Abstract: A method of simplifying the arithmetic operation in a global motion compensation process approximates the motion vector field of the whole image without using many parameters. Motion vectors in the global motion compensation are found by the interpolation and/or extrapolation of the motion vectors of a plurality of representative points 602, 603 and 604 having particular features in the spatial distance thereof. Since the shift operation can be substituted for the division for synthesizing a predicted image of global motion compensation, the processing using a computer or a dedicated hardware is simplified.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a plurality of time intervals Tp and Tn within a variable bit rate (VBR) representation of an image sequence. The time intervals Tp are those in which a number of blocks of information per unit time is greater than a baseline value. The time intervals Tn are those in which a number of blocks of information per unit time is less than the baseline value. A second representation of the image sequence is created in which some blocks of information Bp are removed from the time intervals Tp and interlaced with blocks of information Bn in the time intervals Tn to reduce a variation in a number of blocks of information per unit time between the time intervals Tp and Tn.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of scaling interlaced video. According to the present invention, the method includes an interlaced video frame being divided into blocks. Determining if any of the blocks correspond to a moving area in the interlaced video frame. Field-based scaling is performed on blocks corresponding to a moving area. Frame-based scaling is performed on blocks not corresponding to a moving area.

Abstract: A variable length decoder (VLD) for decoding MPEG-1 and -2 syntax compliant video bit streams. The VLD includes a micro-sequencer and VLD command decode/execution unit for controlling the MPEG decoding process using a novel instruction set. The instruction set includes a set of commands for decoding the video data and a set of flow control instructions. A rotator/barrel shifter is provided for making a predetermined number of encoded bits from the video bit stream available to the VLD and a variable length table decoder for variable length decoding using the MPEG standard variable length code (VLC) tables. The variable length table decoder shares a prefix pattern matching scheme across all of the VLC tables and organizes the variable length codes into a series of subtables. Each subtable corresponds to one of the unique prefix patterns. Variable length codes are decoded by identifying a leading pattern in the video data bit stream and, in parallel, accessing the subtable corresponding to that leading pattern.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of performing video image decoding includes the following. A compressed video image is downsampled in the frequency domain. The downsampled video image is inverse transformed. Motion compensation for the downsampled image is performed in the spatial domain.

Abstract: There is disclosed systems for detecting start codes in MPEG video streams in a digital video recorder (DVR), and methods of operating the same. An exemplary MPEG decoder is capable of decoding received bitstreams and generating PES packets. The MPEG decoder includes a controller that detects start codes in the received bitstreams, each of such codes having a three-byte start code prefix and a one-byte start code value. The controller is operable to (i) fetch a thirty-two bit word of a received bitstream, (ii) determine whether a start code prefix and a start code value are properly aligned within the thirty-two bit word, and (iii) if not properly aligned within the thirty-two bit word, determine whether the least significant byte of the thirty-two bit word may be part of the start code prefix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image processing in which data for image processing are imprinted into the images to be processed. An image input unit receives a first image and a second image for encoding. A matching processor performs a pixel-by-pixel matching between the images and transmits a corresponding point file to an imprinting unit. The corresponding point file and a program for processing the images and the corresponding point file are imprinted into the first image and an altered first image is generated. In decoding, an extracting unit extracts the corresponding point file from the altered first image and an intermediate image generator utilizes the program to generate intermediate images from the first image, the second image and the corresponding point file.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video coding method applied to an input signal IS consisting of a sequence of frames represented by one luminance matrix and two chrominance matrices. This method generates a coded bitstream CB in which each data item is described by means of a bitstream syntax allowing any decoder to recognize and decode all the segments of the content of said bitstream. According to the invention, which finds an application for instance within the video compression standards of the MPEG and ITU-H.26X families, the syntax comprises a flag provided for indicating at a high level description the presence, or not, of chrominance components in said coded bitstream, and therefore allowing to deliver, at the decoding side, the information according to which chrominance descriptive elements have to be decoded, or not.

Abstract: For some video processing applications, most notably watermark detection (40), it is necessary to add or average (parts of) the two interlaced fields which make up a frame. This operation is not trivial in the MPEG domain due to the existence of frame-encoded DCT blocks. The invention provides a method and arrangement for adding the fields without requiring a frame memory or an on-the-fly inverse DCT. To this end, the mathematically required operations of inverse vertical DCT (321) and addition (322) are combined with a basis transform (323). The basis transform is chosen to be such that the combined operation is physically replaced by multiplication with a sparse matrix (32). Said sparse matrix multiplication can easily be executed on-the-fly. The inverse basis transform (35) is postponed until after the desired addition (33, 34) has been completed.

