Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention permit indirect identification of a target plane, such as the plane identified by an alignment feature, based upon the identification of a reference plane which is offset by a predetermined angle from the target plane. In addition, in order to permit alignment features to be defined at non-standard angles with respect to the axial orientation of an ingot, an apparatus is provided that includes a frame having at least two members. The first member abuts a bar extending outwardly from the stage of an x-ray diffractometer, while the second member carries an engagement member for engaging a non-standard alignment feature. The second member may be movable relative to the first member to permit the frame to be mounted upon ingots having different non-standard alignment features.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a plurality of detector modules detachably mounted on a detector base. Each of the detector modules has a plurality of element blocks permanently mounted on a module base. Each element block has a plurality of radiation detection elements formed on a signal substrate in the form of an m×n matrix. A detector module is made up of a plurality of element blocks. A radiation detector is made up of a plurality of detector modules. This makes it possible to tile many detection elements and manufacture a radiation detector with a wide field of view.

Abstract: An x-ray detector apparatus comprises an array of detector pixels (20), each pixel (20) comprising a conversion element (26, 260) for converting incident radiation into a charge flow, a charge storage element (28) and a switching device (29) enabling the charge stored to be provided to an output of the pixel (20). A plurality of dose sensing pixels further comprise a dose sensing element (40, 50) during x-ray exposure results in a change in the charge stored on the charge storage element (28) and also results in a dose sensing signal being generated which can be read out from the pixel (20). The dose sensing pixels enable a dose signal to be obtained without reading the charges stored on the pixel charge storage elements, so that dose sensing can be carried out during exposure.

Abstract: In a method of generating X-ray or EUV radiation, a substance is urged through an outlet to generate a jet in a direction from the outlet, at least one energy beam is directed onto the jet, the energy beam interacting with the jet to generate the X-ray or EUV radiation, and the temperature of the outlet is controlled, such that the stability of the jet is improved. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An X-ray source comprises a cold cathode and an anode. The cold cathode has a curved emission surface capable of emitting electrons. The anode is spaced apart from the cathode. The anode is capable of emitting X-rays in response to being bombarded with electrons emitted from the curved emission surface of the cathode.

Abstract: A program enhancer system and method for embedding hearing-impaired friendly information into an existing computer program is provided. The existing computer program contains program information that is translated into a format usable by a hearing-impaired user. The systems and methods retrieves desired program information and translates the information into any of animation, digital movie and still image formats to be displayed to the user on a display device. A hyperlink is associated with the translated data and is stored in a memory device. The user can access the translated information using any type of input including hyperlink based inputs or natural language inputs.

Abstract: A method of providing a session for ordering a telecommunication service includes receiving a telecommunication call for ordering the telecommunication service, communicating a prerecorded terms and conditions message for the telecommunication service to an individual ordering the telecommunication service, and receiving a reply message to the terms and conditions message from the individual. The prerecorded terms and conditions message is communicated to the individual and the reply message is received during the telecommunication call. A system for providing the session is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer having automatic answering state displaying and processing functions includes an automatic answering setting unit for outputting an automatic answering guide message, preset by a user, for when a telephone call from the outside is received through a modem, portion for storing a predetermined received message from the outside according to the automatic answering guide message, portion for displaying that there is the received message in response to a display signal, a telephone button for generating an answering confirmation signal when the user notices the display portion and presses the telephone button, a microcomputer for generating the display signal to control the display portion, if there is the received message, and detecting the answering confirmation signal generated from the telephone button, and an automatic answering processing unit for informing the microcomputer that the received message is stored in the storage portion and informing the user of the received message from the storage p

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for passing information between a local exchange and a user/terminal, the language used for presenting the information being chosen in the terminal and the local exchange, and in order to avoid that messages generated by the terminal and the text generated by the local exchange are presented in different languages the present invention suggest a method to synchronize the language in the terminal and the language of the local exchange, or vice versa, wherein are used predefined codes for each of the languages involved.

