Abstract: A communications system is provided for routing calls based on a location of a calling party. The communications system includes a processor that determines routing of a call placed by a calling party using one of a plurality of call origination devices. The call origination devices are operatively connected to a switching device that is operatively connected to the processor. The call is placed to a destination corresponding to a service having a service area. The switching device services calls placed from call origination devices located within the service area and calls placed from call origination devices located outside the service area. The processor determines whether the calling party is within the service area, and the processor instructs the switching device to route the call to the destination based upon the processor determining that the calling party is within the service area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a data message in a network element of a communications network and to a network element arrangement. In the communications network, messages whose structure is defined by means of a given description language, the message definition of an individual message type comprising several successive components, such as text rows, are sent to the network element. In order to make the processing of data relating to a message simpler than heretofore, an auxiliary parameter (f_xyA . . . f_xyF) is tied to an individual component of the message definition of an individual message type, by means of which a value indicating whether the message part corresponding to said component is included in the message to be processed is maintained in the network element.

Abstract: A call center includes functionality for dynamically varying a threshold value associated with each of a number of different call types (i.e. skills) to be handled by the call center. A group of agents and a group of reserve agents are provided within the call center for use in handling incoming calls. A dedicated subgroup of agents is assigned to service each of the call types in the call center. In addition, one or more reserve agents are assigned to service a particular call type when an expected wait time associated with the call type exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value associated with each call type is dynamically adjusted during call center operation based on the fraction of the target service level for a call type being achieved by the call center. In one embodiment, a dynamically adjusted threshold is calculated by multiplying an administered threshold value for a call type by the fraction of the target service level that a measured service level for the call type represents.

Abstract: A novel Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) Center allows an on-hold customer, upon learning of an unacceptable waiting time for service, to accept a date- and time-stamped “Priority Token,” and then end the current telephone call. If the customer calls the ACD Center back within a predefined Token Window (stored in the ACD system memory and announced to the customer as he/she is receiving the Priority Token), as indicated by the automatic presentation of the Priority Token, the customer is placed back into the queue position he/she had during the previous call, or if that queue position has already passed, the customer is placed at the top of the queue to be served by the next available agent. The Priority Token stored in the ACD system memory includes the Directory Number in the preferred embodiment for ease of detection of calls incoming to the ACD Center.

Abstract: A call center handles TTY calls for the hearing and speech impaired. The call center includes a modem bank housing multiple modems. Each modem in the modem bank is connected to a switching system and a network. Terminals for handling the calls are also connected to the network. A call controller is connected to the network and to the switching system. When a call is received by the switching system, call information is transmitted to the call controller by the switching system. The call is then extended by the switch to a modem in a modem pool. The modem bank controller then requests the identity of an available terminal to handle the call from the call controller. The call controller determines which of terminals is available to handle the incoming call. The identity of the selected terminal is transmitted to the modem bank controller. The modem bank controller commands the modem receiving the call to then transmit data received to the selected terminal.

Abstract: A contact center records and analyzes customer communications. The contact center includes a monitoring system which records customer communications and a customer experience analyzing unit which reviews the customer communications. The customer experience analyzing unit identifies at least one parameter of the customer communications and automatically determines whether the identified parameter of the customer communications indicates a negative or unsatisfactory experience. This customer experience analyzing unit can perform a stress analysis on audio telephone calls to determine a stress parameter by processing the audio portions of the telephone calls. It can then be determined whether the customer experience of the caller was satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Abstract: A call transmitter for the input of control commands, in particular for an elevator installation, has at least one carrier element that can be selectively received in an opening in either end face of a call transmitter housing. The housing has an inner positioning element preventing movement of the carrier element between the openings. The housing can be installed in an aperture in a front plate such that either the first end face and the carrier element are flush with the outer surface of the front plate, or a radially outwardly extending flange at the second end face abuts the outer surface with the flange and the carrier element projecting.

