Abstract: A system and method for securely distributing PKI data, such as one or more private keys or other confidential digital information, from a PKI data generation facility to a product in a product personalization facility that is not connected to the PKI data generation facility and is assumed to be a non-secure product personalization facility. The system includes a PKI data loader for securely transmitting the encrypted PKI data transferred from the PKI data generator to a PKI server at the product personalization facility. The PKI server then transfers the PKI data to the product of interest, typically via a PKI station acting as a proxy between the PKI server and the product. In each communication step, PKI data being transferred is encrypted multiple times and the system is designed such that if any intermediate node is compromised with all of its keys, the overall system has not yet been compromised.

Abstract: One or more attributes (e.g., pan, gain, etc.) associated with one or more objects (e.g., an instrument) of a stereo or multi-channel audio signal can be modified to provide remix capability.

Abstract: The process control unit (11) of a microcomputer (1) controls a decoder (21) to decode an input signal, and acquires the voice format information of an input signal. The process control unit (11) calls the processing method of matrix processing stored in a storage unit (12) based on the acquired voice format information. The process control unit (11) further acquires encode channel-related information from an input signal. When the encode channel is 2-channel, the process control unit (11) controls a surround processor (22) to perform matrix processing on an input signal and output a multi-channel-based voice. An acoustic device capable of setting a reproduction mode according to an input signal is realized.

Abstract: There is provided a system for providing binaural hearing assistance to a user, comprising a left ear unit to be worn at or in the user's left ear, a right ear unit to be worn at or in the user's right ear, each of the left ear unit and the right ear unit comprising means for stimulating the user's hearing and an inductive antenna for enabling bidirectional communication between the left ear unit and the right ear unit via an inductive link, which antenna has an axial symmetry axis which is oriented substantially vertically and which is substantially parallel to the antenna of the other one of the left ear unit and right ear unit, the system further comprising at least one device to be worn by the user which comprises an inductive antenna for enabling communication between the device and at least one of the left ear unit and the right ear unit via an inductive link, which antenna has an axial symmetry axis which is oriented substantially vertically and which is substantially parallel to the antennas of the le

Abstract: Measuring the hearing ability or the diagnosis of the hearing loss of a person can be achieved by the recognition of a plurality of sound samples by said person. The initiation of the sound samples to be recognized is performed by said person itself. In other words the various sound samples at different frequencies or for different sound types and different sound pressure levels are initiated by the person whose hearing ability or hearing loss is to be determined. The sound samples are generated in situ, which means within a hearing aid worn by the person.

Abstract: In a playback apparatus, when a transmission finished notification for kth decompressed digital data is received via a communication portion, a control portion detects a silence start position in the kth decompressed digital data that is stored in the first buffer, transfers a section of the kth decompressed digital data that is before the silence start position to the second buffer, temporarily stores (k+1)th decompressed digital data that is received via the communication portion in the first buffer following the transfer of the section of the kth decompressed digital data, detects a silence end position in the (k+1)th decompressed digital data that is stored in the first buffer, and transfers a section of the (k+1)th decompressed digital data that is after the silence end position to the second buffer.

Abstract: A Method for adjusting a sound system to a target sound, wherein the sound system having at least two groups of loudspeakers supplied with electrical sound signals to be converted into acoustical sound signals; said method comprising the steps of: sequentially supplying each group with the respective electrical sound signal; sequentially assessing the deviation of the acoustical sound signal from the target sound for each group of loudspeakers; and adjusting at least two groups of loudspeakers to a minimum deviation from the target sound by equalizing the respective electrical sound signals supplied to said groups of loudspeakers.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A nonlinear processor for distorting audio signals having an input stage (15) that is arranged to split an audio input signal (13) into two signal paths and then a pair of asymmetric distortion stages (17, 19), one in each signal path, with non-equal negative and positive saturation limits, so as to produce opposite polarity mean signal levels at their outputs in each signal path, and which produce a smooth transition from linear to nonlinear behaviour. Following the asymmetric distortion stages (17, 19) is a pair of AC-coupled symmetric distortion stages (21, 23), one in each signal path, and an output stage (25) that is arranged to add the two nonlinearly distorted signals from the symmetric distortion stages to generate an audio output signal (27) that demonstrates a smooth transition from linear behaviour to the production of crossover-like artifacts.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enhancing audio signals by nonlinear spectral operations. Successive portions of the audio signal are processed using a subband filter bank. A nonlinear modification is applied to the output of the subband filter bank for each successive portion of the audio signal to generate a modified subband filter bank output for each successive portion. The modified subband filter bank output for each successive portion is processed using an appropriate synthesis subband filter bank to construct a modified time-domain audio signal. High modulation frequency portions of the audio signal may be emphasized or de-emphasized, as desired. The modification may be applied within one or more frequency bands.

