Abstract: A synchronization error occurs when a DTV signal is distorted on a transmission path and this deteriorates demodulation capability. The digital demodulation device and the synchronization detecting method of the invention can correct the synchronization position when determining that a synchronization error has occurred. A controller receives a center tap coefficient, for example, from a waveform equalizer and compares the coefficient with a given center tap coefficient threshold. If the coefficient is smaller than the threshold, the controller determines that a synchronization detector has made a synchronization error and outputs a control signal. The synchronization detector receiving the control signal re-detects a sync signal included in a received signal, to detect a new correct sync signal and thus correct the synchronization error.

Abstract: A method for equalization of a signal is provided, wherein the equalization is of a signal that is transmitted via a data channel based on the DF method. The method takes account of at least one interference channel, and includes processing of at least two trellis diagrams in each time unit, with the states of at least one of the trellis diagrams describing the data channel. A DF contribution that is used for processing of this trellis diagram includes information about at least one interference channel.

Abstract: An input data sequence is sampled according to a sampling clock such that a first set of samples corresponds to data values and a second set of samples corresponds to edges between the data values. The phase error between data transitions in the input sequence and the sampled edges is determined based on amplitudes of the sampled edges. The sampling clock's phase is adjusted based on the determined phase error. Typically, the phase error is proportional to an amplitude of a sampled edge. Sampled edge amplitude values are added or subtracted, according to the direction of each transition about each edge to form an error value which indicates the amount phase error.

Abstract: A robust symbol timing recovery circuit for a telephone line modem is provided. The symbol timing recovery circuit comprises a timing estimator and an interpolator. The timing estimator, which performs an operation on input samples and estimates a timing offset of a received symbol, outputs a timing offset estimated for each symbol for a first window interval, and thereafter outputs a timing offset estimated in an immediately previous window interval for the current window interval. The interpolator, which performs interpolation using the input samples, comprises a plurality of shift registers which are serially connected and output the input samples in units of a predetermined plural number of input samples, by sequentially delaying for an input sample 15 period and outputting the input samples. Since the symbol timing recovery circuit is not sensitive to clock instability and employs a stable timing offset estimating method, symbol timing can be recovered stably and reliably.

Abstract: Digital circuits and methods for designing digital circuits are presented. In an embodiment, a number of bits (B) of a bit-stream to be processed in parallel by a digital circuit is selected. A clocking rate (C) is selected for the digital circuit such that a product (P), P being equal to B times C, is equal to at least 1 gigabit per second. An initial circuit capable of serially processing the bits of the bit-stream at a data processing rate less than P is formed. This initial circuit includes a feedback loop having N+1 delays. N is a whole number greater than zero. The initial circuit is unfolded by a factor of B to form B parallel processing pipelines for the bits of the bit-stream. An N-step look-ahead network is formed to provide inputs to the B parallel processing pipelines. The unfolded circuit is retimed to achieve the selected clocking rate (C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method using windows of data, a window (w) comprising data to be written and to be read and having a size. It is characterized in that it comprises:* A step of writing a current window of data into a unique buffer (BUF) in a first address direction, said first address direction being at an opposite direction from an address direction of the writing of a preceding window of data, said writing of said current window beginning at an address where no data of the preceding window of data have been written, said buffer (BUF) having a length greater than the maximum size of the windows of data, and* A step of reading the data of said preceding window of data from said unique buffer (BUF), from a reading address equal to a last written address of the same preceding window of data, said reading being made simultaneously to said writing of the current window of data and in the same first address direction.

Abstract: A two-point frequency modulation apparatus is provided that reduces input timing difference and improves modulation accuracy. Two-point frequency modulation apparatus 10 has: PLL circuit 11; frequency division ratio generator 13 that generates the frequency division ratio in frequency divider 111 based on first digital baseband signal S1 and carrier signal; adder 114 that adds second digital baseband signal S2 to the output signal of loop filter 113; a delay index calculator (filter coefficient calculator 17) that calculates the delay index based on the magnitude of change in the amplitude of the output signal of adder 114; and a delay adjuster (digital filter 18) that shifts the phase of one of first digital baseband signal S1 and second digital baseband signal S2 according to the delay index so as to reduce the phase difference.

