Abstract: In a feedback compensation method and a feedback compensator in an acoustic amplification system such as a hearing aid, an adaptive feedback compensation filter generates a compensation signal from the amplified output signal, and one or more filters restrict the frequency range in which the compensation signal is generated. These filters are adaptable with regard to their filter function during the operation of the feedback compensator. The adaptation ensues with an analysis and control unit that checks the frequency range affected by the feedback and adapts the filter functions of the filters to it. The checking ensues, for example, by a comparison of the filter function of the feedback compensation filter with the filter functions of the filters to restrict the frequency range, or with the use of an oscillation detector.

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: A monolithic 1.75 is mounted in a speaker cabinet 1.71 to drive the voice coil 1.74 of the speaker 1.70. The monolithic integrated circuit may be a class D amplifier 1.10, and is at least a half-bridge or full bridge power MOSFET device. Structures and process for forming the mos switching devices 2.20 of the bridge driver circuits are disclosed. Also disclosed is the N+ buried layer 4.14 of the QVDMOS transistors 4.43 of the bridge circuits.

Abstract: A loud speaker system can include a single woofer and two separate high frequency tweeters coaxially arranged, with the tweeters in back-to-back relation. One tweeter generates a high frequency pressure wave in the space proximate to the woofer diaphragm. The other tweeter directs a high frequency pressure wave directly away from the woofer diaphragm. The woofer diaphragm acts as a reflector for the first high frequency wave, so that the first high frequency wave radiates along the woofer diaphragm surface for merger with the other high frequency wave. The merged waves produce a high frequency wave front having a desired density and wide dispersion window.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave device includes: a bulk acoustic wave element including a piezoelectric layer formed on a substrate, a lower electrode contacting a lower surface of the piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode contacting an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer and partially overlapping the lower electrode, a lower hollow section being formed between the substrate and the lower surface of the piezoelectric layer, a first through-hole reaching the lower hollow section being formed through the bulk acoustic wave element in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the piezoelectric layer; an upper hollow section forming layer forming an upper hollow section with the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer, a second through-hole reaching the upper hollow section being formed therethrough in a direction perpendicular to a surface thereof; and a sealing layer covering the upper hollow section forming layer and filling up the second through-hole.

Abstract: A loudspeaker unit has, in combination, a pistonically driven diaphragm loudspeaker and a generally planar resonant panel loudspeaker, in which the plane of the resonant panel lies in the same orientation as an axis along which the diaphragm is pistonically driven. The resonant panel loudspeaker may be located behind the diaphragm loudspeaker, with the resonant panel loudspeaker functioning as a diffuse dipole, e.g. to generate surround sound reproduction, and the diaphragm loudspeaker located in the null of the dipole and functioning as an acoustic monopole, e.g. to generate imaged stereophonic sound reproduction.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting listening wherein an integrated circuit selects one or more audio sources from among a plurality audio sources to be presented to a signal processing circuit. Selection of the audio source can be automatically executed in response to detection of an external magnetic field, such as from a telephone handset, or manually controlled by a user input.

Abstract: A new subband feedback cancellation scheme is proposed, capable of providing additional stable gain without introducing audible artifacts. The subband feedback cancellation scheme employs a cascade of two narrow-band filters Ai(Z) and Bi(Z) along with a fixed delay, instead of a single filter Wi(Z) and a delay to represent the feedback path in each subband. The first filter, Ai(Z), is called the training filter, and models the static portion of the feedback path in ith subband, including microphone, receiver, ear canal resonance, and other relatively static parameters. The training filter can be implemented as a FIR filter or as an IIR filter. The second filter, BI(Z), is called a tracking filter and is typically implemented as a FIR filter with fewer taps than the training filter. This second filter tracks the variations of the feedback path in the ith subband caused by jaw movement or objects close to the ears of the user.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system designed for ceiling installation. The system includes a woofer, a midrange speaker and a tweeter commonly supported on a rotatable support member which in turn is supported on and is rotatable with respect to an annular rim that is designed to be fixed about an opening in the ceiling. The woofer is aligned at one acute angle and the midrange speaker and tweeter at another acute angle to the annular rim. The mid range speaker and tweeter are partially segregated from the woofer by a baffle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microphone unit including an acoustic resistor having homogeneous acoustic resistance by excluding non-uniformity of the material of an acoustic resistor used in a microphone unit and by excluding non-uniformity of adjusting-operations which are operated by individuals of operators. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the acoustic resistance of the acoustic resistor used in the microphone unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a headphone or earmuff unit that has two main parts. The first main part is the stationary enclosure, which fits over the ear of the user. This part also has holes in it for the passage of exterior sound. The second main part is the movable enclosure, which fits over the holes of the stationary enclosure. Both enclosures are padded for sound suppression. The two enclosures are tied together by a screw mechanism with a knob. When the knob is turned the enclosures separate. This allows exterior sound to enter the stationary enclosure, and thus the ear of the user, in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A headphone with an automatic reeling device for a jack wire has a headband with two earphones, a reeling device installed inside one of the two earphones and a jack wire. The reeling device has a stationary disk, a rotating disk with a wire reel rotatably abutting the stationary disk, a coil spring mounted between the stationary disk and the rotating disk and a push button detachable engaging the rotating disk. The jack wire is wound around the wire reel on the rotating disk. By pressing the push button, the rotating disk is released, and the coil spring provides a restitution force to rotate the rotating disk and retract the jack wire into the earphone.

