Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving layered modulation for digital signals are presented. An exemplary apparatus comprises a tuner for receiving a layered signal and producing a layered in-phase signal and a layered quadrature signal therefrom, an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the layered in-phase signal and the layered quadrature signal and a processor for decoding the layered in-phase signal and the layered quadrature signal to produce one or more discrete layer signals.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for the digital correction of a frequency of a signal, especially for use in a transmitter/receiver circuit include rotating a signal “pointer” (i0, q0) using a CORDIC algorithm, through a predetermined angle in a complex I/Q plane corresponding to a correction frequency. The CORDIC algorithm includes micro-rotation blocks corresponding to N stages, and a character table and a register.

Abstract: A COFDM demodulator including a fast Fourier transform circuit analyzing a received signal in a window corresponding to one symbol, each symbol carrying several phase and amplitude modulated carriers, some of which are shifted in frequency in a predetermined way from one symbol to the next one to form pilots; a bidimensional filter for interpolating, from anchors corresponding to the pilots such as received from several consecutive symbols, the distortion undergone by each carrier; and a circuit for correcting the shifting of the window with respect to an optimal position. The demodulator includes a circuit for correcting each distortion according to window shifting corrections performed respectively for the symbol associated with the distortion and for the symbols associated with the anchors used to interpolate the distortion.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line communicating system having a central office and a remote terminal connected through a telephone line, the transmitting side including a sliding window transmitting unit for transmitting DMT symbols according to the sliding window through the telephone line to the receiving side, and the receiving side including a sliding window receiving unit for receiving DMT symbols according to the sliding window from the transmitting side, the sliding window indicating the phase of cross-talk condition due to a TCM-ISDN transmission at the receiving side, whereby TCM cross-talk can be reduced without largely departing from the standard system.

Abstract: The Viterbi decoder includes a branch metric processor that determines branch metrics for states of an encoder in a time period. The Viterbi decoder includes a survivor processor that selects survivor paths between states of the encoder in consecutive time periods. The Viterbi decoder includes a normalization unit that normalizes state metrics of the states of the encoder in the time period by subtracting a constant.

Abstract: A nonlinear overlap method for time scaling to synthesize an S1[n] and an S2[n] into an S3[n] is disclosed. The S1[n] and the S2[n] having N1 and N2 signals respectively. The nonlinear overlap method includes the following steps: (a) delaying the S2[n] by a predetermined number and forming an S5[n], (b) establishing a correlogram of a cross-correlation function of the S1[n] and S5[n], and (c) setting S3[n] as a number of S1[n] when 0<=n<; as a number formed by overlap-adding the S1[n] and an S4[n] in a weighting manner when (the predetermined number+the maximum index+the first threshold)<=n<(N1?a second threshold); and as a number of S4 wherein the first and second thresholds are not equal to zero at the same time, and the S4[n] is formed by delaying the S5[n] by the maximum index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analog front end circuit which is preferably used for taking out an image signal from a charge coupled device, that is used as image pickup means in an electronic camera such as an electronic still camera, a video camera and the like. In the present invention, an image analog signal which is produced by, for example, the charge coupled device (CCD: not shown) is supplied to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 2 through an input terminal 1. The image analog signal is taken out through the CDS2, and the signal taken out from the CDS2 is supplied to an analog type programmable gain control amplifier (PGA) 4 through a changeover switch 3. Either the gain controlled signal by the analog PGA 4 or the signal sent from the changeover switch 3 is selected by a changeover switch 5. The selected signal is further supplied to, for example, a 12-bit analog digital converter (ADC) 6.

Abstract: A method of canceling gain and phase imbalance including estimating a cancellation parameter based on the signal divided by its complex conjugate, calculating a correction value for the signal using the cancellation parameter, and correcting the signal by subtracting the correction value from the signal. Estimate the cancellation parameter may include performing a stochastic gradient algorithm or a least squares estimate. A cancellation system including a conjugate conversion unit, an estimator, a combiner, a converter, and a subtractor. The estimator estimates a cancellation parameter and the combiner combines the cancellation parameter and the complex conjugate signal to provide a cancellation signal. The converter converts the cancellation signal to a correction signal, and the subtractor subtracts the correction signal from the imbalanced signal to provide a corrected signal. The combiner may be an adaptable tap of a digital signal processing circuit.

