Abstract: A system encodes videos acquired of a moving object in a scene by multiple fixed cameras. Camera calibration data of each camera are first determined. The camera calibration data of each camera are associated with the corresponding video. A segmentation mask for each frame of each video is determined. The segmentation mask identifies only foreground pixels in the frame associated with the object. A shape encoder then encodes the segmentation masks, a position encoder encodes a position of each pixel, and a color encoder encodes a color of each pixel. The encoded data can be combined into a single bitstream and transferred to a decoder. At the decoder, the bitstream is decoded to an output video having an arbitrary user selected viewpoint. A dynamic 3D point model defines a geometry of the moving object. Splat sizes and surface normals used during the rendering can be explicitly determined by the encoder, or explicitly by the decoder.

Abstract: A method for implementing non-reference frame prediction in video compression comprising the steps of (A) setting a prediction flag (i) “off” if non-reference frames are used for block prediction and (ii) “on” if non-reference frames are not used for block prediction, (B) if the prediction flag is off, generating an output video signal in response to an input video signal by performing an inverse quantization step and an inverse transform step in accordance with a predefined coding specification and (C) if the prediction flag is on, bypassing the inverse quantization step and the inverse transform step.

Abstract: An apparatus generally having a first circuit and a second circuit for motion estimation is disclosed. The first circuit may be configured to (i) generate a first motion vector for a block at an integer-pel resolution and (ii) determine a single block size associated with the first motion vector. The second circuit may be configured to (i) generate a plurality of second motion vectors at a sub-pel resolution by searching proximate the first motion vector using the single block size and (ii) determine a motion vector for the block as a particular one of the second motion vectors best matching a plurality of reference samples.

Abstract: A method of transcoding from H.263 coded video frames to H.261 coded video frames, the method comprising for each INTER coded macro block (MB) of each frame, determining whether a component of the motion vector (MV) of the MB has a half pixel value, if yes, carrying out a MV search using the current H.263 decoded MB and a previous decoded frame to determine a new MV, the MV search being restricted to the vicinity of the H.263 coded MV, and coding the MB into an H.261 format using the new MV.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a quantizer to generate a quantized signal from an input signal and a function unit may be included to generate an output signal by applying a predetermined function to the quantized signal. The apparatus further may include a correction unit to compensate for distortion in the output signal.

Abstract: In order to correct frequency deviations of signals in a multicarrier system, such as a OFDM-system, the present invention provides a frequency tracker and a method to operate the same. The frequency tracker is based on a decision directed digital phase locked loop exhibiting a predictive character. On the basis of an estimated phase offset for a received signal (signal component, signal symbol) a predicted phase offset is calculated and applied to the signal (signal component, signal symbol). Further, received signals (signal components, signal symbols) are sampled and for each sample a sample phase offset to be corrected is calculated in dependence to the related estimated phase offset to incorporate the predictive character.

Abstract: A method and a stage for estimating channel coefficients in a multi carrier system operating in accordance with a block-code based transmit diversity scheme, in which a data content of a code matrix is multiplexed in a frequency domain are described. The method comprises determining a phase ramp in the frequency domain or an equivalent thereof in the time domain, the phase ramp or the equivalent thereof being comprised within a receive signal after timing synchronization, processing the receive signal to remove the phase ramp or the equivalent thereof and estimating the channel coefficients on the basis of the processed receive signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing coarse frequency synchronization in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) receiver are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-orthogonal preamble supplement generator for use with a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) transmitter employing N transmit antennas, where N is at least two. In one embodiment, the time-orthogonal preamble supplement generator includes an initial preamble supplement encoder configured to provide a preamble supplement to each of the N transmit antennas during an initial time interval. The time-orthogonal preamble supplement generator also includes a subsequent preamble supplement encoder coupled to the initial preamble supplement encoder and configured to provide the preamble supplement or a negation thereof to the N transmit antennas during (N?1) subsequent time intervals.

Abstract: A method and system shapes a spectrum of an impulse radio signal, such as an UWB signal. First, basis pulses at various frequencies and pseudo-random delays are generated. The generated set of basis pulses are then weighted and delayed, and combined linearly to conform the spectrum of the transmitted basis pulses to a spectral mask. The spectral mask can be predetermined, or the conforming can be adaptive. Furthermore, the basis pulses can be frequency-shifted before the combining.

