Abstract: In a mobile terminal provided with an encoded data recording function, there is assumed a condition in which a picture frame transmitted from the terminal of a communication partner is reproduced by means of decoding processing and is displayed on a LCD (34) during wireless TV phone communication. In this condition, when a user carries out a picture recording start operation, display picture data reproduced by means of decoding processing in the multimedia processing section (24) to be displayed on the LCD (34) are recorded in a main recording section (26).

Abstract: A motion picture coding and decoding apparatus synthesizes a lower layer frame at a certain time by using first component area information of a lower layer preceding in the time and second component area information of a lower layer succeeding in the time. For an area where the first and second component areas overlapped, or for an area which is neither the first nor the second component area on the lower layer frame, lower layer frames preceding and succeeding in time are subjected to weighted average for synthetisization. For the area corresponding to the first component area only, the lower layer frame succeeding in time is used, and for the area corresponding to the second component area only on the synthesized lower layer frame, the lower layer frame preceding in time is used, for synthesizing the lower layer.

Abstract: A method encodes a video a video objects. For each candidate object, a quantizer parameter and a skip parameter that jointly minimizes an average total distortion in the video are determined while satisfying predetermined constraints. The average total distortion includes spatial distortion of coded objects and spatial and temporal distortion of uncoded objects. Then, the candidate objects is encoded as the coded objects with the quantizer parameter and the skip parameter, and the candidate objects is skipped as the uncoded objects with the skip parameter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the amount of data used to transmit still images during the transmission of a video sequence from a first to a second location are disclosed. The apparatus of one embodiment comprises encoding means (105) arrange for intraframe encoding still images for transmission and intraframe encoding part or all of selected video sequence frames, calculating means (106) for determining the data size of intraframe encoded video sequence frames and control means (107) for controlling intraframe encoding of still images for transmission in dependence on the determined intraframe encoded size of a previous video sequence frame. The system can be operated in a way so as to remain H.263 compliant. Other embodiments control the data size by adjusting the quantization used for each Macroblock and by reprocessing each Group of Blocks until a desired data size is reached.

Abstract: An image compositing and compression method based on the creation and processing of parallax differences in motion photography. A parallax scanning MOE lens creates discrete parallax differences in the objects in the recorded scene that are perceived by the viewer as enhanced texture and depth when displayed. Using parallax differences in a captured scene, a computer can detect objects for the purpose of creating image compositing mattes. This method allows matte passes to be filmed on location at the time of principal photography, thereby saving costly additional blue/green stage production shoot days associated with traveling matte techniques. In addition, because the mattes are based on parallax scan differences in the recorded scene and not on a uniform color and luminance process, certain conflicting scene subject colors will not have to be avoided. Also, because the matte scenes are recorded on location, the lighting in each of the various elements matches in the final composited image.

Abstract: Image data is decomposed into subbands and quantized by a discrete wavelet transformer (102) and coefficient quantizer (103). On the other hand, a high-resolution region information input unit (105) inputs region designation information H(x, y) that designates a region which requires a high resolution, and a mask generator (106) obtains, based on H(x, y), mask information M(S, x, y) indicating if coefficients of HL2, LH2, and HH2 are generated with reference to pixels of the high-resolution region. A coefficient correction unit (104) corrects the quantized coefficients of respective subbands with reference to M(S, x, y) if subband S is one of HL2, LH2, and HH2, and does not correct if subband S is other than HL2, LH2, and HH2.

Abstract: A method in a scalable encoder for reducing the average latency associated with randomly accessing an encoded digital video signal is disclosed. This method may include converting a digital video signal into a first layer having a first degree of quality and a second layer having a second degree of quality that is higher than the first degree of quality. The method may also include encoding the first layer at a first intra-frame rate, and encoding the second layer at a second intra-frame rate that is lower than the first intra-frame rate. A method in a scalable decoder for reducing the average latency associated with randomly accessing an encoded digital video signal is also provided. The method includes accessing a first layer of a digital video signal. The first layer includes the digital video signal encoded at a first degree of quality and a first intra-frame rate. The method also includes accessing a second layer of the digital video signal.

