Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube has an anode assembly capable of transmitting x-rays through the anode and over a wide angular range. The anode is in the shape of a cone or truncated cone with an axis on the x-ray tube frame axis, formed of low-Z material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation. A target material on the anode body is in a thin layer, which may be approximately 0.5 to 5 microns thick. In one embodiment a tube evacuation exhaust port at the tail end of the anode assembly forms a cavity for a getter, with a pinched-off tubulation at the end of the cavity.

Abstract: A telecommunication multi-service transport platform system is disclosed. It has at least one service card providing a predetermined telecommunication service, and at least one protection card for replacing the service card when the service card fails. The protection card further comprising one or more test ports connectable to an external testing tool, one or more protection circuits, and at least one relay module associated with the test ports for allowing the testing tool to be connected to the protection circuits through at least one test port for testing the service card when the protection card is in a standby mode and for disconnecting the testing tool from the protection circuits when the service card fails.

Abstract: A metal port block is used on an intermediate distributor or vertical terminal block in a connection architecture to obtain a metal contact of the combined voice and data signals, which can subsequently be monitored by a test rack, without needing to disconnect or reconnect any bridge or cable. The access to the intermediate distribution frame can be established by a connecting block with which a plurality of boards are associated. The boards are vertically arranged in an array and each incorporates its relays or associated electronics to extract and supply information to a test table. Each board has pins to couple with the cavities of the distribution frame.

Abstract: Determining whether a call forward busy service is enabled on a telephone line includes placing a first test call across a network to the telephone line. First signaling data is received through the network in response to the first test call. The first signaling data is evaluated to determine whether the first test call is inspiring a ringing condition. A second test call is placed across the network conditioned on whether the first signaling data indicates that the first test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition. The second test call is placed while the first test call remains inspiring ringing. Second signaling data is received through the network in response to the second test call. A call forward busy service is concluded to be enabled on the telephone line based on whether the second test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition.

Abstract: Allowing a tester of a telephonic device to issue call control commands to a call control server using an intuitive set of commands and using both data lines for data call control commands, and voice lines for touch tone or “DTMF” call control commands. The user may initiate a call control command by either entering the call control command in a command line of a program executed at a telephonic device, or by crafting a function call using an Application Program Interface (API) that allows for more intuitive function calls that are more descriptive of the call control command. During execution, the more descriptive user-entered command or function call is converted into a form that recognized by the call control server. The converted call control command is then transmitted to the call control server.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an indication of the busy condition to a calling party on a telecommunications system. The calling party may be the user of a text telephone device such as a TTY device. When a called party's line is busy, the method and system send a text message to the calling party that indicates that the called party's line is busy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for, in a browser equipped telephone, transmitting a URL together with a voice message when a called party is set to an answering mode, and allowing URL information to be extracted and passed to the browser when a recorded message is played or reproduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring calls routed to a telephone network voice mail system from a variety of remote telephone locations. When a subscriber receives a telephone call, a determination is made as to whether the subscriber's line is busy or whether the call goes unanswered. If remote call monitoring services are activated, a three-way communication is set up between the calling party, the voice mail system and the subscriber via a remote call monitoring directory number provided by the subscriber. The subscriber is patched into the call on a listen-only basis, but upon command by the subscriber, the subscriber may answer the call. The subscriber may set up a number of remote call monitoring filters, including an “always monitor” list, a “never monitor” list, and a schedule of days or times during which the subscriber allows or excludes remote call monitoring.

Abstract: Selecting the optimum service provider for each telephone call made so as to minimize the cost of each call. Each of the service providers is likely to be charging fees for calls at different rates determined by the measures of different sets of predetermined calling conditions that the provider sets up. An implementation for initiating a telephone call from the calling station to a selected receiving station, determining the measures of the predetermined calling conditions, determining the optimum service provider charging the minimum fee for the telephone call based on the determined measures of said service provider's set of predetermined calling conditions and routing the initiated telephone call to said receiving station through said optimum service provider.

Abstract: Inmates place free incoming calls to a call processing system and are prompted to choose between accessing a voice mail system and calling an outside party. If an outside party is to be called, an inmate provides a phone number and an outgoing call is placed to the outside party. If the outside party provides payment for the call, the inmate is connected to the outgoing call and the incoming call is terminated. If the outgoing call is not accepted, the inmate may record a voice message for the outside party in a voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. For an access fee, the outside party may access the voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. Advertising messages may be presented to inmates during incoming calls and/or to outside parties during outgoing calls. Advertising revenue may cover incoming call charges. Inmates and/or outside parties may record voice messages for advertisers.

