Abstract: Security keys for the provision of a secure service such as content provision are generated in an ancestral hierarchy, so that invalidation of a key in the hierarchy results in a need to reconfigure all other keys in the hierarchy to the extent they share common ancestry. When a user subscription to the service lapses, a decision on invalidation of their key is based in a determination of whether it's more costly to the subscriber to invalidate the key, or continue providing an unpaid-for service. Keys can be allocated to users from domains of the hierarchy on the basis of their economic value to the provider, with higher value users being allocated keys from domains which share fewer common ancestors with other users of other domains than those users share with each other, to minimise inconvenience to high value users of key reconfiguration.

Abstract: Security keys for the provision of a secure service such as content provision are generated in an ancestral hierarchy, so that invalidation of a key in the hierarchy results in a need to reconfigure all other keys in the hierarchy to the extent they share common ancestry. When a user subscription to the service lapses, a decision on invalidation of their key is based in a determination of whether it's more costly to the subscriber to invalidate the key, or continue providing an unpaid-for service. Keys can be allocated to users from domains of the hierarchy on the basis of their economic value to the provider, with higher value users being allocated keys from domains which share fewer common ancestors with other users of other domains than those users share with each other, to minimise inconvenience to high value users of key reconfiguration.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for delivering a mating key to a smart card coupled to a decoding device with a built-in descrambler. The mating key is used by the smart card to encrypt the derived descrambling key for the specific decoder with descrambler. The corresponding mating key is a derivation calculated within the descrambler circuit using a unique value stored in the decoding device, and is of a message that comprises a unique predetermined value that identifies a manufacturer of the decoding device, the digital device targeted to receive the encrypted key data, and the service provider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a third signal channel from an input signal received in each of a first and second channel involves inverting a predetermined frequency range of signals in the first channel out of phase with a corresponding frequency range of signals in the second channel. Thereafter, the inverted signal in the first channel and the corresponding frequency signal in the second channel may be communicated to a speaker, which is bridged across the first and second channels, as the third signal channel. This speaker produces sound corresponding to the difference (i.e., the frequency range determined by the predetermined bandwidth of the inverted signal) between the inverted signal in the first channel and the corresponding frequency signal in the second channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reproducing multichannel audio sound via several real and at least one virtual speaker (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10). According to the invention, the audio sound envisaged for a real speaker (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) is reproduced partly via the real speaker (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and partly via a virtual speaker (9 and 10) positioned in the same location.

Abstract: Sound processing systems have been developed that create a surround effect without quality degradation experienced by known sound processing systems in non-optimum listening environments. The sound processing systems may include matrix decoding systems that manipulate input signals prior to converting them into a number of output signals so that the output signals are a function of a greater number of input signals. These sound processing systems may also or alternately include a base management system that from the input signals preserves the low frequency components of the input signals in separate channels. Both the matrix decoding systems and base management systems may also produce additional signals. Further, the matrix decoding and base management systems may be implemented separately or jointly in vehicular sound systems.

Abstract: The system comprises a loudspeaker simulation unit for simulating the transmission behavior of the loudspeaker and comprises a room simulation unit, which is connected in outgoing circuit to the loudspeaker simulation unit and which is provided for simulating the transmission behavior of a given monitoring room. The room simulation unit is followed by a presentation unit, which generates an acoustic signal that corresponds to the auditory impression of the loudspeaker in the monitoring room, and/or is followed by an evaluation unit that evaluates the signal, which is provided by the room simulation unit, with regard to at least one psychoacoustic measured quantity, and the evaluation unit outputs a corresponding measurement signal. This measurement signal corresponds to a measurement signal that occurs inside the monitoring room during the presentation of the input signals.

Abstract: An audio apparatus has a main speaker SPA receiving an audio signal from a sound source 10 and outputting sound of the sound source; sound effect audio signal processing circuits 12B, 12C, etc. for performing signal processing on the audio signal from the sound source 10 to generate a sound effect audio signal for reproduction of a sound effect required of the sound of the sound source; and sound effect speakers SPB, SPC, etc. each receiving the sound effect audio signal and outputting the sound effect required of the sound of the sound source.

