Patents Issued in April 3, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140093089
    Abstract: A MEMS speaker device including a membrane that forms a first capacitor and a second capacitor, respectively, with a top plate and with a bottom plate. The device includes a driving circuit that operates, during a first operating period, to move the membrane into a first position, in which the membrane is close to the bottom plate, and during a second operating period, to move the membrane into a second position, in which the membrane is close to the top plate. The device includes a testing circuit having a measuring circuit, which generates a first signal, based on a capacitance of one of the first capacitor and the second capacitor and a second signal based on a capacitance of one of the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a comparator, which compares the first and second signals with at least one first electrical reference quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Alessandro Gasparini, Daniele Depascalis
  • Publication number: 20140093090
    Abstract: An accessory having an earbud for insertion into a user's ear is disclosed. The earbud may include a speaker and a microphone in which the speaker plays an audio signal for the user and the microphone receives the audio signal. The accessory includes a processor that is coupled to the speaker and the microphone to execute various operations. For example, the operations may include: determining a ratio of an energy estimation of the speaker audio signal to an energy estimation of the audio signal received by the microphone; determining a gain for the speaker audio signal based upon the ratio; based upon the gain, selecting a shelving filter; and applying the shelving filter to the speaker audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Vladan Bajic, Andrew P. Bright
  • Publication number: 20140093091
    Abstract: A method of detecting a user's voice activity in a headset with a microphone array is described herein. The method starts with a voice activity detector (VAD) generating a VAD output based on acoustic signals received from microphones included in a pair of earbuds and the microphone array included on a headset wire and data output by an accelerometer that is included in the pair of earbuds. A noise suppressor may then receive the acoustic signals from the microphone array and the VAD output and suppress the noise included in the acoustic signals received from the microphone array based on the VAD output. The method may also include steering one or more beamformers based on the VAD output. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Sorin V. Dusan, Esge B. Andersen, Aram Lindahl, Andrew P. Bright
  • Publication number: 20140093092
    Abstract: A volume control device and a method thereof are provided. The volume control device adapted to a mobile electronic device comprises a signal generating unit generating a plus pulse signal and a minus pulse signal according to user's rotation operation, a detection unit detecting a connecting state between the volume control device and an earphone to generate a detection signal, and a control unit selecting one of a first volume modulation mode and a second volume modulation mode according to the detection signal. Under the first volume modulation mode, the control unit generates a first control signal according to the plus pulse signal or the minus pulse signal. Under the second volume modulation mode, the control unit generates a second control signal according to the plus pulse signal or the minus pulse signal. The mobile electronic device controls volume according to the first or second control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: INVENTEC CORPORATION, INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Chyun Wei, Yi-Ming Pan, Ming-Jen Chang, Yi-Tang Liu
  • Publication number: 20140093093
    Abstract: A method of detecting a user's voice activity in a mobile device is described herein. The method starts with a voice activity detector (VAD) generating a VAD output based on (i) acoustic signals received from microphones included in the mobile device and (ii) data output by an inertial sensor that is included in an earphone portion of the mobile device. The inertial sensor may detect vibration of the user's vocal chords modulated by the user's vocal tract based on vibrations in bones and tissue of the user's head. A noise suppressor may then receive the acoustic signals from the microphones and the VAD output and suppress the noise included in the acoustic signals received from the microphones based on the VAD output. The method may also include steering one or more beamformers based on the VAD output. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Sorin V. Dusan, Esge B. Andersen, Aram Lindahl, Andrew P. Bright
  • Publication number: 20140093094
    Abstract: An earpiece (100) and a method (300) personalized voice operable control can include capturing (302) an ambient sound from an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) to produce an electronic ambient signal (426), delivering (304) audio content (402) to an ear canal (131) by way of an Ear Canal Receiver (125) to produce an acoustic audio content (404) and capturing (306) in the ear canal an internal sound (402) from an Ear Canal Microphone (123) to produce an electronic internal signal (410). The electronic internal signal includes an echo of the acoustic audio content and a spoken voice generated by a wearer of the earpiece. The Method also includes detecting (312) the spoken voice in the electronic internal signal in the presence of the echo, and controlling (314) a voice operation of the earpiece when the spoken voice is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Personics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, Marc Andre Boillot, John Usher
  • Publication number: 20140093095
