Abstract: Described herein is an information transmission apparatus for encrypting and transmitting first data and second data, the information transmission apparatus including: encryption element for deriving a second key from a first key by using an irreversible function, encrypting the first data by using the first key to generate encrypted first data and encrypting the second data by using the second key to generate encrypted second data; and transmission element for transmitting the encrypted first data, the encrypted second data and the first key.

Abstract: Copy protection techniques that utilize a watermark and a permission key are disclosed. The copy protection techniques can provide single-copy copy protection in addition to different levels of copy protection. The permission key and the watermark can also permit the invention to yield variable levels of copy protection. In one embodiment, content including a watermark is transmitted to a recipient. The recipient is allowed to read the content but not record the content unless the recipient possesses a permission key.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for enforcing network cluster proximity requirements using a proxy is useful in preventing unauthorized devices from receiving encrypted broadcast content intended for only authorized users within a network cluster. The current art allows users to remotely establish trust via a cryptographic handshake. This results in encrypted broadcast content being delivered to unauthorized devices. The present invention assures that encrypted broadcast content is delivered to only authorized devices, allowing authorized remote devices to receive encrypted broadcast content while preventing unauthorized remote devices from doing so. The present invention enforces network proximity requirements to authorized devices within a defined area by timing the cryptographic handshaking, and by authorizing device proxies within a geographic area for retransmitting to authorized remote devices outside said geographic area.

Abstract: An apparatus for enciphering digital information data with improved cipher strength by subjecting digital information data to enciphered process responding to random number data or pseudo-random number data produced in accordance with key data. The apparatus comprises an enciphering portion for producing the enciphered digital information data, a cipher producing portion for producing, in response to the key data, a cipher data from which random number data or pseudo-random number data are obtained to be supplied to the enciphering portion, a register for supplying the cipher producing portion with input data, and an initial value data generator for supplying the register with enciphered initial value data.

Abstract: In a communication system, a first wireless communication apparatuses belonging to a communication group receives a connection request frame including a notifying security level from a second communication apparatus outside of the communication group. The first communication apparatus stores a reference security level peculiar to the communication group, which is selected from security levels depending on one of encryption methods including non-encryption and encryption strengths. In the first communication apparatus, the notifying security level is compared with the reference level, and a response frame including one of a connect rejection and a connection permission is described, is generated and transferred to the second communication apparatus. The connect rejection represents a rejection of connection to the second communication apparatus and the connection permission represents a permission of connection to the second communication apparatus.

Abstract: A small-scale wireless communication system offering advanced security level. An encryption key memory of an access point stores an encryption key list of a plurality of different encryption keys. A change information transmitter periodically transmits change information to a terminal by radio, the change information requesting the change of encryption key. An encryption key selector selects an encryption key from the encryption key list under a rule when the change information transmitter transmits the change information. A terminal-side encryption key memory of the terminal stores a terminal-side encryption key list which is the same as the encryption key list. A change information receiver receives the change information from the access point. Upon reception of the change information, a terminal-side encryption key selector selects an encryption key from the terminal-side encryption key list under a rule which is the same as the rule which the encryption key selector used to select the encryption key.

Abstract: An earphone detection circuit that comprises a transistor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor and a detector. The transistor has a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first and the fourth terminal of the transistor are electrically connected to an operating voltage. One end of the first resistor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the transistor and the other end of the first resistor is electrically connected to the second terminal of the transistor. One end of the second resistor is electrically connected to the third terminal of the transistor and the other end is electrically connected to a ground terminal. One end of the third resistor is electrically connected to the second terminal of the transistor and the other end is electrically connected to the detection terminal of an earphone driving circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments reduce noise within a particular environment, while isolating and capturing speech in a manner that allows operation within an otherwise noisy environment. In one embodiment, an array of one or more microphones is used to selectively eliminate noise emanating from known, generally fixed locations, and pass signals from a pre-specified region or regions with reduced distortion.

