Masanori Hirano

This inventor holds 43 USPTO granted patents and 12 published patent applications and 20 EPO patents, primarily in Image Processing. Top assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Nec Corporation, Lion Corporation. Active years: 1998-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Masanori Hirano. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/masanori-hirano

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 43 (Patent Applications = 12)

% Patents Active = 41.9

EPO Patents = 20 (Patent Applications = 3)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.2

ph-index = 9

Forward Citations = 235(Granted Patents)

Location History:

Tokyo, JP (1998)
Atsugi, JP (2011)
Kanagawa, JP (1998 - 2023)

Company Filing History:

Years Active: 1998-2026

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Areas of Expertise:

Image Processing Apparatus

Inkjet Recording

Color Conversion

Double-Sided Printing

Image Forming Method

Recording Medium

Printer Driver

Ink Quality Limiting

Dither Matrix

Computer Program Product

Information Processing

Image Processing System

43 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 12649320 - White ink printing method and printed matter (2026-06-09),

2. 11623455 - Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge method (2023-04-11),

3. 11167562 - Liquid discharging device, liquid discharging method, and computer program product (2021-11-09),

4. 10675868 - Liquid discharging device and drive waveform control method (2020-06-09),

5. 10083380 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, computer program product, and image forming apparatus (2018-09-25),

6. 9576342 - Image processing apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and image processing method (2017-02-21),

7. 8804219 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable recording medium storing image processing program for color conversion of image data (2014-08-12),

8. 8804190 - Image processing method, image processing program, and information processing apparatus (2014-08-12),

9. 8787640 - Image processing system, method, program, and storage medium to implement universal color design (2014-07-22),

10. 8730524 - Image processing apparatus to correct an image during double-sided printing (2014-05-20),

11. 8705124 - Image forming apparatus, color-misregistration correcting method, and computer program product (2014-04-22),

12. 8626623 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium (2014-01-07),

13. 8610957 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium (2013-12-17),

14. 8498020 - Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image processing method (2013-07-30),

15. 8480200 - Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image forming system, and storage medium (2013-07-09),

Title: Innovations of Masanori Hirano in Liquid Discharge Technology

Introduction

Masanori Hirano, based in Kanagawa, Japan, is an influential inventor known for his significant contributions to liquid discharge technology. With an impressive portfolio of 41 patents, Hirano has made notable advancements in methods and apparatuses for liquid discharging, which are vital in various imaging applications.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, the "Liquid Discharge Apparatus and Liquid Discharge Method" stands out. This innovative apparatus comprises a color component divided data generation unit, a dot data generation processing unit, and a dot data segmentation processing unit. The system effectively generates color component divided data from image data, creating precise dot data for high-quality image formation. Another noteworthy patent involves a liquid discharging device designed to discharge a liquid onto recording media. This device includes head modules that feature nozzles, allowing for an efficient allocation of liquid droplets to enhance image quality.

Career Highlights

Hirano has played pivotal roles in renowned companies such as Ricoh Company, Ltd. and NEC Corporation. His work has significantly impacted the field of imaging technology, where his innovations contribute to more efficient and effective liquid discharge methods.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Masanori Hirano has worked alongside esteemed colleagues, including Masakazu Yoshida and Takashi Kimura. Their collaborative efforts have further advanced the technology that drives modern imaging solutions.

Conclusion

Masanori Hirano's work exemplifies the spirit of innovation, particularly in liquid discharge technology. His contributions, reflected in numerous patents, continue to influence the industry and pave the way for future advancements in imaging applications.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.