Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for acquiring images in a biplane angiography system. The system and method allows synchronization of the image zoom format settings for the x-ray images acquired from the two planes of the biplane angiography system thus allowing the user to adjust the image zoom format setting for only one image plane.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a multi radiation generating apparatus having a plurality of radiation generating devices which irradiate a two-dimensional sensor with radiation sets the intensity of radiation with which the plurality of radiation generating devices irradiate the two-dimensional sensor based on information about a part or physique of a patient, which is input by an input device.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a dataset generator within an image controller generating a first derived member of a first dataset from an acquired member of the first dataset. The dataset generator further generates a first derived member of a second dataset from an acquired member of the second dataset. Temporal comparators within the image controller compare the first derived member of the first dataset and the first derived member the second dataset and generate a comparison signal therefrom.

Abstract: An X-ray hybrid diagnosis system includes a single power supply, an X-ray radiography unit, an X-ray CT unit, and a single control console. The single power supply powers X-ray CR system having first X-ray tube and X-ray CT system having second X-ray tube. The X-ray radiography unit irradiates a subject with X-rays from first X-ray tube to obtain an X-ray radiographic image. The X-ray CT unit irradiates the subject with X-rays from the second X-ray tube and acquires projection data from a beam of the X-rays that has passed through the subject, to reconstruct an image using the acquired projection data, and to obtain a tomographic image. The single control console controls the X-ray radiography unit and the X-ray CT unit.

Abstract: A method is for calculating computed tomography pictures from detector data of a CT that uses at least two radiation sources that generate different conical beams. A spatial distribution of attenuation values of a scanned object is reconstructed with the aid of detector data of a first relatively large conical beam. The integral attenuation values that are required to supplement the relatively small conical beam are back calculated from the previously reconstructed data. Finally, a reconstruction of computed tomography pictures is subsequently carried out with the aid of the back calculated integral attenuation data and the measured integral attenuation data of the relatively small conical beam.

Abstract: A technique is provided for imaging a field of view using an X-ray source comprising two or more emission points. The two or more emission points may be independently operated. Independent operation of the two or more emission points in performed in accordance with a list of commands that specifies the operation of the emission points. The list of commands, in one embodiment, is stored in a sequence buffer. In other embodiments, the list of commands is generated for a given usage, without being stored in a sequence buffer.

Abstract: A system for detecting and classifying small amounts of explosives and other controlled substances while rejecting confounders, including a source/detector array formed of a plurality of sources and a plurality of detectors, a signal processor coupled to the source/detector array for processing data received from the detectors, a classifier coupled to the signal processor for classifying data received from the signal processor according to a plurality of algorithms, a maximal rejection classifier coupled to the classifier; and a declarative decision module coupled to the maximal rejection classifier for rendering an accurate decision regarding the contents of the object is provided. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a shield layer disposed within the enclosure, a cavity disposed within the shield layer, a plurality of neutron sources and a detection array disposed within the cavity, and a transport mechanism for moving objects through the cavity past the sources and detection array.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image processing circuit having a first mode that corrects an offset between a first image and a second image that are adjacent to each other to synthesize the first image and the second image into a new third image, and a second mode that corrects an offset between the third image and a fourth image that are adjacent to each other to synthesize the third image and the fourth image into a new fifth image.

Abstract: An energy selective radiation sensor has a photodetector and a transfer gate for controlling transfer of charge from the photodetector to a first sense node. A first readout circuit is provided for reading out charge from the first node. In use a first charge accumulated in the photodetector from a first predetermined portion of an energy spectrum of a radiation source is transferred to the first sense node. A second charge is accumulated in the photodetector from a second predetermined portion of the energy spectrum. The first charge is readout from the first sense node with the readout circuit, the second charge transferred to the first sense node and likewise readout. In embodiments of the invention, a second sense node and second transfer gate are provided and the first charge is read out through a first sense node and the second charge through the second sense node.

