Patents Issued in March 18, 2008
-
Patent number: 7346141Abstract: A device and technique for placing and moving a ferromagnetic element in an annulus between coaxially arranged cylindrical tubes. The device includes an electromagnetic ram moved along the interior of a cylindrical tube. The movable ferromagnetic element is magnetically coupled to the electromagnetic ram and moved by magnetic force to a location in the annulus defined by the tubes and magnetically coupled to the electromagnetic ram for movement in and removal from the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Areva NP Inc.Inventors: Ron Payne, Christopher Plucker
-
Patent number: 7346142Abstract: The invention relates to a method of computed tomography wherein a radiation source moves relative to an examination zone along a helical trajectory and wherein the movement involves a rotation around a rotational axis and a shifting parallel to the rotational axis. During the movement, a detector unit acquires real measured values. Fictitious measured values are determined from the real measured values by solving John's equation for a virtual movement of the radiation source along an intersection ellipse. The intersection ellipse intersects the helical trajectory at an intersection point and is the intersection of a virtual cylindrical surface, on which the helical trajectory is situated, with an intersection plane that is defined by a tangent vector of the helical trajectory at the intersection point and a vector that is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis. Finally, an image of the examination zone is reconstructed using the real and fictitious measured values.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Peter Forthmann, Thomas Kohler
-
Patent number: 7346143Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography scanner comprising a gantry, on the rotor of which one or more displaceable masses are arranged. During rotation of the rotor about a rotation axis, the position of each mass can be changed perpendicular to the rotation axis by means of an adjustment unit. By retaining the rotary momentum of the rotor, the rotational speed is increased when the masses are moved toward the rotation axis, and vice versa. As a result, it is possible to maintain a specific ratio between the heart rate of the examined patient and the rotational speed even if the heart rate of the patient changes during the examination.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Robert Manzke, Michael Grass, Udo Van Stevendaal
-
Patent number: 7346144Abstract: A system and method for delivering radiation to an object. A computer tomography machine generates CT data of the object. A radiation source with an output beam is directed to a predetermined irradiation field of the object. A detector above the object controls the output beam to the predetermined irradiation field of the object. A processor calculates the dose to the predetermined irradiation field of the object. Another detector below the object which measures the radiation delivered to the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: John H. Hughes, Juan Carlos Celi, Francisco Miguel Hernandez-Guerra
-
Patent number: 7346145Abstract: To obtain an image that uses both an accurate spatial differential of an object-caused phase shift and the phase shift as contrast at a small observation field of view and under a simplified apparatus configuration , , , . a spatial differential of the object-caused phase shift and the phase shift are arithmetically obtained from the diffraction images of the object formed by simultaneous X-ray diffraction of crystals.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Akio Yoneyama, Yasuharu Hirai
-
Patent number: 7346146Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector apparatus (10) with an array (12) of detector pixels. Each pixel (20) of the detector comprises a photogate electrode (21) under which electrical charges produced by incident radiation (v, X) are collected. The change of these charges gives rise to displacement currents in photogate lines (32) connected to the photogate electrodes (21) which may be monitored by current sensors (40). Thus the charges collected by all photogate electrodes (21) connected to a photogate line (32) can be measured during an ongoing exposure, allowing for advanced dose control methods of the illumination.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronic, N.V.Inventors: Walter Rütten, Michael Overdick
-
Patent number: 7346147Abstract: A linear source of x-rays is disclosed wherein an elongated filament, mounted within a cylindrically formed anode, provides electrons around the filament, and along the length of said filament. The anode that comprises a high Z material such as gold, receives the electrons and emits X-rays in a 360 degree arc and along a substantial length of the anode. In one embodiment the tube is used for irradiation purposes.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventors: Randol E. Kirk, Daniel F. Gorzen
-
Patent number: 7346148Abstract: This invention relates to a microfocus X-ray tube having a heat-dissipation solid formed on the target adhesively. Specifically, the heat-dissipation solid defining an opening is formed on the target surface irradiated with an electron beam. Heat generated adjacent the target surface by impingement of an electron beam having passed through the opening is promptly distributed by heat conduction through the surface solid. The heat-dissipation solid contributes to lowering of a surface temperature of the target layer with which the electron beam collides, and a reduction of evaporation of a material forming the target, thereby extending an X-ray generating time.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Masaaki Ukita
-
