Abstract: A method of correlating a signal to a synchronization pattern is disclosed. The signal has a waveform with frequency and phase angle components that may be varied, at each repeated signal pulse, to communicate a change in a bit pattern of the signal. A synchronization pattern is generated using knowledge of phase rotation direction due to two consecutive bits in a synchronization key. The signal is compared with the synchronization pattern. It is determined whether the comparison of the signal and the synchronization pattern indicate a correlation between the signal and the synchronization pattern.

Abstract: A programmable sync pulse generator and sync pulse generation method are operable in a clock synchronizer to effectuate data transfer between first circuitry disposed in a first clock domain and second circuitry disposed in a second clock domain. The first clock domain is operable with a first clock signal and the second clock domain is operable with a second clock signal. A phase detection circuitry is operable to sample the first clock signal with the second clock signal to determine coincident edges of the first and second clock signals. Validation circuitry is operable to validate the coincident edges based upon skew tolerance between the first and second clock signals and to generate a valid edge signal responsive thereto. Sync generation circuitry, responsive to the valid edge signal, is operable to generate synchronization pulses in the first clock domain and synchronization pulses in the second clock domain.

Abstract: A first order phase-locked loop includes a tuning circuit which allows phase lock to be quickly reached, and to be maintained during transient situations such as loss of the data signal. Such an improved circuit has a tuning circuit for the voltage controlled oscillator which utilizes two capacitors. Two signals are used to drive a first, larger, capacitor, and have the same duty cycle when the capacitor voltage is proper and the voltage controlled oscillator is operating at the correct frequency. A second, smaller, capacitor is used to quickly achieve phase lock with the incoming data signal. The use of two oppositional signals to drive the capacitors allows them to more quickly be charged or discharged to the proper voltage level to obtain both frequency and phase lock with the incoming data signal. Thus, the circuit is able to quickly acquire lock during power-up, or reacquire lock under circumstances where the operating condition of the circuit changes suddenly.

Abstract: Charge pump circuit. A charge pump circuit is provided for use in a phase-lock loop circuit. The charge pump circuit comprises a charge pump core circuit that outputs a control voltage. The charge pump circuit also comprises a replica circuit that is coupled to the charge pump core circuit, wherein the replica circuit receives the control voltage and produces one or more bias signals that are coupled to the charge pump core circuit to minimize the difference between charge up and charge down currents generated by the charge pump core circuit.

Abstract: A circuit and method for cochlear implant telemetry where digital data is encoded into an RF signal. The RF signal is applied via a rectifier diode to a first switch matrix S1 and a second switch matrix S2, with S1 being coupled to a first sampling capacitor C1 and S2 being coupled to a second sampling capacitor C2. A local oscillator signal with period T is applied that controls S1 and S2, cyclically coupling C1 and C2 to the RF signal, a first input to a comparator, and ground. The comparator compares the first input to a DC reference voltage. The output of the comparator is then sampled via a flip flop clocked by the local oscillator, with the flip flop outputting a data bit stream representative of the envelope of the RF signal having encoded information.

Abstract: A PET gantry and a CT gantry are placed in parallel such that the CT gantry becomes remoter to a common examination couch having a movable couch table top board mounted with a subject person and the CT gantry is made to be movable. The gantries are controlled by a control portion in a console. At first, the CT gantry is moved in a left direction to separate from the PET gantry so that whole body CT scan is carried out for the subject person in a direction from the leg portion to the head portion. Successively, the subject person is passed through a tunnel portion from the leg portion to the head portion by moving the couch table top board in a right direction in a state of considerably separating the CT gantry from the PET gantry to thereby carry out whole body PET scan.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for adapting a reconstruction process to account for the motion of an imaged object or organ, such as the heart. In particular, projection data of the moving object or organ is acquired using a slowly rotating CT gantry. Motion data may be determined from the projection data or from images reconstructed from the projection data. The motion data may be used to reconstruct motion-corrected images from the projection data. The motion-corrected images may be associated to form motion-corrected volume renderings.

