Patents Issued in April 12, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070081667
    Abstract: A method for authenticating a user to a computer system is disclosed, comprising using a first input and a second input in producing a digital signature in response to a challenge. The digital signature is valid when the first input matches a personalized secret and the second input matches a trio comprising a public modulus, a public exponent, and a private-key-dependent exponent. Selection of the personalized secret is discretionary and changeable. A crypto-key generation process uses the personalized secret and two primes as input to produce the trio. The public modulus and public exponent of the trio form a public key used in digital signature validation. Also disclosed is a business method that replaces the conventional public-key certificate with an agreement on the user's public key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Jing-Jang Hwang
  • Publication number: 20070081668
    Abstract: A block cipher mode of operation implements a block cipher with an arbitrary block length and provides output ciphertext that is always the same size as the input plaintext. The mode can provide the best possible security in systems that cannot allow data expansion, such as disk-block encryption and some network protocols. The mode accepts an additional input, which can be used to protect against attacks that manipulate the ciphertext by rearranging the ciphertext blocks. The universal hash function from Galois/Counter Mode of operation for block ciphers may be used in an embodiment for hardware and software efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: David McGrew, Scott Fluhrer
  • Publication number: 20070081669
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a cryptographic processor configured to generate encrypted data associated with a content management unit by executing encryption using a unit key associated with the content management unit, the content management unit being defined as a unit for controlling usage of content; a management-information controller configured to generate or update a unit key file storing the unit key and a usage-control-information file associated with the content management unit as management information associated with the encrypted data generated by the cryptographic processor; and a recorder configured to record the encrypted data, the unit key file, and the usage-control-information file on an information recording medium according to a predetermined data recording format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Takashima, Kenjiro Ueda
  • Publication number: 20070081670
    Abstract: A data transfer device for transferring data to and/or from a removable data storage item, wherein data are encrypted or decrypted during data transfer using a feature of the removable data storage item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Topham, John Drew, Jonathan Buckingham
  • Publication number: 20070081671
    Abstract: An RFID tag includes a transceiver for communicating with a tag reader; memory for storing a deactivation string, an encrypted deactivation string created externally to the tag by encrypting the deactivation string, and a trial string created externally to the tag by decrypting the encrypted deactivation; and logic for comparing the deactivation string and the trial string to determine whether they are the same, and, if they are the same, configuring the tag to permit deactivation. A method executed by the RFID tag includes comparing the trial string with the deactivation string to determine whether they are the same, and if they are the same, configuring the tag to permit deactivation. The trial string may be created externally to the tag by decrypting, using a first key, an encrypted deactivation string that is created externally to the tag by encrypting the deactivation string using a second key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: John Ross, Frederick Rowe, Gregory Smith, Paul Vanderlei
  • Publication number: 20070081672
    Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing WLAN security performed by a wireless terminal, comprising steps of: reading the key stored in the ID card; requesting the wireless access point for authenticating identification according to the read key and the corresponding encryption algorithm; accessing the WLAN if the authentication succeeds. Said encryption algorithm can adopt algorithms in the network protocols, as well as customized encryption/decryption algorithms. With this method, the mandatory authentication can be performed for the wireless terminal to access WLAN, so as to avoid network insecurity caused by the entry of unauthorized wireless terminals into the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Li Li, Keyi Wu, Wei Li, Haoguang Guo, Zhihong Luo
  • Publication number: 20070081673
    Abstract: A system 10 for processing data packets according to a CCMP protocol is provided. The system includes a software component 40 operable to form a nonce and an MD according to a CCMP protocol. The system includes a hardware component 20 operable to receive the nonce and AAD and encrypt a portion of the data packet and calculate a MIC according to the CCMP protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jing-Fei Ren
  • Publication number: 20070081674
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of amplifying a stereo effect of a stereo sound recording apparatus, the apparatus including a first signal processing unit to amplify a separation degree of left sound and right sound through feed-forward cross-mixing of left and right channel input signals with a predetermined delay value, and a second signal processing unit to correct low frequency characteristics through feedback summation of the left and right channel signals processed in the first signal processing unit, with a predetermined delay value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Oan-Jin Kim, Hyuch-Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20070081675