Patent number: 7346149Abstract: In a transmission line, nonlinear impairments resulting from imperfect splices are mitigated by providing a bias current that shifts the operating points of these impairments resulting in improved stability, conductivity and linearity.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Chaos Telecom, Inc.Inventor: Paul Henry Bryant
-
Patent number: 7346150Abstract: An integrated messaging system for performing various types of messaging across different types of networks, including integrated user interfaces and administrator interfaces. Embodiments include a communication server that couples among networks of different types, and an interface module that couples to the communication server. The interface module may be hosted on a messaging server of a network. The interface module pulls various user information from the messaging server, including information relevant to at least the network that includes the messaging server. A cache couples to the communication server and to the interface module to hold information from the communication server and/or the user information pulled from messaging server. The interface module directs a message from the messaging server and/or the cache to at least one device on the networks using the user information.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Adomo, Inc.Inventors: Heine Frifeldt, Anthony Shaffer, Willem R. B. Potze
-
Patent number: 7346151Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for validating agreement between textual and spoken representations of words. A voice input verification process monitors a conversation between an agent and a caller to validate the textual entry of the caller's spoken responses or the agent's spoken delivery of a textual script (or both). The audio stream corresponding to the conversation between the agent and the caller is recorded and the textual information that is entered into the workstation by the agent is evaluated. Speech recognition technology is applied to the recent audio stream, to determine if the words that have been entered by the agent can be found in the recent audio stream. The grammar employed by the speech recognizer can be based, for example, on properties of the spoken words or the type of field being populated by the agent. If there is a discrepancy between what was entered by the agent and what was recently spoken by the caller, the agent can be alerted and the error can optionally be corrected.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.Inventors: George W. Erhart, Valentine C. Matula, David Skiba
-
Patent number: 7346152Abstract: A method for an automated voice response system to present access numbers to dial-up Internet users. The automated voice response system can perform the step of establishing a telephony communication with a party responsive to a received telephone call from the party. An indicator a service region within which dial-up Internet access is requested can be received by the automated voice response system. At least one data store can be queried for access numbers associated with the service region. A response to the querying step can be dynamically generated. The generated response can be customized specifically for the telephony communication. When the response includes at least one access number, the included access number or numbers can be presented to the party across the telephone communication.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.Inventors: Jonathan Paden, Bobby Sams, Kurt M. Joseph, Wei Li
-
Patent number: 7346153Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for dynamically alerting calling parties of menu structure changes in a telephone prompting system. In a telephone prompting system, a menu structure change alert method can include determining whether a menu structure change has occurred for the telephone prompting system in response to the receipt of an incoming call from a calling party. Subsequently, the calling party can be selectively alerted of the menu structure change. In this regard, an alert message can be played to the calling party.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James R. Lewis, Wallace J. Sadowski
-
Patent number: 7346154Abstract: A method for customizing a prepaid service in a telecommunications system is presented. The method includes maintaining subscriber information on at least one prepaid subscriber, defining at least two different prepaid profiles, each prepaid profile defining at least one attribute for the prepaid service, the attribute indicating how the prepaid service is to be provided; associating the prepaid subscriber's subscriber information with one of the at least two different prepaid profiles, and providing the prepaid service to the prepaid subscriber as indicated by the attribute defined in the one prepaid profile associated with the prepaid subscriber's information. In other embodiments, there are provided a telecommunication system offering prepaid subscription services and a network element in a telecommunication system.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Lars Andresen, Michael Andersen
-
Patent number: 7346155Abstract: A web server implements a call service, including call service data corresponding to a directory number of a user. The web server includes a first interface for communicating with a call processor that processes telephone calls in a telecommunications network. The processor communicates with a database that includes the call service data. The web server further includes a second interface for communicating with the user's computer via a packet switching network, the user computer including a display for displaying activation fields, which include a first activation indicator corresponding to the call service and a second activation indicator corresponding to a first feature of the call service. Each of the activation indicators enables selection of one of an ON and an OFF condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: AT&T Knowledge Ventures, L.P.Inventor: Elizabeth Goldwyn Gibson