Abstract: An adaptive CT data acquisition system and technique is presented whereby radiation emitted for CT data acquisition is dynamically controlled to limit exposure to those detectors of a CT detector assembly that may be particularly susceptible to saturation during a given data acquisition. The data acquisition technique recognizes that for a given subject size and position that pre-subject filtering and collimating of a radiation beam may be insufficient to completely prevent detector saturation. Therefore, the present invention includes implementation of a number of CT data correction techniques for correcting otherwise unusable data of a saturated CT detector. These data correction techniques include a nearest neighbor correction, off-centered phantom correction, off-centered synthetic data correction, scout data correction, planar radiogram correction, and a number of others.

Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.

Abstract: It is possible to solve the problem of the conventional fluorescent X-ray analysis that a concentration calculation result can be obtained only after elapse of a time set as a measurement time. In the fluorescent X-ray analysis method and fluorescent X-ray analysis device according to the present invention, a sample measurement condition is set before starting the measurement and the measurement concentration of the element contained in the sample and the measurement accuracy are calculated. When the measurement accuracy has become a value satisfying the predetermined measurement condition, the measurement is terminated and the concentration at that moment is outputted.

Abstract: An x-ray source assembly and method of operation are provided having enhanced output stability. The assembly includes an anode having a source spot upon which electrons impinge and a control system for controlling position of the anode source spot relative to an output structure. The control system can maintain the anode source spot location relative to the output structure notwithstanding a change in one or more operating conditions of the x-ray source assembly. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying x-rays to an interior surface of a body cavity includes a catheter assembly, and one or more flexible probe assemblies. An x-ray generator assembly, including an optically activated x-ray source, is coupled to a distal end of each flexible probe assembly. The catheter assembly includes a body member defining one or more interior channels; an x-ray absorption control layer surrounding the body member; at least one inner tube enclosing the body member and the absorption control layer; at least one outer tube; and one or more inflatable elements coupled to the inner tube. The inflatable elements, when inflated, fixedly position the catheter assembly within the body cavity. Each flexible probe assembly is slidably positionable within at least one of the interior channels, and includes a transmission path adapted to transmit an activating energy, such as light from laser, onto a cathode within the x-ray source.

Abstract: With the object of enhancing operability and executing imaging efficiently, a moving speed adjustment unit adjusts a speed at which a table section is moved within an imaging space of a scanning gantry, on the basis of a command from an operator when the scanning gantry scans a subject.

Abstract: Since a notification unit (130) notifies a radiographer of the driving state of an X-ray detector (110), he/she can identify that the X-ray detector (110) is set in a detection signal accumulation state. When the irradiation button of an X-ray generation apparatus is then pressed, a subject can be irradiated with X-rays.

Abstract: A novel image capture device, system and method are disclosed for use in capturing dental images. A novel collimator tube includes one or more devices integrated within its wall, such as a radio frequency transmitter, a camera, a frame grabber, or a transilluminator light. The integrated devices are used instead of or in addition to an x-ray generator, which is coupled to the collimator tube. The camera is used to capture digital images. The camera is either a camera port for plugging in an external camera, such as an intra-oral camera, or is wholly contained within the collimator tube. The radio frequency transmitter transmits digital data to a remote computer. The frame grabber captures digital data for display on a display device. The transilluminator light can illuminate an area for digital capture. A novel receptor holder includes a docking port for docking a sensor that is used for digital x-ray capture.

Abstract: A method of generating energetic electromagnetic radiation comprises, during each of a plurality of separated radiation intervals, injecting laser radiation of a given wavelength into an optical cavity that is characterized by a round-trip transit time (RTTT) for radiation of that given wavelength. At least some radiation intervals are defined by one or more optical macropulses, at least one optical macropulse gives rise to an associated circulating optical micropulse that is coherently reinforced by subsequent optical micropulses in the optical macropulse and the electric field amplitude of the circulating optical micropulse at any given position in the cavity reaches a maximum value during the radiation interval.