Abstract: An audio output apparatus having an audio codec for generating audio signals delivered to a speaker is provided with a device for preventing an audio pop noise caused by the bias voltage output from the audio codec, which includes a capacitor connected between an output end of the audio codec and the speaker, a capacitor charger for smoothly charging the capacitor to a predetermined voltage level, a switch arranged between the junction of the output end of the audio codec and the capacitor and the capacitor charger, and a control unit for controlling the codec, wherein the control unit turns on the switch and drives the capacitor charger before activating the audio codec, and then turns off the switch and terminates the operation of the capacitor charger if a predetermined charging time has elapsed.

Abstract: A microphone system has a primary microphone for producing a primary signal, a secondary microphone for producing a secondary signal, and a selector operatively coupled with both the primary microphone and the secondary microphone. The system also has an output for delivering an output audible signal principally produced by one of the to microphones. The selector selectively permits either 1) at least a portion of the primary signal and/or 2) at least a portion of the secondary signal to be forwarded to the output as a function of the noise in the primary signal.

Abstract: A push-pull capacitive micromechanical ultrasound transducer (CMUT) is provided for ultrasound imaging or therapy. Gaps and electrodes on both sides of an electrostatic membrane provide push-pull operation. The membrane is oriented to flex in a direction of acoustic propagation. A surface connected to the membrane may better expose the movement to the acoustic medium even in the push-pull arrangement.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric electroacoustic transducing device which is to be incorporated in an electronic apparatus such as a portable telephone, and which is used as a sound source, the sound pressure of the low-frequency range is improved, the productivity is improved, and acoustic characteristics are stabilized. A piezoelectric electroacoustic transducing device 10 has: a frame 15; a piezoelectric vibrator 11 in which piezoelectric elements 12A, 12B are bonded to a metal plate 13; and a plate- and ring-like support member 14 which supports a peripheral portion of the piezoelectric vibrator 11 on the frame 15. A step 14C corresponding to the thickness of the metal plate 13 is disposed in the support member 14, and the metal plate 13 is adhered to the inside of the step 14C in an embedded manner.

Abstract: A hearing aid (or other assistive listening device) that is suitable for limited use is disclosed. The hearing aid can be configured to be usable for a predetermined period of time. After the expiration of the predetermined period of time, the hearing aid can cease to operate or operate in a degraded manner. Once the hearing aid has become significantly degraded, it can be either disposed of or reconfigured (or reprogrammed) so as to be usable for an additional period of time.

Abstract: A remote control system for a hearing aid (9) comprises a mobile telephone (1) and a plug-in device (5). The mobile telephone (1) is executing hearing aid remote control software and transmitting commands to the hearing aid (9) via the plug-in device (5). The plug-in device (5) comprises means for transmitting remote control commands or audio to the hearing aid (9) wirelessly. The invention provides a system, a plug-in device and a mobile telephone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for securing a pivoting device to abase location. The device includes a base plate, a clamping assembly, a pivot post rotationally coupled to the base plate and removably coupled to the clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is also secured to a base location, such as the tower portion of a sport boat, such as a ski boat or wakeboard boat. The base plate is secured to a sound-emitting device. The pivot post allows the sound-emitting device to be rotated about the clamping assembly.

Abstract: An earphone including a case, a case extension unit, a plate, a cover, a first speaker and a second speaker is provided. The first speaker is disposed on a supporting portion of the plate and is disposed on a first plane different from a second plane where the second speaker is located. A distance exits in the position of the first speaker and the position of the second speaker corresponding to a direction of the sound from the earphone to the user who wears the earphone. The distance variation can make the sound field have more special effects and have better frequency response in some frequency domain. The distance variation can also avoid the interference of different sound fields generated by the speakers inside the earphone, and thus improves the performance of the whole sound field.

Abstract: A gaming headset adapted for precise delivery of chemical substances capable of olfactory stimulation, such as odorants, fragrances, pheromones, etc. The headset includes at least one earpiece containing a speaker, a feature for securing the earpiece to the person's head while positioning the speaker over one of the person's ears when the headset is worn, an armature disposed relative to the earpiece so as to extend toward the person's mouth, a microphone located on the armature so as to be located in front of the person's mouth, and a feature supported by and extending along the armature for delivering at least one chemical substance to the person's nostril's when the headset is worn.