Abstract: A frame structure for communicating over a high-throughput communication channel includes a channelization field as part of a current data unit to indicate a frequency and space configuration of subsequent portions of the current data unit.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining a channel estimate utilizing partial channel estimates to provide an aggregated channel estimate. A partial channel estimate is determined upon receipt of a data burst, such that a different subset of the channel estimate is updated every data burst. As a result, Fast Fourier Transform computations can be reduced by determining a portion of the channel estimate each data burst as opposed to determining a full channel estimate every data burst.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system for path searching, including computing a set of slope-normalized operator values corresponding to a set of respective signal samples.

Abstract: A modem system for receiving and transmitting signals having a frequency domain equalizer (FEQ) block being responsive to a frequency channel response for processing the same to generate one or more equalizer coefficients, the modem system is responsive to an input signal for processing the same to generate frequency channel response, the input signal being generated from transmission of a transmitted signal, FEQ block for using equalizer coefficients to generate an equalized channel response, modem system for using equalized channel response to generate one or more metric weights, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: An OFDM receiver has a DC offset estimator configured for determining a DC offset, in I and Q components of a received OFDM signal having been output by an analog front end, based on filtering prescribed subcarrier components from a preamble segment of the I and Q components. The OFDM receiver removes the determined DC offset from the I and Q components, resulting in respective corrected I and Q components having minimal DC offset.

Abstract: VSB reception system with a frequency domain equalizer including a demodulating part for receiving, converting, and demodulating a signal, a frequency domain equalizing part for equalizing the demodulated signal for removing a distorted component from the demodulated signal, and a noise removing part for (a) receiving the equalized signal, (b) calculating a reference error signal that is a difference between the equalized signal and the signal having the noise removed therefrom, (c) calculating an error signal that is a difference between the reference error signal and the extracted noise signal, (d) renewing parameters with reference to the reference error signal and the error signal, and (e) calculating a difference between the equalized signal and the extracted noise signal, to provide a signal having the noise removed therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in making improved symbol decisions in a demodulator in the presence of distortion in the received signaling. In one implementation, a method includes the steps of: determining a centroid symbol location for a received symbol of a constellation, the centroid symbol location different than an ideal symbol location due to distortion of the received symbol; and adjusting a decision line bounding the received symbol based on the centroid symbol location. In preferred embodiments, the method is implemented in a satellite communication system, which the distortion is a nonlinear distortion and is caused by a high power amplifier at the transmitting terminal and in which bandwidth efficient modulation formats are used to transmit data at a high rate. In some embodiments, centroid symbol locations are used to improve soft decision decoding.

Abstract: A carrier tracking circuit includes a first phase adjustment circuit coupled to an input of a delay element and a second phase adjustment circuit coupled to an output of the delay element. A phase correction circuit is coupled to output of the delay element is operable to generate a phase adjustment value based upon a data symbol output from the delay element. The phase correction circuit includes a double phase correction circuit to prevent double application of the same phase adjustment value to a symbol by both the first and second phase adjustment circuits. The carrier tracking circuit may be used in OFDM communications systems with each data symbol being an OFDM symbol and with the delay element being an FFT. The carrier tracker circuit also may include a feed forward circuit for correcting the phase error of a given data symbol using a phase error generated from that symbol.

Abstract: An efficient system and method for modulation and demodulation to achieve a high data rate using Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation and OFDM uses either a coherent or a non-coherent transmission scheme using differential modulation. In order to maintain a high data rate impervious to sudden phase changes, a communication system uses an efficient constellation having multiple rings with different sizes and modulation/demodulation schemes utilizing this constellation. In power line communications, the channel gain information is obtained easily at a receiver (100) while the phase information is not. Thus, the communication system uses an absolute magnitude and differential phase coding for modulation and demodulation of the signals.

Abstract: A branch metric duplication method substantially reduces interconnection delays. The branch metric duplication method is particularly useful to implement a high speed radix-4 Viterbi decoder targeted for FPGA applications. The decoder includes a plurality of branch metric computation units (BMCUs), at least one add-compare-select unit (ACSU) having a plurality of cells, and a survivor path memory unit (SMU). The plurality of BMCUs, the at least one ACSU, and the SMU are configured to implement the decoder.

Abstract: A time signal receiver and decoder receives, detects and stores time information from time signals, e.g., WWV, WWVH, WWVB (USA), JJY (Japan), MSF (UK) and the like. The time information may be used for a self setting clock, and the clock may be used as a reference in time sensitive applications, devices and systems. The time signal receiver may use a high-Q state variable bandpass filter or an anti-notch filter circuit for selectivity at the time signal frequency of interest. The decoder is coupled to the time signal receiver, decodes the time information in the received time signal and may store the decoded time information.