Abstract: Input audio signals are divided into low-frequency components and high-frequency components, both of which are subjected to delay processing in correspondence with desired positions of focal points with respect to speaker units respectively. Delayed low-frequency components are further subjected to weighting using a first window function. Delayed high-frequency components are subjected to weighting using a second window function (e.g., a Hamming window function). Weighted high-frequency components and weighted low-frequency components are added together with respect to the speaker units, which are thus driven respectively. The first window function applied to low-frequency components is made moderate in weighting in comparison with the second window function applied to high-frequency components; thus, it is possible to reduce differences of sound directivities between low-frequency components and high-frequency components of audio signals.

Abstract: Audio electrical signals are controlled to be provided to a plurality of electroacoustical transducers of an array to achieve directivity and acoustic volume characteristics that are varied with respect to a parameter associated with operation of the array. The controlling of the signals results in a change in the radiated acoustic power spectrum of the array as the characteristics are varied. The change in the radiated acoustic power spectrum of the array is compensated.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, audio signals are specially processed for sound presentation in a high noise environment. The electrical signal representative of the sound is first subjected to equalization to preferentially reduce the magnitude of bass signals while increasing the magnitude of treble signals. The equalized signal is then compressed, and the compressed signal is subjected to “mirror image” equalization which increases the magnitude of bass signals while reducing the magnitude of treble signals. The resulting signal fed to the speakers provides a sound presentation of compressed volume range and a bass-rich sound spectrum. It is particularly useful for providing quality sound presentation in a high noise environment.

Abstract: A noise reduction circuit for reducing pulse noise caused at switching of an analog audio processing circuit comprises a voltage division resistor circuit, an end of the voltage division resistor circuit being electrically connected to an output end of a switching circuit of the analog audio processing circuit, and another end of the voltage division resistor circuit being electrically connected to a reference voltage; a plurality of voltage-division points of the voltage division resistor circuit are connected respectively with a plurality of controllable switches, while other ends of the plurality of controllable switches are connected together to form an output end.

Abstract: A loudspeaker used mainly for mobile communication equipment such as a mobile telephone and having two loudspeaker parts provided in one frame is provided. In the loudspeaker, a yoke has a groove portion and a second voice coil disposed in this groove portion drives a second diaphragm. Since the groove portion functioning as a magnetic gap is formed by processing the yoke, variation in the magnetic gap, which conventionally occurred at the time of incorporation, is eliminated and accuracy is improved, thus stabilizing the sound pressure frequency property.

Abstract: The present invention provides for various embodiments of a combined garment and earphones. The combined garment and earphones includes a garment having a series of elongate internal passageways. Partially enclosed within the series of elongate internal passageways is a conductive wire assembly. The conductive wire assembly includes a first length of wire leading to at least one earpiece having a transducer for emitting audio into a user's ear, and a second length of wire leading to a connector configured to be communicatively coupled to an audio device. Finally, a retractable dial is coupled to the garment, wherein a portion of the conductive wire assembly travels through the retractable dial. The retractable dial is configured to selectively retract at least a portion of the first end of the conductive wire assembly.

Abstract: A hearing aid circuit includes a correlation detector that detects correlation at a feedforward path input and that provides a correlation output to a phase shifter. The phase shifter introduces a phase shift along a feedforward path. A phase measurement circuit measures a phase shift at a feedforward path input, and provides a phase measurement output to an internal feedback processor. The internal feedback processor adjusts internal feedback as a function of the phase measurement to suppress coupling of external audio feedback along the feedforward path.

Abstract: In a hearing aid device system with two hearing aids for binaural supply to a hearing aid user, a coupling of the settings of both hearing aids is not always reasonable in the “audio reception” mode and therefore the hearing aid that is in the “audio reception” operating mode is not adapted to changed settings when parameters in the other hearing aid of the hearing aid system have been readjusted. The use of a remote control also has different effects on a hearing aid in the active “audio reception” mode than on the hearing aid device that is in a passive “audio reception” mode.

Abstract: A sound system for industrial tool chests modifies a tool chest with drawers to provide sound and music to technicians at work in a shop. The sound system has a power supply and electronics mounted in the vacant spaces within a tool chest. The power supply has ducting and a fan for cooling. Wiring delivers power from the power supply to the electronics and a player. The electronics include a dropping resistor and illuminated on-off switch. The player can play one or all of AM, FM, and other radio bands, broadcast or cable TV, video and other digital signals, and recorded media of many kinds. The player distributes a signal to two or more speakers mounted to the bottom of the tool chest, and alternatively in the top. The present invention installs within single chests and multiple story chests. Sound from the speakers reflects upon a shop floor to send music throughout the shop.

