Abstract: The invention provides techniques for secure messages transmission using a public key system to exchange secret keys. A first entity creates public and private keys by generating a product n of two large, randomly chosen prime numbers, and then generating random matrices {A, C}, in the group GL(r,Zn) with a chosen matrix rank r such that AC is not equal to CA, and then generating a matrix B=CAC, and finding a matrix G that commutes with C. Matrices A, B, G and the integers n and r are then published as the public key and matrix C is then kept as the private key. A second entity then obtains the public key and calculates a secret matrix D that commutes with G, and further calculates the matrices K=DBD and E=DAD. The message to be sent is then encrypted using matrix K as the secret key and then sent to the first entity with matrix E. First entity then retrieves secret matrix K using K=CEC and then decrypts the received encrypted message using the retrieved secret matrix K.

Abstract: A data encryption system implemented by running on a cache-equipped computer an encryption program including transformation tables each of which contains a predetermined number of entries. All or necessary ones of the transformation tables are loaded into the cache memory before encryption/decryption process. This causes encryption/decryption time to be made substantially equal independently of the number of operation entries for the transformation table. It is very difficult to extract plain texts used to determine a key differential, resulting in difficulties in cryptanalysis.

Abstract: A broadcasting system for receiving a plurality of programs from different programming sources having a plurality of first receivers for receiving the plurality of programs as analog and digital signals. The master control unit includes an analog to digital converter, a storage server, a plurality of playback stations, compression and encryption processors, a multiplexer and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to provide programming instructions to store, process, compress, encrypt, monitor and generate an output signal comprising the plurality of programs in a predetermined format. A transmitter that is coupled to the master control unit transmits the output signal to a plurality of second receivers. The master control unit continues monitoring the output signal after it is received by the plurality of second receivers. The generated output signal provides a combination of the plurality of programs received from different programming sources in a single channel.

Abstract: A movie anti-piracy system with sensing and reporting is provided. A movie projector projects a light image to reflect off of a screen, while an infrared energy projection source generates an infrared energy pattern which is reflected off the screen (or otherwise projected) in the same field of view as the light images reflecting from the screen. Infrared energy sensors are positioned in the seating area of the theater. The infrared sensors provide sensed signals respectively to a sensor response controller. The controller is responsive to the sensor signals to provide an infrared status (and other data) signal output to a control center. The control center responds to the infrared status and other data signals, from one or a plurality of theaters, and provides for reporting of information (such as security compliance, attendance, etc.) to one or multiple reporting sites (such as movie distribution studios, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, computer program product and a device for detecting watermarks in digital data for the purpose of electronic copyright management system. The invention includes transforming the original as well as unwatermarked data. Thereafter, tagging the resultant components of the transformed data using a pair of rows and columns. Then, selecting significant components in the said transformed data, transforming the suspected watermarked data and tagging the components in the transformed data. Further, selecting the tagged components from the transformed suspected watermarked data corresponding to those selected as significant in the original transformed data, and comparing said two groups of selected significant components to detect the watermarks.

Abstract: A receiver includes decoder means for decoding an audio and/or video data stream of a received digital broadcast program; and processor means for storing an identification code of the received digital broadcast program and a profile representative of quality of the decoded audio and/or video data stream.

Abstract: This invention proposes an alternative: quantum cryptography by ambiguity in time. It comprises the conversion of K bits to be transmitted into a train of K pulses of particle flows of time width &Dgr;T and whose frequency Tb, is predetermined knowing that each of the K pulses being shifted or not in time such that the kth pulse is shifted by a duration t0 respectively t1, with respect to the initial instant of the period depending on the value “0”, respectively “1” of the kth bit, where k is an integer such that 0≦k<K and the shifts t0 and t1 are such that 0≦t0,t1≦Tb−&Dgr;T and 0<It1−t0I<&Dgr;T.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for scrambling/descrambling sets of data bits using subsets of a recurring sequence of scrambler bits. A self-synchronous scrambler, regardless of the generating polynomial being implemented, will generate repeating sequences of scrambler bits regardless of the initial stage of the scrambler. To implement a parallel scrambler, given a current state of the scrambler, the next n states of the scrambler are predicted based on the current state of the scrambler. The scrambling operation can then be preformed using the values in the current state—parallel logic operations between preselected bits of the current state will yield the required values to be used in scrambling an incoming parallel data set. Once these required values are generated, a parallel logical operation between the required values and the incoming data set will result in the scrambled output data.