Abstract: A system for transcoding multiple channels of compressed video streams using a self contained data unit such as an autonomous frame includes an autonomous frame processing unit having an autonomous frame generator and an autonomous frame recoder. The autonomous frame generator receives video data and divides it into a series of autonomous frames. Each autonomous frame preferably comprises 1) a frame header including all header information from the original video data plus enough additional information to allow the frame to be recoded using pre-defined autonomous frame structure, and 2) a frame payload including the original video data information. The autonomous frame recoder process the autonomous frames including extracting processing parameters, extracting the video data and setting up or initializing the recoder to process the extracted video data. The autonomous frame recoder preferably further comprises a parser coupled to an initialization unit and a recoder.

Abstract: There is disclosed an MPEG decoder comprising: 1) a packetized elementary stream (PES) interface for receiving a plurality of packetized elementary streams associated with a single video program; 2) a presentation time stamp (PTS) detection circuit for detecting presentation time stamps in the packetized elementary streams and extracting the presentation time stamps therefrom; and 3) a selection circuit for selecting presentation time stamps associated with a first one of the plurality of packetized elementary streams and transmitting the selected presentation time stamps to a clock generation circuit, wherein the clock generation circuit generates a first reference clock signal used by a first decoder to decode the first packetized elementary stream.

Abstract: A system for detecting and correcting impulse noise present on an input data signal includes an impulse detector module receiving an input data signal and producing as output an correction enable signal indicating when an impulse correction is required. An impulse corrector module receives the input data signal and a correction enable signal and produces a corrected data signal, e.g., having the impulse canceled or blanked, as output. A reliability estimator and selector module receives the corrected data signal and the input data signal and selects as output the input signal which is more reliable. In one embodiment, the impulse detector includes first and second complementary impulse detectors, the outputs of which are analyzed by an enable and correction module to produce an impulse detection signal with improved accuracy. Preferably, the enable and correction module also indicates the most appropriate type of impulse correction in accordance with the detection signals from the complementary detectors.

Abstract: A signal transmission system has a plurality of signal lines, a plurality of transmitting circuits, a plurality of receiving circuits, and a timing adjusting circuit. The transmitting circuits are provided for the signal lines. Each of the receiving circuits receives a signal from a corresponding one of the transmitting circuits via the signal lines. The timing adjusting circuit, which is provided at the same side as the transmitting circuits, adjusts signal latch timing for the receiving circuits to optimum timing in accordance with signal skew caused between the signal lines. Therefore, a large-capacity and error free transmission can be performed at high speed using a plurality of signal lines without being affected by skew on each of the signal lines.

Abstract: A multicarrier demodulation method for a multicarrier transmission scheme adapted to receive and demodulate a signal consisting of N subcarriers which contain at least N-M (M<N) nullcarriers as subcarriers is characterized in that digital signals corresponding to N sampling points which enable demodulation of all the N subcarriers are obtained; digital signals corresponding to M preset sampling points are extracted from the digital signals corresponding to the N sampling points; a matrix is provided for demodulating, from the digital signals corresponding to the M sampling points, to desired L subcarriers (L<M) among M subcarriers other than the N-M nullcarriers, on the basis of the numbers of the M subcarriers other than the N-M nullcarriers and the numbers of the extracted sampling points; and the desired L subcarriers among M subcarriers other than the N-M nullcarriers are demodulated by use of a product of the provided matrix and a vector which includes as components the digital signals correspondin