Abstract: A system and method for stereoscopically imaging a patient at multiple locations in a radiation treatment system with variable imaging geometry to enable the delivery of radiation treatments from multiple ranges of treatment angles without obstructing the imaging system or the radiation treatment.

Abstract: A method for radiation therapy with target recognition has a first target identification system for obtaining first target characteristics within a patient's body. A second target identification system obtains second target characteristics within the body aided by the first target characteristics. A computation means for calculation of three-dimensional coordinates of the target region with respect to a three-dimensional radiotherapy system uses the second target characteristics. Irradiation means for radiotherapy mode adaptation is used in response to the second target characteristics and the calculation of three-dimensional coordinates of the target region.

Abstract: X-ray monochromators and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) systems using such monochromators are disclosed. A turretless x-ray monochromator may have a cassette of reflectors instead of a turret. The cassette stores a plurality of reflectors that can be inserted into a conventional Rowland circle monochromator geometry. A transfer mechanism selectively moves reflectors from the cassette to a reflector positioner. The use of the cassette allows each reflector to be placed closer to a source of x-rays, thereby allowing a larger solid angle for x-ray collection. An alternative x-ray monochromator uses a non-focusing reflector that can be fixed, scanned axially or scanned radially to provide large solid angle detection of x-rays at various energies with a single reflector.

Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.

Abstract: A method for obtaining diagnostic information about a region of a living being, the region having a medical device with a radiopaque portion disposed therein. An X-ray beam having a first energy level in excess of the K-absorption edge of the radiopaque portion of the medical device is directed at the region to obtain a first image information and radiographically locate the medical device within the living being and an X-ray beam having second energy level at or below the K-absorption edge is applied to the region to obtain a second image information.

Abstract: Methods for correcting a bone density value for an effect of lead are disclosed. One method includes determining an apparent bone density in a patient; applying a correction factor to the apparent bone density, the correction factor being based on a blood lead level; and deriving a corrected bone density value for the patient.

Abstract: A method and a CT system are disclosed for determining movement and rest phases of a partial object that moves at times in an examination object during a CT examination. In at least one embodiment, at least two different radiation sources are used for the comparative measurement, and a first radiation source emits a first fan beam at a specific rotation angle at a first instant, the absorption of said beam being measured in beamwise fashion, a second radiation source emits a second fan beam, at the same rotation angle at a second, later instant, the absorption of the beam likewise being measured in beamwise fashion, and the relative movement or relative rest of the partial object between the first and second instants is deduced by comparing deviating absorption values of a multiplicity of spatially equivalent and equidirectional fan beams proceeding from the same angular position of the radiation sources.

Abstract: A system for arranging a plurality of visual displays communicated from a plurality of data acquiring sources for illustration on a plurality of displays fields of an at least one monitor is provided. The system includes a controller in communication with each of the plurality of data acquiring sources and the at least one monitor. The controller includes a processor operable to execute a plurality of programming instructions stored in a memory. The programming instructions include the acts of receiving a predefined arrangement of the series of visual displays for simultaneous illustration in the series of display fields of the at least one monitor, storing the predefined arrangement in the memory, and communicating the plurality of visuals displays from the series of data acquiring sources to the series of display fields, respectively, of the least one monitor in accordance to the predefined arrangement stored in the memory.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system is presented. The system includes a system controller and a plurality of sub-system controllers. Each sub-system controller is configured to facilitate generation of a radiation beam through an imaging volume in a desired sequence. In addition, the system includes a first communication link configured to couple the system controller and each of the sub-system controllers, where the first communication link is configured to communicate sequencing commands and imaging protocol data. The system also includes a second communication link configured to couple the system controller and each of the sub-system controllers, where the second communication link is configured to communicate X-ray source event data. The X-ray source event data comprises a plurality of pulses of individually addressable radiation sources. Additionally, the system includes one or more detector sections configured to receive a transmitted radiation beam.