Abstract: An x-ray source has an evacuated tube. An anode is disposed in the tube and includes a material configured to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons. A cathode is disposed in the tube opposing the anode configured to produce electrons accelerated towards the anode in response to an electric field between the anode and the cathode. A flange extends from the cathode toward the anode, and has a smaller diameter than the evacuated tube. The flange extends closer to the anode than an interface between the cathode and the tube thus forming a reduced-field region between the evacuated tube and the flange.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an anode cooling system for a rotating-anode type X-ray tube includes a heat pipe arrangement comprising an evaporator part coupled to an anode, a condenser part coupled to a bearing of the anode, and a plurality of heat pipes arranged in mutually opposing configuration, in-between the evaporator part and the condenser part, wherein the resultant dynamic force on the heat pipes is substantially zero. In some embodiments, an anode cooling system for an X-ray tube, comprises a first heat pipe configured for operating at a predetermined high first temperature range near an anode, a second heat pipe configured for operating at a predetermined low second temperature range coupled to the first heat pipe, and a heat sink coupled to the second heat pipe, and a liquid metal filled in-between the heat pipes and the anode to transfer heat from the anode to the heat pipe by convection.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments an X-Ray energy target includes composite material that varies spatially in thermal properties, and in some embodiments, the composite material varies spatially in strength properties. In some embodiments, the spatial variance is a continuum and in other embodiments, the spatial variance is a plurality of distinct portions.

Abstract: For reducing of the weight of leakage x-ray radiation shielding for a rotary piston x-ray tube that rotates in a cooling medium in a radiator housing of an x-ray radiator, the rotary piston x-ray tube having a rotary anode and a cathode fixedly connected with the vacuum housing thereof, the vacuum housing has at least one first region of a total shielding and the radiator housing has at least a second region of the total shielding. Only the respective regions of the vacuum housing and the radiator housing has that are irradiated by the leakage x-ray radiation are provided with shielding.

Abstract: With a view to providing an X-ray imaging apparatus having a projector-collimator capable of adjusting an irradiation position of a light beam easily and accurately, a first luminous flux is made a luminous flux present within an orthogonal plate orthogonal to a y-axis direction which is an orthogonal direction and a second luminous flux present within the orthogonal plane is reflected and moved within the orthogonal plane to produce a light beam. Consequently, an irradiation position of the light beam over a subject can be adjusted in an independent manner by movement ?y in the orthogonal direction with use of a first screw and movement ?x within the orthogonal plane with use of a second crew. As a result, adjustment of an X-ray irradiation field position by an operator can be effected not only easily but also with a high accuracy.

Abstract: Personalized voice survey delivery systems and methods in which a computer identifies a person to be surveyed, including his or her phone number or Internet login to a specific website, or email address, together with specific identifiers for the person, such as the person's name. The person's phone number is dialed and when the call is answered, the computer concatenates the files having the digitized identifiers such as the person's name, with the file that is the standard message to be delivered as the initial survey content. Computer-generated personalized voice messages are created by concatenating data files of audio that were pre-recorded in the voice of an individual whose live voice is to be simulated during the delivery of the voice survey.

Abstract: An interactive telephony services system is provided with instant communications function. In accordance with some embodiments, presence information related to the availability of a called party to be contacted via instant communications affects the handling of telephone calls to the called party. In accordance with some embodiments, a telephone call may be connected to an instant communications client used by a called party.

