Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a support mechanism which movably supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, a storage unit which stores data of a three-dimensional model associated with a standard blood vessel structure, and a control unit which controls the support mechanism on the basis of the three-dimensional model so as to make an imaging central line between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector become substantially orthogonal to a blood vessel axis of the three-dimensional model at a designated position.

Abstract: A 4-dimensional digital tomosynthesis system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector and a processor. The x-ray source is suitable for emitting x-ray beams to an object with a periodic motion. The periodic motion is divided into (n+1) time intervals, n being a positive integer. Each of the (n+1) time intervals is associated with a time instance ti, i=0, 1, 2, . . . , n. The x-ray detector is coupled to the x-ray source for acquiring projection radiographs of the object at each time instance ti for each scan angle based on the x-ray beams. The processor is communicatively coupled to the x-ray source and the x-ray detector for controlling the x-ray source and processing data received from the x-ray detector such that all projection radiographs acquired from all scan angles for each time instance ti are reconstructed and (n+1) sets of cross sections of the object are obtained. The cross section is either a coronal cross section or a sagittal cross section.

Abstract: In a method for x-ray imaging given a patient containing a subject to be represented during a shockwave treatment, an image data set containing the subject and a marker is generated at a first point in time; an x-ray image showing essentially only the subject (14) and the marker is acquired at a second point in time, the x-ray image is correctly spatially associated with the image data set using the marker, the x-ray image is displayed together with information extracted from the image data set during the shockwave treatment.

Abstract: A method for producing X-ray optics includes providing a wafer of crystalline material having front and rear surfaces and a lattice spacing suitable for reflecting incident X-rays of a given wavelength. A thin film is deposited on the front surface of the wafer so as to generate compressive forces in the thin film sufficient to impart a concave curvature to the rear surface of the wafer with at least one radius of curvature selected for focusing the incident X-rays.

Abstract: A Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System based on a unique Lobster Eye (LE) structure, X-ray generator, scintillator-based detector and cooled CCD (or Intensified CCD) for real-time, safe, staring Compton backscatter X-ray detection of objects hidden under ground, in containers, behind walls, bulkheads etc. In contrast to existing scanning pencil beam systems, Lobster Eye X-Ray Imaging System's true focusing X-ray optics simultaneously acquire ballistic Compton backscattering photons (CBPs) from an entire scene irradiated by a wide-open cone beam from one or more X-ray generators. The Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System collects (focuses) thousands of times more backscattered hard X-rays in the range from 40 to 120 keV (or wavelength ?=0.31 to 0.1 ?) than current backscatter imaging sensors (BISs), giving high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and penetration through ground, metal walls etc.

Abstract: A radiation imaging device includes a detector capable of detecting radiation from either a KV source or an MV source. The detector includes a photodetector assembly, a scintillator adjacent to a first side of the photodetector, and a metal plate adjacent to a second side of the photodetector. The detector may also include a second scintillator. The first side of the photodetector assembly is positioned toward the KV source for KV imaging, while the second side is positioned toward the MV source for MV imaging. The radiation imaging device includes a first gantry for the MV source and a second gantry for the detector. The KV source may be supported by either the first gantry or the second gantry. The second gantry includes a robotic arm for positioning the detector for imaging, and is configured for moving the detector (and the KV source) out of the MV beam.

Abstract: For high-contrast visualization of small lesions or other target areas in tissue that contains at least one opacifying chemical element in the human body, an x-ray arrangement is described that comprises at least one x-ray radiation source that emits essentially polychromatic x-ray radiation, a first detector or several first detectors, with which values of a first intensity of the x-ray radiation that is transmitted through the object under examination can be determined, a second detector or several second detectors, with which values a second intensity of the x-ray radiation that is emitted from the object under examination can be determined, at least one correlation unit, with which the first intensity values of the transmitted x-ray radiation can be correlated with one another with the second intensity values of the emitted x-ray radiation, pixel for pixel, and at least one output unit for visualizing the object under examination from the pixel signals that can be obtained by correlation of the first inte

Abstract: A linear source of x-rays is disclosed wherein an elongated filament, mounted within a cylindrically formed anode, provides electrons around the filament, and along the length of said filament. The anode that comprises a high Z material such as gold, receives the electrons and emits X-rays in a 360 degree arc and along a substantial length of the anode. In one embodiment the tube is used for irradiation purposes.

