Abstract: The present invention provides according to an embodiment a method of reproducing digital content, comprising the steps of: (a) reading a position information where a sample data is present, the sample data being same as a portion of digital content and not encrypted; and (b) reproducing the sample data based on the read position information without a key information, the key information required for decrypting an encrypted digital content.

Abstract: Using the same secret key for different secret operations in the frame of public key cryptosystems raises security problems because attackers can gain statistical information about the secret key. Indeed, when randomization techniques are used, the same secret key is randomized differently for every new operation, and since information leakage sums up, eventually, the attacker is able to recover the secret key. A system and method for using the same secret key of a public key cryptosystem several times comprising a recoding method which can generate several distinct representations for the secret key, where one representation is chosen as recoded secret according to a selection data. In addition, the pair consisting of the secret key and selection data is uniquely defined, resulting in the same recoded secret for every new encryption operation. As a consequence, information leakage does not sum up and the secret key can be securely re-used.

Abstract: Secondary content in encrypted for distribution to client terminals by selecting at least a portion of raw encrypted audio-video data (REAVD) that is provided on a media article as an encryption key, encrypting secondary content using the encryption key, and storing encrypted secondary content at a remotely located host. The media article can then be used for providing access to the encrypted secondary content to client terminals by receiving encrypted secondary content at a client terminal, extracting a decryption key from a media article encoded with REAVD, the decryption key being determined by at least a portion of the REAVD, using the decryption key to decrypt the secondary content, and outputting the decrypted secondary content from the client terminal.

Abstract: A computer for a service provider receives from each member of two groups who is a user of a service via a mediating computer, a priority list in which member IDs of the other group is permuted in the priority order of a user and processing information that are encrypted so as not to be decrypted by the mediating computer. The ID of the priority list is encrypted with an encrypting key that is common to all members. The computer for a service provider performs matching, with ID in the priority list being left encrypted when the list is decrypted. The computer for a service provider decrypts the processing information, makes it in a state in which the matching result can be decrypted based on the processing information by only a person concerned, and sends it to each member via the mediating computer.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and techniques for shared security associations. In one or more embodiments, a key distribution server provides shared security associations for clients and servers by assigning a group key to a particular client according to a time-based group key assignment schedule. The key distribution server may comprise a recursive codebook including multiple entries corresponding to group key assignments to be selected by the key distribution server with respect to time intervals. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for digitally authenticating users both online and offline. In one embodiment, a hardware token assigned by a trusted token provider to the user is employed to ensure the identity of the user. In the online authentication, the token is adapted for generating an exposed key EK and a hidden key HK based on a noise code NC and a time code TC of the token, a space code SC of a service server, and an owner code OC of the user. A login session is initialized by entering a user identifier at the service server and the generated EK from a computing device. The service server computes an expose key CEK and a hidden key CHK based one an authentication license generated by the token provider. The service server authenticates the user if the CEK is same as the EK, and sends a response message encrypted the CHK to the computing device. Then, the user provides the HK to the computing device to decrypt the encrypted response message so as to access his/her account.

Abstract: Realistic simulation of acoustic obstruction/occlusion effects in virtual-reality software applications is achieved by specifying whether a type of filter function is low-pass or high-pass and a cut-off frequency and stop-band attenuation of the filter function. The stop-band attenuation can be specified merely qualitatively, for example as “weak”, “nominal”, or “strong”. As a complement or alternative, obstruction/occlusion can be specified in terms of obstruction objects, such as blocking objects, enclosure objects, surface objects, and medium objects. An obstruction object is specified in terms of one or more environmental parameters and corresponds to naturally occurring acoustically obstructive/occlusive objects, such as curtains, walls, forests, fields, etc. The two specification types—filter specification parameters and environmental parameters—may co-exist in the same implementation or one or the other of the interfaces can be used in a particular implementation.

Abstract: Synthetically generated signals are reproduced via a binaural hearing system, which includes two hearing devices. After reproducing a first signal via the first hearing device a reproduction of a second signal via the second hearing device is also carried out delayed by a defined time interval. The additional time delay is to be quantified such that the impression of a sound amplification is produced with a hearing system wearer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for logging acoustic incidents. An exemplary system includes a transducer configured to receive an electrical signal from an electrical signal source and produce a corresponding acoustic signal, a recording system operable to record the electrical signal from the electrical signal source, and an incident estimation and control system coupled to the recording system to estimate an acoustic incident and to instruct the recording system to record the electrical signal that is producing the acoustic incident. The system can replay the recorded electrical signal through the same transducer that was in use at the time of the acoustic incident, to exactly reproduce the sound that occurred.