Abstract: A power management circuit for use in a terminal interface device such as a modem which converts available line side power into usable power for use by the terminal interface device to activate a variety of line status indicators. These line status indicators signaling the off-hook status of the terminal interface device, low line side power, or the presence of excessive line current. The line status indicators draw power from the available line side power without placing a burden on the attached digital device or its power source. Certain line status indicators utilize flasher/oscillator circuits to increase the functionality of the line status indicators by providing a frequency based pulse to more accurately describe the operating environment of the circuit.

Abstract: An adaptive transmission line impedance matching device and method are disclosed. The device and method can be used, for example, in xDSL and home phone line network applications. The adaptive impedance matching device comprises a signal transmission section, a signal receiving section, a variable impedance matching network and a signal analysis section. The signal receiving section is operable to receive signal information transmitted across a transmission line. The signal analysis section is then operable to calculate a proper impedance match based upon the signal information and to adjust the variable impedance matching network according to the calculated impedance match. The device and method are robust enough, for example, to account for dynamic mismatches when telephone sets are taken off-hook during digital (e.g., xDSL) network operation.

Abstract: An improved modem architecture and associated method are disclosed that integrate modem and line-isolation circuitry so as to achieve modem functionality and system-side isolation functionality on a single integrated circuit. The combined modem and line isolation system includes a line-side line-isolation integrated circuit which contains caller ID circuitry. The caller ID circuitry includes a caller ID analog to digital converter for processing caller ID data. The caller ID analog to digital converter may be powered by a power supply generated from power provided across a capacitive isolation barrier. The caller ID circuitry may be coupled to the ringer inputs of the line-side line-isolation integrated circuit. The ringer inputs may be capacitively coupled to the phone line.

Abstract: A handset is disclosed which comprises a display 3 and a scroll key 9 for scrolling data on the display. The scroll key has two portions which lie on a line oblique to the horizontal. When depressed these portions effect different scrolling actions.

Abstract: A method of passing a cryptographic key that allows recovery of the key by a third party by generating a first random number by a first user; generating “key1” by the first user; generating a second random number “k2a” by the first user; computing “y1” by the first user; computing “y2” by the first user; computing “r1” by the first user; computing “z” by the first user; computing “s” by the first user; computing “G” by the first user; passing (G,z,r1,s) from the first user to the second user; receiving “Y” by the second user; computing “T” by the second user; computing “y1” by the second user; computing “k1a” by the second user; computing “key1” by the second user; intercepting, by a third party, (G,z,r1,s) transmitted from the first user to the second user; presenting “G” and “z,” by the third party, to a key-escrow agent; computin

Abstract: A cryptographic device and method of operation for encrypting messages. The device can be incorporated into a postage metering system to provide cryptographically secured postal indicia. The device and method provide increased security against side-channel attacks such as differential power analysis (DPA). An encryption key is transformed with a first function to generate temporary key as a function of a random number. A message is encrypted with the temporary key to generate a modified message. The modified message is transformed with a second function to generate an encryption. The encryption generated is identical to a direct encryption of the message with the untransformed key. The temporary key is changed frequently to protect against side-channel attacks.

Abstract: An RF electronic identification system (10) is disclosed and claimed. The system includes at least one transponder encoder (14.1) for writing data into a memory arrangement (52) of a selected transponder (1.1) of a plurality of transponders (1.1 to 1.n) adapted to receive data from the at least one encoder. The system further includes at least one verifier (16) for interrogating a selected transponder (1.1) and to read data stored in the transponder. The encoder includes a controller (42) for providing an identification code characteristic of the encoder to form part of the data to be written into the transponder. The verifier includes computing means (56) for extracting the identification code from the data read thereby and for comparing the code to authorized codes. An indicator (18) provides an indication whether the identification code corresponds to any of the authorized codes or not. A method of verifying the authenticity of a transponder is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing event-driven data transfer operations over a global computer network. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) format data is extracted from a database stored on a first computer system connected to a global computer network. The transaction data extracted from the database is then monitored to determine whether the data is ready to be transmitted to a second computer system connected to the global computer network. When ready, the transaction data is transmitted to the second computer system. The second computer system, in turn, receives the transaction data, monitors the data to determine whether the data is ready to be merged into a database stored on the second computer system, and merges the data into the database. Embodiments of the invention allow for secure data transfer operations to be performed on-line and in real-time.

