Abstract: In a MIMO system the bit error rate floor caused by time dispersion is reduced by employing a joint minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalizer for all of the respective transmit antenna—receive antenna pairings that are possible in the MIMO system. The resulting joint equalization compensates not only for the impact of the channel on the transmit antenna—receive antenna pairings but also for the interference of the other transmit antennas on any given receive antenna. The joint equalization outperforms simply replicating the prior art minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalizer for each transmit antenna—receive antenna pairings.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a data signal and a clock signal has been developed. The method first generates two separate intermediate data signals. The intermediate data signals lag the input data signal. The separate durations of the two lagging signals are combined to form an output data signal that is synchronized with the system clock signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow receivers to quickly acquire a pseudorandom noise signal. A receiver advantageously detects frequency shifts using a compact parallel process hardware implementation of a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). The simultaneous detection of multiple frequencies allows the receiver to search the frequency range of the transmitted signal in larger increments of frequency, thereby increasing the speed of acquisition. One receiver does not use coherent integration before computation of the transform and advantageously maintains a flat frequency response. The flat frequency response of the DFT circuit enables searching of multiple frequency offsets without CPU intensive processing to compensate for frequency response variations. A receiver can include a Doppler correction circuit, which permits correlation data with frequency shift in the code to be non-coherently integrated among relatively fewer addresses or tap positions in memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receiver apparatus for receiving digital data in which stuff data have been inserted by stuffing synchronization. The receiver apparatus has a memory unit having a plurality of memory cells. The digital data other than the stuff data are written in the memory unit in synchronization with a write clock signal, and read from the memory cell in synchronization with a read clock signal. The cycle of the read clock signal is adjusted on the basis of an interval from a reading address to an writing address of the memory cell.

Abstract: A decision directed phase locked loop (DD-PLL) is efficiently implemented in a communication receiver. The phase locked loop includes an enhanced block decoder inside a phase detector which takes in the baseband complex samples and the current channel phase estimate (or the tracked phase) and generates a feedback phase error term. A loop filter filters the phase error terms and a phase accumulator updates the tracked phase estimate on each iteration of the loop.

Abstract: A digital phase-locked loop compiler includes a pre-divider, a phase digital converter, a digital-to-analog voltage converter, a voltage-control oscillator, a high-frequency oscillator, a post-divider, an out-divider, and a built-in self-tester. The digital phase-locked loop compiler operates in a digital mode and utilizes a preset phase adjusting value to reduce phase-locking time. Moreover, the absence of a low-pass filter in the digital phase-locked loop compiler and the small size of the built-in self-tester greatly reduce the overall area of the digital phase-locked loop compiler.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring radiation in a borehole environment using a YAlO3:Ce (YAP) scintillation crystal. Borehole instruments are disclosed which employ a gamma ray detector comprising a YAP scintillator coupled to a light sensing means such as a photomultiplier tube. One instrument embodiment combines a YAP scintillation detector and a source of pulsed neutrons. Borehole environs are irradiated with neutrons, and induced gamma radiation is measured using a YAP scintillation detector. Response of the detector is used to determine characteristics of the borehole environs. Mechanical and physical properties of YAP are utilized to obtain improved measurements. The relatively short light decay constant of YAP minimized pulse pile-up in the detector when measurements require that the detector be operated during a neutron pulse.

Abstract: The neutron monitoring system measures neutrons by counting both the negative pulse signals and the positive noise pulse signals output from a neutron detector 1, and subtracts the positive pulse count from the negative pulse count per unit time, thereby measuring the neutrons.

Abstract: With this method it is possible to evaluate opposing friction forces occurring after a certain operating time on a mobile object in a guide.

Abstract: A device (10) for storage of hazardous material, especially heat-producing hazardous material, such as radioactive spent nuclear reactor fuel, comprises a substantially cylindrical reinforced concrete body (12) and has an axially elongate storage space (18) for the hazardous material. A prestressed reinforcement (17) having reinforcing members (28, 29) extending helically about the storage space (18) is provided in the concrete body (12) adjacent to the outer side thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing members (28, 29) are divided into two groups, one inside the other, the hand of the reinforcing members (28) of one of the groups being opposite to the hand of the reinforcing members (29) of the other group. Also preferably, the ends of the concrete body are provided with end covers (15, 16) in which the reinforcing members (28, 29) are anchored.

