Abstract: A computer readable medium containing program instructions for controlling a parametric equalizer is provided. Generally, a computer readable code is provided for displaying a composite equalization curve, wherein the composite equalization curve is formed from at least a first frequency filter with a first center frequency, a second frequency filter with a second center frequency, and a third frequency filter with a third center frequency. A computer readable code is provided for allowing a dragging movement of the first center frequency, the second center frequency, and the third center frequency.

Abstract: An audio distribution system is provided for communicating audio signals between one or more audio sources and a plurality of remote speakers. The system includes at least one audio source for generating an audio signal, and a plurality of amplified volume controls, each disposable remote from the audio source. The volume controls are operative to receive and amplify the audio signal to power associated speakers. A power supply is disposable remote from one or more of the volume controls, for generating a power supply to power all volume controls. An audio/power distribution network is connectable to the audio source, power supply and volume controls, for communicating the audio signal and power supply signal throughout the network. A plurality of audio/power distribution nodes are connected to the audio/power distribution network for interfacing the audio source, power supply and volume controls to the distribution network.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes at least one interdigital transducer which is disposed on a piezoelectric substrate so as to extend along the surface acoustic wave propagation direction. An input signal terminal and an output signal terminal are also provided on the piezoelectric substrate. The output signal terminal has first and second balanced signal terminals. A capacitance component disposed on the piezoelectric substrate is added to one of the first and second balanced signal terminals. Thus, a surface acoustic wave device having improved balance between the pair of balanced signal terminals is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor electret condenser microphone capable of being reduced in size and including an acoustic sensor 100 and a case 200 for accommodating the acoustic sensor 100, the acoustic sensor 100 has a semiconductor chip 110 forming necessary electronic circuits 111A to 111C, and opening a through hole 112 away from the electronic circuits 111A to 111C, an electrode layer 120 formed on the surface of the semiconductor chip 110 away from the through hole 112, an electret member 130 laminated away from part of the electrode layer 120 and through hole 112, and a diaphragm 140 provided with a spacing 160 to the electret member 130, in which the electrode layer 120 exposed from the electret member 130 is connected to the electrode 111a of the electronic circuit 111A through the case 200 (FIG. 6).

Abstract: The apparatus includes a trackball with variable potentiometers for an audio mixer. The trackball can rotate with at least two degrees of freedom, so that rotation in the first direction as detected by a first variable potentiometer controls a first variable, such as regeneration of an audio effect and rotation in the second direction as detected by a second variable potentiometer controls a second variable, such as speed of the audio effect.

Abstract: A method of improving the modal resonance frequency distribution of a panel for a distributed resonant mode bending wave acoustic device. The method involves analysing the distribution of the modal resonance frequencies of the panel, identifying a modal resonance frequency that is non-uniformly spaced relative to adjacent modal resonance frequencies, identifying a location on the panel that exhibits anti-nodal behaviour at the identified modal resonance frequency, and changing the local impedance to bending wave vibration at that location. The method has particular application to distributed mode loudspeakers.

Abstract: A shockproof microphone support device has a retaining base for retaining on a support rod, a supporting base secured on the retaining base, and a holder assembled on the supporting base by a shockproof strip for receiving a microphone. When the support rod receives a vibration or shock, the vibration passes through the retaining base and the supporting base to the shockproof strip, and then is absorbed by the shockproof strip, whereby potential undesirable noises generating from the microphone are effectively avoided.

Abstract: A headphone support element for securing a headphone connector to a headphone connector interface, the headphone support element coupled with the headphone connector interface, wherein the headphone support element having a first receptacle for engaging and securing the headphone connector, wherein the headphone connector cannot move or rotate when connected to the headphone connector interface. Each side of the headphone support element extends perpendicular to the first receptacle, thereby preventing the headphone connector from moving within the first receptacle when the headphone connector is connected to the interface. The headphone support element further comprises a second receptacle for engaging and securing a headphone connector wire, the second receptacle having a third side and a fourth side, wherein each side extends substantially perpendicular to the second receptacle. The headphone support element is made of an elastic material.

