Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus includes: a first filtering unit which outputs an audio signal while attenuating frequency components except for preset frequency components; a detecting unit which detects a sound volume level; an amplitude limiting unit which calculates an amplitude limiting level corresponding to the sound volume level, and which limits a part of a waveform of the audio signal output from the first filtering unit; a second filtering unit which outputs the audio signal output from the amplitude limiting unit while attenuating frequency components except for preset frequency components including a part of the frequency band of the audio signal output from the first filtering unit, and a part of the frequency band of the harmonics; a compressing unit which compresses a dynamic range of the audio signal; and an adding unit which adds the audio signal output from the compressing unit to the input audio signal.

Abstract: A voice input device includes a first microphone (710-1) that includes a first diaphragm, a second microphone (710-2) that includes a second diaphragm, and a differential signal generation section (720) that generates a differential signal that indicates a difference between a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm being disposed so that a noise intensity ratio is smaller than an input voice intensity ratio (input voice component intensity ratio), and the differential signal generation section (720) including a delay section (730), and a differential signal output section (740) that generates and outputs a differential signal based on a signal delayed by the delay section.

Abstract: Embodiments of a directional acoustic sensor or acoustic velocity microphone are disclosed that include a sensor frame structure, a support means, and a buoyant object. The buoyant object is suspended in the sensor frame structure using the support means. The buoyant object has a feature size smaller than a wavelength of the highest frequency of an acoustic wave in air. The buoyant object receives three-dimensional movement of the air excited by the acoustic wave. The three-dimensional movement that the buoyant object receives is detected using a detection means. A particle velocity of the acoustic wave is derived from the three-dimensional movement of the buoyant object using the detection means. The detection means can be an optical detection means, an electromagnetic detection means, or an electrostatic detection means. An acoustic image of the acoustic wave can be determined by distributing two or more directional acoustic sensors a multi-dimensional array.

Abstract: There is provided a sound reproduction apparatus including a sub-woofer unit and a plurality of wireless speakers. A method of speaker charging and speaker calibration using the sound reproduction apparatus is also provided. The sub-woofer unit may be configured to perform tasks of both charging a power source in each of the plurality of wireless speakers; and calibrating speaker identity for each of the plurality of wireless speakers. It is advantageous that both of the tasks are performed when the plurality of wireless speakers is coupled to the sub-woofer unit. The speaker identity may include, for example, left front, right front, left rear, right rear, and center.

Abstract: A music playing system employing the combination of mini-speaker footwear wirelessly receiving music from a music source (20) external to the footwear using an audio adapter transmitter (13) connected to the music source (20) to wirelessly transmit music to an audio adapter receiver (9) mounted in the footwear is disclosed. A rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery pack (10) is hidden in a shoe compartment (19). This battery pack powers the speakers (1-4) in the footwear and the audio adapter receiver (9). The external music source (20) may for example be but not limited to an iPod, iPhone, iPad, iPad 3G, iPod nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Touch, iPad Tablet, smart phone, Droid phone, Android phone, MP3 player, CD player, microchip player or computer. Power for the audio adapter transmitter (13) is provided by the battery power pack of the external music source.

Abstract: A reduced acoustic signature loudspeaker system includes left and right loudspeaker assemblies that include cabinets having a plurality of sides. A full range acoustic driver/array is mounted to the first side and facing a side wall of a listening space, the second side forms the rear of the loudspeaker assembly to which is mounted a set of input terminals. The full range on-axis directional acoustic output of each loudspeaker assembly is directed outward toward the left and right side walls respectively of the listening space at an azimuth of approximately 180+/?45 degrees. No acoustic output of the loud speaker system is directed toward the listening space or directed vertically, up or down and the first sides of the left and right loud speaker assemblies are separated by a distance of at least approximately 1.0 feet.