Abstract: Techniques to cancel echo utilizing reduced die space and reduced usage of a time shared processor.

Abstract: An engine is supported on a vehicle body frame through an active vibration-isolating device. The vibration of the engine is prevented from being transmitted to the vehicle body frame by controlling the active vibration-isolating device. A speaker is disposed within a vehicle compartment. The noise is reduced by adaptively controlling the speaker based on a rotational speed of the engine and a noise detected by a microphone disposed within the vehicle compartment. Thus, the vibration and noise characteristics of the vehicle can be improved by a synergic effect of reducing both the vibration and the noise. Further, because the microphone is inexpensive and the speaker for an audio set can be used without any modification, the present invention can be achieved with a low cost.

Abstract: An active noise control system for controlling induction noise of an internal combustion engine having a speaker and a controller. The controller generates a control signal that drives the speaker, wherein the signal is based on at least one current vehicle operating condition. The signal is also based on a determination of a first sound pressure for each order of sound generated by the engine during a run up of the engine. In addition, the signal is based on a determination of a second sound pressure computed for each of a plurality of operating conditions of the engine, wherein the signal controls each of order of sound generated by the engine independently to drive the speaker to generate an audio output to control intake noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroaeroacoustic source (2) placed in a flow (V) or at the edge of a flow, consisting of an electrodynamic or electromagnetic motor means (5) generating an oscillating motion, and an element (3) coupled to the motor means (5) obstructing the flow so as to exert a dynamic action on said flow. This source can be used to produce an electroaeroacoustic system for the active noise control, particularly in a confined flow.

Abstract: An adaptive noise canceling system for extracting a desired signal, comprising an adaptive noise cancellation filtering circuit for suppressing noise from a first input signal using a second input signal as a reference signal, and generating an output filtered signal representing the desired signal; and an adaptive noise cancellation controller for receiving the first and second input signals and the output filtered signal, and generating an output control signal for controlling coefficients of at least one adaptive filter of the adaptive noise cancellation filtering circuit, comprising a silence detector unit for detecting whether an acoustical signal is present in the input signals and the output filtered signal, and generating a first output signal which indicates whether the acoustical signal is present; a signal detector unit for detecting whether the desired signal is present in the input signals and the output filtered signal, and generating a second output signal which indicates whether the desired si

Abstract: An ear protection comprises a monitoring device, which is designed in order to be able to continuously monitor the effectiveness of the ear protection during use. The invention provides that, in a method for operating a noise-emitting device,during which at least one individual is wearing an ear protection and located in the area in which the noise-emitting device is generating noise, the noise-emitting device, in the event of a monitoring result of the ear protection indicating a risk of damage to the individual's hearing, is controlled whereby appropriately reducing the noise emission thereof.

Abstract: A circuit for coding input signals to an audio output device. The circuit comprises a first coder generating voice signals on a first and second channel, and a second coder receiving the voice signals of the first and second channel, and outputting a first, second and reference voltage signal to the audio output device, wherein the reference voltage signal switches between a first and second voltage level, and the voice signals of the first and second channel are represented by differential signals of the first and reference voltage signal, and the second and the reference voltage signal, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a speaker that includes an audio element moved by drive signals applied to the speaker, the speaker having a resistance and a force factor, includes: (a) an amplifier generating drive signals and having an output coupled with the speaker and an input; and (b) a feedback circuit coupling the speaker with the input and including: (1) a monitor coupled with the speaker and generating indicating signals representing selected speaker signal parameters; and (2) a processor coupled with the monitor, with the input and with a signal source providing received signals. The processor combines the received signals with the indicating signals to generate a modified signal for use by the amplifier in generating drive signals. The modified signal includes at least one factor relating to velocity of the audio element. Efficiency of the speaker is improved by inversely varying the resistance and the force factor with respect to each other.