Abstract: A method for Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is provided. The method comprises rotating a gantry at a substantially slow rotation speed about a volume of interest. The gantry comprises a combination of X-ray source points. The X-ray source points comprise one or more discrete emission points and an arc of discrete or continuous X-ray source points. The method then comprises obtaining projection data from the combination of X-ray source points and performing a suitable reconstruction based on the projection data obtained from the combination of X-ray source points, to generate one or more reconstructed images.

Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus includes a photographing system and a movement control section. The photographing system is made up of a normal X-ray source for irradiating X rays to a subject, a small focus X-ray source for irradiating X rays to the subject, and an X-ray detector for obtaining an image signal by detecting X rays transmitted through the subject. The movement control section moves and controls at least one component from among the normal X-ray source, the small focus X-ray source, and the X-ray detector so that the arrangement of the photographing system is switched between a first arrangement suitable for normal photography in which the subject is photographed employing the normal X-ray source, and a second arrangement suitable for magnified photography in which the subject is magnified and photographed, employing the small focus X-ray source.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging apparatus, an optical sensor (phototimer detection unit) corresponding to a conventional photomultiplier is incorporated in a two-dimensional sensor (on a signal line), and a signal from the phototimer detection unit is integrated and monitored, thereby performing exposure control. This makes it possible to incorporate the phototimer detection unit without affecting the aperture ratio of pixels which influence the performance of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the characteristics of a MIS type photoelectric conversion unit, thereby performing proper exposure control.

Abstract: The radiographic X-ray device according to this invention is constituted in such a way that positional relation detecting unit 25 detects in real time the information regarding the positional relations between X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8 that thoroughly represents the overall current status of the positional relations of external surfaces of both X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8 where collisions between first and second X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8 may occur, that the information regarding the positional relations detected by positional relation detecting unit 25 is taken into consideration in controlling the motions of X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8, and that the current status of the positional relations of external surfaces of both X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8 can be thoroughly and accurately reflected upon the motions of X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8 without any difficulty, so that any collisions of X-ray imaging systems 4 and 8 can be avoided without fail.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus in which an optimum characteristic amount for use in an image processing can constantly correctly be extracted from an object image, an optimum image processing can therefore be performed, and a satisfactory image can be outputted. To achieve this, a first extraction section limits a predetermined area from the object image (X-ray image), and extracts a first characteristic amount from the predetermined area. A second extraction section extracts a second characteristic amount from a fixed area of the object image. A selection section selects a characteristic amount for use in a gray scale conversion processing from the first and second characteristic amounts based on a result of comparison of a difference between the first characteristic amount and the second characteristic amount with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a virtual three-dimensional representation of a first portion of a bone. The method may comprise obtaining, from a first orientation with respect to the first portion of the bone, first image data of the first portion of the bone and obtaining, from a second, different orientation with respect to the first portion of the bone, second image data of the first portion of the bone. A three-dimensional (3D) virtual representation of the first portion of the bone may be generated. The 3D virtual representation of the first portion of the bone may be displayed. The displayed 3D virtual representation may have an orientation, determined using at least the difference between the first and second orientations from which the first and second image data were obtained.