Abstract: An encrypted content transport stream is received by a viewer's device and recorded for subsequent playback. During recording, keys in headers of packets of the stream are stripped and placed in sequence in a table. Also, the table indicates changes in key indicating bits. When it is desired to play the content, start-of-frame indicator bits such as PUSI and/or RAI bits are used to access the table of keys to retrieve the keys necessary to decrypt the transport stream packets sought to be played.

Abstract: If no encryption key necessary for performing encrypted communication to opposite communication terminal 6 exists, subscriber terminal 5 transmits key exchange proxy request message to service control unit 1. The service control unit 1 transfer the key exchange proxy request to key exchange proxy server 2 based on service profile transmitted from authentication server 3. The key exchange proxy server 2 decides key by transmitting/receiving key exchange message to/from the opposite communication terminal 6. A message including the decided key is transmitted to the service control unit 1. The service control unit transfer the message from the key exchange proxy server 2 with the key to the subscriber terminal 5 based on the service profile. Then, encrypted communication between the subscriber terminal 5 and the opposite communication terminal 6 is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sharing the authorization to use specific resources among multiple devices, which resources are accessible via messages on which a secret key operation was applied with a predetermined secret master key d available at a master device 11. In order to provide an optimized sharing of authorization, it is proposed that the master device 11 splits the secret master key d into two parts d1, d2. A piece of information relating to the first part d1 of the secret master key d is forwarded to the slave device 13 for enabling this slave device to perform a partial secret key operation on a message m. The second part d2 of the secret master key d is forwarded to a server 12 for enabling the server 12 to perform partial secret key operations on a message m received from the slave device 13.

Abstract: A process for translating M audio input channels representing a soundfield to N audio output channels representing the same soundfield, wherein each channel is a single audio stream representing audio arriving from a direction, M and N are positive whole integers, and M is at least 2, generates one or more sets of output channels, each set having one or more output channels. Each set is associated with two or more spatially adjacent input channels and each output channel in a set is generated by a process that includes determining a measure of the correlation of the two or more input channels and the level interrelationships of the two or more input channels.

Abstract: In a first mode where no audio reproduction is to be executed in a second zone, each selector switch shifts to a Z1 contact. In a second mode where audio reproduction is to be executed in the second zone, each selector switch shifts to a Z2 contact. In the second mode, a DSP executes sound field correction on main and rear signals such that sound fields in the first zone have desired characteristics. Setting section can select either a first speaker mode where speakers connected to first output terminals and speakers connected to second output terminals are both positioned in the first zone, or a second speaker mode where the speakers connected to the first output terminals are positioned in the first zone and the speakers connected to the second output terminals are positioned in the second zone. When the output to the first output terminals is off while the output to the second output terminals is on in the second speaker mode, the DSP stops outputting the surround signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive filter. In one embodiment, the adaptive filter includes a solution vector generator that develops a sparse expression of an initial solution vector. In addition, the adaptive filter includes a proportionate normalized least mean squares (PNLMS) analyzer, coupled to the solution vector generator, that employs the sparse expression to converge upon at least one coefficient for the adaptive filter.

Abstract: Defects in principle of low-frequency sound reproduction that conventional technologies essentially have are overcome by using a novel method for performing direct modulation when an air-current occurs. There is provided a speaker system, including an air-current generating unit for generating an air-current, and an air-current modulating unit for frequency-modulating the air-current generated by the air-current generating unit with a sound signal to which the driving of the air-current generating unit is input to generate sound waves in accordance with the sound signal.

