Abstract: For transmitting confidential data, two devices (D1, D2) are linked through a transmission channel which is secured by symmetric encryption with a shared secret session key.

Abstract: A one-time-pad encryption system where encrypted one-time-pad keys can be distributed to users on physical media or on a computer network from a central server. Each one-time-pad key has a key identification number that facilitates key management. Each encrypted data set includes a header specifying an offset within the one-time-pad key for commencement of decryption so that messages can be decrypted in any order. Before encryption begins, the length of remaining unused key is compared to the length of the data set to be encrypted. For ease of transcription or transmission by humans, the encrypted data can be represented as a subset of the 48 keys that are easy to use on a keyboard, preferably the 26 capital letters of the Western alphabet or these letters plus six numerals for a total of 32 characters. A one-time-pad key which is specialized to achieve such encryption can also be used for binary encryption.

Abstract: An encrypting conversion apparatus, a decrypting conversion apparatus, a cryptographic communication system and an electronic toll collection apparatus are provided which are capable of changing algorithms of cryptographic conversion to hide the algorithm in use from a third party so that the apparatuses and system are resistant against a cryptographic attack from the third party and can operate at high speed. In the cryptographic communication system.

Abstract: A one-time-pad encryption system where encrypted one-time-pad keys can be distributed to users on physical media or on a computer network from a central server. Each one-time-pad key has a key identification number that facilitates key management. Each encrypted data set includes a header specifying an offset within the one-time-pad key for commencement of decryption so that messages can be decrypted in any order. Before encryption begins, the length of remaining unused key is compared to the length of the data set to be encrypted. For ease of transcription or transmission by humans, the encrypted data can be represented as a subset of the 48 keys that are easy to use on a keyboard, preferably the 26 capital letters of the Western alphabet or these letters plus six numerals for a total of 32 characters. A one-time-pad key which is specialized to achieve such encryption can also be used for binary encryption.

Abstract: A key-sharing scheme is used to control distribution and use of video and audio content in personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other wireless devices. A private key is split into key-shares using a Blakley-Shamir key splitting technique and the key-shares are distributed to various network entities including a finance server and security server. Key-shares are also stored in a user's subscriber identity module (SIM) and a security processor of the PDA. The key-shares from the network entities are provided to the PDA after the user requests specific video or audio content and a credit verification is performed. The PDA's security processor combines the key-shares to form the decryption key for use in playing the content by the PDA's communications processor. When a service limit is reached, the PDA's security processor purges the key-shares to prevent further use of the content.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for establishing a shared cryptographic key between participating nodes in a network. The system operates by sending a first message from the first node to the second node requesting establishment of a shared key. The second node sends a second message containing identifiers and a message authentication code to a key distribution center (KDC). The authentication code is generated using a second node key belonging to the second node. The KDC recreates the previously created second node key using the second node identifier and a secret key known only to the key distribution center. The KDC then verifies the message authentication code using the second node key. If the message authentication code is verified, the KDC creates a shared key for the nodes to use while communicating with each other.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera at low costs, which has no limitation in picking up images and can be set a charge thereof reasonably.

Abstract: With a focusing electroacoustic transducer with a carrier which on its front side is equipped with a first group and on its rear side with a second group of ceramic piezolelements, a testing of the transducer power in a transducer test operating mode is carried out in that one of the element groups on the front or rear side is impinged with a high voltage impulse corresponding to the high voltage produced on normal operation of the transducer, and thereupon a secondary voltage impulse serving as a measurement voltage which at the same time is produced by a mechanical loading of the piezoelements of the other group transmitted by the carrier, as a measure of the present transducer power of the activated element group is compared to pregiven, previously determined and stored reference values of the transducer power of the activated element group.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and related method for acoustically improving an environment. In an embodiment of the invention, an electronic sound screening system comprises means for receiving acoustic energy and converting it into electrical signals, means for performing an analysis of said electrical signals and for generating data analysis signals, means responsive to the data analysis signals for producing signals representing sound, and output means for converting the sound signals into sound.

