Abstract: An audio device maintenance support apparatus which is capable of notifying a user in advance of timing for loudspeaker unit replacement. An audio signal is input via a signal input section. An amplifier amplifies the input audio signal. A loudspeaker unit outputs the audio signal amplified by the amplifier, as sound. An integral value calculating section calculates an integral value of the signal level of the audio signal supplied to the loudspeaker unit via the amplifier with respect to a supply time length of the audio signal. When the calculated integral value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a notification control section gives a message recommending maintenance of the loudspeaker unit.

Abstract: An audio system installed in a listening space may include a signal processor and a plurality of loudspeakers. The audio system may be tuned with an automated audio tuning system to optimize the sound output of the loudspeakers within the listening space. The automated audio tuning system may provide automated processing to determine at least one of a plurality of settings, such as channel equalization settings, delay settings, gain settings, crossover settings, bass optimization settings and group equalization settings. The settings may be generated by the automated audio tuning system based on an audio response produced by the loudspeakers in the audio system. The automated tuning system may generate simulations of the application of settings to the audio response to optimize tuning.

Abstract: An audio signal processing method comprises the steps of emitting a sound at a virtual sound image location in space on the outer side of a closed surface, generating measurement-based directional transfer functions corresponding to a plurality of positions on the closed surface based on a result of measuring the sound at the plurality of respective positions on the closed surface by using a directional microphone, generating composite transfer functions corresponding to the plurality of respective positions on the closed surface by respectively adding, at a specified ratio, the measurement-based directional transfer functions and auxiliary transfer functions and generating reproduction audio signals corresponding to the plurality of respective positions on the closed surface by performing a calculation process on an input audio signal in accordance with the set of composite functions.

Abstract: Power is delivered from a power source in a head-mounted device to a separate accessory that is coupled to the head-mounted device. Power and signals are delivered on a common conductor that couples the head-mounted device to an accessory. One or both of the head-mounted device and the accessory are configured based on the signals. Power may be received at an accessory from the head-mounted device through a dedicated power conductor. Power may be delivered from a power source in a portable accessory to a head-mounted device that is coupled to the portable accessory and uses the power for circuitry in the head-mounted device that delivers audio to a user.

Abstract: Targeted sound detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. A microphone array has two or more microphones M0 . . . MM. Each microphone is coupled to a plurality of filters. The filters are configured to filter input signals corresponding to sounds detected by the microphones thereby generating a filtered output. One or more sets of filter parameters for the plurality of filters are pre-calibrated to determine one or more corresponding pre-calibrated listening zones. Each set of filter parameters is selected to detect portions of the input signals corresponding to sounds originating within a given listening zone and filter out sounds originating outside the given listening zone. A particular pre-calibrated listening zone is selected at a runtime by applying to the plurality of filters a set of filter coefficients corresponding to the particular pre-calibrated listening zone.

Abstract: A system extracts the sound spectrum and sound pressure level (SPL) values of a target source in a non-ideal environment. This system can be critical for in-line or end-of-line quality control (QC) testing of sound-producing products in a manufacturing environment in which background noise level is high. The underlying principle of this system is the assumption that the sound field can be described using two sets of expansion functions, one for direct sound radiation from a target source and the other for the background sounds that travel in the opposite direction as that of direct sound from the target. The coefficients associated with these expansion functions are determined in a similar manner as those in the Helmholtz Equation Least Squares (HELS) method. Once the expansion coefficients are determined, however, only the direct sound spectrum and corresponding SPL value are displayed. This allows for suppression of background noise produced by the neighboring sources and reflections from nearby surfaces.

Abstract: A sound source separation apparatus performs a discrete Fourier transform on each of a plurality of mixed sound signals for a predetermined time length in a time domain and sequentially transforms the mixed sound signals to mixed sound signals in a frequency domain. The apparatus allocates learning calculations of a separating matrix using a blind source separation based on independent component analysis to a plurality of DSPs for each of separate mixed sound signals generated by separating the frequency-domain-based mixed sound signal into a plurality of pieces with respect to frequency range and causes the DSPs to perform the learning calculations in parallel so as to sequentially output the separating matrix. The apparatus generates a separated signal corresponding to the sound source signal from the frequency-domain-based mixed sound signal by performing a matrix calculation using the separating matrix and performs an inverse discrete Fourier transform on the separated signal.

