Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal for a communication system. The terminal comprises detector means that are arranged to detect if there is a contact between at least one surface of the terminal and the skin of the user of the terminal. The detection means comprise at least two different detector arrangements for detecting a contact between the terminal and the user. The detector arrangements each comprise independently operating sensor means (7, 8, 30). At least one function of the terminal is arranged to be controlled based on a signal generated by the detecting means in response to the detection. The invention relates further to a detector arrangement for a communications terminal and a method for controlling a communications terminal.

Abstract: A telecommunications network for mobile users of the third generation has a user subsystem and a transport subsystem, associated with an access subsystem, which has a general user-access communication interface and a transport-access communication interface facing them, respectively, able to ensure information flow between the subsystems. The user subsystems can connect to the access subsystem through telecommunications cables.

Abstract: In a wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system, a hierarchical architecture is provided which employs a protocol which divides protocol processing functions between a plurality of substantially identical access elements in which reside time-critical protocol functions, such as acknowledgment and retransmission of packets, and a centralized control element which provides control and management functions related to dynamic configuration of wireless networks, such as processing of network management messages (e.g., authentication and association), load control, channel control, and handoff, processing of physical layer information, and processing of channel characteristics, propagation, interference or noise, for the plurality of access elements in the WLAN without loss of information about the wireless characteristics of the access elements.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating selection of optimal antenna weightings by which to weight signals sent in a communication system that utilizes closed-loop transmit diversity. A deterministic perturbation gradient approximation technique is utilized in which perturbation vectors are selected by a selector and applied, by an applicator, to antenna weighting elements. A selected set of perturbation vectors are applied to the antenna weighting elements in both a positive direction and a negative direction. A detector at a receiving station measures in disassociated with the signals communicated thereto, once weighted with the perturbation vectors. A single-bit feedback value is returned to the sending station, and the antenna weightings are appropriately adjusted.

Abstract: A wireless mobile phone is provided with the capability to visually convey audio to users, using a number of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), in accordance with one or more attributes of the audio. The attributes may include different volume, spectrum, treble, bass, and so forth. The visualization may animate dance steps. In various embodiments, the implementations may include a visualization controller to selectively activate and deactivate the LEDs. The LEDs may be disposed on a side surface or underneath an array of input keys. In various embodiments, all or selected combinations of the elements may be part of the base unit of the wireless mobile phone, while the remaining elements, if any, may be part of an interchangeable cover. The cover may be a housing cover or an accessory cover.

Abstract: Incoming call tones and program numbers as numbers used to specify respective incoming call tones are stored in a memory of a cellular phone so as to be set in correspondence to each other. The program numbers are used to specify corresponding incoming call tone melodies, data of which is stored in the memory. A control circuit of the cellular phone, whenever an incoming call is received, increments a value of a counter indicating the corresponding program number by one, and uses an incoming call tone corresponding to the program number corresponding to the value of the counter.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a telephone apparatus including a transmitter portion and a receiver portion, an input transducer for converting input audio signals into electrical signals, a connectable input link between the input transducer and the transmitter portion to deliver when connected an input electrical signal to the transmitter portion to be transmitted by the transmitter portion, an output transducer for converting an output electrical signal into an audio signal and a connectable output link between the receiver portion and the output transducer for delivering when connected an output signal to the output transducer, optionally an echo cancellation circuitry portion adapted to sample the output signal and produce an echo replica signal, optionally a mixer included in the input link for mixing an echo replica signal produced by the echo cancellation circuit with an input signal produced by the input transducer, and an echo suppression circuitry porti

Abstract: Portable electronic apparatus is disclosed having a sensor for sensing the portable electronic apparatus coupled in intimate proximity to a rest. The rest may be a desk top, car instrument panel top or a special stand for the portable electronic apparatus. The portable electronic apparatus also has an inhibitor which inhibits operation of or locks the portable electronic apparatus, when the sensor senses absence of intimate proximity to the rest.