Abstract: A sound reinforcement system (1) comprises at least one microphone (2), adaptive echo compensation (EC) means (4) coupled to said microphone (2) for generating a microphone signal, and one or more loudspeakers (3) coupled to the EC means (4). In addition it comprises a dynamic echo suppressor (DES 7) coupled between the adaptive EC means (4) and said at least one loudspeaker (3) for suppressing remaining echoes by using a time delay between the amplitudes of a microphones signal frequency component and the same remaining echo frequency component.

Abstract: A method to automatically and adaptively tune a leaky, normalized least-mean-square (LNLMS) algorithm so as to maximize the stability and noise reduction performance in feedforward adaptive noise cancellation systems. The automatic tuning method provides for time-varying tuning parameters &lgr;k and &mgr;k that are functions of the instantaneous measured acoustic noise signal, weight vector length, and measurement noise variance. The method addresses situations in which signal-to-noise ratio varies substantially due to nonstationary noise fields, affecting stability, convergence, and steady-state noise cancellation performance of LMS algorithms. The method has been embodied in the particular context of active noise cancellation in communication headsets. However, the method is generic, in that it is applicable to a wide range of systems subject to nonstationary, i.e., time-varying, noise fields, including sonar, radar, echo cancellation, and telephony.

Abstract: In the invention, it is possible to hear a voice and music of a portable audio device such as a portable telephone, an MD player, etc. in a hand free state without mounting an additional amplifier kind. Therefore, a plug transmitter is plugged into a cigar lighter socket arranged in a console portion or an arm of a side door. An external output terminal of a portable audio device such as an MD player is connected to the plug transmitter by an audio cable. A transmitting circuit is built in the plug transmitter, and receives electric power from the cigar lighter socket, and transmits an audio output from the portable audio device as a radio wave in a receiving frequency band of an AM radio mounted to an automobile. Thus, it is possible to enjoy music from a speaker within the automobile. If a portable telephone is connected to the plug transmitter, a talk can be carried out in a hand free state.

Abstract: A multi-accessory vehicle audio system is providing that includes a plurality of vehicle audio accessories, the vehicle audio accessories generating a corresponding plurality of audio signals; and an audio switching device. The audio switching device includes an input section for receiving the audio signals from the vehicle audio accessories, a switching section operatively coupled to the input section for receiving the audio signals, a controller operatively coupled to the input section for receiving the audio signals and operatively coupled to the switching section for providing control signals to control the switching section and to regulate the output of the audio signals from the switching section according to an instruction set, and an output section operatively coupled to the switching section for receiving the regulated audio signals outputted from the switching section.

Abstract: An auditory scene is synthesized by applying two or more different sets of one or more spatial parameters (e.g., an inter-ear level difference (ILD), inter-ear time difference (ITD), and/or head-related transfer function (HRTF)) to two or more different frequency bands of a combined audio signal, where each different frequency band is treated as if it corresponded to a single audio source in the auditory scene. In one embodiment, the combined audio signal corresponds to the combination of two or more different source signals, where each different frequency band corresponds to a region of the combined audio signal in which one of the source signals dominates the others. In this embodiment, the different sets of spatial parameters are applied to synthesize an auditory scene comprising the different source signals. In another embodiment, the combined audio signal corresponds to the combination of the left and right audio signals of a binaural signal corresponding to an input auditory scene.

Abstract: A new subband feedback cancellation scheme is proposed, capable of providing additional stable gain without introducing audible artifacts. The subband feedback cancellation scheme employs a cascade of two narrow-band filters Ai(Z) and Bi(Z) along with a fixed delay, instead of a single filter Wi(Z) and a delay to represent the feedback path in each subband. The first filter, Ai(Z), is called the training filter, and models the static portion of the feedback path in ith subband, including microphone, receiver, ear canal resonance, and other relatively static parameters. The training filter can be implemented as a FIR filter or as an IIR filter. The second filter, BI(Z), is called a tracking filter and is typically implemented as a FIR filter with fewer taps than the training filter. This second filter tracks the variations of the feedback path in the ith subband caused by jaw movement or objects close to the ears of the user.

