wherein the visible light is reflected by the wall to prevent the signal from being received in an outside of the indoor space, and the signal is used to transmit data related to the video projected to a terminal in the indoor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki OSHIMA, Koji NAKANISHI, Hideki AOYAMA, Ikuo FUCHIGAMI, Hidehiko SHIN, Tsutomu MUKAI, Yosuke MATSUSHITA, Shigehiro IIDA, Kazunori YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20230239939
    Abstract: A wireless communication system transmits information to a communication terminal moving through a spot wireless area. In an integrated base station, an external information communication section controls communication with a server. A contents memory section stores contents received from the server. A wireless LAN communication section communicates with the communication terminal. A control section establishes connection with the communication terminal using a first connection not requiring an authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal or using a second connection requiring the authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Tsutomu MUKAI, Hitoshi TAKAI
  • Patent number: 11672028
    Abstract: A wireless communication system transmits information to a communication terminal moving through a spot wireless area. In an integrated base station, an external information communication section controls communication with a server. A contents memory section stores contents received from the server. A wireless LAN communication section communicates with the communication terminal. A control section establishes connection with the communication terminal using a first connection not requiring an authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal or using a second connection requiring the authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Sovereign Peak Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mukai, Hitoshi Takai
  • Patent number: 11659284
    Abstract: A visible light communication method transmits a signal by visible light communication. The visible light communication method includes modulating the signal into a predetermined blinking pattern, and transmitting the signal by causing visible light to blink according to the predetermined blinking pattern, from a projector disposed in an indoor space surrounded by a wall toward the wall. The visible light communication method also includes projecting video from the projector toward the wall, wherein the visible light is reflected by the wall to prevent the signal from being received in an outside of the indoor space, and the signal is used to transmit data related to the video projected to a plurality of terminals in the indoor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Publication number: 20230082221
    Abstract: A visible light communication method transmits a signal by visible light communication. The visible light communication method includes modulating the signal into a predetermined blinking pattern, and transmitting the signal by causing visible light to blink according to the predetermined blinking pattern, from a projector disposed in an indoor space surrounded by a wall toward the wall. The visible light communication method also includes projecting video from the projector toward the wall, wherein the visible light is reflected by the wall to prevent the signal from being received in an outside of the indoor space, and the signal is used to transmit data related to the video projected to a plurality of terminals in the indoor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki OSHIMA, Koji NAKANISHI, Hideki AOYAMA, Ikuo FUCHIGAMI, Hidehiko SHIN, Tsutomu MUKAI, Yosuke MATSUSHITA, Shigehiro IIDA, Kazunori YAMADA
  • Patent number: 11490025
    Abstract: A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor included in a terminal device so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time. The method further includes estimating a plurality of center areas each of which is in each of the plurality of bright lines, and obtaining identification information of the subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of center areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Publication number: 20220132015
    Abstract: A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor included in a terminal device so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time. The method further includes estimating a plurality of center areas each of which is in each of the plurality of bright lines, and obtaining identification information of the subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of center areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki OSHIMA, Koji NAKANISHI, Hideki AOYAMA, Ikuo FUCHIGAMI, Hidehiko SHIN, Tsutomu MUKAI, Yosuke MATSUSHITA, Shigehiro IIDA, Kazunori YAMADA
  • Patent number: 11165967
    Abstract: A method includes determining a pattern of a change in luminance, by demodulating an identification information to be transmitted with a ceiling light, and transmitting the identification information, by the ceiling light changing in luminance according to the determined pattern of the change in luminance. Additionally, in the determining, a first luminance change pattern, corresponding to a first body, and a second luminance change pattern, corresponding to a first header used for the first body, are determined. Furthermore, in the transmitting, the first header and the first body are transmitted by the ceiling light changing in luminance according to the first luminance change pattern, the second luminance change pattern, and the first luminance change pattern in the stated order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Publication number: 20210136273
    Abstract: A method includes determining a pattern of a change in luminance, by demodulating an identification information to be transmitted with a ceiling light, and transmitting the identification information, by the ceiling light changing in luminance according to the determined pattern of the change in luminance. Additionally, in the determining, a first luminance change pattern, corresponding to a first body, and a second luminance change pattern, corresponding to a first header used for the first body, are determined. Furthermore, in the transmitting, the first header and the first body are transmitted by the ceiling light changing in luminance according to the first luminance change pattern, the second luminance change pattern, and the first luminance change pattern in the stated order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki OSHIMA, Koji NAKANISHI, Hideki AOYAMA, Ikuo FUCHIGAMI, Hidehiko SHIN, Tsutomu MUKAI, Yosuke MATSUSHITA, Shigehiro IIDA, Kazunori YAMADA
  • Patent number: 10887528
    Abstract: The method includes obtaining, using a face camera of a smart phone, identification information from a ceiling light of a facility with visible light communication, and obtaining location information of the ceiling light related to the identification information. The method also includes displaying a location related to the location information of the ceiling light on a map of the facility on a display of the smart phone. The smart phone is set on a cart in a state that the face camera is directed to a ceiling of the facility on which the ceiling light is attached, and the face camera is a CMOS sensor and the CMOS sensor is used only for the visible light communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Publication number: 20200322520