Abstract: A predictive model system is used to detect telecommunications fraud. Call records (CDRs) provided by telephone companies are evaluated against specified rules. If one or more rules are matched, the system generates an alert. Pending alerts for a customer form a case, describing the caller's calling patterns. A predictive model determines a score that is predictive of the likelihood that the call involved fraud. Cases are queued for examination by analysts.

Abstract: Interests of a person may be analyzed based on the dial stream to/from the person. When a call is being made to/from a person, signaling information from the dial stream is routed to an analysis server. Information in the signaling information, such as called party identifier and caller-id data, is retrieved and archived by the analysis server. Based on the information in the dial stream, a person's interests may then be analyzed and provided to a recipient, such as a business. The person may be compensated in exchange for allowing their dial stream to be analyzed. In addition, businesses may also register with the analysis server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method selectively includes an audio signal component, such as hold music or a hold tone, within an audio output signal, such as a composite audio signal from a multi-party teleconference, based upon a condition of an audio delivery system. In one arrangement, the condition is based upon a presence characteristic, indicating the number of active endpoint devices in the audio delivery system and upon an endpoint signal, indicating non-participation of one of the active endpoint devices. Based upon the condition of the audio delivery system, the audio delivery system either omits the audio signal component from the audio output signal or includes the audio signal component with the audio output signal distributed within the system.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automatically terminating a call in a communications system involve a first subscriber unit originating a call to a second subscriber unit and terminating the call when the second subscriber unit rings.

Abstract: A call establishment method and corresponding communications terminal for a trunked radio network such as TETRA (708, 709) to establish a call from one network (700) to another network (711, 712, 730, 741) through a gateway (701, 713, 733, 740). A target telephone number is dialled at the calling communications terminal storing unique associations between telephone numbers and call types. Alternatively the call type is requested from a user of the calling communications terminal in case no call type is stored with the target telephone number. The gateway (701, 713, 733, 740) through which the target telephone number can be reached is then selected on the basis of the call type.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a softswitch executing on a computer, a plurality of calls for switching, monitoring at least one criteria associated with operation of the computer, and based on the monitoring, limiting the number of calls processed by the computer.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting an agent to service a contact at a contact center accounts for the state of the contact center and for individual agent proficiency and performance. A software-implemented method includes an algorithm that adjusts the agent-selection process according to variations in state such as fluctuating call volume. When two or more metrics describe distinct aspects of an agent's performance and both aspects are relevant to agent selection, the algorithm can weigh each according to relative importance to the center's operational effectiveness. The present invention couples to the information infrastructure of a computer-based contact center and interfaces with the components of the center that acquire and maintain information pertinent to the agent-selection process. This connectivity delivers real-time information to the software algorithms and thereby facilitates rapid response to changing conditions.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for the preemptive goals based distribution of contact records. This method and system includes devices receiving contact records and providing customer contacts to one or more agents. Interfaced with the device is a distribution module including pools and queues. The distribution module places the contact records into the pools and transfers less than all of the contact records to the queues to allow for processing by the devices at peak efficiency. The distribution module transfers the queues to the devices so that the device can place customer contact attempts. A goal module, associated with the distribution module, monitors the performance of the pools. The goal module modifies which queues the pools transfer contact records to based on the performance of the pools thereby allowing the contact records to be distributed in accordance with performance goals for the pools.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for updating local call information databases for calls to be placed by predictive dialers deployed at different geographic locations within a communications network.

Abstract: Techniques to cancel echo utilizing reduced die space and reduced usage of a time shared processor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for scaling a value of an amplitude to a binary value and a method, apparatus and system for reducing an undesirable portion of a signal.