Abstract: The amount of interference to communications in Time Division Duplexing (TDD) mode between a TDD mobile and a TDD base station from a mobile operating in Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) mode that is located near to the TDD base station can be reduced by passing information regarding the interfering FDD signal to the TDD base station, where it is processed and subtracted from the received TDD signal, which includes the interference, so as to obtain the pure TDD signal, as required. Either the FDD data (22), or an FDD signal (23) regenerated from the FDD data or simply the received FDD signal (21) can be passed (24) to the TDD base station. The TDD base station can regenerate an FDD signal, if required, which is then filtered (25) using TDD filters and normalized by correlating (26) and scaling (27) the filtered FDD signal to a received TDD signal. The normalized FDD signal is then subtracted (28) from the received TDD signal to reduce the interference.

Abstract: A wireless communication technique enables equalization, soft demapping and phase error estimation functions to be performed jointly based on multiple observations of a transmitted symbol in wireless communication systems employing receive diversity. Multiple observations of a symbol are obtained from multiple antenna paths in a wireless receiver. Equalization, soft demapping and phase error estimation functions can be integrated within shared hardware, rather than distributed among separate hardware blocks, promoting reduced size, complexity and cost in a wireless receiver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing spectral filtering of channel estimates corresponding to a communications channel used to transmit a multi-tone signal are described. A channel estimate is examined to identify portions where significant multi-path interference is present. Real, as opposed to complex, low pass filters are used to perform spectral filtering on the channel estimate to produce a filtered channel estimate. Values corresponding to portions of the channel estimate determined to correspond to areas where significant multi-path interference is present are replaced with the original unfiltered channel estimate values to generate a selectively filtered channel estimate. By using unfiltered channel estimate values in areas of multi-path interference, the errors introduced in such areas by real filtering are avoided without the need to resort to complex filtering.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is a method for synchronizing a mobile terminal comprising M diversity branches to a wireless network using diversity combination to acquire the code transmitted from a base-station and to determine the frequency offset of the transmitted code.

Abstract: Method for sampling phase control for clock and data recovery of a data signal includes sampling a received data signal with a first sampling signal comprising equidistant sampling pulses, minimizing phase deviation between the first sampling signal and the phase of the received data signal to generate an adjusted second sampling signal, and sampling the received data signal with the adjusted second sampling signal to generate sampling data values. The method also includes integrating the sampling data values of the sampled data signal to form a summation value, and altering the phase of sampling pulses of the adjusted second sampling signal until the integrated summation value exceeds a threshold value that can be set.

Abstract: A timing recovery circuit includes a first oscillating circuit configured to produce a first timing signal, a second oscillating circuit configured to produce a second timing signal, a first decimation circuit coupled to a supply node of a first clock signal and to the first oscillating circuit to produce a second clock signal made by decimating pulses of the first clock signal in response to the first timing signal, and a second decimation circuit coupled to the first decimation circuit and to the second oscillating circuit to produce a third clock signal made by decimating pulses of the second clock signal in response to the second timing signal, wherein one of the first timing signal and the second timing signal has a fixed cycle, and another one has a cycle responsive to feedback control.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for processing a data stream. The system comprises: a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that generates a VCO signal in response to a tuning signal; a phase detector that generates an error signal that is indicative of a phase difference between a data signal and the VCO signal; a first filter that filters a reference signal that is indicative of an occurrence of a data transition; a second filter that filters the error signal, wherein the first filter and second filter are low-pass filters that possess a bandwidth that approximately equals one half of the reciprocal of: a unit interval multiplied by a maximum run length; and a divider circuit that divides the filtered error signal by the filtered reference signal.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object utilizing a cone-beam volumetric computed tomographic imaging apparatus includes helically scanning the object with a radiation source utilizing the cone-beam volumetric computed tomographic imaging apparatus; selecting radiation beams emitted by the radiation source passing through a pixel P having a smallest cone angle in comparison with that of the conjugate rays of the radiation beam; and reconstructing an image of the object utilizing projection data obtained from the selected radiation beams while avoiding the use of redundant projection data from unselected conjugate rays of the selected radiation beams.

