Abstract: An apparatus, medium, and method generating a motion-compensating layer, with the apparatus including a spatial layer generator to generate an enhancement layer and a base layer, the enhancement layer including a plurality of temporally sequential video frames, and the base layer including at least one sub video frame obtained by sub sampling the plurality of video frames, and a temporal layer generator to generate at least one temporal layer corresponding to the base layer, and to generate at least one temporal layer corresponding to the enhancement layer by predicting a lower second frame using at least one of an upper second frame and an encoded first frame. The first frame may be a frame included in the at least one temporal layer corresponding to the base layer, and the second frame may be a frame included in the at least one temporal layer corresponding to the enhancement layer.

Abstract: Improved video coding is described to encode video data within a sequence of video frames. To this end, at least a portion of a reference frame is encoded to include motion information associated with the portion of the reference frame. At least a portion of a predictable frame that includes video data predictively correlated to said portion of said reference frame is defined based on the motion information. At least said portion of the predictable frame is encoded without including corresponding motion information and including mode identifying data. The mode identifying data indicate that the encoded portion of the predictable frame can be directly derived using at least the motion information associated with the portion of the reference frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to estimating the global motion between frames of a motion-compensated inter-frame encoded video sequence, directly from the motion vectors encoded within the frames. For any particular frame, the motion vectors are first decoded, and a finite number of sets of vectors are selected. An affine or other geometrical transform is then used to generate a motion estimation for each set, and then the least median squared error present in each motion estimation is calculated for each estimation. The motion estimation with the smallest least median squared error is then selected as being representative of the global motion in the image of the frame.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel; a motion estimator to divide a current frame into a plurality of blocks having a predetermined size, to calculate a plurality of motion prediction error values by comparing a current block for estimating a motion thereof with a searching region set in a previous frame among a plurality of blocks in the previous frame, and to estimate a provisional motion vector of the current block according to the plurality of motion prediction error values; a pattern determiner to determine whether the current block includes a pattern image according to the plurality of motion prediction error values; a compensation motion vector creator to create a compensation motion vector for the current block according to the plurality of motion prediction error values when the current block is determined to include the pattern image by the pattern determiner; a motion vector selector to select the compensation motion vector as a final motion vector of the current block when the current blo

Abstract: Methods and transcoders are disclosed for video transcoding input macroblocks to an output macroblock. One of the methods estimates an output macroblock mode for the video transcoding. A spatial weight is determined based on size of overlapping areas of each of the input macroblocks with a correlation area that is correlated with the output macroblock. A discrete cosine transform (DCT) weight is determined based on a number of zero DCT coefficients of each of the input macroblocks that overlap the correlation area. The output macroblock mode is estimated based on the spatial weight and the DCT weight.

Abstract: A method of estimating output motion vector includes generating a group of candidate motion vectors, selecting two or more reference vectors, variably establishing a search window, and estimating an output motion vector by performing a motion vector refinement on the search window. The method selects the two or more reference vectors from the group of the candidate motion vectors and the search window is established according to a relativity among the reference vectors. A transcoder using the method includes an encoding parameter estimator configured to select the two or more reference vectors and to variably establish the search window according to the relativity between the reference vectors. Therefore, the search window may be efficiently established without increasing calculation time, so that the output motion vector may be more correctly estimated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transcoder (100) for a variable length coded data stream such as an MPEG 2 coded data stream transcoder (100) comprises a receiver (101) which receives the variable length coded data stream. The receiver (101) is connected to a significance processor (107) that determines if a variable length coded coefficient is significant or less significant. The significance processor (107) is connected to a truncation processor (111) which truncates the less significant coefficients. The trancoder further comprises an encode processor (109) which generates a transcoded data stream from the original significant coefficients and the truncated less significant coefficients. All processing may be performed exclusively in the variable length code domain thereby providing a low complexity and high speed transcoder.

Abstract: A video codec provides for adaptive vertical macroblock alignment of mixed interlaced and progressive video sequences. With adaptive vertical macroblock alignment, a video codec enforces a macroblock alignment height restriction on per picture basis, rather than requiring that all frames in a sequence adhere to a uniform height restriction. The video codec can then apply less padding to progressive and like type pictures that have smaller macroblock alignment increments, than to interlaced type pictures with larger alignment increments, which can save significant compression overhead.

