Abstract: A method for enhancing a usage of a telephone (100) is provided. The method including: receiving an incoming call; detecting an ambient noise level; and enhancing the incoming call to make it more understandable by a recipient of the incoming call where the detected ambient noise level is greater than a predetermined threshold noise level. The enhancing can include automatically amplifying a loudness of the incoming call to the recipient of the incoming call and/or converting the incoming call to text and displaying the text to the recipient of the incoming call.

Abstract: An xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem (160) includes a setting module (168), a detection module (164), and a distinguishing module (166). The setting module pre-sets a threshold value, and adjusts the threshold value according to noise types. The detection-module captures connection parameters of the xDSL modem and the central office (CO) (120), and computes a judging value. The distinguish module distinguishes noise types according to the judging value, and determines whether the connection is maintained or disconnected. A method for stabilizing connection between an xDSL modem and a CO is also provided.

Abstract: In a bidirectional transmission system including an I/O circuit, an I/O circuit, and a bidirectional transmission path which connects the circuits together, a variable impedance circuit is provided at an input end of the circuit connected to the transmission path. First transmission information (an output signal from the circuit) is sent from the circuit to the circuit via the transmission path as a voltage signal. Second transmission information (an impedance control signal from the variable impedance circuit) is sent from the circuit to the circuit via the transmission path as a voltage signal. The second transmission information is transmitted to the circuit as a change in the voltage signal which corresponds to a change in the circuit impedance Z of the variable impedance circuit.

Abstract: A method is described herein that can be used to detect the presence of a load coil within a transmission line. The method can also be used to determine the number of load coil(s) present within the transmission line. In addition, the method can be used to determine the distance to the first load coil.

Abstract: A healthcare data management system for use with an instrument for determining the concentration of a medically significant component of a body fluid. The instrument includes a first port. The system includes a cradle for receiving the instrument. The cradle includes a second port for coupling to the first port to download data from the instrument to the cradle. The system further includes a base having a third port. The cradle includes a fourth port for coupling to the third port to permit downloading to the base of data collected from the instrument by the cradle. The system further includes an accessory box including a fifth port. Engagement of the cradle with the accessory box couples the fourth and fifth ports. Engagement of the accessory box with the base couples the third and fifth ports.

Abstract: A lightweight disposable shield which is capable of fitting over the handset of a telephone for isolating the user of the handset from bacteria or other microbes on the handset. The shield is in the nature of a sleeve which slips over the handset from an end thereof and which does not have a cord or tie connected at that end to tighten the shield on the handset.

Abstract: A method for protecting data between a circuit and a memory is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a particular address among a plurality of addresses for accessing a particular area among a plurality of areas in the memory, (B) determining a particular key among a plurality of keys associated with the particular area, (C) generating a cipher stream from both the particular address and the particular key and (D) modifying a data item with the cipher stream such that the data item is encrypted during a transfer between the circuit and the memory.

Abstract: An encryption apparatus for generating a ciphertext block from a plaintext block is disclosed. A selector selects at random one mask random number from a plurality of random numbers generated by a random number generator. A mask processing unit executes mask processing of a plaintext block by using the mask random number selected by the selector. A storage unit stores a first table representing an initial S-box. A converter converts the first table into a second table representing a deformed S-box on the basis of the mask random number selected by the selector. An encryption unit generates a ciphertext block by shuffling the mask-processed plaintext block using the second table.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting data from devices using a homomorphic encryption of the data is provided. A collection system of a device adds contributions to homomorphically encrypted data and forwards the requests to another device. When the device receives a reply to the request, it uncombines its contribution to the homomorphic encryption of the data. The device then forwards the reply to the previous device. The initiator device ultimately removes its contribution to the encryption and identifies the data.

Abstract: The invention provides a key update system for a multihop network system including an authentication management device that manages keys using a hierarchical structure. That device constructs key information having a hierarchical structure in accordance with the structure of the multihop network. In addition, that device determines respective encryption keys for encrypting the keys based on the key information, and the communication terminals obtain the respective keys. In this system, that device includes a key tree management portion that constructs and manages the key information; an encryption portion that encrypts the keys using the keys included in the key information; and a transmission portion that transmits the encrypted keys. Each communication terminal includes a receiving portion that receives the encrypted keys; a key management portion that manages the keys that need to be held and stored by the given communication terminal; and a decryption portion that decrypts the encrypted keys.