    Abstract: A method is provided according to an example embodiment of the present invention for providing a porous cover structure for a mobile device for use with integrated audio components. Sound inlets and/or outlets in a mobile device cover may be replaced by one or more areas of microholes which are small enough to be invisible or almost invisible to the naked eye. The porous region may be located and dimensioned in a way that provides the best compromise between industrial design, mechanics, and audio requirements. Further, the audio component mechanics beneath the cover may be modified to take additional advantage of the porous cover structure, and the porous structure may also be used as an improved dust and liquid protection feature. A corresponding housing component and apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Benedict Slotte, Markku Oksman
  • Publication number: 20140093096
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a crossover frequency between a plurality of audio speakers rendering audio content. In one example, a first subset of a plurality of audio speakers may be rendering a first sub-range of a range of audio frequencies of an audio content, and a second subset of speakers of the plurality of audio speakers may be rendering a second sub-range of the range of audio frequencies. In this example, the first sub-range and the second sub-range may be substantially separated at the crossover frequency. In one case, a playback volume at which the audio content is being rendered may be adjusted. In one instance, the crossover frequency may be adjusted in response to the volume adjustment to improve the audio content rendering quality by the respective subsets of audio speakers in the plurality of audio speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy W. Sheen, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, William H. Bush
  • Publication number: 20140093097
    Abstract: An amplifying loudspeaker apparatus for an existing host device comprises a sensor coil for receiving an audio signal in electromagnetic form from an internal loudspeaker of the host device; a pre-amplifier and equalizer module connected to the sensor coil for amplifying and equalizing the audio signal to a suitable level and frequency response; and an audio power amplifier and a loudspeaker to reproduce the sound for the audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: MICHAEL WEIBIN ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140093098
    Abstract: A handheld device communicates with an electronic device. The handheld device includes a setting unit, an audio sampling unit, and a controlling unit. The setting unit is used for setting a standard volume. The audio sampling unit samples a volume of the electronic device. The controlling unit calculates a difference value between the volume of the electronic device sampled by the audio sampling unit and the standard volume, and generates an adjusting signal for adjusting the volume of the electronic device to the standard volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-CHUN CHANG, CHIA-WEN CHUANG
  • Publication number: 20140093099
    Abstract: A wireless microphone structure contains: a cartridge module, an audio output switch, a gain controller, an audio amplifier, and a sound mixer, after the cartridge module receiving sounds, the sounds are outputted from the sound mixer via the gain controller and an audio amplifier so that a power source supplies power via a regulator circuit, characterized in that: the sound mixer has an input port and an output port of a network cable so that an input port and an output port of each of at least one wireless microphone are connected together via the network cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Te-Wei KUNG
  • Publication number: 20140093100
    Abstract: A user terminal apparatus connected to an electronic device, and a method thereof, are provided. The apparatus includes a communicator that performs communication with the electronic device, an audio processor that processes an audio source to be transmitted to the electronic device, and a controller that adjusts a sound level of the audio source based on a reference volume unit of the electronic device, and controls the adjusted audio source to be transmitted to the electronic device in a streaming method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Dae-yeon JEONG, Young-sik LEE
  • Publication number: 20140093101
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal and method for controlling a sound (audio) to be output, the mobile terminal including at least one application including sound (audio) data and requesting an output sound, a sound (audio) control unit to determine an output sound when a plurality of requests for the output sound is input by a plurality of applications being executed, and a sound (audio) output unit to output the determined sound by forming a virtual output path for each of the sound data to be output, and blocking other virtual output paths aside from a virtual output path mapped to the sound determined to be output by the sound control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Pantech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Il LEE, Young Jun Kang, Jae Woo Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140093102
    Abstract: A switch control circuit monitors a signal produced by a MEMS or other capacitor microphone. When a criterion is met, for example when the amplitude of the monitored signal exceeds a threshold or the monitored signal has been clipped or analysis of the monitored signal indicates clipping is imminent or likely, the switch control circuit operates one or more switches so as to selectively connect one or more capacitors to a signal line from the microphone, i.e., so as to connect a selected capacitance to the signal line to attenuate the signal from the microphone and, therefore, avoid clipping. The switches may be MOSFET, MEMS or other types of switches co-located with the microphone in a common semiconductor package. Similarly, the capacitors, a circuit that processes the signals from the microphone and/or the switch control circuit may be co-located with the microphone in a common semiconductor package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventors: Olafur Mar Josefsson, Jens Gaarde Henriksen