Abstract: A guitar amplifier having an input terminal, an audio output and an audio level controller connected between the input terminal and the audio output. The audio level controller includes a first attenuation path, a second attenuation path having a fixed attenuation and a switch connecting only one of the first or second attenuation paths between the input and the audio output. The switch is preferably controlled remote from the amplifier and preferably by a foot-controlled switch. The first attenuation path is preferably variable. The audio level controller can include a first variable resistor coupled to the input terminal and having a wiper coupled to the audio output, the first variable resistor being coupled to a source of reference voltage through a second resistor to form the first attenuation path, the switch being coupled between the junction of the first and second resistors and the source of reference voltage to provide the second attenuation path.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for assisting speech recovery in people with inability to speak due to aphasia, apraxia or another condition with similar effect. A hollow, rigid, thin-walled tube with semi-circular or semi-elliptical cut out shapes at each open end is positioned such that one end mates with the throat/voice box area of the neck of the assistor and the other end mates with the throat/voice box area of the assisted. The speaking person (assistor) makes sounds that produce standing wave vibrations at the same frequency in the vocal cords of the assisted person. Driving the assisted person's vocal cords with the assisted person being able to hear the correct tone enables the assisted person to speak by simply amplifying the vibration of membranes in their throat.

Abstract: A sound pick-up and reproduction system includes at least two sound sensors, such as microphones, situated at different distances from a sound reproduction device, such as a loudspeaker. A processor responds to amplitudes and phases of signals outputted by the at least two sound sensors to control a signal outputted to an amplifier and adapted to drive the sound reproduction device, thereby reducing echoes in the sound reproduction device output caused by acoustic coupling between the at least two sound sensors and the sound reproduction device.

Abstract: To provide a hearing aid that allows desired sound to be selectively heard and allows unnecessary sound not to be heard, and that can be used with no bars even in a situation like a meeting that requires a conversation with a plurality of persons. The hearing aid includes: a hearing aid body having a hearing aid function and an external microphone signal receiving function; and a separate external microphone, wherein connection and disconnection of communication between the above described hearing aid body and the external microphone are automatically switched, and the above described hearing aid body functions as a normal hearing aid when the communication between the above described hearing aid body and the external microphone is disconnected.

Abstract: A switch device for a hearing aid includes first and second elements, the first element including a first portion for attachment to a circuit board and a second portion extending at an angle away from a side of the first portion, and the second element including a first portion for attachment to a circuit board, a second portion extending at an angle away from an end of the first portion, and a third portion extending at an angle away from a side of the first portion. The second portion of the second element is flexible and forms an arm which can be bent to create an electrical connection between the second portion of the first element and the third portion of the second element.

Abstract: A canal hearing device with a dual acoustic seal system for preventing feedback while minimizing occlusion effects. The two-part device comprises a main module and an elongated tubular insert for conducting sound to the tympanic membrane and sealing within the bony region of the ear canal. The main module is positioned in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. The tubular insert comprises a sound conduction tube and a cylindrically hollow primary seal medially positioned in the bony region. The device also comprises a secondary seal laterally positioned in the cartilaginous region. The secondary seal, although providing additional acoustic sealing for the prevention of feedback, is sufficiently vented to provide a path of least acoustic resistance for occlusion sounds within the ear canal.