Abstract: A method for reducing current drain in a communication device includes a first step of developing a history of readings of received signal strengths (RSS) of a neighboring broadcast control channel (BCCH). A next step includes monitoring a RSS of the neighboring channel during a wakeup period. A next step includes determining whether the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings. A next step includes skipping the monitoring of the RSS for at least one of the subsequent wakeup periods if the RSS is substantially stable with respect to the history of readings.

Abstract: A portable telephone (100, 700) such as a flip type cellular telephone is provided with a pivoting head (112, 710), that includes a multipurpose auxiliary display (118, 720), and a camera (122, 716). The pivoting head facilitates using the camera to capture pictures of the user of the cellular telephone, or of a scene that the user is observing.

Abstract: A folding mobile telephone having an upper terminal body and a lower terminal body is provided. The upper terminal body has an upper part with a liquid crystal display and a base, such that the upper part and the base are connected to each other via lock mechanism. This lock mechanism permits the upper part and the base to be mounted and removed in a flipping manner. The upper terminal body also has communications devices to make electrical connections. The upper terminal body has an operating mechanism that allows prescribed operations to be performed using the upper terminal body when it is connected to its base and folded against the lower terminal body (i.e., the closed state).

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved foldable phone having a first case and a second case, wherein the first case and the second case have an inclined face on one side thereof respectively, a function keypad set is disposed on the first case, a display screen is disposed on the second case, the inclined face of the second case has a protrusion part extending along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the second case having the display screen, and the protrusion part is hinged to the inclined face of the first case so that the second case can be rotated away from the first case, enabling the second case to be in a position perpendicular to the first case. As such, the improved foldable phone can provide a banner-type screen, while operating, to be operated in accordance with different communication functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a substantially real-time representation of an analog representation of a physiological signal is provided. The waveform signal from the sensor is converted into digital form. A delta-sigma modulator is used as a simple Digital-to-analog Converter (DAC). The output can then be provided through a simple hardware filter to give an analog output signal in nearly real-time, which can be used for other instruments, synchronization, display, etc.

Abstract: An optical CT scanner for small laboratory animals comprises a housing having a vertical through opening through which a test subject is passed through during a scanning session, the housing including a peripheral slot disposed around the perimeter of the opening; a movable horizontal table disposed through the opening, the table being split with a horizontal slot aligned with the peripheral slot; a light beam directed toward the peripheral slot and orbitable around the opening; a plurality of collimators directed toward the peripheral slot and orbitable around the opening together with the light beam; a plurality of main photodetectors to detect the light beam after passing through the test subject and the collimators; a perimeter photodetector adapted to provide perimeter data of the test subject during a scanning session; and a first computer programmed to reconstruct an image of the test subject from the output of the perimeter and main photodetectors.

Abstract: A CRM system enhances intracardiac electrogram-based arrhythmia detection using a wireless electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a signal sensed with implantable electrodes and approximating a surface ECG. In one embodiment, an intracardiac electrogram allows for detection of an arrhythmia, and the wireless ECG allows for classification of the detected arrhythmia by locating its origin. In another embodiment, the wireless ECG is sensed as a substitute signal for the intracardiac electrogram when the sensing of the intracardiac electrogram becomes unreliable. In another embodiment, a cardiac signal needed for a particular purpose is selected from one or more intracardiac electrograms and one or more wireless ECGs based on a desirable signal quality. In another embodiment, intracardiac electrogram-based arrhythmia detection and wireless ECG-based arrhythmia detection confirm with each other before indicating a detection of arrhythmia of a certain type.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting information relating to heart data can involve operations including identifying arrhythmia events in physiological data obtained for a living being, receiving human assessments of at least a portion of the arrhythmia events, determining a measure of correlation between the human assessments and the identified events, and selectively presenting information regarding the identified events based on the measure of correlation. The operations can also include identifying atrial fibrillation events in physiological data obtained for a living being, obtaining heart rate data for the living being, and presenting information regarding the heart rate data and duration of the atrial fibrillation events together with a common time scale to pictographically represent heart rate trend with atrial fibrillation burden during a defined time period.

