Abstract: Techniques and tools for performing fading compensation in video processing applications are described. For example, during encoding, a video encoder performs fading compensation using fading parameters comprising a scaling parameter and a shifting parameter on one or more reference images. During decoding, a video decoder performs corresponding fading compensation on the one or more reference images.

Abstract: Techniques and tools for performing fading estimation and compensation in video processing applications are described. For example, a video encoder performs fading compensation on one or more reference images to encode images in which fading is detected. A video decoder performs corresponding fading compensation on the one or more reference images.

Abstract: This invention is a method of encoding intra frames when encoding a motion picture. A set of intra frame prediction modes includes a low-complexity subset. A probability table relates the prediction mode of adjacent sub-blocks to the prediction mode of the current sub-block. For each combination of adjacent sub-blocks, the probability table includes a list of prediction modes in order of expected occurrence. The probability table is adjusted so that each list for prediction modes within the low-complexity subset include initial prediction modes of the low-complexity subset. Individual sub-blocks of intra frames are predictively coded in a low-complexity encoding the using the low-complexity subset or in a high-complexity encoding using any prediction mode. This permits a low-complexity decoder responsive to only the low-complexity subset.

Abstract: A system and method for scaling an MPEG-2 video decoder subject to a resource constraint. A decoder system is provided for decoding compressed video data arranged in a group of pictures, wherein the group of pictures include I pictures, P pictures and B pictures. The system comprises a processing path for decoding an error residual associated with the group of pictures, and a filtering system for preventing the error residual associated with B pictures from being decoded by the processing path. The decoder system may further comprise a system for selectively enabling the filtering system for B pictures having a DC coefficient that is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for assembling multimedia streams enables assembly of any of a number of possible output multimedia streams from segments of source multimedia streams. Enabling assembly of the streams includes computing stream fragments for insertion between successive of the segments to form any of the output streams. According to such a method, computation required for creating transition points in source MPEG streams can be largely performed as a preprocess that produces data that can be stored for use in later assembling a stream, assembly of a stream requires relatively little computation and can be implemented using relatively inexpensive equipment, for example, in software.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for compressing data. Initially, data is received in a single device. Such data is encoded utilizing the single device to generate first compressed data in a first format. Moreover, the first compressed data is transcoded utilizing the single device to generate second compressed data in a second format.

Abstract: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

Abstract: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

Abstract: Known digital QAM modulators use sine/cosine memories and a plurality of multipliers. This can be avoided by replacing the circuitry which carries out the circular rotation of [I(n), Q(n)]T performed in all the QAM modulators, with a CORDIC algorithm. The invented QAM modulator is comprised of a plurality of digital rotation stages (72, 73 . . . 74) coupled in sequence. The first stage (72) receives the IIN and QIN data streams and the last stage (74) outputs a vector comprising of the orthogonal I and Q components of a digital intermediate frequency signal. Each of the rotation stages rotates an input vector applied to the stage at a predetermined elementary rotation angle, said input vector being the output vector of the previous digital rotation stage. The modulator further includes an angle computation block (710) for counting the elementary rotation angles for the rotation stages.

Abstract: Techniques for improved diversity pilot estimation in rapidly changing channel environments are disclosed. In one aspect, a difference estimate is updated when a current received symbol comprises a difference between the primary and diversity channels, and a sum estimate is updated when a current received symbol comprises a sum of the primary and diversity channels. The primary channel and the diversity channel are estimated in response to the sum estimate and the difference estimate. In another aspect, the sum estimate and difference estimate are produced by filtering the received symbols. In yet another aspect, received symbols are demodulated in response to the primary and diversity channel estimates. These aspects have the benefit of incorporating the most recently received symbol, resulting in more accurate channel estimates and hence improved demodulation performance, increased system capacity, lower required transmit power, and other benefits.

Abstract: A multivalued FSK modulation system is provided in which when data to be transmitted is multivalued and transmitted/received, the detection level is different every symbol. When a two-valued signal is transmitted as one symbol, data (11), (01), (00) and (10) are previously set to be, for example, a shift of −6, a shift of +6, a shift of +2, and a shift of −2, respectively. When data to be input next is (00), mapping is performed so as to provide a sign weight of +2 from the sign weight at the position of current data. When the data to be input next is (10), mapping is performed so as to provide a sign weight of −2 from the position of the current sign weight. Thus, even if data of the same level is input, signals can be always detected in different levels, so that the sign detection point is not specified erroneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for passively calibrating and correcting for I/Q mismatch in a quadrature receiver without the necessity of modifying the analog portion of the receiver by adding calibration signals or correction circuitry are presented. The passive I/Q mismatch calibration system proceeds using normally received incoming transmitted data signals to obtain statistical information on which to base I/Q mismatch compensation factors. The I/Q mismatch compensation factors can be used to adjust the magnitude and phase response in the time domain or the frequency domain, the analog or the digital portion of the receiver. Depending on the embodiment, the passive I/Q mismatch calibration system can calibrate frequency dependent gain or magnitude imbalance, frequency independent magnitude imbalance, frequency dependent phase imbalance, and frequency independent phase imbalance or combinations or these.