Abstract: A video signal coding method is provided which finds proper decision curves according to characteristics of input frames and encodes the optimal macroblock by using the decision curves instead of a fixed motion/no-motion compensation curve and intra/inter coding curve. The optimal mode is selected for each macroblock of input frame and it is determined through a step of judging whether the input frame is intra mode using a given function, a step of judging whether the input frame is inter mode when it is not intra mode using a given function, a step of controlling quantizer using a predetermined critical value when it is not inter mode, and step of performing skip when the quantizer controlling step is not carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for compression and multi-screen process of digital video signals by multi-thread scaling. The method comprises. (a) a step to scale the resolutions of digital video signals; and (b) a step to compress or process for multi-screens the scaled digital video signals. The device comprises: multi-channel analog/digital converters, a compression FIFO; a multi-screen FIFO; a CPU which initializes each channel's analog/digital converter, and a video processor which transmits to the video memory. The processor for compression/multi-screen process may conduct the compression and multi-screen process sequentially from the compression FIFO and the multi-screen FIFO depending on the even/odd fields of the signals Thus, the method and device uses N analog/digital converters for the same N channels while providing the same function as the conventional system.

Abstract: A pixel calculating device that performs vertical filtering on pixel data in order to reduce frame data in a vertical direction. The pixel calculating device includes a decoding unit 401 for decoding compressed video data to produce frame data, frame memory 402 for storing the frame data, a filtering unit 403 for reducing the frame data in a vertical direction by means of the vertical filtering to produce a reduced image, buffer memory 404 for storing the reduced image outputted from filtering unit 403, and a control unit 406 for controlling filtering unit 403 based on a decoding state of the video data by decoding unit 401 and a filtering state of the frame data by filtering unit 403, so that overrun and underrun do not occur in filtering unit 403.

Abstract: A complexity scalable decoder system and method. The system comprises: a decoder having a plurality of functional blocks for decoding compressed video data, the decoder further includes a plurality of scalable functions for selectively reducing a complexity of at least one of the functional blocks; and a local resource controller for generating a scaling strategy for the decoder, wherein the scaling strategy is selected in response to a complexity requirement received from a system resource manager, and wherein the scaling strategy is selected from a plurality of predetermined scaling strategies available to the local resource controller. Each of the predetermined scaling strategies may be selected from a look-up table designed off-line.

Abstract: A system and method disposed to enable real-time creation and manipulation of digital media within a conventional personal computer environment without dedicated hardware assistance is disclosed herein. In particular, one disclosed method is directed to generating a compressed video output signal using a computing device. The method includes decoding a previously compressed first digital video bit stream to obtain a first decoded digital video signal. The first decoded digital video signal is mixed with a second digital video signal in order to produce a mixed video signal. In addition, the mixed video signal is recompressed so as to form the compressed video output signal wherein the mixing and recompressing are performed by the computing device in substantially in real-time.

Abstract: A method of filtering a packet data stream as transmitted in a digital audiovisual transmission system characterized in that transport packet data is filtered at a first stage by a digital filter (42) according to the characteristics of the transport packet header, selected filtered data being then passed directly to a memory element (44) within the receiver/decoder. In a second aspect, the method comprises filtering a packet data stream characterized in that transport packet data is filtered at a first stage by a first digital filter (42) according to the characteristics of the transport packet header, selected filtered data from the payload corresponding to a continuous flux of data then being passed to a second digital filter (45) for a second stage of filtering.

Abstract: Generating a wideband modulated signal includes modulating a substantially continuous waveform according to a modulation scheme and chopping the modulated substantially continuous waveform to generate a chopped signal having a broader spectrum than the spectrum of the substantially continuous waveform. The modulation of the substantially continuous waveform is detectable from the chopped waveform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for modulating a signal to be transmitted by multiple channel frequency shift keying, transmitting the same through a power line and then demodulating it easily by frequency conversion. By the multiple channel frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation, attenuation or distortion caused by noise and multi-path fading in a power line communication channel can be prevented, and the performance for phase response characteristics can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a device (1) for processing received signals transmitted via a transmission channel (4), said device comprising obtaining means (2a) adapted to obtain an estimated response function (h+e) of said transmission channel (4), based on said received signals (y); deriving means (2b) adapted to derive and estimated variance (&dgr;2) of said received signals (y); and modifying means (2c) adapted to modify said estimated response function (h+e) by applying said estimated variance (&bgr;2) to said estimated response function (h+e), thereby obtaining a modified impulse response (h). The present invention also proposes a corresponding method.