Abstract: A shift register with low power consumption has memory circuits 151-15N connected in series, gate circuits in memory circuits 152n−1 in the odd-numbered locations become conductive when clock signal CK is high, and gate circuits in memory circuits 152n in the even-numbered locations become conductive when clock signal CK is low, wherein data signals S input are latched for output when the gate circuits are shut off. The circuit configuration is simplified. The Shift register operates every one half of the cycle of clock signal CK, allowing the frequency of clock signal to be reduced by half, resulting in reduced power consumption.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a high voltage generator which generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube, an X-ray detector having a plurality of X-ray detection element lines, a scanogram generating unit which generates a scanogram on the basis of an output from the X-ray detector, a reconstructing unit which reconstructs an image on the basis of an output from the X-ray detector, a tube current determining unit which determines a tube current value on the basis of the pixel values of a plurality of pixels included in a two-dimensional partial region of the scanogram, and a control unit which controls the high voltage generator on the basis of the determined tube current value.

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 X-ray CT apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of X-ray generating means which generate X-rays, surround a measuring object, are arranged on a circle with the measuring object at the center, and are relatively movable with respect to the measuring object, a detector which surrounds the measuring object, is arranged on a circle with the measuring object at the center, is relatively movable with respect to the measuring object, and detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating means and transmitted through the measuring object, and X-ray generation controlling means which selects use/non-use of each of the X-ray generating means, and a mode setting directing means for directing a desired operation mode with respect to the X-ray generation controlling means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the correction or compensation of individual differences between the conversion characteristics of the image sensors (11) and the processing units (12) of an X-ray detector which are connected thereto. It is assumed that a functional relationship in conformity with GW=Fi(Lij(&phgr;)) exists between the quantity of radiation (&phgr;) entering the detector and the grey value (GW) resulting therefrom for a pixel (j, i), where Lij describes the approximately linear behavior of the sensor arrangement (10) and Fi the non-linear behavior of the processing unit (12). For the inverse value Lij−1 a linear model function is used and for the inverse value Fi−1 a non-linear model function is used with parameters which can be calculated from calibration measurements with different radiation quantities (&phgr;k).

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostics installation for mammography examinations has an arm for an X-ray tube, a holder for an image receiver and a subject table. The holder and the subject table are laterally adjustable relative to one another. A compression plate arranged between the X-ray tube and the subject table is connected to and displaceable along the arm. The arm is rotatable around a horizontal shaft attached to a stand. In order to maintain the image receiver located in the X-ray field simply and inexpensively given rotation of the subject table or of the image receiver from a vertical attitude into a lateral attitude, the holder for the image receiver is connected to the arm, and the subject table is laterally displaceable relative to the holder.

Abstract: X-ray radiation is transmitted through and scattered from an object under inspection to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband. Relatively fast scintillators are employed for faster X-ray detection efficiency and significantly improved image resolution. Detector design is improved by the use of optically adiabatic scintillators. Switching between photon-counting and photon integration modes reduces noise and significantly increases overall image quality.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for creating medical images of a subject patient using a plurality of imaging devices, such as tomographic imaging scanners. The imaging devices each have a bore through which a patient is translated during scanning. The imaging devices can be moved apart to allow greater access to a patient between the bores.

Abstract: A treatment verification process for radiation therapy consisting of measuring each of the radiation beams that are to be applied to the patient by making a calibrated image of the field for each beam. The measured beams are then processed and converted to relative monitor units. Software like a treatment planning system is then used to compute the dose to the patient for comparison with the intended treatment prescription.

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: An irradiation apparatus particularly well suited to the irradiation of food at or near the point of consumption includes an irradiation chamber, one or more ionizing radiation sources such as x-ray tubes, and a rotating food support. In one embodiment, one or more x-ray sources are disposed axially in relation to the support. In another, one or more x-ray sources are disposed radially in relation to the support. The position of the x-ray sources in relation to the food may also be varied depending on the size of the food.

Abstract: In an arrangement having an X-ray detector or a gamma detector with detector elements arranged in a matrix in row and column directions that form a detector surface with detection regions that are sensitive to X-rays or gamma radiation and insensitive intermediate regions, and a stray radiation grid or collimator of absorbent structure elements that is arranged over the detector surface, the absorbent structure elements proceed over the intermediate regions and are fashioned such that their detector-side center-to-center spacing in the row direction and/or column direction is greater by a whole-numbered factor than the center-to-center spacing of the detector elements in the same direction, and/or sections of the absorbent structure elements that proceed in one direction exhibit a lower height than sections that proceed in the respectively other direction.