Abstract: Coding techniques for a (e.g., OFDM) communication system capable of transmitting data on a number of “transmission channels” at different information bit rates based on the channels' achieved SNR. A base code is used in combination with common or variable puncturing to achieve different coding rates required by the transmission channels. The data (i.e., information bits) for a data transmission is encoded with the base code, and the coded bits for each channel (or group of channels with the similar transmission capabilities) are punctured to achieve the required coding rate. The coded bits may be interleaved (e.g., to combat fading and remove correlation between coded bits in each modulation symbol) prior to puncturing. The unpunctured coded bits are grouped into non-binary symbols and mapped to modulation symbols (e.g., using Gray mapping). The modulation symbol may be “pre-conditioned” and prior to transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for preprocessing transmit signals in spatial multiplexing and diversity systems that include multiple transmit antennae. The method includes generating a representative correlation matrix based upon estimates of a correlation between each pair of the plurality of antennae. An equivalent eigenvalue decomposition of the representative correlation matrix is determined. A preprocessing matrix based upon the equivalent eigenvalue decomposition is generated. Finally, a preprocessor preprocesses the transmit signals by multiplying blocks of data of the transmit signals with the preprocessing matrix. The representative correlation matrix can be an exact estimate of the correlation between each pair of the multiple antennae, or the representative correlation matrix can be an approximate estimate of the correlation between each pair of the multiple antennae.

Abstract: A method and system for improving a level of service between wireless devices. Handheld devices implementing the Bluetooth specification typically have relatively limited transmission ranges. As a result, and since they are typically portable, such devices easily experience abrupt communication interruptions, either between themselves and other handheld devices, or between themselves and fixed devices. The effective range of the devices can be extended by providing additional error-correcting coding. Although this modification also results in an extended transmission time, users are provided with an increased transmission range, and are given warning that service may soon be interrupted. Users may then, if they wish, take such steps as finishing their communication or moving into their devices' normal transmission range. Additionally, the handheld devices may use the extra transmission time and range to search for a forwarding path to a recipient device, thus minimizing or preventing any service interruption.

Abstract: An impulse radio communications system using one or more subcarriers to communicate information from an impulse radio transmitter to an impulse radio receiver. The impulse radio communication system is an ultrawide-band time domain system. The use of subcarriers provides impulse radio transmissions added channelization, smoothing and fidelity. Subcarriers of different frequencies or waveforms can be used to add channelization of impulse radio signals. Thus, an impulse radio link can communicate many independent channels simultaneously by employing different subcarriers for each channel. The impulse radio uses modulated subcarrier(s) for time positioning a periodic timing signal or a coded timing signal. Alternatively, the coded timing signal can be summed or mixed with the modulated subcarrier(s) and the resultant signal is used to time modulate the periodic timing signal. Direct digital modulation of data is another form of subcarrier modulation for impulse radio signals.

Abstract: A stereo multiplex encoder (MPX) for FM transmission with a digital signal processor utilizes residual sideband modulation in stereo transmission instead of the conventional double sideband modulation. The adjustment of the sampling frequency to the modulation frequency (fmod=fs/2) is carried out, so that the antialiasing filter of the DAC can be used which produces the residual sideband modulated signal.

Abstract: A two stage mixer is configured to reduce the power levels of out of band spurious output signals or spurs, such as the leakage from the second stage mixer by way of phase modulation power spreading. The local oscillator signal applied to first mixer stage is phase modulated while the local oscillator signal applied to the second mixer stage is inverse modulated. As such, a problematic spur, such as leakage from the local oscillator applied to the second mixer stage is spread so that the power levels of the spur are distributed a wider bandwidth instead of concentrating the power levels at single frequencies, thus reducing the power level at any single frequency. By utilizing phase modulation, the need for relatively complex and expensive filters is eliminated.

Abstract: A method and system for applying delay codes to pulse train signals is provided. The delay codes vary the time offset between asynchronous pulse train signals to eliminate persistence of pulse coincidences. The pulse train signal may comprise a repeating pulse train. The delay codes specify delays between individual pulse trains or some number of pulse trains. The delay codes result in an averaging of pulse coincidences between the pulse train signals over time. Additionally, the delay codes may be generated using a pseudorandom code generation technique.

Abstract: In the semiconductor integrated circuit, an apparatus for detecting a logic state represented by an input signal includes a reference signal generating circuit and a determining circuit. The reference signal generating circuit generates a reference voltage based on a previously received input signal voltage, and the determining circuit determines a logic state represented by a currently received input signal voltage based on the reference voltage.