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for outputting an audio signal according to a DMB channel are provided. The default volume level of a DMB signal received on each DMB channel is compared with a plurality of predetermined volume levels available to the DMB terminal. Correction values are determined according to the differences between the default volume level and the predetermined volume levels and stored for the each DMB channel. Upon receiving a DMB signal, a correction value is read according to a DMB channel on which the DMB signal is received and a current volume level set for the DMB terminal. Thereafter, the default volume level of the DMB signal is corrected, i.e., amplified or attenuated, using the correction value. Accordingly, the DMB terminal outputs an audio signal at a constant volume level when a predetermined volume level is fixedly set for the DMB terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki-Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20070081676
    Abstract: Implementations provide a first option of simultaneously turning on or turning off two distinctly separate and isolated electrical circuits, such as when each of two electrical devices are powered by a different energy source. Implementations provide a second option of connecting the two separate circuits together, such as when both of the first electrical device and the second electrical device are to be powered by both of the different energy sources connected in parallel. Included is an electrically isolative rotor internal to a housing. The rotor is keyed with an external knob used to control rotational position of the rotor. Further included are electrically conductive link bars contained by the rotatable rotor that electrically couple with stationary bus bars dependent upon rotational positioning of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: BLUE SEA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Graham, Justin Kaufman, Kevin Lacy
  • Publication number: 20070081677
    Abstract: A speaker array, includes a plurality of speakers which are linearly arranged at a predetermined interval; and one-dimensional digital filters which are provided to correspond to the speakers respectively, in which predetermined filter coefficients are set previously, and which apply a filtering process to input sound data in response to the filter coefficients to output. Sound data derived by applying a digital conversion to input sound signals are supplied to respective one-dimensional digital filters. Sound signals derived by applying an analog conversion to the sound data output from respective one-dimensional digital filters are supplied to corresponding speakers to output a sound in response to the sound signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicants: YAMAHA CORPORATION, National University Corporation Kanazawa University
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20070081678
    Abstract: A video camera with an integral radio. The video camera records video images on a desired recording medium contemporaneously with an audio track from a selected audio source. Various audio sources including a microphone, a radio receiver, and a line-in auxiliary input are available. With multiple audio sources available, a secondary audio program, such as a radio broadcast, can be recorded to narrate the video action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Boyd Minnich
  • Publication number: 20070081679
    Abstract: A portable audio drive unit has a case, an audio signal output section that outputs an audio signal, and a magnetostrictive actuator that drives on the basis of the audio signal output from the audio output section. The magnetostrictive actuator includes a displacement transfer section. The displacement transfer section has a driving rod. The displacement transfer section transfers a displacement of the driving rod. The magnetostrictive actuator is arranged in the case with the displacement transfer section being protruded from the case or being retractable into the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobukazu Suzuki, Masaru Uryu, Yoshio Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20070081680
    Abstract: An improved-fidelity speaker system is presented. The sound system includes a frame and a pair of matching speakers. The frame is formed to hold a first speaker and a second speaker, each having a front side, a back side, and central axis. When attached with the frame, the two speakers are substantially aligned along their central axes in a configuration selected from a group consisting of being mounted in the frame such that the front sides of the speakers are facing away from each other, and being mounted in the frame such that the front sides of the speakers are facing towards each other. When the speakers are operated in unison, a sound wave is generated and pushed outward from the frame and approximately radially from the central axes of the speakers in up to 360 degrees, expanding outward about a plane approximately perpendicular to the central axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Wailit Yen
  • Publication number: 20070081681
    Abstract: A thin film acoustic transducer is formed with an electrically actuatable substantially transparent thin film. Substantially transparent conductive thin films are supported on both sides of the electrically actuatable substantially transparent thin film. The thin film transducer may be used to sense sound, or produce sound in various embodiments. In further embodiments, the film may be attached to a window, and operate as a speaker for an audio system, or may provide noise cancellation functions. In further embodiments, the film may be attached to a computer monitor, touch panel, poster, or other surface, and operate as a speaker. A method of forming carbon nanotube thin films uses a layer by layer assembly technique and a positively charged hydrophilic layer on a thin film substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Xun Yu, Rajesh Rajamani, Kim Stelson, Tianhong Cui