Abstract: A brain implant system consistent with embodiments of the present invention includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes for sensing neuron signals. A method for manufacturing the electrode array includes machining a piece of an electrically conductive substance to create a plurality of electrodes extending from a base member. Each electrode also has a corresponding base section. A nonconductive layer is provided around at least a portion of the base section of each electrode to support the plurality of electrodes. The base section of the electrodes are then cut to separate the base member from the plurality of electrodes supported by the nonconductive support layer. The present invention also includes a complete brain implant system using the above electrode array.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a voltage in a body part are described. The system includes a multiplexing unit, and N body leads for electrically connecting the multiplexing unit to the body part. The system also includes a controller switching unit for allowing a current to flow through the body part between two body leads, n1 and n2 of the N body leads, and a resultant voltage to be measured between two body leads, n3 and n4 of the N body leads, where n1?n2 and n3?n4, but where n1 n2 n3 and n4 need not otherwise be distinct.

Abstract: An electrotransport agent delivery device (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent through intact skin, and a method of operating same, is provided. The device applies a pulsing electrotransport current wherein current pulses have a magnitude above a critical level (Ic) at which the skin is transformed into a higher electrotransport delivery efficiency (E) state. Most preferably the length of the applied current pulses is at least 5 msec and preferably at least 10 msec.

Abstract: A neuro-muscular electrical stimulator includes a signal generator that generates at least one neuro-muscular stimulation signal and a programmable channel sequencer having six or more output channels. The channel sequencer couples the stimulation signal to the sequencer output channels in a predetermined sequence. A programmer that communicates with the sequencer allows a physician to individually program, for each sequencer output channel, the length of the time period during which the stimulation signal is coupled to the output channel so as to provide a patient specific therapy prescription.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling both preventive overdrive pacing and antitachycardia pacing (ATP) within an implantable device are provided. The device gains the benefits of overdrive pacing for preventing the onset of a tachycardia and, if one nevertheless occurs, ATP is employed to terminate the tachycardia. In particular, a technique is provided for promptly detecting the onset of atrial tachycardia during preventive overdrive pacing based on loss of capture of atrial pacing pulses. A technique is also provided for using detection of loss of capture of atrial or ventricular pacing pulses to trigger automatic switching from overdrive pacing to ATP. A setup technique determines whether to enable the automatic switching from overdrive pacing to ATP within a particular patient. Also, techniques are provided for verifying loss of capture of atrial or ventricular backup pacing pulses and for detecting low amplitude ventricular fibrillation based on loss of capture of ventricular backup pacing pulses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for estimating a deformation factor of one or more capacitors in an implantable medical devices (IMD), and techniques for reforming such capacitors. An estimate of the ideal charge time is extrapolated from a first measured charge interval associated with charging the capacitor(s) to a first energy level. The actual charge time to associated with charging the capacitor(s) to a second energy level, e.g., the fully charged state, is measured. The deformation factor is calculated as a ratio of the actual charge interval to the second energy level to the ideal charge time. In some cases, the calculated deformation factor is used to adjust the timing of a future scheduled reformation of the capacitor(s).

Abstract: An implantable cardiac device returns activations of corresponding right and left chambers of a heart to inter-chamber synchrony. A sensing circuit senses intracardiac signals representing right and left chamber ventricular electrical activity. A detector determines if a predetermined characteristic of the electrogram signals indicates dissociation of the corresponding right and left chambers. If dissociation is indicated, a pulse generator stimulates at least one of the corresponding chambers to restore inter-chamber synchrony.

Abstract: A medical therapy system has logic and/or signal processing stages between sensors on the input side and therapy applicators on the output side. A signal parameter is determined from the input signals using the logic/processing stages, and/or an indicator signal is determined from the input signals using a logic/processing module consisting of several logic/processing stages. The indicator signal is a measure of the probability of a future event requiring therapy, or a measure of the success of the therapy.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation system delivers arrhythmia termination pulses to the ventricles and the atria of a heart. The system includes an implantable cardiac stimulation device, including a conductive enclosure, ventricular arrhythmia termination pulse generator, and an atrial arrhythmia termination pulse generator. A first electrode configuration, including the conductive enclosure, is arranged to be coupled to the ventricular pulse generator to terminate ventricular arrhythmias and a second electrode configuration, electrically independent from the conductive enclosure and confined within the heart, is arranged to be coupled to the atrial pulse generator to terminate atrial arrhythmias.

