Abstract: A system for and a method of controlling a spatial distribution of radiation intensity in a beam of radiation is provided. The system includes a control device located to receive the initial beam of radiation from the radiation source. The control device includes a first radiation absorbing structure located at a position in generally superposing alignment relative a position of a second radiation absorbing structure. Each first and second radiation absorbing structure is operable to independently articulate. The modulator configuration signal is operable to cause adjustment of the position of at least one of the first and second radiation absorbing structures relative to the other so as to selectively adjust a spatial distribution of radiation intensity of a modulated beam.

Abstract: A system for reducing scatter in radiographic imaging systems while permitting large area imaging. Multiple collimators are used to successively trim the radiation beam to match the detector plate while simultaneously eliminating scatter from the previous stages. The movable collimation stages, in conjunction with nonmoving scatter reduction stages, trim the beam to match the detector area. For larger part imaging, the detector may move. The present invention allows the collimators to move with the detector to steer the collimated beam onto only the active area of the detector.

Abstract: A frame for positioning and labeling an appendage relative to an x-ray cassette during x-radiography. In one embodiment, the frame includes an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion positioned on the first surface. The protrusion aids in the positioning of the appendage and preventing the first surface of the plate from being in contact with the x-ray cassette. In still yet another embodiment, the plate includes indicia for positioning the appendage. Another aspect of the invention is a method for positioning an appendage on x-ray cassette including the steps of: providing a frame having an x-ray transparent plate having a first surface and a second surface; and a protrusion positioned on the first surface; placing the plate on the x-ray cassette such that the second surface is in contact with the x-ray cassette; and placing the appendage on the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for recording X-ray images by means of a robotically controlled C-arm system which includes an image recording system (9, 10) that can be rotated in a recording plane around a turning center (17) by means of a C-arm (7) and with which, through rotating of the C-arm (7), a plurality of radioscopic images of a region (14) of interest in an object (13) positioned on an object positioning facility (15) are recorded at different rotation angles, from which images one or more cross-sectional images or a three-dimensional image of a region (14) in the object can be reconstructed. With the method, the C-arm (7) is compliantly repositioned in a collision-free manner in synchronism with the rotation such that the region (14) of interest in an object will, at least at each rotation angle at which image recording takes place, be located within a cone beam (16) of an X-ray bundle of the image recording system (9, 10).

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for implementing automatic control of focal spot Z axis positioning are disclosed for use with an x-ray device having an x-ray tube positioned within a housing and configured for thermal communication with a temperature control system. Control circuitry, and a position sensing device configured to determine the distance between the focal spot and a reference point related to the x-ray device, are coupled with a control module. The position sensing device sends information concerning the relative distance between the focal spot and the reference point to the control module which compares the received information with a predetermined desired distance. If the received information varies by an unacceptably large margin from the desired distance, the control module sends a corresponding signal to the control circuitry which causes the temperature control system to implement an appropriate change to a heat transfer parameter associated with the x-ray device.

Abstract: A CT scanner pre-scans a patient by radiating rays of a lower amount from one direction to obtain a perspective prescanning image. An operator defines a main scanning area, in which images for medical application are to be captured, with reference to the prescanning image displayed on a monitor screen. A site recognizer analyzes data of the prescanning image to recognize anatomical structures located in the defined main scanning area. Based on the recognized anatomical structures and order data designating a site of inspection, it is judged whether the main scanning area corresponds to the site of inspection designated by the order data. If not, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen. The site recognizer may recognize all anatomical structures contained in the prescanning image, so that a default main scanning area may be defined on the basis of the recognition results and the order data.

Abstract: The invention includes a technique for integrating emergency calling for VoIP users with legacy emergency services to facilitate adapting to the evolving emergency services network and the services that are available in a given location. Generic location information provided by (or determined for) VoIP emergency callers, typically in civic or geodetic formats, is translated into Emergency Response Locations (ERLs) defining an area, such as an area within an enterprise premises, in which the caller is located. The translated location information is conveyed to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with the emergency call in for form of the ANI (Automatic Number Identification) or calling line identification number. An appropriate route/gateway is then selected to be used to reach the PSAP appropriate for the caller's location, and an emergency call notification to the appropriate local emergency response personnel is generated within the enterprise based on the caller's location.

Abstract: A system and method to selectively retrieve stored messages are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a voice command from a user, the voice command comprising at least one spoken search identifier, determining at least one stored message that corresponds to the spoken search identifier, and presenting the at least one stored message to the user. The plurality of stored messages may comprise content data for allowing messages with matching content data to be retrieved. The plurality of stored messages may also comprise caller data, for allowing messages with matching caller data to be retrieved. The stored messages may either be voice messages or text messages.