Abstract: A condenser microphone has a conductive diaphragm 3 having an earth electrode layer 31 formed of a conductive light metal; a conductor fixed electrode 5 arranged opposite to the conductive diaphragm 3 through an air layer; an organic dielectric layer 32 formed of the organic compound provided on the boundary surface 32C side between the air layer and the conductive diaphragm 3; and a permanent electric charge layer 32A composed of ions or electrons formed in the inner portion side receding from the air layer 8side, from a middle position in the thickness direction of the organic dielectric layer 32 in the inside of the organic dielectric layer 32.

Abstract: A microphone is constructed to be more tolerant to a wide range of relative humidity conditions without adversely affecting the performance of the microphone. The microphone includes a housing with a sound port for receiving sound and an electret assembly for converting the sound into an output signal. The electret assembly includes a diaphragm and a backplate. The backplate is made of at least two layers, usually polymeric layers. The first layer of material has a first hygroscopic coefficient and a second layer of material has a second hygroscopic coefficient. The first and second layers cause the backplate to bend in response to higher humidity conditions, thereby minimizing the adverse effects on microphone performance caused by characteristic changes in the diaphragm at the higher humidity conditions.

Abstract: A speaker mounting system includes a first bracket member for attachment to a support structure, a first pair of conductor contacts on the first bracket member for connection to a pair of speaker conductors, a second bracket member for attachment to a speaker and for detachably attaching to the first bracket member, and a second pair of conductor contacts on the second member for connection to the first pair of conductor contacts on the first bracket member and to pair of speaker conductors on the speaker.

Abstract: A telescoping, articulating boom pole (20) is disclosed, including articulating joints (24), telescoping tube pairs (28), a boom butt (30), and a stud (32). Individual telescoping tube pairs (28) include outer and inner telescoping tubes (38 and 40) and a locking collar (36). The locking collar (36) holds the outer and inner telescoping tubes (38 and 40) in juxtaposition. The articulating joints (24) connect the telescoping tube pairs (28). The articulating joints (24) include first and second joint heads (42 and 44), a joint link plate (46), and bolts (48). The joint link plate (46) mates with the joint heads (42 and 44). The joint link plate (46) is held in place against the joint heads (42 and 44) by the bolts (48). Articulation between the joint heads (42 and 44) and the joint link plate (46) allows the telescoping tube pairs (28) to be juxtaposed at various angles to one another, and allows the boom pole (20) to be collapsed. The stud (32) is attached at the microphone end of the boom pole.

Abstract: A system and method that efficiently, accurately, and simply detect reliably least-significant-bit (“LSB”) embedding of a secret message in randomly scattered pixels. The system and method apply to both 24-bit color images and 8-bit grayscale or color images. Many commercial steganographic programs use Least Significant Bit embedding (LSB) as the method of choice to hide messages in 24-bit, 8-bit color images and in grayscale images. They do so based on the common belief that changes to the LSBs of colors cannot be detected because of noise that is always present in digital images. By inspecting the differences in capacity for lossless (invertible) embedding in the LSB and the shifted LSB plane, the present invention reliably detects messages as short as 1% of the total number of pixels (assuming 1 bit per sample). The system and method of the present invention are fast, and they provide accurate estimates for the length of the embedded secret message.

Abstract: A system for encoding data into and decoding data from a coded pattern using angular symbology in which symbols are represented by angular orientations of data modulation patterns relative to a reference modulation pattern. The modulation patterns are selected to have components that are localized in a Fourier transform domain. An example of a modulation pattern is a sinusoidal linear pattern in which spatial frequency and angular orientation are localized in the magnitude Fourier transform domain. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more symbols may be encoded in one or more portions of an image by varying a characteristic of one or more elements of the image in accordance with the data and reference modulation patterns. An element may be image pixels, and the coded pattern is represented by variations to the intensities of the pixels. The coded pattern may be reproduced as a grayscale texture or combined with a non-coded image by adding a graininess to the image.

