Abstract: An implantable microphone, comprising a source of incoherent light, a light detector for outputting a signal corresponding to the total light intensity impinging onto a detector surface, a housing for housing the light source and the detector, and a sensor membrane for being exposed to surrounding soft tissue, the membrane being arranged to seal an opening of the housing and comprising reflector means provided at the inner side of the sensor membrane for reflecting light from the light source onto the detector in manner that the total light intensity reflected onto the detector varies as a function of the position of the reflector means relative to the detector.

Abstract: An external component including a vibratory portion configured to vibrate in response to a sound signal to evoke a hearing percept via bone conduction and including a coupling portion configured to removably attach the external component to an outer surface of skin of a recipient of the hearing prosthesis while imparting deformation to the skin of the recipient at a location of the attachment, in a one-gravity environment, of an amount that is about equal to or equal to that which results from the external component having mass.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for optimizing a compliance voltage of an auditory prosthesis are disclosed. Each stimulation channel formed by electrodes that are coupled to an auditory prosthesis may have an adjustable current steering range associated therewith. Each adjustable current steering range is centered about the midpoint of its respective stimulation channel and defines a range of current steering that may be used within its respective stimulation channel. A compliance voltage of an auditory prosthesis may be optimized by setting a current steering range for one or more stimulation channels to a value that results in an optimum balance between power conservation and performance of the auditory prosthesis.

Abstract: Provided are bone conducting hearing devices having a normal force that secures the device to a user. A removable adhesive anchor secures an external component of the bone conducting hearing device to the user and provides reliable connecting that is comfortable, such as by a substantially uniform force generation over the contact area between the device and the user. Because the adhesive anchor is removable, a user can readily and reliably remove the device or connect the device, as desired. Also provide are methods of connecting any of the bone conducting hearing devices provided herein to a user, including the mastoid process of the user.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a loudspeaker system that includes a loudspeaker and a detachable mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount include electrical connectors that are engaged when the loudspeaker is attached to the mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount comprise mating mounting structures that support the loudspeaker on the mount when the mounting structure of the loudspeaker is engaged with the mounting structure of the mount. In one or more embodiments, multiple configurations of the mount are provided that allow the loudspeaker to be mounted with a variety of orientations with respect to the mounting surface. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a tweeter with a rotatable wave guide that allows the dispersion angle of the tweeter to be adjusted to accommodate the variety of orientations at which the loudspeaker may be mounted.

Abstract: A sound device includes: at least one speaker (1-1), a speaker body (1) including the at least one speaker (1-1), and a sleeve (2) made of vibration absorbing material, wherein the sleeve (2) includes a first portion (2-2) shaped for housing the speaker body (1) and a second portion (2-1) shaped for forming a mounting element, and wherein the first portion (2-2) and second portion (2-1) of the sleeve (2) are integrally formed.

Abstract: A thin film bone-conduction transducer for a head-mountable device is provided. In one example, the head-mountable device may include a head-mountable display that is configured to provide bone-conduction audio using one or more bone-conduction transducers. The head-mountable display may include at least one thin film piezoelectric vibration transducer that is configured to vibrate at least a portion of the head-mountable display based on the audio signal. The vibration transducer may be at least partially enclosed in, fully enclosed between, or a portion of an outer surface of the frame of the head-mountable display such that when the head-mountable display is worn, the head-mountable display contacts one or more surfaces of the wearer's head and provides information indicative of the audio signal to the wearer via vibration of a bone structure of the wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatuses and systems which include a front surface, a back surface, and a second back surface. A speaker may be disposed between the front surface and the back surface. The speaker is to direct audio substantially orthogonally through the back surface. The second back surface is to enable an acoustic response from the speaker. A method is also provided which enables a computing device to determine whether it is engaging a surface. In response to the determination, the computing device may adjust the audio signal provisioned to a speaker directed orthogonally to the surface, and output the audio signal to provision an omni-directional acoustic response.

Abstract: A clutch speaker system includes top and bottom sides, a speaker enclosure with a speaker and first and second flexible side wings. The top side and speaker enclosure are hingedly affixed to the bottom side, and the speaker enclosure is slideably engaged with the top side, forming a hinged clutch with left and right sides and an interior. The first flexible side wing is disposed along the left side of the hinged clutch and is affixed along the left edge of the top and bottom sides to form a first flexible interface. The second flexible side wing is disposed along the right side of the clutch and is affixed along the right edge of the top and bottom sides to form a second flexible interface. The speaker enclosure includes a firing port that is directed into the interior of the hinged clutch. The speaker is positioned opposite the firing port.