Abstract: A BTE hearing aid includes a BTE hearing aid housing, at least one BTE sound input transducer, a processor configured to generate a hearing loss compensated output signal, a sound signal transmission member for transmission of a signal from a sound output of the BTE hearing aid housing to an ear canal of a user at a second end of the sound signal transmission member, an earpiece configured to be inserted in the ear canal, an output transducer, and an ITE microphone housing accommodating at least one ITE microphone, wherein the ITE microphone housing is configured to be positioned in an outer ear, wherein the processor is further configured for processing an audio signal from the at least one ITE microphone and an audio signal from the at least one BTE sound input transducer in such a way that the hearing loss compensated output signal substantially preserves spatial cues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an audio processing device. The invention further relates to an audio processing device, to a software program and to a medium having instructions stored thereon. The object of the present invention is to provide improvements in the processing of sounds in listening devices. The problem is solved by a method comprising a) receiving an electric input signal representing an audio signal; b) providing an event-control parameter indicative of changes related to the electric input signal and for controlling the processing of the electric input signal; c) storing a representation of the electric input signal or a part thereof; d) providing a processed electric output signal with a configurable delay based on the stored representation of the electric input signal or a part thereof and controlled by the event-control parameter. The invention may e.g. be used in hearing instruments, headphones or headsets or active ear plugs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing feedback in a hearing aid adapted to be worn by a user, the method comprising the step of: receiving an audio input signal in an input transducer in the hearing aid; wherein the method further comprises the steps of: transforming the input signal into the frequency domain; dividing the audio signal into a plurality of frequency bands; determining a threshold frequency over which a plurality of upper frequency bands lies; multiplying each of the plurality of upper frequency bands by a random phase, thereby obtaining a plurality of phase randomized upper frequency bands; synthesizing the plurality of phase randomized upper frequency bands and the lower frequency bands to an output signal; transforming the output signal into the time-domain; and transmitting the output signal to an output transducer of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing protection system with talk-through having a pair of rigid earcups enclosing a microphone, amplifier and speaker. A concha simulator, having a volume simulating that of the concha of a human ear, is acoustically coupled to the microphone, and also to the outside through an opening in the earcup. By coupling the microphone to the concha simulator, instead of directly to the outside, the acoustic response of the talk-through more accurately represents the hearing of a user.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hearing aid component adapted for fitting in the auditory canal of a hearing aid user, the hearing aid component having a covering of resilient material on at least part of its outside surface and having an inner sound conveying part, the method including the steps of acquiring data representing the shape of the auditory canal of the user; forming a three-dimensional computer model of the shape of the hearing aid component based on the acquired data; forming a three-dimensional computer model of a mould for casting the covering; manufacturing the mould in a rapid prototyping process based on the three-dimensional model; casting the covering in the mould; removing the mould from the covering; and forming the hearing aid component by joining the covering with the inner sound conveying part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment.

Abstract: A sound enhancing system includes a haptic chair formed of a chair and plural speakers mounted to the chair. The speakers receive audio input from a subject audio source and generate corresponding sound vibrations. The chair is configured to deliver the generated sound vibrations to various body parts of a user seated in the chair through the sense of touch and by bone conduction of sound. A visual display viewable by the user corresponds to the generated sound vibrations and is indicative of the corresponding audio input. The sound enhancing system enhances user experience of the audio input by any one or combination of visually, by the sense of touch, and by bone conduction of sound.

Abstract: A foldable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a pivot element and a loudspeaker. The pivot element is pivotally connected between the first body and the second body, and the loudspeaker is disposed in the pivot element and is capable of protruding out of a side of the pivot element.

Abstract: A high fidelity, low-profile loudspeaker assembly includes an enclosure having a rear panel which is highly thermally conductive. At least one speaker driver is mounted in the enclosure, the driver including a forwardly facing diaphragm driven by a voice coil former carrying a voice coil, and a rearwardly extending motor structure. An aperture is provided in the rear panel to receiving the driver's motor structure, and a thermally conductive gasket seals the rear panel aperture around cup to provide a thermal path from the driver motor to the rear panel for cooling the driver. On one driver embodiment, a generally dome-shaped annular spider surrounds and supports the voice coil former, the spider being connected at its inner periphery to the approximate vertical midpoint of the voice coil former.

Abstract: An earphone, a headset, and an ear pad for an earphone. The ear pad may having the sealing integrity guaranteed. The headset may have portions with different degrees of softness or firmness.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching to an earphone includes a sleeve capable attaching the adapter to the earphone and an ear portion including a tubular sidewall having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end opposite the first end. In one embodiment, the tubular sidewall includes an outer surface and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface. In another embodiment, the tubular sidewall has an inner surface defining an air channel extending through the sidewall, and the inner surface has a twin cone shape including a converging cone portion extending from the first end and a diverging cone portion extending from the converging cone portion to the second end. In one embodiment, the adapter includes both a plurality of fins, and a twin cone air channel.

Abstract: Open-air earbuds and methods for making the same are disclosed. The earbud has a neck, which is open to the ambient environment in order to improve bass response. In order to prevent debris from entering the interior of the earbud, a filter is incorporated into the neck.