Abstract: A narrowband interference cancellation system, method and digital signal processor is disclosed that removes narrowband interference in wide band communication systems. The system includes a narrowband processing component, wideband processing component, soft metric generator and at least one filter. The system is configured to receive a signal, identify one or more narrowband interferers in the received signal and filter out identified narrowband interferers. The narrowband processing component includes a filter bank configured to separate the received signal into a predetermined number of channel bands and identify a band with interference. The wide band processing component provides an average level for an unfiltered version of the received signal. The soft decision metric generator produces metrics based on predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A mobile device detects downlink transmit diversity. Slot and frame timing knowledge and a downlink scrambling code are applied to pilot and synch channels of the signal. An algorithm suited for the diversity case and an algorithm suited for the non-diversity case are utilized. The output of the diversity algorithm is compared to the output of the non-diversity algorithm. The output yielding the highest energy determines whether downlink transmit diversity is applied. The detection algorithms used in both the diversity and non-diversity cases use phasors to indicate the phase difference between two channels. This phase difference is the basis for determining diversity usage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for canceling narrow-band interference in a wideband mobile communication system. The apparatus includes a down converter for down converting a received signal into a baseband signal, an analog-to-digital converter for converting the baseband signal into a digital signal, a decimation filter for decimating the digital signal according to a decimation ratio, an interference canceller for detecting narrow-band interference signals contained in an output of the decimation filter, and canceling the narrow-band interference signals, and a demodulator for demodulating an output of the interference canceller.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for auto-tracking and compensating a clock frequency are disclosed. The method is suitable for being applied in USB controllers.

Abstract: A re-timer system that may include a phase recoverer (“PR”), first-in-first-out device (“FIFO”) and retime clock multiplication unit (“CMU”). PR may receive an input signal that suffers from jitter. PR may generate a phase matched signal having substantially the same phase as that of the input signal. To generate the phase matched signal, PR may use a clock signal provided by a single side band oscillator, CMU, or a clock signal having substantially the same level of jitter as that of the input signal to generate the phase matched signal. FIFO may sample the phase matched signal and store such samples. CMU may request and output samples from the FIFO at a frequency determined by a reference clock signal.

Abstract: A system includes a locked loop circuit and a processor. The processor is coupled to the locked loop circuit to control the locked loop circuit and perform at least one other function in the system not related to the control of the locked loop circuit.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging system for improving the image quality of a tomographic image at a predefined image production position in a subject's axis direction in tomographic image reconstruction by axial scanning. The CT system includes an X-ray tube and a detector array configured to conduct a plurality of scans for detecting X-rays passing through a region to be examined around an axis AX of the region to be examined at different positions along the subject's axis Ax direction; and for each of the plurality of scans, and a reconstructing section configured to calculate and reconstruct data for tomographic images of the region to be examined at a position corresponding to a detector row in the axis direction based on detected data acquired in that scan, and combine the data for the plurality of reconstructed tomographic images to generate data for a combined tomographic image at the position corresponding to the detector row.

Abstract: A computed tomography scanner includes a rotating gantry (20) defining an examination region (16). A first radiation source (22) is disposed on the rotating gantry (20) and emits first radiation (32) into the examination region (16). A second radiation source (24) is disposed on the rotating gantry (20) and emits second radiation (36) into the examination region (16). The second radiation source (24) is angularly spaced around the gantry from the first radiation source (22). A first radiation detector (30, 30?) receives the first radiation (32). A center of the first radiation detector (30, 30?) is angularly spaced around the gantry from the first radiation source (22) by less than 180°. A second radiation detector (34) receives the second radiation (36). A center of the second radiation detector (34) is angularly spaced around the gantry from the second radiation source (24) by less than 180°.

Abstract: Emission contamination data are collected in a shifted mock scan simultaneous with the collection of transmission data during a transmission scan of a patient with a collimated gamma point source, the transmission data are corrected with the emission contamination data, and the corrected transmission data are used for attenuation correction of emission data for reconstruction of an emission image of the patient. In a preferred implementation, when the point source is at a particular axial location and illuminates an axial beamwidth of “Fz” over the gamma detector, emission contamination data are collected from the gamma detector over an axial separated region “Fz?” having about the same axial extent but axially displaced by about half of the axial field of view (FOV).