Abstract: In a microphone with a microphone housing for arrangement in a hearing aid to be worn behind the ear having a hearing aid housing, respective sound entry nozzles with respective sound entry apertures are arranged at two opposite sides of the microphone housing. The sound entry nozzles discharge into a chamber at a side of the microphone membrane. The sound entry nozzles are introduced into the respective sound entry apertures in opposite sides of the hearing aid housing, and when the hearing aid is worn, the sound entry aperture of one sound entry nozzle is disposed approximately distally from the head and the sound entry aperture of the other sound entry nozzle is disposed approximately proximally relative to the head. The microphone is space-saving and is simple to arrange in the hearing aid.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for removably supporting a microphone in an operative position and in a manner which will protect the microphone against attenuating high impact phonetic peaks. A plurality of support assemblies are selectively attachable to one another to assume a variety of predetermined individually selectable configurations, wherein each of the predetermined configurations are determinative of a preferred operative orientation of the microphone. The plurality of support assemblies include a microphone support structured, to suspend the microphone in a predetermined orientation; a filter support structured, to adjustably support a filter in a substantially aligned, protective relation to the microphone; and an auxiliary support, structured to be removably and adjustably attached in supporting relation to at least one of said filter or microphone supports.

Abstract: The invention provides a microphone unit mounting structure wherein the thickness of a body typically of a portable telephone set can be reduced without being restricted by the dimension of the sum of the height of a microphone and the thickness of a microphone connector and a printed circuit board. The microphone unit mounting structure includes a microphone connector electrically connected to the microphone, a microphone holder for holding the microphone together with the microphone connector thereon to form a microphone unit, and a printed circuit board. The microphone connector has a projecting portion projecting outwardly therefrom farther than an outer peripheral edge of the microphone and electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a microphone unit relief hole formed therein, and the microphone unit is held on the front case of the body member in such a state that part of the microphone unit is received in the microphone unit relief hole.

Abstract: An adjustable headphone comprising a pair of self-adjusting earpieces interconnected by a headpiece that includes a stiff resilient headband assembly and a soft flexible headstrap resting against a wearer's head. The headstrap is anchored at least at one end to a corresponding sliding block movably joined with the headband assembly having a bifurcated gear rack on its inner surface. The sliding block is equipped with at least one spring-loaded detent coming in contact with the gear rack. The headband assembly forms with at least one earpiece a hollow ball-and-socket joint where the spherical driver cup works as a ball part of the joint, and it mates to the arm's inner spherical surface which is a socket part of the joint. This joint provides the earpiece substantial angular motion in all directions thus enabling it to adjust to any ear shape.

Abstract: A tweeter support rack structure includes a tweeter body, a fixing base, and a support rack body. The tweeter body is fixed on the fixing base by a fixing screw. The fixing base has a top combined with the tweeter body, and a bottom combined with the support rack body. The bottom of the fixing base is provided with at least one locking ratchet. The support rack body has a top combined with the fixing base which may be rotated on the top of the support rack body. The top of the support rack body is provided with multiple locking teeth meshing with the locking ratchet of the fixing base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric-mechanical-acoustic converter used mainly in a mobile telephone and the like, and its objective is to provide a high-quality product in which damage and degradation of performance caused by shock due to a drop are prevented. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention includes at least one suspension (14) supporting a movable portion (19) formed of the magnetic circuit portion (17) and a weight portion (13), and a frame (9) supporting a diaphragm (8) and the suspension (14), a space in an elastic deformation range of the suspension (14) being provided between the outer periphery of the movable portion (19) and the frame (9). Even in the case where a portable terminal apparatus is dropped, and the electric-mechanical-acoustic converter built therein is subjected to shock, the outer periphery of the movable portion (19) is received by the frame (9), whereby the suspension (14) can be prevented from being permanently deformed.

