Abstract: The present invention includes a nuclear fission reactor apparatus and a method for operation of same, comprising: a core comprising a fissile metal hydride; an atmosphere comprising hydrogen or hydrogen isotopes to which the core is exposed; a non-fissile hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material; a means for controlling the absorption and desorption of the non-fissile hydrogen absorbing and desorbing material, and a means for extracting the energy produced in the core.

Abstract: In a computed tomography apparatus and a method for automatic exposure control in computed tomography scanning, an exposure controller, during a first half of a revolution of an X-ray focus around a subject, calculates an actual attenuation profile of a slice of the subject from electrical signals generated by the radiation detector in the first half of the revolution, and calculates an extrapolated attenuation profile of the slice for a second half of the revolution from the actual attenuation profile, and adjusts an operating parameter of the X-ray source, such as the tube current, to modify the radiation dose emitted by the X-ray source during the second half of the revolution dependent on the extrapolated attenuation profile. The extrapolated attenuation profile can be calculated to achieve a predetermined target pixel noise in the image for the slice currently being scanned.

Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing a three-dimensional image of an object from cone beam projection data. The method comprising the steps of: acquiring the projection data, wherein the projection data comprises a set of cone beam projection images; selecting at least one cone beam projection image; identifying a region of interest within each selected cone beam projection image; defining a three-dimensional lattice of points, wherein the projection into each selected cone beam projection image of the points in the three-dimensional lattice provides a sampling of the identified region of interest in the corresponding selected cone beam projection image; and, reconstructing an image of the object at each point in the three-dimensional lattice to form a three-dimensional image of the object.

Abstract: In a diagnostic system, having a rotating gantry (24) and a stationary gantry (22), a bearing race (50) rotates with surface portions having varying linear velocities in accordance with distance from an axis (A) of rotation. Tapered roller bearings (46) interface the bearing race (50) and are conically shaped to velocity match the variable linear surface velocity race (50). The race (50) preferably includes two faces, which provide both axial and radial supporting surfaces for the bearings (46) to interface. The bearings (46) are disposed about the race (50) in pairs. A drive motor (52) is connected to one of the bearings (46) to rotate the gantry (24).

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for transmitting data from a rotary part to a stationary part of a system, a light-transmitting channel is formed by an optically reflecting half channel in the stationary part and an optically reflecting half channel in the rotary part, facing each other, with each half channel having a parabolic cross-section and with the half channels being oriented so that the respective focal points and the respective vertices of the two half channels are co-linear. A light emitter is supplied with data to be transmitted and is disposed in the wall of the half channel in the rotary part, and emits modulated light representing the data into the light channel in two opposite directions. At least one of these light beams is detected by a light detector disposed in the wall of the half channel in the stationary part, and the data in the detected beam is then made available for transmission from the stationary part.

Abstract: An X-ray CT examination using a radiation examining apparatus corresponding to an X-ray CT is effected on an unbreathed examinee. A tomogram creating apparatus creates a first tomogram, based on an X-ray detect signal outputted from a corresponding radiation detector of the radiation examining apparatus. An X-ray CT examination and a PET examination using a radiation examining apparatus are effected on the breathed examinee. The tomogram creating apparatus creates a second tomogram, based on an X-ray detect signal outputted from a corresponding radiation detector of the radiation examining apparatus and creates a third tomogram, based on a ?-ray detect signal outputted from the corresponding radiation detector. Correction information is created based on the first and second tomograms. The third tomogram is corrected using the correction information. Therefore, the corrected third tomogram can be obtained which is not affected by a swing produced with breathing.

Abstract: During the last ten years patents directed to luggage scanning apparatus began to appear in the patent art. Absent from the variety of approaches in the art is stereoscopic imaging that entails exposing two or more images of the same object, each taken from a slightly different perspective. If the perspectives are too different, that is, if there is too much separation of the X-ray exposures, the image will look flat. Yet with a slight separation, a stereo separation, interference occurs. Herein a system is provided for the production of stereo pairs. One perspective, a left or a right perspective angle, is first established. Next, the other perspective angle is computed.

Abstract: X-ray microscope comprise extended X-ray source, as well as means for placement of test object 3 and recording means, and located between them X-ray capillary lens. Channels of the latter are diverging towards recording means. Means for placement of the test object is located between extended X-ray source and lesser end side of the X-ray capillary lens. The device is characterized in that the walls of the channels (14, 16) for radiation transmission have a coating or are made of material absorbing or scattering X-ray radiation, and have lateral surface shape of truncated cone or pyramid, or that of cylinder or prism. With specified choice of the material, phenomenon of total external reflection is excluded, while rectilinearity of longitudinal axes of the channels ensures their functioning as collimators. Therefore, channels capture radiation only from the fragments of the test object 3 situated exactly opposite their entrances.