Abstract: An imaging system and method includes a detector framing node (DFN) being programmable to receive image data from a panel detector, and to store the image data for later transfer of the image data by way of a direct memory access (DMA) transfer. The imaging system and method also includes a DFN control unit configured to control operation of the DFN and to output at least one DMA instruction to the DFN, the at least one DMA instruction corresponding to a dummy DMA instruction that disables a start of a DMA transfer corresponding to execution of the at least one DMA instruction. The imaging system and method further includes an auxiliary image interface being programmable to detect the dummy DMA instruction, to issue a DMA request to the DFN in accordance with the dummy DMA instruction, and to convert data received from the DFN into a different format, to output to a host unit that is capable of processing the data received in the different format.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus of this invention includes a first data detecting system which includes a first X-ray tube and a first X-ray detector and a second data detecting system which includes a second X-ray tube and a second X-ray detector. A reconstructing unit reconstructs image data on the basis of the data detected by at least one of the first and second data detecting systems. A monitoring unit monitors the first data detecting system. In a period during which the first data detecting system is normal, data acquisition is performed by both the first and second data detecting systems. In a period during which the first data detecting system is faulty, data acquisition is performed by the second data detecting system alone.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image processing circuit having a first mode that corrects an offset between a first image and a second image that are adjacent to each other to synthesize the first image and the second image into a new third image, and a second mode that corrects an offset between the third image and a fourth image that are adjacent to each other to synthesize the third image and the fourth image into a new fifth image.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a first X-ray tube configured to generate X-rays with which a subject to be examined is irradiated, a first X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays transmitted through the subject, a second X-ray tube which generates X-rays with which a treatment target of the subject is irradiated, a rotating mechanism which rotates the first X-ray tube, the first X-ray detector, and the second X-ray tube around the subject, a reconstructing unit configured to reconstruct an image on the basis of data detected by the first X-ray detector, and a support mechanism which supports the second X-ray tube. The central axis of X-rays from the second X-ray tube tilts with respect to a body axis of the subject. This makes it possible to reduce the dose on a portion other than a treatment target.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus in which an optimum characteristic amount for use in an image processing can constantly correctly be extracted from an object image, an optimum image processing can therefore be performed, and a satisfactory image can be outputted. To achieve this, a first extraction section limits a predetermined area from the object image (X-ray image), and extracts a first characteristic amount from the predetermined area. A second extraction section extracts a second characteristic amount from a fixed area of the object image. A selection section selects a characteristic amount for use in a gray scale conversion processing from the first and second characteristic amounts based on a result of comparison of a difference between the first characteristic amount and the second characteristic amount with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A thermographic infrared apparatus and method for seeing, and thus measuring, a foot inside of a shoe. The apparatus includes one or more thermographic instruments aimed at a base for capturing one or more thermographic images or fields of view of a shoe on the base and thus the heat transferred to the shoe from the foot. The apparatus further includes a display mounted above the base and aimed at the eye level of a person standing on the base such that the person can determine from the thermographic image how well the shoe or shoes fit. The method includes one or more of the steps of taking a thermal infrared image of a shoe on a foot, taking a thermal infrared image of a foot having no shoe thereon, taking a thermal infrared image of a shoe having no foot therein, taking a thermal infrared image from a first direction, taking a thermal infrared image from a second direction to capture surfaces hidden from the first direction, and then comparing one or more of the thermal infrared images.

Abstract: A method for obtaining diagnostic information about a region of a living being, the region having a medical device with a radiopaque portion disposed therein. An X-ray beam having a first energy level in excess of the K-absorption edge of the radiopaque portion of the medical device is directed at the region to obtain a first image information and radiographically locate the medical device within the living being and an X-ray beam having second energy level at or below the K-absorption edge is applied to the region to obtain a second image information.

Abstract: A radiographing apparatus, is provided which includes a control section and a plurality of radiographing sections, each of which is connected to the control section. The control section establishes a standby mode in each of the radiography sections when each of the plurality of radiographing sections has been unused for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A fabrication technique for manufacturing an optical element is disclosed. It involves selectively plasma etching a multi-layer stack and covering the obtained relief profile with a film, for example a reflective coating.

Abstract: A controller is provided for selectively and independently control each of a plurality of therapeutic radiation sources arranged along an array. The controller is operable to selectively generate therapeutic radiation at selected time intervals and at selected intensities. The controller includes intensity control circuitry for controlling the intensity of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller also includes duration control circuitry for controlling the duration of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller may also include a mechanical introducer for inserting the array into a treatment region, and for withdrawing the array from the treatment region.

Abstract: Parallel X-ray beams with two kinds of wavelength are taken with the use of a single parabolic multilayer mirror. A single parabola prepared for a CuK&agr; X-ray is used for taking parallel X-ray beams of both the CuK&agr; X-ray and the CoK&agr; X-ray. The CuK&agr; ray emitted from a first X-ray focal spot located at the focus of the parabola is reflected at a reflecting surface composed of the parabola to become a parallel beam going out. When a second X-ray focal spot is arranged at the position apart from the first X-ray focal spot by a predetermined distance, the CoK&agr; X-ray emitted from the second X-ray focal spot is reflected at the same reflecting surface to become a parallel beam going out.

