Abstract: In one aspect, a method of obtaining projection data of an object from a plurality of view angles with respect to the object is provided. The method comprises acts of providing radiation, at each of the plurality of view angles, to an exposure area in which the object is positioned, controlling a radiation energy of the radiation provided at each of the plurality of view angles such that the respective radiation energy is different for at least two of the plurality of view angles, and detecting at least some of the radiation passing through the exposure area at each of the plurality of view angles to obtain the projection data.

Abstract: An x-ray computed tomography apparatus has a stationary unit and a rotatable unit, carrying an x-ray source and a radiation detector. The rotatable unit rotates around an axis relative to the stationary unit, that proceeds through both units. In order to transmit signals and measured data between the rotating unit and the stationary unit, transmitting/reception devices are mounted at each unit. The transmitting/reception devices transmit directed signals and are automatically oriented toward each other during relative movement caused by rotation of the rotating unit with respect to the stationary unit.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system. The illumination system includes (a) a mirror, (b) a diaphragm in a light path downstream of the mirror, and (c) a field plane in the light path, downstream of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A breast x-ray system and method using tomosynthesis imaging in which the x-ray source generally moves away from the patient's head. The system may include an operation mode in which it additionally takes mammogram image data.

Abstract: A small field radiation therapy machine having an aperture diameter of 30 cm or less provides improved ray definition for specialized treatment of portions of the human body such as head a breast.

Abstract: The x-ray tube is energized (12) and the myocardium is imaged (16) while contrast agent is infused to the coronary arteries of the subject (14). Single photon counting data acquired with the detector while two thresholds are set to form simultaneously low energy images and high energy images (16). The images are processed (18) and displayed (20).

Abstract: A cooler that circulates cooling fluid to cool an X-ray tube, and that comprises a circulation unit that has a first end unit and a second end unit, and an expansion mechanism that has a vessel and a bellows that divides the inside of the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first end unit and the second end unit are detachably coupled to the X-ray tube and are closed when being uncoupled from the X-ray tube, and the expansion mechanism can be switched between a first state and a second state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detector, in which detector modules are two-dimensionally arranged. The problem of the two-dimensional arrangement of detector modules is solved by a base structure (1) with guide elements (2) on which the detector modules (3) with at least one respective guide structure (4), are positioned relative to at least one of the respective guide elements, the guide elements (2) extending in a first direction (R1), at least two of the detector modules (3) being positioned consecutively on one of the guide elements (2) in the first direction (R1), and there are guide elements (2) that are separated from one another in a second direction (R2).

Abstract: A capacitive proximity sensor for use in object and position sensing and/or position control in respect of a swing arm of a medical imaging system. The sensor comprises, within a cover (18), an emitter electrode (10) and a sense electrode (9) both of which are formed by spraying or otherwise coating or painting a layer of conductive material on the inner surface of the cover (18). A carrier plate (30) is mounted within the cover (18), at a distance therefrom, on which are provided an active guard electrode (13) in respect of the sense electrode (9) and a grounded shield member (15) in respect of the emitter electrode (10). As there is virtually no gap between the sense electrode (9) and the cover (18), the sensor is less sensitive to the effects of material changes caused by environmental changes in temperature and/or humidity, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an assistance system (20) for the planning of geometrical imaging parameters like the active dose-measuring-field (29) and/or the opening of a collimator (12) of an X-ray device (10). An optical image (27) of a patient (1) on a table (2) is generated by a camera (21) and transferred to a computer (25). The computer (25) then overlays said optical image (27) of the patient (1) with a graphical representation of the geometrical imaging parameters, for example with a drawing of the available and/or activated dose-measuring-fields (28, 29). The user may thus control and interactively select values of the imaging parameters on the overlay image.

