Abstract: A method for scrambling a calculation involving at least one operation, of which at least one intermediary result takes into account at least one secret quantity, including modifying the intermediary result with a random quantity, carrying on the calculation with the modified result, and restoring an expected result at the end of the calculation.

Abstract: A method and system for brokering a transaction between a plurality of wireless communication devices is disclosed. The method and system includes enabling a plurality of wireless devices to communicate with one another, allowing a user to enter a request related to an object to be brokered into a first enabled wireless device, and exchanging the request with a plurality of enabled wireless devices. The system and method also includes receiving a response to the request by a third party facilitator from a user of a wireless device interested in completing the transaction. The third party facilitator will then complete the transaction between users of the first wireless device and the wireless device interested in completing the transaction. In another aspect of the present invention, at least one wireless broker device helps disseminate the request from the first wireless device to the wireless device interested in completing the transaction.

Abstract: A radio transceiver unit for use in a radio communications system and operable in a direct mode of operation (DMO), the radio transceiver unit comprising:

Abstract: In a data distribution system, data is divided into a number of application data units. A sequence of keys is generated systematically, and a different key is used to encrypt each data unit at the source. At the receivers, corresponding keys are generated and used to decrypt the data units to gain access to the data. The constructions used to generate the keys are such that an intrinsically limited subset of the entire sequence of keys is made available to the user by communicating a selected combination of one or more seed values.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling propagation of decryption keys is provided. One embodiment of the present invention includes an encryption key propagation control system wherein a generation number is identified with each decryption key and the generation number is queried each time a request is made to forward the decryption key to another user. The generation number is decremented at each request, and once it reaches zero, further requests are refused by the control system.

Abstract: A key establishment protocol includes the generation of a value of cryptographic function, typically a hash, of a session key and public information. This value is transferred between correspondents together with the information necessary to generate the session key. Provided the session key has not been compromised, the value of the cryptographic function will be the same at each of the correspondents. The value of the cryptographic function cannot be compromised or modified without access to the session key.

Abstract: A trust web keying process provides secure peer networking of computing devices on an open network. A device is initially keyed at distribution to an end user or installer with a device-specific cryptographic key, and programmed to respond only to peer networking communication secured using the device's key. The device-specific key is manually entered into a keying device that transmits a re-keying command secured with the device-specific key to the device for re-keying the device with a group cryptographic key. The device then securely peer networks with other devices also keyed with the group cryptographic key, forming a trust web. Guest devices can be securely peer networked with the trust web devices via a trust web gateway.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for monitoring the reaction of a user to a performance contains one or more sensors for detecting an indirect user response to the performance and a user interface enabling the user to provide a direct user response to the performance. A processor in the portable apparatus is programmed to provide a user reaction signal comprising a combination of the indirect user response and the direct user response to the performance. This user reaction signal may be transmitted to to remote apparatus. A monitoring system using such portable apparatus, and a music playing system using such a monitoring system, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile terminal equipment having local circuits susceptible to the influence of magnetic field fluctuation, which is capable of reducing phase shift of the local circuit arrangement even when a magnetic field fluctuation occurs. In the mobile terminal equipment, when the speaker is activated to emit a sound at a specific fixed frequency, a phase shift which is generated in the PLLIC due to the influence of an electromotive force produced in the VCO accompanying with a magnetic field fluctuation caused by fine vibration of the speaker magnet section, is reduced by performing fine adjustment of the frequency of the VCTCXO, thus the deterioration of modulation accuracy characteristics during the sound emission of the speaker is restrained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit (100) for processing an audio signal comprising first selection means (110) for selecting a frequency band (111) of the audio signal, a harmonic generator (120) arranged to generate sub-harmonics (231) of the frequencies (211) in the selected frequency band (111) and arranged to generate higher harmonics of the generated sub-harmonics (231). The circuit further comprises second selection means (130) for removing at least a part of the generated sub-harmonics (231) from the output signal of the harmonic generator (120). The circuit also comprises adding means (140) for adding the output signal of the second selection means (130) to the audio signal. This circuit can be used for bass enhancement of music.

