Abstract: A transmitter (400) offsets the transmission time and frequency of a burst transmission such that uncertainties in reception time and reception frequency are reduced. The transmitter includes an ephemeris store (454) that includes ephemeris data for one or more possible intended receivers (130). Orbits of possible intended receivers are propagated, and an intended receiver is selected. Transmission time offsets are generated as a function of transmitter location and intended receiver location. Transmission frequency offsets are substantially equal to a Doppler frequency derived from the transmitter velocity and the intended receiver velocity. Guard times and guard bands are reduced in size, resulting in greater available communications bandwidth and simpler receiver designs.

Abstract: The transmission system according to the invention comprises a transmitter (10) and a receiver (12). The transmitter (10) can transmit a multicarrier signal (11) to the receiver (12). The receiver (12) comprises an interference absorption circuit (20), which interference absorption circuit (20) comprises interference detection means (26) for detecting interference components, e.g. impulsive noise components, included in the multicarrier signal (11) and interference removal means (28) for substantially removing the interference components from the multicarrier signal (11). The interference detection means (26) are arranged for generating and supplying to the interference removal means (28) an interference presence signal (27) which is indicative of the presence of the interference components in the multicarrier signal (11).

Abstract: A method is provided for adapting modulation schemes to changing channel quality with reduced overhead signalling. A remote unit measures the channel quality of a radio channel along which a signal from a base station reached the remote unit. Based on the channel quality, the remote unit determines a desired set of transmission parameters from a list of sets of transmission parameters. The remote unit determines a difference in position within the list between the current set of transmission parameters and the desired set of transmission parameters. The remote unit transmits the difference to the base station, which selects a new set of transmission parameters using the current set of transmission parameters and the difference. The method requires little signalling between the remote unit and the base station, and is particularly beneficial in communication systems employing many sub-carriers, such as OFDM systems.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for performing a transition from a continuous communication mode (601, 701, 801) into a combined slotted communication mode and measurement mode (602, 802, 803) in a mobile station (402) of a cellular radio system. A set of criteria is provided that are to be observed during the continuous communication mode (601, 701, 801). It is observed, whether at least one of said criteria is fulfilled during the continuous communication mode (601, 701, 801). As a response to the fulfilment of at least one of said criteria during the continuous communication mode, the operation of the mobile station (402) is changed into the combined slotted communication mode and measurement mode (602, 802, 803).

Abstract: A call progress analysis system is provided which is generic to any telecommunications system with which it is used due to configurable detection parameters. A signal on a channel of the telecommunications system is detected in intervals of changing frequency composition and compared to stored pattern descriptors, each of which defines a different call progress signal. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a frequency mask is computed that is specific to a user-defined call progress analysis class. This frequency mask is used to make the DSP receiver ignore frequencies that are not part of any call progress pattern in a particular class. The frequency mask can be used in a frequency detection mode or an energy detection mode. In either mode, the detector can be customized for each channel.

Abstract: A mobile communication system that can obtain mobile station location information repeatedly at short intervals, without depending on whether base stations are synchronous or asynchronous, with lower loads and suppressed use of radio resources. For obtaining location information, a mobile station receives a paging channel periodically sent from a base station (Step 100), obtains the contents and the reception timing of this paging channel. Further, if it is necessary to obtain the transmission timing of the paging channel, that transmission timing is obtained (Steps 105, 106). The propagation delay of the paging channel or propagation delay differences between a plurality of periodic paging channels are calculated from the transmission timing and the reception timing of the paging channel (Step 107). The mobile station location information is calculated from the propagation delay or propagation delay difference, and outputted (Steps 108, 109, 110).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for locking a local oscillator to a reference oscillator. The reference oscillator is arranged to transmit a signal containing two reference pilot tones in a signal sideband. The apparatus samples the received signal and makes a frequency shifted copy where the shift is equal to the expected separation between the reference tones. The non-shifted and shifted signals are then combined in the frequency domain to constructively reinforce one of the reference pilot tones which is then searched for. Once the tone has been identified, a correction to the local oscillator frequency is calculated. The apparatus may be of particular use in a radio telemetry system in which it is important that the frequency of the local oscillators in the transmitters and receivers are very accurately matched to each other and where, in order to reduce interference, all the clocks used in the system are locked to a master clock.

