KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA on November 30th, 2023

KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA has recently filed several patents in various fields including semiconductor devices, encryption communication systems, power conversion apparatus for railway vehicles, DCDC circuits, solar cell designs, magnetic recording devices, and information processing devices for mobile robots.

In the field of semiconductor devices, the organization has filed patents for devices that include memory transistors and MOS transistors, aiming to prevent bird's beak formation and improve power conversion efficiency. They have also developed a semiconductor device with multiple terminals and circuits that operate based on temperature conditions.

In the field of encryption communication systems, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA has filed a patent for a system that shares an encryption key between nodes in a network, creating multiple paths for data transmission and generating the encryption key by combining distributed data pieces.

For power conversion apparatus in railway vehicles, the organization has developed an apparatus that includes a switching element, a capacitor, and a gate substrate. This design aims to improve power conversion efficiency and ensures stable power conversion by securely attaching the gate substrate to the capacitor.

In the field of DCDC circuits, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA has filed a patent for a circuit that includes a capacitor network and a smoothing capacitor. The circuit has two states and allows for efficient flow of current in different directions.

In the field of solar cell designs, the organization has developed a solar cell with multiple layers and regions for improved efficiency and performance. The design includes conductive layers, counter conductive layers, photoelectric conversion layers, and compound layers.

In the field of magnetic recording devices, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA has filed a patent for a device that consists of magnetic poles, a magnetic element, and a controller. The controller is responsible for the recording operation and exhibits distinct peaks in the differential resistance of the magnetic element at different voltages.

In the field of information processing devices for mobile robots, the organization has developed devices that acquire the current state of the robot, learn inference models using reinforcement learning, specify action-value-functions, and determine the robot's actions based on these functions.

Notable applications:

• Semiconductor device with memory and MOS transistors to prevent bird's beak formation.
• Encryption communication system with distributed data pieces for generating encryption keys.
• Power conversion apparatus for railway vehicles with improved efficiency and secure attachment of components.
• DCDC circuit with two states for efficient current flow.
• Solar cell design with multiple layers for enhanced performance.
• Magnetic recording device with distinct peaks in differential resistance.
• Information processing devices for mobile robots using reinforcement learning.

Patent applications for KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA on November 30th, 2023

INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM, AND SYSTEM (18449160)

Main Inventor

Hidetaka KOJIMA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an information processing device that communicates with a host device and an automated guided vehicle to manage articles and their sorting destinations. 

• The information processing device includes a communication unit and a processor.
• The communication unit connects with a host device that manages articles and sorting destinations.
• An automated guided vehicle transports a roll pallet with articles for each sorting destination.
• The processor acquires articles and sorting destination information from the host device.
• The processor controls the automated guided vehicle to transport the roll pallet to a predetermined region.

Abstract

According to an embodiment, the information processing device includes a communication unit and a processor. The communication unit communicates with a host device that manages articles and sorting destinations of the articles and an automated guided vehicle that transports a roll pallet on which articles are loaded for each sorting destination. The processor acquires the articles and information on the sorting destinations of the articles from the host device via the communication unit and performs control to transmit a control signal to the automated guided vehicle to transport the roll pallet set for each sorting destination to a predetermined region via the communication unit.

RAILWAY-VEHICLE POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS (18449910)

Main Inventor

Masaya MISUMI

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a railway-vehicle power conversion apparatus that includes a power conversion unit with a converter unit, an inverter unit, and a cooler. The converter unit and the inverter unit are placed at a specific distance from each other on the cooler. Additionally, an overvoltage suppression unit is also placed on the same cooler as the converter unit and the inverter unit.

• Railway-vehicle power conversion apparatus
• Includes a power conversion unit
• Power conversion unit consists of a converter unit, an inverter unit, and a cooler
• Converter unit and inverter unit are placed at a predetermined interval on the cooler
• Overvoltage suppression unit is placed on the same cooler as the converter unit and inverter unit

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a railway-vehicle power conversion apparatus includes a power conversion unit including: a converter unit; an inverter unit; and a cooler, and in the power conversion unit, the converter unit and the inverter unit are disposed at a predetermined interval on the cooler, and an overvoltage suppression unit is disposed on the same cooler on which the converter unit and the inverter unit are disposed.