Abstract: A headset with an adjustable microphone boom (1) which can be adjusted to and from a position near the mouth of a user and is mounted in a housing (7) by a friction part (6) being coupled to a flexible friction coupling which is configured in a plate (9) in that co-operating plates (20, 21) are stamped out of the plate and are connected to the plate (9) by means of flexible arms (21, 27, 28, 32). The friction part (6) has a shaft (5) which can be accommodated in a bearing defined by recesses which are configured partly in the inside (8) of the housing (7) and partly in the pate (9). The microphone boom (1), the housing (7) and the plate (9) with friction coupling are held together by means of locking ring (11). In this way a stable, adjustable microphone boom is provided which does not become loose with time, under-stood in the way that no matter in which position and regardless of how frequently the position is changed, the microphone boom will remain secured with a sufficient force in the friction coupling.

Abstract: An earphone for use with portable communication devices (PCDs), particularly cellular phones, where the electro-magnetic (EM) radiation of the device is distanced from the head of the user, while acoustic waves are collected and brought through an acoustic tube to the ear of the user. The earphone may employ a coupler where the coupler contains a microphone and speaker acoustically insulated from each other. The coupler is positioned distant from both the ear of the user and the PCD. The coupler delivers acoustic waves to an acoustic tube for transmittal to the ear.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer such as an audio speaker which includes an asymmetric diaphragm to deliver smooth frequency response with reduced distortion by reduction of common modes in the diaphragm. Other benefits such as asymmetric directivity patterns can be realized. The asymmetric cone has a perimeter OD at which a surround may be coupled, and an ID at which a bobbin or spacer may be coupled. The center of the ID is not coincident with the center of the OD. The transducer further includes a stabilization mechanism for reducing rocking of the diaphragm assembly. The stabilization mechanism may include mass balancing of the diaphragm and/or adjustments to the location or symmetry of the suspension components.

Abstract: A plurality of grooves are radially formed in an annular frame and an annular plate is secured to the frame to form a sound discharge hole in each groove, thereby communicating a back chamber under a diaphragm with the atmosphere. A projected part is outwardly projected from a peripheral edge of the annular plate, and an adhesive is adhered to a peripheral edge of a protector and to an upper surface of the projected part to adhere the protector with the annular plate.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for detecting copyright protection in digital images receives a digital image, searches for capture device information associated with the digital image, calculates one or more image characteristics of the digital image, and verifies copyright ownership and usage authorization of the digital image in response to the capture device information and the calculated image characteristics.

Abstract: A color mapping process enhances a watermark by computing a change in colors that is less visible for a given watermark strength. The mapping process provides smooth transitions from one color region to another, and may be implemented efficiently with a 3D look up table. A user interface scheme enables the user to control encoding of the watermark in desired color regions.

Abstract: An object tracking method and an object tracking apparatus. Based on two or more frames of images acquired at different time points from an imaging unit, an image changing area is detected between the frames. Based on the image changing area thus detected, the position of an object is detected. The detected position of the object is set as a new detected position of the object in place of the present detected position of the object, thereby detecting and tracking an object intruding into a monitor area.

Abstract: A system for alignment of a truck chassis and a method and computer software means for carrying out same. The system comprises a laser scanner measuring means. The system measures distances to a load accurately despite changes in lighting condition due to weather. No reflective markings are needed on the trucks or containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring and evaluating surface irregularities, comprising: illuminating a surface (8) by means of at least two sources of light (2, 3, 13, 14) arranged along a row which is substantially perpendicular to a reference plane (4) along which said surface (8) is arranged, each one of said sources of light (2, 4, 13, 14) presenting an angle of incidence (&bgr;1, &bgr;2, &bgr;3, &bgr;4) to at least one partial surface (1) forming part of said surface (8), generating by means of each source of light (2, 3, 13, 14) a set of reflections respectively from said surface (8), wherein each set contains at least one reflection from said partial surface (1), and detecting said sets of reflections by means of a light-sensitive detector (7).