Abstract: A modification to a scheduling program is disclosed that allows event reminders to be sent via the telephone network. If a reminder is required, a telephone session is initiated between the computer in which the scheduling program is operating and the user's telephone station. Next, an event reminder is converted from a text format to an audible format with use of a text-to-voice converter and sent to the user's telephone station in order to be heard by the user. This allows for the event reminders to be received by the user whether he/she is local to his/her personal computer or not. A further modification to a scheduling program is disclosed that allows event reminders to be sent in series using a variety of different reminder techniques. If a first attempt to send a reminder to the user fails, a second attempt using a different technique, such as a different telephone directory number, is initiated.

Abstract: Call related information regarding a called party (i.e., callee information) is provided back to the calling party using a telephone capable of receiving information regarding a called party back from either the central office, from the called party's telephone itself, or in limited applications from a local identification module capable of confirming the identity of the called party based on the dialed telephone number. The receiving telephone may be capable of determining or storing local call related information for transmission back to select callers. The callee ID information may be transmitted using conventional FSK techniques, e.g., between the second and third rings, to avoid collision with conventional transmissions of caller ID information.

Abstract: A personal computer banking system and method in which a personal computer is connected by a network service provider directly to a host computer system of a bank such that customer service requests can be processed automatically without need for intervention by customer service representatives. The system is capable of distinguishing between those customer service requests which are capable of automated fulfillment and those requests which require handling by a customer service representative. The system is integrated with the host computer system of the bank so that the remote banking customer can access other automated services of the bank.

Abstract: A voice telephony system integrates voice telephony technology with television programming via a visual interface for a telephony device operating in a speakerphone mode. The visual interface indicates a status of the telephony device to a user, and is displayed by a video processing device connected to the television.

Abstract: Metering of a data transfer operation between two end systems across a communications infrastructure is done by having at least one of the end systems send a metering message to a service system. Both end systems can be set to send respective metering messages to the service system at the conclusion of the transfer operation. Metering messages can also be sent on an on-going basis during the course of the transfer operation by one or both end systems; in this latter case, the end system or systems involved preferably maintain a connection with the service system throughout the transfer operation. Metering can be in terms of pages sent.

Abstract: A method and system for charging a subscriber (10) in a telecommunications network comprising nodes (11 and 12) connected to a mediator unit (14), whereby a billing unit (15) comprising the subscriber's (10) charging data can be located outside the network used, preferably in the subscriber's (10) home network, in a subscriber identity module (SIM) or behind an open service architecture (OSA) associated with the network, the method comprising the following steps of: noting in the nodes (11 and 12) the event data related to the services used by the subscriber (10) and reporting the event data to the mediator unit (14), the event data being converted substantially in real time in the mediator unit (14) by applying the network charging algorithms to provide a charging data format understandable to the billing unit (15), expressed preferably as an amount of money spent or as charging pulses, for the updating of the subscriber's (10) charging data between the mediator unit (14) and the billing unit

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing pre-pay and post-pay calls. A switching system receives the call where the switching system is class 4 or class 5. The switching system extends the call toward an integrated service platform. The switching system then receives the call destination number and the call validation parameter. The switching system releases the call extension to the integrated service platform and extends the call using the call destination number if the call validation parameter allows the call. The switching system monitors a duration of the call and terminates the call if the duration meets or exceeds an amount indicated by the call validation parameter. One advantage for post-pay calls is the provision of post-pay calls service such as messaging and validation is centralized in the integrated service platform, which reduces the time and cost of maintaining the post-pay service.

