Hirofumi Inoue

This inventor holds 61 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application, plus 1 CIPO patent and 12 EPO patents, primarily in Nonvolatile Semiconductor Memory (CPC class G11C). Top assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Nissan Motor Company Limited, Toshiba Memory Corporation. Active years: 2001-2025.

USPTO Granted Patents = 61 (Patent Applications = 1)

% Patents Active = 78.7

CIPO Patents = 1

EPO Patents = 12 (Patent Applications = 9)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.7

ph-index = 12

Forward Citations = 648(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 604(Dec 10, 2025)

Inventors with similar research interests:

Location History:

Fishkill, NY (US) (2002)
Yokkaichi, JP (2001 - 2006)
Yokosuka, JP (2007 - 2008)
Kanagawa-ken, JP (2013)
Yamato, JP (2016 - 2017)
Kamakura, JP (2008 - 2023)
Kanagawa, JP (2006 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

38 out of 53,226

Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba

patents

19 out of 13,420

Nissan Motor Company Limited

patents

3 out of 2,955

Toshiba Memory Corporation

where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 2001-2025

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Areas of Expertise:

Nonvolatile Memory

Semiconductor Device

Information Processing

Voice Dialogue

Memory Cell

Data Processing

Device Control

Vehicle Information

Travel Information

Boarding Permission

Route Providing

Resistance Change

61 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 12444424 - Sound data processing device and sound data processing method (2025-10-14),

2. 12249155 - Boarding permission determination device and boarding permission determination method (2025-03-11),

3. 12111971 - Control device and control method for vehicle-mounted equipment (2024-10-08),

4. 11938958 - Voice dialogue device, voice dialogue system, and control method for voice dialogue system (2024-03-26),

5. 11912295 - Travel information processing apparatus and processing method (2024-02-27),

6. 11823537 - Information processing apparatus and information processing method (2023-11-21),

7. 11820394 - Device control apparatus, and control method for controlling devices (2023-11-21),

8. 11709062 - Boarding/deboarding point providing system, data server, and boarding/deboarding point providing method (2023-07-25),

9. 11569256 - Memory device with transistors above memory stacks and manufacturing method of the memory device (2023-01-31),

10. 11523251 - Information processing system, information processing device, and information processing method (2022-12-06),

11. 11268819 - Candidate route providing system, in-vehicle apparatus, and candidate route providing method (2022-03-08),

12. 11100985 - Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device (2021-08-24),

13. 11099022 - Vehicle reach area presentation device and vehicle reach area presentation method (2021-08-24),

14. 10317228 - Vehicle reach area presentation device and vehicle reach area presentation method (2019-06-11),

15. 10242735 - Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device (2019-03-26),

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Hirofumi Inoue

Introduction

Hirofumi Inoue is a notable inventor located in Kamakura, Japan. He has an impressive portfolio of 59 patents, showcasing his significant contributions to the fields of vehicle technology and innovation.

Latest Patents

Among his latest advancements are two pivotal patents. The first, titled "Control device and control method for vehicle-mounted equipment," integrates a system that enhances occupant interaction with onboard devices based on motion detection. It includes a first information acquiring device for capturing motion information, a second device for collecting operation information, and a controller that interprets these interactions to improve user experience in vehicles.

The second patent, "Voice dialogue device, voice dialogue system, and control method for voice dialogue system," focuses on enhancing communication between a vehicle occupant and the vehicle itself. This innovation determines the load state on an occupant by analyzing the vehicle's traveling conditions and external environment, allowing for a tailored dialogue experience that can adjust according to the occupant's needs.

Career Highlights

Hirofumi Inoue has worked with prestigious companies such as Toshiba Corporation and Nissan Motor Company Limited. His tenure at these organizations has been marked by a dedication to advancing automotive technologies and enhancing user experience through innovative solutions.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Inoue has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Hiroyuki Nagashima and Jo Nishiyama. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment, allowing for the development of cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of vehicle interaction and occupant safety.

Conclusion

Hirofumi Inoue's extensive patent portfolio and his role in leading companies reflect his formidable impact on vehicle technology. His innovative work continues to pave the way for advancements that prioritize occupant interaction and safety, marking him as a key figure in the world of inventions and innovations.