Abstract: An audio system includes a passive radiator that is attached to one end of a lever arm. The other end of the lever arm is attached to a mass that serves to move out of phase of the passive radiator to cancel mechanical vibrations of the passive radiator, but without significantly affecting audio output. The lever arm is attached to a mechanical ground, which may be the enclosure on which the passive radiator is mounted. A system may use multiple lever arms to reduce rocking of the passive radiator.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system with an enclosure, an electro-acoustic transducer mounted in the enclosure so as to leave space inside of the enclosure that is unoccupied by the transducer, and an air-adsorbing material in the space inside of the enclosure that is unoccupied by the transducer. The air-adsorbing material includes a silicon-based zeolite with a small amount of a second metal. The mole ratio of silicon to the second metal is at least about 200 and is less than 400.

Abstract: The invention provides in some aspects a loudspeaker, for example, configured in a band-like shape and suitable, for example, for wearing as a wristband, armband, legband or the like. A related aspect of the invention is to provide such a wearable loudspeaker comprising a band-shaped enclosure, a driver that is mounted in the enclosure, and an active diaphragm that is coupled to the driver to generate sound waves directed outwardly from the enclosure (referred to below as “outwardly directed waves,” “outward waves” and, more often, by analogy to a conventional, non-wearable loudspeaker “frontward-directed sound waves” or, more simply, “front waves”) and backward-directed sound waves (“back waves”) directed inwardly into the enclosure (referred to below as “inwardly directed waves,” “inward waves” and, more often, by analogy to a conventional loudspeaker “backward-directed waves” or, more simply, “back waves”).

Abstract: A portable electronic device having an outer case having a substantially planar face in which a microphone associated acoustic port is formed. The device also has a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone positioned within the outer case, the MEMS microphone having a diaphragm facing the microphone associated acoustic port. An acoustic mesh is positioned between the front face of the outer case and the diaphragm, the acoustic mesh having a non-linear acoustic resistance so as to minimize an effect of an incoming air burst on the diaphragm. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for mitigating noise during sound recording. A noise mitigating microphone attachment comprises a foam structure. A first cavity extending from a first opening at a surface of the foam structure and into the foam structure. A microphone is inserted into the first cavity with sound receiving elements of the microphone fully installed in the structure. A second cavity extending from a second opening at the surface of the foam structure and into the foam structure is configured to receive sound from a sound source. The first cavity is fluidly connected to the second cavity within the foam structure so that a junction is formed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The junction, the sound cavity, and the sealing of the microphone work to shield the sound receiving elements of the microphone from sound other than received through the second opening.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for mitigating noise during sound recording. A noise mitigating microphone attachment comprises a foam structure. A first cavity extending from a first opening at a surface of the foam structure and into the foam structure. A microphone is inserted into the first cavity with sound receiving elements of the microphone fully installed in the structure. A second cavity extending from a second opening at the surface of the foam structure and into the foam structure is configured to receive sound from a sound source. The first cavity is fluidly connected to the second cavity within the foam structure so that a junction is formed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The junction, the sound cavity, and the sealing of the microphone work to shield the sound receiving elements of the microphone from sound other than received through the second opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing performance of a microphone are disclosed. An airflow control system may include a block-shaped structure and an airflow impedance element residing within a cavity of the block-shaped structure. The airflow impedance element may be formed by filling the cavity with a plurality of pre-processed airflow impedance elements and sintering these elements, and may include a plurality of non-linear pathways. The plurality non-linear pathways may both impede airflow therethrough (e.g., when a force exerted by the airflow exceeds a predetermined amount) and pass sound that may match a frequency response of a microphone without substantially affecting the amplitude and frequency characteristics of the sound.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes a cover, a substrate, at least one wall disposed and between and attached to the cover and the substrate, an acoustic transducer acoustically sealed to the lid, and an interposer. The interposer and the acoustic transducer are electrically connected without using the lid as an electrical conduit. The transducer and interposer are disposed one above the other and the transducer is supported by the interposer or by a pedestal.

Abstract: A microphone having an integral ball along the microphone body is mounted in a housing that defines a socket for receiving the ball. The microphone may be articulated on the ball and socket mount and the resistance to the articulation force may be varied by tightening and loosening a slotted cap that exerts a spring force on the microphone. The microphone and housing may be mounted to a surface such as a wall or ceiling and plenum ratings may be maintained through ceiling mounts.