-
Patent number: 7346156Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an identity of a caller; receive an assigned incoming telephone number; identify a recipient associated with the assigned incoming telephone number and the identity; and connect the caller and the recipient.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Stanacard LLCInventors: Michael Choupak, Eduard Romanov
-
Patent number: 7346157Abstract: A communication assistance system is provided having a first database with a plurality of listings, each listing having at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A switching device receives calls from a plurality of users desiring to access the listings and an operator terminal receives the communication from the switching device and retrieves a listing from the first database. A first route is provided for handling telephone communications between the operator terminal and the user and a second route is provided with an out-of band processor for receiving information corresponding to call completion information and to provide call completion data to the switching device for completing the call between the user and the requested listing.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Grape Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Robert Pines, Christine Baumeister, Franklin L. Weiland, II
-
Patent number: 7346158Abstract: A method and system are provided for wiring a digital subscriber line circuit between a customer premises and a central office. A first connection for a first cable pair is established between the customer premises and a distribution frame in the central office. The first cable pair carries a full range signal from the customer premises to the distribution frame. A second connection is established at the distribution frame for a second cable pair between the distribution frame and a digital subscriber line access mulitplexer (DSLAM) in the central office for routing the full range signal from the first cable pair. A third connection is also established at the distribution frame for a third cable pair between the distribution frame and a voice switch in the central office for routing the full range signal from the first cable pair.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventor: Shersrin Naidu
-
Patent number: 7346159Abstract: An apparatus multiplies a first and a second binary polynomial X(t) and Y(t) over GF(2), where an irreducible polynomial Mm(t)=tm+am?1tm?1+am?2tm?2tm?2+ . . . +a1t+a0, and where the coefficients ai are equal to either 1 or 0, and m is a field degree. The degree of X(t)<n, and the degree of Y(t)<n, and m?n. The apparatus includes a digit serial modular multiplier circuit coupled to supply a multiplication result of degree ?m of a multiplication of the first and second binary polynomials. The digit serial modular multiplier circuit includes a first and second register, each being ?n bits. A partial product generator circuit multiplies a portion of digit size d of contents of the first register and contents of the second register. The partial product generator is also utilized as part of a reduction operation for at least one generic curve.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Nils Gura, Hans Eberle
-
Patent number: 7346160Abstract: A method for encryption data subdivided into segments of random lengths. A data source having a state corresponding to initialization parameters and the number of patterns output therefrom provides for a reversible encryption process. Decryption is accomplished by repeating encryption using a data source having an identical initial state. The data source consists random pattern generation machines (RPGMs). A portion of RPGMs may each contain patterns of a different length. Randomly selecting an RPGM and outputting a pattern therefrom effectively provides a pattern of random length. The data source may output patterns interpreted to govern the behavior of obfuscation operations. Patterns output from the data source may be interpreted as instructions as to what obfuscation to perform and what parameters shall define the obfuscation.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: David L. Michaelsen
-
Patent number: 7346161Abstract: An optimization processing unit optimizes an input and output bit number of an S-box based on parameters inputted from an input unit. The examples of the parameters are memory capacity of a primary cache memory, entire input and output bit number, and smallest input and output number of the S-box. An S-box generating unit generates an S-box in accordance with the optimized input and output bit number of the S-box. Then, an F-function generating unit generates an F-function by aligning a plurality of S-boxes thus generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Takeshi Shimoyama
-
Patent number: 7346162Abstract: The invention provides techniques for secure messages transmission using a public key system to exchange secret keys. A first entity creates public and private keys by generating a product n of two large, randomly chosen prime numbers, and then generating random matrices {A, C}, in the group GL(r,Zn) with a chosen matrix rank r such that AC is not equal to CA, and then generating a matrix B=CAC, and finding a matrix G that commutes with C. Matrices A, B, G and the integers n and r are then published as the public key and matrix C is then kept as the private key. A second entity then obtains the public key and calculates a secret matrix D that commutes with G, and further calculates the matrices K=DBD and E=DAD. The message to be sent is then encrypted using matrix K as the secret key and then sent to the first entity with matrix E. First entity then retrieves secret matrix K using K=CEC and then decrypts the received encrypted message using the retrieved secret matrix K.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Keith R Slavin