Abstract: A headset with a headband is equipped with at least one cup in which a male or female plug is arranged. The cup is intended for the mounting of a speaker or a speaker with microphone arm, said speaker or speaker with microphone arm being also provided with a male or female plug adapted to be connected to the male or female plug in the cup. The headband of the headset is hollow so that the wire may be run from one side of the headset to the other side. Hereby, the speaker and/or speaker with microphone arm of the headset may easily be replaced, without having to scrap the entire headset. Thus, it is possible to upgrade the headset currently for technical as well as aesthetic reasons. In an embodiment, the headset is provided with a cup at one side and at the other side with a T-member which constitutes a support part against a user's head.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects, particularly vehicles, between two non-overlapping cameras. More specifically, the method and system determines whether a vehicle depicted in an image captured by a first camera is the same vehicle or a different vehicle than a vehicle depicted in an image captured by a second camera. This intra-camera analysis determines whether the vehicle viewed by the first camera is the same as the vehicle viewed by the second camera, without directly matching the two vehicle images, thus eliminating the problems and inaccuracies caused by disparate environmental conditions acting on the two cameras, such as dramatic appearance and aspect changes.

Abstract: A processor with a personal verification function has a mouse used by a hand to operate a terminal (personal computer or personal computer main body) and being able to output a photographic blood vessel image obtained by photographing a blood vessel image of the palm of the hand, and a verifying unit carrying out personal verification at a desired time on the basis of the photographic blood vessel image outputted from the mouse and a registration blood vessel image. The mouse has a radiating unit radiating near-infrared light toward the palm of the hand, and a photographing unit photographing the photographic blood vessel image with reflected light from the palm of the hand. The processor with a personal verification function and an operating device make possible personal authentication and personal identification at any time, and are operable within a saved-space without placing a burden on the user.

Abstract: An iris region of an eye is detected from an original image (S1) and image conversion is performed to the detected iris region so that feature data unique to the person can not be extracted (S2). For example, the iris region is divided into a plurality of portions and respective images of divided portions are re-arranged in a predetermined order or at random.

Abstract: An embodiment provides for enabling retrieval of a collection of captured images that form at least a portion of a library of images. For each image in the collection, a captured image may be analyzed to recognize information from image data contained in the captured image, and an index may be generated, where the index data is based on the recognized information. Using the index, functionality such as search and retrieval is enabled. Various recognition techniques, including those that use the face, clothing, apparel, and combinations of characteristics may be utilized. Recognition may be performed on, among other things, persons and text carried on objects.

Abstract: A method and system efficiently and accurately detects humans in a test image and classifies their pose. In a training stage, a probabilistic model is derived in an unsupervised or semi-supervised manner such that at least some poses are not manually labeled. The model provides two sets of model parameters to describe the statistics of images containing humans and images of background scenes. In a testing stage, the probabilistic model is used to determine if a human is present in the image, and classify the human's pose based on the poses in the training images. A solution is efficiently provided to both human detection and pose classification by using the same probabilistic model to solve the problems.

Abstract: A telecommunications server includes a bio-print control server including one or more identification databases, a transmit/receive unit, a compare unit, and a routing control unit. Various network clients may include bio-print input units. In operation, according to certain embodiments, the user can input the bio-print using any of the selected network clients. The input is then transmitted to and received via the transmit/receive unit at the telecommunications server. The telecommunications server accesses the database(s) and compares the received bio-print input with its database to determine if there is a match. If so, then the user is given a predetermined level of access to the network client from which the bio-print has been received.