Abstract: A method for operating a cardiac pacemaker in which the mode of operation of the pacemaker is altered in response to detecting an episode of atrial tachycardia. In accordance with the invention, the pacemaker's pacing mode is altered in a manner that attempts to maintain hemodynamic stability during the atrial tachycardia. Such a mode switch is particularly applicable to pacemaker patients suffering from some degree of congestive heart failure.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device is configured to measure selected ventricular contraction parameters and possibly apply stimulation therapy based on the ventricular contraction parameters. In accordance with one aspect, the ventricular contraction parameters include impedance values that correspond to the volume of fluid in the right ventricle and the left ventricle. In accordance with another aspect, the ventricular contraction parameters include motion values that correspond to heart sounds/motion in the right ventricle and the left ventricle. The ventricular contraction parameters can be used to form pseudo P-V loop from which treatment decisions can be made.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device comprises a physiologic sensor and one or more pulse generators. The physiologic sensor is capable of sensing a physiologic parameter. The pulse generators can generate cardiac pacing pulses with a timing based on the physiologic parameter. The timed cardiac pacing pulses can prevent a sleep apnea condition. In one example, a cardiac stimulation device has a physiologic sensor and can be configured to pace a patient's heart according to a rest mode of operation. The cardiac stimulation device uses measurements from the physiologic sensor to prevent and treat sleep apnea using a revised rest mode of operation. The revised rest mode operates under a presumption that sleep apnea is primary to a reduced heart rate, rather than secondary, so that pacing at a rate higher than the natural cardiac rate during sleep will prevent sleep apnea.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is operable in a normal mode of operation, including a test mode, as well as in at least one other mode of operation outside of the normal mode. The device has a signal detector that is responsive to an external activation and a timer that can be programmed with a specified time period. If the external activation is detected by the signal detector during the programmed time period, the medical device is operated in a mode outside of the normal mode. The medical device enters into the test mode, within the normal mode, if the external activation is detected by the signal detector outside of the time period.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in the head of a patient. The implantable medical device has a plurality of interconnected modules one or more of which are covered by an overmold and one or more of which are partially covered by the overmold. The module(s) covered by the overmold may be implanted between the cranium and scalp, while the module(s) partially covered by the overmold may be placed at least partially into a recess in the cranium.

Abstract: This invention presents a device, and the method it implements, which is an improvement in the design of nerve stimulators. Like conventional stimulators, it uses a percutaneous, insulated needle for the performance of therapeutic interventions targeting nerves. The improvement comprises offering an option for either constant current or constant voltage, offering a choice of waveform parameters, controlling a pulse generator, supplying a second background waveform, measuring the current and voltage applied to the tissue, computing further electrical characteristics, dynamically adjusting circuit components to ensure a desirable waveform applied to the tissue, and displaying measured and computed electrical characteristics of the tissue. The object is improved positioning of a needle tip near a nerve or nerve plexus for regional anesthesia, pain management, and other medical purposes.

Abstract: A repeater device allows a remote unit to control, program and/or monitor a medical implant device from a much further distance than has heretofore been possible. Such repeater device also facilitates transmitting other signals, i.e., other than control signals, to the medical implant device, such as, e.g., streaming audio, or other auxiliary input data. In one embodiment, the repeater device also allows status signals or sensed data originating within the medical implant device to be transmitted from the medical implant device through the repeater device to the remote unit, even though the remote unit may be located some distance, e.g., up to 200 feet, from the medical implant device. Such transmitted signals when received at the remote unit may be processed, analyzed, stored, monitored and/or displayed.