Abstract: A sound signal is processed in two branches (10, 20).

Abstract: A microphone for a full duplex speaker phone comprises a loudspeaker, a uni-directional microphone, a omni-directional microphone, and a background noise suppression circuit. The uni-directional microphone is a directional microphone such that the intensity of an acoustic source detected at the uni-directional microphone is dependent on the angular direction of the acoustic source relative to a reference direction. The omni-directional microphone is a non-directional microphone such that the intensity of the acoustic source detected at the omni-directional microphone is substantially independent of the angular direction of the acoustic source relative to the reference direction. The background noise suppression circuit determines the direction of the acoustic source by calculating a quotient between a signal strength of the acoustic source as detected by the two microphones and provides for suppressing an acoustic source that is not within a threshold angle of the reference angle.

Abstract: A method for processing a sound signal is proposed, which is applied to a signal processing system including a signal receiving device, a signal recognizing device and a signal processing device. The signal recognizing device is used to distinguish the sound signal received from the signal receiving device into a sound source signal and background interference, so as to eliminate the background interference and transfer the sound source signal to the signal processing device. In this case, the signal processing device merely processes and amplifies the sound source signal, and thus no filtering circuit is required for the elimination of the background interference.

Abstract: A volume circuit contains resistive ladder circuits, from which a desired fractional voltage output (Vs) is extracted and supplied to an amplifier to provide an output voltage (Vout). The resistive ladder circuits comprise multiple lines of series resistances, wherein each line contains a resistance portion ‘nR’ (where ‘n’ denotes a division index, and ‘R’ denotes an element resistance) that is connected in parallel with a next line, so that an overall resistance of following lines is ‘(n−1)×n’ times larger than the element resistance. Secondary resistive ladder circuits can be additionally arranged in series in order to control a secondary amplifier that absorbs excessive currents flowing into the resistive ladder circuits. The secondary resistive ladder circuits are constituted symmetrically with the resistive ladder circuits, in which output terminals (t1-t12) are all set to the same potential.

Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling audio signal gain in a communication device starts with determining a level of an input audio signal. The level is then mapped against a table of predetermined corresponding gain targets to determine an appropriate gain target for that level. The gain targets are then applied to the audio signal, which is then output. The invention is particularly suited to speakerphone operation in a communication device, wherein the gain targets provide compression, expansion or limiting so that distant speakers can be heard clearly.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of speaklets (MEMS membranes) produces a stream of clicks (discrete pulses of acoustic energy) that are summed to generate the desired soundwave. The speaklets are selected to be energized based on the value of a digital signal. The greater the significance of the bit of the digital signal, the more speaklets that are energized in response to that bit. Thus, a time-varying sound level is generated by time-varying the number of speaklets emitting clicks. Louder sound is generated by increasing the number of speaklets emitting clicks. The present invention represents a substantial advance over the prior art in that sound is generated directly from a digital signal without the need to convert the digital signal first to an analog signal for driving a diaphragm.

Abstract: A control device for mixing and positioning voices comprises at least one input audio channel controllers, at least one output audio channel controllers, and at least one preset changing main controller. Each input audio channel controller further comprises an input electric balance controller, an input to output connection controller; and a main controlling loop selector. Each preset changing main controller further comprises a change control button and a change selector. The voice output is set according to visual viewpoint and movement viewpoint. When a viewpoint of an image changes or movements, the viewpoint and position of the position are also changed. The setting of voice positioning must be designed to match the visual viewpoint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-function actuator comprising: a case having an internal space; a vibrating coil installed in the case for generating vibration; a diaphragm for generating sound with an outer end being fixed to the upper end of the case; a voice coil fixedly installed in the bottom of the diaphragm for generating sound according to a sound source and having an notch filter; a vertically magnetized magnet; an upper plated attached to the magnet for constituting a magnetic circuit; a yoke for constituting the magnetic circuit together with the magnet; a weight for constituting a vibrator body together with the magnet, the upper plate and the yoke; and a suspension spring for supporting the vibrator body. In generating sound, sound quality is improved without influencing sound while vibration is reduced.