Abstract: A portable encrypted storage device with biometric identification includes a host interface connected to a terminal host, a controller connected to the host interface, a memory module, a fingerprint sensor, an encryption/decryption chip and a portable large-capacity storage unit connected to the controller. The controller communicates with the host by handshakes and enables the host to automatically run a fingerprint identification driver and application program from the memory module to the host. The host receives an instruction from the user through the driver and program, and informs the controller to control the fingerprint sensor to read to-be-recognized fingerprint data of the user. The host judges whether or not the to-be-recognized fingerprint data substantially matches with a fingerprint template stored in the memory module. If a match occurs, the host can recognize and access the hidden portable large-capacity storage unit through the encryption/decryption chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fingerprint recognition is provided. A fingerprint is detected on a sensor. The fingerprint is digitized. A digitized background is subtracted from the fingerprint, resulting in a difference print. The difference print is matched with a database of fingerprint templates.

Abstract: A biometrics method based on a thermal image of a finger includes the steps of: acquiring the thermal image of the finger; and extracting a finger-print image or a finger-vein image from the thermal image and thus verifying a user's identity according to the finger-print image or the finger-vein image.

Abstract: An image processing technique which identifies pixels in images which are associated with features having a selected shape, such as but not exclusively step edge, roof, ridge or valley. The shape of the intensity profile in the image is compared in an intensity independent way with a shape model to select those pixels which satisfy the shape model and are thus associated with the feature of interest. This comparison is achieved by examining the phase and amplitude of a spectral decomposition of parts of the image profile in the spatial or spatio temporal frequency domain. This decomposition can be achieved using quadrature wavelet pairs such as log-Gabor wavelets. The difference between the odd and even components, known as the feature asymmetry, gives an indication of the shape of the feature. The analysis may be extended to the time domain by looking at the shape of the image profile across a time sequence of images, which gives an indication of the velocity of a moving feature.

Abstract: A method for detecting and correcting the orientation of a radiograph. The method generally includes the steps of accessing the radiograph; locating a region of interest in the radiograph; and using the located region of interest and a classifier to detect the orientation of the radiograph. In a preferred embodiment, the radiograph is preprocessed.

Abstract: In a CT system and a method for error-tolerant data transfer between a data acquisition unit and an image reconstruction unit therein, digital data are divided into data packets and are transferred as a data stream from a transmission device to a reception device and are buffered in the reception device for further processing. The data packets are selected such that they respectively contain the data of a segment of a detector row or of a complete detector row of the CT system. Incomplete and/or missing focal paths are detected in the reception device and a storage region is reserved and marked as incorrect for these data packets. The incorrect and/or missing data packets are later interpolated from the data of adjacent detector rows and/or adjacent segments of a detector row and/or successive projections precede or follow the incorrect and/or missing data packets. Missing data packets due to transfer interferences can also be tolerated.

Abstract: A method for segmentation of an organ of a living subject with a variable shape and boundary and surrounded by structures and tissues in connection with an image containing the organ. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of initializing a contour inside the organ in the image, introducing a speed function that is capable of accumulating spatial and temporal information of a propagating front of the contour, and evolving the contour toward the boundary of the organ using the introduced speed function so as to segment the organ.

Abstract: A method of objectively quantifying assessments of joints having arthritis for purposes of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The objective measurements utilize known imaging modalities including 3D scanning, thermal imaging, visible and near-infrared imaging and two-dimensional imaging to quantify swelling, heat distribution, erythema, and range or motion. The objective measurements can be combined in various ways to assess the extent of the disease and can be used to adjust treatment protocols.

Abstract: A method for processing image data includes estimating initial factor images from image data, transforming the estimated initial factor images by a transformation variable to obtain transformed factor images, providing an objective function that is a function of the transformed factor images, and minimizing the objective function to obtain unique factor images from the estimated initial factor images.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production of a three-dimensional reconstruction of a undeformed object from two different views of the object under deformation using a volume constraint and also by matching corresponding features in the two images. The volume constraint involves assuming that the deformed volume is the same as the undeformed volume, and calculating the deformed volume from one of the images. Further, the deformation of the object can be parameterised by finding corresponding image entities in the each of the images. The method is particularly applicable to breast mammograms in which case the two images are the cranio-caudal (CC) image and medio-lateral oblique (MLO) image whose angular separation varies from 35 to 60 degrees. The image entities which are detected in the two images are microcalcifications, and these are matched by detecting a value representing their volume a looking for matches in this value between the two images.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing banknotes or other sheet-like objects, the banknotes are conveyed along a transport path, thereby passing sensor means. A transmission and a reflection image of the banknote are captured by illuminating the banknotes and measuring the transmittive and reflective light intensity of light with a high resolution. Based on these images, a validation of the banknotes is carried out. After the validation, a double feed detection is performed by evaluating the transmission and the reflection intensities for a predefined set of test spots with a two-dimensional evaluation. If it is decided on double feed, the banknotes are rejected. Otherwise the banknotes are accepted and further processed. Because of the additional dimension in the evaluation compared with known double detection methods, the invention enables a more robust double note detection also in cases with different degrees of soiling of the banknotes.