Abstract: This invention is associated to with the practicality and method of acquiring of Radiographs of a human body. Particularly of the foot when the patient is standing utilizing direct digital receptors. Presently, to obtain a weight bearing, anterior-posterior foot, you must stand on the media that you intend to record on, in this case a direct digital receptor. Table will protect the highly sensitive direct digital X ray receptor from weight of a patient. This unique feature will allow this type of equipment to produce these exams. The Table can also be modified to perform as a fixed height positioning table for routine examinations. This device is designed to “Transform” into a “Stand” to acquire images to “Stitch”, a process where two or more digital radiographs are aligned to form one image such a Scoliosis examination or Leg Length studies. The foregoing features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the invention.

Abstract: A method for accessing and browsing the internet through the use of a telephone and the associated DTMF signals is disclosed. The preferred embodiment provides a system that converts the information content of a web page from text to speech (voice signals), signals the hyperlink selections of a web page in an audio manner, and allows selection of the hyperlinks through the use of DTMF signals generated from a telephone keypad. Upon receiving a DTMF signal corresponding to a hyperlink, the corresponding web page is fetched and again delivered to the user via one of the available delivery methods such as voice, fax-on-demand, electronic mail, or regular mail.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing calling party information in a request to establish a call session. The method comprises receiving a call request from an entity to establish an interactive call session. The method comprises receiving information associated with the entity. The method further comprises providing the information in the call request.

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing telephone directory assistance service in which a telephone user calls to the system and the system will, based on the requested number or type of service, hear a recorded advertisement for a competitor of the requested service. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements, according to selection criteria. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual. The selection criteria can include the use of SIC codes.

Abstract: A system for performing selective voice-over-IP (VOIP) communication by members of a community over a wide area network (WAN), that comprises a VOIP server, which routes voice-over-IP packets from one user to one or more other users; means provided within the VOIP server, or coupled to it, to maintain a list of members of the community; means provided within the VOIP server, or coupled to it, to determine which members of the community are available on-line at any given time and to notify other members of the community that the members are, or have become, available on-line, or have gone off-line; two or more users connected to a WAN via a PC, who are provided with VOIP communication devices; resident software provided in the PC of each of the members, to receive information from the VOIP server regarding the identity of members being or coming on-line, or going off-line; resident software provided in the PC of each of the members, to activate or deactivate a presence indicator, available to the user of the P

Abstract: An electronic conference system includes a portable storage device that stores written content as image data, a reader that reads the image data recorded in the portable storage device, and a display controller that incorporates the image data read by the reader as additional image data into image data to be displayed on a display device and displays the image data incorporating the additional image data.

Abstract: The present invention teaches systems and method for accessing content over a variety of devices through a mobile media service. For example, the present invention teaches broadcasting podcasts of all types of content including continuing legal education content over a variety of devices across a variety of platforms. Further, the present invention teaches an integrated system allowing the user to choose a particular presentation from one device and listen and/or watch the presentation on another device. Certain embodiments contemplate providing bookmarking functionality which operate across different platforms, such as a user switching from play on an Internet platform to play on a mobile telephone platform. Other embodiments teach social networking inventions in the context of the mobile media platform.

Abstract: A method for exchanging information between appliances to notify a home server of a network configuration change and a home network system therefore is disclosed. In the present invention, when an electronic appliance is connected to a network, the appliance first transmits a particular message to a home server N (>1) times at interval of a first period and then transmits the particular message periodically at interval of a second period which is longer than the first period, thereby letting the homer server know which appliances are connected to the network in real-time.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed for providing converged prepaid charging and postpaid charging. A communication network described herein includes a switching system, a charging selection system, a prepaid charging system, and a postpaid charging system. When the switching system receives a call for a subscriber, the switching system processes a subscriber profile to determine a type of charging for the call. If the type of charging for the subscriber comprises a hybrid prepaid/postpaid charging, then the switching system transmits a query to the charging selection system. Responsive to the query, the charging selection system processes charging criteria to determine whether the hybrid prepaid/postpaid charging for the call should be prepaid or postpaid. The charging selection system initiates prepaid charging or postpaid charging for the call based on the charging criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying telemarketer communications directed to a subscriber of a call screening service is provided. A link monitoring system monitors all inbound and outbound calls of a carrier network collecting data such as calling and called telephone directory numbers, and a termination status for at least each inbound call to a calling number. The data is analyzed at a telemarketer detection module to determine calling patterns of calling numbers. If a calling pattern of a calling telephone number matches a profile of telemarketer communications, the calling number is stored in a database of telephone directory numbers associated with telemarketer communications. A call is received from a calling party directed to a subscriber of the call screening service. Then a determination is made as to whether a telephone directory number of the calling party is known.