Abstract: An X-ray source includes a magnetic appliance to provide electron beam focusing. The magnetic appliance can provide variably focused and non-focused configurations. The magnetic appliance can include one or more electromagnets and/or permanent magnets. An electric potential difference is applied to an anode and a cathode that are disposed on opposite sides of an evacuated tube. The cathode includes a cathode element to produce electrons that are accelerated towards the anode in response to the electric field between the anode and the cathode. The anode includes a target material to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (24) includes an anode (42) defining a target. A cathode assembly (40) is in operative relationship with the anode to produce x-rays (56). An evacuated envelope (35) encloses the anode and cathode. The evacuated envelope includes a metal frame portion (39). The material comprising the metal frame portion has a backscatter coefficient. An x-ray transmissive window (41) is joined in a vacuum tight manner to the metal frame portion of the evacuated envelope. The material comprising the x-ray transmissive window has a backscatter coefficient. A backscatter layer (90) is deposited on the x-ray transmissive window and the metal frame portion of the evacuated envelope around the x-ray transmissive window. The backscatter layer has a backscatter coefficient greater than the backscatter coefficient of both of the window and the metal frame.

Abstract: An X-ray collimator for collimating X-rays from an X-ray source that illuminate an array of columns and rows of X-ray detectors, the collimator having a first side that faces the X-ray source and a second side opposite the first side that faces the detector array, the collimator comprising: a plurality of strips formed from an X-ray absorbing material, wherein each strip is corrugated so that it has rectangular and/or square corrugations; and means for maintaining the plurality of strips one next to the other with the corrugations of one strip aligned with corrugations of an adjacent strip to form an array of rows and columns of square/and or rectangular wells corresponding to the X-ray detectors in the array.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for collimating electromagnetic radiation, comprising a macrocollimator C which has at least two cutouts, and microcollimator structures which are positioned in the cutouts of the macrocollimator and have lamellae that absorb electromagnetic radiation, so that collimator channels are formed which in each case extend such that they are transparent in a transmission direction.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a computed tomographic imaging system includes first and second endplates at opposite ends of the filter assembly. Also provided is a first moveable subassembly that includes at least a first x-ray filter and which is configured to move along an axis perpendicular to the first endplate between the first the second endplates. A second moveable subassembly is also provided that includes at least a second x-ray filter. The second moveable subassembly is configured to move along an axis perpendicular to the second endplate between the first and second endplates. The first moveable subassembly and the second moveable subassembly are independently movable to provide at least a small bowtie x-ray filter, a large bowtie x-ray filter, a medium bowtie x-ray filter, a flat filter, and a closed position for a radiation source positioned in a fixed position relative to the filter assembly.

Abstract: An equipment arrangement in radiology, characterised in that the equipment arrangement comprises a projector to project as information relating to radiology at least image information of the object of the radiological procedure to be visible in the field of vision of a person performing the radiological procedure, which information said person utilises when performing the radiological procedure.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging a patient is provided. The system includes an arcuate detector transport member that extends circumferentially about an examination axis, a base comprising an arcuate transport element configured to receive the detector transport member wherein the base is configured to translate the arcuate detector transport member in an arcuate path about the examination axis, and at least one gamma camera detector coupled to the detector transport member.

Abstract: A protector for a digital dental x-ray sensor reduces damage to the sensor and pain to a patient associated with the placement of the sensor into a patient's oral cavity. The protector has two flexible, substantially rectangular wall members secured to one another by a perimeter wall member and having a perimeter slot adapted to receive the sensor and to contain the sensor entirely within the wall members.

Abstract: The invention provides a method using matrix transformations of the three coordinate systems used in radiotherapy to correct for any deviation between a planned dosemetric treatment target and the actual location of the treatment target.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique means and methods for improving patient positioning in relation to automatic exposure control (AEC) sensors before imaging takes place in an x-ray imaging system. The means for improving patient positioning comprises means adapted to project position and field size covered by the AEC system's sensors onto the patient in an X-ray imaging system provided with an x-ray tube, collimator provided with a light source, AEC system's sensors and an imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to readily move a transfer board from a stretcher to a radiographic table and to efficiently achieve radiography. The transfer board moved from the stretcher is borne by an intermediate table. The transfer board borne by the intermediate table is moved to the radiographic table by an intermediate table mover, and then borne by the radiographic table.