Abstract: A channel tuning apparatus which improves operability by eliminating a need for a user to select a CATV mode and allows reliable channel tuning without misjudging the presence or absence of signals even if a frequency of a CATV broadcast is shifted. The channel tuning apparatus includes a tuner (2) for receiving signals from an antenna (1), a demodulation unit (3) for demodulating the received signals coming from the tuner (2), an input unit (6) for selecting a specific channel for the tuner (2), a detection unit (4) for determining receive mode, and a memory unit (5) for storing the detected data by the detection unit (4), in which the channel tuning apparatus is configured to, before performing automatic channel tuning, tune to a specific channel determined by the input unit (6), detect the receive mode and shift in the received frequency, and store them for use as initial data for automatic channel tuning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrangements to minimize error contributions in a DMT system where a received DMT-signal is affected by intersymbol interference, intercarrier interference and additive noice.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing amplitude and phase imbalance correction operations on in-phase and quadrature phase signal components corresponding to a received signal are described. The imbalance correction operations relay on the use of relatively simple to implement feedback loops. The phase imbalance feedback loop relies on the tendency of transmitted symbols to be distributed uniformly around the origin of the I/Q plane if proper phase balance is present in the processed signal. Phase correction coefficients are generated over time as a function of the negated product of the processed in-phase and quadrature phase signal components. Amplitude correction coefficients are generated over time as a function of the difference in the squared values of the I and Q processed signal components.

Abstract: A demodulating device capable of high-efficiency, high-accuracy phase noise correction control and improved in quality and reliability. A digital signal generating portion synchronously detects a modulated input signal and subjects the signal to A/D conversion to generate digital signals corresponding to phase axes. A timing recovery portion extracts symbol timing of the digital signals to recover timing. A carrier recovery portion sets a gain for a phase difference between the timing-recovered digital signals in accordance with a phase noise correction signal, and rotates symbols in a direction to suppress phase noise in accordance with an oscillation signal generated based on the gain, to recover carrier.

Abstract: In general, one embodiment of the invention relates to a method for detecting data bits and estimating the channel reliability of each carrier. The detection method comprises (i) computing a complex phase difference between a current symbol and a previous symbol, (ii) separating a real value component (R) from a corresponding imaginary value component (I) forming the complex phase difference, (iii) determining at least one boundary constraint line of a complex phase map for a selected demodulation scheme, and computing an arithmetic combination of the real value component and the corresponding imaginary value component to detect whether a series of bits falls within a selected region of the complex phase map defined by the at least one boundary constraint line. Over N symbols propagating over a carrier, including the current symbol and the previous symbol, the channel estimation counts a number of symbols (less than N but greater than a threshold) that fall within an estimated area of the complex phase map.

Abstract: Techniques to improve the performance of a Turbo decoder when scale information for the bits in a code segment to be decoded is not known. A number of hypotheses are formed for the code segment, with each hypothesis corresponding to a particular set of one or more values for a set of one or more parameters used for decoding the code segment. For the MAP decoding scheme, these parameters may be for the sequence of scaling factors used to scale the bits prior to decoding and/or a scale used to evaluate a (e.g., min*) function for the MAP decoding. The code segment is decoded based on the MAP decoding scheme and in accordance with each hypothesis. The quality of the decoded result for each hypothesis is determined based on one or more performance metrics. The decoded bits for the best hypothesis are provided as the Turbo decoder output.

Abstract: The invention provides a decoding circuit and a decoding method of a Viterbi decoder. The decoding circuit of the Viterbi decoder includes a branch metric unit, an add-compare-select unit and a path memory unit. The path memory unit includes a data string controller, a trace write-in register array, an idling register array and a decoding register array. In this invention, a run length limited code is used for effectively solving the problem of generating a complicated trellis diagram after the trellis diagram of the Viterbi decoder is subjected to a longitudinal arrangement. In addition, the register array can perform other operations at different time. Accordingly, a high decoding speed of the Viterbi decoder can be achieved without requiring a lot of registers for data processing.