Abstract: The audio signal junction box assembly comprises a housing adapted to be mounted within an opening of a ceiling structure, and defines an inner space with side wall and ended with a top surface having at least an opening therein. An electrical connector arranged on the top surface. A cable arranged in the trench of the top surface is connected to one end the connector and a branching wire is connected to the connector at the other end and extending through the opening and into the inner space of the housing. The connector is enclosed by a lid attached to the recess.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for printing an authenticatable image having an embedded image into a receiver having a discernible physical characteristic, such that the printed image can be used to authenticate the receiver includes scanning the receiver to produce information related to the discernible physical characteristic of the receiver, and providing a carrier which includes information related to the scanned receiver discernible physical characteristic. The method also includes combining the carrier with an input image to form the authenticatable image having the embedded image, and printing the authenticatable image having the embedded image onto the receiver.

Abstract: Line art on a banknote or other security document is slightly changed to effect the encoding of plural-bit digital data (i.e. the banknote is digitally watermarked). When such a banknote is thereafter scanned, the resulting image data can be recognized as corresponding to a banknote by detection of the encoded data. (Alternatively, the image data can be recognized as corresponding to a banknote by machine detection of other forms of watermarking, or by reference to visible structures characteristic of banknotes.) In response to detection of a banknote, the detecting apparatus (e.g., a scanner, photocopier, or printer) can intervene so as to prevent or deter counterfeiting. For example, the apparatus can interrupt a copying operation, and display a message reminding the operator that it is illegal to reproduce currency. Another option is to dial a remote service and report the attempted reproduction of a banknote. Yet another option is to permit the copying, but to insert forensic tracer data (e.g.

Abstract: In a phase unwrapping method for fringe image analysis, when storing newly calculated numeric data into a storage list, the new numeric data is initially compared with numeric data of a representative rank within each rank block in the storage list, whereby the rank block to store the data is chosen. Subsequently, the new numeric data is compared with each of respective numeric data within thus chosen rank block, so as to determine a rank at which the new numeric data is to be stored, and then is stored into the storage list. Along with the storing of numeric data, rank data is updated.

Abstract: A method and an electronic device (preferably a Personal Digital Assistant, PDA or a palm computer) for providing information about a physical person, comprising: a microphone for recording audio data and/or a camera for recording image data of the physical person. A processor with a memory for processing the audio and/or visual data to recognize the identity of the physical person and retrieving the stored information about the recognized identity is provided. A user interface is used to deliver the stored information to a user. The information may comprise business card information and/or other information about the person. Moreover, information representative of the person's emotional/personal status/mood may be recorded, retrieved, and provided to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A user interface including an at least partially transparent roller. The transparency allows the roller to be used as part of a fingerprint scanning system during fingerprint scans. The roller may also be used for other purposes during non-scanning periods. For example, the roller may be used in place of a conventional scroll key to control scrolling.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable-storage medium for generating an identification code from a fingerprint image exhibiting a plurality of features. The method includes establishing a reference point from the plurality of features, generating at least one metric from the reference point and at least one of the plurality of features and forming the identification code from the at least one metric. Changes in the temperature and humidity of a finger when the image is taken at different times will result in minor variations of the measured features which, upon quantization, result a metric that is invariant from one fingerprint image to the next, for the same finger. This lowers the false rejection rate to an acceptable level. Meanwhile, the metric is sufficiently unique for a given set of features such that the probability of assigning the same metric to two different fingers is lowered to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system includes an image sensor, a rate sensor and a sensor circuit. The image sensor includes a linear array of capacitive sensors for capacitive sensing of ridge peaks and ridge valleys of a fingerprint on a swiped finger. The rate sensor senses the speed of the finger as it is swiped across the image sensor. The sensor circuit supplies image drive signals to the image sensor and detects image signals in response to the drive signals. The sensor circuit supplies rate drive signals to the rate sensor and detects rate signals in response to the rate drive signals. The sensor circuit further coordinates the image signals and the rate signals to provide a fingerprint image. The image sensor may be configured as an image pickup plate and multiple image drive plates formed on a substrate, such as a flexible printed circuit board or other flexible substrate which may conform to the shape of the finger.