Abstract: A thin, lightweight electroacoustic actuator device covering a large surface area providing a high piston-like output over the frequency range of from at least 30 to in excess of 500 Hz comprising a stiff, lightweight face plate; a backing structure disposed below the face plate; at least one driver structure disposed between the face plate and the backing structure; and flexible structure flexibly connecting the at least one driver to the face plate.

Abstract: A diaphragm of an optical-acoustic transducer, which improves placement and a shape of a suspension in a cantilever form, and is compact with high performance and suitable for mass production, is provided.

Abstract: A loudspeaker and a method of manufacturing a loudspeaker having a front-mounted sealing element is disclosed. A molded sealing element made of thermoplastic elastomer is disposed on the front end face of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker according to the invention, unlike conventional loudspeakers having foam sealing strips, is easier to manufacture and produces a better acoustic seal, as well as improved temperature and humidity stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication device comprising a housing in which a battery drawer for accommodating a circular battery is mounted pivotally and in which means for preventing unintended removal of the battery are provided. The battery drawer comprises two side elements for preventing gripping of the essentially planar sides of the battery and an aperture intended for insertion of an object for pressing the battery out of the battery drawer. The invention further relates to a battery drawer for use in a communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system comprising a housing adapted for placement behind an ear, the housing comprising a battery compartment which is pivotally mounted on the housing, and which has a recess. The communication system further comprises an communication element, which has a protruding element adapted for engagement with the recess in the battery compartment in such a manner that the communication element may be pivoted together with the battery compartment. Preferably the communication element when the battery compartment is in a closed position may not be displaced in relation to the communication device housing.

Abstract: A housing (3) for electrical and/or electronic microdevices, in particular hearing aids (1), encompassing at least one switchable element or switching circuit system, is provided with a pressure-sensitive, bendable and/or elastic section (11). That section is functionally connected to the said switching element or circuit system in such fashion that applying pressure on the housing or bending or deforming the elastic section (11) triggers a switching operation of the switching element or circuit system.

Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a retainer in the form of a removable compliant polymer sheath. The present invention further teaches a wireless headset reduced in size to an earpiece, in which the comfort and sanitation of the user and the life span of the device may in increased by providing a replaceable compliant polymer sheath for the sound tube which is inserted into the ear canal: friction between the ear canal and the sheath retains the wireless headset in the ear canal. In alternative embodiments, the sheath and ear canal may mechanically cooperate to retain the wireless headset in the ear canal. The sheath may be easily removed and replaced so as to adapt the length and diameter of the device for the needs and comfort of different users. In addition, the replaceable polymer sheath allows safe and sanitary use of one wireless device by more than one user.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a wireless ear-piece such as may be used in conjunction with a base unit attached to an office telephone, cell telephone, etc. The ear-piece is of a compact body construction which sits at the user's ear, supported by the physical engagement of an ear tube with the inner surface of the ear canal of the user. The unit's microphone sits at the user's ear, within the body. In order to allow adjustment of the device per ambient auditory conditions, a number of interchangeable microphone tubes may be applied so as to more clearly transmit the voice of the user to the microphone. The microphone tubes may also be rotated so as to allow adjustment of beveled microphone tube ends. The microphone tube beveled end further features a grill work across the opening. The microphone tubes may also function as interchangeable radio antennas for the wireless ear-piece.

Abstract: A speaker includes a diaphragm having a central aperture at which a bobbin with a voice coil wound therearound is mounted, and mounted at the outer periphery thereof on a frame with an edge therebetween, and a magnetic circuit section that has a magnetic gap in which the bobbin is placed, and that drives the diaphragm to vibrate in the frontward and rearward direction. The speaker can use a larger diaphragm by providing the frame with an edge-mounting portion on which the edge is mounted, and a portion formed in front of the edge-mounting portion.