Abstract: The present invention provides power amplification circuitry having multiple amplifier stages in series and adapted to facilitate polar modulation. As such, the amplifier circuitry receives a frequency signal representing the frequency and phase components of the signal to be transmitted, as well as an amplitude signal presenting the amplitude component of the signal to be transmitted. The frequency component is amplified by the amplification circuitry. The amplitude component controls the supply voltage provided to the amplifier stages in the amplification circuitry. To increase the dynamic range of the amplification circuitry, the final stage or stages of the amplification circuitry are selectively disabled when lower output powers are necessary, and enabled when higher output powers are required.

Abstract: A multi-carrier transmitter has combination means for receiving and combining a plurality of carriers including a first modulated carrier for transmission in a first channel and a second modulated carrier for transmission in a second channel, to create a multi-carrier signal. Power control means are arranged to individually vary the power of each of the plurality of carriers before combination.

Abstract: A method for automatically changing transmission power of a three-sector base station in a mobile communication system is disclosed. The mobile communication system includes a base station manager (BSM) and a base station having a base station control processor (BCP), a plurality of RF Up-converters and a memory. In the method for automatically changing the transmission power of three-sector base station in accordance with the present invention, the optimal transmission attenuation values for multiple CDMA channels in each sector are detected at the three-sector base station and set to the corresponding RF Up-converters. Therefore, the detection and setting of the optimal transmission attenuation values for multiple CDMA channels are simply performed, thereby reducing time and cost for the detection and setting. Also, in the present invention, the cell-plan device is not necessary, which reduces expense to detect the optimal transmission attenuation values.

Abstract: An antenna system for tower-top installation includes an antenna array of M×N antenna elements, a corporate feed for operatively interconnecting said antenna elements, a backhaul channel for communicating with ground-based equipment, and radio frequency circuits for processing radio frequency signals between the antenna array and a backhaul link. The radio frequency circuits include substantially all of the circuits required for the processing of radio frequency signals between the antenna array and the backhaul link.

Abstract: The present invention provides for power amplifier control of amplifier circuitry including an input stage and one or more output stages. The input stage is powered separately from the output stage by a relatively fixed power source. The one or more output stages are supplied with power via a voltage regulator having a controllable output voltage. A closed loop control integrated with the amplifier stages forces the voltage output of the voltage regulator to track the profile of an adjustable control signal, such as VRAMP.

Abstract: A converter operative in a digital telecommunication system to receive signals coded at a first compression mode and convert them into a second compression mode. The conversion provided, leads to substantially less impairments in the decompressed form of the signals converted into the second compression mode, had the signals received been decompressed from the first compression mode into their decompressed form followed by compressing these decompressed signals into the second compression mode, and decompressing the signals thus obtained.

Abstract: A digital phase lock loop (PLL) for maintaining synchronization with the phase of a received data signal including a preamble and an information-containing data frame, by incrementing a state machine through an internal cyclic count, each cycle thereof including a center count tending to coincide with center regions of the successive pulses and an edge count tending to coincide with edges of the successive pulses. The PLL selects a current sample of the signal whenever the internal count reaches the predetermined center count value. The state machine internal count is updated in accordance with a cumulative phase error obtained by summing the phase errors detected over successive edges between each edge and the corresponding center count. The interval over which the cumulative phase error is computed depends upon the number of received edges during the preamble and depends upon elapsed time during the data frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing true time delay digital beamformers for forming transmit and/or receive beams in array antennas. The apparatus includes a mixed signal application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which is comprised of an analog-to-digital converter (A/D) as an input circuit, an internal digital delay circuit, and a digital-to-analog converter (D/A) as an output circuit. The internal digital delay circuit provides true time delays that are selectable based on digital control, whereas the A/D and D/A circuits provide the interface circuits for the analog input and output signals. Formation of receive beams are accomplished by a plurality of mixed signal ASICs, low pass filters and analog combiners, where these components are connected in a configuration to combine a plurality of low pass filtered and time delayed analog signals located at the outputs of a plurality of mixed signal ASICs.

Abstract: A mixer oscillator stage, which can be used both with a switched 2-band concept and a 3-band concept without changing the architecture of the oscillators which exceeds the number of mixers and by coupling the mixer(s) and oscillators via a switching circuit so as to switch between the different oscillators in dependence upon the part of the band converging the signal.