Abstract: A method for analyzing fingerprint images includes picking up a sequence of images at very short time intervals, while a finger is being placed onto an electronic fingerprint sensor. A criterion for recognizing a live finger is extracted from variations in the images. The images are defined as a pixel raster having different gray values, with the aid of which the pixels are assigned binary values of zero or one. Significant changes in the values are detected and compared, with the aid of distinctive numbers or the like, to known typical changes that occur regularly in a particular image class.

Abstract: A planar fingerprint pattern detecting array includes a large number of individual skin-distance sensing cells that are arranged in a row/column configuration. Each sensing cell includes an amplifier having an ungrounded input mode and an ungrounded output node. Output-to-input negative feedback that is sensitive to the fingerprint pattern is provided for each amplifier by way of (1) a first capacitor plate that is placed vertically under the upper surface of a dielectric layer and is connected to the ungrounded amplifier input node, (2) a second capacitor plate that is placed vertically under the upper surface of the dielectric layer in close horizontal spatial relation to the first capacitor plate and is connected to the ungrounded output node, and (3) an ungrounded fingertip whose fingerprint pattern is to be detected, which ungrounded fingertip is placed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer in close vertical spatial relation with the first and second capacitor plates.

Abstract: An automated method for detection of an object of interest in magnetic resonance (MR) two-dimensional (2-D) images wherein the images comprise gray level patterns, the method includes a learning stage utilizing a set of positive/negative training samples drawn from a specified feature space.

Abstract: In a method for homogenizing the imaging obtained by a magnetic resonance measurement of a body region, wherein a local antenna of small dimensions and an antenna arrangement arranged outside the body and of larger dimensions are used for imaging, in order to obtain a combined image, a reception profile, referenced to the reception profile of the antenna arrangement of the local antenna, is determined, and the combined image is corrected with the aid of this relative reception profile of the local antenna. A homogenized combined magnetic resonance image is obtained without reducing the signal-to-noise ratio that can be achieved by the local antenna.

Abstract: A comparative inspection technique is employed for detecting defects by comparing similar patterns formed in a mask. As thresholds of information appearing according to the pattern difference, a special graytone-defect extracting threshold in addition to thresholds for extracting ordinary defects in a opaque and a transmission part is newly provided. Further, by distinguishing a case of inspecting an area wherein the opaque and transmission parts are formed from a case of inspecting an area wherein a graytone part is formed, so that inspection is made by using the thresholds for extracting ordinary defects in the opaque and transmission parts in the case of inspecting the opaque and the transmission parts and that inspection is made by using the special graytone-defect extracting threshold in the case of inspecting the graytone part.

Abstract: An improved circuit board inspection system incorporates self learning techniques for accurate determination of Z-axis elevations of electrical connections. A Delta Z, referenced to a laser range finder generated surface map of the circuit board, is automatically determined from a series of cross sectional images of the electrical connections for each electrical connection on the circuit board. The Delta Z values for each electrical connection are stored in a data base from which customized Delta Z values for specifically defined board views may be calculated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring the delivery of workpieces to a position by: storing a digital reference image of the position prior to the delivery of workpieces; storing a digital operating image of the position during delivery of workpieces; performing image arithmetic on the reference image and the operating image to produce a digital evaluation image comprised of a plurality of pixels; establishing a threshold image condition for the evaluation image that correlates to the existence of an operating condition relevant to the control of the delivery of workpieces; and examining the pixels in the evaluation image to determine whether the threshold image condition is met.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image, including the steps of: applying an initial scene balance algorithm to the digital image to produce an initial scene balanced digital image; detecting skin colored pixels in the initial scene balanced digital image; calculating a brightness adjustment amount based on a statistic of the detected skin colored pixels; and applying the brightness adjustment amount to the scene balanced digital image to produce a processed digital image having improved overall brightness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to equalize a histogram using a cumulative distribution function (CDF) of an image. A model parameter estimator estimates parameters from the image using a Gaussian model. An error function storing unit stores error function values based on a Gaussian distribution. A CDF calculator calculates a CDF using one of the error function values from the error function storing unit and the estimated parameters. A histogram equalizer performs histogram equalization using the CDF.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for locating characters in digital images, using an image layering process, characterized by the steps of:

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and measuring different visually important errors in a reproduced image, as compared to the original image. The visually important errors include the blocking, blurring and ringing artifacts. Using directional filters to process the original and reproduced images into edge images. From the edge images, compute the errors related to true edges and false edges. From the original and reproduced images, compute luminance/color variations in smooth areas. The true edges are edges that are present in the original image. The false edges are edges that are present in the reproduced image but not in the original image.