Abstract: A stereo speaker system including: a speaker unit having a plurality of speakers which output audio; and a filter unit selectively receiving low frequency components of the outputted audio. The filter unit eliminates the received low frequency components to decrease back pressure on the speakers. Thus, the phenomenon of air-loading caused by back-pressure is removed and the low frequency characteristic of stereo speakers is improved by activating the vibration of a vibrating plate.

Abstract: A system for processing audio data is provided. The system includes a spectral shaping system that receives sample audio data and generates spectral characteristic data for a plurality of spectral bands. The spectral characteristic data includes spectral characteristic data for predetermined frequency bands for a combination of one or more left channel data, one or more right channel data, or one or more additional channel data such as those defined pursuant to MPEG-2, and a difference between the one or more left channel data, the one or more right channel data, or the one or more additional channel data. An audio processing system receives the spectral characteristic data and processes the audio data so as to provide the spectral characteristic data for the spectral bands of the audio data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wireless microphone system. The object of the present invention is to further develop such wireless microphone systems. A further aim of the invention is to provide an improvement in the intermodulation spacing of HF transmitters so that more transmitters can be used in the same frequency band. A wireless microphone system comprising antennae connected thereto, wherein a circulator and/or an HF isolator is connected to the antennae or the antenna.

Abstract: Digital mixer includes a plurality of input ports each capable of performing gain adjustment, and a plurality of signal processing channels. Signal of each of the input ports is allocated to one or more desired ones of the channels. Each of the input channels includes an attenuator and can control the level of each signal supplied thereto. Gain value of any one of the input ports is updated in accordance with the gain adjustment performed in that input port, and, when an automatic gain adjustment function is ON in any one of the input channels set as patched-to destinations of the input port, an attenuator value of the input channel is automatically adjusted so as to cancel out an amount of variation of the gain value.

Abstract: A condenser microphone unit and a condenser microphone with enhanced sensitivity and reduced noise that can further be miniaturized by devising a structure of a vibrator and peripheral members thereof is obtained. A condenser microphone unit that causes conversion into an electric signal by capacity change of a capacitor formed with a vibrator that vibrates by receiving sound and a fixed pole disposed opposite to the vibrator. The vibrator is a cylindrical member and the fixed pole is a columnar member disposed on an inner side of the vibrator. The vibrator is disposed through a spacer disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the fixed pole to form a cylindrical space sealed with the outer circumferential surface of the fixed pole, spacer, and vibrator.

Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a condenser part in which a diaphragm is arranged opposed to a back plate, an impedance transformation element which transforms change in electrostatic capacitance of the condenser part into electric impedance, and a circuit which connects the condenser part and the impedance transformation element electrically. Further, the condenser microphone includes a casing which houses therein the condenser part, the impedance transformation element and the circuit, and is formed of an electric insulator. Herein, a conductive layer is provided on the periphery of the casing thereby to give electromagnetic shield ability to the casing.

Abstract: An electret condenser microphone includes a housing, a diaphragm disposed within the housing, first and second sound inlet ports and an acoustic resistive material disposed within the housing and in the acoustic path between the second inlet port and the diaphragm. The acoustic resistive may further electrically couple a backplate coupled to the diaphragm to an amplifier disposed within the housing.

Abstract: The pole piece of a loudspeaker woofer is formed with a recess in which a tweeter is mounted so that the woofer and the tweeter face in the same direction and produce a merged step response.

Abstract: A hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, occupies a small volume and has high data transmission speeds for wireless transmission. In order to avoid using large volume frequency-stable components, for this purpose, an oscillator unit with a free-running oscillator is used instead. A receiver receives a synchronization signal cyclically. This is correlated to a reference signal in a correlator, such that the arrival time of the synchronization signal can be defined exactly. The free-running oscillator is then retuned correspondingly.

Abstract: Audio apparatus (30) comprising a piezoelectric transducer (44) and coupling means (54) for coupling the transducer to a user's pinna (32) whereby the transducer excites vibration in the pinna (32) to cause it to transmit an acoustic signal from the transducer (44) to a user's inner ear, characterised in that the transducer is embedded in a casing (42) of relatively soft material and the casing (42) is mounted to a housing (34) of relatively hard material such that a cavity (48) is defined between the casing (42) and housing (34).

Abstract: Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microphone with dual effects for enhancing the physical acoustic volume and for acquiring uni-directional acoustic source. The microphone applies the viewfinder theory of the telescope. The sound source at a designated direction is past from the front end of a hollow tube through the tube such that the sound generates resonance and focusing effects when passing through the tube. The microphone provided at the end of the tube is allowed to increase the volume acquired without using a passive amplifying circuit. A high ratio of sound at the designated direction can also be acquired.