Abstract: A patient positioning table has a base part with a longitudinal axis and a support plate for positioning a patient. The support plate can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base part relative to the base part. The support plate is provided with a device that can interact with an acceptance device of the base part such that the support plate can be rotated relative to the base part after acceptance of the device of the support plate into the acceptance device of the base part of the support plate. The patient positioning table is suitable for a computed tomography apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting automated call-processing performance is disclosed. Initially, performance metrics can be established for normal or acceptable system performance. Performance metrics may be determined for individual components and/or a combination of components in a system, wherein the individual metric may help to provide a performance indicator for the call processing system. The performance metrics can be established by utilizing historical data gathered from past operating characteristics or operating parameters. The performance metric can be calculated from past operating characteristics and could be a statistical distribution or a statistical value. This statistical distribution will often conform to a Gaussian distribution also known as a bell curve. However, acceptable performance limits can be set based on nearly any statistical distribution.

Abstract: Wireless service providers use SMS to notify users of text messages from other wireless users using text-based communications. SMS is used in conjunction with an Interactive Voice Response system and a text-to-speech (TTS) translator to provide enhanced text messaging. Users access the SMS menu on their wireless phone. Instead of typing a text message on the wireless phone keypad, users select an IVR option that connects to the wireless service provider's IVR system. After entering or speaking the telephone number (name or nickname) for the “To:” field, the user speaks the message to be sent via SMS. The IVR reads back the spoken message for user confirmation. Once confirmed, the message is translated to text using a Text-to-Speech translator, or a speech recognition dictation feature, and forwarded to the SMS Messaging Gateway.

Abstract: A method and system for outputting a call announcement based on presence information of a callee as a ringback tone is provided. The announcement system is provided with presence information of users. When the telephone system receives an indication of an incoming call from a caller, the telephone system identifies the callee. After the callee is identified, the announcement system retrieves the presence information for the callee and generates an announcement based on that presence information.

Abstract: A telephone includes: an interface circuit for coupling an external line; a control circuit coupled to the interface circuit for controlling the operation of the telephone; a host device controller coupled to the control circuit, wherein the host device controller is utilized for coupling to an external storage device, and the control circuit controls the host device controller to read an audio file stored in the external storage device; an audio output device coupled to the host device controller for playing the audio file read by the host device controller; and a keypad coupled to the control circuit for dialing or inputting information into the control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for demographic reporting of billable project activity. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: capturing all billable project activity data associated with an information technology (IT) migration project in a database; organizing the billable project activity data into a plurality of billable project activity reports, based on selected demographic criteria; and selecting and displaying a billable project activity report in a user interface (UI).

Abstract: An account management system (100) is coupled to a service center (101) serving a number of customers (108). The account management system has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to monitor (202) service outages of the service center, detect (204) a service outage, identify (206) one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign (208) a credit to each of the affected one or more customers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a likelihood that a new subscriber for a telecommunications-related service is likely to engage in telecommunications fraud are disclosed.

Abstract: A quality evaluation system (100) has a communications interface (110) coupled to one or more service centers (120, 130), a memory (104), and a processor (102). The processor is programmed to monitor (204) customer interactions with one or more dialogs of each service center, correlate (206) customer interactions with customer surveys collected at each service center, and adjust (212) one or more dialogs at each service center according to the correlated customer interactions.

Abstract: Initiating a communication is disclosed. An identifier associated with an intended destination with which the calling party desires to establish communication is received from a calling party. Communication with a compliance node is established. An identifier is provided to the compliance node. The compliance node is configured to establish with the intended destination a communication session in which the compliance node, the intended destination, and the calling party are participants.