Abstract: A system of advertising information on one or more mobile vehicles as a function of the vehicle's location. The system comprises mobile units and a central system for controlling the displays on the mobile units. The mobile units include displays visible from the outside of the vehicle, a controller, and a wireless communication system for repeatedly transmitting a locator signal to and receiving display-selection messages from the central system. The central system includes a wireless communication system for receiving locator signals from the mobile units, a memory and a processor. The central system determines a zone in which the mobile unit is located, selects a display to be shown by the mobile unit based on the zone that the mobile unit is located, and transmits a display-selection message to the mobile unit identifying a selected display message to be shown on the mobile unit's display.

Abstract: A system for automatically reconfiguring a mobile telephone based on geographic location. In the illustrative embodiment, the invention includes a storing unit (40) and an execution unit (70). The storing unit (40) allows the user to save a particular location and the desired configurations corresponding to that location. The execution unit (70) monitors the position of the telephone and, upon entering a saved location, executes the configurations corresponding to that location. The execution unit (70) also returns the configurations to their previous settings after the telephone has exited from the saved location.

Abstract: A method for redirecting calls placed to a mobile phone having a redirect functionality and a second phone via a redirect service, which includes the steps of sending a redirect service request using the redirect button on the mobile phone to the second phone, activating the redirect service by the second phone responsive to the redirect service request, and redirecting incoming calls to the mobile phone to the second phone.

Abstract: There is provided a method for calculating the call processing capacity of a mobile communication system using an Internet communication network. The present invention calculates and stores the call processing capacity of a mobile communication system using an Internet web browser and database to attain accurate call processing capacity information, thereby obtaining an optimal mobile communication system design. Furthermore, since multiple designers can share information about the calculated call processing capacity through a database, thereby making the call processing capacity information be actively effectively used.

Abstract: An improved method and system for handling a call from a mobile station within a wireless communication network is disclosed. The mobile telephone communication network includes a mobile switching center (MSC) and a service control point (SCP). After a call has been initiated from a first mobile station to a second mobile station, the MSC sends an initialDP message to the SCP. The initialDP message preferably includes a classmark field. In response to the call from the first mobile station to the second mobile station, the MSC sets up the call to the second mobile station. The MSC then notifies the SCP that the call to the second mobile station has been initiated. Finally, the MSC receives a request from the SCP to inform the SCP when the call being answered by the second mobile station.

Abstract: A cellular network having an radio frequency (RF) management capability includes a mobile switching center, at least one base station controller operative coupled to the mobile switching center, and at least one base station operatively coupled to the at least one base station controller. The at least one base station is for being operatively coupled with at least one mobile station for carrying out at least one mobile communications call. Lastly, a radio frequency manager is operatively coupled to the at least one base station, in conjunction with the at least one mobile station. The RF manager is further for managing a handoff upon the occurrence of a prescribed event, the handoff including a handoff-to-self via a simultaneous base station radio and mobile station frequency transition.

Abstract: A next generation wireless data network and method for handing off a mobile node is presented. The network includes a core network (CN) coupled to a plurality of radio access networks (RANs). The RAN servicing the mobile node examines overload factors in the wireless data network while the CN examines admission capabilities to neighboring RANs. The wireless data network determines a traffic situation of the neighboring RANs and admits a new user to one of the neighboring RANs based on results of the examinations and the determination.

Abstract: One of a plurality of base stations is selected by a network entity, such as a mobile control point, for communicating with a respective remote station. Transmission channel quality information associated with at least two of the base stations is received at predefined intervals. Loading information associated with the base stations is received at further predefined intervals. A respective one of the base stations is selected as a function of the quality information and the loading information. An indication that the respective remote station is to commence communication with the selected one of the at least two base stations is sent to the respective remote station.

Abstract: An method of establishing a radio bearer (RB) resource in an RAN to support communication with a mobile terminal uses a radio bearer resource request message to expedite RB resource allocation. The mobile terminal transmits a packet channel access request message that uniquely identifies the access request type as a RB access request. The requested RB may be a signaling radio bearer (SRB), in which case the RB access request message may identify the specific type of SRB desired. More generally, the RB access request message identifies the access request type as a RB resource request, which is enough to alert the RAN that RB resources are required. The RAN then sends an uplink packet channel assignment and the mobile terminal specifies the RB resource details by transmitting RLC header information on the assigned uplink channel.