Abstract: A receiver for baseline wandering compensation. The receiver is capable of correcting for baseline wander and receiving killer packets, and includes an analog-to-digital converter, an equalizer, a slicer and a baseline wander corrector. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to a transmission channel to receive and digitize input signals and outputs a sample. The equalizer is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter to receive the sample, and outputs an equalized sample. The slicer is coupled to the equalizer to receive the equalized sample, and outputs a symbol based on the equalized sample output from the equalizer. The baseline wander corrector is coupled between the slicer and the equalizer. The baseline wander corrector receives the symbol output from the slicer and the equalized sample output from the equalizer, calculates a baseline correction, and adds the baseline correction to the equalized sample output from the equalizer.

Abstract: A method of decoding a bit stream having an embedded clock, where the clock reference data is recovered from the bit stream. The clock reference data is used to create an adjusting value control a local clock frequency. The adjustment calculated such that the local clock frequency and the local clock value match the frequency and values in the clock reference data. The adjustment value is input to pulse generator to form a pulse train, which is used to generate the input to an adjustable oscillator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of phase controlling a data signal transmitted from a data source to a data sink using a counter clock approach, wherein the phase of a data sink clock is compared with the phase of a reference signal at the data sink and the phase of a counter clock is adjusted at the data sink in dependency to said phase comparing. It relates also to a counter clock circuit arrangement and interface device for performing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A guide tube inspection camera fixture for inspecting internal surfaces of nuclear reactor control rod guide tubes is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide tube camera fixture includes a base plate, a unit-body tower having a first end and a second end, and a support bracket coupled to the unit-body tower. The unit-body tower is coupled to the base plate, and the support bracket is configured to support an inspection camera.

Abstract: A shift register circuit includes a first shift register having a plurality of stages connected in cascade, and a second shift register having more stages than the first shift register. The stages of the second shift register are divided into groups each formed of consecutive stages. The stages of the first shift register output pulse sequences having a predetermined number of consecutive pulses and having different phases from each other, to the stages constituting the groups of the second shift register as clock signals.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus (40) includes a CT imaging scanner (42) that acquires projection data. Data acquisition electronics (90) communicate with the CT scanner (42), and an acquisition computer (601) receives the projection data via the data acquisition electronics (90). A communication network (70) communicates with the acquisition computer (601) and with at least one additional computer (602, 603, 604). The at least one additional computer (602, 603, 604) cooperates with the data acquisition computer (601) and the communication network (70) to define a computational pipeline (104) that reconstructs selected projection data into a selected image representation.

Abstract: A system includes a radiation source for emitting radiation, an imaging device for generating three-dimensional data representing internal portions of a patient in conjunction with the emitted radiation, and a processor for determining a correspondence between the generated three-dimensional data and other data representing the internal portions of the patient, and for determining whether the treatment equipment is properly positioned relative to the patient based on the correspondence.

Abstract: A system includes determination of a treatment plan for delivering convergent radiation to a target based at least on a decrease in intensity of the convergent radiation due to material intercepted by the convergent radiation prior to reaching the target and on an increase in intensity of the convergent radiation due to a geometry of the convergent radiation. Some aspects include determination of a dose enhancement at the target over time due to contrast agent located at the target, wherein the determination of the treatment plan is based at least on the dose enhancement over time.

Abstract: A system includes presentation of a view of portions of structures that would be intercepted by a path of radiation during radiation treatment from a perspective of a location. The radiation enters an entry surface of a radiation-focusing lens, exits an exit surface of the radiation-focusing lens, and is substantially focused on a focal area. The location is located such that a plane perpendicular to an axis of the path, intercepting the exit surface, and positioned between the entry surface and the focal area would be located between the location and the lens.