Abstract: An audio reproducing device is provided with an input for receiving an n-channel input signal, an output for supplying an l-channel output signal to l loudspeakers, and an audio processing unit for processing the input signal. The audio processing unit comprises enhancing means for enhancing an m-channel signal part of the n-channel input signal, whereby m≦n, the enhancing means having for each channel signal part of said m-channel signal part a non-linear anti-symmetric monotone transfer function. The audio reproducing device is further provided with a speech-music discriminator, which, in response to one of the channel signal parts of said m-channel signal part designated for speech, generates a control signal indicating the probability p that said one of the channel signal parts comprises speech signals. By means of this control signal the enhancing means are controlled.

Abstract: A hearing aid system for selecting one of two audio sources is disclosed. The hearing aid system comprises hearing aid circuitry, such as, for example, a hearing aid amplifier and speaker, as well as a primary source for audio, such as, for example, a hearing aid microphone. The hearing aid system also comprises a secondary source for audio, such as, for example, a directional microphone worn or otherwise supported by a person speaking or by the hearing aid user, as well as detection and switch circuitry to select which of the primary and secondary audio sources should be directed to the hearing aid circuitry. In operation, the detection and switch circuitry receives a signal transmission (preferably wireless) from the secondary audio source and determines whether the signal received is desirable. If the signal transmission is desirable, the circuitry selects that signal for coupling with the hearing aid circuitry.

Abstract: A method of improving sound quality of audio signals that are digitally processed includes steps of extracting amplitude and frequency modulations from one or more narrow bands of the audio signal, and filtering and compressing those modulations to produce amplitude and frequency modulated audio signals that are digitally processed to provide an acoustic signal similar to the original audio signal. The methods may be used in auditory prostheses and telecommunication systems.

Abstract: The physical fit, comfort, and appearance of a hearing instrument that resides in the ear can be improved by providing the shell of the instrument with a textured finish. A variety of textured finishes can be imparted during the fabrication process or applied after fabrication.

Abstract: The physical fit, comfort, and appearance of a hearing instrument that resides in the ear can be improved by providing the shell of the instrument with a textured finish. A variety of textured finishes can be imparted during the fabrication process or applied after fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hearing aid with various changes of shapes, more particularly to free hearing aid providing multi-shape and multi-function. The components of hearing aid—ear tip, shell, faceplate cover, faceplate, and battery room cover etc.—that are standardized suitably to various sizes of many people is produced on a large scale, and a coupling production that can combine and separate components of hearing aid easily changes the form of the hearing aid variously. Also, because only the replacement of battery room cover transforms the volume of a battery room, battery capacity of various sizes can be used.

Abstract: An earphone comprises a main body and an ear hanger. The main body is to be placed at an entrance of an external auditory meatus of an ear of a user. The main body includes a loudspeaker received therein. The ear hanger is connected to the main body. The ear hanger is adapted to be mounted on the ear. The ear hanger has a curved shape. The ear hanger comprises a core and a sheathing member for surrounding at least part of the core so as to provide a dual structure. The core is formed of hard material and the sheathing member is formed of elastic material.

Abstract: An interchangeable loudspeaker assembly capable of pivoting the low-frequency and high-frequency transducers to provide directional sound while avoiding hindrance of sound waves by the loudspeaker frame.

Abstract: A speaker for a portable phone capable of being assembled without bonding by adhesives is disclosed. The speaker has a protector having a plurality of sound holes, and having an annular tension extension formed at a periphery thereof and extended upwardly and outwardly; a frame having a stepped portion and a cylindrical wall extended upwardly from the periphery of the stepped portion and having locking means; a diaphragm seated on the stepped portion of the frame and intended to generate sound; a voice coil attached to a lower surface of the diaphragm and adapted to vibrate; a top plate disposed in the voice coil; and a magnet fixedly disposed between the top plate and the frame and adapted to generate a predetermined magnetic field.

