Noboru Hirata

Title: Noboru Hirata: Innovator in Data Processing Technologies

Introduction

Noboru Hirata is a notable inventor based in Katano, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of data processing, holding a total of 2 patents. His work focuses on copyright management and content copying systems, showcasing his expertise in technology and innovation.

Latest Patents

Hirata's latest patents include a copyrighted data processing method and apparatus. This invention features an internal data storage unit that stores distributed music data. A copyright management table is utilized to store process rights for each music data item, which includes playback rights and the right to copy data to an external storage medium. The control unit plays a crucial role by referring to the stored process rights to determine if an inputted instruction can be executed. If the instruction is executable, the control unit supplies a control signal to a playback unit or another relevant process unit. Additionally, a display unit shows the stored process rights based on an operation mode set in a mode storage unit. The playback and copy rights are visually represented with icons, and if an icon indicating a copyright in use is selected, information about the external medium to which the data was copied is displayed. If the inputted instruction cannot be executed, a warning screen is presented.

Another significant patent is a content copying system, which includes a host computer and a connected disc drive. This system allows for the copying of contents from a removable recording medium, such as DVD-Audio or DVD-RAM, to a hard disk. The disc drive reads titles recorded on the removable medium and manages the copying process without incrementing the number of copies made for a title when it is read from DVD-Audio.

Career Highlights

Hirata is currently employed at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., where he continues to innovate and develop new technologies. His work has had a lasting impact on the industry, particularly in the realm of data management and copyright protection.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hirata has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Masayuki Kozuka and Kenji Tagawa. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of technology in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Noboru Hirata is a distinguished inventor whose work in data processing technologies has paved the way for advancements in copyright management and content copying systems. His contributions continue to influence the