Abstract: A system and method for determining skew of a document image. An image processing system is provided, comprising: an image segmentation system that identifies and segments a line of printed characters; and a skew processing system that determines the skew by calculating slope values for pairs of characters in the line.

Abstract: A method of selecting a component of optimal design comprising automated steps of a) measuring the periphery of at least part of said component; b) producing a 2D co-ordinate dataset (20) from said measurements; c) processing the 2D co-ordinate dataset (20) so as to produce a representation of characteristics of the periphery of the component; d) assigning a value to the difference between the characteristics of the periphery of the component and characteristics of a component of optimal design; and e) conducting a parametric analysis of the differences between the characteristics of the periphery of the component and the characteristics of a component of optimal design. The method further comprises the step of using the results of the parametric analysis to determine whether the component meets a predetermined criteria for acceptability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a manufacturing facility. A processor detects whether abnormal first image data exists at a first common location for each of the last N wafers of the first set of wafers to be placed on a platform, excluding any abnormal image data at a location for wafers that previously had abnormal image data at the location; and detects whether abnormal second image data exists at as second common location for each of the last N wafers of the second set to be placed on the platform, excluding any abnormal image data at a location for wafers that previously had abnormal image data at the location. A decision is made whether to clean the platform depending on results from the processor.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a classifier to classify sub-objects of an object based on a relationship between sub-objects is provided. The classification system provides training sub-objects along with the actual classification of each training sub-object. The classification system may iteratively train sub-classifiers based on feature vectors representing the features of each sub-object, the actual classification of the sub-object, and a weight associated with the sub-object. After a sub-classifier is trained, the classification system classifies the training sub-objects using the trained sub-classifier. The classification system then adjusts the classifications based on relationships between training sub-objects. The classification system assigns a weight for the sub-classifier and weight for each sub-object based on the accuracy of the adjusted classifications.

Abstract: A marker detection method includes the steps of acquiring a captured image, detecting a marker from the captured image, and determining whether or not a surrounding region of the detected marker includes a pixel of a predetermined color. An additional step includes determining, as a valid marker, a marker for which it is determined that the surrounding region does not include any pixel of the predetermined color.

Abstract: A facial image photographed by a digital camera is downloaded to a PC. When a facial image correction program starts, a correction window and a correction item selection window open on a monitor. When a user opens the facial image in the correction window, a pixel extraction circuit extracts pixels representing a skin area, an eye area, a teeth area, and a hair area from the facial image. Correction items to be performed are determined in the correction item selection window. A cursor position detection circuit detects the position of a cursor in the correction window. When the cursor is in one of the areas, a facial image correction circuit judges whether the correction item corresponding to the area is selected. If the corresponding correction item is selected, the facial image correction circuit subjects a pixel pointed by the cursor to predetermined correction processing.

Abstract: A system and method for segmenting an object in an image using an isoperimetric ratio in a graphics processing unit is disclosed. The object is identified by one or more selected pixels located within the object. The system includes a graphics processing unit and software loadable on the graphics processing unit. The software is operable to find weights for edges, to build a Laplacian matrix and a d vector, to eliminate the row and column corresponding to the one or more selected pixels to determine L0 and d0, to solve x0 in the equation L0x0=d0; and to threshold the potentials x at the value that selects the object having the lowest isoperimetric ratio.