Abstract: Loop qualification systems and methods involve evaluating Loop Make-Up (LMU) data to determine whether loops qualify for certain services, such as ADSL service or other digital services. The LMU data includes such information as whether the loop is comprised of copper, fiber, is a DLC, the length, resist zone, carrier zone, loading factor, the existence of a DAML, and taper code information. The loop qualification systems and methods obtain LMU data on existing loops and also information on loops that have not yet been completed. Network service providers (NSPs) interface with the loop qualification systems to determine whether certain lines are qualified for a service. The loop qualification systems also include web-based interfaces to allow both the NSPs and end users to make an inquiry as to the capability of a given loop.

Abstract: Line states are detected accurately to efficiently test subscriber lines, thereby improving the reliability and quality of maintenance and operation. Line monitoring means monitors line states based on at least one of loop information of lines and status information of bearer channels. Subscriber line testing means conducts subscriber line testing in accordance with the line states.

Abstract: A method and system for providing access to emergency data. Emergency data is collected from various sources and maintained such that it can be efficiently recalled in an emergency. In one implementation, the data is maintained in XML documents. An emergency application program provides a page and/or sub-pages via which a user interacts to obtain the data. The data is typed according to types of emergencies to facilitate user access to the appropriate data when needed. The emergency data may be automatically loaded from a remote source, such as a .NET service, or provided by a retailer. Actions may be associated with emergency data, such as to provide an easy or automated way to send an alert, email message, and the like in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A directory service, containing unique identifiers (e.g., telephone numbers) and related Internet address(es), accessible through the Internet. An Internet-enabled communication system, such as IP-PBX or voice mail system, accepts a telephone number as a destination address. It then contacts the directory service and requests the Internet address related to that telephone number. The communication system uses the Internet address to set up a delivery path via the Internet to the destination. Thus, all time-dependent charges normally associated with message delivery by the telephone network can be avoided.

Abstract: A method to store information in an address book (122) is provided. The method includes the steps of creating a record for each call placed by a subscriber, each record including one or more telephone numbers (404), determining if the telephone number(s) of the record matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers stored within the address book (406); and storing the telephone number(s) in the address book (412). A system and computer program are also disclosed to store information in the address book.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a system to permit face-to-face rendezvous which enables one person to announce the desire to rendezvous with another person so that the another person can be alerted to the desire and then make face-to-face contact. Information identifying the one person is input into a first input station (3) and that information is then stored in said first input station. The input station is then activated to retrieve the stored information and to transfer that information to a receiving station (15) together with first station input station ID data. The another person is then alerted to the information and the ID data by the receiving station (15). An acknowledgement signal is provided to the first input station (3) so that said one person can be made aware that the information has been received.

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: Described is a method for controlling nodes in a network including the steps of sending a proposed maximum working rate to a plurality of nodes, computing the number of responses received from the nodes by a central controller in a set period and adjusting the maximum working rate sent to the nodes based on the number of responses received.

Abstract: A process and apparratus for controlling the generation of statistical information being reported to a user or administration application (43) by a Common Channel Signalling (CCS) protocol stack (41) of a telecommunication node (40). The process involves the use of a Statistics Control File (SCF) file (42) which is located within the protocol stack and which contains a description of the entities, including links and destinations, for which a statistical notification is to be reported to the administration application (43). By modifying the contents of said SCF file contained within the protocol stack via the administration application, the user is given the possibility to precisely define the particular statistical information for which he finds an interest. There is reduced the number of unnecessary statistical information reported back by the protocol stack. The Statistics Control File (SCF) 42 contains a description of the entities complying with the Specification and Description Language (SDL) standard.

Abstract: In prior art, a user can access a particular information assistance service provider only through the carrier contracting the particular provider by dialing special digits recognized by the carrier's switches. In accordance with the invention, an independent telephone number is assigned to the particular provider which enables the user to call the provider independent of the carrier used. When the user calls the provider for information assistance service using the independent telephone number, a user affiliation file associated with the user is retrieved. Such a file includes information concerning one or more user affiliations recognized by the provider. Part of the service charges incurred in the information assistance call are allocated to the recognized user affiliations, or the user as a credit, discount or other remuneration.

Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications device wherein the telecommunications device is used to detect an outgoing call from a calling party to a called number. The calling number is used to determine whether or not the calling party is a universal service user. If it is determined that the called number is among a class of numbers exempt from charges, the call is connected. A determination on the sufficiency of funds in a pre-paid account is made. If it is determined that there are insufficient funds in a pre-paid account to cover charges associated with the outgoing call, a message is generated and sent to the calling party or a third party requesting authorization to charge an additional fee for connecting the calling party with the called party and providing related information or application services. User input is received from the calling party, indicating the calling party's authorization of such charge. The connection between the calling party and the called party is made.

