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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Tokyo, Japan

Nobuyuki Hirai

This inventor holds 38 USPTO granted patents and 3 EPO patents, primarily in Image Processing. Top assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Bridgestone Corporation, Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.. Active years: 1989-2020.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Nobuyuki Hirai. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/nobuyuki-hirai

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

USPTO Granted Patents = 38

% Patents Active = 68.4

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.9

ph-index = 9

Forward Citations = 318(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Yokohama, JP (1993 - 1997)
  • Kanagawa, JP (2003 - 2008)
  • Chiba, JP (2009)
  • Kawasaki, JP (2009 - 2011)
  • Setagaya-ku, JP (2012)
  • Tokyo, JP (1989 - 2019)
  • Kodaira, JP (2003 - 2020)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal26 out of 92,994 
 
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
 patents
silverMedal7 out of 5,194 
 
Bridgestone Corporation
 patents
bronzeMedal2 out of 517 
 
Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
 patents
4. 2 out of 23 
 
Shin Nisso Kako Co., Ltd.
 patents
5. 1 out of 2,467 
 
Nec Electronics Corporation
 patents

Years Active: 1989-2020

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Areas of Expertise:
Image Forming Apparatus
Pneumatic Tire
Information Processing
Control Method
Rubber Strip
Facsimile Apparatus
Heat Sensitive Materials
Software Installation
Image Communication
Data Processing
Tire Building Method
Program Module Management
38 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 10857839 - Tire (2020-12-08),
2. 10787041 - Pneumatic tire with layered decorative portion on sidewall outer surface (2020-09-29),
3. 10603963 - Pneumatic tire with sidewall decorative portion inner layer, print layer, and outer layer (2020-03-31),
4. 10212301 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and medium storing a program, with selecting between process executable by image forming apparatus and process executable by external device (2019-02-19),
5. 9588727 - Copying apparatus, copying system, control method thereof, and control program thereof (2017-03-07),
6. 9124731 - Copying apparatus, copying system, control method thereof, and control program thereof (2015-09-01),
7. 9094544 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium (2015-07-28),
8. 8554751 - Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the image forming apparatus, and storage medium (2013-10-08),
9. 8465610 - Rubber strip, method for manufacturing tire and tire component member using same, and apparatus therefor (2013-06-18),
10. 8179538 - Image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus and control method (2012-05-15),
11. 8176020 - Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the image forming apparatus, and storage medium (2012-05-08),
12. 7945770 - Information processing apparatus and method for executing plug and play processing via a predetermined communication medium (2011-05-17),
13. 7704344 - Tire building drum and tire building method (2010-04-27),
14. 7573592 - Status data transmission of image processing apparatus (2009-08-11),
15. 7529920 - Apparatus and method capable of executing plug and play installation processing operation upon acquiring one piece of device identification information including both printer and facsimile identification information (2009-05-05),

Title: Nobuyuki Hirai - Innovator in Image Forming Technologies

Introduction

Nobuyuki Hirai, an esteemed inventor based in Tokyo, Japan, has made significant contributions to the field of image forming technologies. With an impressive portfolio of 31 patents, Hirai has focused on developing innovative methods and systems that enhance the functionality of multi-function printers (MFPs).

Latest Patents

Among his most recent patents are two notable inventions: an image forming apparatus and a control method designed to streamline the copying process. These patents detail a system where a personal computer (PC) can register specific PC-assisted copying functions. This enables the MFP to present these registered functions to the user efficiently. Upon receiving a copy instruction, the MFP checks whether the selected functions include any PC-assisted copying capabilities. If so, the MFP transmits scanned image data along with a job ticket to the PC. The PC then generates a print job based on the job ticket and sends it back to the MFP for printing. This innovative approach optimizes the interaction between PCs and MFPs, making the copying process more user-friendly and efficient.

Career Highlights

Nobuyuki Hirai has worked with prominent companies throughout his career, including Canon Inc. and Shin Nisso Kako Co., Ltd. His experiences at these leading firms have equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to innovate continuously in the field of imaging technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hirai has collaborated with talented individuals such as Atsushi Ikeda and Koji Okamura. Together, they have contributed to the development of cutting-edge technologies that address the evolving needs of the printing industry.

Conclusion

Nobuyuki Hirai stands out as a significant figure in the realm of inventions related to image forming technologies. With a focus on enhancing copier and printing functionalities, his work continues to shape the future of MFP systems, benefiting users and elevating industry standards.

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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