Abstract: Real time detection of the fraudulent use of a telecommunications network is accomplished by analyzing data for each call that is occurring within the network. A signal protocol receiver is used to collect signaling protocol for each call that is occurring within the network. The Signaling protocol data is collected, decoded and formatted into call information records (CIRs). The CIRs contain various operator specified parameters for each call that is occurring within the network. The CIRs are compared to operator defined thresholds. If any of the CIRs exceeds the thresholds, an alert is generated. The alerts are stored in a database where the operator can analyze them and take the appropriate corresponding action to resolve the alert. The alerts and the CIRs are archived in a database so that trends of fraudulent use can be detected and prevented. This method of fraud detection provides for the effective analyzation of every call that is occurring within the network.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method used to determine services in a network is provided. For a plurality of devices, information pertaining to a location of the respective device is stored in a location information item. A location information item providing a location of a user is generated. At least one of the plurality of devices to be used by the user based on the generated location information item and to the stored location information items is automatically selecting; a status report is transmitted to a device used by the user, with the user being offered the use a service via the status report, the offered service effected by the selected device.

Abstract: A rotating mechanism comprises a base, a rotating device and a rebound device. The base includes a base body, a base joint and a first shaft. The base joint and the first shaft are disposed on the base body respectively. The rotating device includes a rotating device joint. The rotating device is capable of rotating the first shaft. The rotating device joint is able to circle around the first shaft. Two ends of the rebound device are pivotally connected to the base joint and the rotating device joint respectively. The rebound device is capable of deforming and rotating the base joint and the rotating device joint.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for acquiring data regarding a domain for the protection of digital content, and more particularly, a method and apparatus for acquiring domain information and domain-related data in which content received from an external source is converted into content that complies with a set of rules of a digital rights management (DRM) system and a license for the use of the result of the conversion is issued by receiving domain information including a domain key identifier from a domain information providing apparatus and receiving an updated domain key that is a valid domain key currently being used in a domain from a DRM object providing apparatus.

Abstract: A communication device performing wireless communication with another communication device includes a private value generating unit, a calculating unit, and an encryption key generating unit is provided. The private value generating unit generates a first private value to be kept secret from outside parties. The calculating unit performs a predetermined calculation using the first private value and two known preset values to determine a first public value to be transmitted to the other communication device. The encryption key generating unit performs the predetermined calculation using the first private value, a second public value transmitted from the other communication device, and one of the two preset values to generate an encryption key used in encrypted communication with the other communication device. The second public value is determined by performing the predetermined calculation using a second private value to be kept secret from outside parties and the two preset values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creating and managing electronic documents. In one implementation, a method includes obtaining electronic data corresponding to an application document to obtain a driver's license; analyzing the electronic data to detect steganographic indicia encoded therein, the steganographic indicia comprising a plural-bit identifier; and associating the plural-bit identifier with a plurality of different records associated with an applicant or the application document. Other implementations are provided as well.