Abstract: A system includes substantial focus of radiation on a focal area, the focused radiation following a radiation path from a lens to the focal area, and projection of light on a surface so as to substantially indicate an intersection of the radiation path with the surface. In some aspects, the light projected on the surface substantially indicates a distance between the surface and the focal area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of irradiating a patient with radiation beams that converge at an isocenter. The patient is constrained to a frame which is helpful in substantially aligning the isocenter with a target tissue, such as a tumor, in the patient.

Abstract: Improved arrangement for interfacing between a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and a telephone network and data network. A Low-Pass Filter is mounted together with a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) interface circuit to reduce the number of connections to a Main Distributing Frame (MDF). Other arrangements are disclosed for mounting blocking capacitors to isolate a data network test access from the POTS service provision. Advantageously, reliable DSL service is provided at lower operations and apparatus cost.

Abstract: If an individual maintains an unlisted number, it is difficult, or impossible, for an individual to get in touch with the unlisted party via the unlisted telephone number. However, through the use of an unlisted number call messaging service, a calling party is able to leave a message for an unlisted party. In particular, the calling party leaves a message for the unlisted party. The message is associated with the unlisted party and the unlisted party is notified of the message via a predetermined procedure. The unlisted party, upon receipt of the message notification, then has the option to, for example, review the message.

Abstract: A method and system for accomplishing real-time drilling in conjunction with interactive, real-time, voice transmission of information to a user is disclosed. A voice-based communication between a user and a first system is established and a report is transmitted to the user. The report might comprise information and at least one request for user input based on said information. In response to the report, the user can request that additional information be drawn from the report via drilling. The requested information is extracted from the original report in real-time.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a subscriber having a first telephone number that is out-of-service comprises providing a database that is accessible at least through a second telephone number, and allowing the subscriber to access the database to post a message. The message is made available to an interested party. A system for a subscriber to communicate with an interested party is also provided.

Abstract: In a communication system, a delayed call dialing processing system and method are described. The delayed call dialing processing system includes logic that allows a caller wishing to call a callee to delegate the task of monitoring presence information to detect when the callee is present to accept the call. The delayed call dialing process system further allows the caller to delegate the task of monitoring the delayed call and then makes the delegated task visible to the caller to enable the caller to either reschedule the delayed call or cancel the delayed call after the call has been queued for delay dialing. When presence information indicates that the caller and the callee are available, the calls are put through and bridged.

Abstract: In accordance with another aspect of the invention defined by the claims, a monitoring system for a communication network having a plurality of network elements is provided. The monitoring system comprises a communication subsystem for receiving a first message from a first network element, a database for storing a plurality of data records relating to facilities provided by the communication network or equipment provisioned in the communication network, a message matching module, and a translation module. The message matching module is operative to cause the monitoring system to associate the received first message to one of the data records. The message matching module is also operative to cause the monitoring system to extract identification information from the first message and to use the identification information to select said one of the data records wherein the selected data record corresponds to the facility or the equipment in the communication network that relates to the received first message.

Abstract: A disclosed method provides automated scripting to guide a customer service representative (CSR) in handling a call from a customer. Operations within the method may include displaying products and two or more purpose classifications for selection by the CSR. The purpose classifications may include (a) an add classification for customer requests to add a new product to an account and (b) a remove classification for customer requests to remove an existing product from the account. A page generator may receive input from the CSR selecting one of the purpose classifications and one of the products as pertinent to the call. In response, the page generator may automatically displaying a customized page with scripted text for the CSR to read to the customer. The scripted text may correspond specifically both to the selected purpose classification and to the selected product.

Abstract: A call center is configured such that voice prompts provided to a given caller are modified based on prior e-mail notifications or other non-telephonic communications between the call center and that caller. In an illustrative embodiment, information regarding at least one previous non-telephonic communication with a given caller is stored in a database or other memory accessible to the call center. When the given caller places a subsequent call to the call center, the call center retrieves the stored information for that caller, and selects voice prompts for the caller based at least in part on the e-mails or other non-telephonic communications previously sent to the caller. The call is then routed to an appropriately-skilled agent based at least in part on a response of the caller to the voice prompt. Additional information relating to the previous non-telephonic communication, e.g., a copy or summary of the communication, may be transmitted to the agent that receives the call.

Abstract: A telecommunications pair gain system for use when all lines served by the pair gain system are within a limited distance of the pair gain system remote terminal. The distance is such that a lower voltage output from the remote terminal can be used for powering the POTS telephones. Advantageously, a single remote terminal can be used for controlling, for example, 8 POTS lines, at significantly lower expense than would be incurred using standard subscriber loop carrier technology. Advantageously, the loops no longer required for serving all of the 8 POTS lines directly, can be utilized to provide services such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service to other customers without requiring the installation of additional loops between the central office and the remote terminal.