Abstract: A contraband detection system using a cone beam computed tomography scanner. The cone beam scanner allows for rapid acquisition of data for computing three dimensional density maps of objects within items under inspection. Where greater resolution is desired, the image information obtained with the cone beam computed tomography scanner may be combined with higher resolution images formed with a single view scanner. A multi-energy single view scanner may be used to additionally provide information on the effective atomic number of objects contained within items under inspection. Additionally, information obtained with the cone beam computed tomography scanner may be used to increase the accuracy of the computation of the effective atomic number of objects within the item under inspection.

Abstract: Volumetric imaging on a radiotherapy apparatus, wherein a body, of which a volumetric image data set is to be produced, is positioned on a couch of the radiotherapy apparatus, and the couch or a bearing area of the couch or the body itself is rotated about a spatially fixed axis. During rotation, multiple x-ray images of the body or of a part of the body are produced and stored by at least one radiation source/image recorder system which is separate from the radiotherapy apparatus and whose radiation path is substantially not parallel to the spatially fixed axis. The rotational position of the couch or the bearing area of the couch or the body itself is detected while the images are produced, and the rotational position is assigned to the corresponding image, wherein a volumetric image data set of the body is reconstructed from the x-ray images by image processing and assignment by a computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the momentum transfer spectrum of elastically scattered X-ray quanta includes an anode having a focus extended in Y-direction which emits X-radiation in the X-direction, a primary collimator extending in the Y-direction which allows through only X-radiation aimed at a single isocenter, wherein the isocenter is the originating point of a Cartesian coordinates system, an examination area, a scatter collimator arranged between said examination area and the isocenter and configured to allow through only scattered radiation from an object introduced in said examination area, wherein the radiation is emitted at a fixed angle of scatter (?), and a detector. The X-component of a scatter voxel of the object is imaged onto the Z-component of the detector, and the detector is located in the Y-Z plane, distanced from the Z-axis, and developed as a two-dimensional pixellated detector having a plurality of energy-resolving detector elements.

Abstract: A method of testing a portable x-ray device includes sensing an environmental stimulus experienced by the portable x-ray device, transmitting a signal related to the environmental stimulus to a processing unit, determining whether the signal meets an alert threshold, activating a detector of the portable x-ray device if the signal meets the alert threshold, producing a gray image through the activating step, comparing the gray image produced through the activating step with a control gray image corresponding to a properly functioning detector.

Abstract: In a rotary anode type X-ray tube, a rotary anode and a rotary structure supporting the anode are arranged within the vacuum envelope. A stationary shaft has a middle section which is fitted into a cylindrical portion of the rotary structure, and a dynamic pressure type radial bearing is arranged between the cylindrical portion and the middle section. The stationary shaft also has a first section between one end of the middle section and one end of the stationary shaft, and a second section between the other end of the middle section and the other end of the stationary shaft, which are fixed to the vacuum envelope. A transverse stiffness of the second section is set to be larger than a transverse stiffness of the first section, and a center of gravity is positioned in the middle section.

Abstract: An X-ray irradiation apparatus includes an enclosure and an X-ray beam system positioned within the enclosure for directing X-ray beams into an irradiation region. The X-ray beam system has more than one X-ray beam emitter for directing the X-ray beams into the irradiation region from different directions. Each X-ray beam emitter includes a vacuum chamber having a target window and an electron generator positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons that are directed at the target window for forming X-rays which pass through the target window as an X-ray beam. The target window is supported by a support plate having a series of holes therethrough which allow passage of the electrons therethrough to reach the target window.

Abstract: A hybrid coaxial cable network employing interdiction to ensure privacy in telephony communications. The video and telephony signals are secured such that telephony and interactive video signals to and from a subscriber do not appear on the network at any other undesired subscriber location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution device (2) in a data signal processing installation (1), and a data signal processing installation (1). The distribution device comprises a distribution block (3) which has a receiving device containing elements to which data signal lines (4, 5, 6) can be connected, the functional elements having a circuit to distribute signals transmitted by the data signal lines (4, 5, 6). The distribution device also comprises a data signal editing unit with active and/or passive electronic components, in which the data signals transmitted from the data signal lines (3, 4, 5) are edited in a pre-determined manner. The data signal editing unit is integrated into the components of the distribution block (3).