Abstract: The image-based container defects detector consists of a plurality of camera units, a sensor unit, a frame grabber, and an image recognizer unit. The sensor unit serves to detect the vehicles entering the inspection station, and transmit a signal to the frame grabber for capturing the vehicle image by triggering the CCD camera thereby obtaining the information about the container's defect position and size. By dexterously utilizing image processing technique, the HIS (hue, saturation and intensity) color is employed to distinguish a normal area from a defected area in the container. Then quad-tree and merge is used to segregate image roughly. As for the non-defected area becoming obscured due to noise is removed using a filter. Finally the defected area is displayed on the screen. The present invention is well-suited for after detection as well as for on-line immediate detection for defect containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a phase contrast X-ray device (1) for creating a phase contrast image of at least one object (4) with at least one X-ray source (2) for generating an X-radiation that has a specific spatial coherence (14) within a specific optical distance (6) to the X-ray source and at least one evaluation unit (16) for converting the X-radiation after the X-radiation has passed through the object arranged within the optical distance to the X-ray source in the phase contrast image of the object. The phase contrast X-ray device is characterized in that the X-ray source has an output ranging from 50 W up to and including 10 kW and a spatial coherence length of the X-radiation has been selected within the optical distance to the X-ray source ranging from 0,05 &mgr;m. This is obtained by using an X-ray source with line-shaped focus (7) and/or by monochromating the X-radiation by using a gradient multilayer reflector (20).

Abstract: In an arrangement for determining the spectral reflectivity of a measurement object, the object of the invention is to provide a simpler and more compact measuring arrangement, to eliminate the removal of elements from the beam path for detecting the reference beam, which was formally necessary, and to avoid complex translational and rotational movements. Different beam areas proceeding from the radiation source serve as measurement beam and reference beam which are directed simultaneously to different spectrally dispersing areas of at least one dispersive element and to different receiver areas of at least one receiver in a spectrograph. Preferred measurement objects are surfaces which reflect in a spectrally-dependent manner for radiation in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV), but application of the arrangement is not limited to this spectral region.

Abstract: To provide an X-ray detector for performing highly accurate measurement eliminating measurement errors and a multi-slice X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining a reconstructed image with high diagnosability using said X-ray detector, an X-ray detecting element array is comprised of a scintillator and a light detecting element array with a switching circuit, which is formed with a light detecting element array having light-reception area that is divided in the channel direction and in the slicing direction, and a switching element array for routing a plurality of outputs of said light-reception area divided in the slicing direction, and then connecting these outputs to an external circuit.

Abstract: A laser plasma X-ray generating apparatus that can promptly repair a cryo-target layer on a drum surface held at a very low temperature using a liquid nitrogen is provided, and a drum 122 is fixed to a lower end of a shaft 121, and the drum 122 is arranged so as to be able to be moved in its rotating direction and its axle direction at an inside of the cryo-forming cover 106. And a liquid nitrogen supplying pipe 131 is inserted into the shaft 121, and a conduit 144 for supplying the target gas is connected to the cryo-forming cover 106. Further, a jacket 171 is arranged at the periphery of the cryo-forming cover 106 and a pipe 185 is arranged at the periphery of the conduit 144, resulting in forming a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: A cassette assembly comprising an X-ray cassette, with a tube side and a cover, and an intensifying screen wherein the cassette assembly further comprises a compensation element adapted to the intensifying screen so as to have a cassette assembly with predetermined X-ray absorption.

Abstract: In a diagnostic imaging apparatus, a stationary gantry (24) and a rotating gantry (22) are interfaced by a plurality of air bearing elements (40). Lower air bearing elements bear the weight of the rotating gantry (22) which induce air hammering phenomena at a characteristic vibration frequency. To counteract the air hammering, a damping assembly (44) is mounted to at least one lower bearing element (40). The damping assembly (44) includes a damping mass (46) and an elastomeric connector (48) that are tuned to a frequency near the air hammer frequency to absorb the vibrational energy and damp the air hammer vibrations.

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a gantry supporting an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. A motor in the gantry controls rotation of the gantry relative to a mounting plate from which the gantry is supported. The gantry also houses a computer for controlling the motor to rotate the gantry in a controlled, known manner. The computer also controls the x-ray source, including powering the x-ray source on and off and varying the intensity and frequency of the produced x-ray. The computer also collects data from the x-ray detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates disparate systems. The apparatus includes a platform that supports a control interface. The platform also supports a different user interface for each of the disparate systems. The platform enables the formatting and transfer of data from the apparatus to each of the disparate systems.