Abstract: An earphone that possesses an outer ear canal insertion member for which at least a portion can be inserted into the outer ear canal, a housing onto which the outer ear canal insertion member is installed, a driver unit which is disposed within the housing and which generates sound, a first retention member through the interior of which passes a cable connected at one end to the driver unit and which is itself directly installed to the housing, and a second retention member through the interior of which passes the cable and which is itself installed to the first retention member; and when the second retention member is installed to the first retention member, the first retention member grasps the cable.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus comprises a slit structure, wherein the slit structure including a plurality of plate-shaped parts each of which extends so that a plurality of slits are formed, a plurality of fold-back parts each of which is folded back from an end of the plate-shaped part on the side of the speaker toward a side of the front surface of the housing, so that the plurality of slits are formed, and a drain part that is arranged on a side of one of the two side surfaces of the housing, and wherein each of a plurality of grooves formed by the plurality of plate-shaped parts and the plurality of fold-back parts communicates with the drain part and is inclined so that, in a posture of the slit structure when the operation panel is operated, liquid led from the plate-shaped parts flows to the drain part.

Abstract: A frame has a notch having an opening at a side plane of the frame. A diaphragm is vibratably attached to one plane of the frame. A voice coil is attached to the diaphragm. A terminal is attached to the other plane of the frame. A lead is connected to the voice coil, drawn from one plane to the other plane through the notch, and connected to the terminal. One of intersection points at which a normal to the side plane that passes through the position of the lead in the notch and the side plane intersect that is closest to the opening and the lead in the notch are intervened therebetween by the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatically sealing an acoustic radiator to an acoustic enclosure. A band of conformable material engages a beveled surface so than an edge of the band deflects outwardly and a surface of the band conforms to the beveled surface.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus that even when being relatively thin and compact, realizes reduction of generation of abnormal noise by contact between a lead wire and another member, reduction of breakage of lead wire and reduction of deterioration of sound quality. The speaker apparatus is one comprising magnetic circuit (2) provided with a magnetic gap in which voice coil (33) is fitted with play; vibrator (3) directly or indirectly fixed to the voice coil (33); frame (5) supporting the vibrator (3), provided thereinside with the magnetic circuit (2); and terminal part (6) to which lead wire (4) from the voice coil (33) is connected, wherein lead path (7) for passage of the lead wire (4) coming from the voice coil (33) is disposed between the voice coil (33) fitted with play in the magnetic gap (G) and the terminal part (6) provided in the frame (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding watermark data into a data stream using the insertion of low frequency carriers modulated by the watermark data into selected spatio-temporal volumes having equal total luminance values

Abstract: Methods for embedding digital watermarks in compressed video include perceptual adapting a digital watermark in predicted and non-predicted data based on block activity derived from the compressed video stream, embedding in predicted objects in a video stream having separately compressed video objects, and bit rate control of watermarked video.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for combining and composing a plurality of images into one image. An image processing unit calculates importance levels of the plurality of input images, respectively, according to selection criteria, selects at least two important images from among the plurality of input images according to the calculated importance levels, determines Regions Of Interest (ROIs) of the important images, selects the ROIs in one canvas, arranges corresponding important images at positions corresponding to the selected ROIs, and composes the arranged important images into one image.

Abstract: Monochromatic or multichromatic images may be created on surfaces. The surface is moved to first, second and third stations. The surface is electrically biased, and powder is transferred to the surface electrostatically at the first station. The powder is fused or sintered selectively on the surface at the second station. Unfused or unsintered portions of the powder are removed from the surface at the third station.

Abstract: Data points contain data values in respective time intervals. Pixels representing data points for time periods (each time period including multiple time intervals) are placed in corresponding discrete rings in a graphical visualization, wherein the pixels are user accessible to allow viewing of information of the corresponding data points. The pixels are temporally aligned in the corresponding discrete rings, and the pixels in the corresponding discrete rings are variably sized depending on a number of data points in the respective time periods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of tracking the movement of an eyeball in eyeball tumor treatment. The method includes a calibration step of storing an actual length for each pixel of an image in a storage unit, a template image generation step of storing a patient's eyeball image as a template image of the patient's eyeball in the storage unit, an eyeball location tracking step of, during the treatment of the patient's eyeball, determining whether movement of the treatment image has occurred by comparing treatment images of the patient's eyeball in real time with the template image, and a control step of stopping the operation of the proton beam output device if the movement of the treatment image deviates from a preset tolerance range, and keeping operation of the proton beam output device normal if the movement of the treatment image is within the tolerance range.