  • Publication number: 20140093103
    Abstract: An audio source device has an audio connector to which an external load can be connected. An audio signal is amplified and then driven through the connector, wherein the amplification process uses feedback from the return pin of the connector. The return pin is directly connected to a ground break resistor circuit. The ground break resistor circuit is connected between the return pin of the audio connector and circuit ground. A determination is made as to whether the connected external load has a low impedance or a high impedance. When a low impedance load is detected, such as a headset, the ground break resistor circuit is essentially short-circuited. When a high impedance load is detected, the ground break resistor circuit is maintained and its value is set in accordance with the detected load. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Breece, III, Nathan Johanningsmeier, Cara S. Yang
  • Publication number: 20140093104
    Abstract: A Class-G amplifier including a first and second driving transistor configured to receive an input voltage; a first supplying terminal connected to the first driving transistor to supply a first supplying voltage. The amplifier also comprises: a second supplying terminal connected to the second driving transistor to supply a second supplying voltage in absolute value higher than said first voltage; a first power transistor connected to the first driving transistor to form a first Sziklai pair structured to be activated by a first input voltage lower in absolute value than the first supplying voltage; a second power transistor connected to the second driving transistor to form a second Sziklai pair structured to be activated by an input signal comprised between the first supplying voltage and the second supplying voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Michele Laplaca
  • Publication number: 20140093105
    Abstract: A sequence of performance data to be loop-reproduced is read out repetitively for at least two cycles, and audio data repeating for at least two cycles are created on the basis of the read-out performance data. Audio data of a second or subsequent cycle of the created audio data have mixed therein a residual portion (release portion or reverberation portion) of a tone generated in a preceding cycle. The audio data of the second or subsequent cycle are stored as audio data for loop reproduction, and thus, the stored audio data for loop reproduction will include a residual portion of a tone generated in a preceding cycle. Thus, if the stored audio data for loop reproduction are reproduced repetitively, it is possible to achieve loop reproduction reflecting therein a residual portion of a tone generated in a preceding cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporaion
    Inventors: Tadashi OKANO, Takuma Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20140093106
    Abstract: A diaphragm includes a central portion and an edge portion surrounding the central portion and smoothly connecting with the central portion. The edge portion has a main curved portion which is convex forward in the vibrating direction and a first side curved portion continued to an inner periphery of the main curved portion and connected with the central portion. The first side curved portion is convex backward in the vibrating direction. The rigidity of the diaphragm can be increased, without sacrificing the acoustic characteristics and reducing the size of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: AAC MICROTECH (CHANGZHOU) CO., LTD., AAC ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGIES (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tao Shen
  • Publication number: 20140093107
    Abstract: An audio system is provided, as well as a method of using same, which utilizes a plurality of sensors integrated into the vehicle's seats to determine which of the seats are occupied. The system selects a pre-defined optimum acoustic sweet spot from a plurality of stored acoustic sweet spots based on which seats are occupied and based on a set of acoustic optimization configuration instructions. The system automatically adjusts the left-right speaker balance controller and the front-rear speaker fade controller to the specific left-right speaker balance setting and the specific front-rear speaker fader setting defined by the optimum acoustic sweet spot. The acoustic optimization configuration instructions, which define the optimum acoustic sweet spot for each combination of occupied vehicle seats, may be stored in the system's memory by a vehicle manufacturer, third party, or end user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Miriam Vu, Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Kevin Hsieh, Kurt Russell Kelty
  • Publication number: 20140093108
    Abstract: A sound processing device includes a shift detection unit that detects a shift of a listening point on which a user listens to a sound in a sound field space from a standard reference listening point, and a correction unit that corrects a sound signal based on first sound field correction data for correcting a sound field when the listening point is the standard reference listening point and second sound field correction data for correcting a sound field of the listening point when the listening point is shifted from the standard reference listening point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: TADATOSHI WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20140093109