Abstract: A personal audio player system comprising a first earpiece having a body, an anchor attached to the body and shaped to fit a human ear, an onboard audio speaker, onboard persistent memory capable of storing multiple songs, an onboard power source, onboard interface controls, and onboard electronic circuitry comprising an interface module and an audio playback module. In an optional embodiment, the system may further comprise a second earpiece that has a body, an anchor attached to the body, and an onboard audio speaker. In one of a number of variations of that optional embodiment, for example, the second earpiece may also include its own onboard persistent memory from which it can play the same content as, and in synchronicity with, the first earpiece, further optionally aided by the transmission of synchronization signals from the first earpiece.

Abstract: An acoustic device including a body and an audio output component rotatably connected to the body is provided, in which the body is formed with a first side and the audio output component is formed with a second side. The acoustic device can selectively be in a first configuration and a second configuration by rotating the audio output component. In the first configuration, the first side is coplanar with the second side. In the second configuration, the first side and the audio output component form an included angle to allow the body lean on a user when the audio output component is inserted into an ear of the user.

Abstract: There is provided a wireless headphone having charging contacts in the headphone band and at least one magnet in the headphone band. There is also provided a charging station for a corresponding wireless headphone with bars as an electrical feed line for charge contacting of a wireless headphone.

Abstract: A methods and systems for directing an audio stream produced by a home entertainment video hardware system are disclosed. These include sound reproducing devices intended to deliver audible messages to specific potential recipients. This requires generating an audio stream and identifying the recipients. Speakers associated with the recipients are identified. The audio stream is directed to the speakers so that only the intended recipients receive the audio stream whereas other recipients do not.

Abstract: A speaker device includes a terminal metal which is electrically connectible to a tinsel cord and a wiring, and a supporting body which includes a terminal metal mounting part on which the terminal metal is mounted. The terminal metal is mounted on the terminal metal mounting part. Thereby, the tinsel cord and the wiring can be electrically connected to each other via the terminal metal, without providing a terminal board. Thus, the number of parts can be reduced by the number of omitted terminal board, and the cost of the speaker device can be reduced.

Abstract: A speaker includes magnetic circuit 1 that is formed in the center of frame 5, voice coil 6 that is inserted in a magnetic gap of magnetic circuit 1, damper 7 that is fixed to frame 5 and voice coil 6, and vibrating plate 8 that is fixed to frame 5 and voice coil 6. Opening 10 is provided in bobbin 12 of voice coil 6. The area of opening 10 is 0.3% or less of the radial cross-section area of bobbin 12 of voice coil 6.

Abstract: A transducer utilizes a sound-producing member positioned in the area of magnetic flux concentration between magnetic poles of opposite polarity. The sound-producing member is variably vibratable in a magnetic structure between the poles to generate acoustic waves, and an acoustic conduit carries the acoustic waves through the magnetic poles e to a location outside the magnetic structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for tracking distribution of digital photographs are provided. Two or more digital photographs are obtained with a digital camera device. Distribution tags are associated with ones of the at least two digital photographs. The distribution tags include a distribution history for the at least two digital photographs.

Abstract: Methods, systems and machine readable medium storing a machine readable program for generating a representation of a symbol that presents an identification challenge for an automated agent are disclosed. A symbol is provided at a first system. A first version of the symbol is defined at the first system. A second version of the symbol is defined at the first system by adding a noise component to the first version of the symbol whereby first and second views of the second version of the symbol in a viewing plane are associated with first and second selectable view options, respectively. The first view of the second version of the symbol is substantially similar to the first version of the symbol and different from the second view of the second version of the symbol.

Abstract: A technique for detecting large and small non-red eye flash defects in an image is disclosed. The method comprises selecting pixels of the image which have a luminance above a threshold value and labeling neighboring selected pixels as luminous regions. A number of geometrical filters are applied to the luminous regions to remove false candidate luminous regions.

Abstract: Watermark encoders and decoders can be integrated into operating systems, Internet browsers, media players, and other applications and devices. Such integration enables the watermark-enabled application or device to provide additional functionality and information available via the watermark. The watermark, for example, may link to metadata or actions related to a media object. To exploit this watermark enabled functionality, the integrated application uses a watermark decoder to access the related metadata and actions. The user interface of the integrated application is enhanced to present metadata and actions linked via the watermark. Similarly, watermark encoders may be integrated into applications to convert media objects into enhanced, watermarked objects. A variety of other arrangements and features are also detailed. Many arrangements can be implemented using object identifiers other than watermarks.

Abstract: An imaging and illumination system for use with a mail processing apparatus may include illumination and imaging assemblies located in a housing that has first and second windows to transmit imaging illumination for the illumination assembly and/or the imaging assembly. The first and second windows may be arranged to interact with mailpieces that are moved along a path relative to the first and second windows. The direction of travel for the mailpieces may be parallel to the first plane and transverse to the second plane, and the second window may be arranged downstream of the first window. Thus, the first and second windows may be arranged at an angle with respect to each other, and the second window may be arranged at an angle with respect to the direction of travel of mailpieces past the second window.