Abstract: A digital image processing apparatus and tracking method are provided to rapidly and accurately track a subject location in video images. The apparatus searches for a target image that is most similar to a reference image, in a current frame image in which each pixel has luminance, and other, data, the reference image being smaller than the current frame image, and includes a similarity calculator for calculating a degree of similarity between the reference image and each of a plurality of matching images that have the same size as the reference image and are portions of the current frame image; and a target image determination unit for determining one of the plurality of matching images as the target image using the degree of similarity obtained by the similarity calculator. The similarity calculator calculates the degree of similarity by applying greater weight to the other data than to the luminance data.

Abstract: A gesture detection device detects a gesture of a user, which is a movement which is carried out by a hand or by both hands of the user on an existing example of the work piece, or on an image of an existing example of the work piece. An identification device identifies the gesture as a predefined gesture, which represents a symbol. A selection device selects a measurement result in dependence on the identified gesture. The measurement result can then be displayed or marked.

Abstract: Techniques for human body pose estimation are disclosed herein. Images such as depth images, silhouette images, or volumetric images may be generated and pixels or voxels of the images may be identified. The techniques may process the pixels or voxels to determine a probability that each pixel or voxel is associated with a segment of a body captured in the image or to determine a three-dimensional representation for each pixel or voxel that is associated with a location on a canonical body. These probabilities or three-dimensional representations may then be utilized along with the images to construct a posed model of the body captured in the image.

Abstract: A reference patch of an unknown environment is generated on the fly for positioning and tracking. The reference patch is generated using a captured image of a planar object with two perpendicular sets of parallel lines. The planar object is detected in the image and axes of the world coordinate system are defined using the vanishing points for the two sets of parallel lines. The camera rotation is recovered based on the defined axes, and the reference patch of at least a portion of the image of the planar object is generated using the recovered camera rotation. The reference patch can then be used for vision based detection and tracking. The planar object may be detected in the image as sets of parallel lines or as a rectangle.

Abstract: An image-based hand detection apparatus includes a hand image detection unit for detecting a hand image corresponding to a shape of a hand clenched to form a fist from an image input. A feature point extraction unit extracts feature points from an area, having lower brightness than a reference value, in the detected hand image. An image rotation unit compares the feature points of the detected hand image with feature points of hand images stored in a hand image storage unit, and rotates the detected hand image or the stored hand images. A matching unit compares the detected hand image with the stored hand images and generates a result of the comparison. If at least one of the stored hand images is matched with the detected hand image, a hand shape recognition unit selects the at least one of the stored hand images as a matching hand image.

Abstract: A novel system analyzes and/or tracks the motion of moved or moving objects that carry marker elements glowing in different, defined colors. Cameras record movements and continuously store digital color images. A transformer unit converts the color images into RGB color space. Three color intensities are present for each color pixel. A grayscale image production unit adopts the maximum of the three color intensities for each pixel as the grayscale value. A localization unit exclusively compares each grayscale value with a defined threshold value and stores grayscale values above the threshold value as a member of a pixel cloud that represents a potential marker element. A measuring unit measures the geometry of every pixel cloud exclusively in the grayscale image and deletes pixel clouds that can be excluded as marker elements. An identification unit determines the color of the confirmed pixel clouds in the digitally stored color image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing motion and/or determining the shapes and positions of one or more objects in 3D space utilize cross-sections thereof. In various embodiments, images of the cross-sections are captured using a camera based on edge points thereof.

Abstract: An image processing unit 4 performs the recognition of a traffic signal in front of an own vehicle on the carriageway thereof. When the image processing unit 4 recognizes that there is a traffic signal front closet to the vehicle on the carriageway within a set distance L2 and the traffic signal is displaying red light, the process shifts to a stop line recognition mode and the image processing unit 4 performs stop line recognition. Accordingly, unnecessary execution of stop line recognition can be accurately avoided. Therefore, a stop line that is necessary for the control of the own vehicle can be recognized with a high accuracy without generating excessive calculation load.

Abstract: A method is presented for imaging an object. The method comprises imaging a coherent speckle pattern propagating from an object, using an imaging system being focused on a plane displaced from the object.

Abstract: A medical system comprising a selection unit configured to select at least one of layers in a three-dimensional tomographic image of a retina, and a generation unit configured to generate an opacity function indicating an opacity of each of a plurality of voxels constituting the selected layer, based on a frequency distribution of luminance values of the plurality of voxels.