Abstract: A vehicular interior packaging system includes a holder for the stowage and ready access of an audio headset. The holder is provided on a headrest of the vehicle, and has an arcuate recess which provides a stowage cradle seat for the headset.

Abstract: In order to construct a headphone composed of a housing which holds a driver unit and an arm attached to the housing easily and favorably, a driver unit driven by an inputted audio signal, a housing 110 that therein accommodates the driver unit and has on its periphery a first flange portion for attaching an ear pad on the outside and an arm connected to the housing are provided. Then, a second flange portion that is connected to the first flange portion on the housing side is provided so that both the flange portion on the housing side and the flange portion on the arm side function as a flange for attaching an ear pad and also both the flange portions hold the driver unit when the arm is joined to the housing.

Abstract: Interchangeable cables and cable covers for a personal audio device includes a speaker and cable. An earphone, headphone, or communication headset cable may be disconnected permitting interchange with another cable or cable cover that has a different design, protective features, or function. In a method of customizing the audio device, the steps include (a) disconnecting at least one cable of the audio device; and (b) removing a previous cable and/or cable cover, if one is currently attached, and replacing it by a different cable and/or cable cover that provides a different design, functionality, or protective qualities.

Abstract: A speaker housing assembly including an adapter and a speaker enclosure is disclosed. The adapter has an escutcheon and a partially spherical recessed concave portion. The speaker enclosure has a partially spherical sidewall that is received in the recessed concave portion of the adapter. A lock assembly secures the speaker enclosure to the adapter through an arcuate slot. Flanges of the lock assembly are placed in registry with teeth formed on opposite sides of the arcuate slot to lock the speaker enclosure in place. An elastomeric pad is provided between the recessed concave portion and the partially spherical sidewall to dampen vibrations and supplement the locking engagement of the lock assembly.

Abstract: An earbud headset, a handset including the same, and methods of operating the headset and handset are provided. In one embodiment, an earbud headset includes a speaker portion that is retractable into and extendable from a base portion, thereby allowing for a thin profile form factor. Advantageously, the earbud headset allows for more convenient storage and/or integration with a handset such that a user may carry the handset and headset much like a single item.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device has a case with an elongated cavity formed therein. An audio transducer is in fluid communication with the cavity, and a number of sound openings are formed in the case and are in fluid communication with the cavity and with the atmosphere surrounding the handheld electronic device. The sound openings are generally spaced from a central region of the audio transducer to space the sound openings generally farther from an edge of the case than the audio transducer. The cavity is configured to form a Helmholtz resonator that enables the communication of sound through the cavity between the audio transducer and the sound openings. The spacing of the sound openings from an edge of a case helps a user to form a seal between the case and the user's ear to enable sound from the sound openings to enter the ear and to be perceived by the user.

Abstract: The invention described herein is an externally mounted speaker grill with special features for dispersing full range sound at broad angles. The basic form of the invention consists of a speaker grill for protecting a speaker from the elements, a rounded cone shaped feature for dispersing high-frequency sound waves at broad angles, a series of spoke features for supporting the cone feature while allowing full range sound waves to pass largely unhindered, and mounting holes for screws to affix the speaker grill to the front of a speaker mounting board in front of a speaker.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an improved speaker device equipped with an attachment member having formed thereon a reinforcing portion capable of inhibiting a deterioration of a sound characteristic. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved speaker device capable of efficiently disposing in a limited space close to the speaker an electronic element for controlling a signal being supplied to the speaker. The speaker device comprises a speaker unit, an attachment member for attaching the speaker unit to an attachment base. The attachment member comprises an attachment portion for attaching the attachment member to the attachment base, an attachment hole for attaching the speaker unit, a convex reinforcing portion formed along an entire or partial circumference of the attachment hole of the attachment member. The reinforcing portion has an inclined surface formed on the inner side thereof facing the side wall of the speaker unit.

Abstract: A loudspeaker damper including: an outer damper; and an inner damper; wherein the outer damper and the inner damper configured to damp a vibrating portion relative to a fixed portion of a loudspeaker, wherein the outer damper supports the outer periphery of a voice coil of the vibrating portion, and supports the outer periphery of the voice coil relative to the fixed portion, wherein the inner damper supports the inner periphery of the voice coil, and supports the inner periphery of the voice coil relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: An armored voice coil assembly comprises a former that is impregnated with a curable resin, preferably polyimide resin. Voice coil wire is wound around the outside surface of the former and is then preferably encased with an outer layer of resin impregnated glass fabric wrapped around the voice coil windings, effectively enveloping the voice coil within inner and outer layers of fabric and resin. The armored voice coil assembly is then cured into a solid shape.