Abstract: A device and method of encrypting a sequence. The method (300) encrypts data (Di) over a sequence of encryption periods (Ti) by generating (315) a sequence of forward encryption keys (GKfi) each associated with a respective encryption period (Ti). Each forward encryption key is generated recursively by applying a forward one way function (FFi?1) to the forward encryption key (GKFi?1) associated with the preceding encryption period (Ti?1). Next the method (300) generates (320) a sequence of reverse encryption keys (GKRi), each associated with a respective encryption period (Ti), each reverse encryption key being generated recursively by applying a reverse one way function (FRi?1) to the reverse encryption key (GKRi+1) associated with the subsequent encryption period (Ti+1). Encrypting (325) the data (Di) for each encryption period (Ti) with a respective forward encryption key (GKFi) and a respective reverse encryption key (GKFi) is then performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of storing data in a random access memory and to an encryption and decryption device. According to the method of storing data in a random access memory in which data words, each comprising a predetermined number of data bits, are storable, an encryption of each data word is effected before storage whereby a permutated data word with a predetermined number of data bits is generated from each data word, or from a data word derived from this data word, by one-to-one permutation of the individual data bits using a first permutation key.

Abstract: A combination-based broadcast encryption method includes: assigning by a server a base group of different combinations to each user; producing and sending secret information for each user by using as a base the base group allocated to each user; producing and sending an inverse-base parameter value through calculations with integers used to produce the base group and key value information of one or more privileged users; and deriving a group key by using the key value information of the privileged users, encrypting a session key by using the derived group key, and sending the encrypted session key to each user. Accordingly, each user is assigned a different base through a combination, thereby having security against collusion attacks.

Abstract: The invention provides an enciphering apparatus and method, a deciphering apparatus and method and an information processing apparatus and method by which illegal copying can be prevented with certainty. Data enciphered by a 1394 interface of a DVD player is transmitted to a personal computer and a magneto-optical disk apparatus through a 1394 bus. In the magneto-optical disk apparatus with which a change to a function is open to a user, the received data is deciphered by a 1394 interface. In contrast, in the personal computer with which a change to a function is open to a user, the enciphered data is deciphered using a time variable key by a 1394 interface, and a result of the decipherment is further deciphered using a session key by an application section.

Abstract: A random number generator uses the output of a true random generator to alter the behavior of a pseudo-random number generator. The alteration is performed by a mixing logic that builds a random seed for the pseudo-random number generator and includes a generator of an alteration signal, the generation of which exploits the random instant of arrival of the bits outgoing from the true random generator. The alteration signal is obtained by processing the seed by means of the pseudo-random sequence.

Abstract: A data encryption-decryption method includes the steps of receiving a data byte N and performing a triple-churning operation on byte N to obtain an encrypted byte N. Preferably, the triple-churning operation includes performing a first churning operation to obtain a first churned output, bit-wise XORing the first churned output with two values to obtain a first XOR result, performing a second churning operation on the first XOR result to obtain a second churned output, bit-wise XORing the second churned output with two values to obtain a second XOR result, and performing a third churning operation on the second XOR result to obtain encrypted byte N.

Abstract: Security information such as fixed or dynamically received camera location information, laser signature information, timestamp information, and network information, may be used to secure the transport and storage of surveillance video. Where the surveillance video is to be transported on a communication network, the round trip time from a video data storage server to the surveillance camera and back to the video data storage server may be monitored and periodically added to the secured video data. By checking to see whether the round trip time has changed, it may be possible to determine whether the video has been tampered with. The secured video data may also be transported over two or more paths on the network to two or more video data storage servers so that redundant copies may be stored at different primary locations. By comparing copies of the data, alteration of one of the copies may be detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for restricting or enhancing broadcast content access on a per-subscriber basis across a population of subscribers, all of whom have a valid content access key to such content, without necessitating changes to the current standard schemes and protocols for distributing content access keys and broadcasting the traffic keys associated with the broadcast data itself, and without trusting the application that processes the data. A method of handling a multimedia broadcast in a device comprises receiving broadcast content in a media stream encrypted using a traffic key, receiving the traffic key encrypted using a session key, and receiving broadcast attributes encrypted using the traffic key and the session key, wherein use of the media stream by the device is controlled using the broadcast attributes and using an access policy in the device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to secure and anonymous data storage and access. More particularly, encryption methods and mechanisms are provided in conjunction with one or more blobs, identities, and guards to implement one or more layers of indirect encryption. Generation of these components can be accomplished without including or pointing to any personally identifiable information about a user. Accordingly, a user can store sensitive data securely and anonymously on a server or like storage system. Such data can also be roamed, recovered, and synchronized securely from a plurality of computers at least because the data is centrally located.