Abstract: A system creates an electronic version of a document from page-images of the document, wherein the electronic version replicates both the logical content and the physical appearance of the original document. During operation, the system receives the page-images for the document. Next, the system extracts character images from the page-images, and generates a synthetic font for the document from the extracted character images. Finally, the system constructs the electronic version of the document by, using the synthetic font to represent text regions of the document, and by using image-segments extracted from the pages-images to represent non-text regions of the document.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software to automatically detect print defects in printed matter. Some embodiments include receiving a reference image and a scanned image, wherein the reference image and the scanned image are of the same subject matter and generating a plurality of detail maps of the reference image and the scanned image at each one or more resolutions to derive one or more detail maps of each image at each resolution. The detail maps, in some embodiments, are generated by identifying differences between pixels in each of one or more directions. The embodiments further include dividing the detail maps of each image into blocks of equal image proportion and calculate an activity measure of each block in each of the detail maps. These embodiments further calculate similarity measures between the blocks of reference image detail maps and the respective blocks of the scanned image detail maps.

Abstract: An interactive display table has a display surface for displaying images and upon or adjacent to which various objects, including a user's hand(s) and finger(s) can be detected. A video camera within the interactive display table responds to infrared (IR) light reflected from the objects to detect any connected components. Connected component correspond to portions of the object(s) that are either in contact, or proximate the display surface. Using these connected components, the interactive display table senses and infers natural hand or finger positions, or movement of an object, to detect gestures. Specific gestures are used to execute applications, carryout functions in an application, create a virtual object, or do other interactions, each of which is associated with a different gesture. A gesture can be a static pose, or a more complex configuration, and/or movement made with one or both hands or other objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preprocessing a page image reproduced from a storage medium in a holographic system. The present invention calculates pixel sums for each lines in the page image to select a maximum sum, calculates a modified maximum sum using the modified maximum sum and its neighboring sums, determines a compensation location for distorted pixels using the modified maximum sum and performs over-sampling a data image with reference to the compensation location of magnified pixels, to thereby compensate the data image with high precision in sub-pixels.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to extract an image closest to a reference image from among a plurality of candidate images. A plurality of candidate images similar to the reference image are extracted from a plurality of images by utilizing granulometry. The plurality of candidate images is transformed based on the reference image. Mutual information shared by each of the transformed candidate images and the reference image is calculated. A candidate image sharing the largest amount of mutual information with the reference image is selected from among the plurality of candidate images.

Abstract: Forms such as business forms used in banks and post offices are automatically classified using a form search apparatus and method. The method of classifying forms comprises extracting features from the image data of the input form and comparing the extracted features with stored features of a set of template forms corresponding to a set of known classifications of forms. The comparing step compares extracted features which comprise attributes of tables contained in the template forms and the input form respectively. The attributes of tables may be the number of tables in the form, or the number of cells comprising the tables. An approximate matching step is used to reduce the number of candidate template forms.

Abstract: A method executed on a computer for determining a hierarchical clustering of a multidimensional dataset in a multidimensional image space comprises receiving a pyramid of multidimensional images of the multidimensional dataset in which the images of the pyramid representing a first multidimensional image of the multidimensional dataset at successively lower resolution levels; identifying data clusters at each resolution level of the pyramid by applying a set of perceptual grouping constraints; plotting a variation curve of a magnitude of data clusters identified at each resolution level of the pyramid as a function of resolution level; and generating a clustering hierarchy for the multidimensional dataset by identifying the resolution level at each salient bend in the variation curve as a level of the clustering hierarchy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for encrypting and compressing multimedia data, which transforms and compresses multimedia data through an encryption key in a process of compressing the multimedia data to record and transmit the data, and encrypts the multimedia data to allow the data to be decoded using only the encryption key. The method includes creating Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficients by applying input multimedia data to a DCT unit, and quantizing the DCT coefficients; encrypting and compressing transformed Differential Coefficients (DC coefficient) and transformed Amplitude Coefficients (AC coefficient) by transforming encoded DC and AC coefficients depending on a certain encryption key at the time of entropy encoding quantized DC and AC coefficients of the quantized DCT coefficients; and Huffmann coding the encrypted DC and AC coefficients and outputting the coded DC and AC coefficients.