Abstract: An apparatus for operating an imaging device. The apparatus can include a platform assembly supporting the apparatus on a surface and extending in a first plane, a first arm rotatable about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first plane, with the axis of rotation being disposed at the platform assembly. The apparatus can further include a second arm coupled to the first arm and extending in a second plane, a carriage slidably coupled to the second arm, with the carriage including a mount couplable to the imaging device, and the mount being tiltable in the second plane. The apparatus can further include at least one electronic system configured to control one or more of a rotation of the first arm, a sliding of the carriage, and a tilting of the mount.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for managing network communications. In one embodiment, the method includes gathering, using performance information packet (PIP) data packets, network performance information from a communications network that includes network performance information from a set of egress points between the communications network and an outside network. The method selects a network connection including an egress point and an egress packet path within the communications network to the egress point offering the best quality of service between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The method then establishes the network connection between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a problem on a packet network. Network performance information associated with data packet communications over a packet network may be collected. A network performance information parameter may be monitored and a determination that the network performance information parameter crosses a threshold value may be made. In response to determining that the network performance information parameter crossed the threshold value, diagnostics may be initiated to determine a cause of the network performance information parameter crossing the threshold value.

Abstract: A method for establishing a call over a packet network may include receiving a call request on a packet network from an originating call device. Status one or more segments of a transmission path may be determined. If the status of the segments are within a first range, the call between the originating and terminating call device over the determined transmission path at a first data rate may be established. Otherwise, if the status of one or more segments is within a second range, a determination as to whether the originating trunk and terminating segment can operate at a second data rate may be made, and, if so, the call may be established over the transmission path between the originating call device and terminating call device at the second data rate.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for managing network communications. In one embodiment, the method includes gathering, using performance information packet (PIP) data packets, network performance information from a communications network that includes network performance information from a set of egress points between the communications network and an outside network. The method selects a network connection including an egress point and an egress packet path within the communications network to the egress point offering the best quality of service between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The method then establishes the network connection between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for managing network communications. In one embodiment, the method includes gathering, using performance information packet (PIP) data packets, network performance information from a communications network that includes network performance information from a set of egress points between the communications network and an outside network. The method selects a network connection including an egress point and an egress packet path within the communications network to the egress point offering the best quality of service between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The method then establishes the network connection between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.

Abstract: A system and method for determining network performance information. The system includes an interface configured to communicate between customer premise equipment (CPE) and a communications device. The system also includes one or more processing units in communication with the interface. The one or more processing units are configured to generate packets communicated by the interface between the CPE and the communications device to determine the network performance information.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include system and method for routing communications over a communications network. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether to establish a communication along a communication path based on network performance information. The disclosed embodiments provide several alternatives for establishing the communication and improving communications along the communication path in response to a determination that at least one network node along the communication path is impaired or congested.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communications networks. Network performance information is gathered from a first communications network using performance information packet data packets. A network operator of the first communications network is controlled from a secondary communications network using the performance information packet data packets. Changes to the network operator are implemented based on instructions included in the performance information packet data packets.

Abstract: A pin-hole firewall network communications device that includes a first port configured to communicate data packets over a packet network and a first counter module in communication with the first port. A pin-hole firewall module may be in communication with the first counter module. A call control module may be in communication with the first counter module and the pin-hole firewall function. The call control module is configured to communicate with the pin-hole firewall module to alter the communication of data packets through a firewall pin-hole. A second counter module may be in communication with the pin-hole firewall function and the call control module. A second port may in communication with the second counter module and the packet network and be configured to communicate data packets over a second node segment of the packet network.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, computer program product, and method for routing a call over a packet network. A call request may be received from a calling party to call a called party at a network address. At least one potential call path over a packet network may be determined to connect the calling party to the called party at the network address. Network performance information associated with each potential call path may be accessed and a determination may be made that each of the call paths are impaired or congested. In response to determining that each of the call paths are impaired or congested, the call may be routed over a call path other than one of the at least one potential call paths to enable the calling party to communicate with the called party.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a problem on a packet network. Network performance information associated with data packet communications over a packet network may be collected. A network performance information parameter may be monitored and a determination that the network performance information parameter crosses a threshold value may be made. In response to determining that the network performance information parameter crossed the threshold value, diagnostics may be initiated to determine a cause of the network performance information parameter crossing the threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a problem on a packet network. Network performance information associated with data packet communications over a packet network may be collected. A network performance information parameter may be monitored and a determination that the network performance information parameter crosses a threshold value may be made. In response to determining that the network performance information parameter crossed the threshold value, diagnostics may be initiated to determine a cause of the network performance information parameter crossing the threshold value.

Abstract: A system, method and network communications device including a processing unit configured to communicate data packets with one or more network communications devices. The data packets include network performance information generated by the one or more network communications devices in response to receiving a portion of the data packets. The network communications device further includes a memory in communication with the processing unit. The memory is configured to store a table containing network performance information associated with the node segments through which the data packets are communicated with the one or more network communications devices. The processing unit is further configured to process the data packets to store the network performance information in the table. The network performance information is utilized to alter future communications of the data packets through the node segments.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communications networks. Network performance information is gathered from a first communications network using performance information packet data packets. A network operator of the first communications network is controlled from a secondary communications network using the performance information packet data packets. Changes to the network operator are implemented based on instructions included in the performance information packet data packets.

Abstract: A system and method for restricting access to network performance information associated with communications over a packet network. A request may be received from a user to access network performance information associated with communications of data packets over a packet network. A determination as to whether the user has permission to access the network performance information may be made. In response to determining that the user has permission to access the network performance information, the user may be enabled to access the network performance information; otherwise, the user may be prevented from accessing the network performance information. The network performance information may include information associated with communications of data packets including real-time content and non-real-time content.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communications networks. Network performance information is gathered from a first communications network using performance information packet data packets. A network operator of the first communications network is controlled from a secondary communications network using the performance information packet data packets. Changes to the network operator are implemented based on instructions included in the performance information packet data packets.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for managing network communications. In one embodiment, the method includes gathering, using performance information packet (PIP) data packets, network performance information from a communications network that includes network performance information from a set of egress points between the communications network and an outside network. The method selects a network connection including an egress point and an egress packet path within the communications network to the egress point offering the best quality of service between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The method then establishes the network connection between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, computer program product, and method for routing a call over a packet network. A call request may be received from a calling party to call a called party at a network address. At least one potential call path over a packet network may be determined to connect the calling party to the called party at the network address. Network performance information associated with each potential call path may be accessed and a determination may be made that each of the call paths are impaired or congested. In response to determining that each of the call paths are impaired or congested, the call may be routed over a call path other than one of the at least one potential call paths to enable the calling party to communicate with the called party.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for managing network communications. In one embodiment, the method includes gathering, using performance information packet (PIP) data packets, network performance information from a communications network that includes network performance information from a set of egress points between the communications network and an outside network. The method selects a network connection including an egress point and an egress packet path within the communications network to the egress point offering the best quality of service between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The method then establishes the network connection between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.