  • Publication number: 20070081682
    Abstract: The invention is intended to simplify the operation of a hearing aid device. Toward that end, means are present in the hearing aid device for storing the value of a parameter which can be set by the hearing aid device wearer by actuation of a control element, which parameter value was valid before the hearing aid device was turned off, with the result that the value of the parameter that was valid before the hearing aid device was turned off will be set automatically as the current value of the parameter after the device is turned off and then turned back on again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Dickel, Thomas Kasztelan, Meng Lim
  • Publication number: 20070081683
    Abstract: A system and method for improving sound quality for subjects with impaired hearing by applying a lowpass filter and a set of mid- to high-frequency narrowband filters to a signal. A set of narrowband filters are applied to sounds so that the impaired ear is stimulated to respond in a manner more similar to that of a healthy ear at low to moderate sound levels, for which intelligibility is high. Information falling outside of the set of narrowband filters is “discarded” or filtered out, which preserves the representation of the information in the narrowbands. Because energy at frequencies between the narrowband filters is discarded, the sound spectrum is significantly changed, resulting in a clearer sound that is more natural and higher in intelligibility than conventional sounds or sound processing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Laurel Carney
  • Publication number: 20070081684
    Abstract: The invention comprises a hearing aid with a casing and a battery with a battery access door in the casing. According to the invention: the door is hingedly connected to the casing to allow a pivotal motion between the battery door and the casing, a flexible locking latch having a proximal end and a distal end is provided in either casing or battery door, the distal end of the flexible locking latch is arranged to flex along a path in order to release the battery door when an opening force is applied to the door, and an arrest pin is insertable in the moving path of the distal part of the flexible locking latch to block the movement of the latch when a child-resistant battery enclosure is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Ben Crook
  • Publication number: 20070081685
    Abstract: The physical fit, comfort, and appearance of a hearing instrument that resides in the ear can be improved by providing the shell of the instrument with a textured finish. A variety of textured finishes can be imparted during the fabrication process or applied after fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEARING INC.
    Inventors: Martin Masters, Matthew Pietrafitta, Therese Velde
  • Publication number: 20070081686
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a behind the ear type hearing aid device is provided that includes a one piece case that defines an opening at a first end. The hearing aid also includes a carriage that supports the electrical components of the hearing aid. The carriage, including the electrical components, is easily inserted inside of case, thus, simplifying the assembly process significantly. The opening of the case is selectively closed using a door that is pivotally attached to the case. The door includes a battery compartment into which a typical disc-shaped battery fits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: HANSATON AKUSTIK GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Sluppke
  • Publication number: 20070081687
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a speaker enclosure that includes a plurality of faces which surround so as to have an internal space tightly closed, a cut-away portion that is cut away along a contour of a virtual plane figure surrounded by a line on one face of the speaker enclosure while a part of the contour as a connection portion is left, a sealing member that covers the cut-away portion so as to tightly seal the internal space of the speaker enclosure, and a loudspeaker that is provided on any face of the speaker enclosure. A portion of the face surrounded by the cut-away portion is a diaphragm capable of vibrating due to bending elasticity while a near portion of the connection portion serves as a point of support. The sealing member is attached to the diaphragm and a peripheral portion which includes a portion of the one face surrounding the diaphragm so as to tightly seal the internal space of the speaker enclosure in a state that the diaphragm can vibrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Toyofumi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20070081688
    Abstract: An earphone has a body, a connecting element and a speaker. The body has a distal end, a joint, a core, a base, an outer side, an inner side, and a connecting cylinder. The joint extends from the distal end. The base is formed in the core. The connecting cylinder is formed on the inner side. The connecting element has an inner side and an outer side. The outer side is formed annularly multiple tabs and multiple circular recesses. The multiple circular recesses are formed respectively between the multiple tabs and hold respectively the multiple protrusions inside. The speaker is mounted in the base. Therefore, manufacturers can switch between the different connecting elements to provide both a plug-type earphone and an insert-type earphone during the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Hsien-Ta Chen