Abstract: A method and system for interconnecting a telephone system and an intercom system. In one exemplary embodiment, telephone switchgear is connected to a telephone interface which provides separate voice transmit and receive channels. For example, an E&M tie line module can be utilized, which also includes E&M signaling connections for signaling an incoming intercom call to a telephone and for signaling an outgoing telephone call to an intercom. In this exemplary embodiment, an interface circuit is also provided to allow for signal level adjustment along the transmit and receive channels, such that the signal gain of the telephone system can differ from the signal gain of the intercom system. The interface circuit can include a controller which controls a switching device for selectively allowing communication along the transmit and receive channels during periods when communication is desired.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony resource management and security for monitoring and/or controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A set of security rules is defined for each of the extensions which specify actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony security for controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A security policy, i.e., a set of security rules, are defined for each of the extensions, the rules specifying actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call on the extension. Calls are detected and sensed on the extensions to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the security rules defined for those extensions.

Abstract: A telephone interface (110) that supports a first and a second conference call service is provided in a telephone-capable apparatus (102). An input device (122) is further provided, allowing a conference call conferee to provide participation status data to a controller (116, 118) of the apparatus. The controller provides a message to a switch (104), responsive to the participation status data, instructing the switch to provide the apparatus with communication resources commensurate with the participation status data. When the participation status data indicates that the conferee is a speaking and listening conferee, the message instructs the switch to provide resources sufficient to support the first conference call service and a send-only version of the second conference call service.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating calls via electronic calendar is disclosed. A call list is associated by a user to a particular time and day within the electronic calendar. When the particular day and time arrives, the call list is forwarded to a service which executes the call list, and subsequently contacts the members of the call list through a telephone network. Once a connection is established, the user and the members of the list are linked to a conference bridge.

Abstract: For establishing a protected communication segment between two network elements of a telecommunication network, a protected connection and a protecting connection must be set up. For this purpose, first cross connections carrying the communication traffic for the protected connection and second cross connections protecting the respective first cross connection for the protecting connection are established between corresponding termination points within these network elements, whereby this occurs in each network element independently of the respectively other network element.

Abstract: The invention concerns interworking between distributed services in a telecommunications network, especially in an intelligent network. The invention is based on the idea that at least one new Interworking Point is introduced to the call handling model and with the aid of this Interworking Point the interworking between the distributed services is implemented. The Interworking Point can be defined as either a point where instructions received from one service program are reported to interested service programs or as a point where a service to be carried out by the responsible service program is requested by some other service program. The interworking points are armed by the service programs, and the service programs which armed the interworking point are informed of the encounter with an interworking point.

Abstract: A method and system for handling a call in a communications network that requires operator assistance. The system comprises a service control point, an operator server and a context server. The operator server dynamically selects an optimal operator center from a plurality of available operator centers for the call based on context information. The operator server then provides information on the selected operator center to the service control point, which generates call handling information for the call that causes the communications network to route the call to the selected one of the operator centers. The context server manages the context information for the call.

Abstract: An enhanced computer telephony (CT) network design for a private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system network improves the computer telephony interface (CTI) capabilities of the network. Bi-directional data from remote telephone switching nodes of different PBX systems, each using a common software application, is combined into a single data stream by the network to simplify control of the remote PBX systems. Commands to, and events received from, the different PBX switching nodes are combined by use of a gateway to automatically and transparently route digital information for control of the correct remote system node.

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 web based agent backed system provides sales and service and sales support for a company. The system includes a call center computer (112) coupled to the Internet (or another packet switched network) (118) that receives a call request from a customer computer (104), which may have been made using a link contained in a company web page maintained on a web server (108). Upon receiving the call request, the call center computer (112) determines customer information and call information and connects an agent through agent station computer (114) for call servicing. The call center computer (114) completes an IP telephony call made by the customer computer (104) to an agent or assigns an agent to call the customer by placing an IP telephony call to the customer computer (114) or by placing a PSTN call to the customer's phone (106).

Abstract: A system reduces power dissipation for a plurality of line driver circuits. The system comprises a power source for providing a voltage source for the plurality of line driver circuits and a voltage regulator coupled between the power source and the plurality of line driver circuits. The voltage regulator receives an output of the power source and provides a constant predefined voltage to an input of the plurality of line driver circuits. Having a constant predefined voltage input to the plurality of line driver circuits reduces their average power dissipation.