Abstract: A directional brain stimulation lead assembly provides a lead body and an insulating member defining one or more windows that selectively expose portions of electrodes carried by the lead body to produce a directional stimulation current field. The lead assembly can achieve more effective localization of electrical stimulation to very small brain targets, and thereby reduce the incidence of material side effects caused by collateral stimulation of brain tissue adjoining a desired brain target. In addition, the directional lead can sense brain activity on a more localized basis.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes an inner electrode coupled with a conductor, and an outer electrode disposed over the inner electrode, where the outer electrode is coupled with at least a portion of the inner electrode. Insulative material is disposed between a portion of the inner and outer electrodes, for example within a void between the inner and outer electrodes.

Abstract: A medical device having retention means extending along a length of an elongate body of the medical device including a plurality of projections adapted to interfere with a wall of a generally tubular vessel to retain the body within the vessel.

Abstract: An implantable lead for use with an implantable medical device includes a lead body with first and second electrical conductors extending between its proximal and distal ends. An electrical connector at the proximal end of the lead body includes terminals electrically connected to the first and second conductors. First and second coaxial active fixation helices are coupled to the lead body's distal end, one being an anode, the other an electrically isolated cathode. Each helix has an outer peripheral surface with alternating insulated and un-insulated portions along its length with about a half of the surface area being insulated. The un-insulated portions of the helices may be formed as a plurality of islands in the insulated portions, or as rings spaced by insulative rings, or as longitudinally extending strips spaced by longitudinally extending insulative strips.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead to conduct electrical stimulation and/or signals between an electrical stimulator and a heart site includes an elongated lead body extending to a proximal connector for attachment to the electrical stimulator. An electrode head at the distal end includes an electrode tip member for fixation to the heart and an electrode backing member fixed to the lead body is releasably attachable to the electrode tip member for transmission of electrical signals between the heart and the electrical stimulator. The electrode tip member may include a first non-conductive base with an outwardly projecting tip electrode and a first mounting member projecting oppositely away from the non-conductive base. The electrode backing member includes a second non-conductive base and a second mounting member thereon adapted for mounting engagement with the first mounting member for selectively releasably but firmly integrating the electrode tip member and the electrode backing member.

Abstract: A multichannel audio format provides a truly discrete as well as a backward compatible mix for surround-sound, front or other discrete audio channels in cinema, home theater, or music environments. The additional discrete audio signals are mixed with the existing discrete audio channels into a predetermined format such as the 5.1 audio format. In addition these additional discrete audio channels are encoded and appended to the predetermined format as extension bits in the bitstream. The existing base of multichannel decoders can be used in combination with a mix decoder to reproduce truly discrete N.1 multichannel audio.

Abstract: A computer based digital transcription system employs audio and video inputs of a court proceeding, and stores the digital signals in a memory in the form of distinct file segments of a predetermined time length during each recording session. The computer associates a date and time and a third identifier, such as location, with each distinct file segment. Playback of any desired segment may be effected during recording or at any time afterward; and playback does not interfere with the recording of realtime information.

Abstract: A noise shaping system including an inner loop and outer noise shaping loops. The inner noise shaping loop includes an inner loop filter and a quantizer for quantizing an output of the inner loop filter. The outer noise shaping loop includes an outer loop filter having an input receiving feedback from the quantizer of the inner noise shaping loop and an output driving an input of the inner loop filter of the inner noise shaping loop.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory card for storing audio information with corresponding text information and type information, where the type information indicates a type of the text information. The type is classified into at least (a), (b), and (c) in which the text information respectively includes (a) a 1-byte character code sequence, (b) a 2-byte character code sequence, and (c) a 1-byte character code sequence and a 2-byte character code sequence.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are provided for maintenance opportunity planning in a production line having a plurality of machines and buffers between machines on the production line, with the buffers processing production units between at least two of the machines. The system, method, and apparatus advantageously indicates maximum allowed downtime for a machine, through monitoring the status of the buffers to determine whether the flow of units through the buffers is favorable, monitoring the status of the plurality of machines, and determining which of the plurality of machines may be shut down for a particular period of time while substantially maintaining the favorable flow of units through the buffers. In this way, the inventive system and method saves time and resources by reducing production line downtime and unscheduled overtime.