Abstract: A method of reducing the distance of rectilinear motion in a helical scan includes defining a rectilinear motion start point La and a rectilinear motion end point Lb within a region of interest ROI for which a CT image is to be created, collecting projection data from the rectilinear motion start point La to the rectilinear motion end point Lb, and creating a CT image at a desired image position in the region of interest ROI using the collected projection data.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.

Abstract: Soft X-rays are very suitable for the examination of biological samples by means of an X-ray microscope. The X-rays are generated by focusing an electron beam onto a fluid jet, thus producing a very small electron focus on the jet and hence a very small monochromatic X-ray spot. The electron spot can be obtained by means of a standard electron microscope (a SEM) or by means of a standard electron gun for a cathode ray tube (a CRT gun). The imaging optical elements in the X-ray microscope may be Fresnel zone plates.

Abstract: In a method for measurement of the three-dimensional density distribution in a bone, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image reproducing the quantitative density distribution in the bone is generated using a measurement arrangement that can rotate around an angle of at most 300°.

Abstract: An integrated fluid pump for use in circulating a coolant in an x-ray tube is disclosed. The pump includes a pump body, a pump head, and a motor. The pump head defines a pump volume and further includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an impeller positioned in the pump volume that is rotatably driven by the motor to receive coolant from the fluid inlet and eject the fluid via the fluid outlet. The pump is structurally integrated with an outer housing of the x-ray tube, the outer housing containing the coolant. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet and a portion of the pump volume are defined by a portion of the outer housing of the x-ray tube. This integration makes the structural completeness of the fluid pump dependent on the outer housing or other suitable x-ray tube component.

Abstract: Performance parameters of a switch may be ascertained by observing its behavior during a brief interval of high call volume. This may be achieved by accumulating call messages on a queue before allowing them to be processed together as a group. Without increasing the rate of incident calls, an accumulation of messages is accomplished by altering the amount of time that elapses between transferring the accumulation to a processing queue. In one implementation, test calls are accumulated in call input queue. Ordinarily, these calls are transferred to a second queue for processing every few milliseconds (the transfer period). By increasing the transfer period, an increased number of calls are stored in the call input queue before being transferred to the second queue. This allows a larger number of calls to be processed by the telephone switch in a given cycle and, hence, allows the switch's operation under increased call volumes to be observed.

Abstract: A system and method of troubleshooting a communication connection for a remotely located security system is disclosed. A communication line test unit is incorporated into the remote security system and its communication unit. A central control unit can then contact the remote security system communication unit, enable the communication line test unit and perform tests on various operational parameters of the communication unit located in the remote unit and the communication connection of the local unit. The tests conducted can include loop current, tip to ring voltage, ring to ground current, circuit loss, circuit noise, power influence as well as other tests. Based on the results of these tests a determination can be made if the problem is an extraneous influence, such as a poor local telephone line connection, or some problem with the security system communication unit itself.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing compatibility between teletype telephone devices. In particular, embodiments of the present invention alter the described duration of tones used to encode individual characters generated in accordance with a first protocol so that the description complies with a second protocol. Other embodiments of the present invention, in response to receiving a description of tones expressed according to a first protocol, generate tones in accordance with a second protocol. Where a protocol used by a sending device is capable of transmitting text at higher rates than a protocol used by a receiving device, the descriptions of the tones may be buffered. Embodiments of the present invention may additionally provide feedback to the users of transmitting files when data is buffered, to indicate that the transmission is in progress.

Abstract: A school-wide notification and response system utilizes an administrator interface to transmit a message from an administrator to a contact devices for employees and parents associated with a school. The system comprises a dynamic information database that includes parent and employee contact data, priority information, and response data. The administrator initiates distribution of the message based upon grouping information, priority information, and the priority order. The message is transmitted through at least two industry standard gateways simultaneously to groups of parent and employee contact devices based upon priority information. Once the message is received by the parent and employee contact devices, the parent and employee contact devices transmit a response through the industry standard gateways back to the dynamic information database.