Abstract: A turbo-code decoder with iterative channel parameter estimation for decoding turbo-coded received data that includes systematic information data and redundant data. The turbo-code decoder includes a weighting circuit for weighting the turbo-coded received data with at least one estimated channel parameter. Estimated value data is generated. A turbo-code coding circuit turbo-codes the generated estimated value data. A comparison circuit compares the turbo-coded estimated value data with the turbo-coded received data, and depending on the result of the comparison, iteratively sets the estimated channel parameter(s) in order to weight the turbo-coded received data.

Abstract: Blind transport format detection with sliding window trace-back for evaluating decodings to candidate block lengths together with piecewise linear approximation of the reliability logarithm function with a small lookup table plus simple logic.

Abstract: Various systems and methods providing high speed decoding, enhanced power reduction and clock domain partitioning for a multi-pair gigabit Ethernet transceiver are disclosed. ISI compensation is partitioned into two stages; a first stage compensates ISI components induced by characteristics of a transmitter's partial response pulse shaping filter in a demodulator, a second stage compensates ISI components induced by characteristics of a multi-pair transmission channel in a Viterbi decoder. High speed decoding is accomplished by reducing the DFE depth by providing an input signal from a multiple decision feedback equalizer to the Viterbi based on a tail value and a subset of coefficient values received from a unit depth decision-feedback equalizer. Power reduction is accomplished by adaptively truncating active taps in the NEXT, FEXT and echo cancellation filters, or by disabling decoder circuitry portions, as channel response characteristics allow.

Abstract: A method provides for an improved compensation Fourier channel characteristics in a wireless communication embodiment. The method identifies one or more information carriers as pseudo pilot tones whose information may be realized to enhance the determination of the complex coefficient of the communication channel.

Abstract: In generating, transmitting, and receiving data signals, various forms of complex modulation formats are often used and the signals are most often processed as two component (I, Q) signals. Such modulated signals are subject to a variety of impairments due to imperfections in the various elements in the transmission chain. For the large class of essentially linear impairment processes, the impairments may be removed with compensating filters, one filter being assigned to each impairment. In this invention, the generalized filter, a new class of two-channel filters for compensating impairments, is disclosed. Compared with previous two-channel filters, which are characterized by two impulse responses, the generalized filter is characterized by four such impulse responses. This filter can simultaneously compensate a plurality of diverse impairments.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for recovering a clock signal from a data signal. At least a first portion of the data signal is synchronized in a decision circuit with a clock signal from a controlled oscillator. The phase difference between the synchronized signal and at least a second portion of the data signal, which is not fed to the decision circuit, is determined by means of a phase detector and used to control the clock signal of the controlled oscillator, with the synchronized data signal and the portion of the data signal not fed to the decision circuit being applied to the phase detector bit-synchronously.

Abstract: A frequency locked loop for providing an output signal having an output frequency within a predetermined range of a non-integer multiple of a reference frequency. The frequency locked loop includes a voltage element, such as a voltage controlled oscillator, which produces the output signal at the output frequency. The frequency locked loop further includes a fractional divider which is operably coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator. Further, the frequency locked loop includes a frequency detector, such as a rotational frequency detector, which is operably coupled to the fractional divider. The frequency detector receives the reference signal, such as a fixed clock signal, and the output of the fractional divider signal and outputs a frequency detector signal. In one embodiment, the rotational frequency detector responds to cycle slips of 2&pgr; radians between the reference frequency and the output signal of the fractional divider.

Abstract: In a PLL circuit including a phase comparator for comparing an output of a voltage controlled oscillator with a reference signal to control a voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator on the basis of an output of the phase comparator, passed through a low pass filter, so that the output of the voltage controlled oscillator and the reference signal agree with each other, a band pass filter is further provided in a former stage of the phase comparator for reducing noise components contained in a the reference signal. The band pass filter has a bandwidth corresponding to a frequency/phase variation range of the reference signal.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing the 18F isotope from water enriched with the 18O isotope using high energy protons from a cyclotron. The apparatus has a cyclotron target cavity that is connected to a fluid loop that contains a water reservoir, pump, and pressure regulator. Water is continuously recirculated through the target cavity to increase reliability. After irradiation long enough to produce a desired amount of 18F, water in the target loop is diverted through an 18F extraction device before being returned to the target loop. The returning water may also be purified and additional water added to the target loop as needed to permit continuous irradiation and production of 18F.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant (18) and its heat exhanger (26) are enclosed in an envelope (22) which is suspended above a bored shaft (14) from a support stem (30). When appropriate, the stem (30) can be melted by a furnace (34) to drop the envelope (22) to the bottom of the shaft (14). Sand (42) can then be dropped onto the envelope (22) through a drainage pipe (46). While the nuclear power plant (18) is operating and suspended in the shaft, spent fuel rods (70) are dropped into a sand blasting machine's hopper (130), mixed with sand and dropped into a bag (134) containing a small explosive device. The bag (134) is then dropped to the bottom of the shaft (14) and the explosive detonated to scatter the contents of the bag (134). Optionally, more sand or earth is then added to reduce heat and radiation to acceptable levels.