Abstract: A technique is described for simultaneously and synchronously transmitting digital data and a clock signal in a digital integrated circuit, circuit board, or system. The technique is based on the phase shift keying (PSK) modulation of an RF high frequency carrier which is distributed on low impedance interconnection transmission lines. The PSK modulation contains the digital data while the carrier itself constitutes the clock signal, and the clock signal and digital data are transmitted in a synchronous manner. The carrier frequency may be near fT, the maximum operation frequency of the transistors. Since the digital data and clock signal are simultaneously transmitted on the same interconnection, the digital data never becomes skewed with respect to the clock signal, or vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a demodulating semiconductor integrated circuit device used in a wireless communication system of an FM-modulation scheme, wherein a circuit for canceling a frequency offset is made up of a digital circuit, so that a high-accuracy received data decision can be performed. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an AD converter for converting a received analog signal to a digital signal, a demodulator for demodulating the converted data, an offset cancel circuit for recognizing a predetermined pattern from the demodulated data to detect a frequency offset and generating a data decision or determination level, and a data determination circuit for making a decision as to “1” and “0” of the data demodulated by the demodulator, based on the determination level generated by the offset cancel circuit. The offset cancel circuit is made up of a digital circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of periodic patterns in digital high rate transmission systems. The apparatus generates a synthetic data stream and compares, in parallel, a sample of the generated data to a sample of an input data stream. If the number of mismatches between both sets of data is equal to or below a defined threshold, then a detection signal is asserted. The provided apparatus may be configured to detect any type of pattern.

Abstract: A signal evaluation device for evaluating a decoded signal of maximum likelihood decoding includes: a differential metric circuit for finding differential metrics; comparators for judging whether a difference of differential metrics exceeds a predetermined threshold; counters for counting respective output pulses of the comparators; and a controller for finding the probability of the differential metrics falling at or below the predetermined threshold, based on the number of measured samples and the number of samples counted by the counters, and processing the probability by arithmetic operations so as to obtain an index of signal evaluation. With this arrangement, signal evaluation devices for evaluating a recording medium or a recording medium driving device can have a simpler structure and can perform evaluations in a plurality of PR modes.

Abstract: Method processor and processor-readable medium for reducing the level of feedback-induced noise in the output signal from an audio automatic gain control circuit are provided. The method allows for receiving a stream of pulses comprising an input signal to the automatic gain control circuit. The method further allows for receiving estimates of respective high .and low frequency energy components of the input signal. The respective high and low frequency components are averaged, e.g., over a respective sliding window. An energy scalar is calculated based on the ratio of a predefined target energy level over a combined value of the high and low frequency components. A relating action allows to compare the target energy level to the combined value of the high and low frequency components. Based on the comparison results, the calculated energy scalar is limited to within the two limit values.

Abstract: A first image (200) of a transmitted signal is detected within a received signal containing a plurality of images of the transmitted signal. This is accomplished by detecting a second image (210) of the transmitted signal. A set of characteristics of the second image of the transmitted signal is determined, and subsequently used to detect the first image (200) of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A receiver which selectively switches an antenna which provides a reception signal with a good signal usability. The receiver cuts off a noise detecting filter during a predetermined cut-off period after an antenna has been selectively switched by a switching circuit. The presence/absence of a noise component delivered by the noise detecting filter is determined in accordance with the logic value of binary data delivered by a comparator. The presence/absence of the noise component is thus determined after the predetermined period. This allows for preventing the effect of an impulse noise irrespective of the impulse noise produced when the antenna selectively switched provides a reception signal with a good signal usability, thereby making it possible to use the selected antenna for providing a reception signal with a good signal usability. Thus, it is possible to prevent improper control on the switching of antennas.

Abstract: Transmit parallel interfaces and methods are provided in which a clock signal is generated that maximizes the setup and hold window of input data. In at least some embodiments, a divider circuit provides a clock signal in one clock domain that has a rising edge located very close to the falling edge of a system clock in another clock domain.

Abstract: A system clock synchronization circuit according to the present invention includes: a first synchronization and timing delay circuit synchronizing an input clock with a system clock and sending out a first signal which is obtained by delaying the synchronized signal by a first delay amount; an input data latching means for latching input data which changes at a first changing point of the input clock, the latching being in synchronization with a second changing point of the input clock; an input enable signal latching means for latching in synchronization with the input clock an input enable signal which is active when the input data is valid and inactive when the input data is invalid; and a mask signal generation circuit generating in synchronization with the first signal a mask signal which has a prescribed pulse width.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for synchronizing a local clock signal with a remote clock signal in a communication network. Phase information is used to calculate a number of “clock jitters” per unit of time needed to synchronize the locally generated clock with the remote clock. Introducing (removing) a given amount of delay at a particular point in the local clock signal results in a positive (negative) jitter in which its minimum value defines the jitter resolution. The jitters are introduced to the local clock signal from a plurality of tapped delay line elements (310) selected by a phase selector (350) in response to a timing correction signal issued by a phase error module (520).

