Abstract: An apparatus for reducing image artifacts caused by over-ranging or clipping of the data collected in a tomographic scan using a patient support, models the density profile of the patient support with a polynomial. Coefficients of the polynomial are stored in a look-up table according to gantry angle and used to estimate the over-range data. The estimated data is blended with the in-range data by convolving an over-range mask indicating which data is in-range and which data is over-range with a box car convolution kernel which produces a trapezoidal weighting mask. This weighting mask is multiplied by the estimated data and then summed to the in-range data to correct for the over-range portions of the data collected.

Abstract: A method for selecting the most cost-efficient locations for backbone nodes in a distributed data network is disclosed. The method iteratively evaluates candidate backbone node locations, adding in each iteration the candidate whose addition to the network would create the greatest savings in total network cost. After all candidates which produce savings are added to the network, the method iteratively evaluates the backbone node locations and removes those whose removal would create cost savings. Data terminals are reassigned among the backbone nodes in the least cost manner. The method also estimates total network cost based on the resulting network configuration.

Abstract: An improved method of scheduling a meeting among terminal users who are provided with calendaring applications for storing and retrieving timed and dated events. A prompting screen is presented to a meeting scheduler with blanks for keying in desired times, dates, and prospective attendees for a meeting. In response to the schedulers keying to this screen, a comparison is made with the calendar of events for each prospective attendee. As a result of the nonavailability of a meeting time which complies with the desired times, dates and attendees, these factors are automatically altered or "relaxed" in order to achieve an acceptable meeting time. An option list of meeting times is then presented to the scheduler for selection of a meeting time. Based upon the selection of the scheduler, a meeting notification screen is then constructed for transmittal to each attendee.