Abstract: An information apparatus switches a display at a predetermined area which includes at least a part of a portion where an electromagnetic-wave emitting unit used for data communications with a data storage device is disposed, according to data communication processing with the data storage device, and emits sound generated according to the processing at corresponding timing.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant and method of operation for augmenting a second reactor thermal power output in a second operation cycle to a level larger than a first reactor thermal power output in the previous operation cycle. The plant is equipped, for example, with a reactor; a steam loop comprising high and low pressure turbines; a condenser for condensing steam discharged therefrom the low pressure turbine; a feedwater heater for heating feedwater supplied from the condenser; and a feedwater loop for leading feedwater discharged from the feedwater heater to the reactor. The operation method includes decreasing a ratio of extraction steam which is led to the feedwater heater from a steam loop in the second operation cycle.

Abstract: A radiation measurement device includes a radiation detector generating an analog signal containing pulse components, an A/D converter converting the analog signal into sampled data, an n-th power pulse discrimination unit calculating n-th power values of the sampled data to discriminate the pulse component, where n is two or more, and a pulse counter counting a number of the discriminated pulse components.

Abstract: A shift register has a plurality of stages which output driving signals, each stage including a pull-up transistor to output a first clock signal in response to a logic value of a Q node; a pull-down transistor to supply a voltage from a first voltage supply source to the output in response to a logic value of a Qb node; a Q node controller to control the logic value of the Q node in response to any one of the previous stage's output signal and the next stage's output signal; and a Qb node controller to control the logic value of the Qb node to alternate repeatedly between low and high by use of at least one of a second clock signal, a third clock signal and the logic value of the Q node when the output signal is in a low state.

Abstract: A technique is provided for imaging a field of view using an X-ray source comprising two or more emission points. Each emission point is configured to emit a fan of radiation encompassing less than the entire field of view. The emission points are activated individually and rotate about the field of view, allowing respective streams of radiation to be emitted at various view angles about the field of view. The emission points, which may correspond to different radial regions of the field of view, may be differentially activated to emphasize a region of interest within the field of view. The multiple emission points may be extrapolated along the longitudinal axis in duplicate or offset configurations.

Abstract: An x-ray computed tomography system uses a broad area x-ray emitter and detector to allow both in plane and out of plane x-ray projections not restrained to spiral or helical scans.

Abstract: The threat determination process for CT scan of baggage eliminates the need for complete reconstruction the bag. The CT scan data is analyzed during scanning to locate potential threats. The analysis is based upon a lineogram representing objects in the bag. The mass, size, location and atomic number of objects are determined based upon the lineogram data. Any potential threats are further subjected to data modification and reconstruction to enhance the view of the potential threat. Dual energy scanning may also be used to determine density for resolution of potential threats.

Abstract: A dual-source scanning-based radiation detecting apparatus comprises at least two radiation sources provided for emitting ionizing radiation of optionally different energies, direction sensitive line detectors arranged in an array, and a device for scanning the line detectors across an object to be examined. The line detectors are alternately pointing towards different ones of the radiation sources. The device for scanning is arranged for keeping the line detectors aligned during scanning to enable each of the line detectors to record multiple line images of the object. The scanning is preferably performed at least a distance corresponding to N times the distance between two adjacent ones of the line detectors, where N is the number of the radiation sources, to thereby enable recording of line images sufficient to form a two-dimensional image of the object at each of the different energies.