Abstract: One embodiment of a representative system for web integrated interactive voice response includes an interactive voice response system adapted to provide a plurality of voice menus to a user over a telephone and a graphical user interface system adapted to provide a plurality of menus in a graphical format to the user over a network connection. Information provided in the voice menus corresponds to information provided in the menus in the graphical format and is responsive to commands received by the graphical user interface system from the user. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A telecommunications network includes a management system for analyzing call detail records (CDR's) from terminating switches. The management system recovers CDR's by polling through switch managers which poll dependent exchanges. CDR's indicating a call clear occurring within a short predetermined time after a call answer are stored and used to indicate potentially faulty access network lines.

Abstract: A caller ID based call routing feature is described for blocked and non-blocked caller ID's. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identify the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may be information about the calling party initially downloaded to the memory by a subscriber. Once retrieved from the memory by the processing system, the additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display on a monitor or to the subscriber's telephone for display on a telephone display. Another feature described is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for controlling a communications system having a plurality of voice channels and a user terminal for receiving at least one of the voice channels comprising: a receiving element for receiving a plurality of the voice channels, a controller for identifying one of the voice channels to be monitored, an event detection element for detecting the presence of a predeterminable event in the identified voice channel, and an alert generator for generating an alert when the predetermined event is detected.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes telecommunication resources, points, and a connection manager. The connection manager is configured to establish connections between the telecommunications resources and the points in response to a request from an application. The connection manager uses routing tables to select the most efficient route from the available routes between a telecommunications resource and a point. The routing tables establish the connection by sending a request to allocate a telecommunications resource to a session manager.

Abstract: A communications network-based system and service is disclosed. The service permits subscribers to control and manage incoming telephone calls. Subscribers can establish preferences for how calls will be handled by a communications network if the calls are received by while the subscriber in connected to an information network. The service also notifies a subscriber of a calling party's call based on whether preselected or predesignated preferences of the called party correspond to identifier(s) of the calling party.

Abstract: A method and system for treating telephone calls at a services node prior to completing the telephone call. The services node may provide a variety of services to treat the telephone call such as a Personal Access Service or playing a pre-recorded message. After treatment at the services node, the system recognizes that the telephone call has already been treated at a services node and the call is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for expediting subject matter evolution of an information exchange during a contact through a communication system between a client and an agent of an organization that possesses an expertise in the subject matter of the contact. The method includes the steps of providing a state map of subject matter progression of the subject matter of the contact from a starting point to subject matter resolution along a plurality of parallel subject matter paths, fitting a subject matter progression of the contact within a progression of subject matter of a most likely one of the plurality of parallel subject matter paths of the state map and prompting the agent with prospective subject matter from the most likely one of the plurality of subject matter paths.

Abstract: A method of providing telephone response unit (TRU)-based services includes receiving from a point-of-sale (POS) device a request at a host computer system to activate TRU-based services. The request includes an identifier that indicates the specific TRU-based services to be activated. The method also includes confirming the availability of the specific TRU-based services to be activated and storing at the host computer system information that indicates the services are activated. The method also includes returning a message to the POS that indicates that the TRU-based services have been activated.

Abstract: A mobile device having a protective user interface cover is provided. The mobile device includes a mobile device housing having a top surface. The user interface is preferably mounted within the top surface of the mobile device, and may include a display, a keyboard, a touch screen, a touch surface, or any other type of user input and display apparatus. The protective cover comprises a protective surface and a positioning mechanism, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the mobile device housing such that the positioning mechanism positions the protective surface between a first position in which the protective surface covers the user interface in the top surface and a second position in which the protective surface does not cover the user interface in the top surface.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a body. An at least partly covering lid is rotatably mounted to the body by a hinge slideably mounted to the body. The lid is rotatable to an open position, in which open position the lid reveals a key-pad of the electronic device positioned in a front side of the electronic device, above a display. The hinge is resiliently mounted to the body, so that the lid is rotatable to a closed position, in which closed position the hinge retreats to be generally invisible by the covering lid.

Abstract: Between a transmitting device and a receiving device, a first authentication and key exchange procedure depending on a radio link layer network is carried out, and then a whole or a part of a second authentication and key exchange procedure depending on the copyright protected contents data is carried out by using the cipher communication using a first encryption key that is shared between the transmitting device and the receiving device by the first authentication and key exchange procedure, so that the contents data transfer by the cipher communication using a second encryption key can be carried out only between legitimate pair of the transmitting device and the receiving device that can successfully complete the first authentication.