Abstract: A portable audio system allowing simultaneous listening and/or audio communication by multiple individuals to a personal electronic device such as a CD player, tape player, radio, or cellular or wireless telephone. The audio system includes a personal electronic device, a transmitter in wireless communication with a plurality of wearable audio speakers and a power supply. Alternately, a hardwired connection between the transmitter and the plurality of speakers may be employed.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a battery door seal that substantially reduces or eliminates unwanted air flow from and into a battery compartment is provided. Eliminating unwanted air flow removes a potential source of acoustic feedback and provides significant improvement in frequency response of the hearing aid. The hearing aid includes a battery compartment with sidewalls that have a step joint formed between an opening in a faceplate to the battery compartment and a substantially flat portion of the sidewalls. The battery door has a lip that sets on the step joint when the battery door closes providing an air seal around a substantial portion of the battery compartment. A thin slit is provided between the faceplate and the battery door behind the end of the battery door, where the battery door is connected to the faceplate by a hinge to provide appropriate air flow for proper battery operation.

Abstract: A surround that is generally arched in shape and that includes a radial exterior flange that extends downward from exterior side of the arched portion of the surround and that adhesively attaches to the inner wall or edge of the mounting ring of the frame of the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A subwoofer having a novel component geometry that permits large voice coils and high efficiency heat transfer capability. The subwoofer comprises a frame having an outside and an inside, a central portion, radial heat sink fins, lower ventilation apertures, and a bottom portion having a bottom vent aperture. A motor unit comprising a case and a pole unit, the case having lower ventilation apertures and the pole unit having a cylindrical portion having a center aperture, wherein the cylindrical portion of the pole unit is of a diameter less than the diameter of the case, defining a first chamber area. The lower ventilation apertures of the frame, and the lower ventilation apertures of the motor unit are aligned to allow air to flow from the outside of the subwoofer into the first chamber area.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer, such as an audio speaker, includes a return path member which is a pole piece for external magnet geometries or a cup for internal magnet geometries. The magnetic flux return path for the primary drive magnet is through a first portion of the return path member. A first section of a low reluctance magnetic flux return path for a secondary drive magnet is through a second portion of the return path member. A magnetically conductive plate provides a second section of the low reluctance return path from the second portion of the return path member to the secondary drive magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit for a speaker comprises: a bonded magnet shaped rectangular in top plan view, having on its top face a plurality of grooves formed to extend all the way along two opposing sides thereof and arrayed in parallel with one another at predetermined intervals, and magnetized such that magnetic fluxes at two adjacent grooves are directed inversely to each other; and a plurality of plate-like pole pieces fixedly disposed on the top face of the bonded magnet, and arrayed along the grooves such that two adjacent pole pieces form an air gap located along the center of each groove thereby forming a magnetic gap. And, there is provided a speaker which uses the magnetic circuit thereby achieving a reduced profile.

