Tadahiro Shimoda shares how an innovative licensing model drives 5G invention to unleash potential
How did you become an expert or innovator? What was the spark that led to you becoming an inventor?
During my childhood and college years, I always wanted to become a scientist. That is why at college I studied in the faculty of science. After graduating from college, I continued my focus on science by completing master’s and PhD programs at Kyoto University. My major was geophysics, particularly space science. More specifically, this involved researching space plasma around the earth and planets – including mercury and Jupiter – as well as the relationship between the sun and other planets. BCL (broadcast listening), my hobby while in high school led me to that field.
With regards to the PhD program, I wanted to change to manufacturing related job by the following reasons. First, I very much enjoyed programming during my studies. Second, that made me interested in manufacturing rather than natural science. As a side note, ever since I was a child, I have always been passionate about dismantling things.
My hobby while in college, ham radio, led me to work in wireless communication field. I chose to work for Mitsubishi Electric because of its strength in wireless communications.
After joining Mitsubishi Electric in 2007, I was mainly engaged in the development and testing of 3G and LTE wireless communications equipment. In the process, I had the opportunity to encounter the 3GPP, and I really enjoyed reading 3GPP specifications. I was fascinated and in turn even more motivated to apply patents that improve the 3GPP specifications.
I have been engaged in the invention about 3GPP specification since 2016. During this process, I also encountered some tough times. I struggled to produce great ideas as these ideas were often already written in patent applications by others, who have already submitted their contributions to standardization. I overcame this challenge by thoroughly exploring ideas, proposals, and discussions around standardization to better understand which ideas and features were already uncovered. Then, I tried to foresee and focus on what would happen in the standardization field. In other words, it was important for me to think one step ahead.
Sometimes, I also struggled to come up with new or innovative ideas. However, I discovered that discussing extensively with coworkers about ideas could help tremendously.
While tackling these challenges, I believe mental strength and relaxation are especially important. If pushing continuously – without any relaxation – then no breakthroughs are likely to be achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to make time to relax, before regaining concentration and strength in order to achieve success and make breakthrough.
How do you feel about your contribution to the development of global technologies and your innovation being used by product companies?
Considering the adoption 5G technology, it is still not widely used or adopted, and engineers’ inventions are not yet fully realized in society. However, I hope 5G will be used more widely to unlock its full potential. For cellular phone connectivity, 5G is becoming dominant, but in time we will see the increase of 5G across different products.
How has the company contributed to the development of cellular standards?
Our company positions international standardization activities as a tool for expanding its business, as well as an opportunity to contribute to society. I understand that our corporate strategy focuses on aligning three key pillars: business, R&D and IP/standardization.
We participate in international standardization conferences such as 3GPP as well as relevant activities in Japan led by MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) and telecommunications industry organizations. Through these activities, the company is more actively involved with cutting-edging technological development and contributing to society.
What values are your inventions bringing to connected vehicles?
5G provides higher-speed and lower-latency so it could allow sensors to be more accurate in estimating the distance between vehicles to avoid collision. They increase the accuracy of the range and distance between vehicles, so it helps to reduce accidents. Additionally, it enables greater accuracy and predictability for vehicles.
Why is it important to have a platform like Avanci that facilitates technology sharing?
In my opinion, if licensees participate in a platform like Avanci to avoid dealing with many patent owners, it is also helpful for licensees to reduce the litigation risk. For licensors like us, we can obtain licensing income, without having to contact many licensees.
So, it is helpful for both licensors and licensees.
I understand that we have an open-close strategy regarding our IP. We keep a closed strategy for some technologies to protect our business. But for some technologies, especially SEPs, we have an open strategy. We license out, including through patent pools. We have joined several patent pools, so we gain licensing royalties that can be re-invested in R&D.
I see patent pools as good platforms that can contribute to society, while reducing negotiating costs for licensors and licensees. I understand that Avanci is viewed as a successful and efficient platform in the industry, one that we can trust, and that we will join as many Avanci programs as possible.
How does connectivity enable new features and functions of vehicles?
Currently, 4G is the primary cellular connectivity we are using. However, 5G will be increasingly used. 4G can enhance managing ranges between cars, but in the future, 5G can better protect pedestrians as well as prevent collisions.
4G and 5G have enhanced navigation systems. Before we had 4G and 5G, we had to take the car to the shop for repairs. Connectivity enables OTA update, so we no longer need to do this. Before vehicles were installed with OTA update of navigation systems, we had to rely on navigation apps in our smartphones, but it is much more convenient to have a built-in navigation system.
What is a misconception people often have about the process of inventing or innovation more broadly?
One major misconception is that inventing is not profitable because it does not directly drive the business itself. Specifically, that it does not generate profit or bring tangible value, so it does not help the business.
This misconception is particularly prevalent when it comes to 4G and 5G related inventions, where there is a time gap between creation, invention and business profit. There is also a time gap between invention and standardization. Inventors will submit inventions and compete to be selected to be standards, before standards setting organizations finalize the standards.
It could take years for an invention to be used in products. In other words, there are gaps between creating an invention, incorporating it in products and ultimately bringing commercial value. That is why people often think inventing is not profitable. On the other hand, if a company wants to use technology, they must buy respective patents or take licenses to get access. So, it is important and economical for companies to create their own inventions.
What advice would you give to aspiring inventors?
It takes a long time for an invention to be adopted in production, and the process of inventing brings with it hardships and challenges. It can be frustrating and disappointing as we need to be creative and stand-out in order for our inventions or ideas to be selected and included into standards.
I would encourage inventors to be proud that they are inventing cutting-edge technology, while also recognizing that it may take time for those inventions to be implemented in products. Perseverance is important. Inventors must be patient and always persevere; that is another piece of advice I would like to share.