Abstract: A weight is attached to the rear side of a magnetic circuit of a speaker unit. The tip of a boss that projects to the front side from the weight is joined to the rear side of a center pole of the magnetic circuit with a bolt. Even if reactive force that is generated when an electrical signal is converted into mechanical vibration by the magnetic circuit and a voice coil and sound waves are emitted from a vibration plate is transmitted to the magnetic circuit, the vibration of the magnetic circuit is suppressed by the weight. In this manner, sound quality with a good transient characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: A transducer has a body having an outer region which is generally straight tapered in cross section and an inner region which is generally an arc of a circle in cross section. The inner and outer regions meet along a closed plane tangent curve. The outer region includes a decoupling region which extends around the outer region along at least one closed plane curve.

Abstract: A watermarking procedure that is applicable to images, audio, video and multimedia data to be watermarked divides the data to be watermarked into a set of n×n blocks, such as the 8×8 blocks of MPEG. The same watermark signal can be distributed throughout the set of blocks in a large variety of ways. This allows the insertion algorithm to be changed without affecting the decoders. The decoding procedure first sums together the DCT coefficients of N sets of 8×8 blocks to form a set of N summed 8×8 blocks and then extracts the watermark from the summed block. Since the sum of the DCT blocks is equal to the DCT of the sum of the intensity blocks, efficient decoding can occur in both the spatial and frequency domains. The symmetric nature of the decoding process allows geometric distortions to be handled in the spatial domain and other signal distortions to be handled in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A machine readable indicia is formed in a blank printable medium. The indicia may be formed in an opacification layer applied to a translucent substrate, or may be formed in a laminate layer. The indicia is optically detectable from the exterior of the medium, even if the indicia is not formed on the medium's exterior surface. One particular indicia is a seemingly-random weave-like pattern of lines defined in response to (1) a first user control that determines a degree of randomness of the line(s), (2) a second user control that determines a modulation effect to be applied to the line(s), and (3) the bits to be represented thereby. Many other indicia, including checkerboards, barcodes, data glyphs, etc., can also be used.

Abstract: A watermarking method and device to embed a digitized watermark into a digital image file in the transformation domain is disclosed. In the watermarking technology of this invention, the digitized watermark is first error corrected to enhance its robustness. The digital image file to be embedded with the digitized watermark is first processed such that capacity of each element of the digital image file is calculated. The capacity of an element of the digital image file represents the highest value of tolerance for an element of the watermark to be added to the said element of the digital image file. Elements of the digital image file to which watermark elements may be added are selected and their addresses are recorded. The selected elements are then modulated so that they are suited to be embedded with elements of the digital watermark. After modulation the digitized watermark is embedded into the digital file by distributing the modulated elements of the watermark into the selected addresses.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of progressively decoding a digital watermark on a distributed computing platform. A client device equipped with a digital camera, such as a PDA or cell phone, captures a digital image of a watermarked object, and pre-filters the image to isolate a portion of the image data suspected of containing a digital watermark. The pre-filter de-correlates a portion of the image data suspected of containing a digital watermark from the remaining host image signal using a predictive filter. The client then quantizes the filtered data and progressively transmits the quantized data to a watermark decoder. The progressive transmitter sends image data as necessary to achieve a valid decoding operation. To reduce bandwidth requirements, the transmitter starts with the most highly quantized version of the filtered image, and sends lesser quantized versions until the watermark decoder completes a successful decoding operation.

Abstract: A method for tracking a video object in a time-ordered sequence of image frames, comprises the steps of (a) identifying the object to be tracked in a first frame and determining its shape in the first frame; (b) selecting another frame, referred to as the last frame and identifying the shape of the object in the last frame; (c) selecting a number of intermediate frames between the first and last frames; (d) automatically identifying the shape of the object in the intermediate frames; and (e) interpolating between all of the frames in the sequence so as to determine the trajectory of the object in all of the frames.