-
Patent number: 7346163Abstract: According to certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a method of processing digital video content, wherein the digital video content comprises intra-coded frames and inter-coded frames, involves selecting a plurality of the intra-coded frames for encryption to produce selected frames; encrypting the selected frames under a first encryption algorithm to produce first encrypted frames; storing the inter-coded frames in a first file; and storing the intra-coded frames, whether encrypted under the first encryption algorithm or unencrypted, in a second file. For a multiple encryption embodiment consistent with the present invention, the method further involves duplicating the intra-coded frames; encrypting duplicates of the selected frames under a second encryption algorithm to produce second encrypted frames; storing the intra-coded frames, whether encrypted under the second encryption algorithm or unencrypted, in a third file.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventors: Leo M. Pedlow, Jr., Davender Agnihotri
-
Patent number: 7346164Abstract: A communication installation for communal reception of digital television and/or of multimedia data, which receives a plurality of signals emanating from separate sources. The installation of the invention comprises a network linking a multiplicity of descrambler/decoder devices, available to the users of the community, to a local server capable of demodulating the signals received so as to despatch them over the network in the form of a stream of packets of common modulation, with software applications allowing the descrambling/decoding of the signals. Thus, off-the-shelf descrambler/decoder devices of similar designs can process the various signals received.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Jean-Claude Basset
-
Patent number: 7346165Abstract: An apparatus generates a scrambling code in a mobile communication system by performing one or more mask operations on an input state value. The apparatus includes a register memory which receives the state value from an upper layer of the system, a generator which generates an extended state value by performing a mask operation based on initial values of the state value, and a code generator which generates a scrambling code based on at least a first state value which is continuously selected from among the extended state value, a second state value generated based on at least state values (L,R) which correspond to the first state value, and an initial value which has not been used from the initial values.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kyung Sam Seo, Dong Jo Park
-
Patent number: 7346166Abstract: A system and method for quantum key distribution uses a regulated single-photon source to sequentially generate a first photon and a second photon separated by a time interval ?t. The two photons are directed through a beam splitter that directs each photon to one of two transmission lines, which lead to two respective receivers. When one of the photons arrives at a receiver, it passes through an interferometer. One arm of the interferometer has a path length longer than the other arm by an amount equivalent to a photon time delay of ?t. The photon is then detected in one of three time slots by one of two single-photon detectors associated with each of the two interferometer outputs. Due to quantum-mechanical entanglement in phase and time between the two photons, the receivers can determine a secret quantum key bit value from their measurements of the time slots in which the photons arrived, or of the detectors where the photons arrived.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Kyo Inoue, Edo Waks, Yoshihisa Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 7346167Abstract: A mobile ad-hoc network may include a plurality of nodes including a source node and at least one adjacent node. The source node may include a wireless communications device for establishing a wireless communications link with the at least one adjacent node, a plain text source, and a seed generator for performing a one-way algorithm using a secret key for generating a seed. Furthermore, the source node may also include a key encryptor for receiving the seed and generating a key sequence based thereon, and a logic circuit for generating cipher text for transmission over the wireless communications link and based upon the key sequence and the plain text.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Thomas Jay Billhartz, Frank Joseph Fleming
-
Patent number: 7346168Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the secure delivery of converged services to users of wireless devices in a wireless environment. An application layer broker is position between the user devices and the application server to provide an indirect coupling between the enterprise application server and the wireless user devices. The application layer broker links the wireless environment to the enterprise application server through an event triggered content delivery mechanism without providing a direct link between the wireless user device and the enterprise application server. Delivered content can only be accessed by the intended user and the authorized device. The application layer broker provides adaptation to various user devices and the various capabilities associated with each user device. Wireless devices can be upgraded independently from upgrades to the application server.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.Inventors: Wu Chou, Juan Jenny Li, Feng Liu, Xueshan Shan