Abstract: Method of assigning a fixed subscriber unit (FSU) to communicate with a particular base station and a system including a plurality of wireless FSUs. The system includes a plurality of base stations, which are coupled to a telecommunications network. Each FSU is coupled to a subscriber communication device, and each FSU is configured to communicate wirelessly with at least a base station. The FSU measures signal strength of a set of base stations. The FSU sends a message with the measured signal strength of the set of base stations to a base station. Circuitry coupled to the base station determines at least a base station to which the FSU is to be assigned based on the message and additional information in the circuitry coupled to the base station. In response to the determining by the circuitry coupled to the base station, the base station sends to the FSU a message including the base station to which the FSU is to be assigned.

Abstract: A Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”) is modified to provide location-determining services similar to Wireless-Assisted-GPS (“WAG”) services to mobiles without requiring the deployment of a GPS receiver inside the UMTS network. The resulting network is known as a UMTS Network Assisted GPS (“UNAG”) network. A UNAG network is created by deploying a UNAG server inside a UMTS network. The UNAG server provides WAG-like services to mobiles. Only one UNAG server is needed in an entire system, allowing the cost of the UNAG server to be amortized over a number of Mobile Switching Centers (“MSCs”) in the UMTS network. The UNAG server provides excellent location-prediction accuracy and reduces the amount of time required to determine the location of a mobile in a UMTS network.

Abstract: Position data and spot data of explanation contents are stored in a spot data database in a center. Preference data of the individual users are stored in a preference data database. Group's preference data of user groups are stored in group's preference data database in the center. When the center extracts each user's present time and present position from data received from the user, it selects spot data on the basis of the user's resent time and present position and also preference data and user group's preference data obtained with user ID from the preference data database and the user group's preference data database, and instructs transmission of the selected spot data to the pertinent user's portable data terminal. Thus, it is possible to provide apt data to users even when the users take action patterns different from a usual action pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided to activate a packet data protocol (PDP) context in a cellular network. This may include determining whether users associated with the cellular network may receive multicast or broadcast data and activating the PDP context based on the determination. The determination may be based on a trigger that occurs when a notification is sent to the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN). The SGSN may get notified based on a periodic status query, an update message and/or an activation request, for example.

Abstract: A system for managing response to a need at a site includes: (a) a control facility that can effect wireless data communication and voice communication; and (b) a plurality of response units that can effect wireless data communication and voice communication. The control facility effects an initial contact with a selected response unit using wireless data communication. The selected response unit communicates a response signal to the initial contact using wireless data communication. The response signal includes characteristic data relating to the selected responding unit that includes information relating to situs of the selected responding unit. The method includes steps of: (a) providing a managing facility and responding units; (b) effecting initial contact among the managing facility and selected responding units using wireless data communication; and (c) communicating a responsive signal by a responding unit to the managing facility using wireless data communication.

Abstract: A novel wireless point to multipoint communication system which maximizes the number of remote stations capable of communicating with a base station is disclosed. Independent gain control of the transmitter on the remote stations as a function of the distance between the remote station and the base station is used. The gain control may be accomplished by attenuators in the RF transmit circuit of the remote stations. The attenuators may be placed immediately preceding the RF amplifiers in the RF transmit circuit of the remote stations. The amount of attenuation of the attenuators may be controlled by a microprocessor. By minimizing the gain from the remote station transmitters, the noise floor of the base station receiver is minimized thereby increasing the performance of the base station receiver. This increase in performance permits more remote stations to communicate with the base station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the blocking of transceptions of a wireless communication device situated within an area or space designated, for purposes of safety or security, for protection from selectable electromagnetic frequencies. The system, more particularly, includes elements for detecting and identifying the selected frequencies transmitted from the wireless device; a subsystem for blocking the frequencies which are received by the device; elements for electronic communication between the detecting elements and the blocking elements; and an actuator for the blocking elements. The system must be situated within sufficient physical relationship to the wireless communication device to permit reception of frequencies generated by it and the transmission, without use of unacceptable power levels, of blocking noise.