    Abstract: Techniques for removing crosstalk from a system, e.g., an audio system, having first and second (e.g., left and right) channels. In an aspect, first and second output voltages of corresponding first and second amplifiers are sampled during a calibration mode, in which one of the amplifiers is driven with a reference voltage, and the output of the other of the amplifiers is configured to have a high impedance. The sampled first and second output voltages may be digitized for processing by a processor to estimate a crosstalk removal function. The crosstalk removal function may then be multiplied with the input signals and added in a cross-channel manner to the first and second input signals prior to amplification to remove crosstalk from the system. In certain aspects, multiple reference voltages may be applied during the calibration mode to improve the estimate of the crosstalk removal function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Seyfollah S. Bazarjani, Arash Mehrabi
  • Publication number: 20140093110
    Abstract: A hearing aid comprising a wireless transceiver (100) having an inductive antenna (101) and a trimming capacitor (104, 105, 300, 404) with at least two parallel signal paths, wherein at least one of said signal paths comprises a first capacitor (309, 310, 311, 312), a second capacitor (301, 302, 303, 304) and a switching transistor (305, 306, 307, 308) arranged such that the switching transistor (305, 306, 307, 308) is coupled in parallel with said first capacitor (309, 310, 311, 312) and coupled in series with said second capacitor (301, 302, 303, 304), whereby the voltage drop across the switching transistor (305, 306, 307, 308), when the switching transistor is set to off, will be lower than the voltage applied across the trimming capacitor (104, 105, 300, 404) due to voltage division between said first capacitor (309, 310, 311, 312) and said second capacitor (301, 302, 303, 304). The invention also provides a method of fitting a wireless transceiver (100) for a hearing aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Widex A/S
    Inventor: Soren KILSGAARD
  • Publication number: 20140093111
    Abstract: An acoustic horn. In one implementation, the horn includes at least four wall sections, defining a passageway. The cross-sectional area of the mouth is at least ten times the cross sectional area of the throat. The wall sections are dimensioned so that at least one wall section has a dimension at the throat at least ten times a dimension at the throat of a second wall section. In another implementation the cross-section at the mouth is elongated and is be bounded by a continuous curve defining a geometric figure having a major axis at least ten times a minor axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Jankovsky, Sarah M. Heile, John H. Wendell
  • Publication number: 20140093112
    Abstract: An electropneumatic horn system including a monolithic rigid housing member having a receiving opening for removably housing, in a sealed and secure manner, an acoustic sound generator and compressor member, thereby preventing unintended separation and providing improved reliability of the electropneumatic horn system. The acoustic sound wave generator includes an acoustic duct chambering system associated throughout with the monolithic rigid housing member, and receives compressed air from the compressor member to produce sound and propagate the same externally. A horn mounting system enables ready attachment of the system to a consumer-desired surface either mechanically, magnetically, adhesively, or via any other known attachment or mounting system. Optional weather and water resistant systems prohibit unintended water access to the electric horn system enabling use of the system in exposed weather conditions for improved user convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WOLO MFG. CORP.
    Inventor: Stanley SOLOW
  • Publication number: 20140093113
    Abstract: Examples of speaker assemblies are described. A speaker assembly according to some embodiments may include a speaker enclosure with a first opening (e.g., a speaker opening) and a second opening (e.g. a bass reflex port), a speaker unit mounted to the enclosure at the first opening, and an acoustic damping mechanism mounted to the enclosure at the second opening. The acoustic damping mechanism may be a dual-layer mesh screen including a first mesh with a first acoustic resistance (AR) for providing acoustic damping, and a second mesh with a second AR lower than the first AR. The second mesh may be nearly acoustically transparent and may serve to increase the stiffness of the first mesh. The first mesh may be bonded to the second mesh, and the dual-layer mesh screen may be coupled to the bass reflex port for reducing noise associated with turbulence at the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Dix, Michael K. Morishita
  • Publication number: 20140093114
    Abstract: Computing devices and microphone assemblies including acoustic waveguides are described. According to some examples, a computing device may include an enclosure, a microphone which may be spaced apart and angled relative to the interior surface of the enclosure to which the microphone may be coupled. The computing device may further include an acoustic waveguide disposed between the microphone and the interior surface of the enclosure, the acoustic waveguide having a passage for allowing acoustic energy to be transmitted from a microphone opening in the enclosure to the receiving element of the microphone (also referred to as sensing element, or microphone sensor).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Pham Nguyen, Kevin Scott Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Michael K. Morishita, Michelle Goldberg, Stephen Vincent Jayanathan
  • Publication number: 20140093115
    Abstract: A canalphone system may include a canalphone housing, and an ambient vent opening in the canalphone housing larger than 0.04 square inches. The system may also include an acoustic damper adjacent the ambient vent opening. The system may further include a liquid diverter carried by the canalphone housing that limits liquid flow into the ambient vent opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Harvey
  • Publication number: 20140093116