Abstract: A method for controlling a production process for the manufacture of customized production objects. A sequence of production objects runs through at least one partial process of a production process. The method ensures that, in series production, the processing of an order in the partial process is begun at the latest after a maximum waiting time. The sequence of electronically available orders is handled separately from the sequence of production objects and a copy of the order sequence is generated. If the first order of the copy does not match the first production object, the order is stored in an electronic buffer memory and a matching order for the first production object is determined. The order with the greatest waiting time is removed from this buffer memory whenever the previous waiting time exceeds a prescribed waiting time limit. A production object matching this order is brought forward and processed according to the order.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a semiconductor processing system. Among other things, the invention relates to a run-to-run controller to create virtual modules to control a multi-pass process performed by a multi-chamber tool during the processing of a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An embroidering machine includes a base, an embroidery needle moved reciprocally along a path, an embroidery frame on which a work piece to be embroidered is held, a movable frame provided indirectly or directly on the base and mounting thereon the embroidery frame, the movable frame being driven to transverses the path of the reciprocal movement of the embroidery needle, a wireless affixed to the embroidery frame, the wireless tag storing therein frame information relating to the embroidery frame which is to be selected depending on the work piece to be embroidered, and a receiving device for reading the frame information stored in the wireless tag, the receiving device being provided on the base in immovable manner.

Abstract: The invention presents an embroidery data processing device and a computer program product capable of easily forming images of finished state of applique even if the fabric for applique is a pattern fabric. A selected fabric image of fabric for applique is displayed, and when the user manipulates the mouse, and moves the cursor to a desired position of the fabric image, and clicks by a specified number of times, the applique pattern preliminarily inputted through the image scanner is displayed at the position of the cursor (S101 to S103). When the user clicks the preview button by the mouse, only the fabric image within the applique pattern is extracted, and an applique image is displayed, and an applique sewing stitch image is overlaid and displayed on the applique image (S104 to S109).

Abstract: Both sleeves and front and back bodies are joined using gores such that the gores between the front body and both front sleeves become larger than the gores between the back body and both back sleeves. The knitted fabric is rotated such that, for example, the border between the front side and the backside of the left sleeve is positioned between front and back needle beds. In this state, the left sleeve is joined to the front body. The knitted fabric is rotated again such that the border between the front side and the backside of the right sleeve is positioned between the front and back needle beds for joining the right sleeve to the front body.

Abstract: A data structure and computer-program product for providing tool design and instructions in a dynamic manufacturing environment are provided. The data structure includes a plurality of objects for abstracting tool resources. Each object represents all changes that relate to one of a tool or a part of a tool. The instances of the objects are based on product information and are generated for associated instructions for tool usage in the manufacturing environment. The product information includes information identifying configuration of the product and a definition of a functional deliverable of the product. The information identifying configuration of the product includes product option information. The functional deliverable of the product includes production line number where the object applies.

Abstract: A machine readable medium and a method are disclosed that determine whether a pattern of manufactured or simulated features violates a feature relating tolerance and determines acceptability of the pattern. Allowable tolerance may include feature relating tolerances and material conditions. Manufactured centers are drawn relative to a one true position. A circle drawn through or outside the manufactured centers is used to determine if there is feature relating tolerance violation. Material condition may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorter conveyor having a plurality of conveyor units with article-supporting means, such as tilt trays or cross-belts, equipped with discharge means for discharging articles conveyed on the article-supporting means, which discharge means are driven by means, typically electric motors, controlled from the moving part of the conveyor. The control signals for controlling the operation of each of the discharge means are communicated by means of a common data communication network situated on the moving part of the conveyor so that control signals for each of the discharge means may be communicated to the moving part of the conveyor from one stationary position along the path of the conveyor. The invention further relates to a method of controlling the operation of such sorter conveyor.