Abstract: A video codec provides efficient repeat padding of hybrid video sequences having arbitrary video resolution. The video codec repeat pads to expand the active content of pictures in the video sequence out to meet an adaptive vertical macroblock alignment restriction that varies by picture type. For progressive type pictures, the video codec repeats the last row or horizontal boundary edge of the active content. For interlaced type pictures, the video coded repeats the last two rows (last row of each interlaced field) of the active content. This repeat padding differing by picture type provides a better prediction (lower prediction error residual) for macroblocks in following predicted frames whose motion vector points into the padded region.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the method of decoding an encoded video signal by inverse motion compensated temporal filtering (MCTF), a first image block of the encoded video signal is selectively subtracted from a second image block of the encoded video signal to obtain a decoded second image block. For example, the first image block may be an image block from a H frame in the encoded video signal, and the second image block may be an image block from a L frame in the encoded video signal.

Abstract: Presented herein are system(s) and method(s) for clean channel changes. In one embodiment, there is presented a method for changing a channel. The method comprises receiving a portion of a first video bitstream associated with a first channel; receiving a command to switch display from the first channel to a second channel after receiving the portion of the first video; and displaying the portion of the first video bitstream associated with the first channel after receiving the command.

Abstract: A video codec provides for encoding and decoding pictures of a video sequence at various coded resolutions, such that pictures can be encoded at lower coded resolutions based on bit rate or other constraints while maintaining a consistent display resolution. The video codec employs a coding syntax where a maximum coded resolution is signaled at the sequence level of the syntax hierarchy, whereas a lower coded resolution is signaled at the entry point level for a segment of one or more intra-coded frames and frames predictively encoded based thereon. This allows the use of a separate out-of-loop resampler after the decoder to up-sample the pictures to the display resolution.

Abstract: A video codec provides for encoding and decoding pictures of a video sequence at various coded resolutions, such that pictures can be encoded at lower coded resolutions based on bit rate or other constraints while maintaining a consistent display resolution. The video codec further provide for encoding and decoding pictures of the video sequence at ranges lower than that used for display, and then expanding the range after decoding for display. The video codec applies post-processing operations, such as de-blocking, de-ringing, and color conversion, at the native resolution and range of the decoded video, prior to range expansion and upsampling for display.

Abstract: A macro-block level parallel video decoder for a parallel processing environment is provided. The video decoder includes a Variable Length Decoding (VLD) block for decoding the encoded Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficients, a master node that receives the decoded DCT coefficients, and multiple slave nodes/processors for parallel implementation of Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform (IDCT) and motion compensation at the macro-block level. Also provided is a method for macro-block level video decoding in a parallel processing system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a frame in a current frame interval is decoded based on at least one frame in at least one adjacent frame interval. The adjacent frame interval is adjacent to the current frame interval. For example, the adjacent frame interval may be a previous frame interval and/or a subsequent frame interval. Also, the frame of the adjacent interval being used in the encoding process may be an H frame and/or an L frame.

Abstract: Concealment of errors in a coded image occurs by first selecting an inter-prediction mode in accordance with the coding of the image. The selected intra-prediction mode, while ordinarily used to specify the direction for obtaining a coding prediction value, also serves to specify the direction for obtaining estimated values for error concealment. An interpolation filter defines the manner of obtaining estimated pixel values along the direction specified by the intra-prediction mode. Like the intra-prediction mode, the interpolation filter is derived in accordance with the coding of the image. Concealment of the image is achieved using the estimated values obtained in the manner prescribed by the interpolation filter.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for implementing space frequency block coding (SFBC) in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless communication system. The present invention is applicable to both a closed loop mode and an open loop mode. In the closed loop mode, power loading and eigen-beamforming are performed based on channel state information (CSI). A channel coded data stream is multiplexed into two or more data streams. Power loading is performed based on the CSI on each of the multiplexed data streams. SFBC encoding is performed on the data streams for each of the paired subcarriers. Then, eigen-beamforming is performed based on the CSI to distribute eigenbeams to multiple transmit antennas. The power loading may be performed on two or more SFBC encoding blocks or on each eigenmodes. Additionally, the power loading may be performed across subcarriers or subcarrier groups for weak eigenmodes.