Abstract: A content receiving apparatus, capable of resuming transmission of a content without assigning a new key even when transmission of the content is suspended, is provided. A content receiving apparatus is an apparatus which receives contents. The content receiving apparatus includes: a key exchange unit which exchanges, with a content transmitting apparatus for transmitting a content, a key which is to be used in encrypting a content and which is valid only for a prescribed period; a reception unit which receives the content encrypted by using the key; a detection unit which detects when a time during which the key is not used reaches a prescribed time; and a transmission unit which transmits, to the content transmitting apparatus, information for not making the key invalid, when it is detected that the time during which the key is not is used has reached the prescribed time.

Abstract: A method for setting up a radio bearer in a radio interface protocol, including transferring ciphering performance information from a designated layer to a radio resource control (RRC) layer, transferring the ciphering performance information from the RRC layer to a radio link control (RLC) layer, and enciphering data at the RLC layer in accordance with the ciphering performance information.

Abstract: A signal transmitted from a first device to a second device is encrypted using an encryption key generated from a preceding part of the signal itself. The signal is decrypted in the second device using a decryption key generated from a preceding part of the received and decrypted signal. This encryption method provides effective privacy protection, because the encryption and decryption keys are constantly changing. Since the transmitted signal provides its own encryption and decryption keys, the method is inexpensive to implement, and can be used in systems such as packet transmission systems that transmit signals intermittently.

Abstract: Data traffic between a mobile radio network and an IMS network is secured by first authenticating a mobile subscriber in the mobile radio network and in the IMS network. Next, an examination is carried out to check whether the identity of the mobile subscriber authenticated in the IMS network corresponds to the identity of the subscriber authenticated in the mobile radio network. If so, a confirmation message is sent from the IMS network to the mobile subscriber in the even of corresponding identities and a data exchange is carried out between the mobile subscriber and the IMS network by a security protocol protected by a common key derived from the confirmation message.

Abstract: A system and method for providing variable security levels in a wireless communication network. The present invention optimizes the often conflicting demands of highly secure wireless communications and high speed wireless communications. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, various security sensors are scanned to determine the likely presence of an intruder within a predetermined trust zone. If an intruder is likely present, the security level is changed to the highest setting, and consequently a lower data rate, while the intruder is identified. If the identified intruder is in fact a trusted node, the security level is returned to a lower setting. If the identified intruder is not a trusted node, the security level is maintained at an elevated state while the intruder is within the trust zone.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the security of a quantum key distribution (QKD) system having QKD stations Alice and Bob. The method includes encrypting key bits generated by a true random number generator (TRNG) and sent to a polarization or phase modulator to encode weak optical pulses as qubits to be shared between Alice and Bob. Key bit encryption is achieved by using a shared password and a stream cipher. Bob obtains at least a subset of the original key bits used by Alice by utilizing the same stream cipher and the shared password.

Abstract: A method of managing encryption keys creates a new encryption key as a predictable and retrospectively repeatable function of a current encryption key. Information is then encrypted or authenticated using the new encryption key. In one embodiment, the generation of a new encryption key is triggered as a function of the amount of information encrypted or authenticated using the current encryption key. In a further embodiment, the new encryption key is created by using the current encryption key to encrypt a pre-agreed block of information, which may be an appropriate-length representation of the current encryption key. In a further embodiment, the current encryption key and a time-independent method of creating a new encryption key is escrowed.

Abstract: An active audio matrix decoding method and apparatus to generate multi-channel audio signals from a stereo channel audio signal. The method includes: decoding a stereo channel audio signal into a multi-channel signal, extracting a power vector of each channel signal by multiplying a magnitude of each decoded channel signal by positions of a plurality of channel speakers, extracting a vector of a virtual sound source existing between each channel by linearly combining power vector values of each decoded channel, extracting a vector value of a dominant sound image by linear combination of the vectors of the extracted virtual sound sources and normalizing the position of each channel speaker with respect to the vector value of the dominant sound image, and distributing a gain value to each channel position by comparing the magnitude of an entire decoded channel signal with the magnitude of each channel signal.

Abstract: An active audio matrix decoding method and apparatus to generate multi-channel audio signals from a stereo channel audio signal.