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus having an antenna array and a mobile communication method performed in the mobile communication apparatus, wherein the mobile communication apparatus includes a base station and mobile station, each having an antenna array. The mobile station measures the downlink characteristics of a channel for each antenna from a signal received from a base station, determines long-term information in which the correlation property of the channel for each antenna has been reflected from the measured downlink characteristics, transforms the long-term information into a feedback signal, and transmits the feedback signal to the base station.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a receiver to a stream of transmitted symbols that includes a known synchronization word. The method includes receiving a signal in which the symbols, including the synchronization word, are encoded by frequency shift keying. The signal is sampled and digitized to generate a sequence of input samples. For each of the input samples, a phase difference is determined relative to a preceding input sample in the sequence, thereby generating a sequence of differential samples corresponding respectively to the input samples. The differential samples are then matched to the synchronization word.

Abstract: Digital data signals at a variable input frequency are converted by a numerically controlled oscillator and an interpolator to a signal at a fixed output sampling frequency. The conversion of the variable input frequency to the fixed output sampling frequency may be by a factor other than an integer. The interpolated digital data signals at the fixed output sampling frequency are then modulated into a pair of trigonometric signals at a programmable carrier frequency, one signal having a cosine function and the other signal having a sine function. The modulated signals at the fixed output sampling frequency are then combined to create a modulated signal at a carrier frequency determined by the frequency of the sine and cosine signals. The modulated signal is sampled at the fixed output sampling frequency and converted to a corresponding analog signal using a digital-to-analog converter.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device comprises an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer having a two-point data modulation scheme and &Sgr;&Dgr; modulator, fractional-N architecture. In the synthesizer, data are modulated at both the PLL frequency divider and the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The complementary frequency responses at these two modulation points allow the PLL bandwidth to be sufficiently narrow to attenuate phase noise from the phase detector, frequency divider, and &Sgr;&Dgr; quantization error, without adversely affecting the data. Fractional-N architecture allows a large range of reference frequencies to be used with the PLL and high frequency resolution of the output signal. The &Sgr;&Dgr; modulator modulates the feedback signal generated by the PLL frequency divider with data and quantizes the spurious signals inherent in a fractional-N design to high frequencies that the PLL loop filter can attenuate.

Abstract: Non-destructive testing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a photon source. The photon source produces photons having predetermined energies and directs the photons toward a specimen being tested. The photons from the photon source result in the creation of positrons within the specimen being tested. A detector positioned adjacent the specimen being tested detects gamma rays produced by annihilation of positrons with electrons which are indicative of a material characteristic of the specimen being tested.

Abstract: A steam turbine power plant comprises a high-pressure turbine to be driven by steam generated by a steam generator, a first reheater for separating moisture from steam discharged from the high-pressure turbine and heating the steam, an intermediate-pressure turbine to be driven by the steam heated by the first reheater, a second reheater for heating exhaust steam discharged from the intermediate-pressure turbine, and a low-pressure turbine to be driven by the steam heated by the second reheater. The intermediate-pressure turbine discharges dry steam.

Abstract: One of methods for carrying out a reactor vessel according to the present invention comprises the steps of removing an overhead traveling crane in a reactor containment vessel of a pressurized water reactor, or the steps of, in an area where an overhead traveling crane is installed, operating the overhead traveling crane to move aside for creating a space, through which the reactor vessel is able to pass, and then carrying out the reactor vessel through an opening provided in a top portion of the reactor containment vessel. With the present method, the reactor vessel of the pressurized water reactor can be carried out in a short time with high efficiency.

Abstract: A foreign matter filter provided between a DFBN and a lower grid has two adjacent thin straps assembled into a lattice. The straps are equipped on the front and backsides with axially continuous protrusions.

Abstract: A core spray sparger assembly for supplying coolant to a nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor includes fuel assemblies, a top guide, coolant supply pipes and a shroud head. The core spray sparger assembly includes at least one coolant manifold, at least one coolant coupling in fluid communication with the coolant manifold, and at least one mounting device configured to couple the coolant manifold to the nuclear reactor. The core spray sparger assembly further includes a plurality of fluid conductors in a parallel array positioned above the fuel assemblies, the fluid conductors in fluid communication with the coolant manifold, and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid conductors.