Abstract: A voice coil bobbin comprises a cloth material woven from longitudinal and lateral fibers, and transmits driving force caused by a voice coil wound thereon to a diaphragm. The longitudinal or lateral fibers are obliquely oriented with respect to the direction of the driving force. Thus, rigidity and mechanical strength required for the voice coil bobbin are ensured with reduced weight and cost.

Abstract: A digital watermark information is extracted from geometrically deformed image without using a calibrating digital watermark. Pixel data at positions predetermined in an X-Y coordinate used when embedding the watermark is extracted from image data in which the digital watermark has been embedded for given pixel data and compared with a reference value to determine whether the watermark has been embedded in the pixel data concerned or not. This processing is repeated until it is confirmed that the information is embedded in the pixel data concerned, while applying geometric deformation to the image data.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle-onboard driving lane recognizing apparatus of a small scale includes an image pick-up unit (1) mounted on a motor vehicle for picking up images of scenes making appearance in front of the motor vehicle, an image data selecting unit (2) for selecting image data only of a predetermined region from the image picked up by the image pick-up unit (1), an image data storing unit (3) for storing the image data, and a driving lane recognizing unit (4) for detecting lane markings (21) on the road from the image data stored in the image data storing unit (3) to thereby recognize a driving lane extending along the lane markings (21). The image data selecting unit (2), the image data storing unit (3) and the driving lane recognizing unit (4) are all implemented in a single chip.

Abstract: A landmark used to effectively determine the location of an autonomous vehicle, and a self-localization apparatus and method using the landmark are provided. In the self-localization method, first, first and second outer line information and shape information are extracted from a landmark image received from a camera. Next, a projective invariant is calculated from the shape information and stored in a hash table. Thereafter, the calculated projective invariant is compared with reference projective invariants for a plurality of landmarks stored in a predetermined data storage area in the form of a hash table, thereby determining which landmark corresponds to the landmark image. Then, information on the distance and orientation of the determined landmark with respect to the autonomous vehicle is analyzed in response to the first and second outer line information.

Abstract: A method of multi-resolution adaptive correlation processing of images, such as seeded fluid flow images, to efficiently increase the spatial resolution and dynamic range of detecting particle image displacements in the images. The technique takes full advantage of the multi-resolution characteristic of the discrete correlation function by starting the processing at the smallest scale and if necessary gradually building correlation planes into larger interrogation areas based on the result of inter-level correlation correction and validation. It is shown that the method can be implemented in both direct and FFT based correlation algorithms with greatly reduced computational complexity. Processing the images at the lowest scale (e.g. pixel or particle image size) allows the combination of correlation planes of various shapes both in space and in time for maximizing the correlation plane signal-to-noise ratio or for estimating statistical flow parameters.

Abstract: A system for generating composite reports respecting personnel traffic at a personnel checkpoint is provided. The system comprises a personnel identifier reading device disposed at the personnel checkpoint and operable by a personnel passing the checkpoint. The reading device responds to operation by the personnel by generating an identifier signal representative of an identifier of the personnel. A scanning device responds to the identifier signal by generating a features signal representative of at least one physiological feature of the personnel. A clocking device responds to the identifier signal by generating a time signal representative of a current time. A composite report generator is also included and is operative to generate a composite report for the identifier. The composite report comprises both the represented current time and the represented at least one physiological feature.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical identification device comprising a digital camera (4), the camera including a member for changing focal length between at least a visual observation focal length and a print recognition focal length, and the device including an automatic print recognition system (10), which is connected to the camera to be activated when the camera is in the print recognition focal length.