Abstract: A server computer system outputs a downloader component to a client computer. The downloader component enables the client computer to download an encrypted file. After outputting the downloader component, the server computer system cooperates with the downloader component to output the encrypted file to the client computer. The server computer system outputs a user profile to the client computer. The user profile contains a key to decrypt the encrypted file into a digital content item. The server computer system outputs a file management component to the client computer. The file management component is to manage usage of the encrypted file at the client computer based on one or more terms of usage associated with the encrypted file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing video content from a direct broadcast satellite system between a host receiver and a client receiver. A family pairing key is transmitted from the direct broadcast satellite system to both the host and client receivers. The family pairing key received by the host and client receivers is decrypted using receiver keys uniquely associated with the host and client receivers, respectively. Decrypted program materials are then encrypted at the host receiver using a copy protection key generated by the host receiver using content information decrypted by the family pairing key. The encrypted program materials are transferred from the host receiver to the client receiver. The encrypted program materials are decrypted at the client receiver using the copy protection key. Like the host receiver, the copy protection key is generated by the client receiver using content information decrypted by the family pairing key.

Abstract: The invention is directed to marking audio/video (A/V) signals for use in tracing content to a source. An ID controller captures an A/V synchronization fingerprint from a master A/V signal, stores the fingerprint in a data store, and provides signals to an ID encoder to have encoded an identifier into a copy of the master A/V signal. The identifier is encoded to be persistent through actions such as capture, compression, and/or transcoding. In one embodiment, the identifier is encoded as a bit sequence, where each bit is encoded using an encoding technique that is hereinafter called a Mississippi encoding technique. The encoded identifier within the copied A/V signal may later be determined by extracting the fingerprint and comparing it to the stored fingerprint to determine the identifier. The identifier may then be used to trace a source of the copied A/V signal.

Abstract: A system to provide selective encryption controls for content is described. The system comprises a secure content service to verify entitlement of a content consumer to the encrypted content based on the entitlement associated with the content and a user profile associated with the content consumer.

Abstract: A state vector acquisition technique for a counter-based cryptographic data communication system is disclosed. The acquisition technique facilitates receipt of the state vector components (the short component and the long components) in any chronological order. The state vector components are saved upon receipt, and a counter for each long component is initialized upon receipt of the long component. After receipt of all components, the receiver device constructs a current state vector value based upon the received component values and the long component counter values. The transmitter device may be configured to interleave the state vector components in a dynamic manner that is responsive to the current operating environment or the current channel conditions.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a player device that receives and plays content stored on packaged media, the player device has a media reader that receives a packaged media to read digital data stored thereon. The player device has a secure persistent storage device storing a key table containing a plurality of keys indexed by an index. A decrypter decrypts the digital data stored on the packaged media using at least one of the encryption keys referenced by a key index stored on the packaged media. A decoder decodes the decrypted digital data stored on the packaged media and provides the decoded data as an output. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method at an issuing authority (111) to anonymously provide an individual (121) with a certificate (C), a method of providing anonymous approval of the individual at a communicating party (101) by means of using the certificate, an issuing authority for anonymously providing an individual with a certificate and an approving device for anonymously approving the individual by means of using the certificate. A basic idea of the invention is to provide an individual anonymously with certificates at an issuing authority, which certificates subsequently can be used by an individual to anonymously prove membership in a group at a communicating party.

Abstract: A stereo decoder and a method therefor are provided. The stereo decoder receives a MPX signal from an FM demodulator, and comprises a first auto-calibration circuit, a band-pass filter, a second auto-calibration circuit, a slicer and a PLL circuit. The first auto-calibration circuit generates a first control signal. The band-pass filter generates the pilot signal by filtering the MPX signal with a center frequency set by the first control signal. The second auto-calibration circuit generates a second control signal. The slicer converts the pilot signal into a square wave signal. The PLL circuit comprises a voltage controlled oscillator for generating an oscillation frequency in response to the second control signal. The PLL circuit receives the square wave signal to generate the reference signal around the predetermined frequency in response to the oscillation frequency.