Abstract: A sensor system utilizing a Composite Hough Transform (CHT) operates on multiple corresponding broadband correlograms produced at two neighboring dual-channel sensor systems. A broadband signal source can generate one correlation trace on each of the correlograms. Since these correlation traces are produced by the same signal source, they are constrained by a set of geometric relationships. By fully exploiting this set of constraints, the CHT fuses sensor data from multiple dual-channel sensor systems for target detection and track parameter estimation. The dual-channel system can be (a) a split-array system; a linear array split into two subarrays with each subarray corresponding to one of the channels, (b) two neighboring linear arrays, or (c) two neighboring individual hydrophones. The CHT operates with two neighboring linear subarrays. One of the sensor arrays is chosen as the primary array; it is used to originate the different track hypotheses for the signal source.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a ventilator that ventilates a tunnel in response to visibility of the inside of the tunnel, including at least one picture image input device configured to take a picture of the inside of the tunnel, a visibility index determination device configured to determine a visibility index value on the basis of a picture image data of the picture taken by the picture image input device in light of a table representing a relationship between the picture image data and the visibility index value, a feedback controller configured to calculate an operation command for operating the ventilator on the basis of a feedback control value calculated by comparing the visibility index value with a target value of the visibility index value.

Abstract: For a number of users is a system provided to create, edit, replay and view documents of free hand drawn sketches. The system captures the creation process together with verbal and/or visual information provided by each user and automatically correlates them for a later synchronized replay. The system provides a number of tools and features, mainly to: combine the sketching activity with existing images, to selectively retrieve media information correlated to individual sketch entities and to quasi simultaneously collaborate at a common document. The system architecture can by adjusted to various parameters in the communication infrastructure. The system may be implemented in any software program, a web based service, a web browser, an operating system for computers and/or communication devices.

Abstract: According to present invention, there is provide a method of verification for a computer system, the method comprising the steps of acquiring a face image of a user at any time of a user operation, verifying whether the acquired face image coincides with any one of pre-registered face images, and executing a preset process where the acquired face image coincides with the any one of the pre-registered face images.

Abstract: An imaging system (50) for providing vehicle safety features that employs face recognition software to identify and track a person. The system (50) employs infrared emitters (30) that emit an infrared signal along a predetermined field-of-view, and an infrared sensor (34), such as a CMOS sensor used as a video signal array, that receives reflected infrared illumination from objects in the field-of-view. A processor (52) including the face recognition software, is employed to detect human faces to identify and track the person. Once a face is detected, it can be compared to a data base to identify the person. Various applications for the imaging system (50) for providing vehicle safety features include identifying the driver or passenger for personalizing the vehicle's airbags, providing pre-crash collision avoidance, providing blind spot detection, providing vehicle crash recording, and providing a warning signal if the driver appears drowsy.

Abstract: Additional information, composed of characters, images, voice, etc., is converted into two-dimensional codes and then converted into a visible additional image to be embedded. The additional image is embedded in a full-color main image in a state of invisibility to produce a composite image. The composite image is recorded on a non-electronic medium such as paper or on an electronic medium, such as a memory on a personal computer, over the Internet. The embedded additional image is extracted from the composite image recorded on the recording medium and the additional information is reproduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for showing three-dimensionally defined fiducial points in a video camera image involving monitoring of a spatial region by at least two cameras which can map invisible light, especially infrared light, and by at least one video camera, computer-assisted analysis of the image data of the cameras, using the three-dimensional data obtained by means of the invisible-light cameras to compute the spatial location of objects located in the monitored spatial region as mapped by the invisible-light cameras, and displaying the fiducial points assigned to the objects together with the video image; the invention also relating to an apparatus for implementing the method or for visually verifying the correct position of an object.