    Abstract: The method includes obtaining, using a face camera of a smart phone, identification information from a ceiling light of a facility with visible light communication, and obtaining location information of the ceiling light related to the identification information. The method also includes displaying a location related to the location information of the ceiling light on a map of the facility on a display of the smart phone. The smart phone is set on a cart in a state that the face camera is directed to a ceiling of the facility on which the ceiling light is attached, and the face camera is a CMOS sensor and the CMOS sensor is used only for the visible light communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki OSHIMA, Koji NAKANISHI, Hideki AOYAMA, Ikuo FUCHIGAMI, Hidehiko SHIN, Tsutomu MUKAI, Yosuke MATSUSHITA, Shigehiro IIDA, Kazunori YAMADA
  • Patent number: 10742891
    Abstract: A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor included in a terminal device so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, obtaining identification information of the subject, and obtaining a direction of light of the subject. Additionally, the method includes calculating a distance between the terminal device and the subject, and obtaining a location of the subject. The method further includes calculating a location of the terminal device using the distance and the location of the subject, and sending the location of the terminal device to a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Publication number: 20200195829
    Abstract: A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor included in a terminal device so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, obtaining identification information of the subject, and obtaining a direction of light of the subject. Additionally, the method includes calculating a distance between the terminal device and the subject, and obtaining a location of the subject. The method further includes calculating a location of the terminal device using the distance and the location of the subject, and sending the location of the terminal device to a server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki OSHIMA, Koji NAKANISHI, Hideki AOYAMA, Ikuo FUCHIGAMI, Hidehiko SHIN, Tsutomu MUKAI, Yosuke MATSUSHITA, Shigehiro IIDA, Kazunori YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20200187271
    Abstract: A wireless communication system transmits information to a communication terminal moving through a spot wireless area. In an integrated base station, an external information communication section controls communication with a server. A contents memory section stores contents received from the server. A wireless LAN communication section communicates with the communication terminal. A control section establishes connection with the communication terminal using a first connection not requiring an authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal or using a second connection requiring the authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Tsutomu MUKAI, Hitoshi TAKAI
  • Patent number: 10666871
    Abstract: An information communication method is provided for obtaining information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines. The method includes setting an exposure time of the image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing the subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, obtaining identification information of the subject, and sending the identification information to a server. The method further includes obtaining menu information related to the identification information from the server, the menu information related to a restaurant where the subject is installed, and displaying the menu information on a display of the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 10638051
    Abstract: A method includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor of a terminal of a customer so that, in an image obtained by capturing a subject, a bright line corresponding to each of a plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor with the set exposure time, and obtaining identification information of the subject, by demodulating data specified by a pattern of the plurality of bright lines. The method further includes sending the identification information to a server, obtaining a menu listing a product of the store from the server, displaying the menu on a display of the terminal, and sending product information of the product selected by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Tsutomu Mukai, Hidehiko Shin, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 10624137
    Abstract: Provided is a wireless communication system transmitting information to a communication terminal moving through a spot wireless area. In an integrated base station, an external information communication section controls communication with a server. A contents memory section stores contents received from the server. A wireless LAN communication section communicates with the communication terminal. A control section establishes connection with the communication terminal using a first connection not requiring an authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal, or using a second connection requiring the authentication procedure for connection with the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Soverign Peak Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mukai, Hitoshi Takai
  • Patent number: 10616496
    Abstract: An information communication method obtains information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor. The method includes setting an exposure time of the image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines so that a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, by capturing the subject that changes in luminance by the image sensor, and obtaining identification information of the subject. The subject has a rectangular shape, is captured with an around view of the subject. Each of the plurality of bright lines appears within the rectangular shape of the subject in the bright line image, and follows a direction between long sides of the rectangular shape of the subject in the bright line image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 10531009
    Abstract: An information communication method selectively obtains a location of a terminal device. Determining the location of the terminal device by wireless communication with a wireless access point includes receiving a radio signal including a first identification information to identify a location of the wireless access point, and calculating the location of the terminal device using the identified location of the wireless access point, which is identified by the first identification information. Determining the location of the terminal device by visible light communication with a subject provides higher accuracy and includes setting an exposure time of an image sensor having a plurality to exposure lines so that a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject, obtaining a bright line image by capturing the subject, and demodulating data from the bright line image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 10531010
    Abstract: An information communication method obtains information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor. The method includes setting an exposure time of the image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines so that a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, and obtaining identification information of the subject. In the obtaining of the bright line image, an exposure time of each of the plurality of exposure lines partially overlaps with an exposure time of an adjacent one of the plurality of exposure lines. During asynchronous communication, a minimum width of the stripe pattern corresponds to at least two bright lines in the obtained bright line image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Tsutomu Mukai, Kazunori Yamada