Abstract: A personal authentication apparatus includes a facial region extraction which extracts an image of a facial region of a person obtained from image sensing input unit, a guide unit which guides motion of the person of interest, a feature amount extraction unit which extracts the feature amount of a face from the image of the facial region extracted by the facial region extraction unit while the motion is guided by the guide unit, a dictionary registration unit which registers the feature amount extracted by the feature amount extraction unit as a feature amount of the person of interest, and an authentication unit which authenticates the person of interest in accordance with the similarity between the feature amount extracted by the feature amount extraction unit, and a feature amount which is registered by the dictionary registration unit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for estimating face direction using a single gray-level image (110, 150) of a face are described. Given the single image (110, 150), a face direction can be determined by computing a nose axis (140, 180) maximising a correlation measure between left and right sides (120, 130; 160, 170) of the face. The correlation measure is computed by comparing one of the two sides (A) with another synthetic side (C) derived from the other side (B) using symmetry and perspective transforms. Optionally, this process can be accelerated using a contrast enhancement algorithm taking advantage of the circumstances that the nose is the part of a face reflecting the most light and that this reflected light is represented as a line-like region close to the real nose axis.

Abstract: A fingerprint authentication device comprises input finger characteristic judging portion 13. The input finger characteristic judging portion 13 judges whether the input data is proper or not on the basis of spatial frequency analysis of an fingerprint image represented by the input data. An observation area deciding portion decides an observation area on the fingerprint image. A frequency analyzing portion 132 transforms image of the observation area into a Fourier transformed image. The frequency analyzing portion 132 further calculates averages and dispersion of strength values corresponding to predetermined spatial frequency bands. A discriminative value calculating portion calculates discriminative values by the use of the averages and the dispersion. A deciding portion decides whether the input image is proper or not by the use of the discriminative values together with discriminative coefficient preliminary calculated.

Abstract: An automated digital processing system and method for characterizing the probability of a finger print match for at least one finger including a means for providing at least a plurality of match scores for at least one finger; a means for providing a finger index; a means for providing a number of fingers used in the search; a means for providing a number of times a finger index appears in a subset of probable matches; and a means for providing a number of records in the database. At least two record identification metrics are calculated and a means for calculating a match credibility metric of the calculated record identification metrics is provided based on a function of at least one of: the number of fingers used in the search, the first record identification metric, and the second record identification metric. A means for providing a user with at least one of the record identification metrics is further provided.

Abstract: A system to generate a template of a fingerprint input image is described. The system provides for smoothing the input image, forming a binary image from it, and further processing the binary image to extract the minutia of the fingerprint. The minutiae are stored in the template, in the form of locations of each minutia in relation to all other minutiae. The system includes optional identification and verification steps, which compare the template generated according to the system with templates stored in a fingerprint database.

Abstract: A system and a method for minutiae record matching is claimed that includes the processing a first plurality of minutiae match values having a first ordered series with at least a second plurality of weighting values corresponding to a function of the number of minutiae matched for each minutiae match record to define a third plurality of weighted match values. The obtained weighted match value are sorted to provide a fourth plurality of weighted match values having a second ordered series. The inventive minutiae matching system is also described.

Abstract: A method for facilitating an enhancement of a visibility of an object in an x-ray image includes generating an x-ray image including at least one object, generating an estimate of a background surrounding the at least one object, subtracting the background estimate from the x-ray image to generate an estimate of pixel intensities due the object, mapping the estimate of pixel intensities due to the object, and combining the mapped estimate of pixel intensities due to the object and the x-ray image to generate an enhanced image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for monitoring bank notes for the presence of counterfeit bank notes.

Abstract: A method of processing image data elements derived from lifting an image of an item to reorient the image data elements comprises the steps of (a) selecting a first portion of the image data elements, (b) reorienting the first portion of the image data elements selected in step (a), (c) selecting a second portion of image data elements after the first portion of the image data elements has been reoriented in step (b), and (d) reorienting the second portion of the image data elements selected in step (c). Preferably, each of the selected first and second portions of image data elements is copied only once into level one cache memory.