Abstract: A sound output device of the present invention for outputting sound according to audio data fed thereto includes: a volume adjuster that is operated by a user in a predetermined manner, and that determines a ratio of volume of the sound to predetermined reference volume according to how it is operated by the user; a time detector detecting that a predetermined time has come; and a reference volume adjuster adjusting the reference volume according to a detection result of the time detector. Thus, the maximum level of the volume (which is dependent on the reference volume) can be automatically adjusted according to the current time. The volume adjuster determines the ratio of volume to reference volume according to the operation by the user. Thus, for example, the same operation performed by the user even under different levels of reference volume produces almost the same ratio of volume to reference volume.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for and method of remotely, automatically, and routinely conducting diagnostic testing on a programmable hearing aid to ensure that it is functioning as intended when optimized for an individual's needs and preferences. Because hearing aids deteriorate with time and buildup of earwax, individuals can be uncertain whether their hearing is worsening or the hearing aid is malfunctioning. The net effect is diminished hearing aid performance—and thus diminished quality of life. The present invention tests the hearing aid for proper function as frequently as daily.

Abstract: A method is presented of evaluating a wireless connection while fitting a hearing aid. The method comprises the steps of sending a signal via the wireless connection from a computer system (103) to a portable device (102), receiving the signal in the computer system via the wireless connection from the portable device, thereby obtaining information about the wireless connection, evaluating the information in the computer system through retrieving a current value representative of the quality of the wireless communication, smoothing the current value thereby obtaining a smoothed value, and providing a quality parameter based on the smoothed value. Also a system for fitting a hearing aid, a computer program, and a computer system adapted to the use of such a method are presented.

Abstract: A method for generating and/or performing music in real time includes receiving one or more audio signals, receiving one or more virtual instrument trigger signals, and selecting one or more plug-ins and/or one or more virtual instruments. A processing scheme is selected from a set of operations. The received audio signals and instrument trigger signals are processed in real time as a function of the selected plug-ins, virtual instruments and processing scheme, and outputted in real time as music signals.

Abstract: A subtractor subtracts an echo canceling signal (?·y1(n?1)) from a canceling error signal (e(n)) to estimate the resonant noise (d(n)) to be silenced at a position of a microphone, and outputs a first basic signal (x1(n)) representing the estimated resonant noise d(n) as an input signal supplied to a controller. In the controller, a delay filter generates a second basic signal (x?(n)) by delaying the first basic signal (x1(n)) by a time value (Z?n) The controller generates a control signal (x(n)) based on the first basic signal (x(n)) and the second basic signal (x?(n)).

Abstract: A control characteristics changing unit reads, from an EEPROM, various control parameters in an ANC electronic controller, which correspond to specification information acquired from ECUs. The control characteristics changing unit then outputs control parameters, depending on changed specification information among the read control parameters, as change signals Sm1 through Sm6 to a basic signal generating unit, reference signal generating units, filter coefficient updating units, corrective signal generating units, switches, and variable-gain amplifiers, respectively.

Abstract: A subtractor subtracts an echo canceling signal ?·yl(n?1) from a canceling error signal e(n) to estimate a residual noise to be silenced at the position of a microphone, and outputs a first basic signal x1(n) representing the residual noise. A first control circuit section generates a first control signal y1(n) based on the first basic signal x1(n) and a second basic signal x2(n) that is generated by delaying the first basic signal x1(n) by a time Z?n. A second circuit section generates a second control signal y2(n) based on the first basic signal x1(n) and an engine rotation signal.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method for personalized listening which can be used with an earpiece is provided that can include capturing ambient sound from an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) of an earpiece partially or fully occluded in an ear canal, monitoring the ambient sound for a target sound, and adjusting by way of an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) in the earpiece a delivery of audio to an ear canal based on a detected target sound. A volume of audio content can be adjusted upon the detection of a target sound, and an audible notification can be presented to provide a warning.

Abstract: An audio network system that performs transport of audio signals among nodes by cascading a plurality of nodes each including two sets of transmission I/Fs and reception I/Fs, and circulating among the nodes in each fixed period an audio transport frame generated by a master node, the audio transport frame including a plurality of storage regions for audio signals, is configured such that the master node stores a frame packet after circulating among the nodes and returning thereto into a buffer, so as to generate the audio transport frame in the (S+k)-th period based on the audio transport frame in the S-th period when the audio transport frame in the S-th period has been normally received, or based on a predetermined model otherwise.

