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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Toda, Japan

Makoto Tsunakawa

This inventor holds 18 USPTO granted patents and 2 published patent applications and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Endoscopic Imaging Systems. Top assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Optical Company, Ltd.. Active years: 1997-2025.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Makoto Tsunakawa. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/makoto-tsunakawa

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 18 

% Patents Active = 77.8


Average Co-Inventor Count = 8.4

ph-index = 11

Forward Citations = 1,481(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Choufu, JP (1997)
  • Hachioji, JP (2005)
  • Tokyo, JP (2006 - 2007)
  • Chofu, JP (2001 - 2010)
  • Toda, JP (2002 - 2012)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal11 out of 8,306 
 
Olympus Corporation
 patents
silverMedal7 out of 5,729 
 
Olympus Optical Company, Ltd.
 patents

Years Active: 1997-2025

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Areas of Expertise:
Endoscope Apparatus
Image Processing Unit
Optical Signal Transmission
Endoscopic Device
Digital Video Output
Signal Processing
Expandable Imaging
Medical Imaging
18 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 12274415 - Endoscope apparatus for transmitting an endoscope image as an optical signal (2025-04-14),
2. 8189041 - Endoscope signal processing apparatus (2012-05-29),
3. 7951074 - Endoscope device (2011-05-31),
4. 7821529 - Image pickup system (2010-10-26),
5. RE41467 - Endoscopic imaging system in which still image-specific or motion picture-specific expansion unit can be coupled to digital video output terminal in freely uncoupled manner (2010-08-02),
6. 7355625 - Endoscopic imaging system and endoscope system (2008-04-08),
7. 7167196 - Endoscopic imaging system making it possible to detachably attach expansion unit having external expansion facility and add expansion facility for improving capability of system (2007-01-23),
8. 7119830 - Endoscopic imaging system making it possible to detachably attach expansion unit having external expansion facility and add expansion facility for improving capability of system (2006-10-10),
9. 6873352 - Image processing unit whose ability to process endoscopic image signal can be expanded, and endoscopic imaging system (2005-03-29),
10. 6774930 - Image processing unit for expanding endoscope image signal processing capability (2004-08-10),
11. 6690410 - Image processing unit with expandable image signal processing capability and endoscopic imaging system (2004-02-10),
12. 6677992 - Imaging apparatus offering dynamic range that is expandable by weighting two image signals produced during different exposure times with two coefficients whose sum is 1 and adding them up (2004-01-13),
13. 6636254 - Image processing apparatus for performing turn or mirror inversion on an input video signal and outputting different images simultaneously (2003-10-21),
14. 6538687 - Endoscopic imaging system making it possible to detachably attach expansion unit having external expansion facility and add expansion facility for improving capability of system (2003-03-25),
15. 6480762 - Medical apparatus supporting system (2002-11-12),

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Makoto Tsunakawa

Introduction

Makoto Tsunakawa is a prominent inventor based in Toda, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of medical technology, particularly in the development of endoscopic devices. With a total of 18 patents to his name, Tsunakawa's work has advanced the capabilities of endoscopic imaging and processing.

Latest Patents

One of Tsunakawa's latest patents is an endoscope apparatus for transmitting an endoscope image as an optical signal. This innovative device includes an electronic component with a reception circuit that receives an electric signal from an image pickup device and supplies it to a conversion device. The apparatus features a printed board, a shielding member, and two distinct paths for grounding, ensuring efficient signal transmission. Another notable patent is the endoscope signal processing apparatus, which comprises two video signal generating circuits. These circuits generate video signals of different resolutions based on the image capturing devices mounted in the endoscope, allowing for versatile output options.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Tsunakawa has worked with esteemed companies such as Olympus Corporation and Olympus Optical Company, Ltd. His experience in these organizations has played a crucial role in shaping his innovative approach to endoscopic technology.

Collaborations

Tsunakawa has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Katsuyuki Saito and Kotaro Ogasawara. Their combined expertise has contributed to the advancement of endoscopic devices and technologies.

Conclusion

Makoto Tsunakawa's contributions to the field of endoscopy are invaluable. His innovative patents and collaborations have significantly enhanced medical imaging technology, making a lasting impact on the industry.

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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