Abstract: Systems for segmenting human hairs and faces in color images are disclosed, with methods and processes for making and using the same. The image may be cropped around the face area and roughly centered. Optionally, the illumination environment of the input image may be determined. If the image is taken under dark environment or the contrast between the face and hair regions and background is low, an extra image enhancement may be applied. Sub-processes for identifying the pose angle and chin contours may be performed. A preliminary mask for the face by using multiple cues, such as skin color, pose angle, face shape and contour information can be represented. An initial hair mask by using the abovementioned multiple cues plus texture and hair shape information may be created. The preliminary face and hair masks are globally refined using multiple techniques.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a finger sensor, a display, and a controller coupled to the finger sensor and the display. The controller may be configured to collect finger data from multiple portions of a user's finger as the user's finger is moved around on the finger sensor along a finger travel path. The controller may also be configured to generate on the display a finger movement trace corresponding to the finger movement travel path.

Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.

Abstract: In a medical image processing and retrieval system or method, an image processing system is configured to obtain a set of medical image data and to process the medical image data using at least one interpretation tool. A database is configured to store interpretation information generated in processing the medical image data using the interpretation tool. A viewing server is configured in response to a user interface instruction to retrieve from the database the interpretation information generated in processing the medical image data and to identity the at least one interpretation tool to the user interface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided methods for generating an isotropic or near-isotropic three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images. In accordance with the present invention the method includes, obtaining a first image of a body part in a first plane, wherein the first image generates a first image data volume; obtaining a second image of the body part in a second plane, wherein the second image generates a second image data volume; and combining the first and second image data volumes to form a resultant image data volume, wherein the resultant image data volume is isotropic or near-isotropic.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of post-processing medical image data is provided. The method includes receiving tracked image data representative of multiple blood vessels, generating a binary tree structure for the multiple blood vessels based on a parent-child relationship between branches of the multiple blood vessels, generating a likelihood model for determining a validity of the branches of the multiple blood vessels, and generating a likelihood score for each branch based on the respective branch's compatibility with the likelihood model. The method also includes generating a reconstructed tree for the multiple blood vessels. Compatible branches are included in the reconstructed tree, while invalid branches are not included in the reconstructed tree.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are used to match images. Points of interest from a first image are identified for matching to a second image. In response to the identified points of interest, regions and features can be identified and used to match the points of interest to a corresponding second image or second series of images. Regions can be used to match the points of interest when regions of the first image are matched to the second image with high confidence scores, for example above a threshold. Features of the first image can be matched to the second image, and these matched features may be used to match the points of interest to the second image, for example when the confidence scores for the regions are below the threshold value. Constraint can be used to evaluate the matched points of interest, for example by excluding bad points.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first identifying unit configured to identify the position of at least a part of a layer boundary based on a tomography image of a target to be captured, a setting unit configured to set a search range for a portion whose position has not been identified by the first identifying unit based on a depth directional position of the layer boundary whose position has been identified by the first identifying unit, and a second identifying unit configured to identify the position of a layer boundary portion whose position has not been identified based on a luminance value in the search range having been set.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes a selection portion that selects a pixel of interest from an image composed of a plurality of pixels and obtained by picking up an image of a living tissue, a first feature value calculation portion that calculates a first feature value on the basis of color tone of the pixel of interest and color tones of surrounding pixels, a second feature value calculation portion that calculates a second feature value on the basis of the color tone of the pixel of interest and the color tones of surrounding pixels, an evaluation value calculation portion that calculates an evaluation value on the basis of the first feature value and the second feature value, and an evaluation value judgment portion that judges whether the pixel of interest is a pixel constituting the linear structure, on the basis of the evaluation value.

Abstract: Method for the noise reduction of CT image data and an image processing system are disclosed, with a scanning of an examination object and generation of at least two CT image data records each taking place on the basis of a different x-ray energy spectrum. In at least one embodiment, a break-down of the data image records into at least two broken-down image data records takes place in each instance, with a lowest local frequency band (f(1)) with the index k=1 and at least one high local frequency band (f(k)) with the index k=2 to N.

Abstract: A method of performing a retinal examination is described wherein perimetry points are selected in three dimensional imaging data of the retinal tissue. The corresponding points in register with these perimetry points are mapped to an en-face image. These corresponding points are used as stimulus locations for a micro-perimetry examination.