    Abstract: A waterproof ear-jack connector includes: an ear-jack connector housing, a contact terminal, and a baffle. The ear-jack connector housing is disposed with a space running through the ear-jack connector housing, the space is used for accommodating an earphone plug; the baffle is located at a tail opening of the ear-jack connector housing, and tightly contacts the tail opening of the ear-jack connector housing, so as to seal the tail opening of the ear-jack connector housing; the contact terminal tightly presses against an inner wall of the space, and passes through from a hole disposed on the baffle; and the shape of the hole matches a cross section of the contact terminal, so that the hole is plugged by the contact terminal. The ear-jack connector itself is equipped with a waterproof function, thereby facilitating the thinning of an electronic product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xuelong LIU
  • Publication number: 20140093117
    Abstract: A communication and speech enhancement system featuring a first transducer designed to be temporarily affixed to a human such as a hospital patient to convert the audible vibrations of human speech into an electrical signal. The transducer provides this electrical signal to one or more electronic modules which modify and enhance the signal. The enhanced signal may then be amplified and converted back into audible sound by means of a second transducer. A user of the system controls the electronic modules through a user interface. In an embodiment, one or both of the user interface and second transducer feature smooth surfaces amenable to cleaning and sterilizing with liquid agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: John Hamilton, Christopher McDivit
  • Publication number: 20140093118
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a recordable LED fridge magnet which can not only emit light and sound but also have the recording function. Designed with a casing cover for the recordable LED fridge magnet, there is a permanent magnet pad at the bottom. The electronic components, set between the casing cover and the bottom, are mounted on the printed circuit board. The electronic components comprises: laminated LED light, loudspeaker and electronic sound chip, microphone, play key, flash key and extended power outlet. The invention makes the conventional fridge magnet more functional and adds much more fun to cooking in the kitchen. It can also be used or developed as a voice memo on the fridge for grocery reminder. It is a great gift for every family to take home a recorded memorable moment captured at the sight-seeing spot. Most of all, it is reusable and recordable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Ning Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140093119
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a diaphragm, a magnetic circuit, and a frame. The frame includes an outer peripheral part supporting the diaphragm, a center part supporting the magnetic circuit, and a connection part connecting the center part to the outer peripheral part. The outer peripheral part molded with resin includes an inner wall, an outer wall facing the inner wall, and a reinforcing rib provided between the inner wall and the outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Kagawa, Goro Tsuchiya, Koji Sano, Akihiro Yogo, Kenichi Ajiki, Mitsukazu Kuze
  • Publication number: 20140093120
    Abstract: The present invention relate generally to digital watermarking and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: obtaining first data and second color data, the first color data and the second color data represent data from a color image signal or color video signal; obtaining a digital watermark pattern, the pattern aiding detection of a watermark message; separating the digital watermark pattern into first frequency components and second frequency components; utilizing a programmed electronic processor or electronic processing circuitry, modifying the first color data by hiding the first frequency components therein; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor or electronic processing circuitry, modifying the second color data by hiding the second frequency components therein. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided too.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Alastair M. Reed, Ravi K. Sharma
  • Publication number: 20140093121
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor that executes a procedure. The procedure includes: applying distortion processing to each frame of the whole of or a section of video image data that contains plural successive frames and that is provided to plural users, the distortion processing being selected from amongst plural types of distortion processing such that a different distortion processing is applied for each of the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Taizo ANAN
  • Publication number: 20140093122
    Abstract: A method of creating an image identifier of a target image. The method comprises providing a target image, identifying a plurality of connected component clusters in the target image, each the connected component cluster comprises a plurality of neighboring pixels having at least one common property, calculating a center of gravity for each the connected component cluster, generating an image identifier of the target image by using a plurality of elements to map the connected component clusters in a space, each the element represents a respective the at least one common property, a respective the center of gravity, and a size which corresponds with a number of the plurality of neighboring pixels of the respective the connected component cluster, and outputting the image identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Nitzan RABINOWITZ
  • Publication number: 20140093123