-
Patent number: 7346169Abstract: An information processing device, information processing method and a recording medium are provided. Storage included in the information processing device is operable to store a node key and a leaf key, the leaf key being unique to the information processing device and the node key being unique to each node of a hierarchical network of nodes having a hierarchical tree structure. A decryption processor performs decryption processing to detect whether an encrypted decryption key for decrypting encrypted data is stored in at least one of on the information processing device or on a recording medium. When the encrypted decryption key is detected, the decryption processor is operable to calculate the decryption key by decrypting the encrypted decryption key. However, when the encrypted decryption key is not detected, the decryption processor is operable to calculate the decryption key by decrypting a key block using one of the one or more node keys stored in the storage and the leaf key stored in the storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tomoyuki Asano, Yoshitomo Osawa, Ryuji Ishiguro, Atsushi Mitsuzawa, Tateo Oishi
-
Patent number: 7346170Abstract: An information processing system and method are disclosed in which information processing is performed using an enabling key block (EKB) in association with a tree structure including category subtrees. A key tree is produced, which include subtrees that are grouped in accordance with categories and are managed by category entities. The EKB includes data produced by selecting a path in the key tree and encrypting a higher-level key in the selected path using a lower-level key in the selected path. The EKB is then provided to a device. A requester, which requests production of the EKB, may produce a root key or may request a key distribution center (KDC) to produce a root key. If the (KDC) produces the EKB, it may also request a category entity to produce a sub-EKB.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tomoyuki Asano, Yoshitomo Osawa, Tateo Oishi, Ryuji Ishiguro, Ryuta Taki
-
Patent number: 7346171Abstract: Provides encryption methods, and systems and apparatus corresponding decryption method systems and apparatus in which terminals belonging to a subset selected as a recipient group can collaborate to decrypt encrypted information. In an example embodiment, a sender and recipients communicate information over a network. The sender sends information encrypted by using a group key that can be decrypted by collaboration among a given number of recipients to the recipients in a predetermined recipient group. On the other hand, the recipients receive encrypted data from the sender, exchange partial information concerning the encrypted data among a plurality of recipients in the recipient group to obtain decryption information used for decrypting the encrypted data, and decrypt the sent information by using the decryption information.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Masayuki Numao, Yuji Watanabe
-
Patent number: 7346172Abstract: Methods and systems for distinguishing an auditory alert signal from a background of one or more non-alert signals. In a first embodiment, a prefix signal, associated with an existing alert signal, is provided that has a signal component in each of three or more selected frequency ranges, with each signal component in each of three or more selected level at least 3-10 dB above an estimated background (non-alert) level in that frequency range. The alert signal may be chirped within one or more frequency bands. In another embodiment, an alert signal moves, continuously or discontinuously, from one location to another over a short time interval, introducing a perceived spatial modulation or jitter.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Durand R. Begault
-
Patent number: 7346173Abstract: A method for influencing, e.g., for decreasing, the treble reproduction of an audio signal for reproduction obtained from a received signal, the received field strength and reception quality of the received signal being evaluated and, as a function thereof, the transfer function of at least one filter unit that can be impinged upon by the audio signal being controlled, as well as a circuit assemblage or arrangement for performing such a method for the modification of treble reproduction, so that, among other things, reproduction of the interference may always be reliably concealed and so that no noticeable and/or irritating “flutter” effects may occur. The method may include processing of the output signals of at least two reception interference detectors, and processing of the received field strength may be accomplished respectively in at least one first processing branch operating at a first, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Marcus Risse
-
Patent number: 7346174Abstract: A medical diagnostic and communications apparatus with audio output comprises an electronic processor for processing stethoscope signals and secondary audio signals. An electronic stethoscope sensor is contained within a housing for transducing body sounds to electronic signals, and is operatively connected to the electronic processor. One or more secondary audio signal sources operatively connects to the electronic processor. A common audio output is connected to electronic processor to convert electronic stethoscope signals or secondary audio signals to acoustic output. These sounds may be produced separately or mixed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Clive Smith
-