Abstract: A new optimization method for generating treatment plans for radiation oncology is described and claimed. This new method works for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT), and hybrid IMRT.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes an electron gun in which a Wehnelt electrode is formed with an opening asymmetric about an electron emitter. The electron emitter is an elongate coil filament which is disposed inside the elongate opening of the Wehnelt electrode. The opening has two longer sides positioned asymmetrically about a center-of-width line of the filament. Each of the two longer sides is curved in the same direction as viewed in a direction normal to the front face of the Wehnelt electrode. The two longer sides have curvature radii R1 and R2 different from each other, so that an electron-beam-irradiation region on a target is not curved but becomes almost straight.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining Digital Loop Carriers and a telephone system local loop. One embodiment for proactively maintaining a Digital Loop Carrier in a telephone system local loop includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with the Digital Loop Carrier. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the status information. The status information may be weighted. The status information may also be combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. The embodiment may also generate and dispatch work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. A further embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one of customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with a Digital Loop Carrier.

Abstract: A method for managing an expense report for an expense report application is provided. The expense report application is configured to update entries in an expense report based on messages received from one or more messaging channels. The method includes receiving a message sent through a messaging channel in the one or more messaging channels. The message includes expense information. An expense report is determined from the expense information. Entry information is then determined from the expense information. The expense report is then updated with the entry information.

Abstract: A method provides customized voice mail settings feature information to a telecommunications service subscriber. The method includes customizing a list of persistent settings features to include multiple persistent settings features that relate to telecommunications services subscribed to by the telecommunications service subscriber. The persistent settings features are maintained in a defined state through more than one subscriber session. The subscriber is sequentially prompted to select a persistent settings feature from the customized list by sequentially playing each of the persistent settings features to the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a casual usage alternate billing. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for casual usage alternate billing. The invention intercepts a call, especially a dial-around call, to either verify the existence of information in a database or to obtain and authenticate a mode of payment prior to allowing the call to proceed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for locating and retrieving stored computer files that are related to an incoming telephone call directed to a computer user. A called party receives a telephone call while the called party is operating her computer. A computer telephony interface receives caller identification information on the calling party and uses that information to launch a software synchronization program for locating files stored on the called party's computer that are related to the calling party. A dialog box is displayed on the screen of the called party's computer that provides the caller identification on the calling party and provides an icon for displaying a list of stored files related to the incoming caller. The list of files may be automatically presented to the called party, or the called party may retrieve the list of stored files by selection of the icon presented in the dialog box.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: All calls terminating to a customer's directory number are intercepted. If caller identification information can be presented, the call is forwarded to a service node for disposition. The service node reconfigures signaling information of the call so that the call is not intercepted, then forwards the call to the subscriber's telephone. When the call is answered, the service node states the name or telephone number of the calling party which has been retrieved from the signaling information. The caller can decide whether to take the call, deny the call, send the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message or other disposition option.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging telecommunication service information between a telecommunication service provider and a telecommunication service customer include electronically receiving a request in a predefined format to establish an interactive session with a telecommunications customer, determining whether the telecommunications customer is authorized for electronically exchanging information and continuing only if the customer is authorized, parsing the request to identify information related to at least one telecommunications service offered by the telecommunications services provider, the telecommunications service having an associated identification code, determining whether the requested telecommunication service is available in a particular location, and automatically generating information associated with the requested telecommunications service and transmitting the information using the predetermined format to the customer.

Abstract: A call center system used for receiving incoming calls in accordance with the present information has a plurality of terminals, an incoming-call control apparatus and an exchange. Each of the terminals is accommodated by the exchange and includes a display unit as well as a telephone unit; an audio recording & playback unit for recording voices of a conversation between an operator operating the terminal and a caller making an call in a conversation-voice recording file and for playing back voices from the conversation-voice recording file and a response-information-creating unit for creating a response to an incoming call.