Abstract: A spacer for use with a protective grid of a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor is a generally washer-shaped plate of material having an engagement surface and a retention surface opposite one another. The protective grid is formed of a plurality of straps to define a plurality of fuel rod cells and a plurality of thimble cells, with the straps adjacent the thimble cells being notched to receive the spacer therein. The retention surface of the spacer is disposed against the notches, and the engagement surface of the spacer protrudes outwardly from the protective grid. When the engagement surfaces of the spacers are engaged against a lower nozzle of a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor, the spacers space the protective grid from the lower nozzle. The spacer is integrally welded with the protective grid in a single arranging and welding operation.

Abstract: The novel frequency divider has an adjustable divider ratio. Such circuits are subject to demands for ever higher clock frequencies. The circuit generates the output signal in a blockwise manner and converts it into a sequential signal in a parallel-serial converter on the output side and outputs it in a bitwise manner. As a result, the essential part of the frequency divider circuit can be operated with a slower frequency than the input frequency, which in turn enables higher input frequencies.

Abstract: A computed-tomography system comprises a data-processing system arranged to receive attenuation profiles for respective orientations. A lowest representative noise level of the individual attenuation profiles is determined The attenuation profiles are filtered in dependence of said lowest representative noise level. In particular it is achieved that the filtered attenuation profiles have the lowest maximum noise level among the received attenuation profiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for computed tomography (CT) imaging of a cyclically moving organ includes a positional state monitor (24, 40) that monitors a positional state of the cyclically moving organ such as the heart. A cone-beam CT scanner (10) acquires image data at least within a plurality of time windows. Each time window is centered about an occurrence of a selected positional state of the organ. A window analyzer (38) selects a data segment within each time window such that the data segments combine to form a complete data set covering a selected angular range. A reconstruction processor (44) reconstructs the selected data segments into an image representation.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring digital x-ray images. Scan parameters designating slices of interest from a patient anatomy are identified. The travel distance and the speed of the x-ray tube and the detector are determined from the scan parameters. The patient is scanned in a first direction to obtain a first x-ray image utilizing a servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved in an image storage device and is displayed. The patient is scanned in a second direction to obtain a second x-ray image utilizing the servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved and displayed simultaneously with the first image in a multi-image format. After each scan, the operator may modify the scan parameters designating a slice of interest before initiating the next scan.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a tomogram of an X-ray apparatus. The tomogram reconstructing method includes obtaining model information and a transmission image of a subject. A tomogram is reconstructed from the transmission image using the model information. The reconstructed tomogram obtained is then displayed.

Abstract: A method for determining an arrangement of first and second objects such that a gap between the first and second objects becomes a predetermined gap includes the steps of forming a light transmitting entry window on the first object, forming a light transmitting exit window on the first object at such a position that light would enter through the entry window the second object, reflect on the second object or on the first and second objects, and then enter the first object if the first and second objects are arranged in parallel at the predetermined gap, introducing light to the entry window to provide the second object with the light, detecting an intensity of light from the exit window, and determining the arrangement for the predetermined gap based on the detected light intensity.

Abstract: A pad for cushioning a compression device, e.g., an x-ray plate, of a mammography unit. The pad includes a radiolucent central region, e.g., including radiolucent orientation markings, that is secured adjacent a contact surface of the x-ray plate. The pad includes a pair of side regions secured along respective side surfaces of the x-ray plate including a slot for inserting an x-ray cassette into the x-ray plate. The pad also includes a front region securable along a front surface of the x-ray plate. A double coated tape may be attached to the pad that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for removably attaching the pad to the x-ray plate. Alternatively, the side regions may extend around the compression device and connect to one another to secure the pad or the pad may be a sleeve that is slidably received around at least a portion of the compression device.