  • Publication number: 20070081689
    Abstract: A portable waterproof equipment includes a body configured for containing articles therein, a sealing structure, a cable and a sealing device. The body has an opening configured for providing an access for the articles entering into the body. The sealing structure is configured for sealing the opening of the body. The cable passes through the body and has an inner end located within the body. A plug is provided at the inner end of the cable and configured for connecting with phone jacks of the articles. The sealing device is arranged between the cable and the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Andie Chan
  • Publication number: 20070081690
    Abstract: A control module adapted to connect to an energy source and having a headphone assembly connected to a first end of the control module. The control module further connected to an input wire assembly at a second end of the control module, wherein at least one of the headphone assembly and the input wire assembly is adapted to illuminate upon excitation by the energy source. Methods of operation are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Mary Stagni, Lee Stagni
  • Publication number: 20070081691
    Abstract: Provided is a speaker device for a portable terminal. The speaker device includes a speaker housing which provides a mounting space for accommodating a speaker unit and a resonating space connected to the mounting space and located around the mounting space. The speaker device solves the disadvantages of a small-size speaker unit, i.e., problems in producing a sound in a bass region, thereby producing a “live” sound. Moreover, the characteristics of a sound can be improved using the speaker housing, without addition of a separate speaker unit or addition or change of software or a circuit, thereby improving the performance of a speaker device of the portable terminal at low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Ik Park, Han-Sang Lim, Jun-Tai Kim, Dae-Hyun Sim
  • Publication number: 20070081692
    Abstract: A speaker device includes a magnetic circuit, a vibration system, a frame and a terminal. The frame is formed into a frame shape, and an inner wall thereof holds the magnetic circuit. Particularly, the frame has an opening for ventilation, which makes a rear surface positioned on a side opposite to a sound output direction and a side surface curved to a direction of the sound output direction from a peripheral end of the rear surface communicate with each other, and the terminal covers the opening on the rear surface of the frame. Therefore, the opening is provided on the side surface of the frame, and ventilation performance of the speaker device is ensured. In addition, by such amount that no opening is provided on the rear surface of the frame, a setting space of the terminal can be enlarged on the rear surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicants: PIONEER CORPORATION, TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Chiba, Shunichi Hiramuki
  • Publication number: 20070081693
    Abstract: A suspension member for a diaphragm, the suspension member comprising an inner portion being adapted to be attached to a substantially stiff piston part, a outer portion arranged on or integrated with a substantially stiff support member so as to mechanically stabilise the suspension member, and a flexible member connecting the inner and outer portions. The present invention further relates to an electro-acoustic transducer, preferably a miniature electro-acoustic transducer, applying such suspension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Morten Andersen, Leif Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20070081694
    Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating an image printed at a predefined print resolution or in accordance with a predetermined print grid. The method includes the steps of scanning the image to produce digital data and segmenting the data into first and second groups corresponding, respectively, to first and second predefined sections of the image. Next, a determination is made concerning the anticipated spatial position of select columns of digital data from each of the first and second groups of data. By examining the data, differences may be identified between the anticipated and actual spatial position of the columns, to determine the authenticity of the image. The identified differences which may include (i) a rotary/linear displacement in the actual spatial position of the select columns. (ii) a change in beat frequency between sections of the image, and/or (iii) a phase shift in a beat frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Incorporated
    Inventor: Frederick Ryan
  • Publication number: 20070081695
    Abstract: The spatial location and azimuth of an object are computed from the locations, in a single camera image, of exactly two points on the object and information about an orientation of the object. One or more groups of four or more collinear markers are located in an image, and for each group, first and second outer markers are determined, the distances from each outer marker to the nearest marker in the same group are compared, and the outer marker with a closer nearest marker is identified as the first outer marker. Based on known distances between the outer markers and the marker nearest the first outer marker, an amount of perspective distortion of the group of markers in the image is estimated. Based on the perspective distortion, relative distances from each other point in the group to one of the outer markers are determined. Based on the relative distances, the group is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Foxlin, Leonid Naimark
