Abstract: A light-emitting device is capable of oscillating in a convex-whispering gallery mode. The lighting-emitting device includes a PIN-type semiconductor including a p-type distributed Bragg reflector, an active region and an n-type distributed Bragg reflector formed on a substrate by an epitaxial growth, wherein the PIN-type semiconductor having a hole with a predetermined diameter formed thereon, and an electrode connected to a region around the hole for applying a current to the hole. Further disclosed are a method for manufacturing the light-emitting device and an array of light-emitting devices.

Abstract: An orthogonal code generation apparatus can generate a sequence of orthogonal codes without having to prestore orthogonal code sequences in a memory, by applying logic operation on a sequence number and a location number using AND circuits A0, A1, A2, A3, . . . , An and an adder circuit. A scrambling code generation apparatus computes only the values of registers involved with a feedback operation and a spreading operation, and loads respective values into the registers while shifting the shift register. When all the registers store valid values, scrambling codes are generated by a shift operation of the shift register.

Abstract: The method comprises setting a threshold value, dividing the combined signal into blocks, comparing the values of each block with the set threshold value and if the threshold value is exceeded, decorrelating the block where the threshold value was exceeded and a pre-determined number of channelization codes, which have a pre-determined spreading factor. The decorrelation result is normalized to determine first weighting coefficients. The method also comprises comparing each combination of a first weighting coefficient and a related channelization code with the set objectives and determining second weighting coefficients for the downlink transmissions selected as a result of the comparison. The examined block is re-formed using combinations of the channelization codes and the weighting coefficients that were determined.

Abstract: A wireless communication system which transmits and receives a signal by using a plurality of wireless apparatuses, comprising: a first wireless apparatus group having a plurality of transmitting apparatuses, each transmitting a wireless signal based on a first control signal, said first wireless apparatus group forming a first ad-hoc network between said transmitting apparatuses; and a second wireless apparatus group having a plurality of destination apparatuses, each receiving the wireless signal transmitted from said first wireless apparatus group, said second wireless apparatus group transmitting and receiving the wireless signal received by said destination apparatuses based on a second control signal, and said second wireless apparatus group forming a second ad-hoc network between said destination apparatuses different from said first ad-hoc network.

Abstract: A multi-mode modem comprises a first device configured to communicate with a first communication system, a second device configured to communicate with a second communication system, a processor communicatively coupled the first and second devices, and a control function configured to place the device in one of the following communication modes: 1) communication with the first communication system; 2) communication with the second communication system; 3) simultaneous communication with both the first and second communication systems; or 4) gateway communication between the first and second communication systems.

Abstract: In a transceiver comprising a time-division-duplex (TDD) of transmit and receive functions, the characteristics of unwanted image signal energy being transmitted from the transceiver are determined, and thereafter feedback is provided to the transmitter to reduce this unwanted image signal energy. The image signal energy is measured by the receiver component of the transceiver and fed back to the transmitter component of the transceiver. The transmitter component uses the fed back information to adjust the gain and or phase relationship between the quadrature signals that are subsequently quadrature-phase modulated and transmitted. A variety of techniques can be employed to allow the image signal energy to be measured directly by the receiver component. The phase modulation signals at the transmitter can be interchanged, so that the unwanted image signal energy is transmitted in the sideband of the intended signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for enabling communications signals over a medium voltage power line includes a first modem, a second modem, a third modem, and one or more switches. The first modem is electrically coupled to a medium voltage power line and is adapted to receive communications signals from the medium voltage power line. The second modem is electrically coupled to the medium voltage power line and is adapted to transmit communications signals to the medium voltage power line. The third modem is electrically coupled to a low voltage power line and is adapted to transmit communications signals to the low voltage power line. The one or more switches are coupled to the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, and they are operable to transfer communications signals between two or more of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem.

Abstract: In the channel quality information (CQI) coding method of the present invention, first basis sequences for generating sub-codes of 32 bits are created, and second basis sequences for generating codewords of 20 bits are created using the first basis sequences, the second basis sequence maximizing system throughput such that five information bits are coded into CQI code using the second basis sequences. Also, since HSDPA system has been designed in order to increase the system throughput, the CQI coding method of the present invention, which shows the best system throughput in the simulation, can be the optimum CQI coding scheme for HS-DPCCH.