Abstract: A method for determining a blob-like structure in a target image includes receiving an input target image is received, determining a mean curvature of the input target image, smoothing the mean curvature is smoothed using a scale that determines a size of the blobs to be found, finding a blob-like structure in the input target image as a portion of the input target image where a smoothed curvature is higher than a threshold value, and outputting a result including an indication of the blob-like structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a processing method to increase the detection of objects below the surface of the water comprising the steps of: acquiring image data in separate spectral regions simultaneously and converting the image data into intensity value arrays for each spectral region, transforming the intensity value arrays into two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays for each spectral region, and subtracting in a pair wise manner the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays thereby obtaining images showing an object below the surface of the water.

Abstract: A method for imaging the surrounding of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of (i) taking a series of two dimensional images of the vehicle surrounding, (ii) taking a series of three dimensional images of the vehicle surrounding that including depth information, (iii) determining at least one object in an area of interest in one of the series of images and tracking the object in the area of interest, (iv) processing the others of the series of images to retrieve object information from said other series of images, (v) adjusting the objects to be tracked in the one series of images in accordance with the object information received from processing the other series of images.

Abstract: There is provided an album generating apparatus for generating an album in which a desirable combination of images is disposed in one and same page.

Abstract: A pixel interpolation method for interpolating a pixel value of a target pixel in a target picture is disclosed. The pixel interpolation method includes performing up-sampling upon the target picture for generating an up-sampled picture corresponding to the target picture, and interpolating the target pixel according to the up-sampled picture. The step of performing up-sampling upon the target picture includes interpolating and generating a third pixel in between a first pixel and a second pixel that are a pair of two adjacent pixels of each pixel line of the target picture, whereof a pixel value of the third pixel is an average of pixel values of the first pixel and the second pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus calculates a corresponding area on input images corresponding to a focused area on a real space in which a moving object moves, generates first images by scanning the input images along a horizontal line through the corresponding area, generates two-dimensional dynamic x-t images by arranging the first images in the vertical direction in time series, extracts characteristic points on the dynamic x-t image at a time T, generates dynamic trajectory information between the characteristic point at the time T and another characteristic point at different time from the time T near the characteristic point, and determines that the characteristic point belongs to the obstacle when the dynamic trajectory information satisfies the criterion for the obstacle.

Abstract: A chart and method of creating and using said chart is described whereby a user may easily ascertain how to connect many and varied devices to an electronic device by any number of means. The chart is color-coded and organized by rows and columns to aid in ease of use and understanding by a user who may not be familiar with electronic devices and their connections. Furthermore, it contains detailed depictions of the connection means and cabling required so as to aid in identifying the proper connection means for any number of these devices.

Abstract: A button assembly (100) that includes a flexible electronic circuit (105) having a first side (110) and a second side (115). The button assembly also can include a biometric sensor (100) mounted to the first side of the flexible electronic circuit. Further, a switch (200) can be positioned at least proximate to the second side of the flexible electronic circuit. A stiffening member (305) can be attached to the first side or the second side of the flexible electronic circuit. The biometric sensor can be operable between a first position and a second position to effectuate opening or closing of the switch. The button assembly can operate the biometric sensor between the first and second positions utilizing pivotal, translational, and/or rotational movement.

Abstract: A compact authentication device that prevents user from feeling pressure and is strong against external light, when capturing an image of a finger blood vessel pattern with transmitted light. The device includes a guidance part for determining the finger position, a light source disposed on at least one side of the guidance part to emit light to be transmitted though the finger, an image capture part for capturing the transmitted light, a shading unit for limiting an irradiation region of the light, a finger thickness measuring unit, a unit for controlling a light amount of the light source based on a result of the measurement, a unit for recording registered image patterns of the finger, a unit for collating a captured image pattern from the image capture part with the registered patterns, and a unit for controlling different processing according to the collation result.

Abstract: A compact authentication device that prevents user from feeling pressure and is strong against external light, when capturing an image of a finger blood vessel pattern with transmitted light. The device includes a guidance part for determining the finger position, a light source disposed on at least one side of the guidance part to emit light to be transmitted though the finger, an image capture part for capturing the transmitted light, a shading unit for limiting an irradiation region of the light, a finger thickness measuring unit, a unit for controlling a light amount of the light source based on a result of the measurement, a unit for recording registered image patterns of the finger, a unit for collating a captured image pattern from the image capture part with the registered patterns, and a unit for controlling different processing according to the collation result.