Abstract: The invention is an image analysis system and method for grading of meat, predicting quality of meat and/or predicting meat yield of an animal. One embodiment of the invention is particularly designed to capture an image of the 12th rib cross section of the ribeye and perform an image analysis of the ribeye for grading purposes. The image capturing camera portion of the system has a wedged shaped camera housing for ease of insertion into the ribbed incision. The image capturing portion of the system further comprises a camera with a flash for consistent lighting. The camera is positioned such that it views the ribeye cross section at an angle to accommodate the wedge shape of the camera housing for ease of insertion in the incision. The camera housing also has various alignment means to facilitate the user's ability to capture images in a consistent manner.

Abstract: An authentication system and method for identifying the source of a marking formed from marking media is disclosed. A registration system preferably tags batches of marking media with taggant material and, for each batch, stores physical property information representing one or more physical properties of that batch. A source assignment system receives source identification information for each of a plurality of sources, stores the source identification information in a database and, for each source, links the source identification information with at least one batch. A source identification system comprises at least one instrument operable to provide physical property information for the media in a marking. The identification system also includes an analysis system operable to compare the physical property information for the media in the marking with the physical property information associated with batches, and to then determine whether there one or more matches of physical property information exist.

Abstract: An electronic device detects a discontinuous figure in an old-new connection portion between old and new data and performs shape correction so as to restore the continuous figure. In this case, only the old data is corrected. Particular shape correction methods are as follows: (a) only the old-data side shape point P1 in the old-new connection portion is moved to match the new-data side shape point SP1; (b) other shape points P2 to P5 are moved in parallel by the same amount as that of movement of the shape point P1 in the old-new connection portion; and (c) among the old-data side shape points P1 to P5, the farthest shape point P5 from the shape point P1 in the old-new connection portion is not moved as a reference, and the other shape points P1 to P4 are moved in accordance with distance from the farthest shape point P5.

Abstract: An asperity detection apparatus and method wherein asperities are detected over a period of time. The resultant information can be used to characterize the asperities as three dimensional structures and/or with respect to their elastic and/or resilient behaviors or properties over time.

Abstract: An individual recognizing apparatus includes a data acquisition unit to acquire certifying data from a recognized person, a detection unit to detect feature points of the certifying data acquired by the data acquisition unit, a change calculation unit to calculate changes of detecting positions of the feature points detected by the detection unit, an aptitude judging unit to judge whether the certifying data acquired by the data acquisition unit is appropriate for the preparation of a certifying dictionary based on the changes of feature points calculated by the change calculation unit, a dictionary preparing unit to prepare a certifying dictionary based on the certifying data acquired by the data acquisition unit when the acquired certifying data is judged appropriate by the aptitude judging unit, a dictionary storing unit to store the certifying dictionary prepared by the dictionary preparing unit, and a certifying unit to certify that a recognized person is a proper person using the certifying data acquire

Abstract: An image extraction method picks up an image of an object positioned in front of a background using wavelengths in a visible light region, picks up an image of the object positioned in front of the background using wavelengths in an infrared region, and extracts only the object based on the picked up images. At least a surface of the background is formed by an organic dye.

Abstract: Fingerprint image processing methods for fingerprint security systems, for example, in wireless communications devices, including capturing fingerprint images (320), identifying features from images (330), matching the identified features with reference features (340), and providing access to the device based upon feature matching (350) results. In one embodiment, minutiae features are extracted from the image and matched to reference minutiae features.

Abstract: In a method for forgery recognition in the fingerprint recognition, at first an image sequence is captured, which comprises a plurality of images of the fingerprint to be recognized. From at least two images capturing a texture captures a differential image. The texture will be compared with a predetermined texture in order to determine whether the captured image sequence comes from a real finger or from an imitation.

Abstract: A system and method capable of measuring the fat content in the target organ by the gray level distribution of pixels forming a ultrasonic section image and a recording medium of recording a fat content measuring program are disclosed. In order to quantify the fat content of the target organ from the information of the stored ultrasonic section image, a target section and a comparative section in each of the longitudinal sections are set, and a representative gray level value of the respective section is calculated, thereby the fat content of the target section is quantified in a numerical value relative to the representative gray level value of the comparative section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for identifying imperfections in a person's facial, forearm or hand skin and for recommending an appropriate remedial cosmetic. The method includes providing an apparatus having a programmable computer, a camera connected to the computer, at least one visible wavelength light source for separately generating at least two different color images and at least one ultraviolet wavelength light source for an ultraviolet light image. Further, the method includes placing the ultraviolet and color images into a program of the computer and processing the images for pinpointing areas of skin requiring preventative treatment including those with skin damage. A remedial set of cosmetic products can thereby be recommended.

