Abstract: A digital video recorder has an analog source and at least a digital source. The analog source is encoded by an encoder. A multiplexer is connected to both the encoder and the digital source. The multiplexer is also connected to a medium interface for recording and reading on a medium and to a digital decoder linked to a display.

Abstract: A VCR is connectable to a television receiver and a decoder of scrambled signal. The VCR provides connection paths for coupling a video signal and an audio signal between the television receiver and the decoder. The VCR receives a control signal from the decoder indicating whether the video signal received by the television receiver is scrambled. In a first stand-by mode of the VCR, if the video signal is not scrambled, only the video signal is routed to the decoder through the VCR. If a scrambled signal is received, then the audio signal is also routed to the decoder through the VCR.

Abstract: A multi-directional x-ray imager for use with an isocentric therapy x-ray machine having a rotatable x-ray source. The imager has a fluorescence screen which emits light when excited by x-rays from the source and an imaging camera which images the light emission. A rotational joint rotates and aligns the screen relative to a different rotated position of the source relative to the patient. The camera is positioned out of the straight line path of the x-rays passing through the screen, amd a deflecting mirror deflects the emitted light to the camera. The mirror includes a thin sheet of reflective material, such as aluminized plastic, to prevent the x-rays impinging thereon from scattering to the (solid state video) camera.

Abstract: An x-ray imager system of the type that indicates alignment of patient treatment field with x-ray field, using fluorescence screen and imaging sensor, has a cabinet that permits selection of two pre-determinable orientations of cabinet parts mounting the fluorescence screen and sensor (1) at 90.degree. to each other and (2) in linear alignment with each other, by pivoting of upper and lower portions of the cabinet relative to each other. For this, any axially aligned ring-bearing fixed at 45.degree. to the vertical rotatively joins together respective 45.degree. diagonal ends of the cabinet parts, and a detent holds the diagonal ends in either of the two pre-determinable positions of the cabinet parts to each other. A mirror that relays the image at one orientation can be retracted from position in the light path to avoid the beam, when not used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the on-line treatment monitoring of patients during radiation teletherapy. A patient is positioned in the irradiation portal of the radiation teletherapy machine in a supposed effective treatment position, and operation of the machine is effected to provide several pulses of high energy x-rays. The pulses are detected by a plurality of solid-state detectors disposed on the opposite side of the patient as the teletherapy machine, and the pulses are transformed to electrical signals. Lead covers the detectors to screen out low energy radiation. The electrical signals are immediately automatically converted to a readable display providing the landmarks of the irradiation portal, and the patient's position as defined by the landmarks is compared to a predetermined desired position for effective treatment.