Abstract: An acoustic signal processing apparatus and an acoustic signal reproduction system capable of separately and simultaneously outputting more than six-channel audio signals including a sub-woofer without increasing the number of audio signal output terminals are provided. An acoustic signal processing apparatus includes a signal processing unit (decoding unit and downmixing unit) which decodes an audio input signal that is in a predetermined format and outputs eight-channel audio signals and downmixed two-channel audio signals, a first output unit which separately outputs the six-channel audio signals from among the eight-channel audio signals outputted by the decoding unit, and a second output unit which selects and outputs, based on an external setting, one of the two-channel audio signals other than the six-channel audio signals outputted by the first output unit and the two-channel downmixed audio signals outputted by the downmixing unit.

Abstract: A transient detector is provided for generating an ambience signal suitable for being emitted via loudspeakers for which there is no special loudspeaker signal to detect a transient period. A synthesis signal generator produces a synthesis signal which fulfils the transient condition on the one hand and the continuity condition for the synthesis signal on the other hand. A signal substituter will then substitute a portion of the examination signal by the synthesis signal to obtain an ambience signal for the surround channels.

Abstract: A wireless audio distribution system may have a wireless transmitter, responsive to a plurality of audio input channels, for transmitting signals carrying the audio, a receiver, responsive to the transmitted signals for selecting one or more of the audio input channels to be reproduced in accordance with local setting selectors at the receiver. Speaker audio channel anti-noise signals can be subtracted from the head audio channel to cancel the noise related to the playing of the speaker audio on the speakers while the headset audio is played on the headset. Analog anti-noise signals can be produced by use of a microphone associated with the headset and later subtracted from the headset audio.

Abstract: A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person.

Abstract: This invention describes a system that plays back content based on in-vehicle function triggers. The invention may be used for a variety of applications. In one example, the control unit ties to the remote keyless entry (RKE) system and uses the vehicle signal to the function as playback trigger for the content. In-vehicle subsystems such as warning and information signals or other systems with manual triggers like the RKE system may also be tied to the vehicle unit to trigger content playback. Content delivery scenarios provide secure and robust transmission from an original source to the vehicle unit. The vehicle unit stores the content in an on-board storage. Content loading and operation of the system is configured using a computer or handheld device.

Abstract: Typically, changes in timbre in an audio reproduction system use analogue or digital filters, either shelving filters (as in the case of bass, treble and loudness controllers) and/or peaking filters (as in the case of speed-and noise-compensation in automotive systems). A problem associated with this implementation lies in the audibility of the phase shift caused by these filters. According to the invention, this and further problems are solved by utilising the crossover network of the system itself—with level adjustable output signals—to attain desired timbre and/or dynamic range adjustments and hence avoiding undesirable phase effects of the traditional bass and treble control filters. An input signal (18) is according to an embodiment of the invention divided by a cross over network (20) into a number of frequency bands and applied via level control means (21, 22, 23) and separate power amplifiers (24, 25, 26) to loudspeaker drivers (27, 28, 29).

Abstract: To enable to control an audio sound to a suitable volume level corresponding to the using condition of electronic equipment. In a portable disk device 2 that can be attached to a cradle 3, a connection detecting line DET connected to a control part 50 for detecting an attached state or an unattached state to the cradle and a pullup resistance 56, the control part 50 for controlling to set, if it is detected that the portable disk device 2 is in the unattached state, an audio sound to be emitted from the above portable disk device 2 to dedicated headphones 15 to a volume level based on a predetermined headphone volume value VH, and to switch, if being in the attached state is detected, an audio sound to be emitted from speakers 4L and 4R via the above cradle 3 from the volume level based on the headphone volume value VH to a volume level based on a line volume value VL larger than the above headphone volume value VH, and a DSP 53 are provided.

Abstract: A wireless audio receiver is provided that couples to a video camera using a standard audio connector. This enables a wide range of legacy and non-wireless video cameras to receive sound information through a wireless connection. The wireless audio receiver may be paired with a remote wireless microphone, and receive a wireless signal having sound information captured at the remote location. In one example, the wireless audio receiver is constructed with a Bluetooth compliant radio system. The wireless audio receiver may connected to an audio-in port of the camera using a connection cable, or the wireless audio receiver may be constructed so that the standard connector provides both mechanical and electrical connections.