Abstract: An adjunctive ultrasound mammography system and associated methods are described, comprising a scanning apparatus for facilitating standardized, repeatable breast ultrasound scans, and further comprising an adjunctive ultrasound display apparatus configured for fast, intuitive viewing of adjunctive ultrasound data concurrently with x-ray mammogram information. In one preferred embodiment, thick-slice ultrasound images are displayed near an x-ray mammogram such that a screening radiologist can quickly view the thick-slice images for assistance in interpreting the x-ray mammogram. Methods for concurrently acquiring and displaying vibrational resonance image (VDI) data are described. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms that incorporate acoustically-based feature vectors are described, the feature vectors including lateral shadow metrics, vertical shadow metrics, posterior enhancement metrics, and VDI-based metrics.

Abstract: Apparatus for X-ray analysis has a combination of a rotating target X-ray tube and a composite monochromator. The composite monochromator has a first and a second elliptic monochromators joined with each other side by side. Each of the elliptic monochromators has a first focal point at which an X-ray focal spot on a target of the X-ray tube is disposed. Each of the elliptic monochromators has a synthetic multilayered thin film whose d-spacing varies continuously along an elliptic-arc. The shortest distance between the X-ray focal spot and the composite monochromator is set to 40 to 100 mm. Under the shortest distance condition, the effective focal spot size on the target is set to 40 to 100 micrometers to obtain the maximum X-ray intensity on a sample to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method of identifying radiation detected in a wall-less proportional gas counter providing a stable pulse height spectrum. The method comprises i) transforming the detected pulse height spectrum (dn/dx) in accordance with the transform u=x1/2 where x represents the energy of the detected pulses in the original pulse height spectrum; ii) generating a normalized spectrum in u-space comprising a representation of dn/du as a function of u, where n is the detected pulse count as a function of x; iii) deconvoluting the normalized spectrum in u-space to enhance the spectrum; and iv) determining from the enhanced spectrum the energy (or energies) and/or the intensity (or intensities) of the detected radiation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A scan type digital X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray generator for emitting X-ray slit beams, an X-ray detector for detecting X-ray transmitted through an object to be examined, and an object fixing means disposed between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, for holding the object in an appropriate position for X-ray photography, in which X-ray beam scanning is performed in a manner that the X-ray slit beam is emitted from the X-ray generator for the object while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are synchronously moved in the same direction with the object interposed therebetween, thereby producing an X-ray image of the object. In the X-ray imaging apparatus, the scanning speed of the X-ray slit beam is controlled depending on the X-ray transmitted amount through the object to be examined detected by the X-ray detector during the X-ray beam scanning is performed, whereby soft and hard tissues appearing in the X-ray image are amended in each contrast and/or in each density.

Abstract: A method and device for calibrating images acquired by radiography comprising an X-ray source, an image acquisition, a support placed between the source and the image acquisition, on which support an object to be X-rayed is intended to be positioned. A region of interest, in which the object is likely to be found, is determined between the support and the image acquisition, the center of gravity of this region is determined and at least one calibration factor of the image or images is determined as a function of the position thus determined.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method that includes helically scanning an object at a selected helical pitch to acquire projection data of the object. The acquired projection data includes conjugate samples from single rows of the detector array of the CT imaging system and interrow samples. Projections in a plane of reconstruction (POR) are estimated based upon a selection of the projection data from the group consisting of the conjugate samples from at least one of the single rows, the interrow samples, and combinations thereof, the selection dependent upon the selected helical pitch. The estimated projections are filtered and backprojected to reconstruct at least one image of the object.

Abstract: A method tests a subscriber line. The method includes providing a classifier to predict a performance characteristic of the line based at least in part on a value of an auxiliary variable. Each value of the auxiliary variable represents a property of the line. The method also includes performing electrical measurements on the subscriber line, using the measurements to predict a value of the auxiliary variable, and predicting the performance characteristic of the line. The act of predicting the characteristic applies the classifier to the predicted value of auxiliary variable.