Abstract: Marketing of goods and services on telephone lines and during a period from the commencement of a telephone call to the receipt and acceptance of that call (quiescent period) when the recipient of the call actuates his or her telephone. This quiescent period of time, during which a ringing signal is normally generated, is used for presentation of advertising or promotional messages, primarily to a caller, although it can be delivered to the recipient of the call, or both. In addition, the system provides for the use of messages during the normal ringing cycle time to effectively replace the ringing signal. The particular advertising or promotional message can be selected for a certain area, such as an area covered by a telephone switchboard or a certain party or characteristics of that party. In this way each individual telephone switchboard is capable of presenting a message different from the next telephone switchboard.

Abstract: A personal audio player including an audio program reproduction unit for delivering audio program content to a user and an announcement generator for delivering one or more timed announcement messages or alarm signals to the user of said audio player. A control interface accepts preference data specifying the time at which announcement messages are delivered to said user. The audio player may take the form hand-held music player or cellular phone which is coupled to an earpiece which may be touched to request an announcement message. Announcement messages may take the form of prerecorded human voices and may be transmitted to the player from a remote source. Announcement messages may also contain data from a remote source and may be delivered in both audible and visual form.

Abstract: A marker is derived from an interaction between a person and an agent of a business and the agent's user interface. A part of a speech signal that corresponds to a portion of the person's special information is located with the marker. The speech signal results from the interaction between the person and the agent. The part of the speech signal that corresponds to the portion of the person's special information is rendered unintelligible.

Abstract: A method of communication using voice commands is described where a user's address book is automatically kept up-to-date by gleaning information from contacts listed in the address book and where information in the address book is used for voice dialing and for other communication services.

Abstract: When an electronic message with a voicemail attachment is received, an audio player object and a reply by chat object are displayed simultaneously along with the electronic message. A reply to the electronic message, whether by chat or by email, is associated with the same thread as the electronic message. The electronic message with the voicemail attachment is associated with a conversation thread that may also include chat messages and email messages. In a conversation view of a respective conversation thread, representations of an electronic voicemail message (an electronic message having a voicemail attachment), one or more chat messages and one or more email messages may be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: To reduce the communications in an IM conversation between two devices, two or more IM events of the conversation at the first device are confirmed by sending to the second device a single IM communication that confirms the most recent of the events. In order that the user of the second device not experience undue delay in receiving the confirmation, the method may be applied where the time interval between any two consecutive ones of the events is less than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method and system provides the ability to use VoIP devices to generate and/or propagate a broadcast message to other devices. A device transmits a broadcast message to a recipient device over a peer-to-peer communication channel. Such a device can be an originator or a propagator designated by a third party. Upon receipt of a request to broadcast a message, or upon detecting any triggering event to broadcast, the device processes the request or the triggering event to compose content of the message. Subsequently, a group of recipient devices are identified and located. The device may transmit the broadcast message over existing communications channels without disturbing a conversation with the recipient device. Further, a peer-to-peer communication channel may be established to transmit the broadcast message. Alternatively, the device may request the recipient device to broadcast the message to devices outside of its current peer-to-peer communication connections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for natural language load alerts. A method includes, in a server residing in a network of interconnected computers, maintaining a database of users and related load preferences, maintaining a database of available loads and related load information, and generating a natural language load alert message when an available load matches load preferences of a user. The method can include sending the natural language load alert message as a voice message to the user using telephony services and receiving a voice instruction from the user in response to the natural language load alert message as a voice message.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to check for permission to record Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) messages and to respond to requests for permission are contemplated. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to check for permission to record VoIP messages and to respond to requests by transmitting an inquiry on permission to record a VoIP message of a participant in a VoIP call session comprising the VoIP message, receiving a response to the inquiry, determining by a processor whether the response to the inquiry grants permission to record the VoIP message, and recording the VoIP message based upon the response to the inquiry granting permission to record the VoIP message. Some embodiments may involve querying a participant in a VoIP call session comprising a VoIP message for permission to record the VoIP message through a user interface mechanism for checking for permission to record VoIP messages.