    Abstract: A flaw detection image analyzer (10) takes in an inspection procedure command stored in a flaw detection condition database (40), takes in a flaw detection image signal corresponding to a flaw detection image indicated by the taken inspection procedure command from a database (50) for flaw detection image signal, and displays the flaw detection image based on the flaw detection image signal on a display (30), with a display range and a contrast indicated by the inspection procedure command in an arrangement pattern of image indicated by the inspection procedure command. Consequently, optimum images can be displayed sequentially with optimum arrangement pattern, optimum display range and contrast according to a flaw to be inspected when a flaw is detected by observing an ultrasonic flaw detection image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki KITAGAWA, Hiroshi TAKEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140093124
    Abstract: A system is presented that enhances mail security and logistics. The system in certain example embodiments provides image capturing units to capture images of both the user and the items being mailed and tracks the items while maintaining some identity of the individual mailing the item. The system can in certain example embodiments perform facial recognition on the user and/or optical character recognition on the items being mailed in order to enhance the security of the mailing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Patents Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Aris MARDIROSSIAN
  • Publication number: 20140093125
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to deliver advertisements personalized for customers proximate a point of sale unit, e.g., a fuel dispenser. An image capturing unit captures at least one image of an object disposed in a specified range of the point of sale unit, e.g., within 6 feet of the point of sale unit. A processor determines a visually perceptible characteristic of the object based on the captured image(s), selects an advertisement based on the determined characteristic, and outputs the selected advertisement from an advertisement unit proximate the point of sale unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Stefan Hradetzky
  • Publication number: 20140093126
    Abstract: A light receiver records images of light beams originating from a neighborhood of lights, and demodulates identifiers (IDs) from them at determined image positions. The receiver retrieves a set of neighbor IDs for each demodulated ID and a real-world position of the corresponding light. The receiver cross-references the demodulated IDs against the retrieved sets of neighbor IDs to reveal errors in the demodulated IDs. The receiver corrects the errors to produce correct IDs each indexing a real-world position that is correctly matched to one of the determined light beam positions. The receiver determines a position of the receiver relative to the light transmitter based on the correctly matched real-world and determined light beam positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Richard D. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140093127
    Abstract: A method and system for tracking moving objects in a sequence of images. In one illustrative embodiment, a current image in the sequence of images is segmented into a plurality of segments. Segments in the plurality of segments belonging to a same motion profile are fused together to form a set of master segments. A set of target segments is identified from the set of master segments. The set of target segments represent a set of moving objects in the current image. A set of fingerprints is created for use in tracking the set of moving objects in a number of subsequent images in the sequence of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Terrell Nathan Mundhenk, Kyungnam Kim, Yuri Owechko
  • Publication number: 20140093128
    Abstract: A threshold setting device, an object detection device, a threshold setting method, and a computer readable storage medium are shown. According to one implementation, the threshold setting device includes, an image acquisition unit, a ratio acquisition unit, and a setting unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an image including a specific object. The ratio acquisition unit acquires ratio information related to a ratio of a plurality of colors present in the specific object. The setting unit sets, based on the ratio information acquired by the ratio acquisition unit, a threshold used in a binarization process performed on the image including the specific object acquired by the image acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro TESHIMA
  • Publication number: 20140093129
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an object detection apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a first detector, a determination unit, and a second detector. The acquisition unit acquires frames in a time-series manner. The first detector detects a predetermined object in each of the frames. The determination unit stores detection results corresponding to the frames, compares a first detection result corresponding to a first frame of the frames with a second detection result corresponding to a second frame of the frames, and determines whether false negative of the predetermined object exists in the second frame. The second detector detects the predetermined object in the second frames when it is determined that false negative of the predetermined object exists. The second detector differs in performance from the first detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Mayu OKUMURA, Tomoki WATANABE, Akihito SEKI
  • Publication number: 20140093130
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for sensing occupancy of a workspace includes creating a difference image that represents luminance differences of pixels in past and current images of the workspace resulting from motion in the workspace, determining motion occurring in regions of the workspace based on the difference image, and altering a workspace environment based at least in part on the determined motion. The method also includes determining which pixels in the difference image represent persistent motion that can be ignored and determining which pixels representing motion in the difference image are invalid because the pixels are isolated from other pixels representing motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Aravind Dasu, Dean Mathias, Chenguang Liu, Randy Christensen, Bruce Christensen