Abstract: In a CT scanning method and apparatus wherein a radiation source is displaced around a system axis and a ray bundle therefrom strikes a detector system that supplies scan data on the basis whereof two-dimensional scan images of the examination subject are determined in an image calculating device, parameters describing the position of a body part of an examining person situated in the beam path are determined by an analysis of registered scan images, and the radiation source is controlled dependent on the analysis result so that the radiation is reduced when the body part is located in the beam path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a volumetric computed tomography (VCT) system capable of producing data for reconstructing an entire three-dimensional (3D) image of a subject during a single rotation without suffering from cone beam artifacts. The VCT system comprises an array of source positions distributed along a line parallel to an axis of rotation, a plurality of collimators, and an array of x-ray detectors. In a preferred embodiment, a reversed imaging geometry is used. A 2D array of source positions provides x-rays emanating from each focal spot toward an array of detectors. The x-rays are restricted by a collimator array and measured by a detector array separately per each source position. The axial extent of the source array and the detector array are comparable to or larger than the axial extent of the portion of the object being imaged.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus comprises a large number of X-ray sources, a detector, and a collimator. The X-ray sources are arranged around an object P of inspection. The detector detects X rays emitted from the X-ray sources. The collimator is located between the X-ray sources and the object of inspection, and restricts the angle of emission of the X rays emitted from the X-ray sources so as to match the size of the detection surface of the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector for converting electromagnetic radiation, notably X-rays, into electric charge carriers. The invention also relates to a method of operating an X-ray detector and to a method of manufacturing an X-ray detector. The invention furthermore relates to an X-ray examination apparatus which includes an X-ray detector. In order to reduce image artefacts caused by bright burn effects, it is proposed to add a heating device (7) to an X-ray detector (1) for converting electromagnetic radiation, notably X-rays, into electric charge carriers by means of a converter arrangement, which heating device in accordance with the invention is arranged to apply heat to the converter arrangement (2) during operation of the X-ray detector (1).

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector and is arranged to provide a series of projection images at respective orientations of the X-ray source (1) and the X-ray detector (2) relative to a predetermined frame of reference. The orientations of the projection images are calibrated relative to this frame of reference. A basic three-dimensional data set (23) is reconstructed from the projection images. A number of directions of observations (121-123) are calibrated relative to the same frame of reference. One or more additional X-ray images (111-113) are formed for the calibrated directions of observation, that is, preferably at successive instants in time. A dynamic series of three-dimensional data sets is formed by updating the basic three-dimensional data set by means of the additional X-ray images.

Abstract: For the purpose of reducing exposure of a subject to unnecessary radiation by controlling the tube current according to the X-ray emitting direction with respect to a region to be examined in the subject, a transmission area S is calculated from a cross-sectional plane (S801) and an ellipticity R is calculated for the cross-sectional plane (S802, S803). An image SD of a region having the transmission area S is then calculated (S804), and a SD ratio of a region having the ellipticity R is calculated (S805). An image SD of a region having the transmission area S and ellipticity R is then calculated using the image SD and the SD ratio (S806).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining the position of the image of a target object or the position of the x-ray source in digital tomosynthesis, as the x-ray source is moved relative to the object so as to obtain multiple two-dimensional images of the object from multiple angles. At least one marker, characterized by a simple and known image pattern, is disposed between an x-ray source and a detector system. The shift in the image of the object, resulting from the movement of the x-ray source during tomosynthesis, is calculated to a desired resolution using the readily observable shift in the image of the marker. The x-ray source may be translated along a plane parallel to the plane of the detector system, or may be rotated about a fixed center.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence spectrometric system includes a sample pre-treatment apparatus 10 for retaining on a surface of a substrate a substance to be measured that is found on the surface of the substrate, after such substance has been dissolved and subsequently dried, an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer 40, and a transport apparatus 50 for transporting the substrate from the sample pre-treatment apparatus towards the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, which system as a whole is easy to operate. This spectrometric system also includes a control apparatus 50 for controlling the sample pre-treatment apparatus 10, the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer 40 and the transport apparatus 50 in a totalized fashion.