Abstract: A system for providing multiple call processing services to a customer includes a first call processor configured to provide a first call processing service; a second call processor configured to provide a second call processing service; and a feature manager in communication with the first and second call processors, the feature manager being configured to receive a query message generated in response to a trigger associated with a telephone call and to direct the first and second call processors to provide the first and second call processing services.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for routing a call to a common number from a calling party, where the common number corresponds to a plurality of users. The method and system determine whether availability of unique identification information for the calling party in response to receiving an indication of the call to the common number, and correlate the unique identification information when it is available to a destination number associated with one of the plurality of users in order to route the call to the destination number.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides a method and apparatus for setting up a telephone connection using an email address or the like. In many cases, an email address or other Internet address such as a URL may be easily remembered or, in the case of a company, for example, may often be correctly guessed, whether the company is local, out-of-state, or in another country. Telephone numbers, on the other hand, are remembered only with considerable difficulty, and can be guessed correctly only through clairvoyance. (In fact, memory experts that have astounded audiences by memorizing large portions of the local telephone directory have done so by converting the numbers to words or phrases using a set of rules.) In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a character string is entered into an electronic system such as a personal computer, a deskset smartphone, or a cellular smartphone. A determination is made as to whether or not the character string is a telephone number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a plurality of advanced telephony services using a metaservice are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a service provider installs a metaservice on the processor and associates the metaservice with a directory number on the switch. The metaservice acts as a pseudo service. When the service provider receives a subsequent request for an advanced telephony service, the service associates the requested service with the directory number through the metaservice, thereby avoiding many of the provisioning steps that are conventionally required to set up each service.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for replenishing calling units for a wireless communications device. The method comprises receiving a calling plan configuration signal at the wireless communication device and setting a predetermined calling termination configuration based on the plan configuration signal. The system includes means for receiving a calling plan configuration signal at the wireless communication device; and means for setting a predetermined calling termination configuration based on the calling plan configuration signal.

Abstract: A telephone interface device adapted for the transmission of recorded audio files over communication channels is disclosed. The telephone interface device comprises electronic circuitry contained within a case member. The circuitry includes a plurality of electrical connection jack members, each accessible via an aperture in the case member, with each electrical connection jack member in communication with at least one control switch member mounted in an aperture in the case member and operable from exterior the case member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cryptographic method whereby a second entity (B) verifies by means of a public key, a proof provided by a first entity (A), which consists in the generation by the first entity (A) of a first random number r much higher than any first integer s included in a private key kept secret by the first entity (A). The first entity (A) generates a first element of proof resulting from a modulo n exponentiation of a first integer G included or not in said public key and whereof the exponent is the first random number r. In combination with the first element of proof, a so-called common number, is generated so that the second entity (B) and the first entity (A) should have knowledge of the common number. The first entity (A) generates an image y of said private key by linear combination of the first random number r and of at least a first private key integer s. At least a multiplicative coefficient of the linear combination is said common number.

Abstract: Hash function constructions from expander graphs are described. In one aspect, an expander graph is walked to compute a hash function. The expander graph is walked using respective subsets of an input message. A label of a last vertex walked is an output of the hash function.

Abstract: An RSA cryptographic method and system is provided in which a sender encrypts a message (m) using a public modulus n, and an encryption exponent e that is a function of a sender-chosen string. This function is such that the values of e generated by it will not be coprime. In a preferred embodiment, a recipient receives the encrypted message and subjects it to a modulo-n blinding operation. The resultant blinded encrypted message is then made available to a trusted authority which decrypts it using a decryption exponent d based on the sender-chosen string and private data associated with the public modulus; however, the blinding applied to the message prevents the trusted authority from reading the message. The decrypted, but still blinded, message is passed back to the recipient who cancels the blinding to recover the message.

Abstract: A system and method for encrypting and/or compressing an input data string is disclosed. The input data string is divided into a plurality of blocks of data that each contains a plurality of bits of data. A block code is used to identify the size of each of the blocks of data. The blocks of data are analyzed to determine how frequently different groups of bits of data are present within each block of data. The blocks of data are also analyzed to determine whether certain relationships among the groups of bits of data exist within the blocks of data. After the blocks of data are analyzed, and in response to the analyses, a control code is generated for each block of data through the use of a control code index. After the control code for each block of data is generated, a position code is also generated for each block of data in response to the control code for the corresponding block of data.