Abstract: When an electronic message with a voicemail attachment is received, an audio player object and a reply by chat object are displayed simultaneously along with the electronic message. A reply to the electronic message, whether by chat or by email, is associated with the same thread as the electronic message. The electronic message with the voicemail attachment is associated with a conversation thread that may also include chat messages and email messages. In a conversation view of a respective conversation thread, representations of an electronic voicemail message (an electronic message having a voicemail attachment), one or more chat messages and one or more email messages may be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and devices provided for an audio appliance system that remotely command and control cell phone and various IT, electronic products through voice interface. The voice interface includes voice recognition, and voice generation functions, thus enables the appliance to process information through voice on cell phones/IT products, streamline the information transmission and exchange. Additionally, the appliance enables convenient command and control of various IT and consumer products through voice operation, enhancing the usability of these products and the reach of human users to the outside world.

Abstract: A method of monitoring electronic mails transmitted by an Internet access provider customer to a destination message server and/or received by the customer from a message server within a telecommunication network. The method includes the real-time inspection of electronic mails transmitted between the customer and the destination message server and received between the customer and the message server.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating across telephone and data networks are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises receiving a first call from a first user phone that converts the first call from a format of a first local phone network to a first digital call. The first digital call is transmitted over a large area data network. The first digital call is converted to a format of a second local phone network to generate a second call. The second call is transmitted to a second user phone over the second local phone network. A real-time bi-directional voice communication session is established between the first user phone and the second user phone.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a driving directions subsystem configured to provide data representative of driving directions to an access device communicatively coupled to the driving directions subsystem. The driving directions subsystem is further configured to provide at least one selection tool to the access device. The selection tool enables a user of the access device to select a subset of the driving directions for printing. In certain embodiments, the driving directions include a plurality of driving steps, and the selection tool enables the user of the access device to select, for each driving step, between including the driving step in and omitting the driving step from the printing.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for creating a reminder to take action on a message is provided. The method includes presenting a message that includes communication detail components and content. The method also includes receiving a request to create a reminder to tale action on the message and creating a reminder that includes at least the communication detail components. The method further includes sending the reminder to a location. The location and information is related to an action to be taken and is specified by a recipient of the message.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining whether a user has connected to a voice-message system. The method further includes, automatically and without user input after the connection, prompting the user to create one or more new voice greetings. The method further includes, automatically and without user input after the prompt, beginning to record one or more of the new voice greetings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to auto-entry of addresses in an electronic message and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for cautious auto-entry for messaging systems. In one embodiment of the invention, a cautious auto-completion method can be provided. The method include auto-completing a messaging address provided in a messaging client; computing a similar name set (SNS) value for the auto-completed messaging address; and, posting a warning if the SNS value exceeds an SNS threshold. As used herein, an SNS includes a list of similar messaging addresses having similarities likely to result in an unintended auto-completed messaging address in a messaging system.

Abstract: A system and method that enables faster, more reliable setup of voicemail message playback for a mobile device is provided. A mobile device receives an message that alerts the user that a voicemail message has been received. When a user dials into the voicemail system to retrieve the message, a message is sent from the mobile device to the voicemail system to tell the voicemail system to queue-up the message for playback. The message proceeds from the mobile device through a relay to a virtual Message Service Center (MSC) gateway over a high-speed GPRS connection. The virtual MSC gateway sends the message to the voicemail system over a permanent or substantially permanent connection. Communications are acknowledged to increase reliability. The voicemail system is ready to play the message when the voice call is received.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a call from a first endpoint to a second endpoint as originating while the second endpoint is connected to a voice mailbox associated with the first endpoint. The method also includes triggering one or more call-handling events in response to the identification of the call as originating while the second communication device is connected to the voice mailbox associated with the first communication device.

Abstract: A system for providing medical information to a patient is provided. The system includes a medical information server, including a software engine, coupled to a memory location. The memory location stores a plurality of voice mailboxes. A voice mailbox includes at least two segments. A first segment for test results, or an upload-source note, and a second segment for account owner information, or a chart note. An upload-source, such as a testing facility or laboratory, is coupled to the server and provides test results to the mailbox. An interactive voice response (IVR) software interface is also coupled to the engine. The IVR provides the medical information in the mailbox responsive to a user input. The system may also include a patient database. Further, the engine generates alerts to the account owner based upon particular events. The system is also configured to prevent conflicting accesses by users.

Abstract: For use with call transfer circuitry associated with a central office, an automatic transferring system and method for automatically transferring a telephone call from a called party to a subsequent party and a surveying system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the automatic transferring system includes: (1) a call termination detector that detects termination of the telephone call by the called party and (2) signaling circuitry, associated with the call termination detector and dissociated from the called party, that, in response to the termination, signals the call transfer circuitry to automatically transfer the telephone call to the subsequent party without requiring equipment associated with the called party to cause the transfer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for notifying a user of a calling card balance are disclosed. Generally, a calling card platform determines a telephone call using a calling card has ended. The calling card platform recalculates a calling card balance after the telephone call has ended and notifies the user of the recalculated balance via a communication channel based on a notification preference. The calling card platform notifies the user of the recalculated balance irrespective of the recalculated calling card balance.