Silicon Nitride Sintered Body, Wear-Resistant Member, And Method For Manufacturing Silicon Nitride Sintered Body (18448222)

Main Inventor

Kazuya OOKUBO

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a silicon nitride sintered body that consists of silicon nitride crystal grains and a grain boundary phase.

- Raman spectroscopy is used to analyze a specific region in the central cross section of the silicon nitride sintered body. - The Raman spectroscopy detects two or more peaks in the ranges of 780 cm to 810 cm and 1340 cm to 1370 cm. - Additionally, four to six peaks are detected in the ranges of 170 cm to 190 cm, 607 cm to 627 cm, 720 cm to 740 cm, and 924 cm to 944 cm.

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a silicon nitride sintered body includes silicon nitride crystal grains and a grain boundary phase, and in a case where Raman spectroscopy of a 20 μm×20 μm region in a central cross section of the silicon nitride sintered body is performed, two or more peaks are detected in ranges of 780 cmto 810 cmand 1340 cmto 1370 cm, and four to six peaks are detected in ranges of 170 cmto 190 cm, 607 cmto 627 cm, 720 cmto 740 cm, and 924 cmto 944 cm.

SYSTEM AND METHOD (18451535)

Main Inventor

Akira Tanaka

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a system that includes a wearable device attached to a display, allowing users to adjust the projection angle, color tone, and brightness of the visual image displayed on the screen.

• The wearable device has an optical component set, including a lens, to enhance the visual image displayed on the screen.
• Users can adjust the projection angle of the visual image using a user-operable member, allowing them to change the position of the image based on the shape or size of their head.
• Another user-operable member allows users to adjust the color tone or brightness of the visual image, providing customization options for a more personalized viewing experience.

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a system includes a wearable device configured to be attached to a display configured to display a display image. The wearable device features an optical component set featuring a lens, a first user operable member configured to set an adjustment value relating to a projection angle of the visual image, and a second user operable member configured to set an adjustment value relating to at least one of a color tone or a brightness of the visual image. A position of the visual image is changed by adjusting the projection angle of the visual image using the first user operable member so that the visual image is displayed at a position based on at least one of a shape or a size of the head of the user. The color tone or the brightness of the visual image is changed using the second user operable member.

INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT (18171845)

Main Inventor

Gaku MINAMOTO

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes an information processing device (Device A) that is used in a mobile robot.

- Device A includes an acquisition unit (Unit A) that acquires the current state of the mobile robot. - Unit B is responsible for learning a first inference model using reinforcement learning and specifies a first action-value-function for the mobile robot based on the current state and the first inference model. - Unit C specifies a second action-value-function for the mobile robot based on the current state and a second inference model that is not a parameter update target. - Unit D determines the first action of the mobile robot based on the first action-value-function and the second action-value-function.

• The patent application describes an information processing device used in a mobile robot.
• The device acquires the current state of the mobile robot.
• The device learns a first inference model using reinforcement learning.
• The device specifies a first action-value-function for the mobile robot based on the current state and the first inference model.
• The device also specifies a second action-value-function for the mobile robot based on the current state and a second inference model.
• The device determines the first action of the mobile robot based on the first and second action-value-functions.

Abstract

An information processing device A includes an acquisition unit A, a first action-value-function specifying unit B, a second action-value-function specifying unit C, and an action determination unit D. The acquisition unit A acquires a current state of a mobile robot  as an exemplary device. The first action-value-function specifying unit B has functioning of learning a first inference model by reinforcement learning, and specifies a first action-value-function of the mobile robot  based on the current state and the first inference model. The second action-value-function specifying unit C specifies a second action-value-function of the mobile robot  based on the current state and a second inference model that is not a parameter update target. The action determination unit D determines a first action of the mobile robot  based on the first action-value-function and the second action-value-function.

MAGNETIC RECORDING DEVICE (18164120)

Main Inventor

Yuji NAKAGAWA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a magnetic recording device with a magnetic head and a controller.

• The magnetic head consists of two magnetic poles, a magnetic element, and terminals connected to the magnetic element.
• The controller is connected to the magnetic element and a coil, and is responsible for the recording operation.
• During recording, the controller supplies a recording current to the coil and applies a voltage between the terminals of the magnetic element.
• When the applied voltage is changed while the recording current is supplied, the differential resistance of the magnetic element exhibits two distinct peaks at different voltages.