Abstract: A telecommunications service controls and monitors telephone calls by storing at a service control point (SCP) restricted telephone numbers and priority telephone numbers. Upon receiving call data relating to a call between a subscriber telephone number and an outside telephone number, the SCP determines whether the outside telephone number matches the restricted or priority telephone numbers. When the outside telephone number matches a restricted telephone number, the call is terminated and the SCP stores the call data. When the outside telephone number does not match a restricted telephone number, or matches a priority telephone number, the call is connected. The SCP transmits stored call data to a service management system, which is accessible by the subscriber via the Internet or an interactive voice response, for generating reports. The service further includes time schedules for implementing call restrictions and personal identification number for bypassing call restrictions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for signaling and processing incoming calls for a call center. The invention further relates to a corresponding exchange and a corresponding call center. According to the invention, incoming calls for the call center and the subscriber numbers of the callers are signaled to the call center by the exchange via an Internet protocol link between the exchange and the call center.

Abstract: Performing tone detection by (1) creating a search engine for every period of all possible tones, (2) applying the search engines on one period of the unknown tone, (3) eliminating the search engines that did not match the period of the unknown tone, (4) reapplying the remaining search engines, and (5) repeating (3) and (4) until the unknown tone can be identified as one of the possible tones based on the remaining search engines.

Abstract: According to the inventive method, an incoming call that is directed to a subscriber terminal (Tln1) allocated to a subscriber group (Tln1 to Tln n) is signaled to the subscriber terminal (Tln1) called and additionally to at least one subscriber terminal (Tln A3 to Tln An) that is located outside the signaling transmission range of the subscriber terminal called.

Abstract: Systems and methods are utilized to balance differential gains and thereby improve signal-to-noise ratio where information is transmitted across differential signal lines. Adjustable impedances are selectively applied to one or more of the differential signal lines in order to more closely match the gains on the signal lines. As a result, signal-to-noise ratio is improved. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a plurality of impedance elements are selectively connected to one or more differential signal lines in order to adjust the differential gain between the two signal lines such that they are essentially equal thereby improving the overall signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: Combined plain old telephone system (POTS) and digital subscriber loop (DSL) line card capable of suppressing low frequency transients. The line card includes the following elements. A DSL receive path receives DSL data from a loop. A POTS receive path receives POTS data from the loop. A combined POTS and DSL transmit path transmits POTS and DSL data to the loop. An impedance generator is coupled between the POTS receive path and the combined POTS and DSL transmit path for synthesizing impedance for signals in the combined POTS and DSL transmit path. A low frequency detector selectively applies a high pass filter to an output of the impedance generator for filtering the low frequency transients. Further, a clipped signal detector and a variable pole high pass filter are provided in the POTS receive path. The clipped signal detector in the POTS receive path triggers a switch that discharges stored transient energy in the receive path.

Abstract: An echo processor includes an echo suppression amount decider which compares a state of an outgoing input signal to be sent including an echo with a state of an incoming input signal and calculates an echo suppression amount based on the comparison, a time-frequency transformer which transforms the outgoing input signal in the time domain into the frequency domain, thereby generating an amplitude spectrum and a phase spectrum, a noise-spectrum estimator which estimates a noise spectrum from the amplitude spectrum, a mixer which mixes an amount of the noise spectrum based on the echo suppression amount with the amplitude spectrum, and a frequency-time transformer which generates an outgoing output signal including a noise in the time domain on the basis of the amplitude spectrum, with which an amount of the noise spectrum is mixed by the mixer, and the phase spectrum, and outputs the outgoing output signal.

Abstract: An echo canceler having a predictive filter that generates an echo replica signal and an adder that subtracts the echo replica signal from a send input signal also has a receive input amplifier and a clipping circuit. The clipping circuit clips the input to the predictive filter at a threshold level determined by increasing the receive input amplifier gain until distortion of the echo component causes echo cancellation performance to degrade. Alternatively, the echo canceler may have a send input amplifier, a send output amplifier, and an echo replica amplifier that amplifies the predicted echo replica signal. The gain of the send input amplifier is increased to determine the gain at which echo cancellation performance begins to deteriorate due to echo amplification, and the gain of the echo replica amplifier is set to compensate for the echo amplification.

