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Hideaki Hirai

This inventor holds 54 USPTO granted patents and 5 published patent applications and 21 EPO patents, primarily in Optical Detection Systems (CPC class G06K). Top assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Ricoh Optical Industries Co., Ltd.. Active years: 2003-2017.

USPTO Granted Patents = 54 (Patent Applications = 5)

% Patents Active = 7.4

EPO Patents = 21 (Patent Applications = 28)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.7

ph-index = 6

Forward Citations = 160(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 119(Dec 10, 2025)

Inventors with similar research interests:

Location History:

Yokohama, JP (2008 - 2016)
Kanagawa, JP (2003 - 2017)

Company Filing History:

Ricoh Optical Industries Co., Ltd.

patents

where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 2003-2017

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Areas of Expertise:

Image Processing

Object Detection

Optical Filter

Vehicle Control

Spectroscopic Imaging

Foreign Substance Detection

Stereo Camera

Optical Pickup

Refractive Index Sensor

Wavelength Selection Filter

Liquid Droplet Recognition

Optical Switching

54 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 9616852 - Image processing apparatus, image-capturing method, and vehicle (2017-04-11),

2. 9519841 - Attached matter detector and vehicle equipment control apparatus (2016-12-13),

3. 9344691 - Imaging device, object detecting apparatus, optical filter, and manufacturing method of optical filter (2016-05-17),

4. 9317754 - Object identifying apparatus, moving body control apparatus, and information providing apparatus (2016-04-19),

5. 9215427 - Attached matter detector and in-vehicle device controller using the same (2015-12-15),

6. 9187063 - Detection apparatus and method (2015-11-17),

7. 9080986 - Transparent object detection system and transparent flat plate detection system (2015-07-14),

8. 9057683 - Image pickup unit and vehicle in which image pickup unit is mounted (2015-06-16),

9. 9025027 - Object identification device, moving object controlling apparatus having object identification device, information presenting apparatus having object identification device, and spectroscopic image capturing apparatus (2015-05-05),

10. 8941835 - Foreign substance detection device, moving body control system including foreign substance detection device, and moving body including moving body control system (2015-01-27),

11. 8908038 - Vehicle detection device and vehicle detection method (2014-12-09),

12. 8842211 - Imaging element and imaging apparatus that extract light of a specific wavelength (2014-09-23),

13. 8831286 - Object identification device (2014-09-09),

14. 8830585 - Optical element, polarization filter, optical isolator, and optical apparatus (2014-09-09),

15. 8760501 - Stereo camera apparatus and vehicle-mountable monitoring apparatus using same (2014-06-24),

Title: Innovations by Hideaki Hirai in Image Processing Technology

Introduction

Hideaki Hirai is a renowned inventor based in Kanagawa, Japan. He holds an impressive total of 54 patents, demonstrating his significant contributions to the field of image processing technology. His innovative solutions have been utilized in various applications, particularly within the imaging and vehicle industries.

Latest Patents

Hirai's recent patents showcase advanced technologies that improve image capturing methods. One notable invention is an "Image Processing Apparatus," which incorporates a light source, image-capturing unit, object detection filter, exposure control unit, and an image analysis unit. This system is designed to optimize image capturing by dynamically adjusting exposure amounts for different regions based on the existence of an object detection filter.

Another critical patent involves an "Attached Matter Detector and Vehicle Equipment Control Apparatus." This invention uses a light source to illuminate a transparent member, capturing reflection light to detect attached matter on its surface. The device analyzes difference information derived from images taken with the light turned on and off, enhancing the detection capabilities of the system.

Career Highlights

Hirai has had a notable career with distinguished companies, including Ricoh Company, Ltd. and Ricoh Optical Industries Co., Ltd. His experience at these organizations has undoubtedly contributed to his expertise in developing cutting-edge imaging technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hideaki Hirai has collaborated with esteemed coworkers such as Kazuhiro Umeki and Masanori Kobayashi. These partnerships have enabled the fusion of different ideas, leading to innovative breakthroughs in image processing technologies.

Conclusion

Hideaki Hirai's legacy as an inventor in the field of image processing continues to grow, with numerous patents that illustrate his commitment to innovation. His work not only enhances imaging accuracy and efficiency but also opens new avenues for technology in various industries. As he progresses in his endeavors, the impact of his inventions will undoubtedly resonate within the technological community for years to come.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.

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