  • Publication number: 20070081696
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance including a biometric detector for capturing biometric characteristic. A database contains user profile information including at least a biometric identity data corresponding to a biometric characteristic. A computer is operatively coupled to the biometric input device and database for controlling the operation of the kitchen appliance in response to the biometric characteristic and as a function of the user profile information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Technology Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Brennan, William Flynn, George Koether, Ed Musial
  • Publication number: 20070081697
    Abstract: In a digital multifunction peripheral that has a fingerprint reader capability, a display panel displays the duration of time from when the user places his finger immovably at the fingerprint read position until a carriage of the scanner actually starts reading the fingerprint. Consequently, the user becomes careful not to move his finger during the fingerprint scan or before or after the scan starts, and a rate of erroneous reading in fingerprint reading can be lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaharu Ouchi
  • Publication number: 20070081698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a latent fingerprint image provided to a biometric input device of a fingerprint based security system. First and second images of the fingerprint are captured during a time period interval ?t. At least one of the first and second images are analyzed to identify an extractable feature within a global reference frame, the extractable feature useable for authenticating an individual. The first and second images are compared one with the other to determine differences indicative of motion about the identified extractable feature within a local reference frame during the time period interval ?t. Absent motion about the identified extractable feature being detected, the fingerprint is registered as a latent fingerprint and cannot be used to authenticate the individual who is seeking authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Laurence Hamid, John Boyer
  • Publication number: 20070081699
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, and database of images have categorized levels of severity of a disease or medical condition is generated from human designation of the severity. In some embodiments, the severity of a disease or medical condition is diagnosed by comparison of a patient image to images in the database. In some embodiments, changes in the severity of a disease or medical condition of a patient are measured by comparing a patient image to images in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gopal Avinash, William Bridge, Saad Sirohey, Janet Blumenfeld, Satoshi Minoshima
  • Publication number: 20070081700
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, and database of images have categorized levels of severity of a disease or medical condition is generated from human designation of the severity. In some embodiments, the severity of a disease or medical condition is diagnosed by comparison of a patient image to images in the database. In some embodiments, changes in the severity of a disease or medical condition of a patient are measured by comparing a patient image to images in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Janet Blumenfeld, Gopal Avinash, William Bridge, Saad Sirohey, Satoshi Minoshima
  • Publication number: 20070081701
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, and database of images have categorized levels of severity of a disease or medical condition is generated from human designation of the severity. In some embodiments, the severity of a disease or medical condition is diagnosed by comparison of a patient image to images in the database. In some embodiments, changes in the severity of a disease or medical condition of a patient are measured by comparing a patient image to images in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Saad Sirohey, Gopal Avinash, Janet Blumenfeld, William Bridge, Satoshi Minoshima
  • Publication number: 20070081702
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a boundary between a first tissue and a second tissue in a two-dimensional image. A cost is assigned to each pixel in a detection region indicative of the likelihood that the pixel is not located on the boundary between the first tissue and the second tissue. The boundary between the first and second tissues or organs is a path of voxels of minimal cost in the detection region from among two or more paths, the cost of a path being obtained in a calculation based upon the costs assigned to the voxels of the path. The method may be used to detect a boundary between a first tissue or organ and a second tissue or organ in a three-dimensional scan by applying the method to each of one or more two-dimensional sections and joining the two dimensional boundaries into a three dimensional boundary in the three dimensional scan. The method may also be used in segmenting a three-dimensional body scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Hadar Porat, Ido Milstein, Shmuel Akerman, Gad Miller
  • Publication number: 20070081703
    Abstract: Multi Media Integrated Imaging (MMII) includes methods, devices and systems that are effective in overcoming the shortcomings of conventional medical imaging techniques. Instead of generating a series of unrelated images taken at different times and obtained by several technologies, embodiments of the present invention generate a deeply detailed, coherent image taken simultaneously with several imaging modalities. In this manner, each three-dimensional coordinate point in the image is enriched by the different data provided by each of the plurality of imaging technologies employed. The data for each three-dimensional coordinate point is taken in each of the imaging modalities at a same point in time such that that the simultaneous capture of the multi-modality image data provides a crisp snapshot of the patient's internal structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Industrial Widget Works Company