Abstract: An earphone with tension diaphragm includes a front portion, a rear portion, a silicone gel earplug, a filtering net and a sound generating unit. As a user pushes the earphone into his ear, the diaphragm of the sound generating unit has a deformation and thus an air turbulence would be generated. This air turbulence would then cause a deformation of the tension diaphragm and this deformation would in turn eliminate the strange and unpleasant noises generated as a user pushes an earphone into his ear. Therefore, better audio signals may be achieved and a better low-frequency effect may be reached. Also, because the earphone of the present invention is water-resistant, it may be used under water. In addition, other water-resistant earphones on the market do not have such tension diaphragm.

Abstract: A speaker module capable of adjusting an outputting direction of an audio signal is disclosed in the present invention. The speaker module includes a base, a supporter, a speaker and a lifting mechanism. The supporter is disposed on the base. The speaker includes a speaker unit and an arm. The speaker unit is suspended above the base for generating the audio signal. A first end of the arm is connected to a lateral side of the speaker unit, and a second end of the arm is movably disposed on the supporter. The lifting mechanism includes a first lifting component disposed on the speaker unit, a body disposed on the base, and a second lifting component disposed on the body. The second lifting component can adjust a height of the first lifting component, so as to rotate the speaker unit relative to the supporter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for acoustic optimization. An example playback device includes a first transducer to at least one of output sound waves and receive sound waves, a second transducer to at least one of output sound waves and receive sound waves, and an acoustic grille positioned in relation to the first transducer, where the acoustic grille is to reflect sound waves received at a first angle of incidence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anomalies and correcting errors in terrain data are provided. In some aspects, a method includes receiving a first terrain image. The method also includes automatically detecting a set of anomalies in the first terrain image. The method also includes generating a modified terrain image based on the first terrain image. The modified terrain image includes a visual indication of at least a subset of the set of anomalies in the first terrain image. The method also includes providing the modified terrain image for display. The method also includes receiving an input indicating that at least a portion of at least one anomaly in the set of anomalies includes an error. The method also includes generating a corrected terrain image by automatically correcting the error. The method also includes providing the corrected terrain image.

Abstract: A system for performing an enhanced scene detection procedure including a sensor device for capturing blur images of a photographic target. The blur images each correspond to a scene type that is detected from a first scene type which is typically a pillbox blur scene, and a second scene type which is typically a Gaussian scene type. A scene detector performs an initial scene detection procedure to identify a candidate scene type for the blur images. The scene detector then performs the enhanced scene detection procedure to identify a final scene type for the blur images.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of systems and methods that can identify and image leaks and spills while simultaneously viewing the unchanging background. In one embodiment, the system includes an image capture device and an image processing device, which receives a first image frame and a second image frame from the image capture device. The image processing device can identify a region of variation in the second image frame that corresponds to a change in a scene parameter (e.g., temperature) as between the first image frame and the second image frame. These embodiments provide a normal dynamic range thermal image that can be colorized to identify the leak or spill as the leak or spill develops over time. The systems and methods can minimize false alarms, addressing potential issues that arise in connection with meteorological events (e.g., precipitation), noise sources, and relative motion between the image capture device and the scene.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing remotely sensed imagery in order to achieve precise spatial co-registration (e.g., matched alignment) between multi-temporal image sets is presented. Such precise alignment or spatial co-registration of imagery can be used for change detection, image fusion, and temporal analysis/modeling. Further, images collected in this manner may be further processed in such a way that image frames or line arrays from corresponding photo stations are matched, co-aligned and if desired merged into a single image and/or subjected to the same processing sequence. A second methodology for automated detection of moving objects within a scene using a time series of remotely sensed imagery is also presented. Specialized image collection and preprocessing procedures are utilized to obtain precise spatial co-registration (image registration) between multitemporal image frame sets.

Abstract: A system uses range and Doppler velocity measurements from a lidar system and images from a video system to estimate a six degree-of-freedom trajectory (6DOF) of a target. The 6DOF transformation parameters are used to transform multiple images to the frame time of a selected image, thus obtaining multiple images at the same frame time. These multiple images may be used to increase a resolution of the image at each frame time, obtaining the collection of the superresolution images.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an object detection system includes an obtaining unit, an estimating unit, a setting unit, a calculating unit, and a detecting unit. The obtaining unit is configured to obtain an image in which an object is captured. The estimating unit is configured to estimate a condition of the object. The setting unit is configured to set, in the image, a plurality of areas that have at least one of a relative positional relationship altered according to the condition and a shape altered according to the condition. The calculating unit is configured to calculate a feature value of an image covering the areas. The detecting unit is configured to compare the calculated feature value with a feature value of a predetermined registered object, and detect the registered object corresponding to the object.