Abstract: An audio signal delivery management system includes a management apparatus and an delivering apparatus which delivers an audio signal to a plurality of speaker devices to which respective addresses are assigned. The delivering apparatus include an address storing portion which stores the addresses of the speaker devices, an audio signal acquiring portion which acquires an audio signal, an audio signal delivering portion which delivers the audio signal to at least one of the speaker devices using the addresses, and a sending portion which sends the audio signal to the management apparatus.

Abstract: Information on a use situation of a portable electronic apparatus possessed by a user is acquired from an illuminance sensor, a contact sensor, and a GPS portion as use situation-acquiring portions, and a volume of a sound outputted either to a speaker provided as an internal sound-outputting unit in the portable electronic apparatus or to an external sound-outputting unit such as a headphone is controlled in accordance with the acquired information. Thus, even when a plug of the headphone falls off from the portable electronic apparatus despite an intention of the user, an unpleasant sound is prevented from being outputted from the speaker to a circumference.

Abstract: A pattern detection circuit detects a pattern in a received bit stream, for example a repetitive 8-bit silence pattern in a stream of digital audio data. Summing circuitry forms during first alternate time periods a sum of a first sequence comprising a predetermined number of alternate bits in the bit stream; and forms during second alternate time periods an inverse of a sum of a second sequence comprising the predetermined number of alternate bits in the bit stream. It is then determined whether successive sums formed by the summing circuitry are equal.

Abstract: A novel enhanced beamforming technique that improves beamforming operations by incorporating a model for the directional gains of the sensors, such as microphones, and provides means of estimating these gains. The technique forms estimates of the relative magnitude responses of the sensors (e.g., microphones) based on the data received at the array and includes those in the beamforming computations.

Abstract: Method for outputting an audio signal to an audio output, comprising outputting a first audio signal to said audio output; providing a second audio signal; determining a point in time, wherein at said point in time said first audio signal or a derivative of said first audio signal or a derivative of said second audio signal is essentially equal to zero; switching, at said point in time, said audio output from outputting said first audio signal to outputting said second audio signal.

Abstract: A sound reproducing device is provided including a communication unit that transmits/receives signals; at least one sound output unit that outputs sound based upon a signal having been received, a sound pickup unit that picks up sound and generates audio data, an echo canceller unit that stores any echo signal contained in the signal having been received at the communication unit and generates a dummy echo signal by using the stored echo signal, and a noise reducing unit that generates a cancel signal to be used to cancel noise by using the audio data if the sound picked up at the sound pickup unit contains noise originating from a noise source and outputs a composite signal generated by combining the output signal from the echo canceller unit and the cancel signal.

Abstract: A sound reproduction device includes a filter, which detects a repeated bit sequence of a predetermined length in an input bit stream. When any repeated bit sequence having the predetermined length is detected, the input bit stream is applied to a filter for attenuating signals at the frequency corresponding to the predetermined length.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an improved audio equalization filter can be generated by frequency warping one or more digital filters having a plurality of frequency bands. Frequency warping can include, for example, transforming at least some of the frequency bands of the one or more digital filters into lower frequency bands. As a result, in various implementations the audio equalization filter may be more accurate than certain currently-available IIR equalization filters. The audio equalization filter may also be more computing-resource efficient than certain currently-available FIR equalization filters.

Abstract: This application relates to an outdoor music and sound system. More particularly, this system incorporates unique weatherproof wing nut cable connectors used in connecting a plurality of weatherproof speakers on a single electrical line to a remote sound system that may be employed in a variety of landscape areas. By using 8 ohm, at 20 to 50 watt resistor units, or a 1.5 to 2 ohm receiver amplifier, to control the output, a single cable can be used to connect to a plurality of speakers. Two or more cables may be connected to the electronics unit. This inexpensive system can easily be sold at discount hardware stores in conjunction with the wide variety of inexpensive outdoor lighting systems now available.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audio equipment, comprising: an audio output amplifier and a speaker, with a sound output from the speaker based on an audio signal that is input in the audio output amplifier, and with a high signal output as an error signal to protect the audio output amplifier when an abnormal operation occurs. The audio equipment further comprising a rectifier circuit to stabilize the error signal.

Abstract: A microphone includes a casing having an open side and a lid mounted to and covering the open side of the casing. A circuit board and a mounting plate are mounted in the casing. An audio conversion unit and a switch are mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected with each other such that activation of the switch controls on/off of the audio conversion unit. The lid includes a pivotal portion pivotably engaged with an end of the mounting plate distant to the switch, allowing the other end of the lid to pivot relative to the mounting plate between an activating position for pressing against and activating the switch and a non-activating position disengaged from the switch. A returning member is mounted between the lid and the casing for returning the other end of the lid to the non-activating position.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, and a microphone array. A plurality of acoustic openings is defined in the housing. The circuit board is placed in the housing. The microphone array is placed on the circuit board for receiving external sound via the acoustic openings in the housing.