Abstract: A loudspeaker comprising at least one magnet 27, yoke 24 fixed to a bottom surface of the magnet, flat plate 26 fixed on an upper surface of the magnet, magnetic circuit 29 having magnetic gap 28 formed between the plate and the yoke, and flat diaphragm 23 provided with coil 21 disposed above the magnetic gap. The magnet has a width greater than that of the plate, and at least a part of the upper surface of magnet is exposed so that it faces directly to the diaphragm. According to the structure of the present invention, a larger volume magnet can be used without increasing a size of the magnetic circuit. Furthermore, as magnetic flux can be concentrated to an upper region of the magnetic gap, the magnetic circuit becomes efficient and compact. Thus a compact and high-efficiency loudspeaker for high frequency sounds reproduction can be provided.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit of the present invention uses a yoke, wherein a thickness of a bottom portion 10b of the yoke 10 is thicker than a thickness of an outer cylindrical portion 10a. The magnetic circuit of the present invention comprises the yoke, a magnet 2 bonded to the bottom portion of the yoke, and a top plate 3 bonded to the magnet, a magnetic gap being formed between the top plate and the outer cylindrical portion. According to a configuration of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the magnetic saturation in the bottom portion of the yoke and to improve the efficiency of the magnetic circuit. As a result, the configuration contributes to improve the performance and efficiency of a loudspeaker using the magnetic circuit of the present invention.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer comprising a magnetic circuit of a magnetically conductive material with a pair of opposed surfaces defining a gap there between, the magnetic circuit comprising one magnet. The magnet can either be positioned in the centre of the magnetically conductive material so as to form two gaps. In an alternative embodiment the magnet is attached to the magnetic conductive material forming only one gap. The transducer further comprises a diaphragm and a coil system having electrically conducting paths fastened to the diaphragm. The coil system has portions of its paths situated in the gap. The transducer may be supplied with an additional diaphragm and coil system positioned on the opposite side of the magnetic circuit. In a preferred embodiment the transducer is rectangular. The transducer is suited for integration into miniature components such as mobile communication equipment and hearing aids.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer such as an audio speaker, having a push-push geometry in which there are two or more air gaps and the magnetic flux across the air gaps is in the same orientation. If there are more than one voice coil, the voice coils may thus be generating the same electromagnetic polarity by being wound in the same direction about the bobbin, or by being wound in opposite directions and having separate, opposite polarity electrical connections. The transducer exhibits high linearity over a long travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of marking objects produced through a molding process. The marking facilitates authentication of the objects. A cellular phone faceplate is steganographically marked in one implementation of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for event detection for video surveillance systems using a compressed prior image. Transform coefficients for a current image are computed and compared to transform coefficients representing the prior image. A determination is made whether a change has occurred sufficient to cause the detection of an event based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing road signs in a digital image are provided. One such method comprises: capturing a digital color image; correlating at least one region of interest within the digital color image with a template matrix, where the template matrix is specific to a reference sign; and recognizing the image as containing the reference sign, responsive to the correlating step.

Abstract: An image qualification method. A movements-determining method utilizes the image qualification, the image qualification method of which requires only an image frame to determine if the image frame is qualified. Thus, the image qualification proceeds in real time. The image qualification counts peaks of images of the frame to determine if a number of the peaks exceed a certain number, depending on application.

Abstract: Plate-image-inspection RIP data CD2, CD3 are prepared using the same RIP processing conditions from two print image data prepared in different steps of the prepress process, and inspection results are obtained by comparing these data CD2, CD3. Plate-image-inspection RIP data CD2, CD3 can be prepared in several methods: (1) a method for RIP processing respective non-RIP data using standard RIP processing conditions; (2) a method for respectively converting two RIP data to standard RIP processing conditions; and (3) a method for converting one of two RIP data such that it conforms to the RIP processing conditions of the other.

Abstract: A prepress system comprises a raster image processor for developing first print image data to display resolution to create first raster image data, and for developing second print image data to the display resolution to create second raster image data. A plate image inspection processor executes a plate image inspection process by comparing the first and second raster image data, and displays on a display device the result of the plate image inspection process.

Abstract: A person recognizing apparatus inputs a face image of a person subject to recognition through a camera and obtains the similarity of this input face image with the registered information stored in the registered information memory pre-storing face images of recognized persons by collating them by the recognizer. Therefore, in this person recognizing apparatus to recognize a said person based on the obtained similarity, a registered information updating unit judges whether the similarity obtained by a recognizer is within a prescribed updating range and updates a registered information stored in the registered information memory based on the face image input by the camera based on being judged as the similarity is in the prescribed updating range.