Abstract: A method for implementing charging communication services is provided, wherein, the charging system includes a charging module and an expression analyzer; the charging module first determines a plurality of basic expression factors, and a user configures expressions based on the expression factors; the charging module reads a communication record, obtains the values of the expression factors by analyzing the communication record, and transmits the values of the expression factors to the expression analyzer; the expression analyzer performs the expression operation assigned with the expression factor values and finally returns the operation result to a charging module; and the charging module searches the corresponding charging rate according to the operation result and calculate the fee.

Abstract: The present invention allows a called party to effectively control a ring-back indicator that is presented to callers for incoming calls. For a given called party, ring-back service rules are created to control selection of a ring-back indicator based on desired ring-back criteria. When a call is being presented to the called party, the ring-back service rules are used to select a ring-back indicator to provide to the caller based on the available ring-back criteria. The ring-back indicator may be selected from available ring-back indicators. Alternatively, selection of the ring-back indicator may involve dynamically creating the ring-back indicator based in part on the ring-back criteria or other information. As the ring-back criteria changes for different calls, the ring-back indicators provided to each call may change.

Abstract: A system and method for improved real-time communications in a computer system that eliminates the distinctions between various communication devices, communication channels and types of communication, including voice, text and video, is provided. When connected for communication, the user may easily move between modalities, including switching devices on which the user is communicating, switching networks, and transitioning between types of communication. A computer system includes various integrated communications-related devices, and a controller controls those devices based on user actions entered via buttons or user interface software and provides notifications to the user. The user is able to input data via any appropriate input mechanism, and receive data on any suitable output mechanism. Improved non-linear caller ID navigation is also provided.

Abstract: The Payphone Dial Tone Service System receives control and communication data via a VoIP communication connection that originates at an Analog Terminal Adapter and modem connected to the smart payphone. The Analog Terminal Adapter and modem communicate exclusively with the Payphone Dial Tone Service System of the Payphone Dial Tone Service Provider and transmit a unique code to identify the smart payphone. The Payphone Dial Tone Service System validates the smart payphone and originates an Internet-based communication session to the appropriate carrier or Public Switched Telephone Network gateway. The Payphone Dial Tone Service System also manages the ANI data to ensure proper terminal identification and AMA billing.

Abstract: A connection of an incoming call to a receiving party is delayed in response to receipt of a delay instruction from the receiving party, to allow the receiving party additional time to accept the incoming telephone call. The delay may be provided by delaying transfer of the incoming call to the receiving party's voice mail, by extending a ring cycle and/or by presenting a hold message.

Abstract: A method for replying to an incoming communication received by a handheld electronic device comprises detecting an incoming communication, detecting a selection of one of a number of predetermined responses to the incoming communication and, responsive to detecting a selection, providing the one of said number of predetermined responses. An improved handheld electronic device implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for initiating a conference call with other communication devices are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for initiating a conference call that may include receiving a verbal request to initiate a conference call and analyzing the request by parsing words in the request to detect one or more aliases in the request. Embodiments of the method may also include accessing one or more macros associated with each of the detected one or more aliases where each macro is adapted to dial a phone number. Embodiments of the method may also include initiating a conference call and performing a macro action for each of the associated macros to add participants associated with each detected alias to the initiated conference call. The aliases may be individual aliases having one associated macro or group aliases having a plurality of associated macros.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reestablishing voice communications in the event of a service interruption. The method comprises establishing a call session with a user via a communication device, storing call state and bridge information associated with the call session, determining that the call session has been disconnected, and maintaining the call state and bridge information associated with the call session and redialing for the disconnected user. The method may further include providing an audio message to other call participants.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing feature mediation and orchestration on SIP-enabled networks are shown. In one exemplary embodiment, a method may include providing a first telephony services application, providing a second telephony services application, and combining a feature of the first telephony services application with a feature of the second telephony services application to form a logical telephony services application. In another exemplary embodiment, a system may include an application server platform and a feature mediation layer operable upon the application server platform, where the feature mediation layer provides a subscriber with a feature of the first telephony services application and a feature of the second telephony services application.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications and more particularly to a method of and system for setting up and initiating conference communications One aspect of the invention is broadly defined as a method of conference communication management comprising the steps of scheduling a conference communication with a number of participants, using a telephone number of an originator of the conference communication as the dial in number (or some other unique resource identifier); responding to arrival of a call on the telephone number of the originator of the conference communication by: determining whether the calling party should be allowed to join the conference communication; and responding to the calling party being allowed to join the conference communication by connecting the calling party to the conference communication bridge; otherwise, routing the call on the telephone number of the originator, elsewhere.