Abstract: A device which stores frequently used data items in a retrieval list for easy retrieval and use. An example is a telephone operative to identify frequently-dialed telephone numbers and prompt a user to store frequently-dialed numbers in a speed-dial list. When a number is entered in the telephone, the number is compared with a log of stored numbers. Each stored number has an associated usage frequency. If the entered number is present in the log, the usage frequency of the entered number is updated. If the entered number is not present, the entered number is stored along with an initial usage frequency. The usage frequency of the number is compared against a predetermined criterion, and if the criterion is met the user is prompted to store the entered number in an empty space in the speed-dial list, or to replace an already existing entry in the speed-dial list with the entered number. Any of numerous alternatives may be chosen for prompting of the user and storage of the entered number.

Abstract: A telephone has several lists of phone numbers. Each phone number within a list has a number of digits which is not less than a predetermined minimum number, and not more than a predetermined maximum number. The maximum number is the “size” of the list. When a digit is entered, the phone compares (1B) the number of digits entered to the lists, and selects (1C) the list of the smallest size which is greater than or equal to the number of digits entered. That list is searched (1D) and the results displayed (1E) when the search is complete. If another digit is entered during the search (1F), the comparing (1B) and list selecting (1C) steps are repeated.

Abstract: Techniques for interfacing a telephone line and central office equipment of a network operator providing and digital subscriber line data services are disclosed. The interface is splitterless in that no conventional bulky splitter is required. A SLIC independent, impedance synthesis network provide compensation for impedance imbalance caused by capacitor coupled across two-wire interface of voice circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling an xDSL transceiver with a subscriber line is disclosed. A hybrid circuit is disclosed which exhibits a different relative gain factor for transmitted signals and received signals. The difference in gain factors results in part from a combined balance circuit and transformer which exhibit a different coupling ratio between the primary and secondary coils on the receive path and the transmit path. The hybrid circuit may be used to isolate the receive signal from the transmit signal in the full duplex mode of operation. The gain from the transmit port to the receive port is minimum and most of the energy is transmitted to the subscriber line. In an embodiment of the invention a hybrid circuit for communicating a transmit signal and a receive signal across a subscriber line is disclosed. The hybrid circuit includes: a transformer and a balance circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing intelligibility of a voice signal in a noisy environment includes a first noise estimator which estimates a far-end noise component from the far-end signal, and a second noise estimator which estimates a near-end noise component from the near-end signal. A noise reduction calculator determines a noise reduction gain from the estimated far-end noise, and an echo gain calculator determines an echo control gain. A master gain calculator combines both the echo control gain and the noise control gain into a master gain which is applied to the far-end signal. A comfort noise generator applies the pre-set minimum threshold of the master gain and constantly matches the spectrum of the far-end noise to synthesize a background noise for selectively mixing onto the far-end signal when echo is determined. Echo is determined based on a comparison of the near-end signal and the far-end signal spectra and by compensating the total gain applied.

Abstract: An echo canceling apparatus includes a long-response echo canceler that removes an echo of an incoming signal from an outgoing signal by operating on a most recent segment of the incoming signal, stored in a tapped delay unit. The apparatus has a control unit that calculates a cancellation characteristic for each tap of the tapped delay unit. The cancellation characteristics are used to select a subset of taps corresponding to a changing component of the echo, the subset being empty if there is no changing component. A short-response echo canceler, operating on the outputs of the selected taps, cancels the changing component of the echo left uncanceled by the long-response echo canceler. Alternatively, the step gain of the selected taps is increased. The short-response echo canceler is preferably disabled in the double-talk state.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit for an analog modem which uses passive-device features during normal operation to minimize modem signal noise and distortion, and active-device features when inadvertently connected to a line having excessive line current.

