Gunpei Yokoi

This inventor holds 34 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Game Technology. Top assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Nintendo of America Inc.. Active years: 1976-1999.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Gunpei Yokoi. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/gunpei-yokoi

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 34

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.2

ph-index = 20

Forward Citations = 1,512(Granted Patents)

Location History:

Kyoto, JA (1976)
Kyoto-fu, JP (1996)
Kyoto, JP (1979 - 1999)

Company Filing History:

Nintendo of America Inc.

patents

Years Active: 1976-1999

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Areas of Expertise:

Image Display Device

Game Machine

Manipulator

Stereoscopic Display

Photosensing Control

Electronic Toy

Hand-Held Game

Puzzle Toy

Shooting Game

Liquid Crystal Display

Rotary Puzzle

Timepiece Apparatus

34 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 5973656 - Image display device (1999-10-26),

2. 5919092 - Manipulator for game machine (1999-07-06),

3. D405124 - Game machine (1999-02-02),

4. 5864346 - Picture display unit and image display system (1999-01-26),

5. 5820462 - Manipulator for game machine (1998-10-13),

6. D397162 - Controller for game machine (1998-08-18),

7. 5682171 - Stereoscopic image display device and storage device used therewith (1997-10-28),

8. D375326 - Controller for game machine (1996-11-05),

9. 4889027 - Rhythm recognizing apparatus and responsive toy (1989-12-26),

10. 4815733 - Photosensing video game control system (1989-03-28),

11. 4729563 - Robot-like game apparatus (1988-03-08),

12. 4589659 - Foldable liquid crystal display unit (1986-05-20),

13. 4582322 - Electronic toy having a game function (1986-04-15),

14. 4568080 - Display apparatus (1986-02-04),

15. D280834 - Table top electronic game housing (1985-10-01),

Gunpei Yokoi: A Pioneer in Innovation

Gunpei Yokoi, a renowned inventor and visionary, hails from the beautiful city of Kyoto, Japan. With an impressive portfolio of 25 patents, Yokoi has left an indelible mark on the world of technology and gaming.

Among his latest patents is the groundbreaking "Image Display Device" which revolutionized the way digital images are displayed. This invention incorporated LED arrays arranged in a vertical manner, allowing for a two-dimensional display. By manipulating the pulse widths of clocks A, B, and C, Yokoi ingeniously increased the representable number of tones, enhancing the quality and visual appeal of the displayed images.

Yokoi's genius also extended to the realm of gaming. His patent for the "Manipulator for Game Machine" showcased his foresight in creating a more intuitive and immersive gaming experience. The design featured right and left handles with direction instructing switches strategically placed in the thumb position area, enabling players to seamlessly control character movements. The ergonomic design, highlighted by a step between the operating regions and the grips, allowed for a fluid and comfortable gaming experience.

Gunpei Yokoi's innovative spirit found its home at Nintendo Co., Ltd., an esteemed company in the gaming industry. At Nintendo, Yokoi collaborated with talented colleagues such as Satoru Okada and Kenichi Sugino, creating a dynamic environment for technological advancements and gaming breakthroughs.

Yokoi's contributions to the world of inventions and patents have undoubtedly shaped the technological landscape we know today. His passion for innovation, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to inspire future generations of inventors and inventiveness.

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]