Abstract: An equalization circuit is provided. The equalization circuit includes an input adapted to receive signals from a communications channel. The equalization circuit further includes a plurality of equalizer circuits coupled to the input and operable to generate a plurality of intermediate signals. A selector circuit is also included. The selector circuit is responsive to the plurality of equalizer circuits and selects one of the intermediate signals. The equalization circuit also includes an output coupled to the selector circuit that receives the selected intermediate signal.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and/or storage media for stereoscopic video.

Abstract: An image information conversion apparatus and method by which picture quality deterioration caused by conversion from inputted MPEG2 image compression information into MPEG4 image compression information to be outputted is prevented. When an I picture of an MPEG2 bit stream is to be converted into a P-VOP of an MPEG4 bit stream based on an estimated value of the complexity for each VOP, a scene change detection section detects whether or not the I picture includes a scene change. If a scene change is detected by the scene change detection section, then a GOV structure determination section determines that conversion of the I picture of the MPEG2 bit stream into a P-VOP of an MPEG4 bit stream should not be performed.

Abstract: A decoding circuit and associated method are provided for decoding a biphase signal. The decoding circuit may include a precharging register to precharge a pair of states of the biphase signal, where a state of the pair of states is precharged at each pulse of a periodic precharging signal. The decoding circuit may further include a verification circuit to compare the two states of the pair of states and give an active error signal if the two states are equal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reducing a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) due to multiple subcarriers in an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) mobile communication system. In the OFDM mobile communication system, a transmitter pre-emphasizes an output signal of an IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) block, and a receiver de-emphasizes a received signal before FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), thereby efficiently reducing PAPR due to multiple subcarriers.

Abstract: Disclosed is radio equipment for transmission and reception of Frequency Division Duplex mode signals and transmission signal characteristic compensation utilizing small-scaled circuit construction. A receiver converts Radio Frequency band signals from an antenna sharer to an Intermediate Frequency (IF) via a mixer and into digital signals utilizing an Analog-to Digital Converter. Reception signals and image signals of transmission signals, both having an IF A are contained in the converted signals, are converted into reception signals having an IF B and image signals having an IF C, respectively, which both have positive and negative carrier frequencies symmetrical to a zero frequency direct current component and are represented as a complex number. A transmitter converts the IF C into a baseband of image signals, and compensates signal characteristics relative to complex baseband signals of quantized transmission signals at a characteristic compensator using converted signals as reference signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection method using a receiver of a digital communication system for the detection of a symbol from a received signal, which signal is transmitted by a transmitter of the digital communication system, wherein the symbol is a selected symbol out of a predetermined set of symbols and wherein each symbol of the predetermined set comprises a sequence of chips wherein each of the chips is PSK-modulated according to a selected modulation code.

Abstract: A method of reducing complexity in a Viterbi decoding algorithm used in intersymbol interference channels is provided. The method includes the steps of identifying a survivor path for an input symbol, making a hard decision about a polarity of the input symbol based on the identified survivor path, identifying a plurality of dominant error events for which the opposite polarity would be determined for the input symbol, measuring a penalty metric value based on the identified survivor path for each of the plurality of dominant error events, choosing a dominant error event having a least penalty metric value from the identified plurality of dominant error events, and calculating an approximation to a logarithmic likelihood ratio for the input symbol based on the survivor path and the chosen dominant error event.

Abstract: A method is provided for receiving a multicarrier signal in a receiver implementing at least two distinct reception channels. After receiving the multicarrier signal during a first step, and in order to optimize subsequent processing (such as synchronization, confidence computing, . . . ), information representing the reception quality is associated to each corresponding reception channel during a second step. An embodiment of the disclosure relies on a new way of computing this information, called absolute confidence, which takes account on the one hand of the reception quality of the considered channel compared to the other channels (total confidence) and on the other hand of the reception quality of each source data (carrier) compared to the others, in the considered channel (relative confidence), to determine an absolute confidence for each data of each channel.