Abstract: An image processing method includes recognizing a first object that is included in the image data, calculating a positional variation amount of a feature point that corresponds to the first object and is moving in an image center direction so as to calculate a moving speed of the first object on the basis of the positional variation amount, determining whether or not the first object is a gaze target object of the user, in accordance with a behavior of the first object, the behavior being obtained on the basis of the positional variation amount of the first object among the plurality of image data, of which acquisition time is respectively different and whether or not the object continuingly exists in a second region, the second region being positioned in an inside of the first region and including a center point of the image data, for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The invention discloses an object tracking apparatus and method and a camera. The object tracking apparatus is used for determining, according to a predetermined object region containing an object in an initial image of an image sequence, an object region estimated to contain the object in each subsequent image thereof, and comprises a first tracking unit configured to determine a first candidate object region in each subsequent image, a size of which being fixed for each subsequent image; a second tracking unit configured to determine a second candidate object region in each subsequent image based on the first candidate object region thereof, the second candidate object region for each subsequent image being adapted to a shape or size of the object therein; and a weighting unit configured to calculate a weighted sum of the first and second candidate object regions of each subsequent image as the object region thereof.

Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus detects an appearance feature amount of a commodity included in an image captured by an image capturing unit, extracts a candidate of the commodity included in the captured image by comparing the data of the appearance feature amount with the feature amount data in a recognition dictionary file, recognizes a character string included in the image captured by the image capturing unit, and determines a commodity of a recognition target according to the recognized character string and the extracted candidate of the commodity.

Abstract: A method of autonomously monitoring a remote site, including the steps of locating a primary detector at a site to be monitored; creating one or more geospatial maps of the site using an overhead image of the site; calibrating the primary detector to the geospatial map using a detector-specific model; detecting an object in motion at the site; tracking the moving object on the geospatial map; and alerting a user to the presence of motion at the site. In addition thermal image data from a infrared cameras, rather than optical/visual image data, is used to create detector-specific models and geospatial maps in substantially the same way that optical cameras and optical image data would be used.

Abstract: Search terms are derived automatically from images captured by a camera equipped cell phone, PDA, or other image capturing device, submitted to a search engine to obtain information of interest, and at least a portion of the resulting information is transmitted back locally to, or nearby, the device that captured the image.

Abstract: An approaching-object detector for detecting an object approaching an own vehicle includes: a memory; and a processor configured to perform a process, the process including extracting a plurality of corresponding feature points from chronologically captured images, which are obtained by capturing the object using an imaging device provided for the own device, detecting a behavior among the captured images in regard to each of the plurality of feature points, determining whether or not the behavior is random in regard to each of the plurality of feature points, and determining whether or not the object is approaching the own vehicle based on a behavior of a feature point whose behavior is determined to be not random among the plurality of feature points, and outputting a result of the determination.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: detection means for detecting a region corresponding to a diseased part reference region other than a diseased part region in an input image; and identifying means for identifying the diseased part region based on the corresponding region detected by the detection means.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for collecting information relating to identity parameters of a vehicle. According to the invention an image of the vehicle is obtained. A sub-image within the image is identified, interest points within the sub-image are detected and the sub-image is processed so as to obtain descriptors representing the interest points. The descriptors are matched to predetermined descriptors representing interest points in previously obtained images respective of known identity parameters and the information is stored in a record representing an identity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A scale (20) has a plurality of patterns so as to spatially modulate an energy distribution, and the scale includes a first pattern having a first modulation period in a moving direction, and a second pattern having a second modulation period different from the first modulation period in the moving direction, a relative phase between the first pattern and the second pattern changes in accordance with a direction perpendicular to the moving direction, each of the first pattern and the second pattern is configured by including a reflective portion (26) that reflects light and a non-reflective portion (25) that does not reflect the light, and a width of the reflective portion (26) in the moving direction at a first position is different from the width at a second position different from the first position along the direction perpendicular to the moving direction.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic classification and detection of a payment gesture are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a video stream from a camera placed above at least one region of interest, the region of interest classifying the payment gesture. A background image is generated from the obtained video stream. Motion is estimated in at least two consecutive frames from the video stream. A representation is created from the background image and the estimated motion occurring within the at least one region of interest. The payment gesture is detected based on the representation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for motion estimation apparatus in an image processing system are provided. A depth information detector detects depth information relating to an input image on the basis of a predetermined unit. An image reconfigurer separates objects included in the input image based on the detected depth information and generates an image corresponding to each of the objects. A motion estimator calculates a motion vector of an object in each of the generated images, combines the motion vectors of the objects calculated for the generated images, and outputs a combined motion vector as a final motion estimate of the input image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructively diagnosing crop growth using terahertz waves are provided. The apparatus includes an information extractor configured to extract status information on a crop from information on an image of the crop taken using terahertz waves, a database configured to store growth-stage-specific information on the crop, and a status determiner configured to compare the status information on the crop extracted by the information extractor with the growth-stage-specific information stored in the database, and determine the degree of growth of the crop.

Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus extracts the appearance feature amount of a commodity included in an image from the captured image, compares the appearance feature amount with the feature amount data of a recognition dictionary, and extracts the candidate of the commodity included in the image. When the selection input of the commodity is accepted from a plurality of commodity candidates, correction data are generated according to the feature amount data of the commodity of which the selection input is accepted and the appearance feature amount data, and the appearance feature amount of the commodity extracted by utilizing the correction data is corrected.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an area specification module configured to specify a sufficiency area meeting a specified temperature condition from a thermography representing the temperature distribution in an image capturing area, an extraction module configured to extract feature amount from a specified area in a captured image of the image capturing area based on the sufficiency area specified by the area specification module and an object recognition module configured to recognize an object contained in the captured image using the feature amount extracted by the extraction module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to recognize, identify, and authenticate/verify humans and human behavior by using shadow characteristics data, as well as body data in the visible and invisible radiation spectrum.

Abstract: In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a computer system, an electronic photograph; and identifying, by the computer system, a plurality of users of depicted in the electronic photograph. The computer-implemented method can also include designating a group of users based on the identified plurality of users; and providing information regarding the designated group of users to one or more computing devices associated with one or more of the plurality of users.

Abstract: A method for verifying an identity attribute of a remote user includes providing pose instructions to a remote client from a host during an authentication session. The pose instructions may reference a specific physical token associated with the user, for example a government ID card, credit card, household object or printed or displayed image provided from an authentication host. The host receives an image from the client and may analyze the image to determine if the pose instructions were followed and if the physical token appears in the image. Based on this determination, and optionally using other factors, the host verifies an identity attribute of the user.

Abstract: A method of determining the identity of a subject while the subject is walking or being transported in an essentially straight direction is disclosed, the two dimensional profile of the subject walking or being transported along forming a three dimensional swept volume, without requiring the subject to change direction to avoid any part of the system, comprising acquiring data related to one or more biometrics of the subject with the camera(s), processing the acquired biometrics data, and determining if the acquired biometric data match corresponding biometric data stored in the system, positioning camera(s) and strobed or scanned infrared illuminator(s) above, next to, or below the swept volume. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for biometric recognition may be employed on multiple biometrics, including irises and ears. The method includes decomposing the radiometric profile of each line of an image into a plurality of wavelets using a wavelet transform process. A unique signal is calculated using the plurality of wavelets. A template is assembled using the signal and areas of interest in the template are identified. The template is then compared to a second template using the plurality of areas of interest.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, wireless devices may automatically form ad hoc networks to enable more efficient sharing of media between the devices and in some cases more efficient facial recognition of captured media. In some embodiments, automatic story development may be implemented at the local level without involving backend servers.

Abstract: Image data in which persons are captured is accumulated in association with information indicating dates of taking the image data, the image data is subjected to person recognition processing for recognizing the captured persons, and image data in which a person of interest is captured is extracted. Actual age information of the person of interest for each piece of the extracted image data is obtained, and estimated age information of the person of interest which estimated age information is obtained by estimating the age of the captured person of interest from the image data is obtained. Age correcting information is generated on a basis of a result of statistical arithmetic operation on the actual age information calculated for each piece of the extracted image data and the estimated age information corresponding to each piece of the actual age information and estimated from the image data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a visual detection system includes an image processing unit coupled to a display and one or more neuro-physiological sensors. The display generates an image that may be viewed by a user. The neuro-physiological sensors generate neuro-physiological signals representing neuro-physiological characteristics of the user while viewing the display. The image processing unit receives the neuro-physiological signals from the neuro-physiological sensors, determines a region of interest in the image according to the neuro-physiological signals, and provides an indication of the presence of the region of interest in the image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for generating a 3D face model for skin analysis. The apparatus includes a capturing box and a module box. The capturing box has an open surface, and also has another opening that is formed in a surface opposite the open surface and that allows a face of a person to be photographed to be inserted into an internal space of the capturing box. The module box is combined with the capturing box on the open surface of the capturing box, and acquires facial images by capturing the face of the person to be photographed at various angles under different types of lighting in order to generate a 3D face model for the analysis of the skin of the person.