Abstract: Processing telephonic communication is disclosed. A request to establish communication is received from a first communication participant. A first identifier associated with the request is mapped to a second identifier associated with a second communication participant. The second identifier is used to establish communication between the first and the second participant in a manner that allows at least a portion of the communication between the first and second participants to be monitored. Compliance processing is performed with respect to at least a portion of said at least a portion of the communication between first and the second participant. The first identifier is made available to the first participant in a manner that causes the first participant to associated the first identifier with the second participant, the first identifier cannot be used to reach the second participant directly, and the second identifier is not provided to the first participant.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing speakers in a conference call of a plurality of participants, in which method speech frames of the conference call are received in a receiving unit, which speech frames include encoded speech parameters. At least one parameter of the received speech frames is examined in an audio codec of the receiving unit, and the speech frames are classified to belong to one of the participants, the classification being carried out according to differences in the examined at least one speech parameter. These functions may be carried out in a speaker identification block, which is applicable in various positions of a teleconferencing processing chain. Finally, a spatialization effect is created in a terminal reproducing the audio signal according to notified differences by placing the participants at distinct positions in an acoustical space of the audio signal.

Abstract: Processing a communication is disclosed. A first request to establish communication is received at a redirection node from a requesting communication participant. A destination communication participant associated with the request is determined. A communication session in which the requesting communication participant, the redirection node, and the destination communication participant are participants is established, including sending to equipment associated with the destination communication participant a second request to establish communication. A communication session processing feature not provided with respect to the communication session by a telecommunication service provider associated with a service provider network used to establish and provide the communication session is made available to at least one of the requesting communication participant and the destination communication participant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing calls to a customer service representative are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that provide a technique for managing held calls. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a call-handling system receives a first indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near a terminal for which the system is receiving incoming calls. Examples of messaging resources include instant messaging, email, short messaging service, and so forth. The system might also receive a second indication of whether a messaging resource is available at or near the originating terminal of an incoming call. If the first indication and second indication match, the system will prompt the caller of the originating terminal to use the available messaging resource. In some embodiments, the system will also assign the corresponding incoming call a lower priority relative to other calls because of the availability of the alternative form of communication to the caller.

Abstract: A method of managing telephone calls is disclosed and includes receiving a telephone call from a caller, prompting the caller to provide a reason for the telephone call, and transferring the telephone call to an automated enterprise check order status system when check order status is indicated as the reason for the telephone call. Additionally, the method includes prompting the caller for an order identifier. The order identifier can be a telephone number, an account number, or an order number. The method also includes receiving the order identifier. The order identifier can be received via a series of touch tones and the order identifier is associated with a previously order telephone service.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing a caller at a contact center includes a plurality of call centers, each including an automatic call distributor (ACD), and an emergency response system that issues an emergency notification signal to the ACD of a call center in response to an emergency condition affecting the call center. In response, the ACD of the call center informs callers of the emergency condition, and then performs a bulk transfer of each of the active calls from the call center to one or more other call centers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method for automatic call distribution includes receiving an incoming call for distribution through an automatic call distributor and identifying an agent to handle the incoming call. The method includes transitioning the agent to a transition state to reserve the agent for handling the incoming call. The transition state prevents the agent from participating in a lower priority call.

Abstract: A communication method that allows end users to place local and long distance calls using international dial plan and is compatible with existing dial plan. The method includes the following steps: (1) receive a dialing number at a local telecommunication switch; (2) distinguishes whether the dialing number starts with an IDD prefix; (3) if not, using an original logic that handles local and long distance calls; (4) if yes, removing the IDD prefix to generate a first new dialing number and comparing and checking whether the latter matches with the Country code; (5) if not, the dialing number is identified as an international call; (6) if yes, the dialing number is identified as a local or long distance call and is checked whether it matches with the Area code; (7) if yes, the dialing number is identified as a local call; otherwise, it is a long distance call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for DTMF detection and voice mixing in the code-excited linear prediction (CELP) parameter space, without fully decoding and reconstructing the speech signal. The apparatus includes a Dual Tone Multiplexed Frequency (DTMF) signal detection module and a multi-input mixing module. The DTMF signal detection module detects DTMF signals by computing characteristic features from the input CELP parameters and comparing them with known features of DTMF signals. The multi-input mixing module mixes multiple sets of input CELP parameters, that represent multiple voice signals, into a single set of CELP parameters. The mixing computation is performed by analyzing each set of input CELP parameters, determining the order of importance of the input sets, selecting a strategy for mixing the CELP parameters, and outputting the mixed CELP parameters.