Abstract: A loudspeaker magnetic motor utilizes a voice coil with two or more wire coils that are connected in parallel and that are layered on top of one another. The motor utilizes, as a magnetic field source, a permanent magnet and, more particularly, a permanent magnet that includes a rare earth metal such as a neodymium boron iron magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing first and second imaging processes contemporaneously, in particular where one of the processes is detecting fires based on images of the flames. The apparatus includes an image sensor for producing a video image, a frame grabber for capturing first frames and second frames, a processor for processing the data within the frames, and an output device. The apparatus may also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the image settings of the image sensor between settings suitable for flame imaging and non-flame imaging, and a control mechanism for controlling the image settings of the image sensor. In the method at least two first frames are obtained, and a plurality of second frames are obtained. The first and second frames are used for first and second processes. The first and second processes are contemporaneous, so that they are carried out within the same time period without interfering with one another.

Abstract: An original (a piece of paper or electronic data) is input to an input unit 2 and imaged, and simultaneously identification area specific to the original is identified (S200). Then document identification information to be embedded is extracted from the identification area of the imaged original that has been identified at S200 (S202). The information extracted at S202 is converted to a digital signature (S204). The information converted to a digital signature at S204 is embedded to the imaged original as a digital watermark (S206). The image of the document that has been embedded with the information at S206 is output to a digital watermark extracting device via an output unit 14 (S208).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reading address fields on mail items when the address field cannot be automatically read. Herein, when an address field cannot be read, a signature of the surface of the mail piece where the address field is believed to be is made. The signature is derived from a scanning the surface and forming a grid pattern of the larger typographical fields. A database is queried to determine if a match exists between the signature and another signature. If a match is found, the information is imported into the automatic reading process, the information assisting in the reading of the address field. If no match is found, the scanned image is manually encoded and this information is used.

Abstract: An object is tracked among a plurality of image frames. In an initial frame an operator selects an object. The object is distinguished from the remaining background portion of the image to yield a background and a foreground. A model of the background is used and updated in subsequent frames. A model of the foreground is used and updated in the subsequent frames. Pixels in subsequent frames are classified as belonging to the background or the foreground. In subsequent frames, decisions are made, including: which pixels do not belong to the background; which pixels in the foreground are to be updated; which pixels in the background were observed incorrectly in the current frame; and which background pixels are being observed for the first time. In addition, mask filtering is performed to correct errors, eliminate small islands and maintain spatial and temporal coherency of a foreground mask.

Abstract: A monitor transmits the monitored image signals which have been obtained by imaging subjects to be monitored corresponding to terminals of image signals from a plurality of image pickup apparatuses to the corresponding terminals, respectively. At the terminals, the monitored image signals which have been obtained by imaging subjects to be monitored corresponding to the terminals are respectively received to display the monitored image signals thus received, respectively.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for localizing a rack, including sensing an image of the rack, detecting line segments in the sensed image, recognizing a candidate arrangement of line segments in the sensed image indicative of a predetermined feature of the rack, generating a matrix of correspondence between the candidate arrangement of line segments and an expected position and orientation of the predetermined feature of the rack, and estimating a position and orientation of the rack based on the matrix of correspondence.

Abstract: An incremental motion estimation system and process for estimating the camera pose parameters associated with each image of a long image sequence. Unlike previous approaches, which rely on point matches across three or more views, the present system and process also includes those points shared only by two views. The problem is formulated as a series of localized bundle adjustments in such a way that the estimated camera motions in the whole sequence are consistent with each other. The result of the inclusion of two-view matching points and the localized bundle adjustment approach is more accurate estimates of the camera pose parameters for each image in the sequence than previous incremental techniques, and providing an accuracy approaching that of global bundle adjustment techniques except with processing times about 100 to 700 times faster than the global approaches.