Abstract: A a system for allocating subcarriers to subscribers, comprising a subcarriers allocation controller, connected to a subcarrier modulation unit in a transmitter and to a subcarrier demodulation unit in a receiver for setting a group of subcarriers to be used therein. The transmitter and the receiver are part of the transceiver and subcarriers allocation is made according to a Reed-Solomon code. In a multicarrier system, a method for allocating subcarriers to subscribers, comprising: A. keep a table of R-S codes for frequency group allocation to base stations; B. assign one set of subcarriers based on R-S codes to a base station; C. assign other sets of subcarriers based on R-S codes to other base stations in such a way that adjacent base stations have different R-S codes.

Abstract: A modulation recognition method and device for digitally modulated signals with multi-level magnitudes are provided. The modulation recognition method includes selecting plural of quantization sizes used to construct plural of statistic histograms related to the magnitude of a sequence of data, setting up an off-line processing to extract plural of useful feature patterns for each modulation type of interest, receiving a sequence of samples of the modulated object signal and constructing plural of statistic histograms related to the magnitude of these samples, and adopting a hierarchical classification method for modulation recognition. It can be applied to the adaptive-modulation communication system, software defined radio, digital broadcasting systems and military communication systems. It can also be integrated with modulation recognition techniques for other types of modulated signals to function in a universal demodulator.

Abstract: A space-time encoding and decoding for a frequency selective fading channel. An encoder takes two independent data fields of a time slot in input data as a processing unit with space-time orthogonal encoding method, encodes them and generates two data vectors, and two diversity signals, and transmits them simultaneously, each through one diversity antenna. A receiving terminal neglects mutual interference between said two diversity signals caused by non-orthogonality, performing joint detection only taking into account affect to said two diversity signals from multipath interference and multi-user interference, obtaining a decoding result. Implementing interference counteraction based on result of joint diction to remove interference between the two diversity signals, and then returning to the previous step to implement iteration for decoding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gain retraining generator for use with a MIMO transmitter employing N transmit antennas, where N is at least two. In one embodiment, the gain retraining generator includes a first sequence encoder configured to provide a gain retraining sequence to one of the N transmit antennas during a non-initial time interval. The gain retraining generator also includes a second sequence encoder coupled to the first sequence encoder and configured to further provide (N-1) alternative gain retraining sequences to (N-1) remaining transmit antennas, respectively, during the non-initial time interval to retrain receive gains for multiple concurrent data transmissions.

Abstract: In wireless systems, a method and system for pre-equalization in a single weight (SW) single channel (SC) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system are provided. A first receive antenna and at least one additional receive antenna may receive a plurality of SC communication signals transmitted from at least two transmit antennas. Estimates of the propagation channels between transmit and receive antennas may be performed concurrently and may be determined from baseband combined channel estimates. Channel weights may be determined to modify the signals received by the additional receive antennas. Pre-equalization weight parameters may be determined to modify subsequent signals transmitted from the transmit antennas. The pre-equalization weight parameters may be based on the propagation channel estimates and may be determined by LMS, RLS, DMI, or by minimizing a cost function. Closed loop transmit diversity may also be supported.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the method may comprise receiving a plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals from a plurality of transmit antennas at a base station. A plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates may be generated based on phase rotation of the received plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals. A plurality of pre-equalization weights may be generated based on the generated plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates. The received plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals may be modified based on the generated plurality of pre-equalization weights. At least a portion of the generated plurality of pre-equalization weights may be fed back to the base station for modifying subsequently transmitted spatially multiplexed communication signals which are transmitted from at least a portion of the plurality of transmit antennas at the base station.