Abstract: Subscriber line interface circuitry includes an integrated circuit having sense inputs for a sensed tip signal and a sensed ring signal of a subscriber loop. The integrated circuit generates a subscriber loop linefeed driver control signal in response to the sensed signals. The linefeed driver does not reside with the integrated circuit. A method for monitoring power dissipation of the linefeed driver components includes the step of sampling at least one of the tip and ring signals to determine a line voltage and a line current of a selected linefeed driver component. Instantaneous power dissipation of the linefeed component is estimated and then filtered to generate an estimated junction temperature of the linefeed component. In one embodiment, the linefeed driver includes a tip fuse series-coupled to the tip line and a ring fuse series-coupled to the ring line.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (100) has a cover part (102) carrying a display (112) connected to a base part (104) carrying a keyboard (118) by means of a hinge arrangement (106). The cover part can move relatively to the base part from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The hinge arrangement comprises a plurality of elongate connecting elements (122, 124, 126, 128) connected at one end to the cover part and at another end to the base part. Each connecting element is relatively moveable about a first axis of rotation (134, 138) with respect to the cover part and relatively moveable about a second axis of rotation (136, 140) with respect to the base part. In moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the cover part is able to rotate about the first axis of rotation and move about the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides embodiments for producing a user equipment identification scrambling sequence (UEIDSS). The produced sequences for different user identification codes have a high separation. A base station uses the UEIDSS to scramble a high speed shared control channel (HS-SSCH) and a user equipment (UE) uses the UEIDSS to descramble the HS-SSCH. The embodiments utilize various blocks for producing the codes. These blocks include Reed-Muller encoding, concatenation, rate matching, segmentation, convolutional encoding, tail bit discarding, zero padding, repeating, CRC calculation, quadratic residue coding, parity-check bit, shortening, puncturing and BCH encoding blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to two cryptographic processes based on composition of multivariable maps: 1) low degree maps for asymmetric cryptographic communication process; 2) high degree maps for symmetric cryptographic communication process. The cryptographic process establishes a correspondence through either a low degree (asymmetric) or a high degree polynomial map (symmetric) between a first vector (X) represented by (x1, x2, . . . , xn) of a finite field (K) and a second vector (Y)=(y1, y2, . . . , ym) of the same field, n and m being integers not too small. The said polynomial map yi=fi(x1, x2, . . . , xn) is derived from composition of various nonlinear and linear maps. The novel elements for the asymmetric invention include the use of inseparable small variable maps with hidden equations, generalized de Jonquiere maps, and the combination of these maps with other maps.

Abstract: A security communication packet processing apparatus (100) comprises an encryption processing unit (102) that performs encryption processing and decryption processing in a data block unit of B1 bits, an authentication processing unit (104) that performs authentication processing in a data block unit of B2(=n×B1) bits in parallel to the encryption processing or the decryption processing in the encryption processing unit (102) and outputs an authentication value, a data block accumulation unit (103) that accumulates the data blocks from the encryption processing unit (102) and outputs the data blocks to the authentication processing unit (104) when the accumulated amount of the data blocks reaches B2 bits, a packet construction unit (105) that reconstructs a packet with the data blocks from the encryption processing unit (102) and the authentication value from the authentication processing unit (104), and an encryption and authentication processing control unit (101) that divides the inputted packet into the da

Abstract: An encryption circuit that reduces a scale of circuit and can achieve a certain level of high-speed processing in the implementation of the AES block cipher.

Abstract: Described herein is one or more implementations that generate a single key from a set of encrypted keys, which set is associated with a unique data subset of a database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-synchronizing a stream cipher during soft handoff. Transmitted quasi-secret keying information is used with a secret key to reinitialize a stream cipher generator located in a base station and a stream cipher generator located in a travelling mobile station. Since the quasi-secret keying information is uniquely determined according to each base station in the wireless telephone system, a base station's quasi-secret keying information and a shared secret key can also be used to create a new key. Thus, as the mobile station travels from one base station to another base station, a unique new key is generated for each base station.

Abstract: A memory card (110) decodes data delivered to a data bus (BS3) and extracts a session key (Ks1) sent from a server from the data. Based on the session key (Ks1), an encrypting section (1406) encrypts a public encryption key (KPm (1)) of the memory card (110) and delivers it to a server through the data bus (BS3). The memory card (110) receives data including a license key (Kc) and a license (ID) encrypted with the public encryption key (KPm (1)) different with memory card to memory card, decrypts the data, encrypted it again with uniquely given secret key (K(1)), and stores it in a memory (1415).