Abstract: A multimodal biometric identification or authentication system includes a plurality of biometric clients. Each of the biometric clients may include devices for capturing biometric images of a plurality of types. The system includes a router in communication with the biometric clients. The router receives biometric images from, and returns biometric scores or results to, the biometric clients. The system includes a plurality of biometric matching engines in communication with the router. Each biometric matching engine includes multiple biometric processors. Each biometric processor is adapted to process biometric data of a particular type. The biometric matching engines transmit and receive biometric data to and from the router.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for implementing biometrics-based authentication. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is embodied in a portable device. Specifically, in one embodiment, the portable device includes a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory coupled thereto, and a biometrics-based authentication module controlled by the microprocessor. Preferably, the biometrics technology used is fingerprint authentication technology. The authentication module is capable of registering a fingerprint upon first use of the portable device, storing an encoded version of the fingerprint in the non-volatile memory. Subsequently, the authentication module can read a person's fingerprint and reliably determine whether the fingerprint matches the registered fingerprint stored in the non-volatile memory. If a match is found, access to information in the non-volatile memory is granted to that person; otherwise, access is denied.

Abstract: The present invention provides an identification method. A video capture device captures an identification video at a random time. Then a suitable identification image is obtained from the identification video. Subsequently, a current user characteristic value obtained from the identification image is compared with a stored user characteristic value of a user data stored in a recognition database. When the current user characteristic value corresponds to the stored user characteristic value, then returns to capture the identification video step. When the current user characteristic value does not corresponds to the stored user characteristic value, then an error counter is incremented, and returns to the acquiring the identification video step.

Abstract: Signature data of a handwritten signature input to a signature authentication device is analyzed to determine whether to register the signature based on the characteristics of the stroke shape of the signature. If the signature registration is denied, a response message for making the signature registerable is displayed according to the way in which the signature is written. At least one of cumulative angle changes in the locus of the signature, fluctuation in the speed at which the signature was written, fluctuation in the size of the characters included in the signature, and fluctuation in the center positions of the characters included in the signature is used as the determination criterion.

Abstract: A method and system of increasing the acceptance rate in fingerprint scans by the application of cascaded selective, plural and sequenced fingerprint recognition rules using a plurality of sensors. The finger is swiped over multiple sensors. A whole fingerprint sample is constructed from the scan of each of the multiple sensors, thereby generating a multiplicity of whole fingerprint samples. Predetermined selective, plural and sequenced fingerprint recognition rules are set for each of the whole fingerprint samples. The sequence of application of the rules is set for the fingerprint recognition. The accuracy level for fingerprint recognition is set. The selective, plural and sequenced fingerprint recognition rules are sequentially applied to match the captured fingerprint image with stored fingerprint templates. The stored fingerprint templates are sequentially filtered until the set accuracy level is achieved.

Abstract: A biometric device comprising a scanner for reading a user's fingerprint. There can be at least one communication device in communication with the scanner. There can also be a control unit in communication with this scanner, this control unit can be for receiving biometric information from the scanner in the form of for example, a fingerprint. This control unit can be for controlling a remote device. There can also be a remote keypad, which can selectively communicate with said scanner, wherein this remote keypad can be used to adjust controls in the control unit to perform at least one of the following functions: selectively add a user, selectively delete a user or to review a list of users enrolled. The keypad can be in the form of a non-powered keypad or in the form of a cell phone, or PDA.

Abstract: A fingerprint detection apparatus for obtaining an image of a fingerprint of a finger by using a light source for emitting a light to the finger and an image obtaining part for outputting electric signals in correspondence with received light is disclosed. The fingerprint detection apparatus includes a system controller for determining whether the finger is in contact with or in the vicinity of the image obtaining part by comparing a threshold with a difference between a value of the electric signal when the light source is lit and a value of the electric signal when the light source is not lit.

Abstract: The method collects digital images of the body surface of the tested subject after having divided the latter into one or more areas exactly located by spatial coordinates in a system of coordinated axes fixed with respect to predetermined unchanged reference points of the subject. The images are stored in a suitable data base to be then compared automatically with corresponding images collected at distance of time, thus producing a signal of any variation in the number and/or the morphology/color of the lesions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for accessing three dimensional representation of an anatomical surface and flattening the anatomical surface so as to produce a two dimensional representation of an anatomical surface. The two dimensional surface can be augmented with computed properties such as thickness, curvature, thickness and curvature, or user defined properties. The rendered two dimensional representation of an anatomical surface can be interacted by user so as to deriving quantitative measurements such as diameter, area, volume, and number of voxels.