Abstract: An image processing method for processing a sequence of images of a distortable 3-D Object, each image being registered at a corresponding image instant within the interval of time of the sequence having steps to construct and display an image of said 3-D Object represented with regions, each region showing a quantified indication relating to its maximal contraction or relaxation within said interval of time. Each region of the constructed and displayed image is attributed a respective color of a color coded scale that is function of the calculated quantified indication relating to the maximum of contraction or relaxation of said region. The quantified indications may be the instant when a face or region has had its maximum of contraction or relaxation; or the phase value corresponding to said maximum; or the delay to attain said maximum.

Abstract: A method for determining a response of each probe zone on a test strip is provided. The present invention selects an average pixel value of each section of reference white respectively adjacent to the image of a target line to serve as a reference for determining a color response of the target line. When the color response is not less than a predetermined value, representing the target line has a positive response in response to a specific component of a tested solution tested by the test strip, and the specific component is present in the tested solution. The content of the specific component is proportional to the color response. When the color response is less than a predetermined value, representing the target line has a negative response in response to the specific component of the tested solution, and the specific component is absent in the tested solution.

Abstract: A method for management of dynamic range of a radiological image by processing an acquired image by subjecting context components as well as components of the details of the image to contrast expansion factors whose value depends on a signal of the context image, at the position of the concerned pixels. A signal in terms of gray levels or in terms of acquired doses is converted into a radiological thicknesses signal carry out the processing. At the end of the processing, the dynamic range of the processed image is reset so that it corresponds to that of a radiology apparatus, especially by compression. If desired, the factors are modified as a function of a choice made by the user.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing an image composed of two-dimensional image data corresponding to an image reading area of an image reader, comprising: a specifying device for specifying a output-size within the image reading area of the image reader; a determining device for selecting a part of the two-dimensional image data in accordance with the output-size, analyzing image data in the selected part of the two-dimensional image data, and determining a processing condition for the image data in the selected part on basis of the analyzing result; and a processing device for processing the image data in the selected part with the determined processing condition.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to eliminate the need for any analytic function and maximize the contrast of an image after gray level conversion. To accomplish this, an image processing apparatus which executes image processing for a radiographical image obtained by converting, into an electrical signal, an intensity distribution of radiation that is radiated to an object and has passed through at least the object, includes a defining unit for defining a gray level conversion curve to be used for gray level conversion on the basis of the contrast of the image after gray level conversion of the radiographical image, and a gray level conversion unit for converting the gray level of the radiographical image by using the gray level conversion curve defined by the defining unit.

Abstract: An image measurement system and method for obtaining measurement data on objects by processing images of the objects is provided. The image measurement system includes an image obtaining device (101) for obtaining a first image of an object to be measured and a second image of a standard object, and a plurality of measurement computers (103) linked to the image obtaining device via a communication network (102). The measurement computers are used for processing the first image and the second image to obtain measurement data on the object. Each of the measurement computers comprises an image obtaining module (210), an image processing module (220), and an image measuring module (230).

Abstract: With a pattern inspection apparatus, image data corresponding to all patterns on an inspection target plate can be generated on the basis of scanned pattern data obtained with low-magnification optics different from ordinary inspection optics, or design pattern data. A pattern repeated area can be automatically detected from the image data. Therefore, die-to-die comparative inspection can be performed if the operator does not specify which dies to inspect. Thus, the inspection throughput can be improved.

Abstract: For a wafer earlier than a n'th wafer (n≧2) in a lot, a method (and an apparatus) of this invention detects positions of all shot areas, separates a nonlinear component and linear component of each of position deviation amounts, evaluates nonlinear distortion of the wafer based on the position deviation amounts and an evaluation function, and calculates nonlinear components of the position deviation amounts of all shot areas according to a complement function determined based on the evaluation results. On the other hand, for the n'th or later wafer, the method (and the apparatus) calculates position coordinates, of all shot areas, having linear components of position deviation amounts thereof corrected by using EGA, and detects positions of the shot areas based on the position coordinates having linear components thereof corrected and the nonlinear components calculated in the above.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system and method for inspecting objects, the method including creating a reference image for a representative object, the reference image comprising an at least partially vectorized first representation of boundaries within the image, acquiring an image of an object under inspection comprising a second representation of boundaries within the image, and comparing the second representation of boundaries to said at least partially vectorized first representation of boundaries, thereby to identify defects.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement apparatus using multiple striped patterns and a method thereof is disclosed to take a three-dimensional measurement by projecting and transporting the multiple striped patterns having a plurality of stripes, not a single striped pattern that is projected once to the entire area of an object, according to a striped pattern shape, thereby making a faster and more precise three-dimensional measurement, cutting down the entire size, weight and manufacturing cost of the relevant three-dimensional measurement apparatus and, at the same time, reducing measurement time.