Abstract: A central speaker and personal headset speakers are used to create a three-dimensional phantom sound space for each listener. The speakers of the headset are located in close proximity to, but do not isolate, the ears of the listener such that external sounds are allowed to impinge upon the pinna of the ears. The headset speakers form an isosceles triangle with the distant central speaker as the apex. This speaker configuration with personal controls can achieve a state of sound equilibrium for a phantom three-dimensional sound space. The sound signal may be synchronized with a video signal, and the sound pressure level of the left and right speakers can be adjusted to control the listener's perception of the virtual movement of phantom sound source image within the sound space according to changes in the point of view represented in a displayed video image.

Abstract: A multi-channel surround sound system and method is described that allows automatic and independent calibration and adjustment of the frequency, amplitude and time response of each channel of the surround sound system. The disclosed auto-calibrating surround sound (ACSS) system includes a processor that generates a test signal represented by a temporal maximum length sequence (MLS) and supplies the test signal as part of an electric input signal to a loudspeaker. A microphone coupled to the processor receives the signal in a listening environment. The processor correlates the received sound signal with the test signal in the time domain and determines from the correlated signals a whitened response of the audio channel in the listening environment.

Abstract: A first rectifying net, a rectifying grid and a second rectifying net are attached, as a rectifying part upstream of a duct through which air for cooling flows. A noise detection microphone detects noise within the duct. An error detection microphone is placed in the downstream side of the noise to detect error noise. An arithmetic circuit inputs a noise signal of the noise detection microphone, carries out an arithmetic of a transfer function so that an output signal of the error detection microphone becomes minimum, and outputs a control signal to a control sound source. The control sound source radiates a control sound having approximately the same sound pressure as and an opposite phase of the noise within the duct. Thus, the coherence between the noise in the upstream and downstream parts increases, thereby enhancing a sound-muffling effect.

Abstract: Provided are an orthogonal circular microphone array system for detecting a three-dimensional direction of a sound source, the system comprising a directional microphone which receives a speech signal from the sound source, a first microphone array in which a predetermined number of microphones for receiving the speech signal from the sound source are arranged around the directional microphone, a second microphone array in which a predetermined number of microphones for receiving the-speech signal from the sound source are arranged around the directional microphone so as to be orthogonal to the first microphone array, a direction detection unit which receives signals from the first and second microphone arrays, discriminates whether the signals are speech signals and estimates the location of the sound source, a rotation controller which changes the direction of the first microphone array, the second microphone array, and the directional microphone according to the location of the sound source estimated by th

Abstract: An electrostatic loudspeaker requires a high voltage DC bias power supply to bias the stators and diaphragms of electrostatic speakers. A self biased power supply eliminates the need for an external power supply by deriving a high voltage bias from the stator AC signal voltages which have been rectified and run from a high voltage tap and/or through a voltage multiplier which has a voltage limiting means.

Abstract: Acoustic device including a member extending transversely of its thickness and capable of sustaining bending waves at least over an intendedly consequentially acoustically active area of the transverse extent of said member, the member having, by reason of orderly design methodology disclosed and claimed, a distribution of resonant modes of its natural bending wave vibration at least over said area that is dependent on values of particular parameters of said members, including geometrical configuration and directional bending stiffness(es), which values have been selected to predetermine said distribution of natural resonant modes being consonant with required achievable acoustic action of said member for operation of said device over a desired operative acoustic frequency range.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system has an extended bass or low frequency response. The loudspeaker system integrates a passive radiator with a transducer. The loudspeaker system also mechanically isolates the passive radiator and the transducer. A support mechanism mechanically grounds vibrations or other forces from the transducer and passive radiator that may interfere or affect the operation of the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A storage case that detects and indicates presence of oscillating or quiescent activity of hearing aids is disclosed. Within the storage case, there is a transducer coupled to a logic circuit. The logic circuit is further coupled to one or more visual cues. The transducer picks up any sounds within the storage case and converts the sounds into electrical signals. The logic circuit receives the electrical signals and activates a visual cue that alerts the user if the logic circuit interprets at least one of the electrical signals to be from an oscillating or quiescent activity of the hearing aid.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer has an annular permanent magnet provided in a frame, and an annular top plate mounted on the permanent magnet. A ring is secured to the upper surface of the top plate. A diaphragm is secured to the ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic driver comprising a soft magnetic core in the form of an E with three legs and a back, an alternating field driver, magnetically coupled to the soft magnetic core, for generating an alternating magnetic field in the soft magnetic core, depending upon a sound signal, a constant field driver magnetically coupled to the soft magnetic core for generation of a constant magnetic field in the soft magnetic core, a soft magnetic element for coupling to the plate of the planar diaphragm loudspeaker, lying opposite the back and magnetically closing the legs across at least one small induction gap, whereby the constant field and the alternating field are asymmetrically superimposed such that a resulting force, or a resulting torque on the soft magnetic element, is proportional to the sound signal.