Abstract: Data communication for wired and or for wireless communication and broadcasting systems for broadband, ultra wideband and ultra Narrowband (UWN) reconfigurable, interoperable communication and broadcasting system architectures. Combinations and hybrids of ultra wideband (UWB), ultra narrowband (UNB) and efficient broadband wireless, baseband, intermediate frequency (IF) and radio frequency (RF) implementations for Bit Rate Agile (BRA) reconfigurable and interoperable systems. Processing the data signals, of clock signals, and/or carrier cycles waveforms leads to shaped radio-frequency (RF) cycles, waveforms and wavelets.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided that includes RF circuitry and signal processing circuitry. The signal processing circuitry includes a dedicated frequency burst (FB) search hardware circuit which exhibits relatively low noise in comparison with other digital processing circuitry, such as a DSP and MCU, within the system. The RF circuitry, dedicated FB search hardware circuit and the other digital processing circuitry can each be activated and inactivated. In one embodiment, when the RF circuitry and the dedicated FB search hardware are active, other digital processing circuitry remains inactive to avoid noise problems that could degrade reception and interfere with the FB search hardware locating the FB. Noise problems in the system are thus desirably reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as a circuit arrangement for suppression of a perturbing quadrature component of a carrier signal of an amplitude-modulated signal during the recovery of the carrier signal in a synchronous demodulator, which outputs a quadrature signal (Q). The perturbing quadrature component of the carrier signal is estimated and the estimated quadrature component is subtracted from the quadrature signal (Q).

Abstract: The invention provides a decoding circuit and a decoding method for a Viterbi decoder. The decoding circuit of the Viterbi decoder includes a branch metric unit, an add-compare-select unit and a path memory unit. The path memory unit includes a data string controller, a trace write-in register array, an idling register array and a decoding register array. In this invention, a run length limited code is used for effectively solving the problem of generating a complicated trellis diagram after the trellis diagram of the Viterbi decoder is subjected to a longitudinal arrangement. In addition, the register array can perform other operations at different times. Accordingly, a high decoding speed of the Viterbi decoder can be achieved without requiring a lot of registers for data processing.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided that detects a frequency burst (FB) through analysis of the autocorrelation function of received signals. The system can accommodate the relatively large frequency offsets that are associated with less expensive reference frequency crystals. In one embodiment, the system includes FB search hardware that operates in two modes, namely an FB location mode with narrowband interference (e.g. CW or continuous wave) detection and an FB location mode without such narrowband interference detection, depending on whether a CW signal (carrier or other narrowband interferer) is present or not.

Abstract: Disclosed is a matched filter and a method for performing cross correlation thereof. The matched filter includes a demultiplexer for demultiplexing an input sample signal into a predetermined number of signals; and cross correlators that perform a cross correlation of each of the demultiplexed sample signals with a predetermined sequence. Therefore, when the matched filter of the present invention is applied to a UWB system having a high sampling rate, the cross correlation operation can be performed at a high rate simply by using low-rate multipliers.

Abstract: The method and system for channel estimation in a single channel (SC) single-input multiple-output (SIMO) system described herein may provide a fast and cost effective approach to concurrently determine propagation channel estimates in a single-transmit (1-Tx) and multiple-receive (M-Rx) antennas wireless communication system. A single weight baseband generator may comprise a set generator, a channel estimator, and an algorithm generator. The set generator may generate orthogonal function sequences that may be applied to the M receive antennas and may be utilized by the channel estimator to generate channels estimates. The orthogonal function sequences may be transferred to the channel estimator after a delay. The algorithm generator may generate phase values based on the channels estimates that may be applied to the M receive antennas to improve the system's signal-to-noise performance.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a single antenna receiver system for HSDPA are provided. Aspects of a system for processing RF signals, the method may comprise a cluster path processor that computes channel estimates based on at least one of a plurality of received individual distinct path signals. An equalizer may equalize at least one of the plurality of distinct path signals. A maximum ratio combiner may combine at least one of the plurality of distinct path signals. A signal to noise averaging processor may compute at least one estimated signal to noise ratio. An HSDPA switch may select either the equalized plurality of individual distinct path signals, or the combined plurality of individual distinct path signals based on at least one computed signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for a communication signal processing apparatus having a channel estimator configured to generate a first channel estimation at a first time point, a linear predictor coupled to the channel estimator, and an adaptive filter coupled with the linear predictor. The linear predictor is configured to predict a second channel estimation based on a second time point and a channel frequency. The second time point is concurrent or subsequent to the first time point. The second channel estimation includes a first coefficient. The linear predictor includes a first predictor having a sample time point. The first predictor is configured to generate the first coefficient of the second channel estimation based on the sample time point and the second time point. The sample time point is prior to the second time point. The adaptive filter is configured to recursively determine the second channel estimation.