Abstract: A bending vibration type sound transmitter includes a plurality of vibrating bodies that perform resonant vibration and two lids. The plurality of vibrating bodies is fastened between the two lids.

Abstract: A speaker cone assembly (200) used in an electronic device includes a speaker basket frame (201) and a cone (203) for covering a top surface of the speaker basket (201). The cone (203) includes a downward facing lip (216) for radially sealing the perimeter edge (207) of the cone (203) with the housing (235). A flexible circular insert (225) extends around the perimeter edge (207) for reducing the amount of moisture contacting the downward facing lip (216). The speaker basket (207) includes a mounting channel (218) where the circular seal (225) includes a radial channel (233) that engages with the mounting channel (218) for preventing moisture from propagating under the speaker basket frame (201).

Abstract: The present invention provides an audio output apparatus, an audio signal output adjusting method, an audio signal output adjusting process program, and the like capable of preventing the user (listener) from making a complicated sound field setting even in the case where the position of a center speaker is changed.

Abstract: Hearing assistive apparatus can be implemented to include sound replay capability, the hearing assistive apparatus enabling operation in a replay mode (in which the hearing assistive apparatus replays sound that occurred prior to the current time), as well as in a current sound mode (in which the hearing assistive apparatus reproduces—and, typically, enhances—sound as the sound occurs) and/or an off mode (in which the hearing assistive apparatus does not produce sound). The hearing assistive apparatus can also, additionally or alternatively, be implemented so that part of the hearing assistive apparatus is spatially separated from another part of the hearing assistive apparatus (in particular, so that part of the hearing assistive apparatus is spatially separated from part of the hearing assistive apparatus that is ear-mounted).

Abstract: In-situ measurement comprises two consecutive measurements (open ear gain and in-situ gain), from which a result is formed by forming a difference. For the two measurements, it is important that the in-situ tube is positioned in the same place in the auditory canal. Otherwise there are different level and phase ratios, such that the result obtained from the formation of a difference is not meaningful. Thus, the in-situ tube is permanently connected to the ear plug, as a result of which the positioning of the in-situ tube remains the same for both measurements.

Abstract: A wireless hearing assist device including a microphone unit and a receiver unit. The microphone unit includes a microphone that receives audio signals, a frequency profile adjustment control circuit that adjusts frequency profile of the received audio signals based on input by a user, and a transmitter that wirelessly transmits the adjusted audio signals. The receiver unit is adapted to be worn by the user and includes a receiver that wirelessly receives the adjusted audio signals transmitted by the transmitter, and a speaker that generates sound based on the adjusted audio signals. In at least one embodiment, the microphone unit includes a Bluetooth enabled RF communication link for wireless communication with an external device other than the receiver unit.

Abstract: A hearing device wearer is to have improved possibilities of being able to perform a fine adjustment of his/her hearing device according to a basic setting. To this end, each processing value of a multi-channel processing system is standardized, in particular a filter bank, to a respectively associated basic setting value. A fine adjustment of the processing values to the hearing device wearer can now be carried out in relation to the standardized processing values starting from a standardized base line. It is thus possible for the hearing device wearer to implement a standardization of the setting values at any point in time and based hereupon to intuitively perform his/her setting requests.

Abstract: A hydrophobic and oleophobic coating, comprising an adhesion promoting layer formed from an adhesion promoting composition and a hydrophobic layer formed from a hydrophobic layer forming composition, is disclosed. The adhesion promoting composition may comprise an adhesion promoting compound having a functional linking group and at least one of a silane functional group and/or a germanium functional group. The hydrophobic layer forming composition may comprise a hydrophobic layer forming compound having a hydrophobic aliphatic group and at least one of a silane functional group and/or a germanium functional group. A method of forming the coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: Secondary batteries are provided which can be charged without removal from a device. In some implementations, the battery cathode includes LiFePO4 as an active material. In some implementations, the batteries include carbon anodes. Hearing aids containing such batteries, and chargers for recharging the battery within the hearing aid are also provided.

Abstract: A hearing device having at least one of an acoustical/electrical converter and an electrical/acoustical converter respectively with an acoustical input or output. The input or output, as the case may be, is linked to a coupling opening at the outer surface of the device via a channel. At least a part of the outer surface of the device is formed by a one-part shell. The shell defines an inner space of the device, with the channel being provided within and along the part of the shell and being formed within the material of the shell.