Abstract: A delay locked loop includes a delay line for delaying an input signal generated from an external signal. A delay controller controls the delay line to keep the external and internal signals synchronized. The delay locked loop also includes cycle control circuitry for controlling the cycle time of the signal entering the delay and the cycle time of the signal exiting the delay line.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, a first method is provided for aligning signals from a first receiver located in a first clock domain to a second receiver located in a second clock domain. The first method includes the steps of creating a programmable delay element between the first and second receivers, and selectively adding delay via the programmable delay element to the signals until the signals are aligned. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data communication method and a data communication device capable of performing high-speed data communication by using a parallel link and higher-speed data communication by reducing a timing skew. A data communication method includes: a step of encoding data of N bits (N being 2 or larger) to transmission data of M bits (M being 3 or larger) on a transmission side; a step of generating a transmission signal in which transition takes place in at least one level of any of the transmission data synchronously with a transmission clock and transmitting the transmission signal to a transmission line on the transmission side; a step of recognizing transition in the signal of M bits received via the transmission line and detecting the reception data of M bits synchronized with the transmission clock on a reception side; and a step of decoding the reception data of M bits to the data of N bits.

Abstract: High precision continuous time gmC BPF (Band Pass Filter) tuning. A novel approach is presented by which a continuous time signal serves as a BPF control voltage for tuning of a BPF within a communication device (e.g., transceiver or receiver). A PLL (Phase Locked Loop) tunes the center frequency of the BPF using this continuous time signal, and the PLL oscillates at the center frequency of the BPF. The BPF is implemented as a gmC (transconductance-capacitance) filter, and the PLL is implemented using a number of gm (transconductance) cells as well. The PLL's gm cells and the BPF's gm cells are substantially identical in form. All of these gm cells are operated within their respective linear regions. This similarity of gm cells within the PLL and the BPF provide for substantial immunity to environmental perturbations including temperature and humidity changes as well as fluctuations of power supply voltages.

Abstract: The loop filter in the PLL includes: a filter circuit (first partial circuit) including a capacitive element, one end of the first partial circuit being connected to an output terminal of a charge pump circuit, a voltage for controlling a voltage-controlled oscillator being output from the other end of the first partial circuit; a voltage buffer circuit to which a voltage at a predetermined node in the filter circuit is input; and a filter circuit (second partial circuit), one end of the second partial circuit being connected to the output terminal of the charge pump circuit, the other end being connected to an output terminal of the voltage buffer circuit.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided for various non-invasive medical and non-medical imaging. The imaging system includes a tunable X-ray source for emitting X-rays having a substantially monoenergetic spectrum and an energy discriminating detector for generating a detector output signal in response to the X-rays incident on the energy discriminating detector. The imaging system also includes a system controller comprising an X-ray controller for operating the tunable X-ray source and data acquisition circuitry for acquiring the detector output signal from the energy discriminating detector.

Abstract: Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. A digital mammographic imaging system (10) may include a source (24) for transmitting a narrow beam (28) and a detector assembly (32) for detecting the beam (28). The beam (28) and the detector assembly (32) may synchronously scann across the patient's breast (48) to obtain an image. Collimator slats (74) at the leading and trailing edges of the detector may reduce detected scatter. Attenuators (76 and 92) at the ends of the scanned motion and at the anterior edge of the detector array may assist in determining a spatial intensity profile. The spatial intensity profile information together with other imaging signal and patient dependent parameters may be used to estimate and compensate for various scatter effects.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods performs Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and modular electronic unit, featuring ultra fast computation capability to serve diversified image sensor typology and scanning modality. In Digital Orthopantomography and Scannography, a plurality of tomographic images at different depths of the jaw can be generated, based on the pre-selection made by the user interface. The image processing unit utilizes for the tomo-synthesis of the diagnostic image an accurate and economic digital simulator of the radiographic film speed, including a digital frequency synthesizer fed with film cassette speed digital input and high resolution clock signal, ensuring accurate and reproducible phase continuity of the output frequency signal.