Abstract: A method of processing signals received from an array of sensors includes sampling and digitally converting the received signals. The digitally converted signals are processed to provide an output signal, the processing including filtering the signals using a first adaptive filter that enhances a target signal of the digitally converted signals and a second adaptive filter that suppresses an unwanted signal of the digitally converted signals, and processing the filtered signals in a frequency domain to further suppress the unwanted signal. The digitally converted signals are processed to determine a direction of arrival of the target signal, the processing including filtering the signals using a third adaptive filter.

Abstract: A method synchronizes a transmit clock of a transmitter with a receive clock of a receiver in a wireless communications network. Times t1, t2, t3, and t4 of the transmit clock corresponding times t1?, t2?, t3?, and t4? of the receive clock. A synchronization message is generated in a media access control layer of the transmitter at the time t1. The time t1 is inserted in the synchronization message when the synchronization message is passed from the media access layer to a physical layer at the time t2. Then, the synchronization message including the time t1 is broadcast. The synchronization message is received from the physical layer in the receiver, at which time the time t3? is obtained. The received message is passed to a media access control layer of the receiver, and the receive clock is adjusted by adding the time t1??t3? to the current time of the receive clock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing streaming media devices within a PLC network. Output synchronization errors exceeding ˜30 ms become noticeable when multiple streaming media devices are outputting an audio stream. The present invention provides a system and method for isochronously sending periodic reference clocks from a master device to client devices coupled to the PLC network. The client devices set their clocks based on the reference clock. In addition the clients adjust their system clock time base in response to the average divergence of the system clock with the reference clock, or a count of the number of clocks between beacon frames. In this way the client clock is adjusted to closely track the server clock so that synchronization is maintained between each of the devices. Streaming audio shared between servers and client devices is thus output across the network with high fidelity due to the accurate synchronization.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a charge pump circuit that repeats charge and discharge of a capacitor based on a clock signal when an ON/OFF control voltage is ON; a first delay circuit that delays the ON/OFF control voltage; a switch that shorts an output of the charge pump circuit and a GND input terminal when the delayed ON/OFF control voltage is OFF and opens when the delayed ON/OFF control voltage is ON; a first circuit block that is driven by a power voltage which is supplied from a power source input terminal and the charge pump circuit; and a second circuit block that is driven by a power voltage which is supplied from the power source input terminal and the GND input terminal. The first and second circuit blocks are mounted on the same semiconductor integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A reactor formed of an articulated substantially spherical structure alternates between an expanded state and a collapsed state based on an environment to which it is exposed. An interior space of the articulated substantially spherical structure defines a reaction space with a first volume of the reaction space associated with the expanded state and a second volume of the reaction space associated with the collapsed state. An atomic, elemental, or molecular species can be confined within the interior volume. The articulated substantially spherical structure is collapsed substantially symmetrically about the second volume and at a sufficient rate and in a sufficient time to accelerate the species to produce a reaction, such as a chemical, reaction, a fusion reaction of a fusionable species, a transformation of species and/or a combination thereof. A method to produce a reaction within the interior space of the articulated substantially spherical structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing Ac-225 is presented, wherein Ac-225 is produced by bombardment of Th-232 with hydrogen isotope nuclei accelerated in a cyclotron. The method, which allows production of Ac-225 at high yields and purity levels, is particularly interesting for the supply or Ac-225 or of the daughter Bi-213 for medical applications.

Abstract: Compensation for patient rotation between planning and treatment in a radiation therapy machine is provided by angled translation of a table surface on which the patient is supported without actual patient rotation.

Abstract: In an operating method for user interface for a computed tomography examination procedure a menu and a workflow list are merged on a computer screen. One or more scanning programs can be selected in a parameter setting area on the computer screen, each scanning program corresponding to one default patient posture. When an “end of examination” option in the workflow list is selected, job status information is displayed in the parameter setting area, prompting an operator to check the status of the job selected in set reconstruction parameters. Using the interface the user can improve operational efficiency, thereby saving operational time and shortening time spent in examining each patient.

Abstract: A system (and method) for real-time measurement of trace metal concentration in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry, includes an electromagnetic radiation flow cell carrying a CMP slurry, a slurry pickup head coupled to the flow cell, and an analyzer for measuring properties of the slurry flowing through the flow cell.