Abstract: An electron microscope is offered which is fitted with an X-ray spectrometer having a compact optical system and high resolution. The spectrometer has a spectrometer chamber whose inside is evacuated by a vacuum pumping system. A diffraction grating having unequally spaced grooves is placed in the chamber. An X-ray detector is mounted to an end of the chamber. The X-ray spectrometer is mounted to the sidewall of the electron microscope via a gate valve. A specimen is irradiated with an electron beam and emits characteristic X-rays, which are made to impinge on the face of the grating at a large angle with respect to the normal line to the face. Diffracted X-rays from the grating reach the X-ray detector and are detected.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a system which has a plurality of sensor units and can efficiently sense an image. A sensing system includes a plurality of sensor units, a plurality of selection switches that are arranged in correspondence with the plurality of sensor units, respectively, and select corresponding sensor units, and a control circuit for setting a sensor unit selected by the selection switch in a ready state and an unselected sensor unit in a sleep state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for advanced, multiple-projection, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning systems include combinations of a conical collimator; a high-resolution two-dimensional detector; a portable, power-capped, variable-exposure-time power supply; an exposure-time control element; calibration monitoring; a three-dimensional anti-scatter-grid; and a gantry-gantry base assembly that permits up to seven projection angles for overlapping beams. Such systems are capable of high precision bone structure measurements that can support three dimensional bone modeling and derivations of bone strength, risk of injury, and efficacy of countermeasures among other properties.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system utilizing a pixelated X-ray source and a X-ray imaging detector operated synchronously. The imaging system may be used in industrial and medical applications. The X-ray source and X-ray detector are synchronized such that a corresponding area of the X-ray detector is activated when the corresponding area of the X-ray source is emitting X-rays. Synchronized and adaptive emission and detection of the X-rays results in scatter rejection, improved image quality, and optimum exposure and dose reduction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering localized x-ray radiation to the interior of a body includes a plurality of x-ray sources disposed in a distal portion of a flexible catheter shaft. The plurality of x-ray sources are secured to a flexible cord disposed longitudinally throughout at least a portion of the shaft. The plurality of x-ray sources are electrically coupled to a control circuit for activating specific ones of the plurality of x-ray sources in order to customize the irradiation of the interior of the body.

Abstract: A self-modulated solid state laser comprises an intracavity optical waveguide that supports a multiplicity of lasing filaments each at a different optical frequency. At least two of the filaments temporally beat with one another so as to modulate the intensity of the laser output. In accordance with one embodiment of our invention, the waveguide supports a multiplicity of transverse modes, and the laser includes a mode mixing mechanism that mixes the energy of at least two pairs of the modes, each coupled pair generating a separate filament. In an illustrative embodiment, the filaments are mode locked and the laser output is modulated at a frequency on the order of 1 THz.

Abstract: A system for recording information on a film medium sensitive to X-rays, without disturbing the radiographic image previously recorded on the same film. The system includes a set of adjacent X-rays sources and a source control which sequentially controls the X-rays emitted by each source. Different printing levels on the medium are obtained by controlling X-ray output dosage by each source.

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a stationary gantry (10) defining an examination region (12) and a rotating gantry (16) which rotates about the examination region. At least two x-ray tubes (18a, 18b), each capable of producing a beam of radiation directed through the examination region, are mounted to the rotating gantry. The x-ray tubes are switchably connected to an electrical power supply (24). X-rays are detected by an arc of x-ray detectors (14) which generate signals indicative of the radiation received. These signals are processed by a reconstruction processor (32) into an image representation. A thermal calculator (60) estimates when an anode in one of the x-ray tubes (18) reaches a selected temperature. The thermal calculator (60) controls a switch (28) which is electrically connected between the x-ray tubes and the power supply. The switch selectively switches power from the power supply alternately to the x-ray tubes.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus has a computed tomography device including a first X-ray tube, which is fastened to a gantry ring (10) and which emits a fan-shaped effective beam, and an opposed radiation receiver, which is formed by a row of individual detectors, each of which forms an electrical signal corresponding to the received radiation intensity. A second X-ray tube is additionally fastened to the gantry ring at a right angle to the first X-ray tube, opposite which, at the gantry ring, a matrix-like X-ray detector is arranged. The second X-ray tube is activated in specified positions in pulsed fashion, such as at the uppermost rotational point. X-ray shadowgraphs thus can be produced simultaneously with CT images and without a need for repositioning any of the apparatus components.