Abstract: A digital rights management (DRM) method is negotiated prior to initiating delivery of a DRM encoded content item over a digital network between a client and a target server. The client identifies a link to the target server for accessing the DRM encoded content item. The client initiates a network session with the target server. The client sends an offer message to the target server containing a list of at least one supported DRM method. The target server sends an answer message to the client containing a corresponding list 1) indicating whether each DRM method listed in the offer message is supported by the target server, and 2) providing a network address of a DRM license server for each supported DRM method. The client selects a supported DRM method. The client obtains a DRM license using the network address listed for the selected DRM method. The target server delivers the DRM encoded content item to the client using the selected DRM method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initializing multiple security modules are provided. The method may comprise the acts of determining if the security module is a controlling security module or a subordinate security module, generating at least one key if the security module is the controlling security module, and receiving at least one key from another security module if the security module is the subordinate security module. The apparatus may comprise a detector that is adapted to determine if the security module is a controlling security module or a subordinate security module, a key generator that generates a key for the security module if the security module is the controlling security module, and a key receiver that receives a key from another security module if the security module is the subordinate security module.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the lawful interception of an IP session between two or more terminals 12,13, wherein session uses encryption to secure traffic. The method includes storing a key allocated to at least one of terminals 12,13 or to at least one of the subscribers using one of the terminals 12,13, at the terminal 12,13 and at a node 5,8 within a network 1,6 through which session is conducted, or a node coupled to that network. Prior to the creation of session, a seed value is exchanged between the terminal 12,13 at which the key is stored and node 5,8. The key and the seed value are used at both the terminal 12,13 and the node 5,8 to generate a pre-master key. The pre-master key becomes known to each of the terminals 12,13 involved in the IP session and to the network node 5,8. The pre-master key is used, directly or indirectly, to encrypt and decrypt traffic associated with IP session.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, memory card, and system for establishing a secure connection between a wireless communication apparatus and a data communication apparatus based on a wireless application protocol. The wireless communication apparatus is provided with contact means for receiving information from a separate unit provided with memory means. The memory means comprising information to control the access of the wireless communication apparatus through a wireless communication network connected to said data communication apparatus.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a process and associated device that provides a private key of an asymmetric key pair in a key device. A symmetric master key is derived from the private key of the asymmetric key pair. The symmetric master key is stored in a computer memory location. The symmetric master key is used to encrypt or decrypt a file encryption key. The file encryption key can encrypt or decrypt files. In another aspect, the user can still access the files even if a user deactivates the key device by encrypting or decrypting the file encryption key directly from the symmetric master key.

Abstract: A method for content access control operative to enable authorized devices to access protected content and to prevent unauthorized devices from accessing protected content, the method comprising: providing a plurality of authorized devices; dividing the plurality of authorized devices into a plurality of groups, each of the plurality of authorized devices being comprised in at least one of the plurality of groups, no two devices of the plurality of authorized devices being comprised in exactly the same groups; determining whether at least one device of the plurality of authorized devices is to be prevented from having access to the protected content and, if at least one device is to be prevented, removing all groups comprising the at least one device from the plurality of groups, thus producing a set of remaining groups; and determining an authorized set comprising groups from the set of remaining groups, such that each device of the plurality of authorized devices which was not determined, in the determining

Abstract: A multi-channel audio reproduction apparatus and method for loudspeaker reproduction using virtual sound images whose positions can be adjusted is provided. The multi-channel audio reproduction apparatus includes a virtual sound image forming unit for compensating for the occurrence of cross-talk in at least one input audio signal according to the arrangement of loudspeakers, obtaining transfer functions occurring when sound from a position in a three dimensional space is transmitted to both ears of a listener, and forming a plurality of first virtual sound images in a three dimensional space using the transfer functions. A controller generates adjusting factors for adjusting the position of at least one second virtual sound image.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to prior art audio codecs that generate a stereo-illusion through post-processing of a received mono signal. These improvements are accomplished by extraction of stereo-image describing parameters at the encoder side, which are transmitted and subsequently used for control of a stereo generator at the decoder side. Furthermore, the invention bridges the gap between simple pseudo-stereo methods, and current methods of true stereo-coding, by using a new form of parametric stereo coding. A stereo-balance parameter is introduced, which enables more advanced stereo modes, and in addition forms the basis of a new method of stereo-coding of spectral envelopes, of particular use in systems where guided HFR (High Frequency Reconstruction) is employed. As a special case, the application of this stereo-coding scheme in scalable HFR-based codecs is described.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing error components of a multi-channel modulator. The method comprises the steps of inverting substantially half of the channels of a modulator, and reducing error components between said inverted channels and said non inverted channels by inductive and/or capacitive summing. The method is especially suitable for synchronized pulses and similar signals to be modulated.