Abstract: A method displays an image only to an authorized user by generating a mask image from a data image. The data and mask image are then displayed periodically in an alternating manner on a display device by a select signal. The opening end shutting of an optical shutter device is synchronized to the displaying of the selected images so that only the data image is perceived by the authorized user viewing the display device through the optical shutter device, and a gray image is perceived by an unauthorized user viewing the data and mask images directly.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding signatures within visual images in both digital representation and print or film. A signature is inseparably embedded within the visible image, the signature persisting through image transforms that include resizing as well as conversion to print or film among the pixels of an original image. The pixel values of the signature points and surrounding pixels are adjusted by an amount detectable by a digital scanner. The adjusted signature points form a digital signature which is stored for future identification of subject images derived from the image. In one embodiment, a signature is embedded within an image by locating relative extrema in the continuous space of pixel values and selecting the signature points from among the extrema. Preferably, the signature is redundantly embedded in the image such that any of the redundant representations can be used to identify the signature.

Abstract: Image or audio content data is encoded to steganographically convey plural bit auxiliary data. The content data is thereafter subjected to lossy compression/decompression, and the auxiliary data can still be recovered and used, e.g., to control associated audio or video equipment.

Abstract: Line art on banknotes and the like is subtly altered to steganographically encode plural-bit digital information. For example, the lines' widths or spacings can be locally changed so as to slightly modulate the apparent luminance of the document. The encoded information can be decoded using suitably-equipped processing equipment and used to identify a document as a banknote. Various anti-counterfeiting actions' can then be taken.

Abstract: The error rate of auxiliary data embedded in media signals is decreased through variable error robustness coding. In one application, error correction coded symbols in a steganographic message that are more prone to error are repeated more than other symbols. In another application, the error robustness coding is increased or decreased in different parts of an auxiliary data message according to a measure of the expected error rate based on a model of the channel and/or the host media signal that is to carry the auxiliary data through that channel.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system for tracking a target is provided that includes an image sensor mounted to a gimbal for acquiring an image, wherein the image includes a plurality of pixels representing the target and a background. The system further includes a motor for rotating the gimbal and an autotracker electrically coupled to the image sensor and the motor. The autotracker includes a probability map generator for computing a probability that each of the plurality of pixels having a particular intensity is either a portion of the target or a portion of the background, a pixel processor in communicative relation with the probability map generator for calculating a centroid of the target based upon the probabilities computed by the probability map generator, and a controller in communicative relation with the pixel processor for generating commands to the motor based upon the centroid.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing an environment includes imaging unit (10) for picking up surroundings of a vehicle equipped with the apparatus so as to obtain a surrounding image, filter processing unit (20) for providing filter processing to the surrounding image for each predetermined sampling interval so as to obtain a process image and edge information, processed information memorizing unit (30) for memorizing the process image, image finite differentiating unit (40) for obtaining a difference image between the process image and a process image before an arbitrary sampling interval, frequency accumulating unit (50) for accumulating the number of moving pixels for each moving direction based on the edge information and the difference image so as to obtain a cumulative value, and determining unit (60) for performing determination of a surrounding environment in accordance with the cumulative value of the frequency accumulating unit (50).

Abstract: A white line detection apparatus comprises an extraction device that extracts an image of a white line detection processing area set within a road image captured by an image-capturing device, a maximum value estimating device that estimates a maximum value among pixel values constituting an image of road surface areas other than the white line based upon the pixel values representing the image extracted by the extraction device, a contrast reducing device that reduces the contrast of an image corresponding to pixel values equal to or lower than the maximum value among the pixel values constituting the image of road surface areas other than the white line which has been estimated and a detection device that detects the white line based upon the image whose contrast has been lowered by the contrast reducing device.

