38th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 33 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110228898 | INVERSE GEOMETRY VOLUME COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. The gaps between the x-ray sources is less than 20 cm. A collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A detector is also used. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228899 | INVERSE GEOMETRY VOLUME COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228900 | RADIOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - In the radiographic apparatus of this invention, when obtaining long images in a longitudinal direction, a correcting device corrects radiographic images based on overlapping areas of a plurality of radiographic images based on the radiation detected whenever a relative movement is made in the same direction, an image decomposing device decomposes corrected radiographic images for every predetermined distance, and an image composing device composes the decomposed images for each of the same projection angles to obtain a projection image for each projection angle. Thus, with a reconstruction processing device carrying out a reconstruction process based on the composed projection images, sectional images having a long field of view in the longitudinal direction can be obtained, while reducing luminance differences among different radiographic images. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228901 | EXTREMITY IMAGING APPARATUS FOR CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography of lower leg portions of a patient has a radiation source and a source transport actuable to move the source along an arcuate source path within a housing, from one side of a circumferential gap to the other and has a radius R2 about a center. A housing is provided for placement of the patient's foot. A digital radiation detector has a detector transport actuable to move the detector along an arcuate detector path within the housing, the detector path having a radius R1 about the center and concentric with the source path, wherein R1 is less than R2, and wherein the detector path extends from one side of the pedestal indent to the other. A gap closure apparatus is movable to a position that continues the detector path across the circumferential gap and encloses the detector path. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228902 | Medical Radiography In 3D - The present invention relates to medical 3D radiography, such as mammography, in which individual images of an object are taken at different projection angles and a 3D image subsequently synthesized from this image information. According to the invention, the object to be imaged is arranged locked in a object positioning means ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228903 | BACKGROUND SIGNAL REDUCTION IN NEUTRON FLUORESCENCE APPLICATIONS USING AGILE NEUTRON BEAM FLUX - Apparatus and methods for operating a neutron gamma fluorescence based system by modulating the interrogating neutron flux (φ | 2011-09-22 |
20110228904 | Radiographic image capturing system - A radiographic image capture system includes a radiation detector, a radiation source, a generator, and a controller. The radiation detector includes plural pixels that generate electrical charges upon irradiation with radiation and that accumulate the electrical charges. The radiation source irradiates radiation onto the radiation detector. The generator reads the respective electrical charges accumulated in each of the pixels as electrical signals and generates image data. The controller causes the generator to read the electrical charges accumulated in each of the pixels at a specific frame rate in cases where continuous fluoroscopic imaging is performed, and, in a case in which a specific condition is satisfied, causes the radiation source to reduce the radiation amount being irradiated and causes the generator to perform thinned reading to read out the pixels one section at a time while extending the reading cycle of the electrical charges for each pixel. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228905 | ROTATABLE ANODE AND X-RAY TUBE COMPRISING A LIQUID HEAT LINK - In a rotatable anode ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228906 | CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY WITH A FLAT PANEL IMAGER - A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228907 | HEAD AND NECK RADIATION LOCALIZATION USING ORAL APPLIANCE - In various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and systems for accurate patient positioning and motion tracking before and/or during head and neck radiation therapy, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy, are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a computing system may be endowed with one or more components of the disclosed apparatuses and/or systems and may be employed to perform one or more methods as disclosed herein. Exemplary embodiments provide head and neck radiation localization using, in part, an oral appliance. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228908 | ORTHOVOLTAGE RADIOSURGERY - A radiosurgery system is described that delivers a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. Some embodiments provide that, among other targets, ocular structures are treated. In some embodiments, the position of an ocular structure is tracked and related to a radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228909 | ELECTRON SOURCE AND CATHODE CUP THEREOF - An embodiment of the invention relates to a cathode cup ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228910 | DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS WITH AIRFLOW COOLING SYSTEM - A diagnostic imaging system, which can be a mobile or stationary surgical CT imaging system or an MRI system, comprises an internal airflow cooling system that includes an air intake opening and an air outtake opening that are positioned near the ground and direct air flow away from the sterile surgical field. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228911 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING TERMINATION OF AN EMERGENCY SERVICE CALL - A method for determining termination of an emergency service call; the emergency service call being connected with an emergency service answering entity in an emergency service network employing a locating unit for ascertaining a geographic origin for the emergency service call; the method including: (a) presenting a query signal from the emergency service answering entity during the emergency service call soliciting a responsive signal from the locating unit relating to the geographic origin; (b) if the query signal relating to the geographic origin is received by the locating unit, considering that the emergency service call is not terminated; and (c) if no query signal relating to the geographic origin is received by the locating unit, considering that the emergency service call is terminated. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228912 | METHOD OF PROVIDING 911 SERVICE TO A PRIVATE BRANCH EXCHANGE - A method of providing 911 service to a private branch exchange, includes grouping a plurality of private telephone numbers into a set. An outgoing telephone line for a 911 call is assigned to the set. A location information for the outgoing telephone line is input into a location database. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228913 | AUTOMATIC EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM ONGOING VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHODS - A system and methods are provided for automatically extracting information from ongoing voice communications. A signal is received at an electronic processor indicating that a portion of an ongoing communication is to be recorded. As a result of that signal, the ongoing communication is recorded and then analyzed to identify information suitable for storage in an address directory of a participant to the communication maintained in an electronic storage medium. Thereafter, the extracted information is sent to that address directory for storage there. In the alternative, when the extracted information is a telephone number, a call based upon that number may be placed automatically and connected into the ongoing communication. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228914 | Hold Detection and Handling - A communication system comprising: a terminal having: an interface to a network, whereby the terminal can be connected to another party on a communication session; an output for outputting a communication stream received from another party on a communication session; and a source of play-out stream independent of a communication session; and a communication controller for managing a communication session terminated at the terminal, the communication controller being configured to: a) when it detects that the terminal has been placed on hold in a communication session, cause play-out stream from the source of play-out stream to be directed to the output; and b) when it detects that the terminal has been taken off hold in the communication session, cause communication stream from the communication session to be directed to the output. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228915 | Interactive Flowgraph for Analyzing Caller Utterances - A method is disclosed for associating a caller utterance with corresponding elements of a flowgraph that depicts a voice-response system. Thus, an analyst who selects an element in a flowgraph receives immediate access to those utterances—and only those utterances—that are associated with the selected element. The analyst can easily listen to the utterances and review statistics associated with them. The utterances are stored, retrieved, and presented in a systematic and organized way. In some embodiments in accordance with the present invention, an utterance is associated with the link between two events in the voice-response system. In some alternative embodiments, an utterance is associated with other data, including, but not limited to: the event that precedes it; the event that follows it; the telephone number of the caller. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228916 | EMERGENCY CONTACT SYSTEM - A technique includes receiving a first communication from a first member of a group of members and recording a voice message during the communication from the first member. The technique includes, in response to the first communication, automatically attempting to communicate with at least one member of the group other than the first member to deliver the recorded voice message. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228917 | LIMITED CONTACT TELEPHONIC JOUNALING - Systems and methods of the present invention provide for recording, accessing, responding to and archiving an audio journal stored in a dedicated voice mailbox via telephonic communication. A first user may dial a number and record a journal entry each week from a telephone or cell phone into a provided dedicated voice mailbox. A second user may access the dedicated voice mailbox where no direct phone connection with the first user is possible and respond with an appropriate reply message. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228918 | REAL-TIME MEDIA BROADCASTING VIA TELEPHONE - Disclosed are systems and methods for live broadcasting of one or more media streams, such as audio streams, via the internet such that it is accessible substantially by a number of listeners at a number of locations. Said system is operable such that the contents of each of said one or more media streams can originate from a call or other communication from a conventional telephony device which does not require internet connection. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228919 | SIGNAL DETECTION AND BLOCKING FOR VOICE PROCESSING EQUIPMENT - A telephone call processor for processing telephone calls comprising voice signals and data signals, the call processor comprising a first telephone interface and a second telephone interface, the call processor being operable in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface and to transmit voice signals and data signals via the second telephone interface. In the second mode, the call processor is adapted to receive voice signals and data signals at the first telephone interface, to block data signals from being transmitted via the second telephone interface and optionally to transmit voice signals via the second telephone interface. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228920 | ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Provided is an anonymous communication system that allows a third party, which is not any one of communicating parties, to determine the anonymities of the communicating parties. Disclosed is an anonymous communication system and an anonymity notifying apparatus to be installed in an anonymous communication system that are characterized is enabling a communication by anonymity, said anonymous communication system detecting anonymities of communication parties and notifying them to a third party device other than communication devices of the communication parties. Disclosed is an anonymous communication method that is characterized enabling a communication by anonymity, said anonymous communication method detecting anonymities of communication parties and notifying them to a third party device other than communication devices of the communication parties. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228921 | Method and System for Live Collaborative Tagging of Audio Conferences - Methods are disclosed in which participants in a communication session contribute tags—during the course of the communication session—such that the tags are visible to at least some of the participants as the communication session progresses. This creates a “live” collaborative tagging environment. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228922 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINING CONFERENCE CALLS - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for scheduling an event to automatically join a user to a conference call. In one aspect, the method includes receiving an invitation for a user to join a conference call, extracting from the invitation a scheduled conference call time, conference call address information, conference call authentication information, and a conference call modality, and scheduling an event to join the user to the conference call via the conference call modality at the scheduled conference call time based on the conference call address information and the conference call authentication information. In another aspect, the system retrieves a scheduled event at a scheduled time, extracts the address, authentication, and modality information for the conference, and joins the user to the conference automatically at the scheduled time. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228923 | CONFERENCING UNIT AND METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT MULTI-POINT COMMUNICATION - The invention relates to a conferencing unit for multi-point communication in the course of a telephone conference. Previously, it was not possible to call up and document agreements and decisions in voice-based telephone conferences in a computer-aided manner. The reason was that in traditional conferencing units, all audio channels were mixed into an overall channel and therefore an undisturbed interaction of individual participants with the system is not possible. The invention enables an individual association of a conference participant with a decision processing unit, in which decisions can be announced in a dialog system and stored in a computer-readable format. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228924 | AVAILABILITY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH INTER-NETWORK CAPABILITIES - In a communication system comprising multiple networks, a system is provided for notifying a caller that a call destination who was initially unavailable is now available, involving subscribers of possibly different networks. The system, when installed in a network, can support destination availability notifications following failed call attempts in which at least one user is a user of the network, regardless to which network the other user subscribes. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228925 | Headset With A 360 Degrees Rotatable Microphone Boom And Function Selector - A headset and method for voice communication comprising a housing ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228926 | SIDE CHANNEL ATTACK ANALYSIS - A method described herein includes acts of executing a cryptographic function over input data utilizing a processor on a computing device and generating a data packet that indicates how the cryptographic function interacts with hardware of the computing device, wherein the hardware of the computing device comprises the processor. The method also includes acts of analyzing the data packet, and generating an indication of security of the cryptographic function with respect to at least one side channel attack based at least in part upon the analyzing of the data packet. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228927 | Cryptographic Method of Multilayer Diffusion in Multidimension - The invention provides a diffusion function working on a multidimensional diffusion-area (plaintext/ciphertext), in which a multidimensional medium is meanwhile overlapped to the diffusion-area; accordingly, repeating the diffusion function for at least one time thus brings about the multilayer effect. FIG. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228928 | SELECTION OF A LOOKUP TABLE WITH DATA MASKED WITH A COMBINATION OF AN ADDITIVE AND MULTIPLICATIVE MASK - Processing of masked data using multiple lookup tables (LUTs), or sub-tables, is described. For each input value, an appropriate sub-table provides an output value that is the result of a non-linear transformation (e.g., byte substitution) applied to the input value. An additive mask can be applied to the input data. A transformation can be applied to the masked input data to transform the additive mask into a multiplicative-additive mask. Selected bits of the masked input data and the bits in the additive component of the multiplicative-additive mask can be used in combination to select one of the sub-tables. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228929 | Methods and Systems for Providing Interference Based Physical-Layer Encryption - A method for encrypting an information carrier comprising generating a sequence of data using a sequence generator, modulating, using a first modulator an output from the sequence generator such that an interference signal results, encoding the interference generator's synchronization information using an encoder, modulating, using a second modulator, the encoded synchronization information such that a synchronization carrier signal results, spreading the synchronization carrier signal using a spreader such that a spread sub-carrier synchronization signal results, and combining the modulated information carrier signal, interference signal, and spread sub-carrier synchronization signal using a signal combiner such that a composite signal results, the interference signal having one or more signal characteristics that results in obfuscation of the information carrier signal when the information carrier signal and interference signal are combined. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228930 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR KEY GENERATION - A method of generating a segment key KSmt from a given basic key KmT and a given modification key K′ | 2011-09-22 |
20110228931 | DISPERSAL OF PRIORITY DATA IN A DISPERSED STORAGE NETWORK - A method begins by a processing module encoding data into a plurality of sets of encoded data slices in accordance with first error coding dispersal storage function parameters and determining priority data segments of the data. The method continues with the processing module encoding the priority data segments in accordance with second error coding dispersal storage function parameters to produce a plurality of sets of priority encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module outputting the plurality of sets of encoded data slices and the plurality of sets of priority encoded data slices to a dispersed storage network memory for storage therein. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228932 | DATA TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT - A data transmission circuit analyzes video data and a pixel clock input from a video/audio signal processor, and determines whether the signals are valid or not. If a signal is invalid, the data transmission circuit generates and outputs a TMDS signal based on dummy video data and a dummy pixel clock internally generated as pseudo signals. Accordingly, a state in which an invalid signal is being output can be prevented, and the time required to output video can be reduced because an additional device authentication is not performed. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228933 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING AN INFORMATION SIGNAL USING A CONTROL WORD - This method for protecting an information signal using a control word, the information signal and control word being sent by a transmitter to one or several receivers ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228934 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION METHOD - A communication device includes: a first monitoring unit that monitors a first lifetime until a data amount transmitted through a first encryption communication path established between the communication device and another communication device exceeds a first threshold, a second monitoring unit that monitors a second lifetime until the data amount transmitted through the first encryption communication path exceeds a second threshold that is larger than the first threshold, a communication path establishing unit that establishes a second encryption communication path different from the first encryption communication path between the communication device and the another communication device when the first lifetime has expired, and a communication path deleting unit that deletes the first encryption communication path when the data amount transmitted through the second encryption communication path exceeds a remaining data amount of the second lifetime. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228935 | COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A communication apparatus includes: connection-source terminating units, each constituting an independent communication path with a corresponding one of connection-destination terminating units; and an establishing unit that establishes a single piece of encryption information with a connection-destination apparatus having the connection-destination terminating units, the encryption information being used for encryption processing for communication performed between the connection-source terminating units and the corresponding connection-destination terminating units and being common to the communication paths. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228936 | WIRELESS SYNCHRONIZATION OF REMOTE SWITCHES FOR END DEVICE APPLICATIONS - An apparatus comprises a first device including a first switch and a transmission circuit. The switch circuit is in one of a plurality of possible switch states. The transmission circuit is communicatively coupled to the first switch circuit and is configured to transmit a wireless communication signal upon the first switch changing state. A second device includes a receiver circuit and a second switch circuit. The receiver circuit is configured to remotely receive the wireless communication signal from the transmission circuit. The second switch circuit is communicatively coupled to the receiver circuit, wherein, upon receipt of the wireless communication signal, a state of the second switch is synchronized to the state of the first switch. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228937 | METHOD OF ESTABLISHING A QUANTUM KEY FOR USE BETWEEN NETWORK NODES - A method of establishing a quantum key for use between a first network node (QNode | 2011-09-22 |
20110228938 | MULTI-BIT CRYPTOGRAPHICALLY SECURE ENCRYPTOR FOR M-ARY SPECTRAL PHASE ENCODER OPTICAL CODE DIVISION MULTIPLE ACCESS - A system and methods are provided for transmitting an encrypted data word of two or more bits. This involves identifying a random key word comprising two or more bits for encrypting the data word and identifying a set of unique orthogonal codes. This also involves selecting a code from the set of unique orthogonal codes that corresponds to a result of an exclusive-or (XOR) operation between the two or more bits of the data word and the random key word. This also involves encoding a signal with the code and transmitting the encoded signal as encrypted data. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228939 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OCDM-BASED OPTICAL ENCRYPTION USING SUBSETS OF PHASE-LOCKED FREQUENCY LINES - A method for optical signal processing includes receiving an optical signal containing a plurality of frequency lines, defining at least two wavesets including an updatable random subset of the frequency lines, receiving a data stream, modulating the optical signal with the data stream, encrypting the data stream by extracting the subset of the frequency lines of the at least two wavesets from the modulated optical signal, and phase coding the subset of frequency lines of the at least two wavesets in the modulated optical signal. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228940 | REMOTE REGISTRATION FOR ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS - A partner registration module can provide for an automatic registration of partners to a central server. An entire partner registration process can be automated from end to end, providing a unified process for registering partners. The partner registration module can be fully compatible with current registration agents and next generation registration agents. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228941 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RFID SECURITY - An RFID system includes an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and a server. The RFID tag communicates to the server via encrypted information. The information may be encrypted with synchronized encryption keys. In this manner, the reader need not decrypt the information from the RFID tag. The effectiveness of malicious readers is thereby reduced, resulting in improved RFID tag security. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228942 | Reduced Hierarchy Key Management System and Method - A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228943 | Data Embedding System - A system and method for embedding data is provided. The method comprises dividing the host data set into a plurality of blocks, wherein each block comprises a plurality of elements, generating a pattern connecting the elements of each block; and embedding data on the elements of block based on the pattern. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228944 | Automatic Audio Source Switching - A method for automatically switching an audio source includes the steps of receiving an audio signal from a video display device, and receiving a digital audio signal from one of a plurality of audio/video source devices which each can supply audio and video information to the video display device. The digital audio signal is compared with the audio signal from the video display device. The digital audio signal is output to a supplemental audio system of the video display device when the comparing step indicates that the digital audio signal and the audio signal from the video display device contain substantially similar audio programs. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228945 | AUDIO POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An audio power management system manages operation of audio devices in an audio system. The audio power management system includes a parameter computer, a threshold comparator and a limiter. Audio signals generated with the audio system may be provided to the audio power management system. Based on a measured actual parameter of the audio signal, such as a real-time actual voltage and/or a real-time actual current, the parameter computer can derive estimated operational characteristics of audio devices, such as a loudspeaker included in the audio system. The threshold comparator may use the estimated operational characteristics to develop a threshold and manage operation of one of more devices in the audio system by monitoring the measured actual parameter, and selectively directing the limiter to adjust the audio signal, or another device in the audio system to protect or optimize performance. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228946 | COMFORT NOISE GENERATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method for Comfort Noise Generation (CNG) comprising the steps of recording information of Background Noise (BGN); generating white noise samples; and generating Comfort Noise (CN) by applying coefficients that are extracted from said information of BGN on White Noise (WN) samples. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228947 | ELECTRONIC EARPLUG WITH TRANSISTOR SWITCHING FOR INTRODUCING ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF THE GAIN AND PROVIDING AUDIBLE SWITCH INDICATIONS - Electronic earplugs, methods of enhancing and/or attenuating sound using electronic earplugs, and kits including electronic earplugs are provided. Certain electronic earplugs may include a circuit operatively connected to a microphone. The circuit may be configured to receive input electrical signals from the microphone and provide output electrical signals to a receiver. Further, the circuit may be configured to modify a sound output level from the electronic earplug based on a sound input level of ambient sound received at the microphone and a gain characteristic setting selected from a plurality of gain characteristic settings. The circuit may be configured such that it can be switched between the plurality of gain characteristic settings, wherein the switching to the selected gain characteristic setting produces an audible switch indication. Certain electronic earplugs also include a receiver configured to convert the output electrical signals into sound that is communicated to a user's ear canal. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228948 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING AUDIO DATA - Described herein are systems and methods for processing audio data. For example, one embodiment provides a device configured to receive an audio signal, and process that audio signal based on a frequency mapping protocol, thereby to provide a modified audio signal. The resulting modified signal is audibly communicated to a user. In overview, the frequency mapping protocol allows components of an audio signal that within specified frequency ranges to be mapped to other frequency ranges, attenuated, or in some cases blocked altogether. The user is also able, at least in some embodiments, to use the same device to perform testing of their hearing. In some embodiments the frequency mapping protocol is modifiable by a user, for example by way of a software application running on a PC or other computational platform. This allows a significant degree of flexibility in terms of the device's operation; a user is effectively able to customize the device for his/her specific hearing requirements. For example, in the case of a partially deaf person, frequencies that could not otherwise be heard are mapped to frequencies that can be heard. In the case of a person working in a noisy environment, frequencies that are too loud (for example frequencies from particular machinery) can be terminated or attenuated. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228949 | SPEAKER DEVICE, AND AUTOMOBILE - A speaker device prevents “squeaking” based on the difference between propagation speed of a vibration propagated through a center cap and propagation speed of a vibration propagated through a diaphragm. The speaker device includes a vibrating body (VB), a driving part (magnetic circuit) driving the VB, and a frame supporting the VB and the driving part (magnetic circuit). The VB includes a voice coil (VC), a VC supporting part supporting the VC, a diaphragm group, and a driving member whose inner circumference portion is supported by the VC supporting part and which transmits VC vibration to the diaphragm group. The driving member includes a supporting part supporting the diaphragm group. A first connecting part is provided between the diaphragm group and the driving member and on the inner side with respect to the supporting part. The diaphragm group is connected to the driving member via the first connecting part. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228950 | HEADSET LOUDSPEAKER MICROPHONE - A headset system which may be utilized for various forms of communication and multimedia. The headset system may include a number of earpieces which may be configured to change its operation state based on a position of the earpiece relative to a user's ear and a desired use. The earpiece may be further configured to provide noise cancellation based on its position and operational state. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228951 | SOUND PROCESSING APPARATUS, SOUND PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A sound processing apparatus includes a target sound emphasizing unit configured to acquire a sound frequency component by emphasizing target sound in input sound in which the target sound and noise are included, a target sound suppressing unit configured to acquire a noise frequency component by suppressing the target sound in the input sound, a gain computing unit configured to compute a gain value to be multiplied by the sound frequency component using a gain function that provides a gain value and has a slope that are less than predetermined values when an energy ratio of the sound frequency component to the noise frequency component is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and a gain multiplier unit configured to multiply the sound frequency component by the gain value computed by the gain computing unit. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228952 | POWER-SAVING AMPLIFYING DEVICE - An power-saving amplifying device is disclosed, the power-saving amplifying device uses a micro controller unit (MCU) to receive a control signal transmitted by a volume controller and to generate a decision signal based on the control signal; the MCU transmits the decision signal to the volume controlling circuit for obtaining a drive signal, then the volume controlling circuit transmits the drive signal to a power amplifier for driving a speaker to output a sound with a required volume; the MCU also calculates an output value of a PWM signal and transmits the PWM signal to a DC integrating circuit for rectifying and integrating the PWM signal into a DC voltage; the DC voltage is coupled with a voltage control terminal of the power supply to increase or decrease the DC voltage outputted by the power supply to the power amplifier, thereby reducing power consumption by using the volume to control the output voltage of the power supply. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228953 | AUTOMATIC CORRECTION OF LOUDNESS LEVEL IN AUDIO SIGNALS - Systems and method for adapting a gain of an audio signal containing at least two different tracks with different signal level ranges. An example system includes a loudness determination unit for determining a perceived loudness of the audio input signal based on a psychoacoustic model of a human hearing. The system further includes a loudness adaptation unit configured to determine a loudness adaptation indicator based on the perceived loudness and a predetermined loudness, and to introduce the loudness adaptation indicator into the audio signal to generate an adapted gain signal. A gain determination unit is configured to adapt the gain for outputting the audio signal containing the at least two tracks based on the loudness adaptation indicators in the adapted gain signal at about the predetermined loudness. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228954 | Electret Microphone Circuit - There is disclosed a microphone, a circuit, and a method. A microphone capsule may include an electret microphone and a field effect transistor (FET). A floating DC voltage source may have a first end connected to a drain terminal of the electret microphone capsule and a second end. A load resistor may be connected between the second end of the floating DC voltage source and a source terminal of the electret microphone capsule. A voltage follower may have an output connected to the source terminal of the electret microphone capsule and the first end of the floating DC voltage source. A coupling capacitor may couple an audio signal from the source terminal of the electret microphone capsule to an input of the voltage follower. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228955 | MIXING APPARATUS - Once a human operator selects one output channel using a port setting key and SEL key, output port parameters of a plurality of output ports connected with the selected output channel are displayed in a given arrangement on an output channel-port setting popup screen, and the thus-displayed output port parameters are allocated to controls of corresponding channel strips. Such arrangements allow parameter setting operation to be readily performed for each of the output ports. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228956 | DIGITAL AUDIO MIXER - Once a human operator operates a fader knob of a desired channel downwardly toward a predetermined position, resistance force against the fader knob is generated. As the human operator further lowers the fader knob beyond another predetermined position against the resistance force, the channel is set in a CUE-ON state, so that an audio signal (pre-fader signal) of the channel can be test-listened to as a CUE signal. Then, once the human operator operates the fader knob upwardly, the CUE-ON state of the signal is canceled, so that a sound volume level of the channel can be controlled in accordance with an operating position of the fader knob. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228957 | OMNIDIRECTIONAL BUTTON-STYLE MICROPHONE - A microphone can include a capacitor capsule, an output buffer amplifier connected to the output of the capacitor capsule, and an audio limiter connected to the output of the output buffer amplifier, wherein the audio limiter limits the output level of the microphone at a threshold level. The microphone can include an adjustable output level. The microphone can include an integrated high-pass filter. The microphone can have an omnidirectional polar pattern. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228958 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EQUAL ACOUSTICS PORTING | 2011-09-22 |
20110228959 | PERSONAL MINIATURIZED LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT PLATFORM - An improved method and materials for retaining small loudspeakers to a platform composed of adjustable connecting miniaturized members utilizing international standards for surround sound in meters, but reduced to inches. One example would be a scale of one inch equaling one foot, but not limited to that particular miniature scale. The present invention utilizes any and all technical aspects of sound delivery and amplification in a miniature scale arrangement with the multi-directional surround sound. The speakers so mounted in measured inches from the center-point midway between the ears of the listener, delivers multi-directional sound in a re-creation of a musical, movie or gaming experience in the same perspective as being in a room with large speakers at high listening levels or a theater setting. Listening in the miniaturized setting, the listener will experience the same high levels in decibels as in the large room setting. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228960 | HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SETTING THE HEARING DEVICE FOR FEEDBACK-REDUCED OPERATION - Sound from the receiver of a hearing device may be fed back to its microphones via acoustic feedback paths, which may cause undesirable whistling. It is particularly difficult to predict the creation of feedback in a microphone array with adjustable directional characteristic. This is because the stability of the system then is dependent on a directional parameter by way of which the directional characteristic is fixed. The invention enables feedback-free operation of such a hearing device. A prescribed stability condition is used to establish for which values of the directional parameter feedback-free operation is possible. The directional parameter is then restricted to these values during operation of the hearing device. As an alternative thereto, a value for a strength of a feedback effect is established for a current value of the directional parameter and the directional parameter or a control parameter for the purpose of feedback suppression is then set as a function of the established value. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228961 | HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN OMNIDIRECTIONAL DIRECTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC - A hearing device is provided with a microphone array having a plurality of microphones. The signals from the microphones can then be processed by an appropriate apparatus of the hearing device such that this results in a directivity of the microphone array. The apparatus must also be able to allow an omnidirectional directivity of the microphone array, i.e. a non-directional detection of sound. This is not always ensured in the case where one of the microphones in the microphone array is covered or aligned other than what is intended. An omnidirectional directivity of the microphone array is ensured in a hearing device of the invention. Here, the microphones are, for this purpose, connected to inputs of the apparatus via a coupling device, by way of which each of the microphones can be coupled to a plurality of inputs of the apparatus at the same time. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228962 | Haptic Chair Sound Enhancing System With Audiovisual Display - 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. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228963 | EARPIECE AND METHOD FOR FORMING AN EARPIECE - An earpiece is provided containing a thermal activator layer comprised of a first polymer, the thermal activator layer being separated from the tympanic membrane of the user's ear by an air gap, and an acoustical reflector layer, containing a second polymer and pigment particles, adjacent to the thermal activator layer. The earpiece may be produced by sequential introduction of various liquefied components in layers within the ear canal, with the components being cured to provide the thermal activator layer and the acoustical reflector layer. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228964 | Inflatable Bubble - An ear device having a bubble for placement approximate a user's ear canal and capable of inflation and deflation is disclosed. An inflation tube for delivering inflating air to the bubble during inflation of the bubble and an inflation source, such as a diaphonic valve, cause the bubble to extend automatically into the user's ear canal during inflation and retract from the user's ear canal during deflation. The bubble is substantially cylindrical and is comprised of a plurality of adjacently adjoined inflatable chambers. The bubble may also comprise at least one non-inflatable section interspersed therein. Where the ear device is used to convey sound to the user's ear, the device includes a sound tube positioned within the cylindrical bubble. At least one resilient member attached to a portion of the bubble, which may be a non-inflatable section of the bubble, is used to retract the bubble automatically. The ear device, equipped with a cerumen removing mechanism, may be used to clean a user's ear canal as well. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228965 | Wearable audio cable management system - A pocket on the garment is configured to store an audio playback device. A device dock is associated with the pocket. The device dock includes an audio connector connectable to the audio playback device. A jack dock is on the garment. The jack dock includes a headphone jack configured to connect to a headphone. An elongated stretchable textile data/power bus is integrated with the garment between the device dock and the jack dock. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228966 | NESTED COMPOUND LOUDSPEAKER DRIVE UNIT - A nested compound loudspeaker comprising a speaker assembly chassis ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228967 | LOUDSPEAKER CEILING MOUNT BRACKET - A ceiling mount bracket for a loudspeaker. The ceiling mount bracket includes a mounting plate; an assembly to orient the loudspeaker; an assembly to receive audio signals and to provide the audio signals to the speaker; and a wiring block to connect to signal transmission wires. The wiring block includes a first terminal designated for 70/100 volt operation; a second terminal designated for 8 ohm operation; an electrically conductive path from the first terminal to a first pin of the receptacle; and an electrically conductive path from the second terminal to a second pin for the receptacle. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a mounting position for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The mounting position includes a threaded hole to accommodate a corresponding threaded extension of the ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a cover enclosing more than 200 cubic centimeters. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228968 | LOUDSPEAKER DEVICE WITH SOUND ENHANCING STRUCTURE - A loudspeaker device comprising: a loudspeaker and a reflecting member positioned opposite to the loudspeaker, the loudspeaker comprising an electromagnet actuator, a dish-like frame and a vibrating drum, the electromagnetic actuator being attached on one side of the frame, the vibrating drum adhered to an inner side of the dish-like frame, the electromagnetic actuator being configured for driving the vibrating drum to vibrate, the vibrating drum being configured for generating sound of different frequencies and intensities; and the reflecting member shaped in a bowl configuration, comprising a concave shaped reflecting surface opposite to the vibrating drum; wherein the area of the reflecting surface is larger than an area of the vibrating drum. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228969 | MARKER PLACEMENT DEVICE, MARKER PLACEMENT DETECTING DEVICE, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR STORING MARKER PLACEMENT PROGRAM - A marker placement device includes, a marker placement method decision section that decides, for every predetermined pitch from a starting edge of a side to an end edge of the side, a placement position of a marker for detecting a position within a rectangular image region, the placement position being along the side of the image region within an image. A marker adding section that adds the marker to the image according to the placement position decided is provided, where, when a gap shorter than the pitch remains between the end edge and the decided placement position closest to the end edge of the side, the marker placement method decision section decides a first marker placement position closest to the starting edge, and decides a subsequent marker placement position. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228970 | Mass Analysis Data Processing Method and Mass Analysis Data Processing Apparatus - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently handling a large amount of data collected by an imaging mass analysis to present significant information for the analysis of the tissue structure of a biological sample or other objects in an intuitively understandable form for analysis operators. For each pixel | 2011-09-22 |
20110228971 | ROBUST WATERMARKING FOR DIGITAL MEDIA - Embedding a watermark includes organizing variation locations in a data stream, partitioning the data stream into small blocks, determining the variation of small blocks based on the variation, categorizing small blocks into big blocks, identifying those big blocks that have a threshold level of variation, and embedding into those identified big blocks a watermark value. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228972 | DIGITAL WATERMARK PADDING METHOD, DIGITAL WATERMARK PADDING DEVICE, DIGITAL WATERMARK DETECTING METHOD, DIGITAL WATERMARK DETECTING DEVICE, AND PROGRAM - A digital watermark embedding method of the present invention includes: a step of sequentially obtaining each frame image of the moving image data and frame display time; a step of generating a watermark pattern using watermark information, the frame display time and watermark pattern switching information; a step of superimposing the watermark pattern onto the frame image, and combining watermark embedded frame images obtained by sequentially repeating the processes to generate watermark embedded moving image data. A digital watermark detection method includes a step of sequentially obtaining a frame image; a step of generating a difference image between the currently obtained frame image and a previously obtained frame image; and a step of performing digital watermark detection from the difference image to output digital watermark detection status, and when digital watermark detection process is continued, obtaining a new frame again to repeat the above processes. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228973 | Methods and systems for digital image security - Methods and systems for securing digital imagery are provided. In one respect, embedding, compression, encryption, data hiding, and other imaging processing techniques and systems may be provided for digital image security. In one non-limiting example, a method for producing a compressed and encrypted image is provided. An image may be converted into a binary bit stream, and the bit stream may be decomposed into a plurality of segments. A binary sequence based on a first key may be generated and may be used to generate a code matrix. A distance between the code matrix and the distance may be determined for each of the plurality of segments. Using a combined first and second key, a compressed and encrypted image may be obtained. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228974 | OBJECT OCR AND LOCATION TAGGING SYSTEMS - A handheld device is disclosed generating a tagged image of an indicator on an object. The tagged image may include an image of the indicator and a location associated with the object. A processor receives the tagged image and responds by performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the image to create an indicator code. A database may be updated based upon the indicator code and the location and a report may be generated. The handheld device and processor may communicate directly and/or through a communication device and/or a server. Revenues may be generated by authenticated access to the processor, the OCR operation and/or the operations of the database. The object may be a container at least twenty feet long and/or a chassis configured to haul the container. Alternatively, the object may be a small object configured to fit in the container. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228975 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING POINT-OF-GAZE IN THREE DIMENSIONS - Methods for determining a point-of-gaze (POG) of a user in three dimensions are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the methods involve: presenting a three-dimensional scene to both eyes of the user; capturing image data including both eyes of the user; estimating first and second line-of-sight (LOS) vectors in a three-dimensional coordinate system for the user's first and second eyes based on the image data; and determining the POG in the three-dimensional coordinate system using the first and second LOS vectors. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228976 | PROXY TRAINING DATA FOR HUMAN BODY TRACKING - Synthesized body images are generated for a machine learning algorithm of a body joint tracking system. Frames from motion capture sequences are retargeted to several different body types, to leverage the motion capture sequences. To avoid providing redundant or similar frames to the machine learning algorithm, and to provide a compact yet highly variegated set of images, dissimilar frames can be identified using a similarity metric. The similarity metric is used to locate frames which are sufficiently distinct, according to a threshold distance. For realism, noise is added to the depth images based on noise sources which a real world depth camera would often experience. Other random variations can be introduced as well. For example, a degree of randomness can be added to retargeting. For each frame, the depth image and a corresponding classification image, with labeled body parts, are provided. 3-D scene elements can also be provided. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228977 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A POSITION OF A LENS OF THE IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE - A method for adjusting a position of a lens of an image capturing device obtains a plurality of images of a monitored scene by the lens, detects a motion area in the monitored scene, and detects if a human face is in the motion area. The method further moves the lens according to movement data of the human face if the human face is detected, or moves the lens according to movement data of the motion area if the human face is not detected. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228978 | FOREGROUND OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A foreground object detection system and method establishes a background model by reading N frames of a video stream generated by a camera. The detection system further reads each frame of the video stream, detects the pixel value difference and the brightness value difference for each pair of two corresponding pixels of two consecutive frames for each of the N frames of the video stream. In detail, by comparing the pixel value difference with a pixel threshold and by comparing the brightness value difference with a brightness threshold, the detection system may determine a foreground or background pixel. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228979 | Moving-object detection apparatus, moving-object detection method and moving-object detection program - Disclosed herein is a moving-object detection apparatus having a plurality of moving-object detection processing devices configured to detect a moving object on the basis of a motion vector computed by making use of a present image and a past image wherein the moving-object detection processing devices are set to operate differently from each other in at least one of the resolution of the present and past images, the time distance between the present and past images and the search area of the motion vector in order to detect the moving object. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228980 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND VEHICLE SURROUNDING MONITORING APPARATUS - A control apparatus that improves the usability of a vehicle surrounding monitoring apparatus without confusing the monitoring party while monitoring the surroundings of a vehicle. A detection area setting section ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228981 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING IMAGE DATA - A method for processing image data representing a segmentation mask, comprises generating two-dimensional shape representations of a three-dimensional object on the basis of a plurality of parameter sets; and matching motion blocks of the segmentation mask with the two-dimensional shape representations to obtain a best fit parameter set. Thereby, for example, a distance between the three-dimensional object and a camera position may be determined. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228982 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An information processing device includes a learning image input unit configured to input a learning image, in which a tracked object is captured on different shooting conditions, together with the shooting conditions, a feature response calculation unit configured to calculate a response of one or more integrated features, with respect to the learning image while changing a parameter in accordance with the shooting conditions, a feature learning unit configured to recognize spatial distribution of the one or more integrated features in the learning image based on a calculation result of the response and evaluate a relationship between the shooting conditions and the parameter and a spatial relationship among the integrated features so as to learn a feature of the tracked object, and a feature storage unit configured to store a learning result of the feature. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228983 | INFORMATION PROCESSOR, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM - Disclosed herein is an information processor including, a storage section configured to store feature quantity data of a target object and audio data associated with the target object, an acquisition section configured to acquire an image of the target object, a recognition section configured to recognize an object included in the image based on the feature quantity data stored in the storage section and a reproduction section configured to reproduce the audio data associated with the recognized object and output a reproduced sound from an output device worn by the user. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228984 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND ARTICLES FOR VIDEO ANALYSIS - A video analysis system including a video output device monitoring an area for activity, a video analyzer processing output of the video output device and identifying an event in near-real-time, and a persistent database archiving the event for an operational lifetime of the video analysis system and accessible in near-real-time. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228985 | APPROACHING OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM - An approaching object detection system, approaching object can be accurately detected while reducing the load on a calculation processing. A first moving region detection unit ( | 2011-09-22 |
20110228986 | Process for the Automatic Longitudinal Guidance of a Motor Vehicle - For the automatic longitudinal guidance of a motor vehicle having a longitudinally guiding driver assistance system with a stop-and-go function, at least starting from a point-in-time wherein the motor vehicle is stopped, the vehicle apron is continuously monitored for possible obstacles by a monitoring device having a camera which supplies a sequence of individual images of the vehicle apron. For the detection of obstacles in the vehicle apron, characteristic image features are extracted from the individual images and are tracked with respect to time within the sequence of individual images, and an appearance and/or disappearance of one or more characteristic image features taking place in the course of the sequence is determined and evaluated. Additionally or alternatively, a change of a spatial distribution of one or more characteristic image features taking place in the course of the sequence in the respective individual image or in a cutout of the latter is determined and evaluated. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228987 | MOVING OBJECT DETECTION METHOD AND MOVING OBJECT DETECTION APPARATUS - A moving object detection method is provided which can accurately perform segmentation on an image including an object such as a person that moves changing shape. The method includes: accepting pictures included in the video (S | 2011-09-22 |