Abstract: Sub-band filtering, adaptive echo cancellation, and residual echo suppression are selectively and separately applied in hierarchical order under the control of a circuit that monitors four separate signals to determine n machine states. The number of machine states is further divided among m levels of noise in determining which, and how much of, sub-band filtering, adaptive echo cancellation, and residual echo suppression to use at any given time. A voice activity detector (VAD) is used to monitor each signal and provides statistical information in addition to whether or not a voice signal is detected. Sub-band filter, echo cancelling, and non-linear processing are not permitted to provide maximum reduction simultaneously. Even so, the invention provides at least 15 dB more echo suppression than systems without a sub-band filter bank series coupled with a non-linear processor in each channel.

Abstract: A signalling tone detector for use in a communications network carrying voice traffic incorporating single frequency and dual frequency signalling tones comprises a first output path, a second output path, and a switch arranged to selectively couple an input signal to one or other of the output paths. The first output path comprises an automatic frequency control circuit for determining a mean frequency of an input signal, comparison means for comparing the mean frequency with stored frequency values corresponding to single tone signalling frequencies and mean values of pairs of dual tone signalling frequencies, a first discriminator for determining the presence of either a single frequency or a pair of frequencies, and a second discriminator for providing a signal output indicative of the presence of a single frequency or pair of frequencies.

Abstract: A communication system is provided with a power supply budget such that portions of a phone line side circuit may be powered from the TIP and RING phone lines while using standard electronic devices for the hookswitch circuits and the diode bridge circuit. For example, low voltage converters in the phone line side circuit may be powered from the phone line. The low voltage converters may operate off a low voltage power supply of approximately 2.5 V or less, more preferably may operate off a low voltage power supply of approximately 2.0 V or less, and in one embodiment 1.9 V converters may be utilized. The communication system may further include a capacitive isolation barrier system for isolating the phone line side circuitry.

Abstract: According to the invention, a circuit that is capable of automated scan testing is disclosed. Included in the circuit are a cryptographic engine, a digital circuit, an input pin, and an output pin. The cryptographic engine capable of performing at least one of encryption and decryption of one or more digital signals. The digital circuit includes combinatorial logic and a number of memory cells. The memory cells have scan inputs connected serially in a scan chain. The input pin and output pin are coupled to the scan chain. At least one of the input pin and the output pin carries at least some cipher text data of the scan chain.

Abstract: An apparatus multiplies a first and a second binary polynomial X(t) and Y(t) over GF(2), where an irreducible polynomial Mm(t)=tm+am−1tm−1+am−2tm−2tm−2+ . . . +a1t+a0, and where the coefficients ai are equal to either 1 or 0, and m is a field degree. The degree of X(t)<n, and the degree of Y(t)<n, and m≦n. The apparatus includes a digit serial modular multiplier circuit coupled to supply a multiplication result of degree ≧m of a multiplication of the first and second binary polynomials. The digit serial modular multiplier circuit includes a first and second register, each being ≦n bits. A partial product generator circuit multiplies a portion of digit size d of contents of the first register and contents of the second register. The partial product generator is also utilized as part of a reduction operation for at least one generic curve.

Abstract: An elliptic curve processing apparatus that performs operations on elliptic curves specified over binary polynomial fields includes a functional unit that has a digit serial multiplier with a digit size of at least two bits. The elliptic curve processing apparatus performs reduction for respective generic curves using arbitrary irreducible polynomials, which correspond to respective ones of the generic curves. The elliptic curve processing apparatus may include hardwired reduction circuits in the functional unit for use with respective named curves. A storage location in the elliptic curve processing apparatus may be used to specify whether an operation is for one of the named curves or for one of the generic curves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating pseudo-random numbers. The method includes defining a first set of R bits and defining a second set of S bits different from the first set of R bits. The method also includes updating the second set of S bits using a predetermined process that operates on the first set of R bits and the second set of S bits to form an updated set of S bits. The method also includes updating the first set of R bits using another predetermined process. The apparatus may include a linear feedback shift register and a second register. The linear feedback shift register is configured to store R bits. The second register is configured to store S bits. Each bit of the S bits is updated using a function that operates on one or more of the R bits from the linear feedback shift register and one or more of the S bits.

Abstract: A method for managing program data includes deriving a code word from an entitlement control message in the program data. The code word is re-scrambled with a local key. The code word that was re-scrambled with the local key is inserted into the entitlement control message.