  • Publication number: 20140093131
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving driver visibility during bad weather and/or poor lighting for objects such as road signs, road lines, road markings, etc. The disclosed approach can enhance the captured images by exploiting priori knowledge about the scene and the objects that are stored in a database. In general, the orientation and location of a vehicle can be determined, and data can be retrieved which is indicative of stationary objects that are anticipated to be detectable at a current orientation and location of the vehicle. A captured scene is compared to data retrieved from the database using the information regarding the orientation and the location of the vehicle such that a matching scene indicates where objects are expected to appear in the captured scene and improve driver visibility with respect to the vehicle during poor driving conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhigang Fan, Hengzhou Ding
  • Publication number: 20140093132
    Abstract: A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MOBILEYE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Gideon Stein, Erez Dagan, Ofer Mano, Amnon Shashua
  • Publication number: 20140093133
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using small form factor infrared imaging modules to monitor occupants in an interior compartment of a vehicle. For example, a vehicle-mounted system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a processor, a memory, alarm sirens, and a communication module. The vehicle-mounted system may be mounted on, installed in, or otherwise integrated into a vehicle that has an interior compartment. The infrared imaging modules may be configured to capture thermal images of desired portions of the interior compartments. Various thermal image processing and analytics may be performed on the captured thermal images to determine the presence and various attributes of one or more occupants. Based on the determination of the presence and various attributes, occupant detection information and/or control signals may be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Austin A. Richards, Victoria L. White, Nile E. Fairfield, Arthur Stout, David W. Lee, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar
  • Publication number: 20140093134
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating images are provided. The method includes generating a first sinogram for a state of an object from among states of the object based on a motion of the object, and a second sinogram for the states, based on data obtained from the object, and determining a region of interest (ROI) of the object based on the first sinogram. The method further includes extracting, from the second sinogram, third sinograms corresponding to the ROI, and estimating motion information of the ROI based on the third sinograms. The method further includes correcting the data based on the motion information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Byung-kwan PARK, Tae-yong SONG, Jae-mock YI
  • Publication number: 20140093135
    Abstract: A method for tracking interactions in an emergency response environment according to embodiments of the present invention includes receiving color images and depth information from within a field of view of a sensor array; maintaining an emergency encounter record; monitoring one or both of a position of an object and movement of the object in the emergency response environment based on the color images and depth information received by the sensor array; and recording an occurrence of a condition in the emergency encounter record, wherein the condition is based on the one or both of the position of the object and the movement of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: C. Shane REID, Chad ASHMORE, Robert H. GOTSCHALL, Martin BURES
  • Publication number: 20140093136
    Abstract: An automatic method or the classification of the Degrees of Maturation (DM) for fired iron ore pellets, independent of human intervention, based on the digital acquisition of microscopy images of polished cross sections, and their processing, analysis and classification by a suitable software procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: FACULDADES CATOLICAS, VALE S.A.
    Inventors: Maria Beatriz Vieira, Sidnei Paciornik, Otavio da Fonseca Martins Gomes, Karen Soares Augusto, Aloísio Antônio Melo Borges
  • Publication number: 20140093137
    Abstract: An automatic method for the classification of crystals of iron oxides, including the measurement of oxide crystal size and shape, by a digital microscopy procedure involving image acquisition, processing, analysis, and classification is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Maria Beatriz VIEIRA, Sidnei PACIORNIK, Otavio de Fonseca Martins GOMES, Júlio Cesar Álvarez IGLESIAS, Aloísio Antônio Melo BORGES
  • Publication number: 20140093138
    Abstract: A plant species identification apparatus for identifying plant species is disclosed. A reference data storage part stores reference spectral data which indicate a reflectance spectral feature classified by area segments including a sunlit portion and a shaded portion in addition to the plant species. A data input part acquires hyperspectral data to be a target. A determination part specifies the reflectance spectral feature of a pixel for each of pixels of the hyperspectral data from the reference data storage part and to determine the plant species of the pixels based on a classification of the reference spectral data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasuo NAGANUMA, Katsuji EBISU