Abstract: The present invention is an information entry system comprising a touch panel monitor screen, wherein the touch panel monitor screen displays keys for information entry, which are arranged circularly in order and the keys are rotationally shifted by a random number of key units around the center of the circular arrangement without changing the order when a user touches a predetermined option key before or after the information entry. This system also has a central processing unit and a program storage unit including an Information entry Screen Generator, a Random Number Generator, a Key Moving Unit, and a PIN Information output unit. This information entry device prevents a PIN or any other information entry from being stolen by someone who glances at the finger movement, since the entire series of the entry keys are rotated before or after the PIN entry.

Abstract: There is disclosed an echo canceller circuit for use in a full duplex transceiver of the type comprising a line driver capable of sending analog transmit signals through a cable and comprising a line receiver capable of receiving analog receive signals from the cable. An echo canceller impedance model circuit is coupled to an output of the line driver and is coupled to an input of the line receiver. The echo canceller impedance model circuit generates an echo canceller current that is equal in magnitude and opposite in phase to a current that represents signal echoes that are present in the analog receive signals. The echo canceller impedance model circuit has a variable impedance for generating the echo canceller current. The variable impedance has at least one variable resistor and at least one variable capacitor.

Abstract: A device and method for handling announcement of an incoming call in a telephone handset at least in part in accordance with a measured ambient noise level is provided. In some embodiments, the disclosed device includes an audio signaling mechanism such as a ringer whose loudness is automatically adjusted in accordance with a measured ambient noise levels. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention provides an audio speaker for outputting received voice communications, wherein the loudness of the speaker is determined at least in part in accordance with a measured ambient noise level. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods and devices for handling announcement of an incoming call at least in part in accordance with electrical output from other sensing circuits such as location sensing circuits and environmental circuits.

Abstract: An acoustic echo canceller having an adaptive filter, a step size control unit, and (optionally) a stability control unit. The adaptive filter derives an estimate of the echo in a near-end signal using a digital filter (e.g., a FIR filter) and further cancels the echo estimate from the near-end signal to provide an output signal. The step size control unit derives step sizes to be used to adjust the coefficients of the digital filter. The step sizes are determined based on the characteristics of a reference signal and the output signal and (optionally) the characteristics of the coefficients. For example, the step size is set proportional to the reference signal amplitude, inversely proportional to the output signal amplitude, and based on a difference in the coefficient power at two different time instants. The stability control unit constrains the adjustments to the coefficients to prevent instability.

Abstract: An interface card adapted to be mounted at the back plane of a splitter chassis. The interface card includes card edge connectors for providing connections with a splitter card. The interface card also includes cable connectors for inputting mixed voice and data, and for outputting data and voice signals. Tracings are provided on the interface card for interconnecting the cable connectors and the card edge connectors. The tracings are configured such that first tracings carrying data signals from the splitter card to the cable connectors do not cross second tracings carrying voice signals from the splitter card to the cable connectors.

Abstract: A replaceable panel device (1) includes a panel (20) with a mounting portion (24), a locking subassembly (30), and a top cover (40) with a block (45). The mounting portion has at least one slideway (241), a recess (242), and two locating grooves (243). The locking subassembly is accommodated in the mounting portion of the panel. The locking subassembly has a button (31), an elastic rod (32), and a slider (33). The button has at least one rail (312), a hole (313) defined at top of the rail. The slider has at least one slot (331) and a rabbet (332). The slider is received in the recess. The rail is received through the slideway and the slot. The elastic rod is received through the hole. Ends of the elastic rod are located in the locating grooves. The rabbet engagingly receives the block of the top cover.

Abstract: An analog signal scrambler/de-scrambler includes a receiver for receiving an analog signal and converting the signal into an intermediate frequency signal. A generator generates a pseudo-random gaussian frequency distribution signal, which is multiplied with the intermediate frequency signal by a frequency converter to scramble/de-scramble the analog signal.