Abstract: After one or both of a pair of images are obtained, an auto-correlation function for one of those images is generated to determine a smear amount and possibly a smear direction. The smear amount and direction are used to identify potential locations of a peak portion of the correlation function between the pair of images. The pair of images is then correlated only at offset positions corresponding to the one or more of the potential peak locations. In some embodiments, the pair of images is correlated according to a sparse set of image correlation function value points around the potential peak locations. In other embodiments, the pair of images is correlated at a dense set of correlation function value points around the potential peak locations. The correlation function values of these correlation function value points are then analyzed to determine the offset position of the true correlation function peak.

Abstract: In the systems and methods of this invention, after two images are obtained, these images correlated only at offset positions corresponding to a sparse set of image correlation function value points. One or more correlation function value points of the sparse set will have correlation values that indicates that those points lie within a peak portion of the correlation function. Once one or more such correlation function value points are identified, these images are correlated at offset positions corresponding to a second, dense, set of points of correlation function value points. The correlation function values of these correlation function value points are then analyzed to determine the offset position of the correlation function peak.

Abstract: A system and a method for drawing a patent map using a technical field word are disclosed. In the system and the method, a word to be used for drawing a patent map is extracted by calculating weight values of significant words which are gotten by removing unnecessary words from patent data, and this extracted word is matched with a patent to draw the patent map.

Abstract: The present invention is for a process that can transform a 2-dimensional rendering into a 3-dimensional physical object that can be perceived tactilely by blind or visually impaired people. The process converts a 2-dimensional image to an electronic format where each pixel has an x, y, and z value. The image is then converted to a 3-dimensional form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying features are described. The presence of one or more predetermined features is determined and details of one or more predetermined features are stored. A unique audible signal is then assigned to the or each of said predetermined features. This unique signal associated with the or each matched feature is then emitted to indicate the presence of the feature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for registration comprises a computer and a server in communication via a network, an intranet and/or the Internet, means for entry of data into the computer, and a signature or biometric digitizer including coupling software for directly entering digitized signature or biometric data electronically into the computer. The data and digitized signature or biometric data are communicated to the server. The registration apparatus and method may be utilized for voter or other registration and/or another transaction.

Abstract: A shape detection device which can detect the existence/absence or normal/abnormal state of an object and the shape and movement of the object by directly contacting the object. The shape detection device includes a shape detection section having two substrates on which a plurality of electrodes are formed and which are arranged to face each other or in the same direction with a predetermined space therebetween and bonded together by an insulating adhesive filled into the space between the substrates. The shape detection device is manufactured by forming the plurality of electrodes on the substrates, arranging the substrates to face each other or in the same direction with the predetermined space therebetween, bonding the substrates together by filling the insulating adhesive into the space between the substrates, and grinding edge portions of the electrodes formed on the substrates bonded together.

Abstract: A medical diagnosis system wherein a medical image is produced in a medical diagnosis apparatus, comprises a first storage device which stores an examination procedure for the medical diagnosis apparatus, a second storage device which stores supply information, a supply device which supplies the supply information stored in the second storage device, and a control processor which controls that the supply information is supplied in the supply device in accordance with the examination procedure stored in the first storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The invention involves color magnetic resonance imaging using both a magnetic resonance property and a function of the magnetic resonance property. These enhanced color images provide greater informational content to the viewer. Applications include color imaging of estimates of T2 to distinguish between regions of a sample containing homogeneous tissue and regions containing mixtures of tissue by using spatial variation in the hue, brightness, or saturation of the colors.

Abstract: Three dimensional reconstruction of an object of interest moving at a constant velocity. The object of interest is centered. The object of interest is imaged with optical point sources located at multiple projection angles around the object of interest, in cooperation with opposing time delay and integration (TDI) image sensors located at a distance from the objects of interest such that there is no focal plane within the objects of interest during imaging. Each of the TDI sensors has a line transfer rate synchronized to the constant velocity of the objects of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for combining a plurality of radiographic images. Software can be used to provide various stitching and blending methods to join first and second images into a composite, larger image.