20110228988 | ON-PAPER IMAGE QUALITY METRIC USING ON-BELT SENSING - What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining printer performance in terms of image quality (IQ) on-paper using on-belt measurements. First, image noise is measured via sensing of single-separation device-dependent colors on an imaging member for a target marking device. Such single-separation device-dependent colors, in one embodiment, comprise cyan, magenta, yellow and black. A predictive correlation model is used to project the image noise of the single-separation device-dependent colors when printed on a substrate. A noise prediction model is used to estimate image noise performance values of multi-separation device-dependent colors on a substrate from the projected single-separation device-dependent colors on a substrate. In one embodiment, the predictive correlation model comprises a separation-dependent polynomial equation. The estimated image noise performance values on a substrate are used to determine image quality metric of the target marking device. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228989 | MULTI-PARAMETER BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION - Authenticating an identity of a user claiming to be a genuine-user includes receiving from the user biometric data pertaining to a plurality of biometric parameters. The received biometric data are compared with corresponding authentic biometric data which have previously been obtained from the genuine-user. The user's identify is authenticated if the received biometric data meet qualification criteria when compared with the corresponding authentic biometric data. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228990 | Image processing apparatus and image processing method - An image processing apparatus includes an analysis processing unit that quantizes an input image in two levels by replacing an area of the input image where a feature of a subject appears with a first pixel value and replacing an area of the input image where no feature of the subject appears with a second pixel value when the input image is acquired; a storing unit that stores dictionary data including a feature of a plurality of face images quantized by the analysis processing unit; and a face detection processing unit that performs face detection on a detection target image by using the dictionary data read from the storing unit, the detection target data being quantized by the analysis processing unit. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228991 | System and Method for Providing A Real-Time, Online Biometric Signature - A system is provided for generating an online biometrically accurate electronic signature. The system includes a computer interface module which records movement of a cursor on a computer screen and outputs the recorded data. A signature generation module which receives the recorded data and generates a graphical image based upon the recorded data. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228992 | Method and System for Guiding Catheter Detection in Fluoroscopic Images - A method and system for detecting a guiding catheter in a 2D fluoroscopic image is disclosed. A plurality of guiding catheter centerline segment candidates are detected in the fluoroscopic image. A guiding catheter centerline connecting an input guiding catheter centerline ending point in the fluoroscopic image with an image margin of the fluoroscopic image is detected based on the plurality of guiding catheter centerline segment candidates. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228993 | AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE TIME SELECTION FOR IMAGING TISSUE - The invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting an exposure time to improve or otherwise optimize a dynamic range of a digital image. The system includes a camera configured to capture an image of a subject within the field of view at a first exposure time. The captured image is composed of multiple pixels, with each pixel having a respective intensity value. The system further includes a shutter or suitable control configured to control an exposure time of the camera. A controller configured to carryout the following steps including: (a) querying a frequency distribution of pixel intensity values; (b) determining an effective “center of mass” of such a distribution, or histogram, to determine an adjusted exposure time; and (c) capturing a second image of the subject at the adjusted exposure time thereby obtaining an image with an improved or optimal dynamic range. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228994 | MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - There is provided a medical image processing device and a medical image processing method that can extract and display lesion candidate regions having different sizes and similarity forms at a time through a series of processing. Therefore, with respect to a first medical image, a first evaluation for the curved surface form of the first medical image is made to extract first lesion candidate regions. With respect to each of the first lesion candidate regions extracted by a first extracting unit, a second evaluation for the curved surface form thereof is made to extract a second lesion candidate region. The second lesion candidate region extracted by a second extracting unit is superimposed and displayed on a second medical image. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228995 | System and Method for Propagation of Spine Labeling - A system and method of labeling orthogonal or otherwise spatially related image views and related images is provided. The present invention provides automated progression for the labeling of vertebral and inter-vertebral regions, propagation of labels between views and images within a series, centering of label regions relative to the spine, circular lists of predefined labels, and label displays for individual slices of an orthogonal or axial view as a user scrolls through the plurality of image slices of the given view. In a further aspect, the present invention provides automated labeling of vertebral and inter-vertebral regions when a user provides labels for the adjacent two inter-vertebral or vertebral regions. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228996 | BONE SEGMENTATION - A method of automatically identifying bone components in a medical image data set of voxels, the method comprising: a) applying a first set of one or more tests to accept voxels as belonging to seeds, b) applying a second set of one or more tests to accept seeds as bone seeds, and c) expanding the bone seeds into bone components by progressively identifying candidate bone voxels, adjacent to the bone seeds or to other previously identified bone voxels, as bone voxels, responsive to predetermined criteria which distinguish bone voxels from voxels of other body tissue. | 2011-09-22 |
20110228997 | Medical Image Rendering - Medical image rendering is described. In an embodiment a medical image visualization engine receives results from an organ recognition system which provide estimated organ centers, bounding boxes and organ classification labels for a given medical image. In examples the visualization engine uses the organ recognition system results to select appropriate transfer functions, bounding regions, clipping planes and camera locations in order to optimally view an organ. For example, a rendering engine uses the selections to render a two-dimensional image of medical diagnostic quality with minimal user input. In an embodiment a graphical user interface populates a list of organs detected in a medical image and a clinician is able to select one organ and immediately be presented with the optimal view of that organ. In an example opacity of background regions of the medical image may be adjusted to provide context for organs presented in a foreground region. | 2011-09-22 |