Abstract: In fee charging system for a video information, scramble signals including video information and charging information can be recorded, free of charge, such that the signals are read later therefrom using a fee based scheme. In an operation to reproduce original video signals from the signals read from the media by a recording and reproducing apparatus, the charging information is detected to conduct a charging process. The charging process is executed for each copying operation. The video information includes first video information as main video information and second video information. First charging information is added to the first video information, and second, different charging information is added to the second video information. A charging process is executed by a charge processing unit according to the charging information. When the second charging information is detected, the charging process is accomplished according to the second charging information.

Abstract: An image decrypting apparatus derives spectral reflectance of the face of an original on the basis of obtained original image data, built-in light source data and basis function data, and obtains weighted coefficients of each pixel as object color component data. The apparatus stores a file including the basis function data used at the time of obtaining the spectral reflectance as a key file, and stores a file including the object color component data as an encrypted file. From each of the key file and the encrypted file, the original image data cannot be reproduced. By using the key file and the encrypted file in a correct combination, the original image data can be reproduced. In such a manner, the original image data can be protected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating encryption stream ciphers. The recurrence relation is designed to operate over finite fields larger than GF(2) and is maximal length. An output equation generates the output based on a plurality of elements in the shift register used to implement the recurrence relation. The recurrence relation and the output equation are selected to have distinct pair distances such that, as the shift register shifts, no particular pair of elements of the shift register are used twice in either the recurrence relation or the output equation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the encoding and storage of signals representing at least image information onto a storage medium is claimed. A source generator is configured to convert the signals into digitized image information. A compressor is configured to receive the digitized image information from the source generator and compress the digitized image. An encryptor is configured to receive the compressed digitized image information from the compressor and encrypt the compressed digitized image information. A storage device is configured to then store the encrypted compressed digitized image information onto the storage medium.

Abstract: A key protected data stream and an encryption key are received at a gateway device. The gateway devices unprotects the data stream based upon the encryption key. The unprotected received data is modified by the gateway to generate a modified data. The modified data is protected based upon the encryption key to generate a key protected modified data. The gateway then transmits the key protected modified data to one or more clients along with the encryption key.

Abstract: A method for updating a key in a secure group involves issuing an update request by a first member of the secure group, receiving the update request by a second member of the secure group, generating a first suggested revision number by the first member, generating a second suggested revision number by the second member in response to the update request, calculating a first send time by the first member using the first suggested revision number, calculating a second send time by the second member using the second suggested revision number, sending the first suggested revision number by the first member upon reaching the first send time if the first member is not blocked from sending, sending the second suggested revision number by the second member upon reaching the second send time if the second member is not blocked from sending, receiving the first suggested revision number by the second member, comparing the first suggested revision number to the second suggested revision number by the second member, bloc

Abstract: In a method for increasing peer privacy, a path for information is formed from a provider to a requestor through a plurality of peers in response to a received request for the information. Each peer of the plurality of peers receives a respective set-up message comprising of a predetermined label and an identity of a next peer for the information. The information is transferred over the path in a message, where the message comprises a message label configured to determine a next peer according to the path in response to the message label matching the previously received predetermined label.

Abstract: A sound processing system increases the robustness of surround sound in various playback situations. The system may process an incoming signal, such as a five channel surround sound signal, with a first and a second matrix. The first and second matrices produce outputs signals from the input incoming signals. At least one of the output signals may be combined before being sent to the speakers.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating signal enhancement utilizing an adaptive filter is provided. The invention includes an adaptive filter that filters an input based upon a plurality of adaptive coefficients, the adaptive filter modifying at least one of the adaptive coefficients based on a feedback output. The invention further includes a feedback component that provides the feedback output based, at least in part, upon a non-linear function of the acoustic reverberation reduced output.

Abstract: The invention comprises a supporting stand provided with an enlarged opening in the front and a damper in the rear for adhering to the sound coil; a magnetic circuit supported by a cylinder and connecting to the supporting stand and both ends of the magnetic circuit are provided with movement-accommodating space; first sound coil provided in the movement-accommodating space on one end of the magnetic circuit; second sound coil provided in the movement-accommodating space on the other end of the magnetic circuit; first diaphragm provided in the inner rim of the enlarged opening and adhering to the first sound coil; and second diaphragm provided in the inner rim of magnetic circuit and adhering to second sound coil; thereby allows the magnetic circuit to be installed in front of the supporting stand; and thus outputs high-pitch sound and low-pitch sound simultaneously from a single device.