Abstract: An arrangement for optimizing the frequency response of an electro-acoustic transducer (10), comprising the electro-acoustic transducer (10) and a damping element (12) arranged behind the sound emanating or receiving side of a membrane (14) of the electro-acoustic transducer (10), wherein an air gap (16) is provided between the damping element (12, 13) and the membrane (14), which air gap (16) is sufficiently small for intimately acoustically coupling the membrane (14) with the damping element (12, 13), wherein the damping element (12, 13) is adapted to dampen an air flow created by the membrane (14) when moving.

Abstract: A child soothing device includes a frame comprising a structural support, a housing coupled to the structural support and comprising a cover with an opening, and a speaker including a speaker driver and a speaker chamber. The speaker driver has a diaphragm disposed relative to the opening in the cover for external sound wave propagation via displacement of the diaphragm, and the speaker chamber has a volume defined by the housing and in communication with the diaphragm for internal sound wave propagation via the displacement of the diaphragm. The device further includes a partition within the housing to further define the volume of the speaker chamber. The volume may include a region obliquely oriented relative to the diaphragm to support a low frequency response of the speaker.

Abstract: A device (100) for generating a vibration source driving signal (DS) is described, which device (100) comprises an input (101) for receiving an input signal (IS) and an output (102) for providing said driving signal (DS), generating means (103; 803) for generating a control signal (CS) which is representative of dynamic signal changes of the input signal (IS), and a processing unit (105; 201; 301; 401; 804) adapted to process a source signal (SRS; IAS) based on the control signal (CS) yielding said driving signal (DS).

Abstract: An integrated eartip (501) that utilizes a one-piece, rather than a multi-piece, design is provided. The one-piece design is comprised of a first portion that includes at least one, or at least two, sound delivery tubes (513/515) and a second portion that is comprised of a compressible region. The integrated eartip also includes means for releasably attaching the eartip to an earphone in general, and a coupling member (503) in particular, thus allowing the eartip to be replaced as desired. When attached, the sound delivery tube, or tubes, of the integrated eartip are aligned with the acoustic port, or ports, of the earphone/coupling member. The first and second portions of the integrated eartip may exhibit different rigidity and/or compressibility characteristics. The integrated eartip can be fabricated from a single material such as a natural or synthetic elastomer.

Abstract: A system and method provide an earphone device which provides a full dynamic range of sound, including bass, to a user. The earphone device includes a transducer coupled to a nozzle, and ear fittings. The earphone device further includes an audio aperture. The aperture in the audio aperture or diaphragm cover provides a means for the acoustical energy to be fine-tuned to the nozzle.

Abstract: A media playback media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes is disclosed. In accordance with the media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes in accordance with the present invention, speakers are attached to a media playback unit via rotatable connecting means such that a user may select a shape of the media playback apparatus according to his or her preference.

Abstract: There is disclosed a small-size speaker in which distortion is not easily caused when a diaphragm vertically movers for sound reproduction. The speaker includes: a bottom-equipped cylindrical frame having an opening at the top; a magnetic circuit arranged on the inner bottom of the frame; a voice coil whose coil portion is arranged in a magnetic gap of the magnetic circuit; a diaphragm arranged at the opening of the frame and its inner circumference is fixed to the voice coil while its outer circumference is fixed to the frame via a first edge; and a support body having one end fixed to the side of the diaphragm having the magnetic circuit and the other end fixed to the vicinity of the magnetic circuit via a second edge. The first edge has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the second edge with respect to the boundary between the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A technique for applying a feature of a side attribute to an original image while keeping a principal feature. An image accumulating unit stores images classified into categories per the age or sex. A merging unit selects a category in accordance with an input category. A matching unit matches the input image and each of images included in the selected category with each other, and selects the image having highest degree of similarity. The merging unit merges the input image and the selected image by carrying out the weighted average and so on, and generates and outputs a merged image.

Abstract: A video at a host is authenticated using a watermark in the video, wherein the watermark includes metadata related to the video, wherein authenticating the video includes comparing metadata in the watermark to unwatermarked metadata attached to the video. Watermarked host-related information is added to the video by the host.

Abstract: A reference point-designating section 18b designates two reference points on a measurement object. A reference curve-calculating section 18c calculates a reference curve calculated by approximating an outline of the measurement object based on the reference points. A loss-composing point-calculating section 18d calculates loss-composing points constituting a loss outline formed on the measurement object based on the reference points and the reference curve. A loss size-calculating section 18f measures loss size based on the loss-composing points. Designating two reference points enables loss size measurement, thereby reducing complex operation and improving operability.