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording device includes a magnetic head and a controller. The magnetic head includes first and second magnetic poles, a magnetic element provided between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole, first and second terminals electrically connected to one end and another end of the magnetic element, respectively, and a coil. The controller is electrically connected to the magnetic element and the coil, and performs a recording operation. In the recording operation, the controller supplies a recording current to the coil while applying an element voltage between the first and second terminals. When the applied voltage is changed while the recording current is supplied, a differential resistance of the magnetic element becomes a first differential resistance peak when the applied voltage is a first voltage, and becomes a second differential resistance peak when the applied voltage is a second voltage.

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE (18118697)

Main Inventor

Kazuhiro INOUE

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a semiconductor device that includes various components such as a substrate, a light-receiving element, a switching element, and a light-emitting element.

• The device has a substrate with metal pads on the front-side.
• The light-receiving element has bonding pads on its front-surface and is connected to the metal pads on the substrate.
• The switching element has front-side and backside electrodes, as well as a control pad.
• The backside electrode of the switching element is connected to a metal pad on the substrate.
• A first conductive member connects the front-side electrode of the switching element to the bonding pad of the light-receiving element.
• A second conductive member connects the control pad of the switching element to another bonding pad of the light-receiving element.

Abstract

A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a light-receiving element, a switching element, a light-emitting element on the switching element, first and second conductive members. The substrate includes first to third metal pads on a front-side thereof. The light-receiving element includes first and second bonding pads on a front-surface thereof. A back-surface of the light-receiving element is connected to the first and second metal pads. The first and second bonding pads each overlap one of the first and second metal pads. The switching element includes front-side and backside electrodes and a control pad. The backside electrode is connected to the third metal pad. The first conductive member is connected to the front-side electrode of the switching element and the first bonding pad of the light-receiving element. The second conductive member is connected to the control pad of the switching element and the second bonding pad of the light-receiving element.

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, INVERTER CIRCUIT, DRIVE DEVICE, VEHICLE, AND ELEVATOR (18363214)

Main Inventor

Tatsuo SHIMIZU

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a semiconductor device with specific layers and regions.

• The device includes a silicon carbide layer, a silicon oxide layer, and a region between them.
• The region has a nitrogen concentration of at least 1×10cm.
• The nitrogen concentration in the layers and region has a peak in the region.
• The nitrogen concentration at a position 1 nm away from the peak towards the silicon oxide layer is no more than 1×10cm.
• The carbon concentration at that position is also no more than 1×10cm.

Abstract

A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes: a silicon carbide layer; a silicon oxide layer; and a region disposed between the silicon carbide layer and the silicon oxide layer and having a nitrogen concentration equal to or more than 1×10cm. Nitrogen concentration distribution in the silicon carbide layer, the silicon oxide layer, and the region have a peak in the region, a nitrogen concentration at a position 1 nm away from the peak to the side of the silicon oxide layer is equal to or less than 1×10cm, and a carbon concentration at the position is equal to or less than 1×10cm.

SOLAR CELL, MULTI-JUNCTION TYPE SOLAR CELL, SOLAR CELL MODULE, AND SOLAR CELL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM (18448194)

Main Inventor

Atsushi Wada

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a solar cell design with multiple layers and regions for improved efficiency and performance. 

• The solar cell includes first and second conductive layers, counter conductive layers, photoelectric conversion layers, and compound layers.
• The first counter conductive layer has a conductive region, and the first compound layer is positioned between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the first conductive region.
• The second counter conductive layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer.
• The design allows for efficient flow of current in different directions, enhancing the overall performance of the solar cell.

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a solar cell includes first and second conductive layers, first and second counter conductive layers, first and second photoelectric conversion layers, first and second compound layers. The first counter conductive layer includes a first conductive region. A direction from the first conductive layer to the first conductive region is along a first direction. The first compound layer includes a first compound region provided between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the first conductive region. A second direction from the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer crosses the first direction. The second counter conductive layer includes a second conductive region electrically connected with the first conductive layer. A direction from the second conductive layer to the second conductive region is along the first direction. A direction from the first conductive region to the second conductive region is along the second direction.

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE (18117566)

Main Inventor

Naoki TAKAHASHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a semiconductor device with multiple terminals and circuits that operate based on temperature conditions. 

• The device has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal.
• It includes a first circuit that generates a first signal of a first level if a certain temperature condition is met.
• If the first circuit outputs the first signal, a second circuit provides electrical insulation between the second and third terminals.
• The first circuit contains an element positioned between a first interconnect and the first terminal.
• The first circuit will output the first signal regardless of temperature if a specific voltage is supplied to the first interconnect.