Abstract: An echo canceller circuit for use in an echo canceller system is set forth that provides sensitive non-linear echo path response detection. The echo canceller circuit comprises a first digital filter having non-adaptive tap coefficients to simulate an echo response occurring during a call. A second digital filter having adaptive tap coefficients to simulate an echo response occurring during the call is also used. The adaptive tap coefficients of the second digital filter are updated over the duration of the call. A coefficient transfer controller is disposed in the echo canceller circuit to transfer the adaptive tap coefficients of the second digital filter to replace the tap coefficients of the first digital filter when a set of one or more transfer conditions is met. A non-linear echo path response detector is provided. The non-linear echo path detector is responsive to one or more parameters of the first and second digital filters to detect a non-linear echo path condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for adaptive filters that have improved computational and memory bandwidth proprieties. When applied to telecommunication applications, the present invention additionally provides for improved methods and systems of canceling echoes. In one embodiment of the adaptive filter of the present invention, a filter, preferably an adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filter, of an appropriate length, N, is chosen. Once the filter is chosen, convergence is achieved and the filter is converted to an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter. In the course of operation, data is received from an input source and used to adapt the zeroes of the IIR filter using the least means square (LMS) approach, keeping the poles fixed. The adaptation process generates a set of converged filter coefficients that are then applied to the input signal to create a modified signal used to filter the data.

Abstract: An adapter in which a portable telephone having a socket including terminals connected to electric terminals therein is receivable includes an adapter body having a concave portion in which the portable telephone is receivable, a connector provided in the adapter body so as to be exposed to the concave portion, the connector having terminals connected to predetermined electric units including at least an antenna, the connector being connectable the socket of the portable telephone, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the portable telephone received in the concave portion of the adapter body in a state where the connector is connected to the socket of the portable telephone so that the terminals of the connector are in contact with the terminals of the socket of the portable telephone.

Abstract: An earphone capable of automatically receiving telephone calls includes an earphone having an earphone stereo plug and at least one speaker for outputting audio signals, a microphone for inputting voice signals, and a control device having an earphone stereo socket, a radio stereo plug and a hand-held mobile phone stereo plug. The earphone stereo socket is coupled to the earphone stereo plug. The radio stereo plug is coupled to a portable CD player or a radio stereo socket of a radio for inputting stereo audio signals. The hand-held type mobile phone plug is coupled to the hand-held type mobile phone socket of a hand-held type mobile phone for inputting voice signals. In a state of listening to the CD player or radio, the control device controls the speaker to output stereo audio signals. When the mobile phone receives an incoming call, the control device will output a control signal to cause the speaker to output the voice signals of the mobile phone.

Abstract: A mobile phone securing device includes a plate member which has a connecting member connected to an external object to be connected, and an enclosing member that is a band-like member connected to the plate member so as to form a confining space for securing a mobile phone therein.

Abstract: A method of determining the integrity of a message exchanged between a pair of correspondents. The message is secured by embodying the message in a function of a public key derived from a private key selected by one of the correspondents. The method comprises first obtaining the public key. The public key is then subjected to at least one mathematical test to determine whether the public key satisfies predefined mathematical characteristics. Messages utilizing the public key are accepted if the public key satisfies the predefined mathematical characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for allowing content providers to protect against widespread copying of their content, while enabling them to give their customers more freedom in the way they use the content. In accordance with one embodiment, content providers identify their content as protected by watermarking the content. Consumers use compliant devices to access protected content. All of a user's compliant devices, or all of a family's devices, can be organized into an authorized domain. This authorized domain is used by content providers to create a logical boundary in which they can allow users increased freedom to use their content.

Abstract: System and method to emulate cellular automata based random number generators (CA-based RNGs) in software are presented. Also, system and method to automatically generate software emulators of CA-based RNG are presented. A CA-based RNG is where an output of each cell of the CA at time t is dependent on inputs from any cells of the CA (including perhaps itself) at time t−1. The simulation software are high performing due to parallel simulation of multiple cells of the CA rather than emulating behaviors of cells individually and then combining the results. The simulation software may also include parallel site spacing capabilities.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product for achieving integrity-protected storage in a personal communication device by implementing DRM in a personal communication device. In particular, the method, system and computer program product utilizes cryptography and an external, read-write storage device that stores important state information that need not be secret, but should be unmodifable or replayable without detection. Using the present invention, the integrity of data storage in a personal communication can be assured even if data is stored in an insecure storage device.