Abstract: An improved imaging system includes a memory-storage unit, a multiple-dimensional image processor configured to convert information within a multiple-dimensional data set to a two-dimensional representation in a plane orthogonal to an operator-identified view axis, and an image-rendering device configured to display the two-dimensional representation of a volume-of-interest contained within the three-dimensional data set, wherein the two-dimensional representation is responsive to pixel values associated with a faceplate orthogonal to the view axis. A method for viewing information includes identifying a view axis that intersects a multiple-dimensional data set, modifying the multiple-dimensional data set to align the multiple-dimension data set responsive to the view axis, locating a portion of a structure-of-interest along a vector parallel to view axis, associating a set of pixels with a faceplate, and generating a composite view in accordance with the faceplate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying a plurality of elements in images, where electronic images of a field of view containing elements are formed. Each of the elements has a plurality of features. A first subgroup of the plurality of features from the images of the plurality of elements are extracted and processed to segregate the plurality of elements into first and second groups. A classification class only for each of the elements in the first group is determined by selecting and processing a second subgroup of the extracted features to determine a physical characteristic of the element, and by selecting and processing a third subgroup of the extracted features in response to the determined physical characteristic to determine a classification class of the element. The second group of elements bypasses the determination of classification class.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, which includes an input unit inputting a color signal of a color space, a designating unit designating a color range according to the input color signal, a black amount determining unit determining an amount of black for the input color signal by referring to a black generation condition corresponding to the designated color range, wherein the designated color area is an area where a difference between a maximum amount of black and a minimum amount of black is small.

Abstract: In a color conversion method of inputting at least two color difference values and obtaining a corresponding saturation value, a main lookup table which stores the saturation value for the color difference values, and a sub-lookup table for obtaining an address for accessing the main lookup table are created. The address of the main lookup table is determined on the basis of the sub-lookup table and the difference between the two color difference values, in correspondence with two arbitrary color difference values. A saturation value corresponding to the two color difference values is obtained from the determined address of the main lookup table.

Abstract: An image scanning method, applied to a document, performs a preliminary scanning operation to distinguish the document into areas uniformly containing a same color level and scanned areas containing different color levels. An image scanning sequence is subsequently performed, during which an area of the document to be scanned is skipped if it has been determined as an area uniformly having a same color level. A color code value corresponding to the uniform color level of this area is consequently stored in a corresponding memory zone. The above image scanning sequence is executed until the scanning of the document is completed.

Abstract: When carrying out further color balance adjustment processing on color-balance adjusted image data having been through color balance adjustment processing, processing performance of the further color balance adjustment processing is sufficiently used. In a digital camera, by carrying out processing such as first AWB processing and chroma enhancement processing on original image data obtained by photographing, output image data are obtained. The output image data are then input to a printer. In the printer, processing which is the inverse of processing carried out in processing means of the digital camera and inverse AWB processing which is the inverse of the first AWB processing is carried out on the output image data, and inverse AWB image data which can be regarded as the original image data are obtained.

Abstract: A method for segmenting an object within an image including extracting an edge image containing a first set of pixels from the image, generating a second set of pixels from the first set of pixels using mathematical morphology, and identifying a segment corresponding to the object.

Abstract: A method for video background scene maintenance uses statistical pixel modeling. A background statistical model is built based on the input video. A background image may be built based on the background statistical model, or video segmentation into foreground and background may be carried out based on the background statistical model.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for automatically identifying containers that are loaded/unloaded by a crane, preferable at port areas, and for capturing and/or analyzing images of at least a part of the container, comprising at least one camera, a camera control system and a crane control system. The problems with such systems are to capture images with good quality that can be safely analyzed, without stopping or hamper the loading/unloading procedure. The problems are solved by the invention by that the camera control system (CCR) is arranged to receive information generated in, and/or transmitted from, the crane control system (CCS) thereby controlling at least one of the functions of the camera or cameras (13) in order to capture one or more images of at least a part of the container (5).