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a first circuit configured to output a first signal of a first level if a temperature satisfies a condition, and a second circuit configured, if the first circuit outputs the first signal of the first level, to provide electrical insulation between the second terminal and the third terminal, wherein the first circuit includes an element provided between a first interconnect and the first terminal, and the first circuit outputs the first signal of the first level regardless of the temperature if a first voltage is supplied to the first interconnect.

DCDC CIRCUIT (18105131)

Main Inventor

Chen kong TEH

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a DCDC circuit that includes a capacitor network and a smoothing capacitor.

• The capacitor network has two states: the first state connects first capacitors between an input node and one end of a first coil, and connects a second capacitor between a connection point of the first capacitors and a reference potential point.
• The second state connects the second capacitor to one end of a second coil, and connects the first capacitors between one end of the second capacitor and the reference potential point, and between the other end of the second capacitor and the reference potential point.

Abstract

A DCDC circuit according to an embodiment includes a capacitor network, and a smoothing capacitor. The capacitor network includes a first state in which first capacitors are connected onto a wiring path between an input node to which an input voltage is applied and one end of a first coil and a second capacitor is connected between a connection point of the first capacitors on the wiring path and a reference potential point, and a second state in which the second capacitor is connected to one end of a second coil and the first capacitors are connected between one end of the second capacitor and the reference potential point and between the other end of the second capacitor and the reference potential point, respectively.

RAILWAY-VEHICLE POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS (18449883)

Main Inventor

Hiroomi SUZUKI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a power conversion apparatus for railway vehicles.

• The apparatus includes a switching element, a capacitor, and a gate substrate.
• The capacitor is connected to the switching element and is held by a capacitor holding frame.
• The gate substrate supplies a drive signal to the switching element and is attached to the capacitor for securement.
• The invention aims to improve the power conversion efficiency in railway vehicles.
• The apparatus ensures stable power conversion by securely attaching the gate substrate to the capacitor.
• The design allows for easy installation and maintenance of the power conversion apparatus in railway vehicles.

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a railway-vehicle power conversion apparatus includes: a switching element; a capacitor connected to the switching element; and a gate substrate that supplies a drive signal to the switching element, in which the capacitor is held by a capacitor holding frame, and the gate substrate is attached and secured to the capacitor.

Encryption communication system, encryption communication apparatus, and encryption communication method (18445066)

Main Inventor

Kazuhisa Kaino

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an encryption communication system that configures a network with multiple nodes.

• The system shares an encryption key between a first node and a second node.
• The first node creates multiple paths to the second node over the network.
• The first node generates multiple pieces of data and distributes them across the paths.
• The first node transmits the data pieces to the second node.
• The encryption key is generated by combining the multiple pieces of data.
• The second node receives the data pieces from the first node via the paths.
• The second node generates the encryption key by combining the received data pieces.

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an encryption communication system configures a network with a plurality of nodes, and shares the encryption key between a first node that delivers the encryption key to a first user and a second node that delivers the encryption key to a second user. The first node forms n (n>1) systems of paths to the second node over the network, generates n pieces of first data, distributes the n pieces of first data to the n systems of paths and transmits the n pieces of first data to the second node, and generates the encryption key by superimposing the n pieces of first data. The second node receives the n pieces of first data from the first node via the n systems of paths, and generates the encryption key by superimposing the n pieces of first data.

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE (18366353)

Main Inventor

Yu NAKANE

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a semiconductor device that includes a memory transistor and a MOS transistor.

• The memory transistor has a first silicon dioxide film and a first gate electrode positioned on a semiconductor substrate.
• The MOS transistor has a second silicon dioxide film and a second gate electrode positioned on the semiconductor substrate.
• The innovation ensures that there is no bird's beak formation in either the first silicon dioxide film or the first gate electrode of the memory transistor.

Abstract

According to the present embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a memory transistor, and a MOS transistor. The memory transistor includes at least a first silicon dioxide film and a first gate electrode positioned on the semiconductor substrate in order. The MOS transistor includes a second silicon dioxide film and a second gate electrode positioned on the semiconductor substrate in order. Any bird's beak is not generated in at least either the first silicon dioxide film or the first gate electrode of the memory transistor.