Abstract: An identity of at least one user (102) from a plurality of users (102, 104, and 120) that are associated with an ongoing call is determined. A visual tag is then displayed showing the identity of the user (102) for a substantial portion of the ongoing call. The identity is displayed to each of the plurality of users (102, 104, and 120) associated with the call.

Abstract: Prediction of a channel-capacity is accomplished based on a TDR echo without explicitly estimating the topology of the line. The prediction is based on obtaining a measured TDR echo, determining a theoretical TDR echo for a plurality of loop lengths, estimating the equivalent TDR length based on an optimization, updating the equivalent TDR length and utilizing the updated TDR length to predict one or more of the upstream and downstream data rates.

Abstract: A telephone interface circuit includes a speech circuit, a hook switch that opens and closes connection between a subscriber line and the speech circuit, an overvoltage detector that detects overvoltage input to the subscriber line, and a control circuit that controls the hook switch when overvoltage is detected by the overvoltage detector so as to open the connection between the subscriber line and the speech circuit.

Abstract: A security value estimating apparatus for estimating a security value of an unregistered data item includes a primary data generating part for generating various types of primary data based on the unregistered data item, a data amount calculating part for calculating the value of the data amount of each type of the primary data, a similarity degree calculating part for calculating a degree of similarity of the primary data with respect to various types of secondary data that are generated based on a registered data item, a security value estimating part for estimating the security value of the unregistered data item by selecting a secondary data item from the secondary data based on the value of the data amount calculated by the data amount calculating part and the degree of similarity calculated by the similarity degree calculating part and applying the security value corresponding to the selected secondary data item.

Abstract: A quantum key distribution (QKD) system is provided that makes use of a quantum signal of polarized photons and comprises a QKD device and complimentary QKD apparatus. The QKD device has a QKD subsystem comprising one of a QKD transmitter and receiver for inter-working with a complimentary QKD receiver or transmitter of said apparatus. The device also has an alignment subsystem arranged to wirelessly interact with the QKD apparatus to enable generation of user feedback and/or adjustment signals for use in aligning the QKD transmitter and receiver such that the QKD transmitter is pointing at the QKD receiver and the polarization axes of the QKD transmitter and receiver are aligned.

Abstract: A method of authenticating data transmitted in a digital transmission system, in which the method comprises the steps, prior to transmission, of determining at least two encrypted values for at least some of the data, each encrypted value being determined using a key of a respective encryption algorithm, and outputting said at least two encrypted values with said data.

Abstract: A method of authenticating data transmitted in a digital transmission system, in which the method comprises the steps, prior to transmission, of determining at least two encrypted values for at least some of the data, each encrypted value being determined using a key of a respective encryption algorithm, and outputting said at least two encrypted values with said data.

Abstract: An infrared remote device, such as a remote control, provides an encryption key to wireless radio frequency (RF) capable devices for use in wireless RF communications. The encryption key is provided using infrared transmissions. The infrared remote device may generate the encryption key and transmit the encryption key to other devices. The infrared device may also request an encryption key from one device, and provide the encryption to another device.

Abstract: A sound-signal generating unit generates, when a positional relationship between a local information processing apparatus and a user is acquired, a sound signal that makes the user perceive a virtual sound source at a predetermined position in a three-dimensional space based on the acquired positional relationship.

Abstract: A sound source separation apparatus includes a first sound source separation unit that performs blind source separation based on independent component analysis to separate a sound source signal from a plurality of mixed sound signals, thereby generating a first separated signal; a second sound source separation unit that performs real-time sound source separation by using a method other than the blind source separation based on independent component analysis to generate a second separated signal; and a multiplexer that selects one of the first separated signal and the second separated signal as an output signal. The first sound source separation unit continues processing regardless of the selection state of the multiplexer. When the first separated signal is selected as an output signal, the number of sequential calculations of a separating matrix performed in the first sound source separation unit is limited to a number that allows for real-time processing.

Abstract: A loudspeaker, such as a subwoofer, is provided which automatically calibrates itself when placed in a room to optimize an output signal of the loudspeaker for the room in which the loudspeaker is placed.