Abstract: A method for displaying a computer-generated determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The method requires providing a digitized image of a mammogram, displaying the digitized image, and selecting a region of interest directly on the displayed digitized image. The digitized image is then processed so that classifier data of the lesion in the user-selected region of interest are generated and displayed. A system for displaying a determination of the likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The system includes a display for presenting a digitized mammogram and an input device in communication with the display for selectably indicating a region of interest on the displayed mammogram. The system also includes a processor for generating classifier data related to a characterization feature within the region of interest. The classifier data is presented on the display.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for sorting particles in a stream of a sample in a flow cytometer by producing from a stable sort having desirable sort characteristics multiple images of a portion of the stream; generating from the multiple images an averaged numerical reference standard representative of the stable sort; continuously collecting during the sorting multiple running images of the portion of the stream; generating from the multiple running images at least one numerical sample average representative of the sample sort of each collection of the multiple running images; and comparing each numerical sample average to the numerical reference standard and determining whether a sample average exhibits a deviation from the reference standard that requires an adjustment of the sort. The sort may then be adjusted to eliminate or reduce the deviation and maintain the stable sort of the reference histogram. A novel imaging apparatus may be employed in a flow cytometer performing this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for identifying objects, especially teeth, on a digitized X-ray picture. According to the invention, image processing algorithms are used to localize areas containing the object by means of segmenting and/or edge detection and these areas, in turn, are computationally linked with parameters of the X-ray unit and, optionally, with patient-specific parameters. The invention also relates to a method and a device for assigning information to objects, especially teeth, determined in a digitized X-ray picture or in a schematic representation. This method involves a first step, in which the digitized X-ray image or the schematic representation is depicted, and a second step, in which a determination of objects manually or automatically ensues in the event that these objects have not yet been determined.

Abstract: An automated method and system for detecting lung nodules from thoracic CT images employs an image processing algorithm (22) consisting of two main modules: a detection module (24) that detects nodule candidates from a given lung CT image dataset, and a classifier module (26), which classifies the nodule candidates as either true or false to reject false positives amongst the candidates. The detection module (24) employs a curvature analysis technique, preferably based on a polynomial fit, that enables accurate calculation of lung border curvature to facilitate identification of juxta-pleural lung nodule candidates, while the classification module (26) employs a minimal number of image features (e.g., 3) in conjunction with a Bayesian classifier to identify false positives among the candidates.

Abstract: An automated computerized scheme for detection and characterization of diffuse lung diseases on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images including obtaining image data including pixels of an organ; segmenting the image data into organ image data and non-organ image data; extracting predetermined features from the organ image data to produce a set of image features; comparing the set of image features against a reference set of organ image features containing image data known to correspond to normal and abnormal conditions; and producing a comparison result.

Abstract: a medical image radiograping system capable of modifying radiographing order information suitably.

Abstract: A medical image radiographing system capable of radiographing a medical image at a patient's location efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A pattern identification system includes an illumination device, a video camera unit, a controller and a programmable identification member. The illumination device projects light on a sample pattern disposed in the system. The video camera unit captures a first image for measuring a reference coordinate of the sample pattern. The video camera unit is moved to a predetermined position by the controller. The controller controls the video camera to magnify an image sufficient for identification so as to allow capturing an identifiable image of difference with respect to a programmed feature. The video camera unit captures a second identifiable image of the sample pattern and sends it to the programmable identification member for identifying the sample pattern.

Abstract: A concurrent low resolution/high resolution parallel scanning system is provided as an improvement in the scanning process of an inspection system for planar objects, such as large flat plates employed in panel displays, whereby lower resolution defect detection efficiently overlaps and parallels higher resolution defect review and classification stages in which defects are automatically defined and resolved. Although the invention is a valid solution for the more general problem of optically inspecting the surface of a flat article for defects, the invention is particularly useful for detecting pattern defects on large glass plates deposited with integrated-circuits for forming LCD flat panel displays.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for analyzing a portion of a sample, such as a minute pattern formed on a semiconductor substrate, by employing a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) method, in which a magnified image of a region of a sample to be analyzed is generated and converted into data having a frequency by the FFT method. The converted data are analyzed to determine whether the region of the sample is normal or abnormal. It is possible to measure and analyze the sample simultaneously and automatically by using the apparatus in accordance with the method for analyzing the sample.