Abstract: A VoiceXML interpreting system and method including a VoiceXML Interpreter. The VoiceXML interpreter includes a Fetcher operative to retrieve documents, a compiler operative to compile documents retrieved by the Fetcher and a cache which stores compiled documents compiled by the compiler.

Abstract: An Audio Caller ID service is provided which permits the calling party to speak a real time audio message that can be received and played by the called party's Caller ID equipment while his telephone equipment remains in the “on-hook” state. A calling party which has Audio Caller ID (ACID) service would speak a short audio message before dialing the called party. That message is converted to digital form, optionally compressed, and transferred to the called party in a manner similar to conventional Caller ID information. The called party's Caller ID equipment operates in the conventional manner, except that the received Audio Caller ID signal is recognized as an audio signal. At the site of the called party, a decoder is provided to convert the digital signal to an analog audio signal, and this analog signal is provided to a speaker, which plays back the calling party's audio message.

Abstract: A method for establishing a call between a calling party and at least one called party via a call switching network. The method includes calculating a call charge per minute rate based upon a number of rate-determining parameters, notifying the calling party of the call charge per minute rate, receiving input from said calling party based upon the call charge per minute rate; timing the call, calculating the balance available for the call, informing the calling party of the balance in real time, and disconnecting the call when the call balance is zero.

Abstract: In a service control point (SCP) having logic normally dictating that a call destined to a called party should be routed instead to a service node for handling, a method includes making a determination that the service node has become unavailable. The method thereafter includes receiving, into the SCP, a signal from a switch, the signal indicating that the switch has received a request to set up a call to the called party. In view of the determination that the service node has become unavailable, the method then includes the SCP instructing the switch to treat the first call in a manner other than routing the call to the service node.

Abstract: Improving the frequency with which agents complete training in a call center or other constituent contact environment. Agents working in call centers are typically given periodic training to improve their skills. Training breaks are scheduled at various times throughout the day that can depend on the workload of the call center. However, often times the agents are unable to receive or complete their training during the scheduled training break due to unexpected work loads and other interruptions. The present invention enables monitoring and recording of whether training is received and completed during a training break. If the training was not completed, the training break is stored and rescheduled for a later time. The invention also facilitates completion of missed training breaks by providing spontaneous training breaks during periods of unexpectedly lower workload at the call center.

Abstract: A method and system for use with a customer call center that processes telephone calls. If the customer is placed on hold at anytime during the call, the customer is provided with an audio indication that notifies the customer of expected duration of the wait time and the progress of the task that resulted in the wait.

Abstract: An efficient hashing technique uses w 2 + w 2 operations to hash a string “w” words long rather than the w2 operations of the prior art. This efficiency is achieved by squaring the sum of the key and the string to be hashed rather than forming a product of the key and the string to be hashed h(m)=((m+a)2 mod p)mod 21.

Abstract: The present invention provides permutation instructions usable in a programmable processor for solving permutation problems in cryptography, multimedia and other applications. PPERM and PPERM3R instructions are defined to perform permutations by a sequence of instructions with each sequence specifying the position in the source for each bit in the destination. In the PPERM instruction bits in the destination register that change are updated and bits in the destination register that do not change are set to zero. In the PPERM3R instruction bits in the destination register that change are updated and bits in the destination register that do not change are copied from intermediate result of previous PPERM3R instructions. Both PPERM and PPERM3R instructions can individually do permutation with bit repetition. Both PPERM and PPERM3R instructions can individually do permutation of bits stored in more than one register. In an alternate embodiment, a GRP instruction is defined to perform permutations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for Montgomery multiplication process a multiplier operand in k-bit radix-digits, wherein k corresponds to a radix r=2k. A multiplicand operand and a modulus are processed word by word, and then additional bits of the multiplier operand are selected for processing. In a radix r=8 example, the multiplier operand is processed in 3 bit radix-8 digits. A processing kernel is configured to preprocess the modulus and/or the multiplier operand so that at least some values can be obtained from lookup tables.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anti-SPA modular exponentiation algorithm in an electronic component using a public key ciphering algorithm. A pair of registers and an indicator are used to provide symmetrical processing of bits in the algorithm, so that the values of individual bits cannot be determined from power consumption.