Abstract: A random number sequence is previously generated by the function f8 for data confidentiality processing, which generates a random number sequence, and stored in a random number sequence memory (buffer). When data (message) is input, the random number sequence stored in the random number sequence memory is obtained, and the data (message) is encrypted by an XOR circuit to generate ciphertext data. In case of decrypting data, a random number sequence is also previously generated by the function f8 for data confidentiality processing and stored in the random number sequence memory (buffer). When the ciphertext data is input, by the XOR circuit, the random number sequence stored in the random number sequence memory is read and the ciphertext data is decrypted into the data (message).

Abstract: A system and a method for the creation and transmission of “pre-encrypted” digital content, which is encrypted before being placed on a distributed media transmission server. Preferably a plurality of such servers are used, for example in order to be able to place such a media transmission server in physical proximity to the end user client, whether in terms of geographical proximity or proximity through the network. Use of a plurality of transmission servers also optionally enables the media content to be transmitted flexibly, according to the request of the end user through the end user client.

Abstract: A method and system for achieving the cryptographic objectives of data encryption and/or key expansion/generation by utilizing a short, shared, secret seed key between two parties that is extended to a long extended key which, in turn, is used to select one of many possible quantum and/or classical signal sets. The signal strength of each signal in the signal set is adjusted in accordance with the number of signal sets to obtain the necessary security level. The system operates with whatever signal quantum noise and other system noises are present while preserving security of the cryptographic system. The signal quantum noise and system noises protect both the data and the key from attackers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving message-based security in a Fibre Channel network. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing confidentiality for Fibre Channel control messages encapsulated within Common Transport Information Units. Control messages transported with the Fibre Channel Common Transport protocol, and passed between Fibre Channel network entities, can be encrypted providing confidentiality combined with data origin authentication, integrity and anti-replay protection provided by existing Fibre Channel security mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of cyphering, by an integrated processor, of a set of data to be stored in a memory, including performing, in a continuous operation following a data flow, the steps of dividing the data flow into blocks of predetermined size and, for each block: generating a cyphering key using a pseudo-random generator implementing a continuous algorithm of cyphering according to a key specific to the integrated circuit and of an initialization vector changing for each block; combining the data block and the corresponding key in a continuous operation; and storing in the memory each cyphered block and the initialization vector used to cypher it.

Abstract: A system and method for encrypting all channels of a wireless spread spectrum communication at the chip level. The PN sequence is encrypted with one or more encryption sequences and then used to spread the signal.

Abstract: A first device receives first information and second information, encrypts the first information with a first set of encryption keys, and encrypts a combination of the second information and the encrypted first information with a second set of encryption keys into a first message. The first device may send the first message to a second device that receives the first message, decrypts the first message with a third set of encryption keys to yield the second information and the encrypted first information, determines a third information based on the second information, and encrypts into a second message, a combination of the third information and the encrypted first information, with a fourth set of encryption keys. The second message may be sent to a third device for decryption.

Abstract: Controlling access to disseminated messages includes implementing one or more key management policies that specify how various encryption keys are maintained and in particular, when encryption keys are made inaccessible. Deleting a particular key renders inaccessible all copies of messages, known or unknown, associated with the particular key, regardless of the location of the associated messages. A message may be directly associated with a deleted key. For example, a message may be directly associated with a deleted key by having been encrypted using the deleted key. A message may also be indirectly associated with a deleted key. For example, a message may be indirectly associated with a deleted key by being encrypted with a key that in turn was encrypted using the deleted key. Any number of levels are indirection are possible and either situation makes the message unrecoverable.