Abstract: An increasing number of people are employing a variety of methods of editing and processing digital content in an effort to illegally copy the content. It is difficult to develop digital watermark technology that is able to withstand all types of editing and processing. The present invention addresses the foregoing problems by providing a digital content processing method comprising performing a plurality of copyright protection processes on digital content, each copyright protection process differing in difficulty of being analyzing, and distributing the processed digital content.

Abstract: A method (750) of encoding a value is disclosed. In one implementation the value is encoded into an image (700). The method (750) operates by defining (403) a first ordered set of positions; determining (405) a number of marks for encoding the value in the ordered set of positions; determining (409) a selection of the first ordered set of positions using combinatorial theory with the number of marks and the number of positions in the first ordered set of positions for encoding the value; and placing (411) marks at the selection of the first ordered set of positions. Preferably the value is encoded by encoding a base value and an offset value, the base value is encoded by the number of marks, and the offset value is encoded by the selection of positions. Preferably the marks are basis patterns forming a watermark (710).

Abstract: A pattern signal is steganographically encoded in a content object to aid in identifying distortion (e.g., image rotation) to which the object may be subjected. The signal may include a feature that can be used to unambiguously identify correct orientation.

Abstract: Systems for fingerprinting digital data are described. In one embodiment, a system for detecting a fingerprinting word is configured to receive a protected object that has embedded therein a fingerprinting word that contains a plurality of spread spectrum chips that are arranged in individual blocks that define individual spread sequences. The system processes the protected object sufficient to identify an entity that is associated with the fingerprinting word and which comprises a potential colluder. The system is configured to process the protected object by calculating a weight for each block and restricting the weights of certain blocks to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Dense range data obtained at real-time rates is employed to estimate the pose of an articulated figure. In one approach, the range data is used in combination with a model of connected patches. Each patch is the planar convex hull of two circles, and a recursive procedure is carried out to determine an estimate of pose which most closely correlates to the range data. In another aspect of the invention, the dense range data is used in conjunction with image intensity information to improve pose tracking performance. The range information is used to determine the shape of an object, rather than assume a generic model or estimate structure from motion. In this aspect of the invention, a depth constraint equation, which is a counterpart to the classic brightness change constraint equation, is employed. Both constraints are used to jointly solve for motion estimates.

Abstract: In a face image recording apparatus, a camera photographs the face of a person a plurality of number of times, a processor extracts at least one high-quality image from the plurality of images photographed by the camera, and this high-quality image extracted by the processor is recorded in a memory.

Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a fingerprint operates in a selected mode to provide a finger recognition and/or a finger navigation application. At least one light source illuminates at least one partition of a finger interface upon which a user places a finger (or thumb). Light reflected from the finger is captured by at least one image sensing region aligned to receive reflected light emitted from the illuminating light source(s). The illuminating light sources are selected depending on the selected mode of operation to illuminate only those partitions of the finger interface necessary for operation of the selected mode.

Abstract: A method to detect a structure of interest includes shading a target from ambient light. A first plurality of images is acquired from the target. Background in the first plurality of images is reduced to minimize or eliminate brightness variation in the images and to generate a first plurality background-reduced images. A second plurality of images is acquired from the target. Background in the second plurality of images is reduced to generate a second plurality of background-reduced images. Noise in the second plurality of background-reduced images is reduced to generate a noise-reduced image, which is then multiplied to generate an amplified image. A structure of interest is detected in the amplified image. An imaging device that can be used to carry out the method is also included and includes an illuminator that shades the target from ambient light and scatters light.

Abstract: This invention provides a radiographic image processing method of processing a group of radiographs including a moving-state radiographic image consisting of a plurality of radiographs representing a moving state of an object. The method includes specifying a region of interest for a plurality of radiographs included in the group of radiographs, and outputting diagnosis assisting information for assisting in diagnosis based on the group of radiographs, in accordance with the specified region of interest.