Abstract: A speaker has a magnet assembly, a basket and a voice coil mounted in the flux gap of the magnet assembly. A spider mounts the voice coil to align it. A sound radiator, for producing sound, is connected by a connector to the voice coil. An isolator extends across the basket, between the sound radiator and the voice coil, to isolate the voice coil mechanically from the exterior, while permitting free movement of the connector. This then enables the voice coil to be connected to and driven by an amplifier connected to a relatively high voltage electrical supply.

Abstract: A flat panel loudspeaker arrangement with several panel loudspeakers of similar construction is disclosed. The panel loudspeakers are arranged seamlessly side-by-side and are rigidly connected with one another along their respective edges with a high shear strength. The panel loudspeakers can be supported by an existing stable wall.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, such as a digital multiple function processing machine, capable of preventing degradation of security, while storing image data after an output process based on the image data so as to improve convenience. The image processing apparatus selects one of image data concealment methods stored in a first storage part (step S203); conceals image data by use of the selected concealment method (authentication information setting step S207 or encryption step S212); and nullifies unconcealed image data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an asymmetric watermarking technology, which is particularly resistant to projection attack. The asymmetric watermark embedding technology of this invention comprises the following steps: Analyze an original image ?o to obtain its watermarking space W. Divide said watermarking space W to obtain two orthogonal subspaces g and h. Select an embedding key G, which is a matrix and which columns form bases of subspace g. Calculate a matrix H, HTG=0. Columns of matrix H form bases of subspace h. Calculate detecting key D: D=GT+BHT; wherein B is a matrix. Obtain a watermark w and embed said watermark w into said original image ?o to obtain a watermarked image ?w, as follows: ?w=?o+Gw wherein D ?o=mo is not a 0 vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing images or video and related information. In one embodiment, geographic information system (GIS) layer information is registered or aligned to an image or video using digital watermark information embedded within the image or video. Other embodiments are provided as well.

Abstract: Target-region detection apparatus includes unit receiving image frame, unit detecting a position of first target in the image frame, unit acquiring at least one combination of reference image as image of reference frame and a position of second target in the reference frame, unit selecting the reference frame from the combination, based on estimation criterion for reducing overlapping area of the first target and the second target, unit detecting from the reference frame at least one difference region in which pixel value of the selected reference frame included in the combination differs from pixel value of the image frame, unit specifying target region of the image frame, in which the first target exists, based on the difference region, and unit storing, as reference frame information, the image frame and the position of the first target in the image frame.

Abstract: A technique for searching for probable matches in a video surveillance system is disclosed. A new event, such as a face captured in an image set, is matched against other events in a database of events. A similarity score is generated based on the difference between the new event and other events in the database. The similarity score may be weighted by information external to the image sets. Because of limited system resources, an association between a new event and every other event in the system may not be kept. Thus, when searching for probable matches of a particular event, some events that are related to the particular event may not be initially selected. Such events may be associated with an event in a first set of events that are associated with the particular event. Therefore, a second set of events is selected that are associated with the first set of events.

Abstract: The performance of template matching is characterized by deriving the distribution of warp parameter estimate as a function of the ideal template, the ideal warp parameters and a given perturbation or noise model. An expression for the Probability Mass Function of the parameter estimate is provided. The optimal template size for template matching is the one that provides the best matching performance which is calculated from the minimum entropy of the parameter estimate.

Abstract: A change discrimination device capable of discriminating an alteration of a photographing target only from an aerial photograph or irrespectively of a difference in lighting conditions or photographing conditions at the time of taking a photo, and at minute distance intervals on a pixel basis, which receives input of a plurality of aerial image data at a new time point and an old time point, generates three-dimensional data (DSM) by subjecting the applied aerial image data to stereo-matching processing, generates ortho-image data and ortho-DSM data by normalizing the aerial image data and the generated DSM data, compares colors by using the generated ortho-image of the new time point and ortho-image of the old time point and compares heights by using the generated ortho-DSM data of the new time point and ortho-DSM data of the old time point to discriminate an alteration of a feature on the earth.