Abstract: Automatic coil selection is based on determining an index gauge for a corresponding k-space data line acquired for each preselected coil during a prescan. Reliance on manual coil selection and markers is eliminated by adaptively determining the coils of an MR system that produce a preferred sensitivity to a desired field-of-view (FOV). The fast scan data is used to determine those coils most sensitive to the FOV and reject coil(s) least sensitive. Using only data acquired with the most sensitive coils, SNR is increased and unwanted artifacts are reduced in the final data acquisition and image reconstruction. Through automatic and adaptive selection/deselection, the invention reduces the susceptibility to human error, and therefore results in higher quality images.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting pedicle positions in an image, in accordance with the present invention, includes providing a set of feature prototypes for a plurality of pedicle positions and orientations, providing an input image to be analyzed for pedicle positions and orientations, and determining intensity curvatures for a pedicle in the input image. The intensity curvatures are transformed to determine a feature vector for the pedicle in the input image. The feature vector is correlated to the feature prototypes to determine most likely positions and orientations of the pedicle.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer product for the automated segmentation of the lung fields and costophrenic angle (CP) regions in posteroanterior (PA) chest radiographs, wherein image segmentation based on gray-level threshold analysis is performed by applying an iterative global gray-level thresholding method to a chest image based on the features of a global gray-level histogram. Features of the regions in a binary image constructed at each iteration are identified and analyzed to exclude regions external to the lung fields. The initial lung contours that result from this global process are used to facilitate a local gray-level thresholding method. Individual regions-of-interest (ROIs) are placed along the initial contour. A procedure is implemented to determine the gray-level thresholds to be applied to the pixels within the individual ROIs. The result is a binary image, from which final contours are constructed. Smoothing processes are applied, including a unique adaptation of a rolling ball method.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: Post-manufacturing analysis of a semiconductor chip is enhanced via a method and system for viewing emissions through substrate in the back side of the chip. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a portion of circuitry in a semiconductor chip is excited, and an emission is generated. An optical microscope is directed at the backside of the chip, and an image of the emission is obtained. The optical microscope is coupled to an indium-gallium-arsenic (InGaAs) camera that is used to detect the emission. In this manner, emissions can be detected through substrate in a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: To provide a wafer inspecting apparatus for classifying by kind defects appearing on a patterned wafer, a wafer is inspected by a wafer defect inspecting apparatus unit and coordinate value data representing positions and sizes of defects on the sample is output thereby. The coordinate value data is supplied to an image data forming unit and graphic images representing defects on the wafer are formed for respective chips on the wafer, and image data is produced. The image data is output to a pattern overlap evaluating unit which analyzes a state of overlap of a first image corresponding to the image data and a second image representing the circuit pattern based on the wiring information and outputting overlap analysis data. A defect kind automatic classifying unit receives the overlap analysis data and classifies defects by kind of defect based on the overlap analysis data.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and orientation sensing apparatus including: an image input section which inputs an image acquired by an image acquisition apparatus and showing at least three markers having color or geometric characteristics as one image, three-dimensional positional information of the markers with respect to an object to be measured being known in advance; a region extracting section which extracts a region corresponding to each marker in the image; a marker identifying section which identifies the individual markers based on the color or geometric characteristics of the markers in the extracted regions; and a position and orientation calculating section which calculates the three-dimensional position and orientation of the object to be measured with respect to the image acquisition apparatus, by using positions of the identified markers in the image input to the image input section, and the positional information of the markers with respect to the object to be measured.

Abstract: The invention features a method wherein a recognition environment utilizers pseudo-English as a programming language to extract simple and complex objects with image—and/or map—data as inputs. Based on this human/computer interface in which pseudo-English is a programming language, the object—recognition system has three major logic modules: (1) an input data module; (2) an information—processing module, coupled with the above—noted human computer interface (HCI) module; and (3) an output module that has a feedback mechanism back to the main information—processing and the input—data module. A physical phenomenon (i.e., one that is visible, audible, tactile, etc.) Is analyzed by the information—processing module to determine weather it is susceptible to description or articulation. If not, the phenomenon is matched or compared, via the output module, to a know articulatable, physical-phenomenon model and recognizable features are extracted.