Patent number: 7346175Abstract: A headset system is proposed including a headset unit to be worn by a user and having two or more microphones, and a base unit in wireless communication with the headset. Signals received from the microphones are processed using a first adaptive filter to enhance a target signal, and then divided and supplied to a second adaptive filter arranged to reduce interference signals and a third filter arranged to reduce noise. The outputs of the second and third filters are combined, and are be subject to further a processing in the frequency domain. The results are transmitted to a speech recognition engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Bitwave Private LimitedInventors: Siew Kok Hui, Kok Heng Loh, Yean Ming Lau
-
Patent number: 7346176Abstract: A system and method detects whether or not a microphone apparatus is positioned incorrectly relative to an acoustic source and of automatically compensating for such mispositioning. A position estimation circuit determines whether the microphone apparatus is mispositioned. A controller facilitates the automatic compensation of the mispositioning.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: Robert J Bernardi, Steven F Burson, Lawrence W Gollbach, Allen Woo
-
Patent number: 7346177Abstract: The method and apparatus of generating a naturally sounding output audio signal (120) by adding missing output components (125) in a predetermined first frequency range (R1) to an input signal (100), set a first output energy measure (S1), over a predetermined first time interval (dt1), of the output components (125) generated based upon a first input energy measure (E1) calculated over a predetermined second time interval (dt2) of second input components (104), in a predetermined third frequency range (R3) of the input audio signal (100).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N. V.Inventor: Stefan Margheurite Jean Willems
-
Patent number: 7346178Abstract: A silicon based microphone sensing element and a method for making the same are disclosed. The microphone sensing element has a diaphragm with a perforated plate adjoining each side or corner. The diaphragm is aligned above one or more back holes created in a conductive substrate wherein the back hole has a width less than that of the diaphragm. Perforated plates are suspended above an air gap that overlies the substrate. The diaphragm is supported by mechanical springs with two ends that are attached to the diaphragm at a corner, side, or center and terminate in a rigid pad anchored on a dielectric spacer layer. A first electrode is formed on one or more rigid pads and a second electrode is formed at one or more locations on the substrate to establish a variable capacitor circuit. The microphone sensing element can be embodied in different approaches to reduce parasitic capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Silicon Matrix Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Wang Zhe, Miao Yubo
-
Patent number: 7346179Abstract: The present invention provides for a microphone. The microphone includes a housing, a port disposed in the housing leading to an interior chamber, and a diaphragm with a first side and a second side. The first side of the diaphragm faces the port. The microphone includes a shunt channel from the port to the second side of the diaphragm. The shunt channel receives a wind noise signal to reduce the effects of the wind noise signal on the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: James F. Bobisuthi, Lawrence Gollbach
-
Patent number: 7346180Abstract: Conformable spring-loaded earloops for over-the-ear style headsets are disclosed. The earloop for a headset generally comprises a prehensile member having a connecting member and a stabilizer portion and a ring integrally formed with and extending from the connecting member. The stabilizer portion is adapted to curve at least partially around and behind an ear to clip onto the ear in substantially a first plane. The ring is configured to removably receive and rotatably secure a receiver capsule of a headset therein and to direct the receiver capsule toward a concha of the ear. The prehensile member and the ring define an open-ended curved space to facilitate donning of the earloop. Upon application of an external force, the stabilizer portion is resiliently adjustable relative to the ring out of the first plane toward and away from the ear and/or in the first plane toward and away from the ring. The stabilizer portion returns to a static resting state configuration upon removal of external forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventor: Soohyun Ham
-
Patent number: 7346181Abstract: A releasable loudspeaker grille is described that can be attached and removed from a loudspeaker without the use of tools. The grille flexes so that it can form, for example, static convex and concave states. When the grille is in the convex state, a plurality of tabs attached to the grille grasp onto or push against a contact or peripheral surface of the loudspeaker assembly to thereby affix the grille to the loudspeaker. When the grille is in the concave state, the plurality of tabs disengages from the contact surface of the loudspeaker assembly to thereby release the grille from the loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: KSC Industries, Inc.Inventor: Dean Menchaca Rivera
-
Patent number: 7346182Abstract: A diaphragm subassembly comprises a voice coil, a diaphragm, a frame, and a pair of terminal members. A magnetic circuit unit comprises a yoke, a magnet, and a base. The diaphragm subassembly and the magnetic circuit unit are accommodated in a bottomed cylindrical cover. In the manufacturing process, the cover is placed with the open end directed upward. The diaphragm subassembly, the yoke, the magnet, and the base are dropped into the cover in this order. The manufacturing process of a dynamic electroacoustic transducer is thereby simplified.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyuki Sato, Yoshio Imahori