Abstract: A method of allocating subscriber lines in a telecommunications network into speed bins. With the method, more intelligent business actions can then be taken in the provision of high-speed data services over the subscriber lines. For example, only qualified lines might be used for high-speed data services, with the other lines being allocated to POTS service. The lines are divided into speed bins using a pair of neural networks, with one predicting upstream speed and one predicting downstream speed. The combined predictions are then mapped to a speed bin, which is the basis for further business actions. The disclosure describes that the neural networks are created using conditional fuzzy logic to precondition the neural networks by line speed.

Abstract: Single ended line probing techniques for determining if a telephone line qualifies for digital subscriber line service are disclosed.

Abstract: A data communication method, a data transmitting apparatus, a data receiving apparatus, and a data transmission program are provided which do not cause the problem of jitter being generated by a combination of a 1-bit noise shaping A/D converter and on-off keying using infrared rays. In a data transmitting apparatus, analog signals comprising voice or music or signals obtained by digitizing these are converted using a noise shaping method into non-return-to-zero digital signals formed by 1-bit data streams. For converted digital signals of “1”, return-to-zero signals having a pulse width smaller than that of non-return-to-zero signals and that have been allocated a high level are converted into radio signals and transmitted. For converted digital signals of “0”, return-to-zero signals allocated a low level are converted into radio signals and transmitted. A data receiving apparatus receives these radio signals and drives a musical sound output section to output musical sound signals.

Abstract: The method and apparatus improve transactions in a communication system, such as a communication system having an automatic call distributor. In one embodiment, an assessment is performed in substantially real time of respective stress levels of at least one of a caller and an agent in a call transaction. A third party is engaged in the transaction when at least one of the stress levels of the caller and the agent exceeds a threshold. This third party may include, for example, a virtual party or an automated input source. The third party may engage in the background of the transaction or in the foreground of the transaction, thus communicating either only with the agent or with both the caller and the agent, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accepting a call by an automatic call distributor and for automatic call handling of the call. The apparatus for automatic call handling has: a call receiving system that outputs at least one voice signal; a text voice converter having an input for the at least one voice signal, the text voice converter converting the voice signal to a text stream and providing the text stream on an output thereof; an emotion detector having an input for the at least one voice signal, the emotion detector detecting at least one emotional state in the voice signal and producing at least one tag indicator indicative thereof on an output of the emotion detector; and a scripting engine having inputs for the text stream and the at least one tag indicator, the scripting engine providing on an output thereof at least one response based on the text stream and on the at least one tag indicator.

Abstract: A network-based voice messaging system is provided. A voice message is received at a network. The network converts the voice message into a text message by utilizing speech recognition software. The text message is transmitted to the intended recipient as an electronic mail (e-mail) message or facsimile document and is received by the intended recipient on conventional text receiving equipment.

Abstract: A network element, such as a service control point, in a telecommunication network controls the playing of promotional announcements to subscribers and provides for the collection of input from subscribers, such as a DTMF tone, in response to the announcements and action based on subscriber input. Stored subscriber records allow the selection and periodicity of announcements to be customized.

Abstract: A system and method for managing voicemails using metadata is presented. The metadata includes an audible introduction which a user records and associates the audible introduction to a voicemail. The user is also able to associate other types of metadata to a voicemail, such as a description data flag, a reminder flag, and a retention flag. Once the user associates the metadata with a voicemail, the user is able to retrieve the audible introduction and the voicemail in a sequential manner or through search criteria. The user is able to customize metadata based upon the user's requirements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to store permission data relating to security for a system and to receive a request to establish a telephony call. In response to the request, the telephony call is established, and after establishing the telephony call, an indication of a type of the telephony call is detected. Based on permission data relating to security for the system, it is determined whether the type of the telephony call is permitted.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to readily open a data file to the public. In a communication system of the present invention, a call setting control signal is given from a reading side communication terminal to an opening side communication terminal at first in reading a data file within a storage unit of an opening unit by using a reading unit. A communication mode discriminating section within the opening side communication terminal judges whether or not data communication is requested based on information elements within the call setting control signal. When the data communication is requested, a communication control section within a server within the reading unit connects a line for the communication between those two communication terminals and establishes a logical communication path of the data communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for managing access to transaction services offered over a network. The apparatus comprises query logic, configured to query up-to-date transaction records for a user's account to detect an account event. The transaction records each have an associated transaction cost. The apparatus also comprises an event monitor that is configured to prescribe the account event. Upon detection of the account event, the event monitor manages access to the transaction services as a function of the transaction cost which is associated with the transaction record of the detected account event. The event monitor further prescribes the account event in response to a command initiated by a user from a remote computer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing prepaid dialtone services. The system includes a prepaid dialtone service center having an applications server that maintains a prepaid dialtone subscriber database including subscriber identification and service period information. The applications server is configured to automatically remind subscribers to renew their prepaid dialtone account and communicates with a local exchange carrier to place a hold on, or cancel, an expired subscriber account. The method includes the features of determining and monitoring a service period for a prepaid dialtone subscriber, communicating a reminder to the subscriber prior to expiration of the service period, and communicating with a local exchange carrier servicing the subscriber upon expiration of the service period.