Abstract: A computer-aided diagnosis system comprising: a computer-aided diagnosis software server having a computer-aided diagnosis software capable of processing a radiographic image data to detecting an abnormality; and an image determining apparatus interconnected with the software server via a network, wherein the image determining apparatus determines the radiographic image data to be processed, downloads the computer-aided diagnosis software from the software server, and processes the radiographic image data by utilizing the downloaded computer-aided diagnosis software.

Abstract: An overlay mark for determining the relative position between two or more successive layers of a substrate or between two or more separately generated patterns on a single layer of a substrate is disclosed. The overlay mark includes a plurality of coarsely segmented lines that are formed by a plurality of finely segmented bars. In some cases, the coarsely segmented lines also include at least one dark field while being separated by a plurality of finely segmented bars and at least one clear field. In other cases, the coarsely segmented lines are positioned into at least two groups. The first group of coarsely segmented lines, which are separated by clear fields, are formed by a plurality of finely segmented bars. The second group of coarsely segmented lines, which are separated by dark fields, are also formed by a plurality of finely segmented bars.

Abstract: A pattern forming method comprises checking a wide range size change characteristic for each device in a case of using a device group used for forming a pattern, dividing into smaller each area than a standard distance to which a predetermined size change is caused, when the pattern is formed on a sample by using the device group, acquiring correction information of the size of the pattern of each the small area by using the size change characteristic, and forming a desired pattern based on the acquired correction information.

Abstract: When application domain structure information is erroneously encoded into parameters for image processing and measurements the accuracy of the result can degrade. A structure-guided automatic alignment system for image processing receives an image input and application domain structure input and automatically creates an estimated structure output having improved alignment. Measurement and image processing robustness are improved.

Abstract: There is provided a stereoscopic image forming apparatus which can reduce the image memory capacity and the time required for synthesizing a three-dimensional striped image. A parallax map corresponding to an acquired subject image and representing a depth distribution of the subject is acquired. A three-dimensional image is synthesized such that pixels of the same coordinates in respective images of a multiple viewpoint image sequence of the subject viewed from a plurality of viewpoints are arranged as adjacent pixels in accordance with the arrangement of the viewpoints of the images based on the acquired subject image and parallax map. The synthesized three-dimensional image is outputted, whereby a stereoscopic image can be observed through an optical member having a cyclic structure superposed on the outputted three-dimensional image.

Abstract: In order to reproduce a three-dimensional shape of an object accurately while maintaining measuring accuracy and high speed, in a three-dimensional measuring method of projecting a stripe pattern having colored stripes on the object and measuring the three-dimensional shape of the object based on stripe positions on the imaged image corresponding to the stripes on the stripe pattern, colors of the stripes on the stripe pattern are set according to a predetermined rule, and a plurality of stripes having a predetermined positional relationship are extracted from the image, and correspondence with stripes on the stripe pattern based on the color arrangement of the extracted plural stripes.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a scaled image divides an image, which comprises a plurality of pixels, into a plurality of blocks by partitioning the image vertically and horizontally, whereby the color space of this image is divided into a plurality of subspaces, referred to as bins (S10501 to S10503). The apparatus applies a histogram analysis, on a bin-by-bin basis, to the pixels constituting a block of interest among the plurality of blocks. Then, using the result of the histogram analysis, the apparatus decides the representative color of the block of interest in accordance with the average color of pixels belonging to a most frequent bin among the plurality of bins. A scaled image of this image is obtained by applying the above operation to all of the blocks (S10504 to S10510).

Abstract: An image compression apparatus for compressing image data that includes luminance signal and chrominance signals includes an image judgement part that judges characterizing features of the image data on the basis of the luminance signal and/or chrominance signals, a subsampling rate setting part which sets the subsampling rate of the chrominance signals in accordance with the characterizing features thus judged, a subsampling processing part which performs subsampling processing of the image data at the sat subsampling rate, and a compression encoding part which subjects the subsampling-processed image data to compression encoding.