-
Patent number: 7346183Abstract: An annular spider with lead wires sandwiched is provided. The improved structure of the spider allows the lead wires to be sandwiched in between two surface linings. The annular spider that serves to have the voice coil held in concentric position is formed by a negative shaped press mould with two halves, where each half has at least one half-circle slot on the mould surface, so that at least one tunnel is formed when two complementary slots on opposite mould halves are combined, through which the lead wire is fixed between two surface linings. The complementary slots of the two mould halves can prevent damage or deformation to the lead wires in the spider forming process.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Hiroshi Ohara
-
Patent number: 7346184Abstract: A document authentication station, for use with passports or the like, includes a 2D image sensor (e.g., CCD- or CMOS-based video camera), and a computer device. The image sensor produces produce image data corresponding to a presented document. From this image data, the computer extracts two or more identification data. One is a digital watermark. The other can be a bar code, data glyphs, OCR data, etc. The processor then proceeds to check that the two identification data correspond in an expected fashion. If not, the document is flagged as suspect or fake. Reliability of detection may be enhanced by processing plural frames of data from the image sensor before issuing a result.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: J. Scott Carr, Brett Alan Bradley, Geoffrey B. Rhoads
-
Patent number: 7346185Abstract: A visual copyright protection system is disclosed, including input content, a disruption processor, and output content. The disruption processor inserts disruptive content to the input content creating output content that impedes the ability of optical recording devices to make useful copies of output content.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Cinea, Inc.Inventors: David Grossman, Robert Wilhelm Schumann, David Glen DeGroote
-
Patent number: 7346186Abstract: The present invention is directed to various methods and systems for analysis and processing of video and audio signals from a plurality of sources in real-time or off-line. According to some embodiments of the present invention, analysis and processing applications are dynamically installed ill the processing units.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Nice Systems LtdInventors: David Sharoni, Hagai Katz, Yehuda Katzman, Doron Girmonski
-
Patent number: 7346187Abstract: Methods and system for determining, a number of objects, without tracking each of the objects, in first and second fields-of-view. First and second video frames are received from first and second image sources. The image sources have the first and second fields-of-view, and the fields-of-view are known to overlap at least in part. The number of objects is determined based on the first and second video frames and the known overlap.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: IntelliVid CorporationInventor: Christopher J. Buehler
-
Patent number: 7346188Abstract: Based on an input image from an imaging device and a preset background image, a digitized image is generated for each frame. The digitized images are compared. Then, an increased region, a decreased region, and an overlap region, which are adjacent to each other, are extracted as a single integrated region. Region parameters, which are a region area, a sum of X-coordinates and a sum of Y-coordinates, are obtained for each of the extracted integrated region, the increased region and the decreased region. Based on the region parameters, a motion of the object displayed on the integrated region is obtained for each of the integrated regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Isao Aichi
-
Patent number: 7346189Abstract: An illumination-invariant object tracking method and an image editing system using the same are provided. The illumination-invariant object tracking method involves: designating an initial position of an object of interest to be tracked in an image; constructing a probability map for object tracking in consideration of a color ratio of adjacent pixels in the image; and performing Kalman filtering based on the initial position of the object and the probability map. The image editing system based on the illumination-invariant object tracking method includes: a data input unit which receives an image to be edited; an object tracking unit which tracks a target object in consideration of a color ratio of adjacent pixels in the image; an image editing unit which edits and outputs an edited image in a predetermined region of the image, in response to information on the position, size, and boundary of the tracked target object.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae-kyun Kim, In-myung Cho, Jong-ha Lee
-
Patent number: 7346190Abstract: A traffic line recognition device includes: a traffic line region candidate extraction section that extracts a traffic line candidate, as a traffic line candidate, from a road image obtained by a TV camera installed on a vehicle; a two dimension/three dimension transform section that transforms two dimensional image coordinates of a pixel contained in the traffic line region candidate into three dimensional coordinates; a histogram production section that accumulates and projects the three dimensional coordinates onto a coordinate system in a direction crossing a road and produces a histogram in the direction crossing the road; and a traffic line judgment unit determines a traffic line based on that histogram.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyasu Taniguchi, Manabu Hashimoto