Abstract: An encrypted audio decryption system for decrypting encrypted audio sound. The system includes a hearing device and a key FOB. The hearing device is adapted to receive the encrypted audio sound, decrypt the encrypted audio sound, and transmit signals corresponding to the decrypted audio sound to a speaker of the hearing device. The key FOB is adapted to transmit a decryption key to the hearing device. The hearing device is adapted not to decrypt the encrypted audio sound without receipt of the decryption key, corresponding to the encrypted audio sound, from the key FOB.

Abstract: In an IP-based mobile communications system, the Mobile Node changes its point of attachment to the network while maintaining network connectivity. Security concerns arise in the mobile system because authorized users are subject to the following forms of attack: (1) session stealing where a hostile node hijacks session from mobile node by redirecting packets, (2) spoofing where the identity of an authorized user is utilized in an unauthorized manner to obtain access to the network, and (3) eavesdropping and stealing of data during session with authorized user. No separate secure network exists in the IP-based mobility communications system, and therefore, it is necessary to protect information transmitted in the mobile system from the above-identified security attacks.

Abstract: Encryption, having sufficient concealment, is carried out through chaotic computation using integer arithmetic. There is provided a cipher generating device, for carrying out computation, for plain text information, to apply chaotic noise obtained using a mapping function for generating chaotic noise based on encrypted key data, to generate a cipher. This cipher generation device comprises parameter generation means 102 for generating a parameter string for use in chaotic computation based on the key data, chaotic noise generating means 103 for carrying out chaotic computation using the parameter string generated by the parameter generating means 102 and obtaining the chaotic noise, and scheduling means 104 for carrying out scheduling of the parameter string so as to cause a change in the parameter string every fixed cycle the parameter string is used in the chaotic computation.

Abstract: A stream of data is encoded by applying a multilevel transform to the stream of data, each level of the transform producing one or more transform coefficients for each block of a sequence of blocks in the stream of data. Encryption is applied to at least a subset of the transform coefficients produced by a least one level of the multilevel transform. Furthermore, at least one level of the multilevel transform is applied to the encrypted transform coefficients. The multilevel transform and encryption operations generate a result set of transform coefficients. The result set of transform coefficients may be encrypted, using a symmetric key encryption, to generate an output data stream that is then transmitted from a sending device to a receiving device. The encoding method may be performed in real time, producing the output data stream at a same rate as the stream of data is presented for encoding.

Abstract: A key management interface that allows for different key protection schemes to be plugged into a digital rights management system is disclosed. The interface exposes the functionality of signing data, decrypting data encrypted using a public key, and re-encrypting data encrypted using the public key exported by the interface to a different authenticated principal (i.e., a different public key). Thus, a secure interface can be provided such that the data does not enter or leave the interface in the clear. Such an interface exports private key operations of signing and decryption, and provides security and authentication for the digital asset server in licensing and publishing. During publishing, a client can encrypt asset keys such that only a specified entity can decrypt it, using a plug-in, for example, that implements the aforementioned interface.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to suppress noise and interference using an array microphone and a combination of time-domain and frequency-domain signal processing. In one design, a noise suppression system includes an array microphone, at least one voice activity detector (VAD), a reference generator, a beam-former, and a multi-channel noise suppressor. The array microphone includes multiple microphones—at least one omni-directional microphone and at least one uni-directional microphone. Each microphone provides a respective received signal. The VAD provides at least one voice detection signal used to control the operation of the reference generator, beam-former, and noise suppressor. The reference generator provides a reference signal based on a first set of received signals and having desired voice signal suppressed. The beam-former provides a beam-formed signal based on a second set of received signals and having noise and interference suppressed.