Abstract: The invention includes a protective enclosure for a rectilinearly-shaped cellular telephone having an external antennae to improve the securement of that cellular telephone by a user thereof. The protective enclosure comprises an enclosure web portion covering the front, sides, top and bottom portions of the cellular telephone. An opening is arranged through at least one of the enclosure web portions to permit exposure of certain components of the cellular telephone, and a bulbous corner pad is arranged on the lower corner portions of the cellular telephone to protect it if it is dropped and aid in holding the phone.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (100) contains a memory (110), a controller (112) and transceiver components (120, 122, 124, 126). When an incoming call signal is received (314), the controller compares the source identifier with various lists (210, 240, 270) stored in the memory. If the source identifier is contained on a rejection list, the call is rejected. If the source identifier is contained on an acceptance list, the call is received normally, unless a do not disturb feature is active. The lists may be fixed or selectable. Selectable lists are configurable by the user of the mobile communication device, whereas fixed list types cannot be changed by the user of the mobile communication device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multimedia unit with a removable operating section (OS) for a vehicle. The multimedia unit controls and operates functional components for different media and is designed to be permanently installed in the instrument panel of a vehicle. The multimedia unit achieves good protection in a simple manner against theft and unauthorized use, and simplifies the operation of a multimedia unit with any number of functional components. The multimedia unit has a user surface of the removable operating section (OS), which also contains an antenna A2, a microphone MI 1 and a telephone loudspeaker and, is designed as a touch sensitive screen (TS), which in cooperation with a processor in the operating section (OS) and a control and display software generates an interactive user surface (F1) which is adapted to the respective functional component to be operated.

Abstract: This invention includes a portable electronic device having telecommunication capabilities for use by a hearing-impaired user. The device includes a computer platform having storage for one or more programs, a display for displaying at least alphanumeric text, and at least a speech recognition program that is resident and selectively executable on the computer platform. When a communication connection is established with a communicating party, the speech recognition program translates the words of the calling party into equivalent text and displays the text on the display. The device can also include a text-to-speech program that translates text input by the user of the device into synthetic speech for transmission from the device to the communicating party. A preferred electronic device is a cellular telephone with an electronic organizer being the computer platform.

Abstract: An envelope calculation section (113) calculates the amplitude of a transmission signal after the multiplexing thereof. When the calculated amplitude is beyond a permissible amplitude value, a correction coefficient calculation section (114) calculates a correction coefficient that is the difference between amplitude values before and after a correction. Multiplication sections (115) and (116) calculate a correction value by multiplying a filter coefficient by a correction coefficient. Subtraction sections (119) and (120) subtract the correction value from the transmission signal after a filtering operation. Thereby, the transmission amplitude at the time of a peak can be suppressed without increasing the number of filter operation circuits.

Abstract: A mobile communication system includes a plurality of antennas for sending and receiving beams, a plurality of mobile terminals moving in a fixed direction substantially, and a zone-shift control unit for treating the moving mobile terminals locating within a predetermined area as a single moving zone and for controlling the antennas and directions of the beams so that the beams always cover the moving zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for beam selection in a non-stationary subscriber radio unit having a multi-beam antenna array. The disclosed multi-beam antenna array acts in an omni-directional manner whenever signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance is sufficient, and excludes individual branches, as necessary, on the basis of SNR performance. A multi-mode approach is used to select appropriate antennas in the multi-beam antenna array. A given mode is established on the basis of the SNR of the received signal. Generally, if the SNR of the received signal satisfies predefined criteria, the non-stationary subscriber radio unit will operate the multi-beam antenna array in an omni-directional-like manner, by equally combining the received signal from each individual narrow-beam antenna branch.

Abstract: A switch for sensing an open or closed state of a flip-type or folder-type radio terminal which has first and second structures joined each other to have an open or closed state. The switch comprises a hall sensor for generating voltage according to the strength of an input magnetic field proportionally to the distance to a magnet; a variable amplifier for variably amplifying the voltage from the hall sensor to output a variably amplified voltage signal in response to a control signal; and a comparator for comparing the signal from the variable amplifier with a reference voltage to output a signal for indicating the open or closed state. The sensing value of the switch can be easily adjusted to sense opening/closing of a folder of the terminal.

Abstract: A portable radio terminal comprises a housing, a radio circuit included in the housing, a matching circuit mounted on the top of the housing at a position which is offset from the longitudinal center line of the housing, a load connected to the tip of the matching circuit, and a linear antenna connected to the load. This portable radio terminal further comprises load changing means for changing the value of the load. The matching circuit may comprise a meander matching element, a zigzag-shaped matching element, a helical matching element, a conical matching element, a rectangular helical matching element or a pyramid helical matching element which are formed so as to a predetermined shape, such as a meander shape, a zigzag shape, a helical shape, a conical shape, a rectangular helical shape or pyramid helical shape.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved, reliable and efficient way of measuring the oxygen concentration gradient in a sample by a novel apparatus and accompanying method of calculating linear oxygen concentrations within the sample, permitting diagnostic testing, for example, of the effects of a developmental or metabolic change in a cell or tissue, in vitro or in vivo, in response to disease, injury radiation, or mechanical or chemical intervention, or simply to changed circumstances, or to measure the oxygen permeability of a membrane or plastic. The apparatus in a preferred embodiment comprises a core digital signal processor (DSP), having sufficient memory (RAM and ROM) to perform the necessary calculations, to control output of excitation light from a light source, and to collect phosphorescent lifetime data; and signal processors (A/D and D/A).