Abstract: A system and method for processing orders for telecommunication services received by a telecommunication services provider include receiving an electronic message in a first predefined format from a telecommunications customer, automatically processing the electronic message to identify information related to a telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, and automatically generating an order for the telecommunication service based on the information so as to reduce manual intervention. In one embodiment, the system and method automatically generate an order by separating information related to each telecommunication service from the electronic message and translating the first predetermined format into a second predetermined format to facilitate further processing by the telecommunications services provider. Information relative to the order is generated by the services provider and converted to the first format before being forwarded to the customer.

Abstract: A caller and a called party are connected via an information assistance call center. The call center monitors the connection for a signal such as a DTMF tone made by either party depressing the “0,” “#,” or “*” key. Once such a signal is detected, an operator joins the call and provides additional information assistance services to the parties. The call is routed via the information assistance call center, which is able to provide concierge-type services, such as making restaurant and movie reservations, and information management services, such as accessing call participants' profiles and folders containing, for example, call participants' preferences, appointment calendars, and contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automatically retrieving and displaying supplemental information about a called party on the CPE of a calling party. When a caller places a call, the number called is used to look up and return to the caller the Universal Resource Locator (URL) of the called party. Application software resident in the caller's CPE uses the URL to retrieve the home page of the called party from the Internet.

Abstract: Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) information from an Signaling System 7 (SS7) network (11) is provided, in response to an original SIP-compatible request by an SIP entity (17) in an SIP network (10), to the SIP network where the TCAP information is then used to facilitate call setup and routing of the call. In one embodiment, the SIP network locally stores the TCAP information upon receipt (at least temporarily) such that the TCAP information is available for subsequent local use without requiring a correspond inquiry to the SS7 network.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network having switching points (such as SSPs and/or MSCs) controlled by a control point (such as an SCP), the switching points are provisioned to send messages to the control point when they encounter trigger conditions during processing of a call to a called station that has a forward-to number. When the control point receives the messages, it determines whether a loop condition exists, i.e., whether the call has already been forwarded from the forward-to number. If the control point determines that a loop condition exists, the control point instructs the switching point so as not to forward the call to the forward-to number.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Universal Signaling Point (USP) that acts as a liaison between a call signaling network and a number of switching entities, which support lines, trunks, or a combination thereof. During a transition of the lines or trunks from a donor entity to a host entity, call signaling between the host and donor entities and the SS7 network is routed through the USP. When transitioning the lines or trunks from the donor entity to the host entity, call signaling messages intended for the donor entity are routed to either the donor or host entity, whichever actually supports the lines or trunks. The USP is provided information indicative of whether a line or trunk has been transitioned to the host entity. The USP can compare information provided in the call signaling message with the transition information and route the message to the appropriate donor or host entity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the transmission parameters of a transmission link for high bit rate data transmission, wherein the transmission link consists of a line module (1) in a switching centre, a subscriber modem (2) and a subscriber connection line (3) for connecting the line module (1) and the modem (2). The invention also relates to a line module (1) for high bit rate data transmission for a switching centre and a modem (2) for high bit rate data transmission for a subscriber in order to carry out said method.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telemarketing services through a hypertext network that interconnects a telemarketing server system with a customer computer and an agent computer. The telemarketing server accepts a telemarketing request from the customer, and forwards the request to the agent if the agent is available, and to a queue if the agent is not available. When an agent receives a request, communications are either established between the customer and agent at once, or else scheduled for a later time. Telemarketing functions are implemented separately from media transport functions through a hypertext network such that the need for geographic centralization of telemarketing agents is eliminated.