Abstract: An object is to provide an automatic wind noise reducing circuit and an automatic wind noise reducing method, which are capable of coping with a multichanneling trend of audio signals, and improving performance as well as the degree of freedom in system design. Arithmetic units (26, 27, 28) obtain added signals of audio signals of audio channels excluding respective selected audio channels, which are selected so as to be different from each other. Arithmetic units (29, 30, 31) subtract respective added signals of the arithmetic units (26, 27, 28) from corresponding audio signals of the selected audio channels. The subtraction signals from the arithmetic units (29, 30, 31) are subjected to a band limit control and limited to a frequency band of a wind noise signal by LPFs (21, 23, 25).

Abstract: A flat acoustic conversion device includes two magnets disposed so that their magnetic poles face upward arid are adjacent to or in contact with one another, and the magnetic pole faces of different polarities arc disposed alternately; a vibrating member disposed on the top surface of the yoke; coil pairs wound in helical form and disposed at front and reverse surfaces of the vibrating membrane; such that magnetic flux traveling in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the vibrating membrane becomes a maximum, and interlinks with the coil pairs. When current is supplied to the coils, a direction of force which the current receives from a magnetic field is substantially orthogonal to the surface of the vibrating membrane, and force in a direction along the surface of the vibrating membrane becomes extremely low. Thus, noise components can be reduced such that sound quality can be improved.

Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly comprising a visual display screen, a resonant panel-form member positioned adjacent to the display screen, and a vibration exciter to cause the panel-form member to resonate as an acoustic resonator. At least a portion of the panel-form member is transparent, through which portion the display screen is visible.

Abstract: A hearing aid and a corresponding method are provided in which address data and/or channel data with respect to a plurality of signal sources are stored in a memory of the hearing aid. As a result of a priority-driven address management system, the hearing aid user can very conveniently automatically engage in communication with an interface having the highest priority.

Abstract: A feedback compensator for a hearing aid device has a filter arrangement that splits a signal path, to implement an adaptive feedback compensation with only one buffer memory, two splitting nodes, and two addition nodes. The feedback compensation ensues only in the feedback-susceptible frequency range of the input signal. In addition to the filtering of the input signal, it is advantageous to feed to the adaptive feedback compensation filter a bandwidth-limited signal that is taken from the amplified output signal.

Abstract: A hearing device is made by manufacturing a first functional part of a first material to provide a first function for the hearing device. A second functional part is manufactured of a second material to provide a second function for the hearing device. The first and second parts are assembled to form a composite part to provide both of the first and second functions at the hearing device. The second functional part is injection molded integrally with the first part while simultaneously performing manufacturing of the second part and assembling of the second part and the first part. The manufacturing and assembling of the first and second part take place within a common mold.

Abstract: A system and method for the display of advertising information is provided wherein the system is able to sense the presence and obtain characteristics of individuals in the immediate environment of the display. The system then selects a specific informational content/program to improve the effectiveness of the display device based upon the obtained characteristics of one or more sensed individuals.

Abstract: An apparatus for embedding a watermark into contents data includes a pattern generating device for generating bits representing a predetermined bit pattern corresponding to a watermark. A specified-bit detecting device operates for detecting bits in original picture data as specified bits into which a watermark can be embedded. A calculating device operates for calculating a desired bit pattern represented by the specified bits in response to the predetermined bit pattern and a specified bit pattern. The desired bit pattern can be converted into the specified bit pattern by given logical operation with the predetermined bit pattern. A mixing device operates for changing the specified bits to represent the desired bit pattern to convert the original picture data into watermark-embedded picture data.

Abstract: A wireless phone is equipped with a 2D optical sensor, enabling a variety of applications. For example, such a phone may also be provided with a digital watermark decoder, permitting decoding of steganographic data on imaged objects. Movement of a phone may be inferred by sensing movement of an imaged pattern across the optical sensor's field of view, allowing use of the phone as a gestural input device through which a user can signal instructions to a computer-based process. A variety of other arrangements by which electronic devices can interact with the physical world are also detailed, e.g., involving sensing and responding to digital watermarks, bar codes, RFIDs, etc.