Abstract: A method of determining the autoregulatory status of a subject by obtaining a measurement of a selected parameter of the retinal blood vessels in a non-stimulated subject, administering to the subject a preselected stimulus, obtaining a measurement of the selected parameter of the retinal blood vessels of the subject in response to the administration of the selected stimulus, and determining the ratio of the measurement for the selected parameter in the non-stimulated retinal blood vessels to the measurement of the selected parameter for the retinal blood vessels following the administration of its selected stimulus whereby the ratio provides an indicator of the autoregulatory function or status of the subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of Blind Source Separation (BSS), specifically independent Component Analysis (ICA) to mixture signals obtained by a pulse oximeter sensor. In pulse oximetry, the signals measured at different wavelengths represent the mixture signals, while the plethysmographic signal, motion artifact, respiratory artifact and instrumental noise represent the source components. The BSS is carried out by a two-step method including an ICA. In the first step, the method uses Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a preprocessing step, and the Principal Components are then used to derive sat and the Independent Components, where the Independent Components are determined in a second step. In one embodiment, the independent components are obtained by high-order decorrelation of the principal components, achieved by maximizing the sum of the squares of the higher-order cumulants of the plurality of mixture signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for non-invasive local quantification of angiogenesis or destruction of existing blood vessels in living tissue, the use of the said method for local measurements of hemoglobin concentration and blood perfusion at the same location on the subject and an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention. The apparatus comprises a xenon flash unit, an optical filter and a Y-shaped optical fiber-bundle, one branch of the fiber-bundle being coupled to the flash unit and the other branch of the fiber-bundle being coupled to a detection unit and the merged part of the fiber-bundle being adapted to couple the apparatus to the tissue to be tested.

Abstract: A universally functional biomedical electrode is disclosed, where the electrode has a resistive element that reduces edge effect by a redistribution of current within the electrode and in mammalian tissue contacting the electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode has at its perimeter in one layer the resistive element that provides a cross-sectional area to reduce edge effect regardless of the type of biomedical instrumentation connected thereto. With the construction of other layers suitable for multifunctional electrode usage, this electrode can serve as a single item in inventory at health facilities.

Abstract: The method of mapping a curved path for stereotactic surgery involves the selection of a helical-shaped path. The first step is to obtain an accurate image of the pertinent structures of the patient's internal areas. The image includes the lesion or target region and a potential opening site. Using the image, the non-target areas surrounding the lesion area are determined and evaluated for the medical acceptability of passing through them. A curved path which is substantially helical in shape is then selected within the image such that the curve avoids these non-target areas but intersects the target region and the opening site. The corresponding surgical instrument which will be used to follow the selected curved path has a rigid body having a shape which is substantially identical to the path.

Abstract: A computer assisted orthopedic surgery planner software for generation of 3D (three dimensional) solid bone models from two or more 2D (two dimensional) X-ray images of a patient's bone. The computer assisted orthopedic surgery planner software reconstructs the bone contours by starting with a 3D template bone and deforming the 3D template bone to substantially match the geometry of the patient's bone. A surgical planner and simulator module of the computer assisted orthopedic surgery planner software generates a simulated surgery plan showing the animation of the bone distraction process, the type and the size of the fixator frame to be mounted on the patient's bone, the frame mounting plan, the osteotomy/coricotomy site location and the day-by-day length adjustment schedule for each fixator strut. All bone models and surgery plans are shown as 3D graphics on a computer screen to provide realistic, pre-surgery guidance to the surgeon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a volume of tumor mass destroyed. The present invention includes a temperature probe and a laser probe having a temperature sensor. The laser probe and temperature probe are inserted to measure a temperature of the tumor mass and a temperature of tissue mass surrounding the tumor mass. By determining the volume of tumor mass destroyed, a graphical representation of the volume of tumor mass destroyed is provided whereby real-time visual monitoring of the destruction of the tumor mass is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention is particularly applicable to catheter ablation, e.g., ablation of atrial fibrillation.