Abstract: A method for detecting an enhanced image of an object by independently analyzing, detecting, digitizing, and combining images acquired on a high and a low angle side of a rocking curve of a crystal analyzer. An x-ray beam generated by a line x-ray source is collimated by a crystal monochromator including two non-matching crystals to form an x-ray area beam. The x-ray area beam is transmitted through an object to be imaged and onto an image detector and the image is digitized. The digitized images are simultaneously solved, preferably on a pixel-by-pixel basis, to derive an enhanced image which has dramatically improved contrast and spatial resolution over an image acquired through conventional radiology methods.

Abstract: A method of and a system for stabilizing High Voltage Power Supply (HVPS) DC and AC voltages in multi-energy X-ray computed tomography scanners are provided. The method comprises generating filter ratios, computing DC and AC voltages, and feeding back the computed DC and AC voltages to the commanded voltages. The filtered ratios including an air ratio and a copper ratio are modeled as nonlinear functions of the DC and AC voltages. Computing DC and AC voltages include computing an m-ratio and an n-ratio. The parameters of the nonlinear model comprise an exponent parameter and a set of polynomial coefficients. The parameters are determined by a calibration procedure, which performs scanning at different combination of DC and AC voltages. The optimal parameters are obtained through a nonlinear least square minimization, which is solved through a brute force search over the exponent parameter and a closed form solution of the polynomial coefficients.

Abstract: Grids and collimators, for use with electromagnetic energy emitting devices, include at least a metal layer that is formed, for example, by electroplating/electroforming or casting. The metal layer includes top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of solid integrated walls. Each of the solid integrated walls extends from the top to bottom surface and has a plurality of side surfaces. The side surfaces of the solid integrated walls are arranged to define a plurality of openings extending entirely through the layer. At least some of the walls also can include projections extending into the respective openings formed by the walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for modulating an intensity of a radiation beam includes a filter having a cross sectional shape such that a radiation beam filtered therethrough and passed through a patient will have an intensity that is substantially non-uniform. An apparatus for modulating an intensity of a radiation beam generated by a radiation source includes a filter, and a positioner secured to the filter, the positioner configured to move the filter relative to the radiation source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque marker and a method for using such a marker for radiographic examination. The marker and the disclosed method may be employed for the examination of tissue structures of various densities. The radiographic density and thickness of the marker are selected so that when the marker and an underlying tissue structure are exposed to x-ray radiation of a specified energy, the marker casts a legible shadow without obscuring anatomical detail present in the underlying tissue structure. The invention also provides a system of partially radiolucent, partially radiopaque markers for use in the method of radiographic examination taught by the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reporting the impact on services in a network caused by node and network faults or outages. As a method, the operator of a specified network device is provided with notice of the impact of a network fault on one or more services running in association with the specified device. The method includes the steps of discovering one or more devices in the network that are respectively connected to the specified device, to assist in performing an intended task, and then discovering each service that is configured to run on each of the discovered devices, likewise in support of task performance. The method further comprises monitoring the status of respective discovered devices at prespecified intervals, in order to detect the occurrence of a fault in the network. Upon detecting a fault, an alert is generated, to indicate the impact of the detected fault on respective discovered services.

Abstract: A system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed methods include the basic steps of: accessing the telephone line along the test path that includes selected hardware such as a voice switch test bus, central office splitter, service provider instruments and terminations; ascertaining various line characteristics along the test path using mid-band and narrow-band frequency signals; analyzing the line characteristics to identify line conditions that affect DSL service; and determining the impact of the line conditions on DSL service.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-interface communications device testing system is disclosed. The system simultaneously controls communication channels of a communications platform though multiple Interface Protocols, such as TDM, IP and Telephony Application Program Interfaces. The system also allows the creation of multi Interface Protocol Test Scenarios, and displays the results of executing the test results from all Protocols Interfaces and records and displays results.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing emergency information. Methods include providing emergency information to a requestor including receiving a request from the requestor requesting emergency information. An automatic number identification (ANI) is determined in response to the request and a database accessed. The emergency information is retrieved from the database in response to the ANI and provided to the requestor.