Abstract: A method for generating a scanner includes receiving a definition of a plurality of patterns and receiving a definition of a respective association between each of the plurality of patterns and a respective executable action. The plurality of patterns and the respective associations are processed so as to form a scanner data structure capable of comparing input data to at least one of the patterns and causing execution of the associated executable action upon a match of the input data with the respective one of the plurality of patterns. The processing and the comparing are performed in the same active process.

Abstract: A method of determining segments in a series of images based on previous segmentation results and on motion estimation. A second segment (108) of a second image (106) is determined based on a first segment (102) of a first image (100), with the first segment (102) and the second segment (108) corresponding to one object (104). The method comprises a calculation step to compare values of pixels of the first image (100) and the second image (106) in order to calculate a motion model which defines the transformation of the first segment (102) into the second segment (108). An example of such a motion model allows only translation. Translation can be described with one motion vector (110).

Abstract: The present technique involves remote processing and comparison of medical diagnostic images obtained over a period of time. A remote processing system is provided to match and subtract the medical diagnostic images, which may be received from users and gathered from remote image storage systems. Users are able to interact with the remote processing system through uniform interfaces, which may be disposed at medical institutions to provide platform independent interaction with, and remote processing by, the remote processing system. The technique also uses compression routines to facilitate network transfers of images between the uniform interface and the remote processing system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for communicating image data and other data. The system comprises a JPEG file having a JPEG data, at least one non-JPEG data, and a computer. The computer is programmed to read a predetermined number of sequential bytes of the non-JPEG data. The computer is also programmed to determine position of each byte in the sequential bytes that contain a JPEG marker and determine a locator byte, which is capable of indicating the position of any bytes in the sequential bytes that contain a JPEG marker. The computer is further programmed to write the locator byte in the JPEG file and write encoded bytes in the JPEG file. The computer writes the encoded bytes in the JPEG file in a manner wherein, for each byte in the sequential bytes, if the byte does not contain a JPEG marker, each byte is replaced with a bit, preferably written as 0, in the order of the byte's occurrence in the sequential bytes.

Abstract: Image data encoded in accordance with a block transform coding scheme may be processed by estimating from the encoded image data a discontinuity threshold for detecting artificial edges introduced by the block transform coding scheme. Once the encoded image data is decoded, differences between pairs of pixels disposed along a block boundary of the decoded image may be determined. If the difference between a given pair of pixels is less than the discontinuity threshold, the given pair of pixels may be adjusted to reduce the difference below a visibility threshold, thereby improving the quality of the decoded image by reducing or eliminating blocking artifacts.

Abstract: A technique for eliminating the division in decoding a predicted AC coefficient includes calculating and storing the values of I//AC_stepsize in a table. This allows one to convert a division into a multiplication.

Abstract: The optimum predictive image is selected as follows for the entire area of an image sequence comprising a luminance signal expressing each pixel value, and a transmittance signal expressing the transparency of each pixel value, and described by the transmittance signal of the target image to be coded as the area to be coded. The target image to be coded is predicted from at least one template typical of the image sequence, thereby generating a first predictive image. The target image to be coded is also predicted from the image displayed chronologically before the target image, thereby generating a second predictive image. It is then determined whether the first or the second predictive image has the least difference to the target image to be coded, and the predictive image with the least difference is selected as the optimum predictive image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantization/dequantization method by making a dynamic adaptive table and an apparatus thereon. The present invent provides a quantization method by making a dynamic adaptive table, the method including the steps of: extracting complexity of randomly inputted visual data; generating a quantization table having a lower coefficient value for a high frequency in the quantization table as a degree of the extracted complexity gets higher; and transmitting the visual data after performing a discrete cosine transform process and a quantization process by the quantization table upon the visual data.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention carries out specific image processing that emphasizes articulation of display with a varying degree of emphasis for respective sites of an image projected by a projector. A typical example of such image processing is sharpness adjustment. The degree of emphasis in sharpness adjustment at each site is specified, based on an elevation angle of the projector and a focalized position of the projected image. The technique of the invention thus readily prevents deterioration of the image quality due to out-of-focus state of the projected image.