Abstract: An obstacle detection device comprising an imaging system for a motor vehicle, including at least one optical sensor, integrated in a lighting or signaling device of this vehicle. A field of vision of this at least one optical sensor can be oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle or substantially along a transverse axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: Security system for monitoring vehicular compartments includes at least one optical image receiving unit arranged to receive optical images of the compartment, a processor arranged to analyze the images received by the receiving unit(s) or data derived therefrom and determine whether an atypical situation relating to an occupant in the vehicle or the vehicle itself is present, and a security system coupled to the processor for reacting to the determination of the atypical situation by the processor. Receiving units may be positioned to obtain images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and/or images of a trunk of the vehicle. The security system may be a telecommunications unit coupled to the receiving unit and the processor for effecting the transmission of the images or information derived therefrom received by the receiving unit or data derived therefrom to the processor.

Abstract: An iris authentication apparatus includes an iris area extraction unit, registration pattern generating unit, collation pattern generating unit, and collation unit. The iris area extraction unit extracts iris areas from a sensed registration eyeball image and a sensed collation eyeball image. When the iris area extraction unit extracts an iris area from the registration eyeball image, the registration pattern generating unit generates a registration iris pattern image by performing polar coordinate transformation of an image in the extracted iris area. When the iris area extraction unit extracts an iris area from the collation eyeball image, the collation pattern generating unit generates a collation iris pattern image by performing polar coordinate transformation of an image in the extracted iris area.

Abstract: A sensor array (200) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive sensor element pads (201) that are separated from one another by intervening gaps (202). Barriers (301), comprising raised barriers in one approach and having a cross-sectional shape of choice, serve to urge electrically conductive substantially spherical members (1301) away from positions such as those that would lead to inappropriately electrically coupling two or more adjacent pads.

Abstract: A mobile or handheld printer incorporates fingerprint recognition. The mobile printer is a part of a larger system that accesses secure and controlled access databases containing confidential information such as the history of an individual. The mobile printer and the larger system can use a recognized fingerprint to identify an individual in real time. A report or citation can be also printed in real time, while municipal or private databases are modified to reflect the subject activity of the report or citation.

Abstract: An algorithm for rebuilding 1D information into 2D information is proposed, in which a 1D skin pattern sensing module composed of a linearly arranged sensing element array continuously reads 1D near field image information of a skin pattern to be measured. Matched with an algorithm for detecting the relative speed of the continuous 1D information, 2D information of the skin pattern can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for the recognition of finger lines. A housing is provided at which a hand contact area is provided for several fingers. Furthermore a thumb contact area for the thumb of the same hand is arranged. The thumb and the hand contact area are arranged angularly to each other. In the housing at least one scanning unit for the hand, respectively the thumb, contact area is provided which serves for recording of at least the finger lines, respectively the thumb lines.

Abstract: Several methods for retrospective correction of intensity inhomogeneities in digital diagnostic radiation images are presented. The methods are based on the correction of a digital image representation by means of a bias field. The bias field is deduced from the digital image representation of the diagnostic radiation image.

Abstract: A sequence of steps to create a portable archive of medical information from hardcopy medical history documents and medical advanced directive documents onto a billfold-sized compact disc or similar electronic device so as to insure accuracy, security, and verifiability of personal information for use by medical practitioners is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, which assists a doctor for instance in orientation in 2D fluoroscopy images. The present invention relates here to a method for displaying co-registered 2D-3D images in medical imaging, comprising the following steps: determine a 3D or 2D projection which is congruent with a 2D image from a 3D image data set, and overlaid display of the 2D image with the 3D or 2D projection on a monitor, characterized in that the two image parts of the two overlaid images can be adjusted and a shift in the two overlaid images which can be adjusted in at least one direction is enabled.

Abstract: An automated method and system for method and system for indexing, storing and searching medical images using indexed anatomical structures of interest. The method and system provides automated screening of medical images using anatomical structures of interest using a pre-determined hierarchical indexing and searching scheme.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To evaluate an exact bone mineral density. [Means to Solve the Problem] When a reference bar region (248) in an X-ray picture (214) of a mandible and a reference bar disposed beside the mandible is selected, the mean value and deviation of the brightness of this region (248) are displayed by means of letter groups (224, 226). When an evaluation object region (254) is selected, the brightness of this region (254) is corrected according to the mean value and deviation of the brightness of the reference bar region (248) and standard mean value and deviation, or, in other words, according to a fixed reference. The corrected brightness is displayed in the form of histogram (curve 264, 266). Furthermore, the mean value and deviation of the corrected brightness are determined, and they are displayed by means of letter groups (239, 232). The bone mineral density is quantitatively evaluated from the histogram and the mean value and deviation of the corrected brightness.