Abstract: A digital Laminographic or Tomosynthesis method is described for use in the detection of explosives concealed in baggage. The method uses at least one source of x-ray and at least two sets of detectors, preferably more to generate 3D images of high detail. The data from the detectors can be simply time delayed and summed up to generate high definition image of layers through the bag. This leads to very high speed of 3D imaging, the same speed as in regular x-ray scanners. In addition, there is no rotating gantry, the systems is simple, compact, relatively inexpensive, and can be used to generate 3D images of large shipping containers.

Abstract: A mobile radiographic device for use in inspecting pipelines and the like, comprising an articulating aerial boom coupled to a mobile carriage vehicle. A pivot mount is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the aerial boom. A platform having a sliding rail is operatively coupled to the pivot mount. A mounting fixture is rotatably mounted to a cradle, which in turn is coupled to the sliding rail of the platform. A radiation source and a radiation detector are mounted on diametrically opposing sides of the fixture in order to illuminate the outer surface of a pipeline or other object with radiation. A first positioning means is provided for coarsely positioning the scanning apparatus relative to the pipeline. A second positioning means is provided for finely positioning the scanning apparatus relative to the pipeline. The second positioning means is operable from a remote location when the radiation source is illuminating the pipeline with radiation.

Abstract: A method is for imaging examination of an examination object. A contrast agent is administered to the object to be examined. At least two spatial distributions of X-ray attenuation values are determined, the values respectively representing the local X-ray attenuation coefficients or a quantity which is linearly dependent on the same. The two spatial distributions include at least one first attenuation value distribution and one second attenuation value distribution having determinations based on different X-ray spectrums. By evaluating the two attenuation value distributions, a spatial distribution of at least one predefined atomic number value or a spatial distribution of a non-predefined atomic number value in the object to be examined is determined, the spatial distribution containing information about the distribution of the administered contrast agent in the object to be examined. The spatial atomic number distribution is used to represent the contrast agent in the image.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing captioned telephone service is provided which permits persons who are hard of hearing to receive captioning of their telephone communications as they need it. A personal interpreter/captioned telephone device can dial a relay on a second telephone line while the assisted user if conversing with a hearing user over a first telephone line. The second telephone line connects to a relay which provides voice to text translation service and returns a text stream to the captioned telephone device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the licensing and managing media resources in a converged services platform. A novel central pool of resource points representing a licensed level of media resource capability is created, the central pool for the storage of all default and any additional licensed resource points represented by the converged services platform, where portions of the central pool are dynamically allocated to one or more media resource cards.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for allowing a telecommunications services subscriber to call a voice information application from a wireline or wireless telephone to allow the subscriber to record and save voice information and access, review and modify previously stored information such as subscriber contacts information, emergency telephone directories, business information, and the like. Information may be stored, accessed and modified by the subscriber via the voice information application by placing a voice telephone call from the subscriber to the voice information application or by contacting the voice information application via a distributed computing environment such as the Internet.

Abstract: According to the present invention, methods, data structures, and computer-readable media for processing input to a telephone having an interactive user interlace are disclosed. A telephone user inputs commands through buttons and keys on an interactive user interface. A selection made from a menu on the telephone is detected. The menu can be a collection of options, features or commands corresponding to physical context-sensitive soft keys or a line keys. A message based on the menu selection is created and passed to a menu processing object. If a soft key is pressed, the menu processing object is a soft key processing object. An event based on the menu selection is also created. It is then determined which mode from the numerous modes available on the phone is presently active or has focus. Once the active mode that presently has focus is determined, an appropriate menu label set and segment display is displayed on the display monitor.

Abstract: A method of routing telephone calls, emails and faxes using a palmtop computer. Using a date book forming a part of a personal information manager application of a palmtop computer, the user enters an appointment into the date book. Such an appointment has a starting and an ending time. The user then selects (either at the time of entry of the appointment or after receipt of an alarm reminder of the appointment) a destination telephone number for routing of telephone calls between the starting time and the ending time. This selection can be in the form of a menu selection of a predetermined profile for routing telephone calls. The palmtop computer then sends a representation of the destination telephone number, the starting time and the ending time to a telephone call server (and/or email server and/or fax server), so that the telephone call server routes telephone calls to the destination telephone number between the starting time and the ending time.