Abstract: A pattern inspection method and apparatus, wherein the target area is limited to a line part, having a simplified configuration and capable of detecting a killer defect as a defect candidate and considerably reducing the number of non-killer defects to be detected as defect candidates, have been disclosed. The present invention relates to a pattern inspection method and apparatus for judging non-matching parts to be defects by making a comparison between the same patterns having a line part in which a line extending in the longitudinal or transverse direction appears repetitively at a fixed pitch, wherein an average level of gray level data is calculated for each pixel columns in the direction in which the line extends, a type of the area of each pixel columns is classified into groups, a threshold value is determined for each area according to the statistical processing result of the type and the difference data of each pixel column, and the difference data is judged based on the threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention describes a test structure with a first set of features which is a subset of product features; and a second set of features adjacent to the first set of features, the second set occupying a smaller area than the first set and the second set being similar to the first set yet being distinguishable from surrounding structures.

Abstract: A pattern inspecting method and apparatus for inspecting a defect or defective candidate of patterns on a sample includes picking up an image of a sample by shifting a sampling position on the sample, measuring geometric distortion in an image of a standard sample, beforehand, and defining a size for which the measured geometric distortion is neglectable, obtaining a first image of the sample and a second image to be compared with the first image, dividing the first image and the second stage into images of a division unit having a size not greater than the defined size, comparing a divided image of the first image with a divided image of the second image, and for calculating a difference in gradation values between both of the divided images. The defect or the defect candidate of the sample is extracted in accordance with the difference in the gradation values.

Abstract: An automated and integrated substrate inspecting apparatus for performing an EBR/EEW inspection, a defect inspection of patterns and reticle error inspection of a substrate includes a first stage for supporting a substrate; a first image acquisition unit for acquiring a first image of a peripheral portion of the substrate supported by the first stage; a second stage for supporting the substrate; a second image acquisition unit for acquiring a second image of the substrate supported by the second stage; a transfer robot for transferring the substrate between the first stage and the second stage; and a data processing unit, connected to the first image acquisition unit and the second image acquisition unit, for inspecting results of an edge bead removal process and an edge exposure process performed on the substrate using the first image, and for inspecting for defects of patterns formed on the substrate using the second image.

Abstract: An alignment mark to be used in conjunction with e-beam imaging to identify specific feature locations on a chip including a unique “L” shaped pattern of geometric features, which is easily detected by the recognition system of e-beam imaging equipment, and is located in close proximity to the specific circuit features under investigation at each level to be inspected. The requirements for an alignment mark design which is recognizable by state-of-the-art e-beam imaging systems are enumerated, as well as the methodology for application. The alignment marks which are included at each critical step add no cost to wafer processing, and any design cost is easily overcome by reduction in process development time by using defect learning.

Abstract: A test tube type discrimination apparatus includes first and second electronic cameras which pick up images of a plurality of test tubes, the first electronic camera picking up an image from an opening of each of the test tubes and the second electronic camera picking up an image from a side thereof, a pattern recognition unit which receives data of the images picked up by the first and second electronic cameras and extracts an edge of each of the images to recognize a test tube pattern of each of the test tubes including opening and side patterns of each of the test tubes, a standard pattern memory which stores the opening and side patterns of the test tubes as standard patterns, and a comparison determination unit which compares the test tube pattern and the standard patterns to determine a type of each of the test tubes.

Abstract: A technique is described of predicting the uncertainty of trifocal transfer. The technique is an improvement upon a method for determining the perspective projection of a spatial point in three image frames, given the geometric constraint of trilinearity as defined by a set of trilinear equations, where trifocal transfer is used to predict a corresponding point in the third frame from a trifocal tensor and points in the first two frames. The improvement comprises the step of predicting the uncertainty of trifocal transfer in the third image subject to the uncertainties affecting corresponding points in the first two images of a rigid scene under perspective projection using the trifocal tensor.