Abstract: A network of contact centres is managed by a network management server which allows contact centres (which may be independently run from one another) to register over the Internet or an intranet. Contacts received at a contact centre which is overly busy can be transferred to a different contact centre based on a determination made by the network management unit as to the most suitable agent in the network of contact centres. The network management unit receives events messages from the various contact centres as events occur which impact on the availability of individual agents. In this way, a dynamically updated database at the network management unit can determine the most suitable agent to which a contact should be transferred. The system allows independent contact centres to act as part of a larger network of contact centres without reducing the ability of a given centre to receive and handle contacts independently of one another.

Abstract: The method and apparatus teach agents in a communication system, such as an automatic call distribution system. In a first step of one embodiment of the method, a previously stored call transaction having a plurality of dialog portions and decision points is provided to the agent. The call transaction is replayed, and at least one decision of the respective decision point in the call transaction is simulated. This simulation is different than an original decision at the respective decision point in the call transaction. The results are evaluated and presented to the agent. In one embodiment at least one decision is a best practice decision. Also, the method further may overlay preferred paths of a call transaction based on stored best practice call transactions. The apparatus implements the method for replaying call transactions.

Abstract: A technique for sharing multimedia sessions between users that share a directory number allows incoming calls to be routed to both phones. Once one party picks up, the other party is alerted to this fact. Both parties may then exchange multimedia information to help in the handling and disposition of the call.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing presence information bearing on the availability of a first user involved with a call to a second user involved with the call. In general, call information bearing on the call is received and triggers a request for presence information associated with the first user. Upon retrieval of the presence information associated with the first user, the presence information is effectively delivered to the second user in a manner informing the second user of the availability of the first user to receive a call. Thus, when an attempt to establish a call between the first and second users has failed, the second user may monitor the presence information relating to the availability of the first user to decide when, and perhaps how, to contact the first user.

Abstract: A linefeed on a subscriber loop is generated to generate a current on the subscriber loop. A relationship between a voltage on the subscriber loop and a threshold voltage is identified. A current limit for the subscriber loop is modified in response to the identifying. The linefeed on the subscriber loop is controlled to modify the current on the subscriber loop in response to the modifying.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting echo cancellation in a communication network. The method includes the steps of transmitting from an originating unit a pre-defined echo cancellation detection signal to a receiving unit. The resulting signal is detected by the receiving unit and analyzed to determine whether the differences between the resulting signal and a stored pre-defined signal indicate the detection of echo cancellation on the communication network.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for bulk delay insertion prior to echo cancellation, with echo suppression. The exemplary apparatus embodiment (100) bandpass filters (120) and down samples (130), by a down sampling factor, a reference signal and a combined signal that includes an echo of the reference signal. An adaptive echo delay filter (140) determines a plurality of filter coefficients, using the down sampled reference signal, and using an error signal formed as a difference between the down sampled combined signal and the adaptive echo delay filter output. When the filter coefficients have converged, an echo delay time period is determined as a product of the tap location of the maximum filter coefficient and the down sampling factor. When the echo delay time period is greater than the capacity of an associated echo canceller, an adaptive delay inserter (110) inserts the echo delay time period prior to echo cancellation.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a cellular telephone battery includes a first memory for storing battery identification data and a second memory associated with the telephone includes data relating to which battery type may be used by this telephone. When the battery is connected to the telephone, the battery identification data is compared to the battery type data stored in the telephone. The battery is automatically disconnected from the telephone if the two sets of data do not correspond to each other.

Abstract: An audio handset comprises a body (10) with an earphone (11) and a microphone (12). The microphone (12) has two ports on opposite faces (one of which, A, is seen in FIG. 1) and is mounted on the body (10) by hinge arms (14) to be displaceable, in use, between open and closed positions. In the open position, both ports are available to receive and respond to audible sound and the microphone functions in a noise-cancelling differential mode. In the closed position, one of the ports (A) bears against a sealing face (15) of the body rendering that port unresponsive to audible sound, and the microphone functions in a single port pressure mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing an encrypted information from character strings and numeric values of specific size and representing items to be protected for identifying forgery of administrative documents or documents delivered by public authorities comprising the following steps which consist in: condensing said strings into several numbers of n figures smaller in size than the number representing the size of the strings to constitute a first set of m intermediate results of n figures; transforming said m intermediate results, with an algorithm randomly drawn among several, into a second result of n figures expressed in base 10 produced by a matrix converting characters of an alphanumeric base into digital characters of a decimal base stored by a computing system; converting said second result expressed in base 10 into another so-called encrypted result with the same number of n figures, expressed in a mathematical base randomly selected by the computing system among a specific selection of a