Abstract: A method of and system for adjusting audio volume in a conference call environment are disclosed. The method comprises associating respective gain factors with each source of a plurality of incoming audio streams. The method further comprises automatically adjusting the volume of each incoming audio stream in accordance with the associated gain factor. In accordance with example embodiments, the method may be performed either at a telephony endpoint such as a VoIP telephone or at a conference bridge.

Abstract: In one embodiment, techniques for optimizing voice quality for a media stream provided to participants in a conference are provided. A first path is provided that provides an unmixed path of media from a first user to participants in the conference. A second path includes a mixed path of media from multiple users. The mixed path may include media from a first user and a second user that is mixed. The mixed path may include a transcoding from a first compression to a second compression, and back to the first compression (or another compression). A floor control module may switch between the first path and the second path to optimize voice quality.

Abstract: An exemplary method and system are described for providing an easy to use interface for establishing multi-media audio conference calls involving a leader and a plurality of participants. A web-based interface can be used by the leader for establishing, controlling, and providing information associated with the call. Participants can also access the web-site for receiving information associated with the call and receiving status information regarding the conference call. In one embodiment, an address organizer can be used to select participants by the leader and schedule an audio conference call with the recipients having the opportunity to accept, decline, or indicate an alternative telephone number at which they can be reached.

Abstract: A system and method for simplifying Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) Back To Back User Agent (“B2BUA”) development by associating different call legs with each other across multiple SIP entities. Call legs may be associated with one another through a common or shared identification.

Abstract: A call priority management system is implemented on or as part of one or more communication networks, for allowing authorized calling parties to control call disposition when the party being called is already on another call. In operation, when a first terminal initiates communication with a second terminal that is already in communication with a third terminal, the system determines if the newly initiated communication is a priority communication. By “priority” communication, it is meant a communication associated with a user and/or terminal having a designated or assigned privilege to interrupt ongoing communications at the second terminal. If so, the ongoing communication between the second and third terminals is interrupted, and a communication link is established between the first and second terminals. Prior to interruption, the calling party may be informed that the second/called terminal is already engaged in another call, for optionally interrupting the ongoing call.

Abstract: A telephone call between a first party and a second party is facilitated by presenting to the first party, previously generated notes that relate to subject matter of a future telephone call with the second party, in response to initiation of an outgoing telephone call to the second party by the first party and/or receipt of an incoming telephone call from the second party by the first party. A reminder is thereby provided to the first party as to the subject matter of the telephone call between the first party and the second party. A delay may be implemented in order to allow the first party to review the notes.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for directing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a listing for a data provider, the listing including a plurality of criteria related to the data provider and receiving an indication to add at least a portion of the listing to a personal directory. Other embodiments include adding at least a portion of the listing to the personal directory and receiving an indication from the data provider to send data to the personal directory.

Abstract: A method for operating a directory assistance system responsive to Voice over IP device requests including receiving a first directory assistance request from at least one Voice over IP device and identifying the requested information on a database. The requested information is formatted in the database in accordance with a format required by the Voice over IP device and is then a notification message is transmitted to indicating its availability. A second request is received from the Voice over IP device for retrieval of the formatted requested information, which is in turn transmitted to the Voice over IP device via the web server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing ENUM records is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a broker having a detection element that detects a Resource Record (RR) submission made by an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and a comparison element that retrieves from an object-oriented data storage element a zone associated with the RR, identifies a Domain Name Server (DNS) responsible for processing said zone, compares the zone with a volatile memory of the DNS, and updates the volatile memory according to one or more differences detected. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Terminal apparatus having a telephone function stores a correlation relationship between a prefix number of a first n digits of a telephone number decided based on a numbering plan and a total number of digits for a telephone number decided based on a numbering plan, for a plurality of types of numbering plans. In the event that a user starts to input a telephone number, the terminal apparatus refers to a correlation relationship of prefix numbers and a total number of digits for the telephone number, selects a prefix number matching with the number inputted by the user, acquires the total number of digits corresponding to the selected prefix number, and in the event that the number of digits for the number inputted by the user matches the acquired total number of digits, determines that input of the telephone number is complete and carries out call processing.