Abstract: A method of detecting relative movement between a scene from which radiation emanates and a matrix of pixels observing the scene and capable of detecting the radiation, each pixel of the matrix measuring contrast vector information representative of the observed scene monitors the evolution of the contrast vector information in each pixel of the matrix During a first time interval, it detects among the pixels the pixel whose magnitude vector information value is greater than the magnitude vector information value of the adjacent pixels. During a second time interval consecutive to the first time interval it detects if the magnitude vector information of the pixel whose value was at a maximum during the first time interval has decreased. It generates output signals representative of the relative movement if a decrease is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for biometric identification and response is presented. Raw biometric data is received by a biometric acquisition system. The biometric acquisition system generates a digital signature based on the raw biometric data. The digital signature is compared to a biometric action data list to find a match. If a match is found, a message is sent to one or more recipients based on who the identified person is. The message can be customized and include a current photo of the identified person and the location as to where the identified person is spotted. The message may be encrypted and also include a digital signature of the sender in order for the recipient to verify the sender of the message.

Abstract: A color image sensor sequentially acquires a plurality of fingerprint images when a finger is pressed against the detector surface. A color information extraction unit detects the finger color in synchronization with the input of the plurality of fingerprint images. An areal information extraction unit detects a physical quantity representing the pressure applied by the finger to the color image sensor when the plurality of fingerprint images are acquired, particularly, the quantity related with the area of the finger in contact with the detector surface. A living body identification unit determines whether the finger is a live or dead one by the analysis of correlation between the physical quantity and the finger color. According to this configuration, even if the finger color does not change much, it is possible to distinguish living bodies from dead ones if there is a sufficient correlation with information such as the area of the fingerprint that reflects the finger pressure.

Abstract: A method and a system for comparing a set of minutiae of a current image with a set of minutiae of a reference image, according to which the minutiae are sorted by their Cartesian coordinates in the image plane from a predetermined point of origin, a common path of similar minutiae is searched in the reference set and in the current set, and it is considered that there is an identity between the two images if the common path is comprised of a number of segments greater than a first threshold.

Abstract: A method of comparing an input pattern with a memory pattern includes the steps of loading a representation of said input pattern into cells in an input layer; loading a representation of said memory pattern into cells in a memory layer; loading an initial value into cells in an intermediate layers between said input layer and said memory layer; comparing values of cells in said intermediate layers with values stored in cells of adjacent layers; updating values stored in cells in said intermediate layers based on said step of comparing; and mapping cells in said memory layer to cells in said input layer.

Abstract: A microscope system (4) for the observation of dynamic processes comprises a microscope (50) having at least one detector (19), and a computer (34). A buffer memory (54) precedes a comparator (58) that compares image contents of at least two successive image frames (56k and 56k+1). Depending on the result obtained from the comparator (58), the image frames are stored in different segments of a data structure (66) that is provided.

Abstract: A fully-automated method for segmentation of white matter, gray matter, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and for calculating their respective volumes is disclosed. The technique preferably uses a T2-weighted scan and a proton-density scan. The T2-weighted scans are used to highlight those portion of the brain corresponding to CSF. Thereafter, the proton density images are separated in CSF-containing and CSF-free portions, in accordance with the T2-weighted images. The CSF-free portion is then segmented into white matter and gray matter portions. The CSF-containing portion is further segmented into pure CSF-regions, and regions containing a mixture of gray and white matter and CSF. After CSF is segmented from this mixture, the white and gray matter and again segmented, and the respective volumes of white matter, gray matter, and CSF are calculated.

Abstract: A method for inspecting composite tape including cover tape bonded to carrier tape comprises capturing a digital image of the composite tape, dividing the seal tracks within the image into a plurality of fragments or segments. The method also provides for analyzing each segment of the seal track for the presence or absence of the seal and for the width of the seal, and assigning a failing grade to the segment if the seal is not continuous within the segment or if the seal has a width less than a minimum width within the segment. The method further provides for notifying a machine operator of a defective seal if the number consecutively-failed segments in the seal track exceeds a defect tolerance. The method also provides for measuring the spacings of the carrier tape edge, cover tape edge, and seal tracks from each other and comparing those spacings to acceptable values.