Abstract: Multiple channels of audio are combined either to a monophonic composite signal or to multiple channels of audio along with related auxiliary information from which multiple channels of audio are reconstructed, including improved downmixing of multiple audio channels to a monophonic audio signal or to multiple audio channels and improved decorrelation of multiple audio channels derived from a monophonic audio channel or from multiple audio channels. Aspects of the disclosed invention are usable in audio encoders, decoders, encode/decode systems, downmixers, upmixers, and decorrelators.

Abstract: For synthesizing at least three output channels using two stereo input channels, the stereo input channels are analyzed to detect signal components occurring in both input channels. A signal generator is operative to introduce at least a part of the detected signal components into the second channel associated with a second speaker in an intended speaker scheme, which is positioned between a first and a third speaker in the speaker scheme. When, however, feeding of the complete detected signal components would result in a clipping situation, then only a part of the detected signal components is fed into the second channel as a real center channel and the remainder is located in the first and third channels as a phantom center channel.

Abstract: The transmission and use of real, i. e. of measured, room impulse responses for the reproduction of sound signals with this room characteristic compatible to the MPEG-4 standard is made possible by inserting impulse responses in multiple successive control parameter fields, especially the params[128] array. A first control parameter field contains information about the number and content of the following fields. For presentation of the sound signals the content of the successive control parameter fields is separated, stored in an additional memory of a node and used during the calculation of the room characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to audio signal processing. According to the invention, auto-regressive (AR) modeling (10) is used to create a residual signal from an input audio signal. The residual signal is further added (30) to the input audio signal in order to produce a processed output audio signal.

Abstract: While a vehicle incorporating an active vibration noise control apparatus is decelerating, hysteresis is given if an operating point moves from an operating point on a sampling period characteristic curve to an operating point on another sampling period characteristic curve. Even if a base period detected depending on noise contains fluctuations, a smooth noise control process is performed. Since a division number produced when the base period is divided by a sampling period is a real number, the freedom of design is widened. Less strict limits are posed on the processing capability of a CPU of the active vibration noise control apparatus to provide a wider control range.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that masks acoustic emanations from a keyboard. Upon receiving a signal indicating that a key on the keyboard has been pressed and/or released, the system generates a masking signal, and then outputs the masking signal to one or more audio transducers located in proximity to the keyboard, thereby masking acoustic emanations caused by the key being pressed and/or released.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that masks acoustic emanations from a keyboard. Upon receiving a signal indicating that a key on the keyboard has been pressed and/or released, the system generates a masking signal, and then outputs the masking signal to one or more audio transducers located in proximity to the keyboard, thereby masking acoustic emanations caused by the key being pressed and/or released.

Abstract: The binaural hearing system comprises a first hearing device and a second hearing device, each comprising an output transducer for converting audio signals into signals to be perceived by a user of the hearing system; a communication link interconnecting said first and said second hearing device; and a sound generator comprised in said first hearing device for generating first audio signals; and said first hearing device is adapted to transmitting said first audio signals to said second hearing device via said communication link. Through the transmission of said generated first audio signals, it is possible to achieve a predictable latency for the perception of said first audio signals by the user's two ears.

Abstract: A sound distributor, for use in a system for distributing physiological sounds in a training manikin, the system comprising at least one acoustic source (5, 6), e.g., a loudspeaker, adapted to convert electrical signals from a signal generator into an acoustic signal. The sound distributor is an air filled structure (17-23), e.g., a pouch or bladder made of a flexible foil, comprising coupling means, e.g., an air filled sound conductor (14-16), for coupling to the acoustic source.

Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly is described which assembly may be moved from a non-exposed to an exposed position by suitable means of which a few are discussed. The inventive assembly may comprise an acoustic lens and a particularly advantageous application is for use in an automotive hi-fi system. A number of other applications are also described.

Abstract: To enable the mounting of a multifunctional vibrating actuator on the surface of a circuit board by solder reflow without exposing the components with poor heat resistance-the diaphragm, magnet, and voice coil-to the high temperatures of the reflow tank. The structure for mounting a multifunctional vibrating actuator on a circuit board is constituted such that a bracket is fixed to the surface of the circuit board by solder reflow, and then the housing of the multifunctional vibrating actuator is placed in the bracket so that the terminals of the multifunctional vibrating actuator are electrically connected to the electrodes of the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to permit real time, distributed acoustic performance by multiple musicians at remote locations. The latency of the communication channel is reflected in the audio monitor used by the performer. This allows a natural accommodation to be made by the musician. Simultaneous remote acoustic performances are played together at each location, though not necessarily simultaneously at all locations. This allows locations having low latency connections to retain some of their advantage. The amount of induced latency can be overridden by each musician. The method preferably employs a CODEC able to aesthetically synthesize packets missing from the audio stream in real time.