Abstract: A method for processing an image is provided. A first image and a second image are provided, and donor pixels in the first image are located which correspond to active pixels on the second image. One of the channels of the first image is selected and a donor pixel is chosen. The pixels of the first image are searched in the region of the donor pixel in order to determine suitable receiver pixels. A transfer of luminance is performed from the donor pixel to these receiver pixels through the receiver pixel array. A second donor pixel is then selected, another search is carried out and a transfer of luminance is again performed. This process is then repeated for each donor pixel.

Abstract: Two images are analyzed to compute a set of motion vectors that describes motion between the first and second images. A motion vector is computed for each pixel in an image at a time between the first and second images. This set of motion vectors may be defined at any time between the first and second images, such as the midpoint. The motion vectors may be computed using any of several techniques. An example technique is based on the constant brightness constraint, also referred to as optical flow. Each vector is specified at a pixel center in an image defined at the time between the first and second images. The vectors may point to points in the first and second images that are not on pixel centers. The motion vectors are used to warp the first and second images to a point in time of an output image between the first and second images using a factor that represents the time between the first and second image at which the output image occurs.

Abstract: The registration and skew information of a document about to be scanned are detected prior to capturing the entire image of the document. Two sensors, a fixed distance apart, are used to detect the document skew. A third sensor is used to detect the edge position of the document. Paper sensors in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) are used to determine the document size. The data from the skew sensors are used to calculate the required skew correction angle and direction by which to rotate the image. The document edge position information together with skew information is used to determine the exact location of a corner of the document. This information is used to correct skewed image in real-time, during scanning the document.

Abstract: A storage picture generating unit (191) weight-adds an input picture and a storage picture to reduce the noise in a still picture portion. An area extraction unit (193) extracts a class tap from the input picture, while extracting a block from each of the input picture and the storage picture. A feature value detection unit (194) detects the dynamic range and the results of the waveform analysis from the class tap, while detecting the still/moving information of the subject pixel from the block. A class code detection unit (195) generates a class code which is based on the feature value. A table (196) outputs to an estimation calculating unit (198) sets of the prediction coefficients held by the table and which are associated with the class code. An area extraction unit (197) extracts prediction taps from the input picture and the storage picture.

Abstract: A system, methods, and algorithm for content-based image retrieval and recognition system, useful in all types images and image formats. An image(s) or an image segment(s), which is specified by the user in two clicks (the first in the upper-left corner and the second in the bottom-right corner), specifies the content-based sample. The sample image(s) is used to teach the system what to look for via the ABM (Attrasoft Boltzmann Machine) algorithm and APN (Attrasoft PolyNet) algorithm; the system then searches through one or many directories, which is specified by the user, and presents the research results. The search result consists of pairs matched image and a Weight (score), which specifies the similarity between the sample and matching images. These weights are also being used to classify images in the cases of the classification problem. The users are able to view the retrieved images in the result via a single click.

Abstract: This invention relates to a closing device (10) for a bag (1), particularly an insulated bag (1), comprising a first section (100) fitted with a handle (103) and fixed along part of the periphery on the side on which the bag (1) is open, and a second section (110) fixed by a portion of its said external surface along another part of this periphery and through which a hole is formed along a centre line (A) in which, the handle (103) can be inserted in a plane containing the centre line of the hole and the said insertion plane. This closing device is characterised in that it comprises means of fixing the handle (103) in the position inserted in the hole in the second section (110).