Abstract: A new image defect inspection method and a new image defect inspection apparatus capable of being used for automatic setting of a threshold value for an appearance inspection apparatus with a high throughput have been disclosed. According to the image defect inspection method and the image defect inspection apparatus, cumulative frequencies of gray level differences of the corresponding parts of two images are calculated, converted cumulative frequencies are calculated by converting the cumulative frequencies so as to be linear with the gray level differences in a predetermined distribution, a straight line approximation to the converted cumulative frequencies is calculated, and a threshold value is determined from a predetermined cumulative frequency based on the calculated straight line approximation according to a predetermined calculation method.

Abstract: A method to approximate section properties of mechanical elements in which data is drawn directly from digital images representing the cross-section in question. Both homogeneous and composite structures may be evaluated.

Abstract: Light that is incident through a pair of object lenses of digital binocular glasses is photographed by a pair of image pickup devices to obtain a pair of images (stereoscopic image) generating a difference corresponding to a parallax of both eyes. A geometric difference between image structures corresponding to a parallax of both eyes is recognized in the pair of images subjected to various corrections and stored in memories. Thereafter, a noise reduction process is performed, which reduces a difference (for example, a difference between random noises superposed on the pair of images by the image pickup devices) other than the recognized geometric difference between the image structures. The images subjected to the noise reduction process are displayed on a pair of display devices, and are visually recognized (stereoscopically viewed) by the user through eyepiece lenses.

Abstract: An object recognizing apparatus is provided which is capable of precisely recognizing an object in an input image with the use of a corresponding learning image even when a local-segment of the input image coincides with a learning-local-segment of another similar learning image.

Abstract: Input image data (255, 100, 50) is first converted into output image data (240, 110, 40) based on the color conversion properties of the input end device and the output device, and is subsequently converted into final output image data (255, 115, 40). The latter conversion satisfies the relationship of (240−40):(110−40)=(255−40):(115−40). By changing the highest-gradation-level color in the output image data into the maximum gradation value (255), the complementary color component is made zero in the output results of the output device, thereby reducing granularity Since the middle-gradation-level color is corrected, variations in color hue are reduced.

Abstract: A method for processing a digital color image for display and transmission includes the steps of (a) resizing the image to a lower display resolution to produce a display-sized image, (b) quantizing the display-sized image to a display palette with an error diffusion process to produce an error diffused image, (c) losslessly compressing the error diffused image to produce a compressed image having a particular file size, (d) comparing the file size to a maximum file size and if less than the maximum file size, transmitting the digital image to the display; (e) if the file size is greater than the maximum file size but less than a another predetermined file size, reducing the error diffusion rate by a predetermined amount in order to reduce the file size; and (f) if the file size is greater than the maximum file size and the predetermined file size, simplifying the resized image by reducing image detail to produce a simplified image and repeating the preceding steps on the simplified image.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of adjusting the gray scale response of a first scanner and a second scanner so that the two gray scale responses more closely match one another. The method includes the step of providing a first scanner that has a gray scale response upon scanning a target. Also, a second scanner is provided that has a gray scale response upon scanning the target that is adjustable. The gray scale response of the first scanner is measured upon the scanning of the target. Also, the gray scale response of the second scanner is measured upon scanning the target. Additionally, the gray scale response of the second scanner is adjusted in order to more closely match the gray scale response of the first scanner.

Abstract: A technique for producing a foreground mask from a digital image is based on receiving two digital images, wherein a first digital image is derived from a first original scene image including a foreground photographed against a background having arbitrary and unknown content matter, and a second digital image is derived from a second original scene image including substantially the same background but without the foreground. The second digital image is automatically aligned to the first digital image without user intervention to generate an aligned digital image including the background without the foreground. Then, using the first digital image and the aligned digital image, a foreground mask is produced relating to the spatial regions in the first digital image pertaining to the foreground, whereby the foreground mask is subsequently used to generate a composite digital image.