Kouichi Igata

Title: Kouichi Igata: Video Signal Processing and Tape Recorder Control

Introduction

Kouichi Igata is an inventor associated with Hirakata, Japan, and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. His work includes video signal processing and control systems for video tape recorders. He is credited with 6 patents.

Latest Patents

One of Igata’s patents describes a luminance signal processing circuit that uses a recursive filter to reduce or emphasize selected components of a video signal. The circuit combines delayed and input signals, filters a specified frequency band, and applies amplitude limiting and coefficient adjustments. When vertical correlation is present, it can reduce visible noise while adapting its frequency response. When vertical correlation is absent, it limits the effect on the signal, helping preserve vertical resolution.

Another patent concerns phase control for a video tape recorder during special playback. When tape speed changes, the system delays either a phase reference signal or a signal representing the tape’s transportation phase. It adjusts the delay according to tape speed to support phase control and tracking during reverse, normal, double-speed, and triple-speed playback.

Career Highlights

Igata’s listed inventions address practical challenges in video technology, including noise reduction without unnecessary loss of image detail and reliable tracking at different tape playback speeds. These designs reflect work on both signal processing and electromechanical control.

Collaborations

Igata’s listed coworkers include Masaaki Kobayashi and Kazuhiro Yamanishi. His company affiliation is Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., now known as Panasonic Corporation.

Conclusion

Kouichi Igata’s patent work spans video noise processing and tape recorder phase control, contributing technical approaches to clearer images and dependable playback tracking.