Abstract: A process of implementing a low frequency of an audio signal includes the steps of collecting a fundamental frequency from the audio signal at a low frequency region thereof, generating a controlled 2nd harmonic, a controlled 3rd harmonic, and a controlled 4th harmonics respectively based on a 2nd harmonic, a 3rd harmonic, and a 4th harmonic in responsive to the fundamental frequency, and generating a final output signal from a combination of the controlled 2nd harmonic, the controlled 3rd harmonic, and the controlled 4th harmonic. In which, the output signal is generated correlating with a loudness of the fundamental frequency to enhance the bass performance of an audio system device.

Abstract: The signal processing, in particular of hearing devices, is to be improved in a situation-dependent manner. Provision is thus made for classifying an input signal in respect of the current hearing situation. As a function of the classification result, the input signal is amplified according to a first compression algorithm or a second compression algorithm. This enables the respective advantages of the different compression algorithms to be used in the individual hearing situations.

Abstract: A distortion compensation system minimizes distortion in an audio system by monitoring a supply voltage and adjusting a clipping threshold and/or compression knee. An adjustable gain circuit controls the gain of the audio signal according whether the audio signal exceeds a variable threshold. The variable threshold is adjusted within a threshold range based on the supply voltage. Distortion due to clipping of the audio signal is minimized while available power at any given time is maximized.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer is disclosed, which comprises a micro fabricated, sound generating, or receiving, diaphragm, a conductive leaf cantilever actuator, and a counter electrode. In the acoustic transducer, the electrostatic attraction force between the counter electrode and the leaf cantilever due to an imposed electrical potential is utilized to generate a deflection of the diaphragm attached to said cantilever. In operation, the cantilever collapses on to the counter electrode, causing a significant increase in actuator driving force due to the reduction, and partial elimination, of the air gap in the transducer.

Abstract: Light exposure may reduce the static charge inside a capacitive membrane transducer. For example, ultraviolet light shines on or in a cell. The light increases the energy of the charge carrier and/or ionizes gas in the cavity, allowing reverse migration or dissipation of the static charge.

Abstract: The protection of the ports of a hearing device, in particular microphone ports, is to be more easily operable in terms of installation and replacement. Provision is made for this purpose for protection to be provided by an adhesive film with a plastic membrane, which is essentially acoustically permeable, and an adhesive layer, which is attached to the plastic membrane. The adhesive is cut out in a predetermined shape at least one specified location on the plastic membrane. It is thus possible to affix an easily operable common microphone protection system to the hearing device shell, for example for a directional microphone with several microphone ports.

Abstract: A hearing communication device with wireless components is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to hearing communication devices, which include, but are not limited to, hearing aids and other hearing assistance devices. According to an embodiment, the device includes an enclosure and at least one microphone within the enclosure. The device also includes an amplifier, a speaker, and a signal processing circuit within the enclosure. In various embodiments, the device includes a power supply, such as a battery, electrically connected to the at least one microphone, the amplifier, the speaker and the signal processing circuit. In varying embodiments, at least one of the at least one microphone, the amplifier, the speaker and the signal processing circuit is adapted to communicate wirelessly. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to sound-absorbing devices, assemblies and systems and corresponding methods for altering the reverberation time of a room, specifically although not necessarily exclusively at low frequencies. A sound-absorbing device according to the invention comprises basically a body containing one or more cavities (4), where at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is in contact with said sound field S and where said body is inflatable/extendable and collapsible/compressible during the supply of a gas to or the removal of the gas from said at least one cavity (4), respectively, whereby the absorption coefficient (a) and/or the resonance frequency of said body can be varied, thus determining the absorption coefficient and/or the frequency region in which maximum absorption will take place.

Abstract: An edge (29) for supporting a diaphragm assembly (100) with respect to a frame (26) is bonded to the frame (26) along the outer periphery thereof and joined to a diaphragm (27) in a position more peripherally inward than a voice coil (28) along the inner periphery thereof. The edge (29) partly overlaps diaphragm (27). This structure allows downsizing of the speaker, without reducing the sizes of a permanent magnet (21) and the edge (29).

Abstract: A diaphragm of a speaker device, formed into an elongated configuration, has a recessed shape and includes a voice coil arrangement part extending in its longitude direction. The voice coil arrangement part has a gap with a constant width in its lateral direction and includes a voice coil supporting part for supporting a voice coil and an expanded part provided at a position along it.