Abstract: A mobile, bi-planar fluoroscopic imaging apparatus has first and second imaging systems disposed on first and second C-arms. The C-arms are preferably disposed on wheeled bases allowing for movement from one place to another. Alternatively, the first C-arm is large and disposed on a wheeled base while the second C-arm is smaller and disposed on the first C-arm such that it nests. A controller sends trigger pulses to the imaging systems causing the systems to alternate operation. Alternatively, the first and second systems are configured in a master/slave relationship with the master system sending triggering pulses to the slave. A display continuously displays the images produced by the imaging systems such that an image produced by the first system is displayed while the second system operated to produce an image and vis versa. A storage device stored the images as they are produced and later delivers the images to the display for viewing.

Abstract: An multi-planar radiation emission system, preferably an X-ray biplanar transillumination system, for generating planar images of a subject from different perspectives includes a first X-ray source which emits first pulses of X-ray radiation toward a subject from a first direction at a first repetition rate, a first imaging device which detects the first pulses and generates a first image of the subject from a first perspective, a second X-ray source which emits second pulses of X-ray radiation toward the subject from a second direction at a second repetition rate which is different from the first repetition rate, wherein the first and second pulses are temporally interleaved and non-overlapping, and a second imaging device which detects the second pulses and generates a second image of the subject from a second perspective.

Abstract: A bi-plane x-ray diagnostic apparatus has two x-ray tubes and two radiation receivers for respectively obtaining images from an examination subject in two different planes. Both x-ray tubes are fed by a single high-frequency generator, having a common chain therein including an intermediate DC voltage circuit, an inverse rectifier and a high-voltage transformer. Emission of x-rays from each of the x-ray tubes ensues via pulses supplied to control grids in the respective x-ray tubes. The operating parameters and the dose can be independently set for the respective images in the two planes.

Abstract: In an all electronic multi energy system at least two levels of x-ray energy are produced sequentially and rapidly at independently controllable and different power or flux levels. In the system there are a triode x-ray tube which selects the operating current of the system and a series connected temperature limited diode or triode which controls the voltage across the first x-ray tube. This system provides improved performance in x-ray imaging applications at low cost, for example, in baggage inspection or measurements of bone densities and medical fluoroscopy. The objective of the system is to produce a maximum amount of useful information with a minimum amount of exposure for the patient or object to be illuminated by x-ray flux. With human patients this is desirable for health safety reasons; for baggage inspection, to reduce exposure to photographic films.

Abstract: An apparatus for transradiating an object moving on a conveyor path has a radiation generator for generating at least one fan-shaped radiation beam directed at the object and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the conveyor path, a number of line-shaped radiation detectors disposed for receiving radiation after passing through respective portions of the object with radiation passing through one portion of the object being received by one of the detectors, and all of the detectors in combination receiving all of the radiation passing through the object, and an evaluation unit connected to the detectors for evaluating signals therefrom to form an image of the object.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes x-ray apparatus and auxiliary apparatus, such as a sheet film camera or an image intensifier television chain, as well as comprising operating consoles for generator and apparatus control. The operating consoles are intelligent data display apparatus which are connected to a central computer unit which controls the x-ray generator and the x-ray apparatus and which effects the display of data of the x-ray diagnostic system on the data display apparatus. The data display apparatus are provided with a matrix arrangement for the purpose of data input through manual contacting of the display screen at a location corresponding to a desired input.