Abstract: A method of checking overlap accuracy of patterns on fourth semiconductor layers. The first checking pattern is formed on the first semiconductor layer, the second checking pattern is formed on the second semiconductor layer, the third checking pattern is formed on the third semiconductor layer and the fourth checking pattern is formed on the fourth semiconductor layer. The first, second and third checking patterns overlap to form the first rectangular frame and the fourth checking pattern is surrounded by the first rectangular frame. A first pair of parallel sides of the first rectangular frame is formed by the first checking pattern and the second pair of parallel sides of the first rectangular frame is formed by the second and third checking patterns. Overlap accuracy of the patterns is obtained by checking the location error between the fourth checking pattern and the first checking pattern and the location error between the fourth checking pattern and the second and third checking patterns respectively.

Abstract: A reticle inspection apparatus for detecting defects on a reticle 16 includes an image data generator 42 for generating image data of the reticle 16, a definition analyzer 44 for analyzing definition of image from the image data, a definition judge device 45 for judging whether or not the definition of image is within a predetermined reference range and a sensor position regulating stage 34 for correcting a position of a position sensor 33 when the definition of image is out of the reference range. The reticle inspection apparatus constructed as mentioned is reliable and capable of automatically diagnosing an error of an auto-focusing function of the reticle inspection apparatus due to deformation, etc., of the reticle inspection apparatus.

Abstract: Automated techniques for identifying dummy/main features on a mask layer are provided. In a multiple mask layer technique, the definition of a dummy/main feature can be based on connectivity information or functional association information. In a geometry technique, the definition of a dummy/main feature can be based on a feature size, a feature shape, a pattern of features, or a proximity of a feature to a neighboring feature. In one embodiment, multiple definitions and multiple techniques can be used.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining a first image and a second image defining a convergent stereo image, and constructing a three-dimensional images based on the obtained first and second images. In one embodiment, a deflector, such as a prism, is rotably mounted about an axis, and first and second inputs received by the deflector are deflected towards a receptor at or proximate to the axis. In one embodiment, the axis and the deflector are perpendicular to a rotation plane, and the first and second inputs are tangential to a region defined by the rotation of the deflector about the axis, opposing each other, and parallel to the rotation plane. The first and second images are respectively determined with respect to first and second inputs received as the deflector rotates about the axis.

Abstract: A method for segmenting a color image into a plurality of regions includes converting the image to a three-dimensional color space, generating a histogram for each dimension in the color space, using the histogram for each dimension to generate a plurality of connecting-boxes in the three-dimensional color space, and computing a normalized variance value of each connecting-box in order to form clusters of connecting-boxes corresponding to regions of the image. An illustrated application for the image segmentation method is in an object recognition system suitable for aligning a probe of an atomic force microscope with a feature of a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a perceptually-based system for pattern retrieval and matching, suitable for use in a wide variety of information processing applications. An illustrative embodiment of the system uses a predetermined vocabulary comprising one or more dimensions to extract color and texture information from an information signal, e.g., an image, selected by a user. The system then generates a distance measure characterizing the relationship of the selected image to another image stored in a database, by applying a grammar, comprising a set of predetermined rules, to the color and texture information extracted from the selected image and corresponding color and texture information associated with the stored image. The vocabulary may include dimensions such as overall color, directionality and orientation, regularity and placement, color purity, and pattern complexity and heaviness.

Abstract: A method for processing digital photographic image data includes a method for the automatic detection of red-eye defects. Before the image data are subjected to an elaborate process for the detection of red-eye defects, exclusion criteria are analyzed in the course of an exclusion process, whereby the criteria provide the information to definitively rule out the occurrence of red-eye defects. The red-eye detection process is not carried out if such exclusion criteria are fulfilled.