Abstract: A method for displaying a voice conference historical monitor is provided. A summation of a plurality of voice streams is received at a user's endpoint of a multipoint conference, each voice stream being associated with a respective one of a plurality of speakers' endpoints of the multipoint conference. A record of participants of the multipoint conference and historical tracking data regarding a volume of each speaker that participates in the multipoint conference may also be received. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the record of participants in the historical tracking data are displayed at the user's endpoint. The record of participants and the historical tracking data may be displayed as a cumulative short term response graph. Furthermore, the record of participants and the historical tracking data may be displayed as a historical time line graph.

Abstract: Each communication terminal of the calling user (Uj-k) is logically connected to a first communication equipment (Sk) and each communication terminal of the called user (Uj?-k?) is logically connected to a second communication equipment (Sk?). The combination of these terminals enables a plurality of modes of communication between these two users. If the called user accepts the setting up of a call: the second communication equipment (Sk?) determines each terminal of the called user that would enable setting up of the requested call; the second communication equipment (Sk?) then sends the first communication equipment (Sk) a terminal identifier for each terminal thus determined; and the first communication equipment (Sk) then selects, from the identifiers of the called user that it receives, at least one terminal identifier, and then initiates the setting up of a call.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of combining an emergency standalone switching device with a switching system interface used to bypass the common control and switch matrix of a class 5 digital switch. The emergency standalone switching device provides call control of the switching system interface. The call control of the emergency standalone switching devices provides local and emergency calls to local subscribers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suppression device for an arrangement for the transmission of audio signals, in particular uttered speech, having: an echo reduction unit (4), which is arranged between an input channel (1) for receiving an input audio signal (A1) coming from a remote end and an output channel (5) for outputting an output audio signal (A2), for suppressing an echo signal contained in the output audio signal (A2), a speech activity detection unit (7) for detecting a speech signal contained in the input audio signal (A1), and, a control unit (6) for setting an echo suppression factor(s) of the echo reduction unit (4) for echo suppression.

Abstract: The hinge with orthogonal pivot axes can be used with a cellular phone having a cover and a base and has a tilt hinge, an offset hinge and a turning hinge. The tilt, offset and turning hinges respectively comprise a rotating positioning element and a stationary positioning element. The rotating positioning elements of the tilt and offset hinges have protrusions corresponding to and simultaneously engaging detents in the stationary positioning element when the tilt and offset hinges are closed and opened. The rotating positioning element of the turning hinge has protruding limits formed on the rotating positioning element selectively abutting the positive stop on the stationary positioning element of the turning hinge when the turning hinge is rotated.

Abstract: A digital circuit apparatus and method for cryptographic data processing includes steps and means for determining a first modulus having up to a first number of binary digits. A large integer is received which has up to a second number of binary digits that is greater than the first number of binary digits. The first modulus and the large integer are sent to a first processor for computing a first residue of the large integer modulo the first modulus. Before the first processor finishes computing the first residue, the first modulus is also sent to a second processor for computing a second residue of two raised to a power of twice the first number of binary digits modulo the first modulus. The first residue and the second residue are used as input to a third processor that computes a cryptographic result based on the large integer.

Abstract: A method of encrypting a data unit, the method comprising the steps of dividing the data unit into a series of data blocks, and for each data block, applying a block cipher function to a data block counter value to generate an encrypted block counter value, performing a logical operation to combine the encrypted block counter with the data block, and applying a block cipher function to the combined data.

Abstract: An information recording/playback device stores beforehand, on a recording medium, secret information in which a writing/reading method thereof cannot be analyzed and which can be read only by a special reading method. The secret information is applied to a key for content encryption or decryption when performing recording or playback of contents on the recording medium, such as music data and image data. The secret information is, for example, a stamper ID. By using the stamper ID as secret information, and a master key and a media key which are distributed in a tree-structure key-distribution system, a content-cryptosystem key is generated. Accordingly, each content is allowed to be used in only an appropriate device in which the special reading method for the secret information can be executed and to which the key is distributed by the tree-structure key-distribution system.