Abstract: A system and method for Viterbi decoding on encrypted data is disclosed. At the receiver, maximum likelihood decoding is performed based on received input in the encryption domain. When selecting a path from one stage of a Viterbi decoding trellis to the next, a local metric may be associated with each of the possible paths based on Euclidean distance between a received symbol and a path state. The path state is determined by encrypting the binary path state. An overall metric is associated with each state equivalent to a sum of local path metrics along a survivor path of selected paths. At the end of the Viterbi decoding trellis, a decoded and decrypted bit sequence is obtained by tracing back in a conventional manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for implementing a block-ciphering process using an encryption/decryption arithmetic-logic module (3) which is supplied with the data stream of word length j≦n to be ciphered. The invention is characterized in that the arithmetic-logic module (3) includes a plurality of encryption/decryption elements (5), each of which forms a stage of a computing pipeline, the stages being designed such that they operate independently of each other in different modes of operation and with different keys. Supported by further components and data paths surrounding the encryption/decryption arithmetic-logic module (3), the invention allows up to p data streams, each with independently selectable word lengths j≦n and modes of operation, to be encrypted or decrypted simultaneously. In addition, the architecture of the device permits different logical data streams to be processed directly consecutively and free of conflict on the physical channels provided by the hardware resources.

Abstract: A stream cipher cryptosystem includes a pseudo-random number generator receiving a key and providing a keystream. A cryptographic combiner combines a first binary data sequence and the keystream with a one's complement operation to provide a second binary data sequence. In encryption operations, the cryptographic combiner is an encryption combiner and the first binary data sequence is a plaintext binary data sequence and the second binary data sequence is a ciphertext binary data sequence. In decryption operations, the cryptographic combiner is a decryption combiner and the first binary data sequence is a ciphertext binary data sequence and the second binary data sequence is a plaintext binary data sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, apparatus, and system to generate a key hierarchy for use in an isolated execution environment of a protected platform. In order to bind secrets to particular code operating in isolated execution, a key hierarchy comprising a series of symmetric keys for a standard symmetric cipher is utilized. The protected platform includes a processor that is configured in one of a normal execution mode and an isolated execution mode. A key storage stores an initial key that is unique for the platform. A cipher key creator located in the protected platform creates the hierarchy of keys based upon the initial key. The cipher key creator creates a series of symmetric cipher keys to protect the secrets of loaded software code.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for adjusting the resolution or performance of digital media in a reversible manner. A mask component having a length of a predetermined number of bits is extracted from a high-resolution ordinal component of digital data having an initial state. Another non-ordered, randomly generated second component having the same predetermined number of bits is received. A logic operation using the mask component and the second, non-ordered component is performed thereby deriving a third component also having the same predetermined number of bits. The high-resolution ordinal component of digital data is altered using the derived third component, thereby adjusting the initial state of the high-resolution ordinal component to a secondary state that can be reverted to its initial state by virtue of the logic operation being reversible given the correct, corresponding operands.

Abstract: A method of compressing media content in which a first predetermined portion of a media content is compressed using a first data-based compression algorithm and inserted into a first portion of a data frame. A second predetermined portion of the media content is compressed using a second data-based compression algorithm and is inserted into a second portion of the data frame. The second predetermined portion of the media content is different from the first predetermined portion of the media content, and the second data-based compression algorithm is different from the first data-based compression algorithm. At least one of the first and second data-based compression algorithms is a private data-based compression algorithm. A plurality of data frames are generated and are made available for distribution, for example, by transmission over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for authenticating a mobile node are disclosed. A server is configured to provide a plurality of security associations associated with a plurality of mobile nodes. A packet identifying a mobile node may then be sent to the server from a network device such as a Home Agent. A security association for the mobile node identified in the packet may then be obtained from the server. The security association may be sent to the network device to permit authentication of the mobile node. Alternatively, authentication of the mobile node may be performed at the server by applying the security association.

