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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Yokkaichi, Japan

Akihiro Tobioka

This inventor holds 16 USPTO granted patents and 11 published patent applications. Top assignees: Sandisk Technologies Inc., Western Digital Technologies, Inc.. Active years: 2016-2025.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Akihiro Tobioka. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/akihiro-tobioka

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 16 

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.5

ph-index = 2

Forward Citations = 24(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Yokkaichi, JP (2016 - 2023)
  • Nagoya, JP (2020 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal15 out of 4,955 
 
Sandisk Technologies Inc.
 patents
silverMedal1 out of 5,429 
 
Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
 patents

Years Active: 2016-2025

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16 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 12457749 - Three-dimensional memory device with backside support pillar structures and methods of forming the same (2025-10-28),
2. 12456686 - Three-dimensional memory device with multilevel drain-select electrodes and methods for forming the same (2025-10-28),
3. 12408345 - Three-dimensional memory device with backside support pillar structures and methods of forming the same (2025-09-02),
4. 12369319 - Three-dimensional memory device containing dual-depth drain-select-level isolation structures and methods for forming the same (2025-07-22),
5. 12255154 - Three-dimensional memory device with orthogonal memory opening and support opening arrays and method of making thereof (2025-03-18),
6. 12010842 - Method of forming a stepped surface in a three-dimensional memory device and structures incorporating the same (2024-06-11),
7. 11844222 - Three-dimensional memory device with backside support pillar structures and methods of forming the same (2023-12-12),
8. 11749600 - Three-dimensional memory device with hybrid staircase structure and methods of forming the same (2023-09-05),
9. 11569139 - Electrical overlay measurement methods and structures for wafer-to-wafer bonding (2023-01-31),
10. 11495612 - Three-dimensional memory device including stairless word line contact structures for and method of making the same (2022-11-08),
11. 11450679 - Three-dimensional memory device including stairless word line contact structures for and method of making the same (2022-09-20),
12. 11189637 - Three-dimensional memory array including self-aligned dielectric pillar structures and methods of making the same (2021-11-30),
13. 10861871 - Three-dimensional memory array including self-aligned dielectric pillar structures and methods of making the same (2020-12-08),
14. 10274841 - Reticle with reduced transmission regions for detecting a defocus condition in a lithography process (2019-04-30),
15. 9810916 - Reticle with reduced transmission regions for detecting a defocus condition in a lithography process (2017-11-07),

Title: Akihiro Tobioka: Innovator in Three-Dimensional Memory Device Technology

Introduction

Akihiro Tobioka, an accomplished inventor from Yokkaichi, Japan, has made significant contributions to the field of memory device technology. With a total of 12 patents to his name, he has been at the forefront of innovations that enhance the performance and efficiency of memory systems.

Latest Patents

Tobioka’s latest patents showcase his expertise in three-dimensional memory devices. One notable invention is the "Three-dimensional memory device with orthogonal memory opening and support opening arrays and method of making thereof." This innovation involves creating an alternating stack of insulating and electrically conductive layers over a substrate, where memory and support openings are systematically arranged in distinct hexagonal arrays.

Another of his recent patents is the "Method of forming a stepped surface in a three-dimensional memory device and structures incorporating the same." This method outlines a process that includes the formation of alternating stacks of insulating and sacrificial materials, followed by intricate etching processes that allow for recess trenches or via cavities to be created within the memory device. These advancements significantly improve the design and functionality of three-dimensional memory technologies.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Tobioka has worked with prestigious companies such as SanDisk Technologies Inc. and Western Digital Technologies, Inc. His roles in these organizations have allowed him to develop his innovative ideas while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the field.

Collaborations

Among Tobioka's notable colleagues are Koichi Ito and Yoshinobu Tanaka, with whom he has shared valuable insights and worked on advancing memory device technologies. Such collaborations have undoubtedly fueled the innovative spirit behind his patents and contributed to the overall progress in the industry.

Conclusion

Akihiro Tobioka stands out as a leading inventor in the realm of memory devices, with a focus on creating innovative solutions through his extensive patent portfolio. His work continues to shape the future of memory technology, making significant strides in the efficiency and capacity of data storage solutions.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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