Abstract: A method of selecting data for multiple carriage partial encryption consistent with certain embodiments involves examining unencrypted packets of data in a digital audio/video data stream to identify a packet type; and selecting packets of the identified packet type for multiple partial encryption, wherein the amount of data to be encrypted is sufficient to render a portion of an entire frame unviewable. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for marking with a binary code a video sequence compressed by motion calculation, from one picture to another, of macroblocks dividing each picture, the digital pictures being distributed in at least two categories according to whether they are coded integrally or by the motion vectors of the macroblocks with respect to the previous picture or to the previous and next pictures, which includes, at least for the pictures coded by motion vectors, only marking the macroblocks for which the motion vectors are greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An image altering apparatus which provides confidential viewing of a video display by means of time multiplexing the fundamental display image with a color-inverted image thereof on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Electronic circuitry and/or software are utilized to modify the fundamental image signal by time multiplexing its color data components with corresponding inverse color data components to generate a compound image signal which is representative of a substantially featureless image. Different multiplexing sequences of color data components and inverse color data components may be utilized at varying duty cycles to generate a compound image which is highly confidential and secure from unauthorized viewing.

Abstract: Coding of an audio signal (x) is provided where the coded bitstream (AS) comprises a parametric representation of the audio signal. One component of the parametric representation comprises tracks of linked sinusoidal components (CS) where subsequently linked components are coded differentially from parameters of linked signal components already determined. The coder scrambles (18) the differentially encoded frequency and/or amplitude values by mapping the differential values onto other differential values (CSe). By modifying these values, the bit-stream is still decode-able but results in tracks with random frequency and/or amplitude variation. Consequently, the signal will be degraded.

Abstract: A communication network provides over-the-air (OTA) applications and application services to wireless devices in a way that provides authentication and helps insure confidentiality and/or information integrity. An authentication center authenticates a wireless device by comparing a signed response from the device with a predicted signed response. The signed responses may be generated from a random number, the device's identification number and user key. When the wireless device is authenticated, the OTA application may be sent to the wireless device in protocol data units (PDUs). Prior to sending the PDUs, a random number may be added to one of the PDUs. When receiving the PDUs, the device may extract the random number and calculate a cipher key using the number and a user key. The OTA application may be accepted when the calculated cipher key matches a prior generated cipher key.

Abstract: In an electronic component including a two-way bus through which data elements travel between peripherals and a central processing unit at the rate of a clock signal, the central processing unit and at least one of the peripherals each includes a data encryption/decryption cell. Each data encryption/decryption cell uses the same secret key. The secret key is produced locally at each clock cycle in each cell from a random signal synchronous with the clock signal, and is applied to each of the cells by a one-way transmission line.

Abstract: A new ((n)th) black box is produced for a digital rights management (DRM) system. The (n)th black box is for being installed in and for performing decryption and encryption functions in the DRM system. The (n)th black box is produced and delivered to the DRM system upon request and includes a new ((n)th) executable and a new ((n)th) key file. The (n)th key file has a new ((n)th) set of black box keys and a number of old sets of black box keys. The request includes an old ((n?1)th) key file having the old sets of black box keys. A code optimizer/randomizer receives a master executable and randomized optimization parameters as inputs and produces the (n)th executable as an output. A key manager receives the (n?1)th key file and the (n)th set of black box keys as inputs, extracts the old sets of black box keys from the (n?1)th key file, and produces the (n)th key file including the (n)th set of black box keys and the old sets of black box keys as an output.

Abstract: In a sound image creating apparatus, a distance computation section computes intermediate positions of a moving point along a trajectory line from a movement start position to a movement end position, and further computes a variable distance between each of the intermediate positions of the moving point and a fixed point. A velocity computation section computes a variable velocity of the moving point relative to the fixed point along the time axis on the basis of the variable distance. A signal processing section attenuates or delays an input sound signal in accordance with the variable distance, and varies a pitch of the input sound signal on the basis of the variable velocity, thereby creating the sound image of the input sound signal along the time axis based on principle of Doppler effect.