    Inventor: Richard Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070081704
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the use of average CT (ACT) to match the temporal resolution of CT and PET to enhance PET imaging and evaluated tumor quantification with HCT and ACT. For example, an embodiment of a method of enhanced PET imaging on a PET/CT scanner includes generating an average CT scan responsive to 4D CT emission image data to thereby correct attenuation in PET emission image data. Another embodiment of a method of attenuation correction in a PET/CT scan includes averaging a plurality of consecutive low dose CT images of approximately one breathing cycle to thereby obtain an average CT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Tinsu Pan, Osama Mawlawi, Dershan Luo, Steven Kohlmyer, Dennis Hurley
  • Publication number: 20070081705
    Abstract: A method for segmenting and measuring anatomical structures in fetal ultrasound images includes the steps of providing a digitized ultrasound image of a fetus comprising a plurality of intensities corresponding to a domain of points on a 3-dimensional grid, providing a plurality of classifiers trained to detect anatomical structures in said image of said fetus, and segmenting and measuring an anatomical structure using said image classifiers by applying said elliptical contour classifiers to said fetal ultrasound image, wherein a plurality of 2-dimensional contours characterizing said anatomical structure are detected. The anatomical structure measurement can be combined with measurement of another anatomical structure to estimate gestational age of the fetus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Gustavo Carneiro, Sara Good, Bogdan Georgescu, Paolo Favaro, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Publication number: 20070081706
    Abstract: A system for providing automatic diagnosis and decision support includes: a medical image database; generative learning and modeling modules that build distributional appearance models and spatial relational models of organs or structures using images from the medical image database; a statistical whole-body atlas that includes one or more distributional appearance models and spatial relational models of organs or structure, in one or more whole-body imaging modalities, built by the generative learning and modeling modules; and discriminative learning and modeling modules that build two-class or multi-class classifiers for performing at least one of organ, structure or disease detection or segmentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Xiang Zhou, Arun Krishnan, Alok Gupta
  • Publication number: 20070081707
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically generating a severity index for images of anatomical features of a patient are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an image of an anatomical feature of a patient is compared with a normal, standardized image of the same anatomical feature. Based on this comparison, a deviation image for the anatomical feature is generated that represents the degree and manner the acquired image deviates from normal for that anatomical feature. The deviation image is automatically pattern matched against multiple images of known disease severity for the anatomical feature. Based on the automated pattern match, a known disease severity, such as in the form of a severity index, is provided as corresponding anatomical feature for the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Saad Sirohey, Gopal Avinash, Tamanna Bembenek
  • Publication number: 20070081708
    Abstract: A method is described for projecting radiological image data of at least a part of a brain into a neuroanatomical coordinate system. To this end, anatomical reference marks in the initial radiological image data are determined in an automated fashion and a rotation and/or displacement of the initial radiological image data is carried out, with at least some of the anatomical reference marks in the rotated and/or displaced image data match corresponding anatomical reference marks in the neuroanatomical coordinate system. The rotated and/or displaced image data are then converted into the neuroanatomical coordinate system by a transformation. An image data processing device for projecting initial radiological image data according to the method and a radiological system having a corresponding image data processing device are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Eckhard Hempel
  • Publication number: 20070081709
    Abstract: A clinical and training apparatus that collects and processes physical space data while performing an image-guided procedure on an anatomical area of interest includes a calibration probe, a tracked ultrasonic probe, a wireless tracking device that tracks the ultrasonic probe in space and an image data processor. The physical space data provides three-dimensional coordinates for each of the physical points. The image data processor includes a memory holding instructions. The instructions include determining registrations used to indicate position in image space and physical space; using the registrations to map into image space, image data describing the physical space of the tracked ultrasonic probe and the anatomical area of interest; and constructing a three-dimensional (3D) volume based on ultrasonic image data. The apparatus includes a storage medium that stores a plurality of 3D volumes acquired by the image data processor for later retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John Warmath, Alan Herline