Abstract: A pressure sensitive one-way valve to control the release of pressurized gas from a sealed container wherein the sealed container has at least one venting aperture therein. The valve comprises a first layer of flexibly resilient material having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least the periphery of the lower surface of the first layer is adhered to the outer surface of the container and at least a portion of the interior of the lower surface is separable from the outer surface of the container. The separable portion and the portion of the outer surface of the container adjacent thereto forming an expansion chamber that is in communication with the venting apertures such that passage of gas through the venting aperture causes expansion of the expansion chamber. The expansion chamber also has a gas release aperture extending therethrough.

Abstract: A paper bag with a film inner bag in which the inner bag element is constructed so that its closed end portions can be torn in the lateral direction, thus allowing easy opening by hand across the entire width of the bag or across a part of this width. The inner bag element consists of a synthetic resin film and has cut portions formed along the longitudinal direction in the end portions of the bag that are closed by heat-sealing and that are planned to be opened in the future. The end portion constituting the bottom part is closed by heat-sealing, or by being folded together with the outer bag element or stitched with a sewing machine. The outer bag element, which consists of at least one layer, is formed mainly from craft paper. The synthetic resin film that forms the inner bag element is formed from a thermoplastic resin, and has the property of easy tearing in one axial direction.

Abstract: An xy stage assembly having an xy stage supported by support shafts and having preload shafts applying a load to the xy stage. The support shafts or the preload shafts can be drive shafts that drive the xy stage in the x direction. The support shafts and the preload shafts are supported by journal/bearing structures that are individually translatable in the z-direction to selectively provide a pitch, roll or z-axis displacement to the xy stage. The support shafts and the preload shafts can be individually translated in the y-direction to provide yaw to the xy stage. Either the support shafts or the preload shafts or both can have wheels that ride in grooves in the xy stage. Alternatively, either the support shafts or the preload shafts or both can have grooves in the circumference of the shafts and the xy stage has rails in which the grooves on the shafts ride. The xy stage may be divided into two section joined by a compressive layer.

Abstract: A rolling element interference preventer for a guide device prevents a number of rolling elements rolling at regular intervals in a continuous circulation path of the guide device from interfering with each other. The rolling element interference preventer is formed of a thermoplastic resin elastomer having a physical property in accordance with an expression, (A×B)÷C≧18, where A represents a 10% elongation stress, B represents a tensile strength, and C represents a bending modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a heat dissipation fan includes a bearing and a cap. The bearing has multiple grooves peripherally defined in the cylindrical body and a room defined in the body to communicate with the through hole in the center of the body. The cap is securely mounted on top of the bearing so that lubricant is able to be stopped from further movement away from the room.

Abstract: A low-friction bearing is a hollow cylinder including an inner bearing surface. The bearing includes an inner anti-friction layer, a second load bearing composite laminate and an outer backing layer. The inner layer characteristically both has a low coefficient of friction and is wear-resistant. The inner bearing surface is defined by the inner layer, the inner layer being a woven material composed of commingled low-friction fibers and wear-resistant fibers, the woven material being impregnated with a resin. The second layer is composed of a continuous filament composite which results in significantly improved load capacities and impact fatigue. An outer backing layer is made substantially of a thermoplastic material, the outer backing layer being molded upon the inner layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thrust bushing formed in such a way as to maximize its lubrication during use to minimize its wear. Broadly, at least one surface of the bushing is formed with grooves that extend between its central aperture and its outer diameter to allow the free flow of lubricant between the two and thus lubricate the entire bushing surface of the thrust bushing as it rotates during steering. The grooves may take a variety of forms such as radially extending rectangular grooves or spiral grooves to better spread lubricant over the entire bushing surface. The bushings may be imposed directly between the axle and the lower yoke or may be packaged in a cartridge between a pair of discs to provide a self-contained, well-lubricated package.

Abstract: A thrust washer formed from metal sheet has a flat, ring-shaped thrust portion oriented radially, and at least one tab extending from an outer or inner perimeter of the thrust portion. The tab includes a radially oriented midportion and at least one wing-portion extending perpendicular to the mid-portion and parallel to the axis of the thrust portion such that a flat surface of the wingportion can engage a recess of a backup member to prevent rotation of the thrust washer relative to the backup member. The tab is not symmetrical about a line along a diameter of the thrust portion.