Abstract: Combining audio channel signals includes shifting the phase of a first audio signal relative to a second audio signal. In one embodiment, the relative phase shifting is substantially limited to a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: The present invention prevents the occurrence of noise caused by an external electromagnetic wave. The present invention also prevents a high voltage from appearing in the microphone case, thus avoiding the possibility of an electric shock. A condenser microphone includes a conductive microphone case 10 containing an electronic circuit 20 for a condenser microphone unit and a 3-pin type output connector 30 attached to the microphone case 10 and to which a microphone cable 40 from an external apparatus including a polarization power source is connected. A first pin for grounding included in the output connector 30 is connected directly to the microphone case 10 and is also connected to a ground of the electronic circuit 20 via a high-frequency choke coil 31.

Abstract: A sound reproduction device includes an LCD 20, which is an exemplary front panel, a case 22, and an electromechanical acoustic transducer 23. The LCD 20 is operable to perform a predetermined operation in response to an electrical signal applied thereto. A space 24 for sound emission is formed between the case 22 and the LCD 20. The electromechanical acoustic transducer 23 is connected to the case 22, and emits sound to the space 24. If the electromechanical acoustic transducer 23 emits the sound to the space 24, energy of the emitted sound causes the LCD 20 to vibrate and thereby to externally output the sound.

Abstract: A modular personal audio set and related system of use is disclosed. The modular personal audio set has a connector for detachably securing different mating-fittings for engaging jacks of different audio products is disclosed. Preferably, the personal audio set is a headset and the connector is positioned along a wire that extends from the mating fitting to the audio driver of the personal audio set. More preferably, the connector also has a microphone and microphone activation button thereon.

Abstract: An evenly elastically deformable damper for speaker is disclosed to include a damper body of a plain weave fabric having elastic warp wires and weft wires intercrossed in X and Y directions and a center through hole cut through the top and bottom surfaces and bonded to a voice coil, a plurality of reinforcing patches stitched to the damper body in a crossed manner around the center through hole of the damper body to secure lead wires to the damper body and formed of a plain weave fabric having elastic warp wires and weft wires intercrossed in direction A and direction B at about 45° relative to X and Y directions to keep the damper body in balance and to prevent damage of the lead wires when vibrated with the voice coil.

Abstract: The movable structure of a loudspeaker is configured to include a bridging element that connects the base of a diaphragm to an electromagnetic actuator. The bridging element extends radially with respect to the translation axis of the actuator and secures the diaphragm at a radial distance from the actuator, thereby increasing the base part of the diaphragm. This increased base area allows the translatable part of the actuator to be shortened, thereby providing high-performance in structures of limited depth.

Abstract: A method for automatic identification of a hair region is provided wherein edges are identified from an original image including a face and hair, the direction and length of the lines which form each individual edge are stored, line bundles in which lines of the same direction are gathered are searched, the color of the line bundles is established to be the hair color, line tracing is performed to identify lines which connect to line bundles and also have afore-mentioned hair color, and the pixels on the identified lines are established to be the hair region. A hair color simulation image is formed by changing the hair region, automatically identified in this manner, to a specified hair color.

Abstract: Unauthorized entry into controlled access areas using tailgating or reverse entry methods is detected using machine vision methods. Camera images of the controlled area are processed to identify and track objects in the controlled area. In a preferred embodiment, this processing includes 3D surface analysis to distinguish and classify objects in the field of view. Feature extraction, color analysis, and pattern recognition may also be used for identification and tracking of objects. Integration with security monitoring and control systems provides notification when a tailgating or reverse entry event has occurred. More reliable operation in practical circumstances is thus obtained, such as when multiple people are using an entrance or exit under variable light and shadow conditions. Electronic access control systems may further be combined with the machine vision methods of the invention to more effectively prevent tailgating or reverse entry.