Abstract: A method for establishing a common key for a group of at least three subscribers includes using a publicly known mathematical number group and a higher order element of the group g?G. In the first step, a message corresponding to Ni:=gzi mod p is sent by each subscriber to all other subscribers (Tj), (zi) being a random number chosen from the set (1, . . . , p?2) by a random number generator. In the second step, each subscriber (Ti) selects a transmission key kij:=(gzj)zi for each other subscriber (Tj) from the received message (gzj), with i?j, for transmitting their random number (zi) to the subscribers (Tj). In the third step, the common key k is calculated as k:=f(z1, z2, . . . , zn) for each subscriber Ti.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ambient noise compensation are disclosed. One example of a system includes a variable amplifier, a source sound processor, an area sound processor, and an adjustment circuit. The variable amplifier adjusts an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal with an appropriate level so that the audio output signal is audible over noise in a listening area. The source sound processor and the area sound processor may split the audio output signal and a monitoring signal into frequency bands, and may compare these signals band-by band to find differences that represent time-varying noise in the monitoring signal. These differences may be modified to account for the acoustic response of the listening area and for constant-level background noise in the listening area. The adjustment circuit controls the variable amplifier in response to these differences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for de-noising weak bio-signals having a relatively low signal to noise ratio utilizes an iterative process of wavelet de-noising a data set comprised of a new set of frames of wavelet coefficients partially generated through a cyclic shift algorithm. The method preferably operates on a data set having 2N frames, and the iteration is performed N?1 times. The resultant wavelet coefficients are then linearly averaged and an inverse discrete wavelet transform is performed to arrive at the de-noised original signal. The method is preferably carried out in a digital processor.

Abstract: One embodiment of a low-profile transducer includes a at least one fin perpendicularly mounted on a planar diaphragm, with a voice coil mounted onto the fin. The voice coil may reside in a strong uniform magnetic field. The locations at which the diaphragm is connected to a frame may be coplanar with a center of mass of the diaphragm. The three-dimensional structure of diaphragm and fins may be formed using origami techniques.

Abstract: A conductive stub of a sound exciter comprises an insulating stub and at least two beams. Each beam has a positive electrode surface and a negative electrode surface. The stub is connected with a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead serves for being connected to an external sound source. A positive electrode conductive element and a negative electrode conductive element are embedded in the stub. Each of the positive electrode conductive element and the negative electrode conductive element has an external joint for connecting touch press ends. The touch press ends of the positive and negative electrode conductive elements are in contact with a positive and a negative electrode surface, respectively, of each beam. By above mentioned components, sound signals are transferred to each beam to excite the beams to oscillate and then emits sound.

Abstract: A new approach to capturing and reproducing either live or recorded three-dimensional sound is described. Called MTB for “Motion-Tracked Binaural,” the method employs several microphones, a head tracker, and special signal-processing procedures to combine the signals picked up by the microphones. MTB achieves a high degree of realism by effectively placing the listener's ears in the space where the sounds are occurring, moving the virtual ears in synchrony with the listener's head motions. MTB also provides a universal format for recording spatial sound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for dynamic determination of time constants to be used in a detection of the signal level of an input signal of unknown level in an electric circuit, comprising the following steps:—feed the input signal through an auxiliary level detection means that is reacting faster to changes in the input sound signal level than the detection of the signal level as a whole,—feed either the input signal or the output of the auxiliary level detection means through a guided level detection means, which is arranged with a guided time constant, and where the guided level detection means outputs an estimate of the level of the input signal,—analyze the outputs of the auxiliary and the guided level detector means, determine the time constant of the guided level detection means based on this analysis.

Abstract: In a hearing aid device and operating method with automatic switching of the hearing aid voltage supply for an external component connected to an audio input of he hearing aid via a single audio voltage supply contact. A load detection device measures the electrical load at the audio input and switches either the unregulated voltage of the hearing aid battery or the regulated voltage of a voltage regulator in a preamplifier of the hearing aid to the audio input dependent on the measured load.

Abstract: A collapsible electro-acoustic transducer system (“CETS”) is described. The CETS system may include a base housing with at least one electro-acoustic transducer, where the base housing includes a base housing top and a base housing bottom, and a movable housing having at least one electro-acoustic transducer, where the movable housing is movably attached to the base housing. The CETS may also include an attaching element movably attaching the movable housing to the base housing, where the movable housing is configured to collapse within the base housing.