Abstract: A method for identifying betrayers of proprietary data which enables a betrayer, i.e., an authorized subscriber who has disclosed one of his partial keys to a third person without authorization, to be unequivocally identified. A respective subset of encryption keys is assigned to each authorized subscriber according to finite geometric structures and methods such that the necessary characteristic of the k-resilience used for identifying a betrayer is guaranteed. A betrayer search algorithm is used for the unequivocal identification of a betrayer. Coalitions of betrayers may also be unequivocally identified.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes, briefly, a point source speaker system, comprising a processor which produces a left minus right (L−R) audio signal, a right plus left (R+L) and a right minus left (R−L) audio signal; three speakers each for audibly transmitting one of the L−R, R+L and R−L audio signals; and a point source speaker enclosure for housing the three speakers in a single enclosure.

Abstract: A method of recording sound for reproduction by a plurality of loudspeakers, or for processing sound for reproduction by a plurality of loudspeakers, is described in which some of the reproduced sound appears to a listener to emmanate from a virtual source which is spaced from the loudspeakers. A filter means (H) is used either in creating the recording, or in processing the recorded signals for supply to loudspeakers, the filter means (H) being created in a filter design step in which: a) a technique is employed to minimise error between the signals (w) reproduced at the intended position of a listener on playing the recording through the loudspeakers, and desired signals (d) at the intended position, wherein: b) said desired signals (d) to be produced at the listener are defined by signals (or an estimate of the signals) that would be produced at the ears of (or in the region of) the listener in said intended position by a source at the desired position of the virtual source.

Abstract: Three surround sound channels are provided within the current formats of the Dolby Digital, Sony SDDS and DTS digital soundtrack systems in a manner that provides compatibility with conventional two surround channel playback in standard 5.1 channel and 7.1 channel systems while allowing the soundtrack preparer to send the same signal to all surround sound channels and preserving the ability to pan among the three matrix decoded surround sound channels in an arrangement that employs an active matrix decoder to provide the three surround sound channels.

Abstract: A microphone array system includes a plurality of microphones and a sound signal processing part. The microphones are arranged in such a manner that at least three microphones are arranged in a first direction to form a microphone row, at least three rows of the microphones are arranged so that the microphone rows are not crossed each other so as to form a plane, and at least three layers of the planes are arranged three-dimensionally so that the planes are not crossed each other, so that the boundary conditions for the sound estimation at each plane of the planes constituting the three dimension can be obtained.

Abstract: A microphone array apparatus includes a microphone array including microphones, one of the microphones being a reference microphone, filters receiving output signals of the microphones, and a filter coefficient calculator which receives the output signals of the microphones, a noise and a residual signal obtained by subtracting filtered output signals of the microphones other than the reference microphone from a filtered output signal of the reference microphone and which obtain filter coefficients of the filters in accordance with an evaluation function based on the residual signal.

Abstract: A prefilter (5) for an audio system comprising a loudspeaker (1) in a room (2), which corrects both amplitude and phase errors due to the loudspeaker (1) by a linear phase correction filter response and corrects the amplitude response of the room (2) whilst introducing the minimum possible amount of extra phase distortion by employing a minimum phase correction filter stage. A test signal generator (8) generates a signal comprising a periodic frequency sweep with a greater phase repetition period than the frequency repetition period. A microphone (7) positioned at various points in the room (2) measures the audio signal processed by the room (2) and loudspeaker (1), and a coefficient calculator (6) (e.g. a digital signal processor device) derives the signal response of the room and thereby a requisite minimum phase correction to be cascaded with the linear phase correction already calculated for the loudspeaker (1). Filter (5) may comprise the same digital signal processor as the coefficient calculator (6).

Abstract: An audio system limits gain in individual audio channels having a shared clip detect signal from a multi-channel power amplifier such that only channels likely to be exceeding the distortion threshold are gain limited. In addition, any arbitrary channels may be grouped together for common gain limiting. The invention monitors the power level of each audio channel, compares the power level to a power threshold that indicates whether a high power condition with the potential to cause excess distortion exists or not, and makes a decision whether to activate each channel's gain limiter based on whether the corresponding clip detect signal is active and the high power condition exists simultaneously for that channel.