Abstract: A microphone has a microphone capsule housing, a diaphragm, an electrode, and an insulating part which is arranged between the diaphragm and the electrode in the microphone capsule housing. The insulating part has a spacer ring.

Abstract: A condenser microphone provided with a battery compartment having a coil spring electrode is adapted to: extend a return stroke of the coil spring electrode; prevent high frequency current from penetrating into the microphone from the coil spring electrode to suppress the occurrence of noise; and prevent the coil spring electrode from generating mechanical noise. The condenser microphone includes: a body case into which a condenser microphone unit is incorporated; a battery compartment provided in the body case; a coil spring electrode that is provided at an end of the battery compartment, and pushed and compressed by an electrode of a battery by the battery being inserted therein; and a conductive cushion that is disposed within the coil spring electrode, and can contact with the coil spring electrode while being compressed together with the coil spring electrode at least when the coil spring electrode is compressed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a film-speaker using a piezoelectric material and a sound equipment with the film-speaker are disclosed. A sound equipment with a film-speaker comprises a film-speaker unit, a matching transformer connected with the film-speaker unit, an amplifier coupled with the matching transformer, and a power supply unit providing the amplifier with power The film-speaker unit includes a piezoelectric film and electrodes formed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric film. The surface of the piezoelectric film are reformed by irradiating ions with a predetermined energy under a vacuum state to increase an adhesive force. The electrodes are formed by depositing conductive material on both surfaces of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes: a pair of fixed electrodes including a conductive member; a vibrating film having a conductive layer; and a member which holds the pair of fixed electrodes and the vibrating film. The vibrating film is formed of nonconductive bodies and has an electrode layer formed of a conductive material. The electrode layer is applied with a DC bias voltage of a single polarity by a DC bias supply, and is also applied with an AC signal output from a signal source superimposed on the DC bias voltage. The pair of fixed electrodes have a plurality of holes of the same number at positions facing each other via the vibrating film, and an AC signal is applied between the conductive members of the pair of fixed electrodes by the signal source.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer, specifically an electrostatic loudspeaker (ESL) providing curvature in two directions for improved dispersion of sound waves. The compound curvature also provides a virtual focus of the propagated sound waves for accurate reproduction of musical program material recorded with standard single-point microphones. The highly directional nature of high frequency sound waves requires that a flat or cylindrical electrostatic transducer must be physically tall to allow a listener to either recline or stand. The two-axis curved structure enables a compact form of ESL to be realized, including bookshelf type loudspeakers whereas all known commercial units are comparable in height to that of a human listener. The individual curved ESL panels can also be readily combined to create larger transducer assemblies including omni-directional units.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hearing aids and to methods of manufacturing hearing aids. The invention further relates to shells for hearing aids and methods of manufacturing thereof The invention, more particularly, relates to custom-made BTE hearing aids. A shell comprising a first part, and a second part, wherein said first part is adapted to fit the contour of the cleft between a pinna and the skull of an individual is provided. The shell may be part of a hearing aid (17) that is connected with a tube (9) in a first end and an earplug (20) in a second end. In a third aspect of the invention a method of preparing the shell is disclosed and in a fourth aspect a method of manufacturing a hearing aid is also disclosed.

Abstract: An outdoor decorative audio output system includes an outdoor decorative housing and an audio system. The outdoor decorative housing, which is shaped to have an aesthetically natural appeal with weather resistant ability, has an audio cavity, an audio outlet communicating with the audio cavity, and a player compartment for receiving a portable audio player therein. The audio system, which is electrically connected with a power source, includes an audio output receiving in the audio cavity and an audio signal input which is electrically connected to the audio output and is provided at the decorative housing for communicatively connecting the portable audio player, wherein the audio signal input is adapted for receiving an audio signal from the audio player, such that the audio output converts the audio signal into an audible signal to create an optimal environmental audio effect for outdoors.