  • Publication number: 20070081710
    Abstract: A system for segmenting a target organ tumor from an image includes a background model builder, a foreground model builder and a tumor region locator. The background model builder uses an intensity distribution estimate of voxels in an organ region in an image to build a background model. The foreground model builder uses an intensity distribution estimate of voxels in a target organ tumor to build a first foreground model. The tumor region locator uses the background model and the first foreground model to segment the target organ tumor to obtain a first segmentation result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: SIEMENS CORPORATE RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Lin Hong, Hong Shen
  • Publication number: 20070081711
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing an ultrasound image, comprising the steps of: a) successively acquiring ultrasound images from an object; b) sampling ultrasound images in a predetermined time interval; c) determining an image difference between a currently sampled ultrasound image and a previously sampled ultrasound image; d) if the image difference is greater than a critical value, adjusting image parameters to optimize the image parameters; and e) applying the adjusted image parameters to the ultrasound images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: Medison Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheol Kim, Chi Ahn
  • Publication number: 20070081712
    Abstract: A method for segmenting digitized images includes providing a training set comprising a plurality of digitized whole-body images, providing labels on anatomical landmarks in each image of said training set, aligning each said training set image, generating positive and negative training examples for each landmark by cropping the aligned training volumes into one or more cropping windows of different spatial scales, and using said positive and negative examples to train a detector for each landmark at one or more spatial scales ranging from a coarse resolution to a fine resolution, wherein the spatial relationship between a cropping windows of a coarse resolution detector and a fine resolution detector is recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Xiaolei Huang, Xiang Zhou, Anna Jerebko, Arun Krishnan, Haiying Guan, Toshiro Kubota, Vaclav Potesil
  • Publication number: 20070081713
    Abstract: A method for detecting bone and bone disease using MRI images includes: detecting and segmenting bone borders using dark bone border intensity information from an MRI image; and detecting bone disease within a segmented image region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventor: Anna Jerebko
  • Publication number: 20070081714
    Abstract: The invention provides inter alia methods and apparatus for determining the pose, e.g., position along x-, y- and z-axes, pitch, roll and yaw (or one or more characteristics of that pose) of an object in three dimensions by triangulation of data gleaned from multiple images of the object. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the invention provides a method for 3D machine vision in which, during a calibration step, multiple cameras disposed to acquire images of the object from different respective viewpoints are calibrated to discern a mapping function that identifies rays in 3D space emanating from each respective camera's lens that correspond to pixel locations in that camera's field of view. In a training step, functionality associated with the cameras is trained to recognize expected patterns in images to be acquired of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Aaron Wallack, David Michael
  • Publication number: 20070081715
    Abstract: A method for inspecting moving web material on a label application unit is provided. The web material includes repeated, pre-printed sections wherein each section corresponds to an individual package unit. The method includes detecting a position indicator located on the web material using a sensor where multiple sections of the moving web material includes a position indicator. A die section is moved in response to detection of the position indicator to re-position the die section for a cutting operation. It is determined whether movement of the die section is beyond a predetermined range using a processor. One or more of the method steps are repeated for more than one pre-printed section of the moving web material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Chaput, Willard Lucey, Charles Malony
  • Publication number: 20070081716
    Abstract: Provided are an image processing apparatus and method which can adjust the disparity of an input three-dimensional (3D) image and stably display the 3D image. The image processing apparatus includes: an image dividing unit receiving a 3D image and dividing the 3D image into a left-eye image and a right-eye image; a histogram generation unit estimating disparities between the left-eye image and the right-eye image, measuring a frequency with which the estimated disparities occur, and generating a histogram of the disparities and the frequency; a horizontal movement value determination unit determining a horizontal movement value for the left-eye image and the right-eye image using the generated histogram; and a horizontal movement unit moving the left-eye image and the right-eye image horizontally based on the determined horizontal movement value. The image processing apparatus can control convergence of an image to enhance 3D effects and reduce eye fatigue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: Tae-hyeun Ha, Jae-phil Koo